The renewable industry remains abuzz about the American Tax Payer Relief Act that included the extension and modification of energy tax provisions. The tax extenders make investing in the renewables industry and in energy efficiency technologies a good move. Why? The firm of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP put together a brief overview of several key provisions that aid the industry …
MyEnergi Lifestyle Initiative Launched
A new initiative, MyEnergi Lifestyle, has been launched to demonstrate how a typical American family can significantly reduce their electricity bills and carbon dioxide footprint. The campaign is a collaboration between Ford, Eaton, SunPower and Whirlpool and combines energy efficiency tips with plug-in vehicle technology. Specifically, MyEnergi Lifestyle showcases how combining renewable energy generation with “time-flexible” loads optimizes energy consumption …
San Diego Zoo Goes Solar
The San Diego Zoo has gone solar. It’s Solar-to-EV-project, in partnership with Smart City San Diego, is run by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGR&E). The solar system is comprised of Kyocera Solar photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. All Kyocera solar panels used in this project were manufactured in the U.S. at the company’s San Diego facility. “Kyocera is celebrating 41 years …
New EV Charging Station App
ChargePoint has launched a new free electric vehicle (EV) charging station mobile app for all iPhone and Android smart phones. The app features a redesigned look and features all EV charging stations installed in the U.S. The user can browse information about the stations including distance and the cost to charge. “ChargePoint is the world’s largest electric vehicle global charging …
Smith Electric Opens Facility in Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Smith Electric Vehicles have announced that Smith will open an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Chicago, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. The company’s decision to locate a facility in the windy city was influenced by the Mayor’s voucher system created to accelerate the conversion from diesel to zero-emission, all-electric commercial fleet vehicles. In addition, …
DoShort Review – Sustainable Transport Fuels
What do you do when you’ve got a frustrating case of insomnia? You read books about energy. Okay, maybe not something you would do but it always keeps me good and entertained. Last night I read the DoShort, “Sustainable Transport Fuels Business Brief,” by David Thorpe in less than two hours. That is part of the sell – learn about …
DOE Announces Alt Energy Vehicle Grants
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced 20 new projects to help states and local governments develop infrastructure, training, and regional planning needed to help accelerate the adoption of alternative fuel cars and trucks. These alternative vehicles can run on “fuels” such as natural gas, electricity and propane. In total, the DOE has awarded nearly $11 million. “Building a …
GE Purchasing 2,000 C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrids
General Electric (GE) is purchasing 2,000 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids as part of its commitment to convert half of its global fleet to alternative fuel vehicles. The purchase ups GE’s alternative vehicle fleet to 5,000 in its goal of 25,000 vehicles. The EPA has rated C-MAX Energi with a 108 miles per gallon city rating and 620 mile single tank …
Plug-In Vehicle Owners Group Launches in St. Paul
A new Plug-In Vehicle Owners Group has come together geared towards Minnesota owners of electric vehicles and plug-in electric hybrids. During the first meeting, owners came together at the American Lung Association in Minnesota headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota to share experiences, ideas and learn more about electric-technology transportation. More than two dozen plug-in pioneers shared their experiences and heard …
LCFS Would Benefit Minnesota
According to a recent study from Political Economy Research Institute, a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in Minnesota would have a positive environmental and economic impact. The paper, “The Employment Impacts of a Low- Carbon Fuel Standard for Minnesota,” studied the employment impacts of three different scenarios both to 2021 and further to 2035. In each situation, employment is measured …