An online “waste to biogas” mapping tool has been launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Pacific Southwest Region. The tool maps energy projects that use organic waste as a feedstock. The maps link food and other biodegradable waste sources with facilities such as wastewater treatment plants that produce energy. “This innovative mapping tool, the first of its kind …
Junior Solar Sprint Races to Middle Schools
The San Diego Renewable Energy Society (SDRES) has announced a new science educational program that focuses on solar power for middle school students and teachers. Junior Solar Sprint is a hands-on educational program that gives students the ability to design, build and race their own solar powered model cars. The program is currently limited to San Diego middle schools and …
Legally Bind Renewable Energy Targets in Europe
The European Commission in Brussels met yesterday to discuss the country’s Renewable Energy Strategy. The Commission is in support of creating legally binding renewable energy targets for 2030. The strategy states legislation for renewable energy would generate over 3 million jobs and could save in 2050 between 518 to 550 billion Euros on spending for fossil fuel imports. The continuation of …
Ag Facility Early Adopter of Solar Technology
Kirschenman Enterprises, an agricultural company that grows, packs ands ships potatoes, grapes and watermelon, has installed a solar system at their cold storage facility in Bakersfield, California. The fixed tilt ground and roof-mounted 510kW solar electric installation features Coenergy Solar’s PH235P solar modules and SunTop and SolarLinea II mounting systems. The solar system has the capacity to produce 768,182 kWh …
SunShot Initiative Summit Focuses on Solar
The solar industry will be the focus of the upcoming SunShot Initiative Summit and Technology Forum on June 13-14, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE), the forum aims to develop a plan to achieve grid-parity solar energy within the decade. To promote development, the DOE is sponsoring a Grand Challenge series designed to address the scientific, …
Danish Company First To Achieve WindMade Status
Widex, a Danish hearing-aid manufacturer, is the first company in the world to receive the recently established WindMade designation, a new global consumer label for companies that use wind energy. The WindMade label requires participating companies to obtain at least 25 percent of their electricity from wind power. A wind turbine at Widex’ new global headquarters in Denmark covers 95 …
Sky Factory Switches to Net-Zero Solar Power
The Sky Factory, a global fine art and technology company based in Fairfield, Iowa, will “flip the switch” to become Iowa’s first net-zero solar powered business June 7. Designed and installed by Fairfield’s Ideal Energy, the 3,500 square foot photovoltaic panel array, generating 54 kilowatts, is the largest private installation in the state and will generate 104 percent of Sky …
President Touts Clean Energy in Iowa
President Obama stressed his support for renewable energy and biofuels during a visit to Iowa Thursday and urged Congress to renew tax credits that encourage clean energy production. Obama spoke to workers at TPI Composites, a company that makes blades for wind turbines and employs more 700 people. “If Congress doesn’t act, companies like this one will take a hit,” …
U.S. Solar Industry Sets its Sites on China
This week U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) launched a proposal aimed at reducing China’s hold on the global solar panel market. The proposal would bar Chinese-made solar panels from qualifying for the 30 percent tax credit that U.S. individuals and businesses receive for purchasing and installing solar panels. U.S. installations of solar panels has grown 70 …
South Wales Wind Farm Moves Forward
With the help of consulting firm Natural Power, the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm in South Wales has been given consent to move forward with its 299 megawatt project. The news was given after the submission of a full environmental impact assessment and now the 76 turbine wind farm owned by Vattenfall is one step closer to reality. The wind …