Thursday, January 28, 2010

Honda Tests Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Solar-powered device meant for home use
Alan Ohnsman / Bloomberg News
Honda Motor Co., the first company approved to sell hydrogen cars to American drivers, began testing a solar-powered hydrogen-fueling device for home use to address a lack of public hydrogen-fuel stations in the United States.
The solar-powered pump, which began operating today at Honda's U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., makes half a kilogram of hydrogen gas per day, enough for an average daily commute, the company said in an e-mailed statement. The zero-emission fuel is created from water and electricity produced by 6 kilowatts of rooftop solar panels made by Honda.
Plans by Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp., Daimler AG, and General Motors Co. to sell hydrogen autos have stalled in the United States on a lack of fuel stations, high costs and competition for federal funds from battery-powered cars.
Advertisement


Honda, which views hydrogen as a potential replacement for gasoline, leases FCX Clarity fuel cell sedans only to drivers in the Los Angeles area because of the city's hydrogen stations.
Tokyo-based Honda didn't say when sales of the Solar Hydrogen Station may begin or how much it will cost. The device is cheaper and smaller than a previous solar-powered fuel pump also tested in California, and is designed for a slow, overnight refill to hold down costs and complexity, the company said.
In 2002, Honda got the first certification from the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulators to sell hydrogen cars to U.S. consumers, after passing safety tests.
The company leases the vehicles to drivers in California, who pay $600 a month and provide feedback to the company about the vehicles.
Other automakers also have hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on the roads and in government fleets.
Toyota said earlier this month it was going to put more than 100 fuel cell vehicles in a demonstration test fleet with universities, governments and private companies; and GM has more than 100 Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicles in its "Project Driveway" test program. Consumers, celebrities and corporations have logged more than 1 million miles in the vehicles for GM's program over the past two years. From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100128/AUTO01/1280361/1148/auto01/Honda-tests-hydrogen-fuel-pump#ixzz0dwtCnoSU

Link to top of blog: http://www.usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Green Alternative Energy Solution Expo 2010 South Africa







Africa is ready to join the fight against Global Warming?Alternative energy solutions will reduce harmful carbon emissions, we are ready to see and implement these technologies.GREENEX2010, showcasing in Johannesburg, South Africa on 12-13th May 2010 is the platform to discuss, view and exhibit new ideas and technologies for generating energy from natural and sustainable sources including (Wind, Solar, Hydro, Geothermal, Biofuel, Fuel Cell Technology, Energy Saving).
New to Southern Africa is the extensive highlighting of Fuel Cell technology.The Conference will focus on presentations by leading experts on sustainable energy solutions for today and the future of our continent.The Exhibition will provide an environment where exhibitors will have networking opportunities with role players across the continent, tapping into new markets and industries, as well as having their products, projects, services and solutions displayed.With the upcoming Copenhagen Convention and Escom's huge rate hike everything now is about renewable energies and energy efficiency; everybody is talking about saving the world.The exhibition could not have come at a better time as products, systems and services on display will serve to assist business and consumers with solutions on how to reduce electricity costs including on how to survive on the new rates.An aggressive marketing campaign to attract high-level buyers and decision makers are being undertaken through Digital Marketing, Direct Mail, Media Advertising, Complimentary Tickets offered via Chambers of Commerce and Associations, Billboards and Posters.
Who Should Attend.
Manufacturers
Retailers
Component Suppliers
Energy Consultants
Academic Groups
State and/or Local Government Representatives
Agricultural Groups
Landowners
Economic Developers
Energy Officials
Academic Groups
Utilities
Products on Show:Wind Turbines.
Solar Panels and Accessories
Solar Geysers and Water Heaters
Geyser Controllers,Blankets
Controllers,Inverters,Batteries
Fuel Cell Technology
Energy from Waste Technology
Micro Hydro Turbines
Electric/Hybrid/Alternative Fuel Cars,Trucks and Motorcycles
Energy Saving Devices
Self Composting Waterless Toilets
Biofuel and Geothermal Technologies
Motion-sensitive lights
Electric vehicles
Hybrid car
Vehicles powered by natural gas/methane/cooking oil
Energy efficient household appliances
Solar fridges
Solar cookersSolar cell-phone chargers
Low voltage lights, appliances and camping gear
Wind-up radios, lights
Solar pool heating
Straw bale/Cob/sandbag houses
Solar lighting & signage

Obama's State Of the Oil Union Address

A look at Obama's State of the Union Address through green eyes
January 28, 2010, 12:56 PM
By: Jon Coen
Last night, President Obama gave his first State of the Union Address. Some folks are saying it was a little long, at 70 minutes. I would think that no matter your political leanings, the major crises this country is dealing with might require a wextra minutes. Sorry you had to change your American Idol viewing habbits.

Getty Images, Mandel Ngan
Nice speach, but what's up with the drill talk?
As surfers, what did he say that might affect life, liberty, and the pursuit of waves? Likely, the most pressing issues like jobs, health care, and security will affect most of us more immediately than what he had to say about the environment, but there were a few key quotes.He led into the issue talking about innovation in clean energy. This is the kind of talk that got so many progressives behind him. He made a great point, that even if you don't believe in global warming, it's still logical to build an economy based on clean energy.
But then there was this line:
"But to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives. That means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean coal technologies."
It was like hearing sweet music suddenly interrupted by the needle scratching across the record -- and then catching fire like an offshore oil platform. Earlier this month, I wrote about how Obama's hand-picked Maritime Administrator, David Matsuda, signed off on the building of Port Dolphin LLC, a liquefied natural gas import facility off the Gulf Coast of Florida. The move was counter to Obama's otherwise progressive agenda. But now the president is saying himself it might be time to start drilling off our coasts.

Joli
Claire Bevilacqua likes to boost, but she doesn't want to land on anything black and greasy.
This is a week after an oil spill was discovered into a Huntington Beach Flood Control Channel and just days since the 462,000 gallons was dumped off Texas. President Obama has been very forward thinking thus far, ensuring that much of the stimulus money went to tax breaks on renewable energy. But the talk of opening our seas to more threats is unnerving.
If you're any kind of environmentalist however, Obama's words were like having that nightmare of being naked in public, but Virginia Governor, Bob McDonnell GOP response was akin to being struck by lightning in your sleep:
"All Americans agree, this nation must become more energy independent and secure. We are blessed here in America with vast natural resources, and we must use them all. Advances in technology can unleash more natural gas, nuclear, wind, coal, and alternative energy to lower your utility bills.
Here in Virginia, we have the opportunity to be the first state on the East Coast to explore for and produce oil and natural gas offshore. But this Administration's policies are delaying offshore production, hindering nuclear energy expansion, and seeking to impose job-killing cap and trade energy taxes."

Getty Images, Bob Torres
"Drill Baby, Drill."
Wow! Virginia might be the first state on the East Coast to crack open the ocean floor for profit and potential toxic dissasters. They should print that on the Virginia flag. He's worried about Obama delaying drilling. Won't drilling delay our quest for renewable energy? It's not until we are forced to find alternatives that we will actually do it.
If you are a Virginia surfer or someone whose living is based on tourism (almost every surfer's living is made at least partially on tourism) you might want to take action to protect your coast. And if you live elsewhere, the drill might not be far behind.

Maryland Developer Agrees Not To Build 24 Turbines

Md. Wind Farm Developer to Forgo 24 Turbines

A Maryland developer has agreed not to build 24 turbines and will abandon 31 proposed sites at a West Virginia wind farm, settling a lawsuit by environmental groups worried about potential harm to the endangered Indiana bat.
Under the deal announced Wednesday, Beech Ridge Energy of Rockville will seek incidental take permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as ordered last month by U.S. District Judge Roger Titus. He had temporarily halted construction of the Greenbrier County project, which now will have no more than 100 turbines.
Beech Ridge Energy also agreed to operate turbines only during the bats' annual hibernation period, from mid-November to March 31, when they are not migrating.
D.J. Schubert, a biologist with the Animal Welfare Institute of Washington, D.C., said the settlement was a reasonable compromise that protects the bat population but also lets the builder proceed with an alternative energy project.
"It's a victory for all parties who are supportive of green energy but who feel that green energy companies have to be held to some standard in terms of ensuring their projects do not harm and threaten the environment," Schubert said. "A standard has been set now, and we certainly hope the renewable energy industry takes heed."
adsonar_placementId=1280598;adsonar_pid=43750;adsonar_ps=-1;adsonar_zw=165;adsonar_zh=220;adsonar_jv='ads.adsonar.com';
Joe Condo, vice president and general counsel for Beech Ridge Energy's parent company, Invenergy LLC of Chicago, said the company was also pleased.
"This compromise will permit Beech Ridge Energy to continue employing skilled West Virginia construction workers to finish building the project and to proceed with the hiring of the full-time local operations team," he said in a statement.
Beech Ridge can immediately begin building as many as 67 turbines, Condo said, and the terms of the agreement mean the company can "begin providing clean energy to West Virginia in the first half of 2010."
The Animal Welfare Institute and the Williamsburg, W.Va.-based Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy had sued both Beech Ridge and Invenergy, which planned to appeal the judge's December ruling.

Under the settlement, however, the developers agreed to drop their appeal and the plaintiffs agreed they will not challenge any incidental take permits the Fish and Wildlife Service may issue.
Such permits are required when landowners, companies, state or local governments build projects that might harm wildlife that is listed as endangered or threatened.
adsonar_placementId=1280598;adsonar_pid=43750;adsonar_ps=-1;adsonar_zw=165;adsonar_zh=220;adsonar_jv='ads.adsonar.com';
The plaintiffs also agreed in court documents signed Tuesday that they will not file more complaints with the West Virginia Public Service Commission over siting certificates for the project.
(This version CORRECTS the number of turbines being abandoned to 24)

Link to article: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9675796

Top of blog: http://usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Clinton Bush Haitian Fund


Clinton Bush Haitian Fund

Haiti needs your prayers, help and money. The disater that hit Haiti is widespead with an enormous amout of dead, dying and starving. They didn't have much and now they lost what they had.

A salute to the USNS COMFORT, her crew and others involved in the Haitian relief effort.

A salute to President Obama, President George Bush, and President Bill Clinton for their Haitian relief efforts.

A salute to the Haitian people, keep the faith, stay strong, the USA and the world is praying for you and coming to your aid with speedy relief.







Support the Earthquake Recovery Efforts in Haiti
On January 12, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti just outside the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The devastation – in lives lost, property destroyed, and families displaced – is immense.
At the request of President Obama, we are partnering to help the Haitian people reclaim their country and rebuild their lives.
Our immediate priority is to save lives. The critical needs in Haiti are great, but they are also simple: food, water, shelter, and first-aid supplies. The best way concerned citizens can help is to donate funds that will go directly to supplying these material needs.
Through the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, we will work to provide immediate relief and long-term support to earthquake survivors. We will channel the collective goodwill around the globe to help the people of Haiti rebuild their cities, their neighborhoods, and their families.
We ask each of you to give what you can to help ensure the people of Haiti can build back stronger and better than ever.
Both of us have personally witnessed the tremendous generosity and goodwill of the American people and of our friends around the world to help in times of great need. There is no greater rallying cry for our common humanity than witnessing our neighbors in distress. And, like any good neighbor, we have an obligation and desire to come to their aid.
Thank you for taking the time to visit, and we hope you will donate to this worthwhile cause. The people of Haiti now need our assistance more than ever.
President William J. Clinton President George W. Bush

http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/


Top of blog: http://www.usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Staples Unveils Largest Single Rooftop Solar Power In Maryland

HANOVER, Md., Jan 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS), the world's largest office products company and SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR), hosted a dedication ceremony today to unveil the largest single rooftop solar power installation in Maryland at Staples' 200,200 square foot fulfillment center in Hanover. The 1.01 megawatt solar installation covers nearly 175,000 square feet of roof space, larger than three football fields.
The environmental savings associated with the system will offset more than 43 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) over 20 years, equivalent to removing CO2 produced by more than 4,200 automobiles driving 12,000 miles per year. The zero-emission, silent photovoltaic system will generate approximately 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, and 21 million kWh during the initial 20 years of the project. The solar installation was financed, built and maintained under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SunEdison. Under the PPA, Staples will purchase the electricity produced for the term of the contract.
"The solar power system installed at our Hanover fulfillment center is the latest example of Staples' ongoing commitment to environmental leadership," said Mark Buckley, vice president of environmental affairs for Staples. "Through our relationship with solar services provider SunEdison, we are able to purchase solar energy from our rooftop at a rate below or equal to the cost of electricity from the grid. This reduces our operating costs while freeing up more electricity during peak times for use by local homes and businesses."
"We are proud to be a long time partner of Staples in providing economical solar solutions to meet their energy needs and commitment to the environment," said Carlos Domenech, President of SunEdison. "SunEdison continues to be an industry leader by combining cutting edge technologies with our unique project finance capabilities to enable large-scale development of solar."
"EPA applauds Staples for initiating this solar energy project to power its Hanover facility," said Shawn M. Garvin, administrator for the EPA's mid-Atlantic region. "I hope this work inspires other companies to use energy in a manner that does not contribute to global climate change. Staples is demonstrating the kind of leadership that is needed to reduce greenhouse gases and move our nation into a clean energy future."
For more information on Staples' environmental initiatives, please visit http://www.staples.com/environment.
About Staples
Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2008 sales of $23 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world's leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.
About SunEdison
SunEdison is North America's largest solar energy services provider. The company finances, installs and operates distributed power plants using proven photovoltaic technologies, delivering fully managed, predictably priced solar energy services for its commercial, government and utility customers. In 2008, SunEdison delivered more kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy than any other solar services provider in North America. For more information about SunEdison, please visit www.sunedison.com.
About MEMC
MEMC is a global leader in the manufacture and sale of wafers and related intermediate products to the semiconductor and solar industries. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of wafer technologies over the past 50 years. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high performance semiconductor devices and solar cells. With the acquisition of SunEdison, MEMC is now a developer of solar power projects and North America's largest solar energy services provider.
MEMC's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFR" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information about MEMC, please visit www.memc.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6133436&lang=en
SOURCE: Staples, Inc. Staples, Inc.
Mark Crowley, 508-253-0767
Mark.Crowley@Staples.com
or
SunEdison
Brad Oswald, 443-909-7200
or
MEMC Electronic Materials
Bill Michalek, 636-474-5443
Copyright Business Wire 2010

**********************************************************************

As of Saturday, 01-02-2010 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend� Alert,
an automated pattern recognition system, indicated an UPTREND on
12-31-2009 for WFR @ $13.68.

For more information on SmarTrend, contact your market data
provider or go to www.mysmartrend.com

SmarTrend is a registered trademark of Comtex News Network, Inc.
Copyright � 2004-2010 Comtex News Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link to:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/marylands-largest-single-rooftop-solar-power-installation-unveiled-staples/

Link to top of blog: http://www.usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com

New jobs in wind energy - Oklahoma City, OK

New jobs in wind energy
Adam Mertz reporting KFOR
2:34 PM CST, January 6, 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY -- As a start-up company, Integra Wind Services is looking to tap into wind energy. Over the next five years, Integra plans to hire 205 people from the greater Oklahoma City area. The average salary is $50,000 for qualified workers.Through Oklahoma City's Strategic Investment Program, Integra will receive economic development funds from the city."This program helps us build our capitol, replenish our capitol, I should say so we can continue to grow" says David Tedford, Integra Wind Services.If it fills all the 205 wind energy positions with local workers, the city would give Integra $820,000.For every job the new company receives or $4,000.The investment program was passed by the voters in 2007.It encourages economic growth in Oklahoma City by providing incentives to businesses that bring in good paying jobs for local workers.The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber says the company met the strict requirements to qualify for the programIntegra only receives the money once it hires local workers.The city council approved the economic development funding for the new company back in December.

Link to:http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-news-new-jobs-wind-energy-story,0,7117454.story

Link to top of blog: http://www.usaalternativeenergynow.blogspot.com