Archive for the 'Power' Category
September 3rd, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
When you are trying to make the case for sustainable energy, it’s good to have the cold, hard facts on your side. But many renewable energy projects don’t keep those kind of detailed records that can persuade skeptics. Now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is preparing to get that kind of data from a geothermal installation that will be part of a new Ikea store in Centennial Colorado.
Continue reading ‘Ikea Store Could Become Geothermal Model’
September 2nd, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Dust removing technology developed by NASA for robotic machines working on Mars might be an ideal application on solar panels. Large-scale solar power plants are increasingly landing in desert and arid areas across the globe. However, solar arrays in these areas are susceptible to dust and grime collection. Dr. Malay Mazumder from Boston University says a dust layer of 4 grams per square meter can reduce a solar panel’s efficiency by 40%.
Continue reading ‘Dust Removing Technology Could Increase Solar Panel Efficiency’
September 1st, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Columbia University researcher Shahzeen Attari conducted a survey of 505 Americans in 427 different zip codes, and 34 states, about energy conservation. Her study indicated that the sample group was not aware of the most effective measures they could take to save energy. Turning lights off was selected as the best choice by the survey participants. Options such as purchasing fuel efficient cars, energy conserving appliances and weatherizing homes, which actually do make an impact, were not popular with the participants. Attari said that many people in the study seemed to believe in taking steps like turning off lights or unplugging cell phone chargers. 2.8 percent of the participants said that sleeping more and relaxing more would reduce their energy consumption.
Continue reading ‘Americans in the Dark about Energy Conservation’
August 28th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Industry survey reveals challenges of smart grid conversion efforts. As efforts to modernize the electricity grid role out across America, there’s evidence that using smart grid technology will prove a tough sell to consumers, according to “Smart Grid: Achieving Customer Buy-in” a new report by Energy Business Reports.
Continue reading ‘Achieving Customer Adoption of the Smart Grid is Key to its Success’
August 27th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Backers of Scottish independence from the United Kingdom may be calling for the country’s fair share of profits from North Sea gas and oil revenues, but others are banking on its alternative energy future. Already home to Europe’s biggest onshore wind farm—the 322-megawatt Whitelee facility—the wind-swept, surf-pounded nation is hoping to use its water-drenched geography to ramp up renewable energy production.
Continue reading ‘Scotland Moves toward Tidal Power’
August 27th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Portugal is doing more than its part to move away from traditional energy sources and cut greenhouse gases. Lead by the likes of EDP-Energias de Portugal SA (PINK:EDPFY), the world’s fourth-largest wind power company—with clean-energy operations stretching from Europe to North America—Portugal has become an example for many countries to follow.
Continue reading ‘Portugal – Green Energy Powerhouse’
August 26th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
It appears the business community is closer to having standards set up for reporting greenhouse gas emissions, as more than 60 global firms have finished testing new a new technique for reporting emissions. 62 businesses from 17 countries, including 3M, IKEA, and PepsiCo. tested standards developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Continue reading ‘Global Businesses Trial GHG Emissions Standards’
August 25th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
One of the biggest obstacles with heating a building in the winter time is that the fresh air drawn in through the ventilation system is cold and must be warmed to make it comfortable. Thirteen percent of American energy is used to heat residential and commercial buildings.
Continue reading ‘Innovative Solar Air Collector Reduces Heating Costs’
August 24th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Although Vestas’ big second-quarter losses might point to the contrary, investor confidence in the cleantech sector is bullish. A report, compiled by IMAP, a global network of merger and acquisition advisory firms, shows that the number of mergers and acquisitions in the alternative energy sectors rose 54% last year. IMAP’s research shows that mergers and acquisitions in renewable energy’s three major sectors — solar power, wind energy, and biofuels — was worth US$20.4 billion last year.
Continue reading ‘Mergers & Acquisitions Point to Renewable Energy Growth’
August 23rd, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Beacon Power Corporation has finalized a $43 million loan guarantee from the Department of Energy for an innovative flywheel energy storage project in Stephentown, NY. The 20 megawatt Flywheel Plant is the latest step by New York State toward improve its electric grid management, and is the first of its kind in the world.
Continue reading ‘Improving New York’s Electric Grid’