Renewable Energy Today articles from August 2004

Renewable Energy Today archives from August 2004

Evergreen Solar Appoints New Human Resources VP.
August 2, 2004... Evergreen Solar, Inc. recently announced the appointment of former independent consultant Gary Pollard as the company's new vice president of human resources. The company noted that Pollard previously served as a consultant for regional...

SMA Opens Two New PV Manufacturing Facilities.
August 2, 2004... Photovoltaic (PV) inverter manufacturer SMA America, Inc. recently announced that SMA Regelsysteme GmbH has opened two new PV inverter manufacturing facilities. According to SMA, the first facility is dedicated to the production and...

Sun Power Commissions South Feather Photovoltaic System.
August 2, 2004... Sun Power & Geothermal Energy recently announced the commissioning of a 566-kilowatt (KW) photovoltaic (PV) system for the South Feather Water & Power Agency in Oroville, CA. According to the company, the 2.2-acre solar system, which...

DuPont Honors Ontario Wind Project.
August 2, 2004... The Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) recently announced that INVISTA Company and Vector Wind Energy, Inc. received a 2004 DuPont Sustainable Growth Excellence Award in the "Next Generation" category for their Visionary Site...

Mass Megawatts Receives Building Permit for Wind Project.
August 3, 2004... Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Inc. recently announced it received a building permit in late June for a 20-kilowatt wind project in Blanford, MA. In the 30 days since the permit approval, Mass Megawatts said it has received a shipment of...

Sharp to Offer Light-emitting PV Panel.
August 3, 2004... Kyodo recently reported that Sharp Corporation plans to begin offering this fall Lumiwall, a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel capable of emitting light through "self-generated electricity." According to Kyodo, Lumiwall, which is equipped with...

Tarong Energy to Begin Mt. Millar Wind Farm Construction.
August 3, 2004... Australian power company Tarong Energy recently announced that it plans to begin construction of its $130-million, 70 megawatt (MW) Mt. Millar Wind Farm Project on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. According to the company, the project...

Malaysia Says Hydro Project Needs Restructuring.
August 3, 2004... Reuters recently reported that government officials in Malaysia have revealed that while they intend to execute plans to construct the $2.4-billion, 2,400-megawatt Bakun hydroelectric project, to be located in the East Malaysian state of...

U.K. Establishes $75-million Fund for Tidal Energy Projects.
August 4, 2004... The U.K. Department of Trade and Energy (DTI) announced this week it has established a Marine Research Development Fund to encourage companies to harness the U.K.'s wave and tidal stream power as an energy source. According to DTI, the...

New Myanmar Hydropower Plant Completes Testing.
August 4, 2004... Chinese news agency Xinhua recently reported that the new four-unit Paunglaung hydropower plant in Myanmar has successfully completed a test-run of its first generating unit. According to Xinhua, the 280-megawatt (MW), $160-million hydro...

Australian Government to Fund New Wind Turbine Projects.
August 4, 2004... Australia's Minister for the Environment and Heritage Ian Campbell recently announced up to $1.6 million in government funding for the installation of a wind turbine at Bremer Bay on Western Australia's south coast and $500,000 for the...

New Energy Solutions Awarded Grant for Waste-to-Hydrogen Effort.
August 4, 2004... Local Massachusetts newspaper the Berkshire Eagle recently reported that Pittsfield, MA-based New Energy Solutions, Inc. has been awarded $1.5 million in funding under the federal Biomass Research and Development Initiative to design and...

Nathaniel Energy Announces Thermal Combuster Startup.
August 5, 2004... Nathaniel Energy Corporation recently announced it has successfully started operation of its MFC-1800 Thermal Combustor at the waste-to-energy power plant project in Cologna Veneta, Italy. According to the company, the project, which is...

Evergreen Solar Reports Second-quarter Financial Results.
August 5, 2004... Marlboro, MA-based photovoltaic product developer, marketer and manufacturer Evergreen Solar recently announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004, reporting a quarterly net loss attributable to common stockholders...

Kyocera Boasts 15.7-percent Conversion With New Solar Panel.
August 5, 2004... Kyocera Corporation recently announced it has achieved a 15.7-percent sunlight conversion rate with a new polycrystalline silicon solar panel, eclipsing the previous record of 14.8 percent. The company said it achieved the record conversion...

OR Judge Stops Plans to Increase Power Production at Local Dam.
August 6, 2004... The Oregonian recently reported that a Portland federal judge has ordered a stop to plans that would have increased power production at the Columbia and Snake River dams in an effort to protect the rivers' salmon population. According to...

Selsam Multi-rotor Turbine Boasts Five-fold Output Increase.
August 6, 2004... Selsam Innovations, a wind-energy interest sponsored by the California Energy Commission (CEC), announced this week that its multi-rotor "Superturbine" has achieved an energy output five times greater than a single-rotor unit of similar size....

VT PSB Approves CVPS' New Renewable Power Offering.
August 6, 2004... Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) recently announced that the Vermont Public Service Board (PSB) has approved CVPS Cow Power, a new power offering generated through the burning of methane from cow manure. By enrolling in the Cow Power...

CA ISO Okays Project to Link Tehachapi Wind to State Grid.
August 6, 2004... The California Independent System Operator (ISO) board of governors has approved construction of a new 25-mile transmission line to bring wind power from California's Tehachapi Range and Antelope Valley to customers throughout the state. ...

U.K. Energy Minister Announces Plan for RO Review.
August 6, 2004... U.K. energy minister Stephen Timms earlier this week set out his plans for the promised review of the Renewables Obligation (RO), which ensures all electricity suppliers produce a specified and increasing amount of energy from renewable...

Weekly Update.
August 6, 2004... ENERGY 2004: ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP AND EXPOSITION, August 8-11, 2004, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY HYDROVISION 2004, August 16-20, 2004, Palais Des Congres De Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada GEOTHERMAL...

CA Officials Propose Incentives for Solar Panel Installation.
August 9, 2004... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the California Environmental Protection Agency has drafted a bill proposing state rebates for home builders who install solar panels in new homes and incentives for installing panels in existing...

Xantrex Announces German Grid-tie Inverter Order.
August 9, 2004... Xantrex Technology, Inc. announced last week it has received an order from a German company for two GT100E 100-kilowatt solar grid-tie inverters, and a letter of intent from the company to purchase 28 more units. If the letter of intent...

Suncor Says Joint Wind Power Project Operational.
August 9, 2004... Suncor Energy Products, Inc., EHN Wind Power Canada, Inc. and Enbridge, Inc. recently announced that their joint wind power project in southern Alberta is now operating and generating electricity. According to Suncor, wind turbine...

New Zealand Wind Farm Connects First Turbines to National Grid.
August 9, 2004... The New Zealand government recently announced that electricity from the first 17 wind turbines commissioned at Meridian's Te Apiti site near Palmerston North have been connected to the national grid. According to the government, a total of...

Konarka Appoints Nobel Laureate as New Director, Advisor.
August 10, 2004... Konarka Technologies recently announced its appointment of scientist and venture capitalist Arno Penzias as a new member of the company's board of directors and scientific advisory council. In his new positions, the company said Penzias...

FPL Announces 'Green Pricing' Program Membership Milestone.
August 10, 2004... Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) recently announced that approximately 6,000 FPL customers are currently enrolled in its new Sunshine Energy "green pricing" program. According to FPL, the Sunshine Energy program allows electricity...

Welsh Assembly Outlines Wind Farm Sites, Receives Criticism.
August 10, 2004... The Royal Town Planning Institute's (RTPI) official journal "Planning" recently reported that the Welsh Assembly Government has drafted a technical advice note (TAN) outlining seven sites in Wales it deems most suitable for large-scale wind...

WAPA Issues RFP for Renewable Energy Certificates.
August 10, 2004... The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) recently announced its issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) regarding the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs). According to WAPA, the RFP contemplates the purchase of 17,375...

Pakistani Province Develops Plan for Hydro Power Stations.
August 11, 2004... The Pakistan News Service (PNS) recently reported that the Punjab government has prepared a plan to produce 300 megawatts of inexpensive electricity for the residents of the province. According to PNS, 42 sites have been identified for the...

Scotland to Open European Marine Energy Center.
August 11, 2004... Local Scottish newspaper the Sunday Herald recently reported that the country plans to open its new European Marine Energy Center in Orkney dedicated to developing Scotland's marine energy technology. According to the paper, the Scottish...

Vestas Adjusts Financial Forecasts for 2004.
August 11, 2004... Vestas Wind Systems A/S recently announced an adjustment to its financial forecasts for 2004, expecting full-year sales of 2.6 billion euro (about $3.2 billion), down from previous estimates of 2.7 billion to 2.8 billion euro (about $3.3...

Philippines to Receive Renewable Energy Grant.
August 11, 2004... Philippine news site ABS-CBN recently reported that the national government is slated to receive a $1.5-million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help fund a project designed to supply renewable energy to low-income villages of...

USWF Selects 15 Wind Turbine Sites.
August 12, 2004... U.S. Wind Farming, Inc. (USWF) recently announced it has selected its first 15 agricultural sites to install 1.5-megawatt (MW) and 2.5-MW General Electric (GE) wind turbines. USWF said it will commission GE Wind Energy, Vaisala Group and...

PGE Names Southeast Portland 'Greenest Neighborhood'.
August 12, 2004... Portland General Electric (PGE) recently announced it has deemed southeast Portland the utility company's "Greenest Neighborhood" due to the 30,000 customers currently purchasing renewable power. PGE said that in honor of the area's...

U.K. ODPM Releases New Guidance on Renewable Energy.
August 12, 2004... The U.K. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) recently announced the publication of "Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22): Renewable Energy," guidance designed to set out the government's planning policies in respect of the development of...

DOE Funds Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency Projects.
August 12, 2004... The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $16.3 million in funding for 162 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Funding is being provided through DOE's State Energy Program Special...

CEC Releases Three Draft Energy White Papers.
August 13, 2004... The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently announced the release of three draft staff white papers -- titled "Accelerated Renewable Energy Development," "Upgrading California's Electric Transmission System: Issues and Actions for 2004 and...

Solectria Introduces New Commercial Grid-tied PV Inverter.
August 13, 2004... Solectria Corporation recently announced the introduction of a 13.2-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) inverter for grid-connected commercial three-phase PV systems for the North American market. According to the company, the PVI13KW inverter,...

ADB Approves Grant to Study Renewable Energy From Palm Oil.
August 13, 2004... Indonesia newspaper the Jakarta Post recently reported that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500,000 technical assistance grant for a study on the feasibility of converting palm oil waste into energy. According to the...

AWEA Releases Second Quarter Wind Industry Market Report.
August 13, 2004... The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently announced the release of its second quarter market report on the U.S. wind industry, which reveals that wind projects totaling more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) in capacity, and amounting to...

Weekly Update.
August 13, 2004... HYDROVISION 2004, August 16-20, 2004, Palais Des Congres De Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES COUNCIL 2004 ANNUAL MEETING, August 29-September 1, 2004 Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA WORLD...

ECD Ovonics Announces Strategic Business Restructuring.
August 16, 2004... Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) recently announced that its board of directors has unanimously approved management's business resturcturing plan to take full advantage of increasing market interest in solar energy systems and...

Merryweather Foam to Use EC IV Units.
August 16, 2004... Tampa, FL-based Internal Hydro International, Inc. (IHDR) recently announced it has received a letter of intent from Merryweather Foam, Inc. to use IHDR's Energy Commander IV (EC IV) energy units. According to the company, the EC IV uses...

Evergreen Appoints New Marketing, Sales Chief.
August 16, 2004... Marlboro, MA-based solar power products company Evergreen Solar, Inc. recently announced the appointment of Terry Bailey as the firm's senior vice president for marketing and sales. According to the company, Bailey has more than two decades...

New Report Suggests New Turbines Could Reduce Bird Deaths.
August 16, 2004... The California Energy Commission recently announced that the new 520-page report, titled "Developing Methods to Reduce Bird Mortality in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area," suggests that the installation of new, taller turbines at the...

Xcel Energy to Acquire Additional Renewable Energy in CO.
August 17, 2004... Denver, CO-based Xcel Energy recently announced that the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved the company's proposal to acquire up to 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy resources through an early competitive bidding...

Canadian Hydro Reports Second-quarter Financial Results.
August 17, 2004... Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc., a developer, owner and operator of low-impact renewable power plants, recently announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004, reporting earnings of $1.8 million, or three cents per...

POVA to Launch Solar-powered Website.
August 17, 2004... The Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA) recently announced it is scheduled to launch a website powered by 100-percent solar energy on September 1. According to POVA, the new website is being launched in collaboration with Solar...

Airtricity Opens New Wind Farm in Scotland.
August 17, 2004... Irish renewable energy company Airtricity recently announced the launch of a new 12-turbine, 24-megawatt (MW) wind farm near Ardrossan in North Ayreshire, Scotland. According to Airtricity, the wind farm, which is expected to mitigate more...

SLP Commences Work on Local British Wind Turbine Project.
August 18, 2004... Suffolk, England-based SLP Engineering, Ltd. recently announced that site work for construction of the Ness Point Wind Turbine project began earlier this month in Lowestoft, Suffolk. "The commencement of work on the Ness Point Wind Turbine...

SDG&E Announces 1,500th Renewable Energy Customer.
August 18, 2004... San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) recently announced that the 1,500th local customer has begun providing wind- and solar-powered energy to the region's energy grid. According to the company, SDG&E's net metering program allows customers who...

Local CA Vineyard Launches Solar Power System.
August 18, 2004... Akeena Solar recently announced that the Mount Eden Vineyards in Saratoga, CA has launched a new 20-kilowatt (kW) solar power system. According to Akeena Solar, Mount Eden Vineyards will now use 100 percent solar power to operate its...

DARPA Awards R&D Contract to Nanosolar.
August 19, 2004... Nanosolar, Inc. recently announced it has been awarded a $10.3-million research and development contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that is "dedicated to promoting innovative approaches that enable revolutionary...

TEP Expands SunShare Solar Subsidy Program.
August 19, 2004... Tucson Electric Power (TEP) recently announced it has expanded its SunShare solar subsidy program to include a subsidy of up to $4,500 on a typical 1.5-kilowatt solar power system for customers who purchase, install and maintain their own...

Spain to Increase 2010 Wind Energy Goal.
August 19, 2004... Reuters recently reported that a source with the Spanish government has revealed to the news service that the Spanish government plans to increase the nation's 2010 wind power target from 13,000 megawatts (MW) to 20,000 MW. According to...

U.K. Government Paper Urges World Bank to Favor Renewables.
August 19, 2004... U.K. newspaper The Guardian recently reported that a paper authored by British secretary of state for international development Hilary Benn criticizes the World Bank for failing to implement proposed reform measures that would reduce the bank's...

UCS Says Renewables Can Produce Jobs, Money in AZ.
August 19, 2004... The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently announced the release of new analysis which indicates that "increased use of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources would create thousands of jobs in Arizona, provide a significant source...

Evergreen Solar Named to 'Technology Fast 50' List.
August 20, 2004... Evergreen Solar, Inc. recently announced it has been named to the "New England Technology Fast 50" list, an annual ranking conducted by Deloitte & Touche, LLP and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, LLP that designates the fastest-growing...

Green Mountain Hires Commercial Services President.
August 20, 2004... Green Mountain Energy Company recently announced the appointment of Scott Hart as its new president of commercial services. According to the company, Hart's focus will be to expand Green Mountain's Texas and national operations. Prior...

New Study Suggests National RES Could Boost CO Economy.
August 20, 2004... The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently released an analysis suggesting that the introduction of a national renewable electricity standard (RES) requiring that 20 percent of the U.S.'s electricity come from renewable sources could...

Weekly Update.
August 20, 2004... GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES COUNCIL 2004 ANNUAL MEETING, August 29-September 1, 2004 Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA WORLD RENEWABLE ENERGY CONGRESS VIII & EXPO, August 28-September 3, 2004, Denver Marriott City Center,...

DARPA to Fund Nanosys Solar Cell Development Project.(United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)(Brief Article)
August 23, 2004... Nanosys, Inc. recently announced it has been awarded $2.2 million by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the first phase of a development program aimed at creating "flexible low cost solar cells" for military...

AMEX Publishes New WilderHill Clean Energy Index.(The American Stock Exchange)(Brief Article)
August 23, 2004... The American Stock Exchange (AMEX) recently announced it has begun publishing the new WilderHill Clean Energy Index, which has the ticker symbol ECO. According to AMEX, the index, created by WilderShares, LLC, focuses on the performance of...

Idaho Power, BEF Sign Green Power Contract.(Bonneville Environmental Foundation)(Brief Article)
August 23, 2004... Idaho Power recently announced the signing of a two-year contract with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) to broker renewable energy to the utility company's Green Power Program. According to Idaho Power, the contract will result...

China to Provide Financial Backing for Renewable Energy.(Brief Article)
August 23, 2004... Kyodo recently reported that the Japanese business daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun has revealed that the Chinese government plans to spend 140 billion yuan (about $17 billion) by 2020 to build renewable energy facilities throughout the country. ...

LIPA Green Choice Program Opens for Enrollment.(Long Island Power Authority)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2004... The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) recently announced that its Green Choice Program, which encourages the sale of "environmental attributes" associated with renewable energy resources by Green Power Marketers to LIPA customers, is now open...

McKenzie Bay to Perform Site Evaluation for Ontario High-rise.(Brief Article)
August 24, 2004... McKenzie Bay International, Ltd. recently announced a contract with The Savoy condominium building in Ontario, Canada for a roof-mounted 200-kilowatt Dermond wind turbine. McKenzie Bay said the installation will proceed once wind resources...

UES Launches Two New Solar Energy Projects in Arizona.(UniSource Energy Services)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2004... Tucson, AZ-based UniSource Energy Services (UES) recently launched its new SunShare and GreenWatts solar energy programs. According to the company, the SunShare program allows customers who install new grid-connected photovoltaic systems to...

PGI Considering Takeover of Philippine Geothermal Plant.(Philippine Geothermal, Inc)(Brief Article)
August 24, 2004... The Philippine Star recently reported that an anonymous official with Philippine Geothermal, Inc. (PGI) confirmed earlier this month that PGI is considering taking over the Tiwi-Makban geothermal power plant as part of a government...

Schwarzenegger Unveils Solar Homes Incentive Plan.(Brief Article)
August 25, 2004... California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected calls for a mandate on homebuilders last week and unveiled a plan that would offer government incentives for solar residences and compel builders in the state to offer solar systems to all new...

Nathaniel Energy Reports Second-quarter Financial Results.(Brief Article)
August 25, 2004... Englewood, CO-based Nathaniel Energy Corporation, "a leader in renewable energy technology and engineering," recently announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2004, reporting a quarterly operating loss of $1.9 million, compared...

CA Community Homes Feature SunWize Solar Systems.(Brief Article)
August 25, 2004... SunWize Technologies recently announced that construction of eight solar-equipped homes has been completed in the Grand View Estates community in Clear Lake, CA. A total of 90 homes are planned for the gated community. The eight completed...

Pacific Hydro Reports Year-end Financial Results.(Brief Article)
August 25, 2004... Melbourne, Victoria, Australia-based renewable energy company Pacific Hydro, Ltd. recently announced its financial results for the year ended June 30, 2004, reporting a record net profit after tax (NPAT) of $40.7 million, compared to a NPAT of...

WECC Agrees to House WREGIS Program.(Western Electricity Coordinating Council)(Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System)(Brief Article)
August 25, 2004... The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) recently announced that its board of directors approved a proposal to allow WECC to serve as the institutional home of the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS). ...

WindStor Names New Senior Manager of U.S. Operations.(WindStor Power Company)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2004... Brighton, MI-based McKenzie Bay International, Ltd. recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary WindStor Power Company has appointed Jonathan Hintz as its new senior project manager for U.S. operations. The company said Hintz will...

Pelamis Supplies First Week of Electricity to U.K. Power Grid.(European Marine Energy Center (EMEC))(Brief Article)
August 26, 2004... Edinburgh, Scotland-based Ocean Power Delivery, Ltd. (OPD) recently announced that its commercial-scale floating wave energy converter (WEC), dubbed Pelamis, has successfully completed its first week of electricity generation into the U.K....

New Study Finds Federal PTC Supports State RPS Goals.(production tax credit)(renewable portfolio standards)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2004... The energy information company Platts recently released a new report titled "Does the PTC Work?," which assesses the impact of the now-expired 10-year 1.8-cents-per-kilowatt-hour federal production tax credit (PTC) offered to owners of wind,...

ETO Release New Study Examining Community Wind Projects.(Energy Trust of Oregon)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2004... The Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. (ETO) recently released a new study prepared by a team of wind energy experts that examines potential ownership structures to be used for community-owned wind energy projects in the Northwest U.S., as well as...

SDC to Purchase Renewable Power From 3 Phase Energy.(Solar Data Centers, Inc.)(3 Phase Energy)(Brief Article)
August 27, 2004... Solar Data Centers, Inc. (SDC) recently announced a contract with 3 Phase Energy to provide renewable electricity for all SDC operations using Green Certificates provided through the Green-e Renewable Energy Certification Program. "This...

Green Energy Resources to Merge With Italian Woodfiber Importer.(Italiana Commissionaria Legnami)(Brief Article)
August 27, 2004... Bioenergy supply company Green Energy Resources, Inc. recently announced an agreement in principle to merge with Italian woodfiber fuel importer Italiana Commissionaria Legnami (ICL). "The proposed merger is expected to be a major boost for...

Washington Council Holds Hearing on Wild Horse Wind Project.(Brief Article)
August 27, 2004... The Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council held a hearing earlier this week to receive public comment on a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Wild Horse Wind Power Project. The project, which would be built...

New Wind Farm Project Approved in Australia.(Brief Article)
August 27, 2004... The Australian Associated Press (AAP) recently reported that the Victorian government has approved Wind Power's proposed $220-million wind farm project at Bald Hills in South Gippsland, Australia. According to the AAP, the 52-turbine...

Weekly Update.(Calendar)
August 27, 2004... GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES COUNCIL 2004 ANNUAL MEETING, August 29-September 1, 2004 Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA WORLD RENEWABLE ENERGY CONGRESS VIII & EXPO, August 28-September 3, 2004, Denver Marriott City Center,...