According to the most recent Today in Energy published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the mix of fuels used to generate the electricity in homes, factories and businesses across the U.S. has changed over the past few years. While coal remains in the lead, with all the grassroots efforts around ending coal use and as a result the …
Sustainable Roadmap for Jamaica Released
The Worldwatch Institute has released the report, “Jamaica Sustainable Energy Roadmap: Pathways to an Affordable, Reliable, Low-Emission Electricity System,” that looks at the measures that the Jamaican government can take to transition its electricity sector to one that is socially, environmentally and financially sustainable. The report also analyzes the potential for energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment in Jamaica and …
DOE Announces Rooftop Solar Challenge
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced eight teams that have been selected to participate in the Rooftop Solar Challenge. The teams will receive a combined $12 million, matched by more than $4 million in outside funding. The groups are tasked with moving the solar rooftop industry forward through cutting the red tape surrounding residential and small commercial solar …
Energy Title “Vital” in Farm Bill
More than 40 bipartisan House and Senate members including Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representatives Dave Loebsack (D-2-IA) and Aaron Schock (R-18-IL), sent “Dear Colleague” letters to Farm Bill Conference leaders stressing the vital importance of the energy title (Title IX). In response, the Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) praised the legislator’s letter of support. “The energy …
SunPower Announces Acquisition of Greenbotics
SunPower Corp. has announced that it has acquired Greenbotics, Inc., a Davis, Calif.-based company that offers panel cleaning products and services for large-scale solar power plants. With this acquisition, SunPower expands its energy services portfolio for global customers with the SunPower Oasis Power Plant product, especially, says SunPower, in markets with challenging dirt and dust environments. SunPower expects to utilize …
Legislation Introduced to Support Renewable Electricity
U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mark Udall (D-CO) have introduced a bill that if passed, would establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). The bill would require utilities to generate 25 percent of their power from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2025. The first cousins, say the bill would create jobs, reduce pollution, reduce dependence on …
Campo Verde Solar Facility Lights Up
The 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Facility has begun operations in Imperial County, California. The project, acquired by Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, in partnership with Turner Renewable Energy, consists of nearly 2.3 million thin-film modules and is expected to generate enough electricity to power nearly 48,000 homes. “Southern Company is building for America’s energy future – and …
Ambassador Energy Expands Solar Training Program
Ambassador Energy has expanded its solar training programs both for companies and individuals seeking to learn more about the solar industry. The company is offering both classroom and online courses including North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certified courses (NABCEP EL), in its Southern California Training Facility. Director of Training, Catherine Kelso, facilitates the training program and is herself …
SMUD Announces CSP Project
The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new concentrating solar power (CSP) project let by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). The project will integrate utility-scale CSP technology with SMUD’s 500-megawatt(MW) natural gas-fired Cosumnes Power Plant. The project is supported by a $10 million DOE investment, and the funds will be used to help design, build and test cost-competitive …
Solar Helps to Lighten the Load
According to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) a recent field test that entailed Marines wearing a solar-powered system to extend the battery life of crucial electronic devices was successful. The exercise took place at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. The Marine Austere Patrolling System (MAPS) combines solar power and an individual water purifier to help lighten the …