Renewable Energy Today articles from September 2005

Renewable Energy Today archives from September 2005

CA Million Solar Roofs Bill Passes Final Committee.
September 1, 2005... Environment California recently reported that the California State Assembly's Committee on Appropriations approved late last week SB 1, the Million Solar Roofs bill, legislation coauthored by state senator Kevin Murray and state assemblyman...

Iberdrola Commences Expansion of Albacete Wind Farm.
September 1, 2005... Iberdrola recently announced that it has begun the expansion of the Virgen de Belen I wind farm, located in the town of Bonete in Spain's Albacete province. According to Iberdrola, the installation has been expanded by 10 megawatts (MW),...

Infocast to Host Energy Venture Fair VI in Boston.
September 1, 2005... Infocast will host "Energy Venture Fair VI: Incorporating Clean and Environmental Technologies," November 2 and 3 at the Hilton Boston Back Bay Hotel in Boston, MA. According to Infocast, the event will cover all areas of the energy...

Siemens Awarded Control System Contract for NYPA Hydro Plant.
September 1, 2005... Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution recently announced that its Energy Management and Automation (EMA) division has been awarded a contract to provide New York Power Authority (NYPA) with a new Spectrum Power TG supervisory control and...

Next Week's Publishing Schedule.
September 2, 2005... EIN will not publish its newsletters on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume our regular production schedule on Tuesday, September 6. (EIN EDITOR: 9/1)

FPL to Build Third Wind Farm in North Dakota.
September 2, 2005... FPL Energy, LLC recently announced it has received the necessary approvals to begin construction on a new 49.5-megawatt wind energy center in Burleigh County, ND. FPL said it will build, own and operate the new Wilton Wind Energy Center,...

Polaris Geothermal Reports Second-quarter Financial Results.
September 2, 2005... Toronto, Ontario-based renewable energy resource company Polaris Geothermal, Inc. recently announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, reporting a quarterly net loss of $970,572, or three cents per share, compared to a...

Mighty River Power to Study Wind Potential at Site in Turitea.
September 2, 2005... New Zealand energy generator and retailer Mighty River Power recently announced that the Palmerston North City Council has asked the company to work with the city to investigate the feasibility of developing wind power at a reserve in Turitea...

DOE Awards $16.5 Million for Renewable, Efficiency Efforts.
September 2, 2005... Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Samuel Bodman announced earlier this week that DOE will provide $16.5 million for 178 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 42 states. According to DOE, state energy offices will use the...

Nova Scotia to Study Tidal Energy in Bay of Fundy.
September 2, 2005... The Nova Scotia Department of Energy recently announced that it will collaborate with New Brunswick and five U.S. jurisdictions in conducting a feasibility study of the use of tidal flow generators in the Bay of Fundy. According to the...

Weekly Update.
September 2, 2005... 6TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES, September 7-9, 2005, Westin Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA RENEWABLES FINANCE 2005, September 7-9, 2005, Sheraton Colonial Hotel & Golf Club, Wakefield, MA NORTH...

Operations Resume at WestLorne BioOil Pyrolysis Plant.
September 5, 2005... DynaMotive Energy Systems recently announced that the West Lorne BioOil pyrolysis plant has restarted operations following a shutdown for maintenance last month. According to DynaMotive, plant startup procedures began on August 25, with...

Solaris Nanosciences Demonstrates Rechargeable Solar Cell.
September 5, 2005... Providence, RI-based Solaris Nanosciences Corporation recently announced its demonstration of a completely rechargeable dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) that offers reduced manufacturing costs and extended photovoltaic (PV) system life. ...

Idaho Power Asks IPUC To Approve Wind Contract.
September 5, 2005... Idaho Power recently announced it is seeking authority to enter into a contract to purchase 10 megawatts of wind power from the Arrow Rock Wind Project in Montana. Idaho Power is petitioning the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC),...

Renewable Energy Van Makes Appearance at New England Fair.
September 5, 2005... The New England Coalition recently announced that its renewable energy van provided off-grid electricity for the music stage at the Guilford Fair in Vermont this past weekend. "As the causes of global warming become clearer every day, it...

Holiday Publishing Schedule Correction.
September 7, 2005... Although EIN was not open for business on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day, we mistakenly printed the date of the holiday on the newsletters intended for Tuesday delivery. We resume our regular production schedule with today's...

Schumer Urges U.S. to Consider GIPA Hydropower Proposal.
September 7, 2005... Local New York newspaper the Times Union recently reported that U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is sponsoring a rider to the energy and water appropriations bill that calls for the federal government to consider a Green Island Power...

UNDP Announces Renewable Energy Loan Program.
September 7, 2005... The Inquirer News Service recently reported that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has initiated a $2.6-million loan guarantee fund (LGF) with Banco de Oro Universal Bank of the Philippines to fund renewable energy initiatives. ...

Hydro Tasmania Benefits From Recent Flooding.
September 7, 2005... The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) recently reported that heavy rains, which raised water levels at Great Lake by more than 17 inches, have resulted in increased storage at local hydropower facilities -- to 32.5 percent of total...

SEFI to Host 2nd Annual Roundtable in New York City.
September 7, 2005... The United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative (SEFI) will hold its 2nd Sustainable Energy Finance Roundtable, the theme of which is "Creating the Climate for Change," on October 27 at the Park Central...

Hollywood Actor Backs Proposed Wind Project in NY.
September 7, 2005... Newsday recently reported that actor and Long Island native Alec Baldwin has pledged his support for the construction of a new offshore wind park, proposed by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), in a number of radio spots. Newsday...

Consumers Energy Secures Capacity to Support Renewables.
September 8, 2005... Consumers Energy recently announced it has reached supply purchase agreements for renewable energy with five independent developers proposing seven separate projects in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The electricity generated by the renewable...

PNM Files for PRC Approval of Solar Power Program.
September 8, 2005... New Mexican utility PNM recently filed for approval from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) of a new program aimed at increasing the amount of solar energy generated in the state as part of the utility's 2006 Renewable Energy...

Gamesa to Supply Generators for Mexican Wind Farm.
September 8, 2005... Gamesa Eolica, in consortium with Iberdrola Ingenieria y Construccion (Iberinco), has signed a contract in Mexico with the national electricity commission, Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE), to construct the new La Venta II wind farm in...

U.K. Announces Latest Solar Projects to Win Grants.
September 8, 2005... The U.K. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently reported that British energy minister Malcolm Wicks announced late last month the latest successful solar energy schemes that will receive government funding through the Solar...

CH Energy Subsidiary Invests in Regional Wind Projects.
September 9, 2005... CH Energy Group, Inc. recently announced that its Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation subsidiary will invest up to $5.5 million in two mid-Atlantic region wind energy projects through a joint venture with Community Energy, Inc. ...

Bangor Hydro-Electric Names New Preisdent and COO.
September 9, 2005... Bangor Hydro-Electric Company recently announced the appointment of Rob Bennett as the company's new president and chief operating officer. According to Bangor Hydro-Electric, Bennett's goals as president includes elevating and promoting...

LLEG Reports Progress on NY Renewables Project.
September 9, 2005... Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc. (LLEG) recently announced that it has completed a number of milestones related to its conversion of a natural gas-powered cogeneration plant in the Buffalo, NY area to run on wood chips. According to LLEG, the...

SDF, SmartPower Launch Renewables Media Campaign.
September 9, 2005... The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) and SmartPower recently announced they are launching a television and radio campaign in southeastern Pennsylvania to promote the use of clean energy by homes and businesses. SDF and SmartPower noted...

Businesses, Groups Urge Congress to Enact New Energy Bill.
September 9, 2005... In a letter delivered earlier this week to the leadership of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, 21 businesses and environmental and energy policy organizations from across the country called upon Congress to develop a new energy...

Weekly Update.
September 9, 2005... NORTH CAROLINA SMALL WIND INITIATIVE'S (SWI) INTRODUCTION TO WIND POWER WITH R&D SITE TOUR: WIND IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, September 10, 2005, Appalachian State University SWI Research and Demonstration Site, Boone, NC RESOURCE 05: LOW CARBON...

CEI Closes $50 Million Financing on NJ, PA Wind Farms.
September 12, 2005... Community Energy, Inc. (CEI), recently announced it has closed a $50-million investor financing package on two new wind energy generation facilities under construction in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. According to CEI, the company partnered...

Western Wind Acquires Windridge Power Facility in CA.
September 12, 2005... Western Wind Energy Corporation recently announced it has completed payment of $660,000 Canadian (approximately $550,000 U.S.) for the purchase of the Windridge wind energy generation facility located in Tehachapi, CA. According to Western...

Opponents Prepare to Fight Proposed New Zealand Wind Park.
September 12, 2005... Local New Zealand newspaper Hawke's Bay Today recently reported that opponents to a planned 75-turbine wind farm near Titiokura Summit on New Zealand's North Island are marshalling their forces. The project was unanimously approved by the...

Ontario Reports 'Overwhelming' Response to Renewables RFP.
September 13, 2005... The provincial government of Ontario has reported receipt of proposals for more than double the amount of clean energy called for in a recent request for proposals (RFP). The government is seeking up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new...

Scottish Official Announces Measures to Harness Marine Power.
September 13, 2005... The Scottish Executive recently announced that deputy first minister and enterprise minister Ninol Stephen informed Offshore Europe delegates last week at the new Science and Energy Park in Aberdeen of plans to take action to award additional...

Local NZ Geothermal Project Awarded Emissions Units.
September 13, 2005... The government of New Zealand recently awarded more than 1.2 million internationally tradable emissions units to Mighty River Power's proposed 70-megawatt Kawerau geothermal electricity scheme. The government noted that steam for the...

Environment Court Grants Consent for Awhitu Wind Farm.
September 13, 2005... Genesis Energy recently announced a decision by the Environment Court of New Zealand which grants the company resource consent to proceed with development of a wind farm on the Awhitu peninsula, south of Aukland. According to Genesis...

Infocast to Host Energy & Environmental Policy Summit.
September 13, 2005... Infocast will host Energy & Environmental Policy, a summit divided into two separate events, November 1 through 4 at the Almas Temple in Washington, DC. The first two days of the summit will focus on "Energy Policy and Regulation:...

Million Solar Roofs Bill Dies in California Assembly.
September 14, 2005... Environment California recently announced that the Million Solar Roofs bill (SB 1), a proposed piece of statewide solar power policy legislation, failed to gain passage last Friday in the California Assembly. According to Environment...

Groups Criticize Exelon/ComEd for Reverse on Sustainable Energy.
September 14, 2005... The Citizens Utility Board recently announced that a coalition of environmental and consumer groups has criticized Exelon/Commonwealth Edison's (ComEd) decision to break its commitment to purchasing eight percent of its power from renewable...

Canadian Hydro Breaks Ground on Melancthon Grey Wind Farm.
September 14, 2005... Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. recently broke ground for the Melancthon Grey Wind Project in Shelburne, Ontario. According to Canadian Hydro, the $120-million Canadian (about $102-million) project will include 45 wind turbines and have a...

Green Buildings Open House to Be Held Throughout Northeast.
September 14, 2005... The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is organizing the 2005 Green Buildings Open House, an opportunity for the public to tour homes and other buildings taking advantage of renewable energy and other green building technologies,...

GreenFuel Delivers Emissions-to-biofuels Trial System.
September 15, 2005... GreenFuel Technologies Corporation recently announced the delivery of its first Advance Module emissions-to-biofuels field trial system to a large electricity generating customer. According to GreenFuel, the Advance Module is scaled to...

SEF Helps Finance Challenger Combustion System for PA Company.
September 15, 2005... The Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) recently announced that custom cabinetry manufacturer Kountry Kraft, Inc. of Newmanstown, PA has installed a Challenger Combustion System to burn wood scraps and sawdust to generate steam heat. According...

Proposed PPM Wind Farm Draws Resistance From CA Locals.
September 15, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that a 130-turbine wind farm which PPM Energy has proposed constructing near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve has come under fire from locals who claim the project could despoil the...

S.S Lootah Announces New Renewables Development Initiative.
September 15, 2005... Dubai-based S.S. Lootah International, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions in the Gulf Region, recently announced the establishment of the International Energy Group (IEG), an initiative designed to "develop commercially viable...

British Company Proposes New Wind Turbines on Mersey River.
September 15, 2005... Local British newspaper the Liverpool Daily Post recently reported that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company is looking to build five new 400-foot-tall, three-megawatt wind turbines on the wall of the Mersey River under a newly proposed...

Siemens Receives Wind Turbine Order From FPL Energy.
September 16, 2005... Siemens Power Generation recently announced an agreement with FPL Energy for the manufacturing, installation and commissioning of its 2.3-megawatt (MW) Mk II wind turbines. Siemens noted that delivery of the wind turbines, which will total...

Work Begins on Niagara Tunnel Excavation Project.
September 16, 2005... Ontario Power Generation recently announced that work has started on the Niagara Tunnel project in Ontario, which is aimed at increasing the power output from the Sir Adam Beck complex at Niagara Falls. According to Ontario Power, a tunnel...

GE's Energy Financial Services to Acquire Alsleben Wind Project.
September 16, 2005... GE's Energy Financial Services unit recently announced an agreement to acquire the 55-megawatt Alsleben project, located between Magdeburg and Halle, Germany, from EAB Technology Group. According to GE, Alsleben is one of Germany's largest...

New Report Assesses Chinese Solar Panel Industry.
September 16, 2005... Research and Markets recently announced the availability of a new report, titled "Solar Panels in China," which includes detailed information on 19 leading solar panel suppliers' manufacturing capabilities, product offerings and future plans....

Weekly Update.
September 16, 2005... NORTH CAROLINA SMALL WIND INITIATIVE'S (SWI) WHISPER H80 GRID-TIE INSTALLATION WORKSHOP, September 17-18, 2005, Appalachian State University SWI Research and Demonstration Site, Boone, NC 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS AND INNOVATION FAIR:...

Xantrex, Clipper Sign Wind Converter Supply Agreement.
September 19, 2005... Xantrex Technology, Inc. recently announced it has signed a framework agreement with Clipper Windpower Technology, Inc. under which Xantrex will supply wind converters for Clipper's new 2.5-megawatt Liberty wind turbine. According to...

Nevada Geothermal to Proceed With Brokered Private Placement.
September 19, 2005... Nevada Geothermal Power, Inc. recently announced it will proceed with a brokered private placement for up to 11.1 million units at a price of 90 cents Canadian (approximately 76 cents U.S.) per unit to raise gross proceeds of up to 10 million...

Former NREL Director Elected to Xcel Energy Board.
September 19, 2005... Xcel Energy recently announced that retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and former National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) director Richard Truly has been elected to the company's board of directors. According to Xcel, Truly, who also...

BECOL Announces Completion of Chalillo Hydro Project.
September 19, 2005... Fortis, Inc. subsidiary BECOL recently announced that construction of the 7.3-megawatt Chalillo Hydroelectric Project is "substantially" complete and that electricity is now being generated at the facility. According to BECOL, the...

USDA Announces Nearly $21 Million for Renewable Energy.
September 19, 2005... U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) secretary Mike Johanns recently announced the selection of 150 applicants to receive nearly $21 million in USDA Rural Development grant assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 32...

Clinton Global Initiative to Help Finance New Wind Farms.
September 20, 2005... American Indian-owned renewable energy company NativeEnergy and the William J. Clinton Foundation recently announced that the Clinton Global Initiative will help finance Native American-owned wind farms to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) related...

Chrysalix Announces New Clean Energy Investments.
September 20, 2005... Vancouver, British Columbia-based Chrysalix Energy Management, a global venture capital firm focused on early stage clean energy technologies, recently announced three new investments by Chrysalix Energy II U.S. Limited Partnership -- Ardica...

Powerex Introduces New Series of Intelligent Power Modules.
September 20, 2005... Youngwood, PA-based Powerex recently announced the introduction of a new series of intelligent power modules (IPMs) designed for use in photovoltaic (PV) inverter applications. According to Powerex, the new IPMs are optimized for operation...

GE Energy Turbines Selected for New Chinese Wind Projects.
September 20, 2005... GE Energy recently announced that Beijing Guotou Energy Conservation Company has selected the company as the turbine supplier for two new wind farms in China's Hebei and Xinjiang provinces. According to GE Energy, the Hebei Zhangbei Wind...

Allsteel Uses 'Solar Sunflowers' to Help Power Corporate HQ.
September 21, 2005... Office furniture manufacturer Allsteel, Inc. recently announced its utilization of a series of "Solar Sunflowers" -- 20-foot-high solar energy generation units -- to help generate power for the company's corporate headquarters in Iowa. ...

Safeway Partners With EPA to Purchase Wind for Fuel Stations.
September 21, 2005... Safeway, Inc. recently announced that it will, through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Green Power Partnership, purchase 100-percent renewable energy to power the company's 270 fuel stations in the U.S. Under the partnership,...

SOL Installs Solar-powered Lighting Systems in New Orleans.
September 21, 2005... Palm City, FL-based Solar Outdoor Lighting, Inc. (SOL) recently announced it is working with the Louisiana State Police on the installation of 30 new solar-powered lighting systems at critically designated areas in and around New Orleans. ...

WorldWater & Power Announces Acquisition of MJD Solutions.
September 21, 2005... WorldWater & Power Corporation recently announced its acquisition of photovoltaic system designer and installer MJD Solutions, Inc., d/b/a Quantum Energy Group, to assist with the design and construction of WorldWater projects. WorldWater...

WGA Solar Task Force Identifies 8-GW Solar Goal for 2015.
September 21, 2005... The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently announced the release of a new report produced for the Western Governors' Association (WGA) which indicates that "with a longer-term federal investment tax credit and state-based...

SCHOTT AG to Acquire RWE Share of RWE SCHOTT Solar.
September 22, 2005... SCHOTT AG recently announced it will acquire the 50-percent share that RWE Solutions AG holds in RWE SCHOTT Solar GmbH, making SCHOTT the sole shareholder in the joint venture. SCHOTT noted that the company will conduct business under its...

United Solar Ovonic Enters Into MOU With TJIC.
September 22, 2005... Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) recently announced that its United Solar Ovonic subsidiary has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tianjin Jinneng Investment Company (TJIC) for the formation of a joint venture to...

Hydro Tasmania Announces Sale of Studland Bay RECs.
September 22, 2005... Hydro Tasmania recently announced the sale to Aurora Energy of the renewable energy certificates (RECs) for its planned 75-megawatt Studland Bay Wind Farm, located on Tasmania's northwest coast. Hydro Tasmania noted that the sale is a...

GAO Report Acknowledges Need for Wind Project Oversight.
September 22, 2005... The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report citing "minimal oversight" in the wind power plant approval process, noting that state and local officials often lack expertise to...

NJ American Water to Debut New Ground-mounted Solar System.
September 23, 2005... New Jersey American Water recently announced plans to debut, on October 11, a new ground-mounted solar electric system at its Canal Road Water Treatment Plant in Somerset, NJ. the utility noted that the 500-kilowatt system was designed and...

SunTechnics Establishes New Subsidiary in United States.
September 23, 2005... European renewable energy system supplier SunTechnics recently announced it has established a new U.S. subsidiary, dubbed SunTechnics Energy Systems, Inc., that is headquartered in Sacramento, CA. SunTechnics noted that Karl-Heinz Toenges,...

Iberdrola to Purchase Polish Wind Energy Developer.
September 23, 2005... Iberdrola recently announced it has reached an agreement with German-based wind farm developer Eternegy to buy Polish company MVV Eternegy Polska. Iberdrola noted that MVV Eternegy Polska currently owns eight wind farms with a combined...

U.K. Minister Publishes RO Statutory Consultation Document.
September 23, 2005... The U.K. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently announced that energy minister Malcom Wicks outlined earlier this week a limited number of options aimed at helping further improve the effectiveness of the Renewables Obligation (RO)....

Western GeoPower Reports Six-month Financial Results.
September 23, 2005... Vancouver, British Columbia-based Western GeoPower Corporation, a company focused on the development of its South Meager Geothermal Project, recently announced its financial results for the six months ended June 30, reporting a consolidated...

Weekly Update.
September 23, 2005... SOLAR POWER 2005 CONFERENCE & EXPO, October 5-9, 2005, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, Washington, DC REMOTE MONITORING, CONTROL & AUTOMATION/ONSITE POWER, October 6-7, 2005, Peabody Orlando Hotel, Orlando, FL IRISH WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION...

Mass Megawatts Reports First-quarter Financial Results.
September 26, 2005... Worcester, MA-based Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Inc. recently announced its financial results for the first quarter ended July 31, reporting a quarterly net loss of $45,700, or two cents per share, compared to a net loss of $148,565, or five...

NEC Acquires Acquires Majority Interest in ME Biomass Facility.
September 26, 2005... New Energy Capital Corporation (NEC) recently announced the acquisition of a majority interest in the Greenville Steam Company (GSC), a 16-megawatt, biomass-fired power generation facility in Greenville, ME. NEC acquired the plant from...

Wind Industry Achieves 50 GW of Installed Capacity Worldwide.
September 26, 2005... The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) recently announced that the total worldwide capacity of installed wind energy has reached 50 gigawatts (GW). According to GWEC, installed generating capacity increased 20 percent in 2004. "Wind energy...

EMA to Host 9th Annual Fall Conference in San Francisco.
September 26, 2005... The Environmental Markets Association (EMA) will host its 9th Annual Fall Conference from November 6 through 9 at the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco, CA. EMA will offer a pre-conference "Introduction to Emissions Trading Workshop" on...

EIN Offers New Option for Raising Awareness of Your Company.
September 27, 2005... Many EIN subscribers have expressed interest in reaching other industry leaders and decision makers through our daily publications. While our subscribers already enjoy the benefit of a complementary link to their company on the EIN website, we...

CA Elementary School Receives Solar System From SPG.
September 27, 2005... Sun Power & Geothermal Energy Company, Inc. (SPG) and California's Kentfield School District recently dedicated a 155-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the elementary school campus that provides 100 percent of the school's electric...

EMG Adds New Mexican Wind Project to Renewables Portfolio.
September 27, 2005... Edison International recently announced that Edison Mission Group, Inc. (EMG), through one of its project subsidiaries, has entered into an agreement to acquire a 120-megawatt (MW) wind project in eastern New Mexico from Padoma Windpower, LLC,...