| Green Energy |
| WIND POWER |
| SOLAR POWER |
BIO-DIESEL - fuel comprised from natural oils, like soybeans; made through a process where the glycerin is
seperated from the fat or oil. Bio-diesel costs less than $1 per gallon.
STRAIGHT VEGETABLE OIL (SVO) - can be new or used vegetable oil that has been clean and/or filtered.
SVO does not emit sulfur dioxide and much less carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than a petroleum
diesel. A diesel car can be converted for this.
ETHANOL (E85) - alcohol product from corn, sorghum, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, and biomass such as
cornstalks and vegetable waste; comibined with gasoline reduces greenhouse gases.
seperated from the fat or oil. Bio-diesel costs less than $1 per gallon.
STRAIGHT VEGETABLE OIL (SVO) - can be new or used vegetable oil that has been clean and/or filtered.
SVO does not emit sulfur dioxide and much less carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than a petroleum
diesel. A diesel car can be converted for this.
ETHANOL (E85) - alcohol product from corn, sorghum, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, and biomass such as
cornstalks and vegetable waste; comibined with gasoline reduces greenhouse gases.
| ALTERNATIVE FUELS |
Globally, wind power is the fastest growing electric source. It creates a clean, abundant and inexhaustible
source of energy and has the shortest payback time compared to any other alternative technology. Once the
wind turbines catch the wind (must be at a min. of 10-12 mph), the rotors turns and convert the kinetic
energy into electricity. Unlike solar power, wind power is available 24 hours a day, as long is there is wind.
Wind turbines come in all shapes and sizes and cost approximately $1,000 per kilowatt.
Federal PURPA regulations passed in 1978 allow you to interconnect a suitable renewable energy powered
generator to your house or business to reduce your consumption of utility supplied electricity. This same law
requires utilities to purchase any excess electricity production at a price (avoided cost) usually below the
retail cost of electricity. In about a half-dozen states with "net energy billing options" small systems are
allowed to run the meter backwards, so they get the full retail rate for excess production.
source of energy and has the shortest payback time compared to any other alternative technology. Once the
wind turbines catch the wind (must be at a min. of 10-12 mph), the rotors turns and convert the kinetic
energy into electricity. Unlike solar power, wind power is available 24 hours a day, as long is there is wind.
Wind turbines come in all shapes and sizes and cost approximately $1,000 per kilowatt.
Federal PURPA regulations passed in 1978 allow you to interconnect a suitable renewable energy powered
generator to your house or business to reduce your consumption of utility supplied electricity. This same law
requires utilities to purchase any excess electricity production at a price (avoided cost) usually below the
retail cost of electricity. In about a half-dozen states with "net energy billing options" small systems are
allowed to run the meter backwards, so they get the full retail rate for excess production.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) -The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is researching 3 types of clean,
large-scale solar technologies.
used to generate energy in a steam generator.
Photovoltaics (PV) - capable of producing a voltage when exposed to radiant energy, especially light. Can
be used in many products, small to large.
Solar Heating - uses the power of the sun to provide solar thermal energy to provide process, space or
water heating. The government may provide up to a 30% tax credit for instalation of solat water heaters,
space heaters, or pool heaters. Solar heaters are constructed of solar collectors which collect the sun's
energy to heat air or fluid that is then transfered to the heaters.
Solar Panels can now be rented in some areas of the U.S., since buying can be costly.
large-scale solar technologies.
- Trough Systems
- Dish/Engine Systems
- Power Towers
used to generate energy in a steam generator.
Photovoltaics (PV) - capable of producing a voltage when exposed to radiant energy, especially light. Can
be used in many products, small to large.
Solar Heating - uses the power of the sun to provide solar thermal energy to provide process, space or
water heating. The government may provide up to a 30% tax credit for instalation of solat water heaters,
space heaters, or pool heaters. Solar heaters are constructed of solar collectors which collect the sun's
energy to heat air or fluid that is then transfered to the heaters.
Solar Panels can now be rented in some areas of the U.S., since buying can be costly.
Hydropower is a fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source. Hydropower doesn't pollute the air like power
plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. When flowing water is captured and turned into
electricity, it is called hydroelectric power or hydropower. There are several types of hydroelectric facilities;
they are all powered by the kinetic energy of flowing water as it moves downstream. Turbines and
generators convert the energy into electricity, which is then fed into the electrical grid to be used in homes,
businesses, and by industry.
plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas. When flowing water is captured and turned into
electricity, it is called hydroelectric power or hydropower. There are several types of hydroelectric facilities;
they are all powered by the kinetic energy of flowing water as it moves downstream. Turbines and
generators convert the energy into electricity, which is then fed into the electrical grid to be used in homes,
businesses, and by industry.
| HYDRO POWER |
| BIOMASS |
Biomass can be converted to other usable forms of energy and is an attractive petroleum alternative for a
number of reasons. It is a renewable resource that is more evenly distributed over the Earth's surface than
are finite energy sources, and may be exploited using more environmentally friendly technologies.
Agriculture and forestry residues, and in particular residues from paper mills, are the most common
biomass resources used for generating electricity and power, including industrial process heat and steam,
as well as for a variety of biobased products. Use of liquid transportation fuels such as ethanol and
biodiesel, however, currently derived primarily from agricultural crops, is increasing dramatically.
number of reasons. It is a renewable resource that is more evenly distributed over the Earth's surface than
are finite energy sources, and may be exploited using more environmentally friendly technologies.
Agriculture and forestry residues, and in particular residues from paper mills, are the most common
biomass resources used for generating electricity and power, including industrial process heat and steam,
as well as for a variety of biobased products. Use of liquid transportation fuels such as ethanol and
biodiesel, however, currently derived primarily from agricultural crops, is increasing dramatically.
| For more information visit: biowillie.com earthbiofuels.com tristatebiodiesel.com |
| skystreamenergy.com bigfrogmountain.com |
| FOR YOUR HOME: renu.citizenre.com evergreensolar.com readysolar.com solar.sharpusa.com sunpower.com bigfrogmountain.com |
| Alternative energies can diversify our energy supply, reduce our dependence on foreign fuels, improve air quality and offset greenhouse gas emissions. |
U.S. Wind Power Capacity Surged Up 45% in 2007
The U.S. wind energy industry installed 5,244 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity in 2007, according to
the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The rapid growth shatters all previous records and boosts
the total U.S. wind power capacity by 45% in only one year. The growth even exceeded AWEA's expectations
for 4,000 MW of new capacity, a prediction made just two months ago. In fact, wind power provided 30% of
the new generating capacity installed in the United States in 2007. The total U.S. wind power capacity is now
at 16,818 MW, with wind projects located in 34 states. AWEA estimates that in 2008, U.S. wind power
facilities will generate 48 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, or about 1% of the nation's electricity needs.
AWEA expects similar capacity growth in 2008, although factors such as the availability of new wind turbines
could have an impact on growth. The trade association tallies 3,520 MW of new wind power capacity
currently under construction.
Texas leads the states in terms of new wind power capacity installed in 2007, with 1,618 MW of new
capacity, further cementing the state's lead in total installed wind power capacity.
Wind turbines are also getting bigger, as the largest turbines employed in last year's wind projects was a
3-MW Vestas turbine, installed in California and Texas. Of the projects now under construction, one in
California is employing a 4-MW Mitsubishi turbine. In October 2007, Clipper Windpower established the
Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind in the United Kingdom to develop a 7.5-MW offshore wind turbine,
called the "Britannia Project." At about the same time, American Superconductor Corporation teamed up
with TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company to develop a 10-MW generator for use in offshore wind turbines.
Provided by: www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm
The U.S. wind energy industry installed 5,244 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity in 2007, according to
the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The rapid growth shatters all previous records and boosts
the total U.S. wind power capacity by 45% in only one year. The growth even exceeded AWEA's expectations
for 4,000 MW of new capacity, a prediction made just two months ago. In fact, wind power provided 30% of
the new generating capacity installed in the United States in 2007. The total U.S. wind power capacity is now
at 16,818 MW, with wind projects located in 34 states. AWEA estimates that in 2008, U.S. wind power
facilities will generate 48 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, or about 1% of the nation's electricity needs.
AWEA expects similar capacity growth in 2008, although factors such as the availability of new wind turbines
could have an impact on growth. The trade association tallies 3,520 MW of new wind power capacity
currently under construction.
Texas leads the states in terms of new wind power capacity installed in 2007, with 1,618 MW of new
capacity, further cementing the state's lead in total installed wind power capacity.
Wind turbines are also getting bigger, as the largest turbines employed in last year's wind projects was a
3-MW Vestas turbine, installed in California and Texas. Of the projects now under construction, one in
California is employing a 4-MW Mitsubishi turbine. In October 2007, Clipper Windpower established the
Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind in the United Kingdom to develop a 7.5-MW offshore wind turbine,
called the "Britannia Project." At about the same time, American Superconductor Corporation teamed up
with TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company to develop a 10-MW generator for use in offshore wind turbines.
Provided by: www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm
Nellis Air Force Base Hosts the Largest U.S. Solar PV System
The solar power array at Nellis Air Force Base uses tracking devices to keep the solar panels pointed
toward the sun. Tilted toward the south, each set of solar panels rotates around a central bar to track the
sun from east to west. Enlarge this image.
Credit: Nellis AFB
The largest solar photovoltaic (PV) system in both the United States and in North America has been
installed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The 14-megawatt solar power system will provide about a
quarter of the electricity needs of the base, which is located northeast of Las Vegas. SunPower Corporation
designed and built the power plant using solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system that
follows the sun throughout the day, producing up to 30% more electricity than typical fixed-position solar
panels. MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC financed the plant and will operate it, selling the power to Nellis Air
Force Base at a guaranteed fixed rate for the next 20 years. Nevada Power Company is also supporting the
project by buying all the Renewable Energy Credits generated by the solar array, thereby helping the utility to
meet its renewable energy requirements. Located on 140 acres of land at the western edge of the base, the
PV system comprises 72,000 solar panels.
DOE Invests $21 Million in Next-Generation Solar Cell Research
DOE announced on November 8th that it will invest $21.7 million in researching the next generation of
photovoltaic (PV) solar cell technology. DOE selected a total of 25 research projects, led by 15 universities
and 6 companies, to receive an average of $900,000 over the next three years. The research projects will
employ nanotechnologies, dyes, organic solar cells, multiple-layer solar cells, and unique manufacturing
techniques in their attempts to create the next generation of solar cells. By 2015, the effort is expected to
yield prototype cells and processes, which may be available for commercialization shortly thereafter.
Provided by: www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm
The solar power array at Nellis Air Force Base uses tracking devices to keep the solar panels pointed
toward the sun. Tilted toward the south, each set of solar panels rotates around a central bar to track the
sun from east to west. Enlarge this image.
Credit: Nellis AFB
The largest solar photovoltaic (PV) system in both the United States and in North America has been
installed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The 14-megawatt solar power system will provide about a
quarter of the electricity needs of the base, which is located northeast of Las Vegas. SunPower Corporation
designed and built the power plant using solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system that
follows the sun throughout the day, producing up to 30% more electricity than typical fixed-position solar
panels. MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC financed the plant and will operate it, selling the power to Nellis Air
Force Base at a guaranteed fixed rate for the next 20 years. Nevada Power Company is also supporting the
project by buying all the Renewable Energy Credits generated by the solar array, thereby helping the utility to
meet its renewable energy requirements. Located on 140 acres of land at the western edge of the base, the
PV system comprises 72,000 solar panels.
DOE Invests $21 Million in Next-Generation Solar Cell Research
DOE announced on November 8th that it will invest $21.7 million in researching the next generation of
photovoltaic (PV) solar cell technology. DOE selected a total of 25 research projects, led by 15 universities
and 6 companies, to receive an average of $900,000 over the next three years. The research projects will
employ nanotechnologies, dyes, organic solar cells, multiple-layer solar cells, and unique manufacturing
techniques in their attempts to create the next generation of solar cells. By 2015, the effort is expected to
yield prototype cells and processes, which may be available for commercialization shortly thereafter.
Provided by: www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm
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DOE Offers Up to $4 Million for Biomass to Biofuel Research
DOE released a solicitation last week that offers up to $4 million for university research into cost-effective,
environmentally friendly ways to convert biomass into biofuel. Twelve U.S. universities will be selected for
funding, and each of them will contribute a minimum of 20% of the cost share, resulting in about $4.8 million
being invested in these projects. The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeks projects that improve
the conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels through biochemical, thermochemical, and chemical
processes and is focused on lowering production costs and increasing yields and productivity. While the
FOA is mainly focused on conventional biomass sources, it also includes the enhanced production of oils
from algae. Applications are due on June 2.
DOE released a solicitation last week that offers up to $4 million for university research into cost-effective,
environmentally friendly ways to convert biomass into biofuel. Twelve U.S. universities will be selected for
funding, and each of them will contribute a minimum of 20% of the cost share, resulting in about $4.8 million
being invested in these projects. The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeks projects that improve
the conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels through biochemical, thermochemical, and chemical
processes and is focused on lowering production costs and increasing yields and productivity. While the
FOA is mainly focused on conventional biomass sources, it also includes the enhanced production of oils
from algae. Applications are due on June 2.
