Tom Gage of AC Propulsion is a driving force in the world of electric cars -- latimes.com: "The future is current: Gasoline engines can be great for power or for fuel economy, but not both, Gage said. That's a compromise that electric cars don't have to make. He said vehicles running AC Propulsion's drivetrain, called the tzero, can have bullet-like acceleration yet still get from point A to point B for just a few pennies' worth of juice. The only limitation is range, which is rapidly increasing as lithium battery technology improves.
'The most compelling feature is that you don't use petroleum,' Gage said. 'For many uses, electrics are superior.'"
Sunday, August 30, 2009
TH!NK Back in Business | Green Energy News
TH!NK Back in Business | Green Energy News:
"The Norwegian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has announced that the Norwegian courts have approved its debt settlement plan, enabling the company to exit court protection. Effectively, this puts Think back in business and in a position to resume normal operations in terms of the manufacture and sale of new electric vehicles (EVs), namely, its latest TH!NK City model.
Think CEO Richard Canny said: “This court ruling completes the final step in our return to normal operations. It is an important day for Think, and we would like to thank our creditors and suppliers for their continued support, and to show our appreciation to Think’s very patient and loyal customers – this means we can re-start production of the TH!NK City as soon as possible.”"
"The Norwegian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer has announced that the Norwegian courts have approved its debt settlement plan, enabling the company to exit court protection. Effectively, this puts Think back in business and in a position to resume normal operations in terms of the manufacture and sale of new electric vehicles (EVs), namely, its latest TH!NK City model.
Think CEO Richard Canny said: “This court ruling completes the final step in our return to normal operations. It is an important day for Think, and we would like to thank our creditors and suppliers for their continued support, and to show our appreciation to Think’s very patient and loyal customers – this means we can re-start production of the TH!NK City as soon as possible.”"
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Toyota Bets Against The Electric Revolution
Toyota Bets Against The Electric Revolution: "'The time is not here,” for electric cars.
They're right, the time is not here, not now. In three years though? It looks more and more likely that it will be.
So why isn't Toyota plowing all its PR muscle resources into electric cars? Tabuchi says:
* Batteries aren't ready.
* Toyota doesn't want to churn out some crap electric that tarnishes the brand.
* Electric cars are going to be expensive, with low margins.
* Have you noticed the $4.4 billion loss from last year? Maybe not the best time to burn a billion dollars on an electric project.
* Is the mass market ready for an electric car? Probably not.
* Hydrogen! Toyota is developing a better alternative car technology
."
They're right, the time is not here, not now. In three years though? It looks more and more likely that it will be.
So why isn't Toyota plowing all its PR muscle resources into electric cars? Tabuchi says:
* Batteries aren't ready.
* Toyota doesn't want to churn out some crap electric that tarnishes the brand.
* Electric cars are going to be expensive, with low margins.
* Have you noticed the $4.4 billion loss from last year? Maybe not the best time to burn a billion dollars on an electric project.
* Is the mass market ready for an electric car? Probably not.
* Hydrogen! Toyota is developing a better alternative car technology
."
Toyota Bets Against The Electric Revolution
Toyota Bets Against The Electric Revolution: "Tabuchi says:
* Batteries aren't ready.
* Toyota doesn't want to churn out some crap electric that tarnishes the brand.
* Electric cars are going to be expensive, with low margins.
* Have you noticed the $4.4 billion loss from last year? Maybe not the best time to burn a billion dollars on an electric project.
* Is the mass market ready for an electric car? Probably not.
* Hydrogen! Toyota is developing a better alternative car technology."
* Batteries aren't ready.
* Toyota doesn't want to churn out some crap electric that tarnishes the brand.
* Electric cars are going to be expensive, with low margins.
* Have you noticed the $4.4 billion loss from last year? Maybe not the best time to burn a billion dollars on an electric project.
* Is the mass market ready for an electric car? Probably not.
* Hydrogen! Toyota is developing a better alternative car technology."
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tech.view: Sticker shock | The Economist
Tech.view: Sticker shock | The Economist: "Such an analysis has actually been done by engineers at AC Propulsion, a firm in the Los Angeles area that makes parts for electric cars. Their conclusion was that around eight miles per kilowatt-hour is the equivalent of 100mpg. So forget GM’s outlandish claims: the Chevy Volt will get at best 50mpg in the city. As your correspondent noted at the beginning, that is not at all bad—but it is nowhere near the preposterous 230mpg being touted."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Auto X Prize throws water on GM's 230 mpg claim, offers mpge calculator — Autoblog Green
Auto X Prize throws water on GM's 230 mpg claim, offers mpge calculator — Autoblog Green: "With all of the attention being paid to the 230 mpg number that the Chevy Volt will apparently be granted by the EPA, the Automotive X Prize thought it was time to weigh in on the subject of calculating fuel efficiency for vehicles that use energy sources other than gasoline. They don't like it. Instead, the AXP prefers MPGe, a 'rigorous and more neutral measure' of fuel efficiency. The AXP's John Shore walked us through how the long-running competition thinks about MPGe. They've been at it for a while.
First, let's define MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon equivalent, and measures fuel economy based on the energy content of a gallon of petroleum-based gasoline. For those who like formulas, the AXP defines MPGe as (miles driven) / [(total energy of all fuels consumed)/(energy of one gallon of gasoline)]). Understanding and using MPGe is important, now more than ever, Shore said, because MPG is no longer particularly useful from the consumer's point of view. 'It is obsolete,' he said."
First, let's define MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon equivalent, and measures fuel economy based on the energy content of a gallon of petroleum-based gasoline. For those who like formulas, the AXP defines MPGe as (miles driven) / [(total energy of all fuels consumed)/(energy of one gallon of gasoline)]). Understanding and using MPGe is important, now more than ever, Shore said, because MPG is no longer particularly useful from the consumer's point of view. 'It is obsolete,' he said."
Greentech Media: Study: Batteries to Add $14,400 to EVs, $5,900 to Plug-Ins
Greentech Media: Study: Batteries to Add $14,400 to EVs, $5,900 to Plug-Ins: "Adding batteries to a plug-in will add $5,900 to the cost of a car in 2035, said Daniel Sperling, founder of the Institute for Transportation Studies at UC Davis.
The National Academy of Sciences will weigh in on the debate over plug-ins and electric vehicles soon, and the news is not comforting.
The study states that adding batteries to a plug-in will add $5,900 to the cost of a car in 2035, said Daniel Sperling, a professor of civil engineering and the founder of the Institute for Transportation Studies at UC Davis, during a presentation at the Almaden Institute taking place at IBM's Almaden labs."
The National Academy of Sciences will weigh in on the debate over plug-ins and electric vehicles soon, and the news is not comforting.
The study states that adding batteries to a plug-in will add $5,900 to the cost of a car in 2035, said Daniel Sperling, a professor of civil engineering and the founder of the Institute for Transportation Studies at UC Davis, during a presentation at the Almaden Institute taking place at IBM's Almaden labs."
Lies, Damned Lies and MPG Claims for the Volt - John Petersen -- Seeking Alpha
Lies, Damned Lies and MPG Claims for the Volt - John Petersen -- Seeking Alpha: "According to Wikipedia, 'Lies, damned lies, and statistics' is part of a phrase attributed to the 19th Century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and popularized by Mark Twain. The new champion of the genre has to be GM with its obscene claims of 230 mpg for the Volt."
New GM Shirks Responsibility for Old Toxic Dumps and Mercury Disposal | Hybrid Cars
New GM Shirks Responsibility for Old Toxic Dumps and Mercury Disposal | Hybrid Cars: "General Motors is working hard to establish itself as a leader in the market for high-tech eco-friendly vehicles, but its actions since coming out of bankruptcy raise doubts about the depth of the company’s environment commitment.
When GM emerged from bankruptcy, it was freed of responsibility for rehabilitating dozens of toxic waste sites in 13 states where it had manufacturing plants. In a ruling that is expected to apply to all communities with former GM sites, Judge Robert E. Gerber sided with GM in a lawsuit filed by New York’s Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne seeking $225 million in cleanup funds.
The Detroit Free Press reported that GM’s 270-acre Massena powertrain plant in New York, near the Canadian border, is probably the worst polluted site among the more than 100 properties shed by the automaker in bankruptcy."
When GM emerged from bankruptcy, it was freed of responsibility for rehabilitating dozens of toxic waste sites in 13 states where it had manufacturing plants. In a ruling that is expected to apply to all communities with former GM sites, Judge Robert E. Gerber sided with GM in a lawsuit filed by New York’s Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne seeking $225 million in cleanup funds.
The Detroit Free Press reported that GM’s 270-acre Massena powertrain plant in New York, near the Canadian border, is probably the worst polluted site among the more than 100 properties shed by the automaker in bankruptcy."
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Lithium Supply Fears are Total B.S.
Lithium Supply Fears are Total B.S.: "For some reason, with everyone jumping on the electric vehicle bandwagon, it's becoming really interesting to start comparing lithium to oil. Jerry Flint, in Forbes Magazine, just stated his fear that countries with lots of lithium would create their own OPEC, and thus keep the cost of electric vehicles artificially high.
Others fear that the world's lithium supplies will be quickly depleted and we will find ourselves in a whole new mess.
None of this makes any sense. So here are some reasons why we don't need to create a 'strategic lithium reserve,' and why, actually, the costs of lithium won't be driving up battery prices."
Others fear that the world's lithium supplies will be quickly depleted and we will find ourselves in a whole new mess.
None of this makes any sense. So here are some reasons why we don't need to create a 'strategic lithium reserve,' and why, actually, the costs of lithium won't be driving up battery prices."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Motoring | The first 100-mpg car | Seattle Times Newspaper
Motoring | The first 100-mpg car | Seattle Times Newspaper: "
A car that gets 100 miles per gallon? It may not be as far a way as you think. General Motors said it has reached a preliminary agreement...
By Jeff Green
Bloomberg
The production version of GM's new electric Volt was revealed during the company's 100th-anniversary celebration last month in Detroit.
Enlarge this photo
The production version of GM's new electric Volt was revealed during the company's 100th-anniversary celebration last month in Detroit.
A car that gets 100 miles per gallon? It may not be as far a way as you think.
General Motors said it has reached a preliminary agreement with Environmental Protection Agency regulators that clears the way for the Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle that could be recharged at home or with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine, to be certified as the first 100-mpg car."
A car that gets 100 miles per gallon? It may not be as far a way as you think. General Motors said it has reached a preliminary agreement...
By Jeff Green
Bloomberg
The production version of GM's new electric Volt was revealed during the company's 100th-anniversary celebration last month in Detroit.
Enlarge this photo
The production version of GM's new electric Volt was revealed during the company's 100th-anniversary celebration last month in Detroit.
A car that gets 100 miles per gallon? It may not be as far a way as you think.
General Motors said it has reached a preliminary agreement with Environmental Protection Agency regulators that clears the way for the Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle that could be recharged at home or with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine, to be certified as the first 100-mpg car."
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Report: Honda to sell electric cars in US - Yahoo! Finance
Report: Honda to sell electric cars in US - Yahoo! Finance: "Honda Motor Co. plans to introduce electric vehicles in the U.S. early next decade, joining a growing number of automakers vying for the lead in clean technology development, local media reported Saturday.
Japan's second-biggest car maker, which has focused on gas-electric hybrids so far, is building an all-electric prototype to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, according to the Nikkei financial newspaper. It said Honda would begin sales of electric vehicles in the United States in the first half of the decade.
A Honda spokesman said the Tokyo-based company has begun to develop electric vehicles, but has not decided on a release date."
Japan's second-biggest car maker, which has focused on gas-electric hybrids so far, is building an all-electric prototype to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, according to the Nikkei financial newspaper. It said Honda would begin sales of electric vehicles in the United States in the first half of the decade.
A Honda spokesman said the Tokyo-based company has begun to develop electric vehicles, but has not decided on a release date."
Friday, August 21, 2009
Roadway Wind Turbine
Inhabitat » 2007 » April: "The great thing about collaborative design sites like Archinect is that they allow brilliant student ideas to escape the confines of studio and get the attention they deserve. Case in point is Arizona student Joe who posted this amazing idea on his Archinect school blog for a highway wind turbine would harvest the wind created by fast-moving automobiles to send power back into the grid. If feasible, this wind turbine project could be easily retrofitted to transform most of the world’s highways into endless power sources. Imagine highways being known for their power generation instead of their traffic!"
Harvesting Clean Energy Along the Road - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com
Harvesting Clean Energy Along the Road - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com: "patent portfolio includes specifications for small wind turbines – 25 feet high or less – powered by both natural wind and the “dirty wind” generated by passing cars and trucks. Another patent covers the deployment of millions of tiny turbines an inch in length or less that could be attached to median guardrails, road signs or noise-barrier walls.
A state-by-state auction of their intellectual property portfolio will take place this Friday, with minimum reserve bids that range from $125,000 for South Dakota to $1.5 million for California."
A state-by-state auction of their intellectual property portfolio will take place this Friday, with minimum reserve bids that range from $125,000 for South Dakota to $1.5 million for California."
Gulfnews: Tesla Motors: more information about this niche company
Gulfnews: Tesla Motors: more information about this niche company: "Isn’t that a bit expensive?
Well yes, which is why a third car is in the pipeline for 2012. The car, which runs under the code name Bluestar at the moment, will be the entry level model and will cost around Dh110,000. This isn’t in Daihatsu territory but is still 40% cheaper than the Model S."
Well yes, which is why a third car is in the pipeline for 2012. The car, which runs under the code name Bluestar at the moment, will be the entry level model and will cost around Dh110,000. This isn’t in Daihatsu territory but is still 40% cheaper than the Model S."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Bill Clinton Suggests "Cash for EVs"
Bill Clinton Suggests "Cash for EVs": "He said the overwhelming response to Cash for Clunkers “proves that Americans will bite if you make it economical enough.”"
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Why are the VOLT and LEAF EVs measured in Miles Per Gallon? | Electric Vehicle News
Why are the VOLT and LEAF EVs measured in Miles Per Gallon? | Electric Vehicle News: "This 'utility factor' or 'Driving Pattern Factor' is just one variable in what the DoE/EPA officially call the 'petroleum-equivalency factor' (PEF) which has been on the books since July 2000. The background is that Congress wanted to allow auto manufactures to quote high equivalent 'fuel economy' for electric vehicles as an incentive to help accelerate the commercialization of electric vehicles. While the formula is based on the actual energy consumption of the vehicle it also includes correction factors that take into account 'upstream' factors such as national average electricity generation and transmission efficiencies, the need for national energy conservation in all forms, and an EV driving pattern factor.
The Petroleum Equivalency Factor starts with PEF = Eg * 1/0.15 * AF * DPF
1) Eg = Gasoline-equivalent energy content of electricity factor
2) 1/0.15 = the 'Fuel content' factor
3) AF = Petroleum-fueled accessory factor
4) DPF = Driving pattern factor"
The Petroleum Equivalency Factor starts with PEF = Eg * 1/0.15 * AF * DPF
1) Eg = Gasoline-equivalent energy content of electricity factor
2) 1/0.15 = the 'Fuel content' factor
3) AF = Petroleum-fueled accessory factor
4) DPF = Driving pattern factor"
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mad as Hell Videos
Mad as Hell Videos: "'Mad as Hell Doctor' Paul Hochfeld's excoriating
documentary 'Health, Money and Fear' and learn how to fix an American
health care non-system on the brink of disaster."
documentary 'Health, Money and Fear' and learn how to fix an American
health care non-system on the brink of disaster."
Saturday, August 15, 2009
New solar electric system comes online at East Portland natatorium – OregonLive.com
New solar electric system comes online at East Portland natatorium – OregonLive.com: "The East Portland Community Center, the first LEED platinum natatorium in the United States, today celebrated its just-completed solar energy system.
The 86-kilowatt solar electrical system, plus a solar water heating system on the roof, was the critical component for the community center to reach the highest rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. The council is an independent organization that rates buildings based on their energy efficiency and environmental integrity."
The 86-kilowatt solar electrical system, plus a solar water heating system on the roof, was the critical component for the community center to reach the highest rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. The council is an independent organization that rates buildings based on their energy efficiency and environmental integrity."
Friday, August 14, 2009
Juice to Unveil Mobile Electric Car Charger Next Week
Juice to Unveil Mobile Electric Car Charger Next Week: "Plug in anywhere — on the road, at a friend’s house, in a public parking lot — and add the cost of topping off your electric car’s battery to your monthly utility bill. That’s the idea of an intelligent mobile charger developed by Juice Technologies, an eight-person company founded early last year, and soon to be used in a project with Sempra Energy’s utility San Diego Gas & Electric.
Juice and SDG&E are now gearing up to demo the technology as part of the massive electric vehicle infrastructure trial that won support from the DOE this week and is timed for the initial rollout of Nissan’s 2010 LEAF electric sedan. Next week Juice will reportedly unveil a prototype of the device at the Plug In 2009 conference in Long Beach, Calif."
Juice and SDG&E are now gearing up to demo the technology as part of the massive electric vehicle infrastructure trial that won support from the DOE this week and is timed for the initial rollout of Nissan’s 2010 LEAF electric sedan. Next week Juice will reportedly unveil a prototype of the device at the Plug In 2009 conference in Long Beach, Calif."
Charging Infrastructure in Short Supply - WSJ.com
Charging Infrastructure in Short Supply - WSJ.com: "chicken-and-the-egg dilemma remains: Demand for electric cars isn't likely to take off unless there are convenient ways to recharge batteries. But utilities and service-station operators aren't likely to spend money on such infrastructure until there are enough cars on the road to make the investment profitable.
'We need domestic supply of cars and batteries. That's important,' said Ed Kjaer, director of electric transportation for Southern California Edison, a unit of Edison International in Rosemead, Calif. 'But we also need to get the markets ready for these cars by creating the infrastructure. It's not ready now and it's a big concern.'"
'We need domestic supply of cars and batteries. That's important,' said Ed Kjaer, director of electric transportation for Southern California Edison, a unit of Edison International in Rosemead, Calif. 'But we also need to get the markets ready for these cars by creating the infrastructure. It's not ready now and it's a big concern.'"
San Diego to test mobile electric-car charger | Green Tech - CNET News
San Diego to test mobile electric-car charger | Green Tech - CNET News: "Plug-in electric car drivers in San Diego will be able to charge up at a friend's house without leaving behind a hefty electric bill.
Utility San Diego Gas & Electric said on Wednesday that it plans to use a mobile car-charging device from Juice Technologies as part of a trial of plug-in electric cars in the region.
A portable smart charger that will be tested for billing an electric-car owner's utility account while on the go.
(Credit: Juice Technologies)
As part of a giant Department of Energy battery funding project, the city is one of five locations in the U.S. to set up a network of charging stations for about 1,000 Nissan Leaf sedans made available to consumers."
Utility San Diego Gas & Electric said on Wednesday that it plans to use a mobile car-charging device from Juice Technologies as part of a trial of plug-in electric cars in the region.
A portable smart charger that will be tested for billing an electric-car owner's utility account while on the go.
(Credit: Juice Technologies)
As part of a giant Department of Energy battery funding project, the city is one of five locations in the U.S. to set up a network of charging stations for about 1,000 Nissan Leaf sedans made available to consumers."
Critics: $2.4 Billion in Electric Car Grants Were Biased | Hybrid Cars
Critics: $2.4 Billion in Electric Car Grants Were Biased | Hybrid Cars: "California companies were also overlooked for grant money. Prior to the announcement of grant winners, Jeff DePew, CEO of Menlo Park-based battery-maker Imara, told San Francisco Business Times: “If the government just invests in the ones that are big names and already incumbent, they’ll be investing in first generation technology that may or may not be able to withstand the competition that will be coming form Asia.” DePew wanted DOE instead to invest in “more forward companies that have demonstrably better technology and better performance but maybe not as connected or at the same level of development.”
General Motors will receive more than $240 million in grants; Ford will receive nearly $100 million; and Chrysler will get $70 million. US-based auto battery maker, Johnson Controls, the single largest recipient, will receive $299.2 million for production of its lithium ion battery packs.
Grants were also provided to educational institutions—a dozen universities and colleges—to demonstrate electric-drive technology, to train the next generation of engineers, and to increase consumer awareness of plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles. (Full disclosure: HybridCars.com was a partner with public television in an unsuccessful application for funds for consumer education.)
CalCars, a California-based plug-in hybrid advocacy organization, was a partner in several applications that were not selected"
General Motors will receive more than $240 million in grants; Ford will receive nearly $100 million; and Chrysler will get $70 million. US-based auto battery maker, Johnson Controls, the single largest recipient, will receive $299.2 million for production of its lithium ion battery packs.
Grants were also provided to educational institutions—a dozen universities and colleges—to demonstrate electric-drive technology, to train the next generation of engineers, and to increase consumer awareness of plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles. (Full disclosure: HybridCars.com was a partner with public television in an unsuccessful application for funds for consumer education.)
CalCars, a California-based plug-in hybrid advocacy organization, was a partner in several applications that were not selected"
SunEdison to Deploy Solar Systems on Five WalMart Stores (Aug 4, 2009)
SunEdison to Deploy Solar Systems on Five WalMart Stores (Aug 4, 2009): "Walmart Puerto Rico and SunEdison are planning to deploy rooftop solar systems on five Walmart PR stores with the potential for 23 stores over five years. The project will be the largest renewable energy project ever developed on the island. Given traditional energy rates, the systems will provide Walmart long-term predictably priced solar-generated energy.
Under a solar power services agreement with Walmart, SunEdison will finance, own, build and operate the photovoltaic solar energy systems, which deliver long-term, low-risk returns to project financiers. Construction on the first 895kW rooftop system at Walmart Supercenter Caguas is scheduled to begin before the end of 2009.
Each solar power-generating system installed may vary, but across the Puerto Rico sites, on average a system can provide 25 to 35 percent of the power for the store or club on which it is installed. Throughout the duration of a 15 year contract, the zero-emission systems are projected to produce 90 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.
Renzo Casillo, president & CEO of Walmart Puerto Rico added that, “we are transforming every aspect of our operation, and that includes energy consumption. Today, our new Walmart stores are 21 percent more energy-efficient than our original 2005 stores. Through the implementation of energy-saving strategies and the installation of energy-efficient equipments, last year we achieved an 8.7 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous year. With this solar energy project we’ll continue to broaden our efforts towards our main objective and commitment of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy”.
SunEdison COO Carlos Domenech said, “We commend Walmart’s aggressive leadership in renewable energy as a model for all industries. Our collaboration in Puerto Rico will provide a long-term financial return on Walmart’s investment in energy. The project also brings the solar industry to Puerto Rico with well-paying jobs for the island on top of the reduction of greenhouse gases to improve the environment.”
The five locations that are part of the pilot and the size of the installations:
Sam’s Club Rexville: 795kW
Sam’s Club Ponce: 936.44kW
Wal-Mart Super Center Ponce Baramaya: 1239.84kW
Wal-Mart Super Center Manati: 854.44kW
Wal-Mart Super Center Caguas: 895.44kW"
Under a solar power services agreement with Walmart, SunEdison will finance, own, build and operate the photovoltaic solar energy systems, which deliver long-term, low-risk returns to project financiers. Construction on the first 895kW rooftop system at Walmart Supercenter Caguas is scheduled to begin before the end of 2009.
Each solar power-generating system installed may vary, but across the Puerto Rico sites, on average a system can provide 25 to 35 percent of the power for the store or club on which it is installed. Throughout the duration of a 15 year contract, the zero-emission systems are projected to produce 90 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.
Renzo Casillo, president & CEO of Walmart Puerto Rico added that, “we are transforming every aspect of our operation, and that includes energy consumption. Today, our new Walmart stores are 21 percent more energy-efficient than our original 2005 stores. Through the implementation of energy-saving strategies and the installation of energy-efficient equipments, last year we achieved an 8.7 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous year. With this solar energy project we’ll continue to broaden our efforts towards our main objective and commitment of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy”.
SunEdison COO Carlos Domenech said, “We commend Walmart’s aggressive leadership in renewable energy as a model for all industries. Our collaboration in Puerto Rico will provide a long-term financial return on Walmart’s investment in energy. The project also brings the solar industry to Puerto Rico with well-paying jobs for the island on top of the reduction of greenhouse gases to improve the environment.”
The five locations that are part of the pilot and the size of the installations:
Sam’s Club Rexville: 795kW
Sam’s Club Ponce: 936.44kW
Wal-Mart Super Center Ponce Baramaya: 1239.84kW
Wal-Mart Super Center Manati: 854.44kW
Wal-Mart Super Center Caguas: 895.44kW"
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com: "This comes after a long history of mostly dashed hopes, unrealized dreams and no shortage of P.T. Barnum-esque wild claims unsupported by reality. But this time, mass-produced electric cars really are preparing to begin trickling into showrooms, a reality cemented by U.S. government loans to the three companies that are gearing up for production.
Ford, Nissan and Tesla have received U.S. government loans that the companies say will help them tool up to manufacture their planned electric models, with the first cars arriving in 2010 from Ford and Nissan. Tesla says production of its sleek $57,400 Model S will commence in late 2011."
Ford, Nissan and Tesla have received U.S. government loans that the companies say will help them tool up to manufacture their planned electric models, with the first cars arriving in 2010 from Ford and Nissan. Tesla says production of its sleek $57,400 Model S will commence in late 2011."
Miles per gallon converted to miles per kWh
Miles per gallon converted to miles per kWh: "Miles per gallon converted to miles per kWh
You think Your car drives with gasoline and has nothing to do with kWh. But CCPP combined cycle power plants can convert gasoline by 58% efficiency to electric power.
Gasoline Diesel
Chemical energy per litre 8.9 9.8
CCPP can produce electric power per litre 5.16 5.68
Chemical energy per US gallon 33.7 37.1
CCPP can produce electric power per US gallon 19.5 21.5
With this values, You can convert Your MPG values for gasoline or Diesel to miles per kWh, based on the electric power, a CCPP could produce out of the fuel.
MPG gasoline city traffic 1.03 miles per kWh
MPG gasoline highway 1.54 miles per kWh
MPG Diesel city traffic 1.4 miles per kWh
MPG Diesel highway 1.86 miles per kWh
A typical medium sized plug-in hybrid has about 4 miles per kWh.
A small car about 5 miles per kWh.
The LOREMO reaches even 10 miles per kWh.
But there is even a bigger difference than miles per kWh alone. The prices for fossile fuel are going straight in the sky. The prices for photovoltaic declines. A gasoline car remains always a gasoline car. A plug-in hybrid can drive in the electric range with electricity from any source. We are already after the turning point where photovoltaic is cheaper than gasoline."
You think Your car drives with gasoline and has nothing to do with kWh. But CCPP combined cycle power plants can convert gasoline by 58% efficiency to electric power.
Gasoline Diesel
Chemical energy per litre 8.9 9.8
CCPP can produce electric power per litre 5.16 5.68
Chemical energy per US gallon 33.7 37.1
CCPP can produce electric power per US gallon 19.5 21.5
With this values, You can convert Your MPG values for gasoline or Diesel to miles per kWh, based on the electric power, a CCPP could produce out of the fuel.
MPG gasoline city traffic 1.03 miles per kWh
MPG gasoline highway 1.54 miles per kWh
MPG Diesel city traffic 1.4 miles per kWh
MPG Diesel highway 1.86 miles per kWh
A typical medium sized plug-in hybrid has about 4 miles per kWh.
A small car about 5 miles per kWh.
The LOREMO reaches even 10 miles per kWh.
But there is even a bigger difference than miles per kWh alone. The prices for fossile fuel are going straight in the sky. The prices for photovoltaic declines. A gasoline car remains always a gasoline car. A plug-in hybrid can drive in the electric range with electricity from any source. We are already after the turning point where photovoltaic is cheaper than gasoline."
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com: "in 2011 the company will follow that with a higher-volume electric version of either its Focus or Fiesta small car, which will be sold through all of its dealers to regular customers."
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com: "Ford, meanwhile, is gearing up to offer its Transit Connect commercial minivan as an electric model next year. This will also start out in limited numbers, reported Rob Stevens, Ford’s chief engineer for commercial vehicles. The Transit Connect will be available with either of two lithium-ion battery packs, a 21 kilowatt-hour pack or a 28 kWh pack. The first will offer a driving range of about 70 miles and the second will go about 100 miles, he said, and the vehicle will have a top speed of 70 mph.
Ford isn’t ready to talk about the electric Transit Connect’s price, but acknowledges that even after the tax credit it will be higher than that of the gasoline model. Smith Electric Vehicles, the British company providing the electric drivetrain, enjoys the benefit of selling these vehicles to customers who are able to escape London’s congestion fee."
Ford isn’t ready to talk about the electric Transit Connect’s price, but acknowledges that even after the tax credit it will be higher than that of the gasoline model. Smith Electric Vehicles, the British company providing the electric drivetrain, enjoys the benefit of selling these vehicles to customers who are able to escape London’s congestion fee."
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com
Electric cars poised to jolt auto industry - Autos- msnbc.com: "Growing market
Within five years, the market for electric cars could reach between 270,000 and 335,000 units per year in the U.S., predicts Art Spinella, president of CNW Research, a market research firm in Bandon, Ore. That would certainly confirm the arrival of the electric car as a “real” product in a way that has never happened before, though it would still represent only about 2 percent of total sales, Spinella points out.
That means that the cars that are supposed to save the world will still sell in total numbers in the U.S. that are similar to those of the number three-selling pickup truck, the macho Dodge Ram pickup. So while everyone won’t be propelled by electrons anytime soon, for the first time, everyone can at least consider that as an option when the buy their next car."
Within five years, the market for electric cars could reach between 270,000 and 335,000 units per year in the U.S., predicts Art Spinella, president of CNW Research, a market research firm in Bandon, Ore. That would certainly confirm the arrival of the electric car as a “real” product in a way that has never happened before, though it would still represent only about 2 percent of total sales, Spinella points out.
That means that the cars that are supposed to save the world will still sell in total numbers in the U.S. that are similar to those of the number three-selling pickup truck, the macho Dodge Ram pickup. So while everyone won’t be propelled by electrons anytime soon, for the first time, everyone can at least consider that as an option when the buy their next car."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Nissan's Leaf Claims 367 MPG - Is It Better Than The Chevy Volt? - Beyond Fossil Fuel
Nissan's Leaf Claims 367 MPG - Is It Better Than The Chevy Volt? - Beyond Fossil Fuel: "Yesterday, General Motors claimed that the much-hyped Chevy Volt would get a amazing 230 mpg. As some critics have pointed out, the calculation is a bit misleading -- for one, the Volt's gas engine only kicks in after 40 miles of battery driving. But General Moters is certainly counting on the Volt to serve as evidence that it has reconnected with consumer interests, and the car is believed to be a direct attack against the popular Toyota Prius.
As the Christian Science Monitor points out, Nissan is laughing at GM's entry into the space. Using the same formula as GM, Nissan claims 367 miles per gallon for its all-electric Leaf. In fact, yesterday Nissan took at shot at the Volt on its Twitter feed:
'Nissan Leaf = 367 mpg, no tailpipe, and no gas required. Oh yeah, and it'll be affordable too'"
As the Christian Science Monitor points out, Nissan is laughing at GM's entry into the space. Using the same formula as GM, Nissan claims 367 miles per gallon for its all-electric Leaf. In fact, yesterday Nissan took at shot at the Volt on its Twitter feed:
'Nissan Leaf = 367 mpg, no tailpipe, and no gas required. Oh yeah, and it'll be affordable too'"
Buick Plug-In Hybrid SUV Coming in 2011 - Auto - FOXNews.com
Buick Plug-In Hybrid SUV Coming in 2011 - Auto - FOXNews.com: "General Motors has announced that it will introduce a Buick plug-in hybrid vehicle in the 2011 model year.
Unlike the 2011 Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car, the yet-to-be-named Buick crossover will use a more traditional dual-mode hybrid powertrain, similar to the one found in the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, but with a smaller 3.6 liter V6 flex fuel engine and a high capacity lithium-ion battery pack. With half the capacity of the Volt's battery pack, the new Buick is expected to be able to be driven just 10 miles at low speeds on electric power alone. General Motors says it can be fully charged in five hours using a standard household electric outlet."
Unlike the 2011 Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car, the yet-to-be-named Buick crossover will use a more traditional dual-mode hybrid powertrain, similar to the one found in the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, but with a smaller 3.6 liter V6 flex fuel engine and a high capacity lithium-ion battery pack. With half the capacity of the Volt's battery pack, the new Buick is expected to be able to be driven just 10 miles at low speeds on electric power alone. General Motors says it can be fully charged in five hours using a standard household electric outlet."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I-205 Solar Project Site Considered | City of Oregon City
I-205 Solar Project Site Considered | City of Oregon City:
"Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has announced that having completed the first solar highway project in the nation at the I-5/I-205 interchange, Oregon now looks to build the largest solar highway project in the world – one that would exceed a 2.8 megawatt project announced recently for Germany.
3 megawatts (3.2 million kilowatt hours/year – about one-sixth of ODOT’s needs in PGE’s service area)
Project Cost:
$20 million
Estimated Employment:
140 to 150 direct and indirect jobs
Potential Start Date:
The project could begin as early as late summer 2009."
"Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has announced that having completed the first solar highway project in the nation at the I-5/I-205 interchange, Oregon now looks to build the largest solar highway project in the world – one that would exceed a 2.8 megawatt project announced recently for Germany.
A “solar highway” generates electricity from solar panels during the day to power highway lighting at night. The unused ODOT rest area off of I-205 in West Linn is one potential site under consideration for "the world's largest solar highway project."
Project Size:3 megawatts (3.2 million kilowatt hours/year – about one-sixth of ODOT’s needs in PGE’s service area)
Project Cost:
$20 million
Estimated Employment:
140 to 150 direct and indirect jobs
Potential Start Date:
The project could begin as early as late summer 2009."
Monday, August 10, 2009
News Updates | "State gains electric car funds" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon
News Updates | "State gains electric car funds" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon: "Electric Transportation Engineering Corp., or ETEC, a subsidiary of ECOtality, received a $100 million grant to launch what it says is the largest deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in U.S. history. Its partners in the project include the state of Oregon and Portland General Electric.
The goal of the project is to create a “mature charging environment” for electric vehicles, so drivers can be confident that there are enough charging stations that they won’t run out of juice, said Colin Read, ECOtality’s vice president of development."
The goal of the project is to create a “mature charging environment” for electric vehicles, so drivers can be confident that there are enough charging stations that they won’t run out of juice, said Colin Read, ECOtality’s vice president of development."
Sunday, August 9, 2009
5 Reasons Why Solar is Now Affordable
5 Reasons Why Solar is Now Affordable: "Everyone knows that solar is a great renewable resource, but there’s a misconception out there that it’s not really affordable, especially in this economy. While this USED to be the case, the last year has really brought solar prices down to earth, so to speak."
Cutting energy tax credit would cost jobs, hurt communities - OregonLive.com
Cutting energy tax credit would cost jobs, hurt communities - OregonLive.com: "Oregonians are hurting. Unemployment is the third highest in the country, behind only Michigan and Rhode Island. Foreclosures are increasing and home values are falling. Many aren't sure how they will make ends meet in the coming months.
And now a bill on the Governor's desk could put thousands of potential jobs at risk, jeopardize a critical source of income for rural landowners, and reduce tax payments when local budgets are already shrinking.
In June, the Legislature voted to make major reductions to the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC). The BETC, coupled with Oregon's Renewable Energy Standard, has been an incredibly effective tool to spur renewable energy project development. Over the past couple of years, Oregon has seen a dramatic increase in renewable energy projects and manufacturing, including wind, biomass, geothermal, solar, and energy efficiency, including combined heat and power."
And now a bill on the Governor's desk could put thousands of potential jobs at risk, jeopardize a critical source of income for rural landowners, and reduce tax payments when local budgets are already shrinking.
In June, the Legislature voted to make major reductions to the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC). The BETC, coupled with Oregon's Renewable Energy Standard, has been an incredibly effective tool to spur renewable energy project development. Over the past couple of years, Oregon has seen a dramatic increase in renewable energy projects and manufacturing, including wind, biomass, geothermal, solar, and energy efficiency, including combined heat and power."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
MIT Electric Car Claims 10 Minute Charge Time
MIT Electric Car Claims 10 Minute Charge Time: "working on an EV that rivals the Roadster. And this one can charge in ten minutes.
The team is retrofitting a 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid with an electric engine built for a bus. Their EV will have a top speed of 100 mph, will crank out 12,000 RPM, and - using a mere 7,905 lithium ion batteries – can drive 200 miles on a single, 350 kwh charge."
The team is retrofitting a 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid with an electric engine built for a bus. Their EV will have a top speed of 100 mph, will crank out 12,000 RPM, and - using a mere 7,905 lithium ion batteries – can drive 200 miles on a single, 350 kwh charge."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
How Solar Thermal Power Works - Stirling Energy SunCatcher News - Popular Mechanics
How Solar Thermal Power Works - Stirling Energy SunCatcher News - Popular Mechanics: "Big promises from solar power companies are nothing new. “It is stern work to thrust your hand into the sun and pull out a spark of immortal flame to warm the hearts of men,” an AT&T publicity film crowed after the invention of the silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell in 1954. “Yet in this modern age, men have at last harnessed the sun.”"
How Solar Thermal Power Works - Stirling Energy SunCatcher News - Popular Mechanics
How Solar Thermal Power Works - Stirling Energy SunCatcher News - Popular Mechanics: "Solar Stirling Engine: Each Stirling Energy SunCatcher dish can produce 60,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year—enough to power a dozen U.S. homes. (Photograph by Jamey Stillings)
Planted in the New Mexico desert near Albuquerque, the six solar dish engines of the Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia National Laboratories look a bit like giant, highly reflective satellite dishes. Each one is a mosaic of 82 mirrors that fit together to form a 38-ft-wide parabola. The mirrors’ precise curvature focuses light onto a 7-in. area. At its most intense spot, the heat is equivalent to a blistering 13,000 suns, producing a flux 13 times greater than the space shuttle experiences during re-entry. “That’ll melt almost anything known to man,” says Sandia engineer Chuck Andraka. “It’s incredibly hot.”
The heat is used to run a Stirling engine, an elegant 192-year-old technology that creates mechanical energy from an external heat source, as opposed to the internal fuel combustion that powers most automobile engines. Hydrogen gas in a Stirling engine’s four 95 cc cylinders expands and contracts as it is heated and cooled, driving pistons to turn a small electric generator. The configuration of the dish and engine represent the fruit of more than a decade of stea"
Planted in the New Mexico desert near Albuquerque, the six solar dish engines of the Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia National Laboratories look a bit like giant, highly reflective satellite dishes. Each one is a mosaic of 82 mirrors that fit together to form a 38-ft-wide parabola. The mirrors’ precise curvature focuses light onto a 7-in. area. At its most intense spot, the heat is equivalent to a blistering 13,000 suns, producing a flux 13 times greater than the space shuttle experiences during re-entry. “That’ll melt almost anything known to man,” says Sandia engineer Chuck Andraka. “It’s incredibly hot.”
The heat is used to run a Stirling engine, an elegant 192-year-old technology that creates mechanical energy from an external heat source, as opposed to the internal fuel combustion that powers most automobile engines. Hydrogen gas in a Stirling engine’s four 95 cc cylinders expands and contracts as it is heated and cooled, driving pistons to turn a small electric generator. The configuration of the dish and engine represent the fruit of more than a decade of stea"
BMW to Reveal New Eco Sports Car - AllCarsElectric.com
BMW to Reveal New Eco Sports Car - AllCarsElectric.com: "BMW may be the first of the major automakers to seriously pursue the Hypercar strategy of ultra-light automobile design suggested by theorists such as Avory Lovins at the Rocky Mountain Institute."
Volvo opens e-car kimono • Register Hardware
Volvo opens e-car kimono • Register Hardware: "Volvo has shed more light on its electric car plans, revealing that a wholly battery-powered version of the C30 three-door coupe will launch in 2012.
Volvo_C30
A battery-powered version of Volvo's existing C30 (above) is set for 2012
Speaking to Register Hardware at the recent UK launch of its latest C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe models, the company said the electric C30 – no official name yet - will not feature the in-wheel motors seen on its 2007 C30 ReCharge hybrid concept car.
Technical details are still scarce, but Volvo stressed that the electric C30 is far from an evaluation mule. It sees the car as a proper development prototype."
Volvo_C30
A battery-powered version of Volvo's existing C30 (above) is set for 2012
Speaking to Register Hardware at the recent UK launch of its latest C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe models, the company said the electric C30 – no official name yet - will not feature the in-wheel motors seen on its 2007 C30 ReCharge hybrid concept car.
Technical details are still scarce, but Volvo stressed that the electric C30 is far from an evaluation mule. It sees the car as a proper development prototype."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Toyota IQ Electric Vehicle to Launch in 2010 - Worldcarfans
Toyota IQ Electric Vehicle to Launch in 2010 - Worldcarfans: "New details have emerged about Toyota's upcoming iQ-based battery electric vehicle.
Essentially previewed by the FT-EV Concept which debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the production EV is expected to be launched in 2010 with unique styling.
Although information is scarce, the EV will feature lithium ion batteries which will provide power to four in-wheel motors. This should enable the car to travel up to 150km (93 miles) on a full charge. Toyota estimates that recharging should take about eight hours, but the exact time will depend on a number of variables.
Overall, the Toyota IQ EV sounds similar to Nissan's upcoming EV which will also be launched in 2010. However, the Nissan boasts a slight advantage as its range is expected to be 160km (99.4 miles)."
Essentially previewed by the FT-EV Concept which debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the production EV is expected to be launched in 2010 with unique styling.
Although information is scarce, the EV will feature lithium ion batteries which will provide power to four in-wheel motors. This should enable the car to travel up to 150km (93 miles) on a full charge. Toyota estimates that recharging should take about eight hours, but the exact time will depend on a number of variables.
Overall, the Toyota IQ EV sounds similar to Nissan's upcoming EV which will also be launched in 2010. However, the Nissan boasts a slight advantage as its range is expected to be 160km (99.4 miles)."
Toyota IQ Electric Vehicle to Launch in 2010 - North American International Auto Show, Japan
Toyota IQ Electric Vehicle to Launch in 2010 - North American International Auto Show, Japan: "Toyota iQ has arrived, where the reports are saying that the new EV will be launched in 2010 where it will feature unique styling. The new EV will run on lithium ion batteries that will provide power to all four wheels through in-wheel-motors in each wheel. The car should be able to get around 150km on a single full charge, where Toyota is estimating charging time to be set around eight hours, but this depends on a range of variables. The Toyota IQ EV will be launched next year."
Monday, August 3, 2009
West Linn City Council supports ODOT solar highway
West Linn City Council supports ODOT solar highway: "The Oregon Department of Transportation will move ahead with plans to build the world’s largest solar highway on a hillside in West Linn after receiving the city council’s go-ahead for additional studies Monday night.
More than 100 people crowded into council chambers at city hall and spilled into an overflow room to watch a live feed of the meeting on Willamette Falls Television.
While most were residents of West Linn, many came from Oregon City to voice concerns about property values and the impact on their views from across the Willamette River. The solar highway, which would generate power using thousands of panels during the day to offset the cost of lighting the highway at night, could produce as much as 3 megawatts each year, enough to offset one-sixth of ODOT’s energy needs in the area.
But for those in West Linn, the big issue isn’t having the solar highway in their backyard. It’s the new trail the city hopes to piggyback on the state project.
“I’m not in opposition to solar at all,” said Bill Weber, who lives on Riverknoll Way. “I am totally in opposition to the trail. … It’s going to be a disaster for those of us who live there.”"
More than 100 people crowded into council chambers at city hall and spilled into an overflow room to watch a live feed of the meeting on Willamette Falls Television.
While most were residents of West Linn, many came from Oregon City to voice concerns about property values and the impact on their views from across the Willamette River. The solar highway, which would generate power using thousands of panels during the day to offset the cost of lighting the highway at night, could produce as much as 3 megawatts each year, enough to offset one-sixth of ODOT’s energy needs in the area.
But for those in West Linn, the big issue isn’t having the solar highway in their backyard. It’s the new trail the city hopes to piggyback on the state project.
“I’m not in opposition to solar at all,” said Bill Weber, who lives on Riverknoll Way. “I am totally in opposition to the trail. … It’s going to be a disaster for those of us who live there.”"
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 6 | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 6 | Fast Company: "The power, after all, belongs to the people."
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 6 | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 6 | Fast Company: "there may be a huge new niche opening up in the market: 'What's been missing is that, unlike Verizon in the cellular business, there's no big heavy-balance-sheet company doing a marketing push out there -- on TV, with a toll-free number: Take your home and cut your energy use in half! Brought to you by Home Depot.'
It will take a major act of political courage to create a microgrid market big enough to draw in a Wal-Mart or a Home Depot, or even to grow a startup like Jonah DeCola's Clean and Smart or the dozens of others ramping up across the country. Even in Massachusetts, individual installations are limited to 2 megawatts (10 megawatts for cities or towns), and to just 1% of peak capacity in each local area, which Bowles admits was a political compromise. But with the right policies in place, there's a lot of money to be made in this market -- perhaps even by an innovative utility that has reinvented itself as a comprehensive renewables-and-efficiency services company."
It will take a major act of political courage to create a microgrid market big enough to draw in a Wal-Mart or a Home Depot, or even to grow a startup like Jonah DeCola's Clean and Smart or the dozens of others ramping up across the country. Even in Massachusetts, individual installations are limited to 2 megawatts (10 megawatts for cities or towns), and to just 1% of peak capacity in each local area, which Bowles admits was a political compromise. But with the right policies in place, there's a lot of money to be made in this market -- perhaps even by an innovative utility that has reinvented itself as a comprehensive renewables-and-efficiency services company."
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 5 | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 5 | Fast Company: "Enter Ron Kaye. Kaye arrived in L.A. as part of the entourage of an Indian guru in 1980, and for 23 years was the editor of the Los Angeles Daily News, the second-biggest paper in the city. Last year, after he was put out to pasture by the paper's new owners, he reinvented himself as a blogger and full-time rabble-rouser. He appears on an amateur video on his Web site, sitting by his pool, flanked by pink bougainvillea, rattling off tales of city council malfeasance like a civic-minded Walter Matthau. The way Measure B was rushed onto the ballot raised red flags for Kaye, and he put together an ad hoc coalition to oppose it. Measure B supporters sued him and his coalition, but the case was thrown out of court; Kaye's side finally defeated the measure by less than 1%, spending $75,000 to the LADWP's $1.6 million.
Despite the vote, the LADWP remains publicly determined to retain control of any renewables built in the city. 'Every day of this has been a learning experience,' says Kaye. 'This whole thing explains why L.A. has the most coal-burning power plants in the country, why it's reliant on fossil fuels and lagging behind other utilities in getting renewables.' The problem, he says, is 'LADWP's need to monopolize resources.'"
Despite the vote, the LADWP remains publicly determined to retain control of any renewables built in the city. 'Every day of this has been a learning experience,' says Kaye. 'This whole thing explains why L.A. has the most coal-burning power plants in the country, why it's reliant on fossil fuels and lagging behind other utilities in getting renewables.' The problem, he says, is 'LADWP's need to monopolize resources.'"
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 5 | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 5 | Fast Company: "The LADWP has been fighting the green future for at least 10 years. (It declined to comment for this article.) In 1999, when the first green-energy incentives were passed in the city, the LADWP quietly cut a deal with the city's top 30 users of electricity, offering them 5% discounts for 10 years in exchange for not building on-site generation or installing solar power. This includes L.A.'s public school system, the biggest energy customer in the city, which was then launching what would become a $20 billion renovation -- building 100 new schools that by now could have had solar. At the same time, the utility assessed an extra fee to other customers, like the Los Angeles Community College District, which did choose to generate its own power."
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 5 | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 5 | Fast Company: "Jim Rogers, Duke Energy's CEO, told Fast Company he's a fan of putting solar panels on his customers' homes and businesses -- he just thinks Duke should own them. 'I believe at the end of the day, we'll be able to do it cheaper and better than everybody else.' But Urlaub says, 'We know that's not true,' pointing out that Duke recently submitted a public bid for a utility-owned 20-megawatt rooftop-solar program and came in higher than several independent, nonutility solar companies."
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 3 | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Page 3 | Fast Company: "Amory Lovins, the green wise man of the Rocky Mountain Institute, is among the biggest and most influential fans of micropower; he's written a book, Small Is Profitable, laying out 207 reasons why. Among them: 'Distributed generation' means a redundant, resilient, secure infrastructure -- that's why military bases and hospitals have their own power plants. Micropower can be more reliable, given that 98% of all blackouts originate in the grid. And it creates thousands of local jobs near population centers in design, installation, and maintenance. 'Micropower, as of three years ago -- the latest global data -- was a third of the world's new electricity and one-sixth of the world's total,' he tells Fast Company in his trademark pressure-wash style. 'Micropower growth is very rapid, and it's [currently] almost wholly financed by private capital. Distributed renewables in 2007 got $91 billion of new private investment... . There are several quite distinct reasons for thinking that these stats I've just given you are the leading edge of a tsunami of change in the power sector.' Small Is Profitable concludes that because the scale lowers capital risk, the economic benefits of a dollar invested in distributed renewables can be an order of magnitude (factor of 10) greater than the same dolla"
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Fast Company: "The evidence is growing that privately owned, consumer-driven, small-scale, geographically distributed renewables could deliver a 100% green-energy future faster and cheaper than big power projects alone. Companies like GE and IBM are talking in terms of up to half of American homes generating their own electricity, renewably, within a decade. But distributed power -- call it the 'microgrid' -- poses an existential threat to the business model the utilities have happily depended on for more than a century. No wonder so many of them are fighting the microgrid every step of the way."
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Fast Company: "'We're just the opposite; we want it in our backyard,' he says. 'We want to put solar panels on our roofs and our neighbors' roofs.'"
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Fast Company
Why the Microgrid Could Be the Answer to Our Energy Crisis | Fast Company: "the federal government seems content to leave the owners of the old energy world in charge of designing the new one. Big utilities are pushing hard to do what they do best -- getting the government to subsidize construction of multi-billion-dollar, far-flung, supersize solar and wind farms covering millions of acres, all connected via outsize transmission lines."
Schendler Part II: Good RECs vs. Bad RECs « Climate Progress
Schendler Part II: Good RECs vs. Bad RECs « Climate Progress: "Aspen Skiing Company’s work (”Little Green Lies“) I’ll expand on the article’s discussion of renewable energy certificates (RECs).
While the article justifiably criticized many RECs, it failed to make the point that there are good and bad RECs. (A REC represents the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of renewable energy.) The contrast between the two is stark. Bad RECs don’t do anything to drive new renewable energy development. A bad REC costs about $2 (though the price has gone up) and comes from, say, a wind farm that has been already developed. Your purchase may be a nice bonus for the wind farm developer (and for the REC broker you bought it from) but it didn’t do anything to change carbon dioxide emissions in the world."
While the article justifiably criticized many RECs, it failed to make the point that there are good and bad RECs. (A REC represents the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of renewable energy.) The contrast between the two is stark. Bad RECs don’t do anything to drive new renewable energy development. A bad REC costs about $2 (though the price has gone up) and comes from, say, a wind farm that has been already developed. Your purchase may be a nice bonus for the wind farm developer (and for the REC broker you bought it from) but it didn’t do anything to change carbon dioxide emissions in the world."
A123: The IPO That Jumpstarts the Greentech Era? -- Seeking Alpha
A123: The IPO That Jumpstarts the Greentech Era? -- Seeking Alpha: "A123’s product line ranges from 3.6Wh batteries for portable power applications to larger 65Wh batteries for electric vehicles. The company is also developing multi-megawatt battery systems for utilities that can provide electric grid services including standby reserve capacity and frequency regulation.
Despite the losses, it is reasonable to expect the IPO to come to market in Q3 or Q4 of this year. It is reasonable given A123’s revenue, the government and industry focus on smart grid, and the pent up demand for a greentech IPO. Though it would be nice if they could show a clear route to profitability."
Despite the losses, it is reasonable to expect the IPO to come to market in Q3 or Q4 of this year. It is reasonable given A123’s revenue, the government and industry focus on smart grid, and the pent up demand for a greentech IPO. Though it would be nice if they could show a clear route to profitability."
Report: Mitsubishi to build extended-range EVs, too — Autoblog Green
Report: Mitsubishi to build extended-range EVs, too — Autoblog Green: "An ER-EV version would use a battery pack with sufficient capacity for 40 miles of electric driving with a small gasoline engine to provide a charge sustaining mode after that. The Mitsubishi ER-EV is expected to hit the streets at the end of 2010, just about the same time as the Volt."
'I will build a car for the great multitude' - The Globe and Mail
'I will build a car for the great multitude' - The Globe and Mail: "'I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, and to the simplest design that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces.'
And that's just what he did with the introduction of the Model T late in 1908, putting almost 18,000 Americans and just under 500 Canadians on Model T wheels in 1909 (the Walkerville, Ont., plant went on to build 750,000 of them), which energized the motorization of both nations and then, arguably, the world. In 1999, an international panel of journalists named the Model T 'Car of the Century.'
By the time production of the Model T finally ended almost two decades later in 1927, 15 million plus Tin Lizzies had been built, many of them in England (where for a time Ford was the largest vehicle producer) and a number of other countries."
And that's just what he did with the introduction of the Model T late in 1908, putting almost 18,000 Americans and just under 500 Canadians on Model T wheels in 1909 (the Walkerville, Ont., plant went on to build 750,000 of them), which energized the motorization of both nations and then, arguably, the world. In 1999, an international panel of journalists named the Model T 'Car of the Century.'
By the time production of the Model T finally ended almost two decades later in 1927, 15 million plus Tin Lizzies had been built, many of them in England (where for a time Ford was the largest vehicle producer) and a number of other countries."
The Solar Forest: Charging Station And Shady Spot For Electric Cars | test title
The Solar Forest: Charging Station And Shady Spot For Electric Cars | test title: "dubbed the Solar Forest, large, leaf-shaped photovoltaic panels on branching “trees” will provide both shade and power-up plugs for electric cars relaxing on the parking lot underneath."
Sunday, August 2, 2009
NISSAN | TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES | Overview | Information Technology to Support the New Values of the EV
NISSAN | TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES | Overview | Information Technology to Support the New Values of the EV: "Nissan's electric vehicles will bring a revolution of greater convenience, made possible by seamless communications between the vehicles and people via cellular networks, and not just when the car is on the road."
“A Fuel-Belching Nascar Track Has Big Plans for Solar Power” — Greenwashing or not? « Climate Progress
“A Fuel-Belching Nascar Track Has Big Plans for Solar Power” — Greenwashing or not? « Climate Progress: "Is this greenwashing a highly polluting sport — or an important act and useful message from a key segment of society needed to eventually achieve the full clean energy transformation?"
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