Hydropower May Cause Unintended Consequences

Hydropower May Cause Unintended Consequences

Joanna Schroeder June 20, 2013

Findings from scientists from Oregon State University (OSU) conclude that small hydropower projects, supported by various nations and also the Kyoto Protocol to reduce GHG emissions, may cause unintended and potentially significant losses of habitat and biodiversity. The findings were reported in the journal Water Resources Research, in work supported by the National Science Foundation.

An underlying assumption that small hydropower systems pose fewer ecological concerns than large dams is not universally valid, scientists said in the report. A five-year study, one of the first of its type, concluded that for certain environmental impacts the cumulative damage caused by small dams is worse than their larger counterparts.

The conclusions were based on studies of the Nu River system in China but the researchers say they are relevant to national energy policies in many nations or regions including India, Turkey, Latin America, that seek to expand hydroelectric power generation. Hydropower is generally favored over coal in many developing areas because it uses a renewable resource and does not contribute to global warming. Also, the social and environmental problems caused by large dam projects have resulted in a recent trend toward increased construction of small dams.

“The Kyoto Protocol, under Clean Development Mechanism, is funding the construction of some of these small hydroelectric projects, with the goal of creating renewable energy that’s not based on fossil fuels,” said Desiree Tullos, an associate professor in the OSU Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering.

“The energy may be renewable, but this research raises serious questions about whether or not the overall process is sustainable,” Tullos said.Read More

Climate Change, Hydro, Research

My Hybrid Rocks!

Joanna Schroeder June 20, 2013

I broke down a few weeks ago and bought a new car. After test driving and researching all the options out there, I landed on the new Ford C-Max Hybrid. The estimated miles per gallon is 47 both highway and in town and I was getting such great gas mileage that after the first two weeks I thought maybe the gas gauge was broken (it was not). I opted to forgo the “plug-in” option because, frankly, I have no where to plug in (hint for more mid-sized cities to start adopting charging stations). Oh, and I liked driving the C-Max better than the Volt and the Prius and my hybrid beat out the Prius in all the biggie car publications.

I was going to call Brad Harrison with Charles Gabus Ford who spent hours having to listen to me talk about the pros and cons of all sorts of vehicles (flex-fuel, electric vehicles, fuel cell, etc.) but I thought he might not realize I was joking. Although he was a great sport about selling a car to someone who writes about alternative vehicles (and drives them) every day. Thanks Brad.

The car is fun to drive, has great get up and go, is quiet, so quiet in fact when you are idling you think you’ve stalled, and is approved for the use of E15, 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline, which I will begin using once it makes its way to my hometown. It’s sporty and I’ve found that when I park places (especially at the gas station) people ask me how I like my car. My answer: My hybrid rocks! (see below for confirmation).

I took my hybrid on its first road trip to the Fuel Ethanol Workshop in St. Louis, Missouri and when I finally filled her up, had 500 miles for the tank. Take that big oil! I see why they are constantly attacking the biofuels industry – with better fuel economy, more fuel choices at the pump mixed with hybrids and all electric vehicles, they are going to have to strategize about how to diversify their companies in the new green age. Or how about this – the renewable energy companies could take their place and some day we’ll be telling our kids about the days when Big Oil was king. Bye-bye- king, the queen is taking the throne.

But I digress as I often do when I’m excited. So now that I am a hybrid owner, I feel I’m entitled to tell Ford (and the other autos) how to make my car just a bit better. Please make your next hybrid E85 compatible (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline). Then we’d really be driving!

automotive, E15, Electric Vehicles, Opinion

Smart Energy Pilot Lanched in Netherlands

Joanna Schroeder June 20, 2013

A smart energy pilot project is launching in Groningen and Hoogkerk, Netherlands that will allow consumers to test innovative, smart energy services related to sustainable energy choices and cost savings. Six Dutch companies along with three knowledge institutes and 40 households will participate in the project designed to ascertain which smart energy services best meet the consumer’s requirements. The goal is to give guidance on how to implement a sustainable and cost effective energy supply. This is the first time that consumers are involved in such research.

The trial forms part of PowerMatching City’s second phase. PowerMatching City is the world’s first live, total-concept smart grid. These linked, intelligent (digitally) controlled energy grids are essential for achieving a proper match between energy demand and supply. Economic Affairs Minister Kamp initiated the second phase during a festive meeting with the participants from the City of Groningen’s Thomsonstreet.

“I am delighted that today we are taking a new important step towards the energy system and the energy consumer of the future together with households, companies and knowledge institutes,” said Albert van den Noort, PowerMatching City II’s Project Manager. “Changes are often achieved through means of open innovation in which players from different backgrounds and disciplines work together. PowerMatching City is a good example of this.”Read More

Alternative energy, Electric Vehicles, Electricity, Smart Grid

US Energy Init., Promethean Sign Biodiesel Deal

John Davis June 20, 2013

Automotive and hybrid fuel systems and technologies developer U.S. Energy Initiatives Corp. Inc. and California-based Promethean Biofuels signed a biodiesel production agreement that will bring Promethean’s facility to its maximum capacity starting in a couple of weeks. Biodiesel Magazine reports Promethean could produce 2.1 to 3 MMgy, and the two companies could split the revenues which could top $6 million a year:

“This is a significant milestone for USEI and it is an immediate entry into the fuel production arena,” said USEI CEO Anthony Miller. “This agreement provides us with significant revenue beginning next month. Promethean is a first class operation and has been operating profitably from the beginning. This relationship just allows the plant operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week well above current levels.”

Todd Hill, managing principal of Promethean, said, “Promethean is proud to partner with U.S. Energy Initiatives, to help meet California’s mandated requirement for biodiesel under the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). In the next few months we will ramp up towards our nameplate capacity and generate significant capital. This venture is part of an ongoing and carefully coordinated plan that Promethean has planned throughout 2014.”

USEI says this is just one of many relationships it intends to create this year.

Biodiesel

Rise in Alt Fuels Prompts Training Network

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2013

Several of the top alternative fuel experts in the U.S. have joined forces to form the Alternative Fuel Training Network, launched this month on the website AFVtraining.net. With a rise in alternative fuel vehicles on the road coupled with a rise in biofuels and alternative fuels at the pump, a need has been created for professional alternative fuel fleet training.

“For the first time, America is experiencing a meaningful shift in our energy supply,” said Greg Zilberfarb, a nationally recognized alternative fuels expert who led the formation of the consortium. “We’re on the cusp of a quantum leap as a nation, which creates a need for fleets to learn how to effectively implement alternative fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, propane and biodiesel.”

The consortium makes training available for mechanics, drivers and station operators. It presents a unique opportunity for a fleet to find quality training on the primary alternative fuels in one place, at a reasonable cost. All trainers are nationally recognized experts in their fields.

“Our trainers are hand-picked professionals who are the best in the business,” Zilberfarb added. “We come to your site at your convenience, and are dedicated to helping your fleet with this important transition at an affordable price.”

A list of trainers as well more information on the training program can be found here.

Alternative energy, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol

Rally Without a Cause

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2013

As the sun shines on Capitol Hill this week, motorcycles are rolling in to to participate in the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) “E15 Fuel for Thought Lobby Day” sponsored by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Associations (AFPM). While ethanol industry representatives has shown frustration, Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) couldn’t help but chuckle.

“This is a rally without a cause. E15 is not mandated for any vehicle and EPA has specifically prohibited its use in motorcycles and other small engines. E15 is a choice some consumers with 2001 and newer automobiles may and should be allowed to make to reduce gasoline costs or promote a cleaner environment. EPA has assured that E10 will still be available at all gas stations offering E15. E10 is fully approved by all motorcycle manufacturers today. Indeed, ethanol provides the high octane many motorcycles require. Where is the problem? Why do bikers want to eliminate consumer choice for automobile drivers fed up with skyrocketing gasoline prices?”

Dinneen continued, “I guess we should be flattered that AMA would dedicate Members of Congress’ and riders’ precious time to a fuel option they cannot use and is only available in a handful of gas stations nationwide. Hard to believe that E15 is a bigger concern than road safety and driver awareness of motorcycles. After all, the ethanol industry and the Environmental Protection Agency have worked diligently to address concerns previously raised by the AMA.

CEO of Growth Energy Tom Buis questioned the fact of the exercise. “The fact of the matter is that the EPA and stakeholders have taken the necessary steps to ensure proper labeling to prevent any possible misfueling. Today’s demonstration might as well be the AMA protesting the sale of diesel at gas stations.”Read More

ACE, biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Growth Energy, RFA

Kyocera Corporation Donates Solar Power

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2013

Kyocera Corporation has donated solar power generating systems to four secondary schools in Tanzania and three primary schools in Uganda. Donation ceremonies were held at the schools in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and Bushenyi (Uganda) during which Kyocera executives shared hopes that the solar systems would improve the schools’ infrastructure and contribute to the students’ educational development.

In Tanzania, ceremonies were held at two representative schools in Kilimanjaro: Vumari Secondary School also attended by His Excellency Mr. Masaki Okada, Japanese Ambassador to Tanzania, and Mabilioni Secondary School. They were warmly welcomed with music and dances by the students, their parents and other people from the community. Donations in the last fiscal year also included Kirangare and Tae Secondary Schools.

In Uganda, ceremonies took place at all three schools in Bushenyi: Nyakarama Boarding Primary School, Ryakasinga Model Primary Boarding School, and Rweigaaga Day & Boarding Primary School, with the attendance of Mr. Yukihisa Nakano, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Uganda at the first two schools.

The installations are part of larger donation projects that have been ongoing since 2009, in which Kyocera has been providing solar power generating systems to schools in Tanzania and Uganda that have no access to the electricity grid. The five-year projects consist of 600-watt solar power generating systems for 35 schools in total, each with storage batteries as well as basic equipment such as lamps, TV sets and radios — lighting up the classrooms and diversifying learning activities for the students.

In addition, the solar systems are occasionally used as an electricity source for the people of the community to charge their mobile devices. With additional installations at seven schools in the last fiscal year, donations have already been made to a total of 28 schools, with seven more to follow by March 2014.

Electricity, Energy, International, Renewable Energy, Solar

ECC Renewables Awarded Gov Geothermal Contract

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2013

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Support Center has awarded five contractors for the development of geothermal energy for a total $7 billion joint total. ECC Renewables LLC was one of the five companies awarded a contract.

Under the 10-year contract, ECC will compete for projects to develop, construct, finance, own, and operate geothermal energy projects on Department of Defense installations located throughout the U.S. under long-term (20+ year) power purchase agreements using private sector financing. Geothermal technologies utilize the internal heat of the earth as a power source, including ground source heat pump systems and deep well geothermal systems.

“We see an increase in demands and Congressional mandates placed on Federal agencies and all branches of the U.S. military to implement renewable and alternative energy solutions for the future,” said Paul Sabharwal, ECC Chairman of the Board. “ECC is proud to utilize this contract to help the U.S. Army come one step closer to meeting those goals.”

Sabharwal continued, “ECC is ideally suited to pursue these types of contracts. We have the right mix of development, financing, engineering, and construction resources, capabilities, and experience, combined with the passion, leadership, and trusted partnering approach needed to succeed.”

This award marks the first of four renewable and alternative energy technologies being awarded this year under the $7 billion MATOC program. Awards for solar, wind, and biomass technologies will be awarded through the end of 2013.

Geothermal, Renewable Energy

The Coal vs Clean Energy Show

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2013

The Sierra Club has released a new video series of short, animated sketches that highlight a different health or environmental impact from coal – “The Coal vs Clean Energy Show.” The videos are also accompanied by a web-based game featuring the same characters, which viewers can play as they try to wrack up the highest score. Additional videos in the series will be released in the coming months.

“Just like the coal character in The Coal vs Clean Energy Show, the coal industry continues to turn a blind eye to the dangerous health and environmental effects of mining and burning coal,” said Mary Anne Hitt, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign. “We hope this series helps to educate viewers on the dangers of coal and the benefits of clean energy, in a fun and engaging way.”

Clean Energy, Climate Change, Environment, Video

Genscape Monitoring Empowers Wind Generators

John Davis June 19, 2013

A company that monitors the output of power plants says its product can also help wind farms optimize their operations. Genscape’s technology of using electro-magnetic frequency monitors allows it to see how much power is flowing through power lines and from plants. The company’s managing director of power intelligence Chris Seiple says they then make that information available to traders and other market participants to give real-time transparency to what is going on within the power market. He says information like that can especially help wind power generation operations because of the wind power’s unpredictability.

“Wind variation, because it’s unpredictable, can have a very big influence on the volatility of the power market that day,” Chris says, adding that once a wind farm is built, the information really comes in handy for those farm owners optimizing their operation. Now, wind farm owners have to decide every day whether they will sell tomorrow’s power at today’s price, but not know the output, or wait until tomorrow and sell at tomorrow’s price, but not know what that price would be. Either choice involves risk, but Chris says their technology offers predictions of wind output levels and pricing. “That can be used to help wind producers make better decisions about how to schedule that power into the market.”

He says bringing more transparency into the market also helps consumers by making wind energy producers more efficient and able to pass that efficiency and reliability to the customer.

And he believes Genscape allows the whole energy sector, including renewables, work together better for the good of all.

“What we do in providing a lot more visibility in what’s happening in the market minute-to-minute and providing that transparency improves the reliability of the system.”

Listen to Joanna’s interview with Chris here: Chris Seiple, Genscape

Audio, Wind

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