Scientists with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are using nearly 10 years of satellite information to figure out where is the best place on the oceans to put up wind energy turbines. This UPI story says they’re using NASA’s QuikSCAT satellite to search for homes for offshore wind farms: QuikSCAT, launched in 1999, continuously tracks the speed, direction …
Pickens Picks Wind for US Energy Plan
Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens is choosing a decidely non-petroleum source as the solution for America’s energy woes: wind power. As you might remember from my post on May 20th, Pickens has invested $2 billion in a 667 turbine wind farm in Texas. Now, he wants to translate that passion for wind to the rest of the country. This story …
Florida Gov Signs Alt Energy Bill
Florida Governor Charlie Crist has signed a comprehensive alternative energy bill that is being touted as putting his state on the right foot for beginning true energy independence, while being realistic. This story from the Walton Sun says the new law will encourage investments in alternative and renewable energy technology and will help reduce greenhouse gases: This follows a year …
Investment in Biodiesel, Ethanol, Solar & Wind Up 60%
The world’s investment in clean energies – solar, wind and biofuels – jumped an amazing 60 percent from 2006 to 2007… thanks to rising oil prices and changing climate rules. This story from Bloomberg.com says the information came from a United Nations Environment Program report: Wind power attracted the most financing at $50 billion, according to a report today from …
Big Wind Projects Not the Only Solution
While big wind farms are part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s plan to have wind power make up 20 percent of the nation’s energy supply by 2030. But at least one small wind power generator is saying, “Don’t forget about the little guys.” A press release from Kentucky-based Wind Energy Corporation, which uses a unique sail-like design (pictured right) …
Duke Energy Expands Wind Portfolio
One of the nation’s largest power companies has added to its wind energy holdings. Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy has spent $240 million to acquire Vermont-based wind energy company Catamount Energy Corp. This Reuters story has more: Catamount has about 300 megawatts of renewable energy in operation, as well as about 1,750 megawatts of development interest in the United States …
Biodiesel, Ethanol, Wind Part of ND Energy Future
A North Dakota commission is recommending that ethanol, biodiesel and wind play a larger role in that state’s energy future. The Dickinson (ND) Press reports that the state’s EmPower Commission has issued 10 major goals with renewable fuels at the forefront. Here are some of the goals: *Support the nation’s 25X25 Initiative to derive at least 25 percent of all …
Duke Energy Ohio Looks for Renewable Energy Options
Duke Energy Ohio is seeking proposals for renewable energy resources. The energy company says it’s looking to begin delivering energy through more renewable means sometime between 2009 and 2012. The effort falls in line with Ohio’s new renewable energy portfolio standards. Types of renewable resources that would qualify: — Wind energy — Solar photovoltaic or solar thermal energy — Geothermal …
GE: Taxes Collected More Than Incentives Paid
General Electric has released a study that says the taxes paid back to the U.S. government are more than the tax incentives given to wind energy companies by the government. This story on CNNMoney.com says the study comes out just after the U.S. Senate failed to move forward a $57 billion renewable energy tax incentive package that includes renewing the …
Record-breaking Wind Power Deal Struck
A European power company has struck a record-breaking deal for wind power in Europe and North America. This story from the Wall Street Journal says Spanish-based Gamesa SA has agreed to provide wind turbines, construction and services valued for $9.7 billion to Iberdrola Renovables SA, the renewable-energy unit of Spanish power utility Iberdrola SA: The agreement is the largest-ever wind-power …