Renewable Energy Today articles from November 2003

Renewable Energy Today archives from November 2003

Mass Megawatts Begins Work on Test Wind Energy System.
November 3, 2003... Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Inc. recently announced the start of preliminary work on a 20-kilowatt (kW) rated test wind energy system near Springfield, MA. According to the company, the new model will comprise changes needed to demonstrate...

Alternative Sites Listed for Proposed Nantucket Sound Wind Farm.
November 3, 2003... The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced it has prepared a list of alternative sites that will need to be investigated as part of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for Cape Wind Associates' proposed 130-turbine offshore wind...

MI Alternative and Renewable Energy Center Nears Completion.
November 3, 2003... Grand Rapids, MI-based real estate development and design build firm Workstage, together with Grand Valley State University (GVSU), recently announced that construction of the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC), a project...

Great Lakes Hydro Reports Third-quarter Financial Results.
November 3, 2003... Gatineau, Quebec-based hydroelectricity producer Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund recently announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, reporting a decrease in quarterly net income to $8.6 million compared to $11.3...

Gunfleet Sands Wind Project Wins U.K. Government Consent.
November 3, 2003... GE Power Systems recently reported that the proposed 108-megawatt (MW) Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Plant, to be located seven kilometers off Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, U.K., was one of four new offshore wind projects approved last month by the...

Local PA Resident Rallys Protest Against Biomass Plant.
November 4, 2003... City officials in Meadville, PA recently reported that Sebastian Trucco, a resident of the local Vernon Township, has launched a protest against the development of a proposed biomass plant at area business Dad's Pet Products. According to...

VRB, Sea Breeze Collaborate on Green Energy for Remote Communities.
November 4, 2003... Vancouver, British Columbia-based alternative electrochemical energy storage company VRB Power Systems, Inc. and renewable energy firm Sea Breeze Power Corporation recently announced the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement to create...

CSIRO Announces Opening of New Energy Center.
November 4, 2003... Australia's Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) recently announced the opening of the CSIRO Energy Center, which showcases "new and renewable energy technologies and represents the largest base of energy research...

GE Wind Energy Supplies Turbines for New Wind Farm in Belgium.
November 4, 2003... GE Power Systems subsidiary GE Wind Energy recently announced it has supplied four 1.5-megawatt (MW) wind turbines for Wind Farm Gembloux-Sombreffe, a new 6-MW wind project in the Gembloux region near Namur, Belgium. According to GE,...

Greenpeace U.K. Reports Support for Wind Farm in Wales.
November 4, 2003... Greenpeace U.K. recently reported that more than 8,500 letters and e-postcards have been sent to the National Assembly for Wales in support of the proposed Scarweather Sands wind farm to be located in the Swansea Bay off the coast of Porthcawl,...

CEC Touts Success of Emerging Renewables Program.
November 5, 2003... The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently reported that 24 of the 50 megawatts (MW) of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems currently connected to the state's electricity grid are generated from the CEC's Emerging Renewables...

ASHRAE, DOE Partner to Promote Energy Efficiency, Renewables.
November 5, 2003... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) recently announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy (DOE) to work together "to improve the efficient use of...

SolarMission to Receive $1 Million From Sunshine Energy.
November 5, 2003... Westlake Village, CA-based renewable energy firm SolarMission Technologies, Inc. recently announced an agreement in which the company will receive a $1-million investment from Sunshine Energy Pty, Ltd., which represents interests from China,...

EERC to Host Renewable Energy Week.
November 5, 2003... The University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) recently announced plans to sponsor a "Renewable Energy Week" from November 10 through 14. According to EERC, the weeklong event will include a "Biomass II Heat...

EPA, DOE, CRS Present Green Power Leadership Awards.
November 5, 2003... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) recently presented Green Power Leadership Awards at the National Green Power Marketing Conference, which concludes today, to...

DynaMotive Announces BioOil Cogeneration Plant Schedule.
November 6, 2003... DynaMotive Energy Systems Corporation, Erie Flooring and Wood Products, Magellan Aerospace Corporation, Bruks-Klockner, Ramsay Machine Works and UMA Engineering recently announced they have agreed upon the construction schedule for an Erie...

Fund Seeks Approval to Increase Foreign Investment.
November 6, 2003... Melville, NY-based New Alternatives Fund, Inc., a "socially responsible mutual fund emphasizing alternate energy and the environment," recently announced that its board has approved a proposal to increase the percentage of the fund's "foreign...

PowerLight Begins Installation of CSU Solar Electric System.
November 6, 2003... The California State University (CSU) at Hayward (Cal State Hayward) recently announced that PowerLight Corporation has begun installation of a 1.05-megawatt solar electric system atop the roofs of four of the university's largest buildings....

ScottishPower to Install Residential PV Systems in Scotland.
November 6, 2003... ScottishPower recently announced the launch of a solar power pilot project that involves the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems at housing developments in Berwickshire, Glasgow, Perthshire and Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. ...

New Hydroelectric Plant in Nepal Begins Operations.
November 6, 2003... Government officials in Nepal recently reported that a new hydroelectric plant located in the Himalayas mountain range has begun operations. With the use of water from the Cho Rolpa glacial lake, officials said the plant is expected to...

GLO to Offer Leases for Wind Development.
November 7, 2003... The Texas General Land Office (GLO) recently announced plans to provide leases for wind power generation or exploration on state-owned lands by April 2004 as part of a "21st Century Wind Rush" initiative designed to "spur" the construction of...

Evergreen Solar Reports Third-quarter Financial Results.
November 7, 2003... Marlboro, MA-based solar power product developer, manufacturer and marketer Evergreen Solar, Inc. recently announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, reporting a quarterly net loss attributable to common...

Officials Comment on Solar Energy Progress.
November 7, 2003... Attendees of last month's Solar Electric Power Experience Conference and Technology Exhibition in Scotsdale, AZ reported that although some state governments have required utilities to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from...

BWEA Praises U.K. National Planning Policy on Renewable Energy.
November 7, 2003... The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) recently announced its support for the new Planning Policy Statement on renewable energy (PPS22) published last month by the Office for the U.K. Deputy Prime Minister. According to BWEA, PPS22...

NABCEP Completes PV Installer Certification Exam.
November 7, 2003... The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) recently announced it has completed its first Photovoltaic (PV) Installer Certification Exam for nearly 100 first-time candidates. According to NABCEP, applicants from 30...

NextEnergy Names New CEO, Chief Financial Officer.
November 10, 2003... Detroit, MI-based alternative energy research, development and education corporation NextEnergy recently announced it has appointed James Croce and Richard Tuzinsky to serve, respectively, as the firm's new CEO and chief financial officer. ...

SatCon Receives DOE Contract to Develop PV Inverter.
November 10, 2003... SatCon Technology Corporation recently announced it has been awarded a $1-million contract from the Department of Energy (DOE), acting through Sandia National Laboratories, for the development of advanced inverter technology for residential and...

Officials Announce Availability of Wind Energy in IL.
November 10, 2003... Illinois lieutenant governor Pat Quinn, City of Chicago Department of the Environment commissioner Marcia Jimenez, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and wind energy marketer Community Energy, Inc. (CEI) recently announced plans to make available new...

German Ministries Reach Compromise on Renewable Energy.
November 10, 2003... Government officials in Germany recently reported that the ministries of economy and environment have reached a compromise agreement to increase the country's renewable energy generation capacity to 12.5 percent by 2010. According to...

NEG Micon to Supply Turbines for Australian, New Zealand Efforts.
November 10, 2003... Danish wind turbine supplier NEG Micon recently announced it has received two orders from New Zealand utility Meridian Energy, Ltd. comprising the delivery of 55 NM72 turbines for the Te Apiti project in New Zealand and 50 NM82 turbines for the...

AMP-Ohio, Green Mountain Energy Bring OH Wind Farm Online.
November 11, 2003... American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio) and Austin, TX-based Green Mountain Energy Company recently announced that a new wind farm located at the Wood County landfill southwest of Bowling Green, OH, has begun operations. According to the...

Whole Foods Market Purchases Wind Energy.
November 11, 2003... The Mid-Atlantic Region of Whole Foods Market, Inc. recently announced that all 24 Whole Foods Market locations in the region are now receiving 10 percent of their electricity from new wind power facilities. According to Whole Foods...

French Energy White Paper Considers Nuclear Power Development.
November 11, 2003... France's junior industry minister Nicole Fontaine informed attendees of a news conference held last week announcing the release of a new white paper on French energy policy that the country will consider the development of new nuclear power...

Kanematsu Contracted to Expand Philippine Geothermal Plant.
November 11, 2003... Taguig, Philippines-based geothermal energy developer PNOC Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) recently announced it has awarded a 2.3-billion-peso (about $41.6-million) contract to Tokyo, Japan-based Kanematsu Corporation for the...

Kyocera Announces Launch of Solar Plant in China.
November 11, 2003... Kyocera Corporation recently announced the launch of joint venture Kyocera (Tianjin) Solar Energy Company, Ltd. in Tianjin, China. According to Kyocera, the joint venture, which was co-funded by Chinese Tianjin Yiqing Group Company, Ltd.,...

enXco Presents Details of MA Wind Power Project.
November 12, 2003... Palm Springs, CA-based wind energy firm enXco, Inc. recently attended a special permit hearing in Florida, MA, where it presented plans for its proposed $30-million Hoosac wind power project in the towns of Florida and Monroe, MA. ...

UT Locality Approves Purchase of Wind Energy.
November 12, 2003... Government officials in Park City, UT recently reported that the Park City Council has unanimously approved a measure to purchase a minimum of 7.5 percent of the municipality's electricity from wind energy generated through Utah Power's Blue...

Kyocera Solar Power Monitor Wins 2003 Good Design Award.
November 12, 2003... Kyocera Corporation recently announced that its Econonavit monitor for domestic solar power generation has received the Good Design Award 2003 from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization. According to Kyocera, the Econonavit...

ScottishPower Urges Caution in Energy Transition.
November 12, 2003... International energy company ScottishPower recently cautioned U.K. industry and government officials about transitioning too quickly from nuclear power to renewable energy during the next several years. According to ScottishPower, a rapid...

MPE, TREIA, Solar San Antonio to Host Renewables Conference.
November 12, 2003... The Metropolitan Partnership for Energy (MPE), the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) and Solar San Antonio will host San Antonio Energy Leadership/Texas Renewables 2003, "an event combining the first annual conference of...

Nathaniel Energy Announces Reverse Stock Split.
November 13, 2003... Nathaniel Energy Corporation recently announced that its board of directors has approved "a one for ten reverse stock split," subject to stockholder approval. According to the company, the move is a primary part of Nathaniel Energy's...

Navitas to Develop New Wind Farms in WI Towns.
November 13, 2003... Local officials in Fond du Lac, WI recently reported that the Marshfield Town Board voted in favor of Navitas Energy's proposal to construct a new 44-turbine wind farm in Marshfield that could potentially provide power for up to 60,000 area...

San Diego Homebuilder Makes PV a Standard Feature.
November 13, 2003... Altair Energy recently announced it has entered into a contract with KD Development of San Diego, CA to design, supply and install photovoltaic (PV) systems as a standard feature for the developer's homes. As KD's "exclusive PV partner,"...

Subdivision in Manitoba to Utilize Geothermal Energy.
November 13, 2003... Manitoba minister of energy, science and technology Tim Sale recently announced that the provincial government expects the planned 13,000-home Waverley West subdivision in Winnipeg, Manitoba to utilize only geothermal energy for heating and...

Construction Begins on Hydroelectric Plant in Vietnam.
November 13, 2003... Industry officials in Vietnam recently reported that construction has begun on the new 600-billion-dong (about $38.3-million) Thai An hydroelectric plant in the province of Ha Giang. According to officials, the plant, which comprises a dam,...

NZ Wind Turbine Shuts Down for Modifications.
November 14, 2003... Christchurch, New Zealand-based Windflow Technology recently announced that its prototype wind turbine at Gebbies Pass near Christchurch has been temporarily shut down "while modifications aimed at further reducing sound levels are carried...

WAPDA Signs Contract Agreement for New Hydropower Project.
November 14, 2003... Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) recently announced the signing of a $128-million contract with China's Dongfang Electric Corporation for engineering, procuring and construction of the Jihhan Hydropower Project. ...

ARISE Reports Third-quarter Financial Results.
November 14, 2003... Kitchener, Ontario-based solar energy technology company Appropriate Renewable Intelligent Sustainable Energy (ARISE) Corporation recently announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, reporting a net loss...

NREL Announces Presenters for 16th Industry Growth Forum.
November 14, 2003... The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently announced the final list of companies selected to present business cases during the 16th NREL Industry Growth Forum, scheduled for November 17 through 19 at the Hyatt Regency in Austin,...

BLM Schedules Public Scoping Meetings on Wind Energy.
November 14, 2003... Department of the Interior secretary Gale Norton recently announced that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled public scoping meetings in several western states "to gain input on the development of wind energy." "The current...

MTC Announces $32 Million for Clean Energy Projects.
November 17, 2003... The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), which administers the state's Renewable Energy Trust, recently announced $32 million in funding commitments to support projects that are expected to generate close to 100 megawatts (MW) of new,...

Plainville Turkey Purchases New York Wind Power.
November 17, 2003... Wayne, PA-based wind energy marketer Community Energy, Inc. recently announced that Plainville Turkey Farms in Plainville, NY is purchasing 708,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of wind energy generated from New York State wind farms, which accounts for...

NREL, HelioVolt to Produce Advanced Solar Cells.
November 17, 2003... The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently announced that Austin, TX-based HelioVolt Corporation is utilizing NREL's facilities to prove the viability of the company's patented technology for making thin-film copper indium gallium...

Xantrex Unveils European Growth Strategy.
November 17, 2003... Vancouver, British Columbia-based advanced power electronic and control products manufacturer Xantrex Technology, Inc. recently unveiled its European growth strategy at an event held at the Science and Technology Park in Gelsenkirchen, Germany,...

SEI Touts Potential of Ireland Wind Energy Industry.
November 17, 2003... While attending last week's Energy From Fresh Air 2003 Wind Energy Conference & Study Tour in Sligo, Ireland, officials with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) reported that "with a minimum investment in grid upgrade," the country's wind energy...

Congress Approves License for Stuyvesant Falls Hydro Plant.
November 18, 2003... U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) recently announced that a joint House-Senate conference committee on energy and water appropriations has approved a provision, which Schumer co-drafted with U.S. Representative John Sweeney (R-NY), to give...

FERC Issues License for North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project.
November 18, 2003... The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently issued a new 35-year operating license for PacifiCorp's 185-megawatt North Umpqua Hydroelectric Project in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. According to FERC, the new license...

Constellation Reevaluates Investment in Geothermal Project.
November 18, 2003... Baltimore, MD-based commercial and industrial electricity supplier Constellation Energy Group, Inc. recently reported in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that it is reevaluating its investment strategy in a partnership that...

Germany Shuts Down Nuclear Reactor, Considers Renewables.
November 18, 2003... German officials recently reported that federal environment minister Jurgen Trittin referred to last week's closure of the Stade nuclear reactor near Hamburg as a sign that the country plans to decrease its dependence on nuclear power. ...

Nippon Paper Industries to Install Biomass Technology.
November 18, 2003... Nippon Paper Industries Company, Ltd. recently announced plans to install "next-generation" biomass facilities at the company's Yufutsu Mill in Tomakomai, Japan as part of an effort to develop technologies for the methane fermentation of waste...

NIRS Criticizes NRC's Draft Environmental Justice Policy.
November 19, 2003... Washington, DC-based nuclear watchdog group the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS) recently referred to the draft statement issued earlier this month by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as "[intending] to weaken [NRC's]...

CEC Recommends Approval of Geothermal Power Plant.
November 19, 2003... A California Energy Commission (CEC) siting committee recently recommended that the Salton Sea Unit 6 Geothermal Power Project be approved by the full commission. According to CEC, the Salton Sea project is expected to utilize the steam...

Solaicx Develops Low-Cost, High-Volume Solar Wafers.
November 19, 2003... Los Gatos, CA-based photovoltaic materials manufacturer Solaicx recently announced it has developed a new manufacturing technology to create crystalline silicon solar cells with high conversion efficiency "at very low cost and on a grand...

ISES Publishes White Paper on Renewable Energy.
November 19, 2003... The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) recently announced the publication of a new white paper that outlines the technologies, policy instruments, market forces and socioeconomic measures necessary for governments "to enjoy the benefits...

NIWA Scientist Promotes Use of Tidal Power.
November 19, 2003... In a recent edition of the National Centre for Climate-Energy Solutions' Climate-Energy Matters newsletter, scientist Derek Goring of New Zealand's National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) promoted the use of tidal power in the...

Akeena Solar Sues Local CA Town Over Restrictions.
November 20, 2003... Los Gatos, CA-based renewable energy services provider Akeena Solar recently announced it has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County against the town of Los Gatos, alleging that the locality "unlawfully...

Navigant Consulting Joins EPA Green Power Partnership.
November 20, 2003... Navigant Consulting, Inc. recently announced it has joined the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Green Power Partnership, a voluntary program to reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation by building demand for green power....

McKenzie Bay to Install Rooftop Wind Turbine.
November 20, 2003... McKenzie Bay International, Ltd. recently announced an agreement to install a WindStor system, which comprises a 100-kilowatt (kW) Dermond wind turbine (DWT), a Dermond system integrator and a 500-kW battery, atop an apartment building in...

Meridian Supports Proposed Project Aqua Project.
November 20, 2003... New Zealand power company Meridian Energy recently touted Project Aqua, a proposed hydroelectric scheme that would run along the south side of the lower Waitaki Valley, as "a big part of the answer to the electricity generation issues facing...

Canadian Hydro Requests Review of Decision on Dunvegan Project.
November 20, 2003... Calgary, Alberta-based renewable energy producer Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. recently announced it has made a formal request to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and the Natural Resources Conservation Board for a review of last March's...

EST Estimates U.K. Household Solar Power Capacity.
November 21, 2003... The Energy Saving Trust (EST) recently released new figures indicating that U.K. households are capable of generating $2.5 billion pounds (about $4.2 billion) worth of solar energy per year. According to EST, domestic photovoltaic (PV)...

Pacific Hydro to Open Wind Farm in Australia.
November 21, 2003... Australian electric utility Pacific Hydro, Ltd. recently announced that the official opening of the new 52.5-megawatt, 35-turbine Challicum Hills Wind Farm in Victoria, Australia is scheduled for this weekend. The company noted that...

ALSTOM to Supply Equipment for Hydro Project in Sudan.
November 21, 2003... Paris, France-based global energy and transport infrastructure specialist ALSTOM recently announced it has received a 250-million-euro (about $297.8-million) contract from the Republic of the Sudan's Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources...

Nova Scotia Power, Atlantic Wind Power Sign Agreement.
November 21, 2003... Nova Scotia Power recently announced it has signed an agreement with Atlantic Wind Power Corporation, Ltd. to increase wind energy generating capacity in the province. Under the 15-year agreement, the companies said Atlantic Wind Power is...

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to Launch PV Program.
November 21, 2003... The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) recently announced plans to issue a new request for proposals (RFP) for projects involving installation and use of photovoltaic (PV) technology in commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. ...

Sterling Planet to Provide RECs to Green Power Group Partners.
November 24, 2003... Atlanta, GA-based renewable energy sales and development firm Sterling Planet, Inc. recently announced that corporate partners of the World Resource Institute's (WRI) Green Power Market Development Group have begun buying its Green America...

Kettle Foods Completes Installation of Solar System.
November 24, 2003... Portland, OR-based natural snack manufacturer Kettle Foods, Inc.; the Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc.; Portland General Electric; and the Oregon Department of Energy recently announced the installation of a new 114-kilowatt solar system atop...

UCSY Signs MOU to Manufacture PV Systems in Brazil.
November 24, 2003... Universal Communication Systems, Inc. (UCSY) recently announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding for a major licensing agreement with Heliotek Maquinas e Equipamentos, Ltda., a Brazilian manufacturer of thermal solar panels. ...

Great Lakes Hydro Acquires Three Hydroelectric Facilities.
November 24, 2003... Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund recently announced the acquisition of three hydroelectric power plants in the northeastern United States from Norwegian-based power company Hafslund for $30 million. According to Great Lakes Hydro, the...

Canadian Hydro Reports Third-quarter Financial Results.
November 24, 2003... Calgary, Alberta-based Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. recently announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, reporting a quarterly net income of $1.4 million, or two cents per diluted share, compared to a net income...

Pierce College Dedicates New Solar Energy System.
November 25, 2003... Officials with Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) recently announced the dedication of a new 191-kilowatt (kW) solar generation system atop a school carport structure. According to...

U.K. Launches North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm.
November 25, 2003... Greenpeace U.K. recently announced the launch of the 30-turbine, 60-megawatt (MW) North Hoyle offshore wind farm, which is expected to supply enough clean power for up to 50,000 homes and offset the release of approximately 160,000 tons of...

Washington Voters 'Solidly Behind' More Renewable Energy.
November 25, 2003... The Renew Washington Campaign recently announced the results of a new poll which found that of 600 state voters surveyed, 93 percent and 95 percent, respectively, favor increased use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. According to...

Bechtel Announces National Clean Energy Venture Winners.
November 25, 2003... San Francisco, CA-based global engineering and construction firm Bechtel Corporation recently announced that Albuquerque, NM-based Advent Solar, Inc. won the 2003 National Clean Energy Venture Competition at the 16th National Renewable Energy...