Harnessing Irish Wave Power

The Atlantic coast of Ireland has some of the highest concentrations of wave power in the world. If this power is harnessed, it can be turned into electricity. So since 2005, the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) in Cork has been working with industry (Ocean Energy Limited) to develop a prototype wave-power electric generator. The aim is to produce 500 megawatts of electricity from ocean energy by 2020.
Says Tony Lewis, the director of the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC) “The smallest scale that we use is this one-to-fifty scale which gives us an idea of how the concept will work, and when we get that then we scale up further to this one-to-fifteen scale model which then allows us to simulate, in a much more realistic way. The principle that it operates on is that there is a large ducting, or chamber, inside this device which is open to the sea at the rear and inside the chamber there is an air volume. That air volume is compressed by the waves and as the waves go by that compressed air is forced through the turbine which spins to generate electricity.”
After three years of experiments in the wave tank, a larger quarter-scale test device was moored one and a half miles off the coast of Galway on Ireland’s west coast. For the engineers on the project, designing a platform that could survive the harsh seas of the north Atlantic was the biggest challenge.
Says Richard Toll, research professor Economic and Social Research Institute in the Irish capital Dublin, “‘The reason why wave power is so expensive is two fold – first, very few people live in the ocean, it’s simply a long way away from where we need the electricity and that increases its cost and the second reason is that the environment is so hostile.”
But while wave power is expensive compared to other renewable such as wind, those costs should come down as the industry is scaled up. The future for wave power could still be bright.
Copyright © 2009 euronews


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Army Turns To Solar

Army turns to solar for mission power and more
Submitted by SHNS on Wed, 10/28/2009 - 14:26
By DAVID DANELSKI, The Press-Enterprise
national
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The U.S. Army, joining the push to turn Mojave Desert sunshine into electricity, plans to blanket as much as 21 square miles at Fort Irwin with solar mirrors and panels.
Generating solar electricity inside the gates of the Fort Irwin National Training Center near Barstow will allow the military to end its reliance on the potentially uncertain California power grid, Brig. Gen. Robert Abrams said during a recent briefing.
"This is absolute insurance that we will be able to continue our mission to prepare and train forces for deployment," said Abrams, the base commander.
The state power grid could get knocked out by war or terrorism, but the more likely scenarios would be loss of electricity during storms or in blackouts caused by too much demand during hot weather, Fort Irwin spokesman Kenneth Drylie said.
The endeavor is the largest solar energy project within the Defense Department and part of an overall effort to develop secure and alternative energy sources for the military, a defense official said.
Army and Defense Department officials say they will work out long-term leases with two companies to develop solar power at five locations that aren't suitable for training missions on the 1,100-square-mile base. Electricity could begin flowing as early as 2012.
Clark Energy Group of Arlington, Va., and Acciona Solar Power, an affiliate of Acciona SA Corporation in Madrid, plan to produce as much as 500 megawatts of power.
Fort Irwin consumes at most 28 megawatts in the heat of August, Abrams said. The remainder, enough for about 290,000 homes, would be sold to utility companies.
The base, which has a daily population of nearly 23,000 troops, civilians and families, often is the last training stop for soldiers, sailors and Marines before they are deployed to overseas conflicts such as the war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, Abrams said. The focus is on live-ammunition training with tanks and troops in desert terrain and simulated Middle Eastern communities.
The companies expect to invest $2 billion over 13 years, said Laurence Greene, development director for Acciona Solar Power, which has offices in Henderson, Nev.
To pay for the leases, the solar energy firms would bear the cost of building roads, installing utilities and developing amenities needed at the military training center, said Jerry Hansen, an acting assistant secretary of the Army.
Fort Irwin's territory includes habitat for desert tortoises, a species threatened with extinction. Protecting tortoises is one of the issues that will be examined in environmental reviews that are required before construction can begin. The reviews are expected to take two to three years to complete.
Greene said the first power could be generated by 2012, and all 500 megawatts could be online by 2022.
The developers plan to use a combination of thermal concentration, in which a heated fluid is used to generate steam, and photovoltaic panels, which directly convert sunlight to electricity.
The Fort Irwin solar project is proceeding at the same time state and federal officials are encouraging stepped-up solar and wind development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ease the nation's reliance on foreign fuels.
Earlier his month, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the opening of a special renewable-energy office in Palm Springs to swiftly review applications for wind, solar and geothermal projects in territory controlled by the Bureau of Land Management.
(E-mail David Danelski at ddanelski(at)PE.com. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com)
Must credit The Press-Enterprise of Riverside, Calif.

Environmental Media Awards

Environmental Media Association Gives Out Awards

20th Anniversary Awards
HonoringSir Richard Branson, Centropolis Entertainment,National Geographic Society & Jason Mraz
October 25, 2009 – 6:30pmHollywood, CA
The Environmental Media Awards honor film and television productions and individuals that increase public awareness of environmental issues and inspire personal action on these issues.
Produced by Scott Mauro EntertainmentScott Mauro, Executive Producer


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OBAMA TO VISIT DESOTO SOLAR CENTER IN FLORIDA TODAY

Arcadia, Florida - Rural DeSoto County is mostly known for cattle and orange groves, but now power is putting it on the map.
"This is the largest one in the country," says Eric Silagy of Florida Power & Light, while standing in the middle of a field filled with solar panels.
FPL's giant DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center officially starts producing electricity Tuesday and workers are spiffing up the place for a presidential visit.
While the solar center is the focus of Barack Obama's stop in DeSoto County, in nearby Arcadia, the owner of a new restaurant hopes the historic small town will also get a spot in the sun.
"So we're glad that he's coming," says Dennis Tyson of Mary Margaret's Tea & Biscuit. "He'll make people know where we are."
President Obama will use the solar center as a backdrop for an energy announcement. He's expected to announce plans to invest stimulus funds into clean energy and smart grid technology.
As for FPL officials, they say the president's stop here could energize the production of solar power. "It shows a recognition that Florida is on the right track," says Silagy of the attention from Obama.
The acres of solar panels will generate electricity for some 3,000 homes, but the facility cost $150 million to build. Cost is the big drawback for solar centers. They're more expensive to build than traditional power plants using coal or natural gas.
But Silagy says there are also benefits. "Remember, the fuel is always free. We're also producing no pollution at all-no emission."
And that's why FPL officials like Silagy believe solar power has a future in this state. "Absolutely, it doesn't say Sunshine State on the [license] plate for no reason."
10 Connects News

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Germany Wins Solar Decathlon On National Mall October 2009

AND THE WINNER IS............
GERMANY - Second time in a row

Overall Standings
The current team standings and scores for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 are shown in the chart below. See scores by team, scores by contest, and scores by day by clicking the tabs below. You may also click any of the links within the chart to see scoring details.
Day 9 - October 16. Last Updated: 09:02 AM (EDT)
Overall Standings Scores by Team Scores by Contest Scores by Day

1.
Team Germany
908.297

2.
Illinois
897.300

3.
Team California
863.089

4.
Team Ontario/BC
849.816

5.
Minnesota
838.544

6.
Team Alberta
769.410

7.
Cornell
764.237

8.
Rice
750.236

9.
Kentucky
732.152

10.
Ohio State
729.932

11.
Team Missouri
719.530

12.
Iowa State
714.609

13.
Virginia Tech
704.628

14.
Team Spain
669.565

15.
Team Boston
665.596

16.
Penn State
625.995

17.
Puerto Rico
617.569

18.
Arizona
610.339

19.
Univ. of Louisiana
603.882

20.
WI-Milwaukee
542.074

Architecture Market Viability Engineering Lighting Design Communications
Comfort Zone Hot Water Appliances Home Entertainment Net Metering

Scores are subject to change due to corrections throughout the competition period. Overall scores reflect penalties, but individual contest scores do not. Therefore, the total score presented may not match the sum of contest scores.Advanced Scoring
The advanced scoring search tool allows you to search Solar Decathlon 2009 scores by combinations of team, contests, and days. --->
Printable Version

Next on to Madrid,
for the 2010 Europe Solar Decathlon Link to: http://www.sdeurope.org/ Use Google to translate their webpage.

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Bloomberg Oil Prices October 2009

Bloomberg Oil Prices October 2009




Link: http://www.bloomberg.com

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Gov. Schwarzenegger - Expedite Renewable Energy

Gov. Schwarzenegger and Secretary Salazar Sign MOU to Expedite Renewable Energy Development in Calif.
by Valerie Gotten published Mon, 12 Oct 2009 – 19:28:12 -0700 PDTNo Comment

SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — Further laying the groundwork for California to reach its environmental goals, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in order to expedite the siting of California renewable energy projects. California is the first state to sign an MOU with the Department of the Interior (DOI) to cooperatively develop long-term renewable energy plans and to sheppard eligible projects through state and federal permitting processes that can receive 30 percent federal tax credits under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (Recovery Act).
“California is showing the world how to protect the economy, environment and habitat all at the same time,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals. Today’s first-of-its-kind agreement with our federal partners will also create jobs and get projects moving while maintaining high environmental standards.”
The MOU commits the federal government to work with California on a science-based process for reviewing, approving and permitting renewable energy applications in California, which will greatly help the state achieve its goal of reaching 33 percent renewable energy by 2020. The DOI and California Natural Resources Agency will develop detailed maps of the best areas for development and conservation – allowing for expedited project siting and habitat protection. The agreement also facilitates the identification of transmission corridors by December 2010 and includes the Department of Defense (DOD) in the process because some transmission lines may need to cross DOD lands.
“With coordinated environmental studies, good land-use planning and zoning and priority processing, we can accelerate responsible renewable energy production on U.S. public lands in California,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Together we can strengthen our nation’s and California’s energy security, protect our environment and help lay the foundation for a clean-energy economy for the 21st century.”
In addition to a broad commitment to work together, the parties of the MOU also agree to expedite projects that are on track to break ground by the end of 2010 and become eligible for more than $15 billion in Recovery Act funding. The Recovery Act specifically directs economic stimulus funding to qualified projects that begin construction by December 1, 2010. At the direction of the MOU, the Renewable Energy Policy Group will review a list of projects to be identified for this stimulus funding that if constructed, could add up to over 7,000 megawatts of new wind, solar and geothermal energy in California.
Under Governor Schwarzenegger’s leadership, California has led the nation and the world in establishing laws and policies aimed at promoting renewable energy and helping to fight global warming. Just last month, Governor Schwarzenegger signed an executive order directing the California Air Resources Board to adopt regulations increasing California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33 percent by 2020 – a goal that was first established by the Governor’s directive last year. The order will ensure California will have the flexibility needed to use renewable energy sources for 33 percent of our energy consumption by 2020 and places the highest priority on renewable resources that will provide the greatest environmental benefits that can be developed quickly and support reliable, efficient and cost-effective electricity system operations including resources and facilities located throughout the Western Interconnection.
Other accomplishments cementing California as a great leader on protecting the environment include:•In 2008, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed AB 1451, AB 2466 and AB 2267 to build on California’s commitment to increase renewable energy use. AB 1451 builds on the state’s solar power usage by continuing a property tax exclusion for projects that utilize solar panel energy and expanding the exclusion to builder-installed solar energy systems in new homes. AB 2267 builds on the state’s green economy by requiring the California Public Utilities Commission to grant incentives to eligible California-technology manufacturers. This bill also requires the CEC to give priority to California-based companies when granting awards and will not only create jobs for hardworking Californians but will attract more clean-tech and green-tech companies to the state. AB 2466 will increase energy efficiency and help protect the environment by authorizing local governments to receive a utility bill credit for surplus renewable electricity generated at one site against the electricity consumption at other sites.
•In 2006, the Governor signed the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, California’s landmark bill that established a first-in-the-world comprehensive program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real, quantifiable and cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The law will reduce carbon emissions in California to 1990 levels by the year 2020. AB 32 requires CARB to develop regulations and market mechanisms that will ultimately reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. Mandatory caps will begin in 2012 for significant sources and ratchet down to meet the 2020 goals. The Governor has also called for the state to reduce carbon emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2050.
•In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger furthered his historic leadership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower California’s reliance on foreign oil by signing Executive Order S-01-07 that established the world’s first Low Carbon Fuel Standard for transportation fuels sold in California. The standard will reduce carbon content in all passenger vehicle fuels sold in California by at least 10 percent by 2020 and more thereafter.
•In 2008, the Governor announced the adoption of the country’s first statewide Green Building Standards Code by the California Building Standards Commission that went into effect on August 1, 2009. It is currently a voluntary standard and will become mandatory in the 2010 code. The International Code Council announced last month it is developing a new code for commercial buildings entitled the International Green Construction Code, and will use the current California Green Building Standards Code as a key reference document.
•In 2006, the Governor announced his Million Solar Roofs Plan to provide 3,000 megawatts of additional clean energy and reduce the output of greenhouse gases by three million tons, equivalent to taking one million cars off the road. Now known as the California Solar Initiative, the $3.3 billion incentive plan for homeowners and building owners who install solar electric systems will lead to one million solar roofs in California by 2017.
•The Governor announced as a component of the California Solar Initiative in 2007, the New Solar Homes Partnership (NHSP) aimed to help create a self-sustaining market for solar homes and gain builder commitment to install solar energy systems. A new home that qualifies for the NSHP is at least 15 percent more efficient than the current building standards.
California’s leadership in pushing to fight global warming and increase renewable energy will help boost our economy. According to an economic study by the University of California at Berkeley and Next 10, California’s policies will create as many as 403,000 jobs in the next 12 years and household incomes will increase by $48 billion.
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About the Author: Valerie Gotten (aka Valerie G) is an abstract painter, former movie stand-in, and volunteers for "green events" to help raise awareness about global warming, and help preserve California's wilderness and natural beauty. All content is Copr. © 2009 by California Newswire®, and Neotrope® News Network, USA. www.neotrope.net - all rights reserved. Sphere: Related Content
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