Geothermal Research Gets boost with DOE Grant

Joanna Schroeder

Now here is an energy resource that we don’t hear or talk enough about: geothermal. Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS) projects produce electricity using heat extracted through engineered fluid flow paths in hot rock. Geothermal energy has the ability to produce electricity 24 hours a day. Electricity produced by wind has been criticized for its inability to produce electricity at all …

Energy, Geothermal, News

Patrick Hessini Joins Avant Energy as VP

Joanna Schroeder

Patrick Hessini has joined the Minneapolis-based Avant Energy team as Vice President. Hessini’s main role will be to lead Avant’s consulting business and help to develop additional innovative energy projects and programs. According to Avant Energy president Derick Dahlen, “Patrick enhances our ability to help municipal and cooperative utilities, educational institutions and corporations achieve their energy management goals.” Hessini joins …

Company Announcement, Energy

President Clinton Discusses Economy, Energy at NACS

Joanna Schroeder

President Clinton was the keynote speaker during the closing session at the 2009 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) conference. His focus during his speech was the American economy, with a few words on the state of health care, education and energy in the mix. But the big question was: is the recession over? His answer: “Yes. No. Maybe.” If …

conferences, Energy, Environment, News, water

National Wind Challenges President Obama

Joanna Schroeder

Earlier this week, National Wind CEO Leon Steinberg, challenged President Obama to take a stand by insisting that legislators pass an energy bill establishing a federal oversight committee to implement an interstate transmission highway. Steinberg likens the challenge as similar to President “Ike” Eisenhower’s initiative of creating a federal interstate system. The only difference is that while the nation’s interstate …

Commentary, Energy, Environment, Wind

CornPlus Ethanol Recognized for Energy Efficiency

Cindy Zimmerman

Corn Plus Ethanol of Winnebago, Minnesota has been honored for energy efficiency and their commitment to being “green.” Corn Plus was one of five Minnesota businesses recognized by Alliant Energy with an “Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award” for leadership and vision in integrating energy efficiency into the design, construction or operation of their businesses. The awards were presented at the …

Energy, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Renewable Energy Grants Available in Colorado

Joanna Schroeder

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is now offering several Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy (ACRE) grants. Eligible projects include agricultural related renewable energy systems, feasibility studies and research projects. The ACRE program is a set of grants that provide funds to conduct feasibility studies, install renewable energy systems or do research into renewable energy projects. Grant applications submitted must be for …

Biodiesel, biomass, Energy, News, Research, Solar, Wind

Company Announces Breakthrough in CO2-to-Fuel Technology

Cindy Zimmerman

A California-based company has filed a patent for technology that could turn carbon dioxide into fuel. According to a press release, Carbon Sciences, developer of a breakthrough technology to recycle carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into gasoline and other portable fuels, today announced the filing of a patent application for a highly efficient nano-scale CO2 to fuel reactor, which is the …

biogas, Energy

MotionPower Moves to Big Rigs

John Davis

A couple of weeks ago, Joanna told you about how a company had installed a system that would capture the energy of cars and light trucks that went through a fast-food drive through (see her post from Sept. 14, 2009). Now, New Energy Technologies has announced it has successfully tested its MotionPower technology for generating electricity from the movement of …

Energy, technology

Oregon to ‘Save’ Garbage for Energy

Joanna Schroeder

Oregon is the latest state to look to garbage for energy. Waste Management and McMinnville Water & Light will soon use everyday garbage to power thousands of homes. The $10 million plant will be sited next the landfill west of McMinnville. This plant is the first for Yamhill County and is expected to be operational by mid-2010. Once completed, the …

biomethane, Energy, News