DOE is offering $10 billion in loan guarantees for projects involving energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced transmission and distribution. The agency is seeking projects relating to biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind energy, as well as projects involving hydropower, alternative fuel vehicles, and energy efficiency. In addition to general energy efficiency projects, the solicitation specifically requests projects relating to energy efficient building technologies and efficient electricity transmission, distribution, and storage. DOE intends to issue loan guarantees for stand-alone projects, as well as projects relating to manufacturing technologies and the large-scale integration of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technologies into the electrical grid. The agency issued a solicitation on Monday for the loan guarantees, along with two solicitations for nuclear power that increase the total loan guarantee package to $30.5 billion. (more)

EIA: World Energy Use to Grow 50% by 2030

Source: EERE News

Robust economic growth and expanding populations in the world's developing countries will fuel a 50% increase in world energy use between 2005 and 2030, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA admits that its "International Energy Outlook 2008" does not account for the recent surge in oil prices, and it projects a 26% increase in the use of petroleum over the next 22 years. It also foresees an expanded use of renewable fuels, increasing from 0.5 million barrels per day in 2005 to 2.7 million barrels per day in 2030, primarily in response to high prices for oil and natural gas. Worldwide, the consumption of hydropower and other renewable energy sources increase by 2.1% per year in the reference case, which results in a 58% increase over the next 22 years. The reference case doesn't include policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions, which are projected to increase by 51% between 2005 and 2030. (more)

PG&E Increases Renewable Portfolio With Horizon Wind Energy

Source: Company

Pacific Gas and Electric Company has increased its portfolio of renewables with the signing of a long-term agreement to purchase wind energy from the Arlington Wind Power Project, LLC, a subsidiary of Horizon Wind Energy, LLC. Horizon will deliver 240 gigawatt hours of renewable wind energy annually to PG&E's customers throughout northern and central California. (more)

St. Helena's Hospital Orders New Model 400kW Fuel Cell From UTC Power

Source: Company

UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, announced it will supply St. Helena Hospital in California's Napa Valley with its new, next-generation fuel cell, the PureCell(R) Model 400 system, which will be in full production in the summer of 2009. (more)

Plug Power Receives NYSERDA Contract to Further Commercialization of Residential Fuel Cell Systems

Source: Company

Plug Power Inc. (NasdaqGM:PLUG - News), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, announced that it has received a $500,000 contract to support commercialization of its residential micro-combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell system. Issued by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the contract will fund the integration of heating technology, which will result in a system that meets the full comfort needs of a home. (more)

GE Energy, GAF Materials Corporation Form Alliance to Bring Solar Energy to Homes and Businesses

Source: Company

GE Energy and GAF Materials Corporation (GAF), two companies with more than 100 years of experience in the energy and roofing industries respectively, announced a new strategic alliance to market and ultimately develop solar systems and roofing systems for commercial and residential customers. (more)

IBM Introduces New Data Center Energy Management Software

Source: Company

At its annual IBM Pulse Conference, IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced new software designed to help customers address the growing need to maximize energy efficiency and reduce costs associated with power and cooling. The software is part of IBM's Project Big Green initiative in which IBM has committed $1 billion per year to deliver technologies that help customers increase energy efficiency in their data centers and physical plants. (more)

Project Represents GE's Largest Jenbacher Engine Order in India

Source: Company

GE Energy is supplying Cairn India with 32 of its J420 GS Jenbacher gas engines that will generate the electricity for India’s first cross country, heated crude oil pipeline, which is currently under construction. (more)

World Energy Use Projected to Grow 50 Percent Between 2005 and 2030

Source: EIA

World marketed energy consumption is projected to grow by 50 percent between 2005 and 2030, driven by robust economic growth and expanding populations in the world's developing countries, according to the reference case projection from the "International Energy Outlook 2008" (IEO2008) released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). (more)

USDA Awards $2.55 Million for Efficiency, Renewable Energy Projects

Source: USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that 39 farms and rural businesses in eight states have been selected to receive $2.55 million in loans and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Much of the funding is going toward more energy efficient grain dryers, which can cut energy use by up to 67%. The projects also include an upgrade to efficient refrigerators and freezers in Iowa, a geothermal heat pump installation in Iowa, and a 10-kilowatt solar power installation in New York. The funds are being provided under USDA's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency program, which was established by the 2002 Farm Bill. The funding recipients are located in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. (more)

CFL discounts, appliance recycling rebates help customers conserve energy

Source: Company

ComEd customers now can take advantage of a number of new and enhanced energy efficiency programs that are expected to yield more than $155 million in savings during the programs' lifetime. Launched today as "Smart Ideas," the new portfolio of energy efficiency measures includes CFL discounts, appliance recycling rebates and more. The portfolio could place ComEd among the top three utilities in the nation within a few years, in terms of annual electricity savings achieved through energy efficiency. (more)

Telkonet Advances Bellingham School District's Energy Efficiency Drive

Source: Company

Telkonet, Inc. (AMEX:TKO), the leading provider of innovative, centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation and proactive support services, is to provide its advanced Telkonet SmartEnergy (TSE) solution to Bellingham School District, the largest of seven school districts in Whatcom County. TSE will be installed in the majority of the school district's portables, used for extra class space and during renovations, as a cost and time-efficient method of maintaining energy efficient temperatures without manual intervention. The district is implementing TSE under the Puget Sound Energy rebate program, designed to encourage schools to upgrade thermostats to the latest 365-day programmable models. (more)

McQuay International Awarded Air Conditioning Contract for New York City’s Freedom Tower

Source: Company

McQuay International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd., has been awarded a contract valued at nearly $15 million to supply air conditioning equipment for the Freedom Tower building (1 World Trade Center) in New York City. Currently under construction on the site of the World Trade Center that was destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the 105-story Freedom Tower will be 1,776 feet (541 meters) tall. Scheduled for completion in 2012, the Freedom Tower is the tallest of the buildings that will form the new World Trade Center complex. (more)

Application Note EX-DIAC2 Offers Basler’s Solutions

Source: Compant

The General Electric type GDA “Diactor” was one of the most popular automatic voltage regulators provided worldwide throughout the mid 1930s to early 1970s time frame. It is found in generator controls used with a diverse range of land based prime movers that include diesel engines, hydro, steam and gas turbines generally between 2 and 25 megawatts in capacity. (more)

Green Building Not Just for the Public Sector in South Florida

Source: Company

Miami is known for shrewd and creative business -- even when the economy is slowing down. According to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, "Miami-Dade's economic activity has slowed down this year from the strong expansion enjoyed in the 2004-2006 period." Not surprising, Miami business and building owners are taking the lead on "green building" and seeing not only environmental results, but bottom line outcomes, as well. (more)

Honeywell Launches Green Power Evaluation Tool

Source: Company

Honeywell has developed a tool to help businesses evaluate the environmental and financial potential of introducing renewable energy to a specific location. (more)

Solar Power Could Reach One-Tenth of Energy Supply by 2025: Report

Source: Company

Solar power is quickly becoming a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-based energy sources, and in less than a decade may cost the same as retail electricity rates across the U.S., according to a new report from Clean Edge and Co-op America. (more)

Hybrid Technology Provides Energy and Water Savings

Source: Company

Home and business owners frustrated by rising energy costs and water restrictions now have an option, the new Eternal hybrid water heating system by Grand Hall delivers endless hot water on-demand while saving energy and lowering water consumption. The system also provides consistent temperature, and optimum water pressure even for today's low-flow fixtures. (more)

Baxter Releases Ninth Annual Sustainability Report

Source: Baxter International

Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX) released its Sustainability Report -- Our Priorities. Our Progress., which highlights the company's 2007 social, economic and environmental performance. The report features the establishment of performance goals to support the company's sustainability priorities announced in 2007. The goals further demonstrate Baxter's commitment to integrating sustainability more deeply in the company, encouraging continuous improvement and helping stakeholders assess progress. (more)

N.Y. Marriott Unveils Microturbine Farm

Source: Company

The New York Marriott Downtown unveiled a microturbine farm that it says will help conserve energy and cut costs at the 500-room hotel. Two PureComfort systems from UTC Power will generate waste heat that can be used for space heating, hot water and air conditioning. The system will be about three times more efficient than a conventional power plant, the company said. (more)

Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority Install Largest Single Roof-Mounted Solar Array in US

Source: Company

The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) announced that it has awarded Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM) a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Atlantic City Convention Center (ACCC) to install the largest single roof-mounted solar array in the United States. (more)

Alliance to Save Energy Announces 2008 ‘Stars of Energy Efficiency’ Award Winners

Source: ASE

The Alliance to Save Energy announced its 2008 “Stars of Energy Efficiency” award winners, selected from among a record-setting 100 nominees. The Alliance’s Dinner and Awards Committee, comprised of experts in the energy-efficiency field, reviewed the nominations against published criteria and selected seven winners. They represent a diverse and impressive roster of individuals, companies, and government entities working to advance energy efficiency in noteworthy and creative ways. (more)

Tax Revenues from Wind Farms More Than Offset Tax Incentive

Source: Company

GE Energy Financial Services, a unit of GE (NYSE: GE), recently unveiled a study estimating that a federal tax incentive set to expire Dec. 31 for wind energy projects more than pays for itself through tax revenues from the projects’ income, vendors’ profits and individual workers’ wages. The study – released at the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Finance Forum in New York – estimated that wind farms built in 2007, supported by the production tax credit, carry a net present value benefit to the US Treasury of $250 million. (more)

Application of Ozonation in Sanitizing Vegetable Process Washwaters

Source: Company

The fresh market vegetable industry, for example, carrots, uses large amounts of water for washing, transporting and chilling the product. The existing predominant technology for disinfection is chlorination. The concern for the by-products of chlorination and possible toxic chemicals in the water when disposed of has created the need for more environmentally-friendly disinfection techniques. Ozonation meets this need. (more)

Dimmable Ballast: Consider Digital

Source: CSE

Cheap and technologically superior? That’s what the promoters of a new electronic dimmable ballast are claiming. Lumenergi, formerly Lumenoptics, has come to market with a new name and technology it claims will revolutionize the world of lighting the way the Toyota Prius is changing the driving habits of many Americans. (more)

An Aging HVAC System, An Opportunity To Shine: Sydney Entertainment Center Upgrades and Draws Rave

Source: Company

The Sydney Entertainment Centre was built in 1983 and has become one of the busiest indoor multi-use facilities in Australia. After 23 years of good service, it was time to replace the chillers on its HVAC system. But rather than simply replacing the old chillers, Arena Management, the Centre’s operator, considered this an opportunity to improve comfort, efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness. So they took a total system view and called on the expertise of Trane. (more)

The "Secret Benefits" From Energy Conservation: Contribute Value Worth An 18% Improvement to Energy

Source: Eric A. Woodroof , Wayne C. Turner , Steven D. Heinz, Strategic Planning for Energy & the Environment Journal

In addition to saving energy and reducing utility expenses, there are additional (often unreported) benefits from conserving energy. These financial and strategic benefits extend beyond the utility budget. These non-utility benefits contribute value worth an additional 18 to 50 percent of the energy savings—as demonstrated via a simple example. Calculations are shown on a spreadsheet, which can be downloaded for applications in your own facility.1 Beyond illustrating these additional benefits, the goal of this article is to motivate change towards saving more energy and money, while preserving more of our natural environment. (more)

More Studies Say Biofuels Have a Minor Impact on Food Costs

Source: DOE

A new report from New Energy Finance concludes that biofuels are responsible for at most 8% out of the 168% rise in grain prices since 2004, and for at most 17% out of the 136% rise in global food prices. As a proportion of the total rise in prices, biofuels can take the blame for less than 5% of the rise in grain prices and at most 12.5% of the rise in global food prices. The report concludes that population growth placed the greatest pressure on grain prices, and that growth was not matched by increases in yields. The increasing price of fossil fuels also caused 35.2% of the increase in grain prices. (more)

San Francisco Launches Nation's Largest Municipal Solar Incentive

Source: Company

San Francisco, California, passed legislation to implement a 10-year solar incentive program that will be the largest municipal solar program in the United States. People and organizations that install solar photovoltaic power systems on their properties will earn taxable solar incentives of $3,000-$6,000 for residences, up to $10,000 for businesses and non-profits, and up to $30,000 for nonprofit affordable housing. Residents and businesses can earn the highest incentives by employing a solar installer that hires graduates of the city's workforce development program. One sponsor of the legislation claims that the new incentives will significantly expand the use of solar energy in San Francisco, which currently has less than 1,000 solar rooftops. (more)

Changes in Government Operation Reduce Energy Use, Stimulate Renewable Energy Sector

Source: Company

Governor Edward G. Rendell rencently announced a number of strategic initiatives the commonwealth will immediately make to reduce energy use, stimulate the renewable energy sector and cut costs. "Rising energy prices affect every customer, including state government," Governor Rendell said. "We need to make immediate, sweeping adjustments to the way state government operates to counter escalating gas prices and rising energy prices. (more)

U.S. Eyes Deal on Slashing Clean Technology Tariffs

Source:WBCSD

The United States hopes the world's major economies will agree to remove trade barriers on clean energy technologies when they meet alongside the Group of Eight rich nations next month. (more)

Panasonic Creates 'Eco Ideas Factory' to Improve Products, Emissions

Source: Company

Panasonic announced mid- and long-term environmental management plans Tuesday, beginning with the designation of its Kusatsu manufacturing facility as a “Eco Ideas Factory.” (more)

Duke Plans $100M Investment in Solar Energy

Source: Company

Duke Energy Carolinas wants to invest $100 million in up to 850 solar energy arrays that could sit on the rooftops of as many as 850 homes, schools, stores and factories. (more)

Virtual Energy Forum Debuts in Online World

Source: GreenBuzz

The Virtual Energy Forum will be taking place entirely online, preventing attendees from the expenses and emissions related to driving or flying to a convention center and staying in hotels. The online-only event boasts a series of speakers from the political and business world. Attendees will be able to visit a virtual exhibit floor and view virtual booths from more than 30 providers of technology and services. (more)

Calling All Sustainability Professionals: Developing a Credible Green Program

Source: Sustainable Facility

Carbon? The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) has been involved in the energy industry for more than 30 years. But, until very recently, the mention of carbon, greenhouse gasses, or “cap and trade” had rarely ever appeared in any energy report, analysis or recommendation — or in any corporate energy program. Yet today, the words greenhouse gas, “sustainability” and “green technology” appear on the front page of every paper. These same words are found in the stump speech of every politician, and are often a part of the lead story on the evening news. As a result, there is a rapidly evolving need for a Sustainability Professional. The Sustainability Professional must understand and deploy the concepts, metrics, standards, technologies and the markets as he or she develops the corporate (or institutional) green program or sustainability plan. (more)

3D A19-Style LED Bulbs Light-Up Colorfully Beyond Ordinary Incandescents

Source: Company

LEDtronics® announces 3D A19-style LED bulbs that offer vivid colorful lighting in many versatile applications. The 3D TRF-A19 series LED bulb comes in a UV-protective, plastic A19-shape globe covering that allows the LED light to shine in multiple directions (three dimensions) while still being protected from the environment. These hardy bulbs are perfect in any situation that allows for standard 26mm Edison screw base 120-volt AC attachments. (more)

National Account Agreement with OfficePower and Announces Initial Order for Approximately $3.5 M

Source: Company

Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.microturbine.com) (NASDAQ:CPST - News), a leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, recently announced that it has entered into a three-year National Account Agreement with OfficePower, Inc. In addition, OfficePower placed its initial order under the agreement for approximately $3.5M including the first order for C1000 MicroTurbine® systems to be deployed in the U.S. market. (more)

Biomass to Biofuels Market Potential

Source: Energy Business Reports

Biomass is a renewable energy resource derived from waste. It comes from both human and natural activities and uses by-products from the timber industry, agricultural crops, raw material from forests, household wastes, and wood. Like wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy, biomass produces fewer emissions than its fossil fuel counterparts. After fossil fuels, biomass is the most widely used fuel in the world. (more)

PG&E Adds 106.8 MW of Renewable Solar Hybrid Power to Its Energy Mix

Source: Company

Continuing its momentum of adding utility-scale solar power to its energy mix, Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced that it has entered into two contracts with San Joaquin Solar LLC, a subsidiary of Martifer Renewables Electricity LLC, for a combined 106.8 megawatts (MW) of solar thermal-biofuel hybrid power. Located near Coalinga, CA, the solar-biofuel projects will deliver a total of 700 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually of renewable electricity to PG&E customers throughout northern and central California. (more)

Electricity Superhighway Reconfigures Chicago's Electrical System & Adds Capacity

Source: Company

ComEd announced the completion of its West Loop Project, the largest and most complex initiative of its kind ever undertaken by the company. The West Loop Project accomplishes two main objectives. The eight-year, $350 million initiative converts the city's electric transmission system from a "hub and spoke" to a network model, providing Chicago substations multiple sources of supply -- substantially reducing the likelihood of a significant loss of power downtown and in Chicago neighborhoods. Secondly, it adds the equivalent of a 400 MW power plant to the power available in the heart of the city. (more)

Rising Natural Gas Prices & Lower Hydroelectric Power Supplies Expected to Increase Electricity Cost

Source: Company

Pacific Gas and Electric Company alerted the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that the skyrocketing price of natural gas across the nation and lower than expected hydroelectric power are resulting in higher costs for the electricity PG&E purchases on behalf of its customers. (more)

NYPA to Provide Clean Renewable Power For Rebuilt World Trade Center

Source: Company

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced that it has reached an agreement that will make the redeveloped World Trade Center the site of one of the largest fuel cell installations in the world. The agreement, valued at $10.6 million, was reached with UTC Power of South Windsor, Conn., for equipment purchases to provide heat and power for the new towers. The fuel cells, totaling 4.8 megawatts (mw) of generating capacity, will provide an on-site supplement to the renewable power and other clean energy the rebuilt World Trade Center will receive via power lines from off-site sources. Together with design measures to minimize energy use, the “green” power arrangements will make the Freedom Tower and three other towers that are part of the Trade Center a model for environmentally friendly energy and for energy efficiency. The Freedom Tower is being developed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the other towers by Silverstein Properties. (more)

Acquisition Bolsters Company’s Position As A Leading National Provider Of Energy Saving Solutions

Source: Company

Lime Energy Co. (NASDAQ: LIME) announced that it has acquired all of the capital stock of Applied Energy Management, Inc. (AEM), for $3.5 million in cash, 882,725 shares of Lime Energy common stock and the assumption of approximately $5.9 million in debt. Financing for the transaction was provided through an increase in the existing line of credit with Mr. Dick Kiphart, Lime Energy’s Chairman (more)

New Energy Economy Bills Signed into Law

Source: Company

Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. signed five bills into law to help low-income families with their energy bills, improve energy efficiency and continue to build Colorado's New Energy Economy. (more)

New Software Key from Reliable Controls®

Source: Company

Reliable Controls® has moved forward with initiatives to strengthen software authorization process by employing a software key. RC-Archive™ 2.0 Update 1.10 is the first software offering from Reliable Controls® to require the use of a software key (USB-Key) for authorization. (more)

World's Top Energy Ministers Launch Energy Efficiency Effort

Source: Company

The energy ministers from the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized countries and from China, India, and South Korea agreed to establish the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC).The IPEEC will serve as a high-level forum for facilitating a broad range of actions that yield significant gains in energy efficiency. The partnership will support the on-going energy efficiency work of the participating countries and relevant international organizations by exchanging information on best practices, policies, and efforts to collect data. The IPEEC members will also develop public-private partnerships for improving energy efficiency, participate in joint research and development efforts, and facilitate the dissemination of energy-related products and services. The energy ministers plan to hold the first IPEEC meeting before the end of the year (more)

Fibrowatt Selects Surry County Site for Second Renewable Energy Plant

Source: Company

Fibrowatt, a pioneer in generating renewable energy from poultry litter, announced that it has chosen a site offered by Surry County near Elkin to build a new biomass-fueled power plant. This plant will provide poultry growers with an important alternative for the management of poultry litter in western North Carolina. (more)

Duke Energy Plans to Add Solar Power to 850 North Carolina Sites

Source: Company

Duke Energy Carolinas plans to spend $100 million over the next 2 years to install roughly 20 megawatts (MW) of solar panels throughout North Carolina. The utility filed an application on June 6 with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, asking for approval to implement the solar distributed generation program. If the program is approved, Duke Energy Carolinas will install solar power systems on rooftops or on the ground at more than 850 customer locations throughout the state, including homes, schools, stores, and factories. Duke Energy Carolinas would own and operate the equipment, but customers who offer their location for solar panels will be rewarded by the utility. (more)

Two Imaginative Building Engineers & 500 McQuay® PTAC Units = 50 % Energy Savings

Source: Company

Building owners and investment firms continually balance the costs of renovation to remain competitive and retain tenants against the need to reduce operating costs and increase shareholder value. Washington Real Estate Investment Trust, Rockville, MD, a publicly-traded investment firm, resolved the issue at one of its properties with a unique energy-saving HVAC system. Two imaginative building engineers came up with a solution that included 500 McQuay Enersaver™ packaged terminal air conditioning (PTAC) units that helped save over 50 percent in HVAC energy costs. (more)

DOE and Partners to Offer Prize for Efficient Lighting

Source: DOE

DOE announced it plans to offer at least a $1 million prize for the development of energy efficient, solid-state lamps. The Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize competition, or L Prize for short, was authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and challenges the lighting industry to develop LED (light-emitting diode) replacement technologies for today's most widely used and inefficient lighting products. Specifically, the L Prize aims to find replacements for the 60-watt incandescent light bulb and the 4.75-inch-diameter halogen reflector lamp, technically referred to as a "PAR 38" ("PAR" stands for parabolic aluminized reflector, and "38" is the lamp's diameter in eighths of an inch). (more)

DENT Instruments’ LIGHTINGlogger Play a Key Role in Determining Energy Savings from CFL

Source: Company

DENT Instruments announced that it had recently received contracts to deliver over 2,700 of its LIGHTINGloggersTM to KEMA, Inc., a global energy consulting services company. The LIGHTINGlogger™ is one of a series of meters from DENT Instruments that are designed to monitor the on-off status and collect time-of-use data for energy consuming devices, such as lighting systems. (more)

Energy Efficient Lighting Innovator Relocates Distribution Center

Source: Company

TCP, Inc., a manufacturer of energy efficient lighting products, announces the relocation of its west coast distribution center and warehouse to the Massie Industrial Park in Stockton, California. The 130,000-square-foot building features state-of-the-art radio frequency technology, 10 loading docks, and office and meeting spaces. The new facility will bring as many as 30 new jobs to San Joaquin County. (more)

First Hotel in New York City to Install Energy-Efficient Tri-generation Plant

Source: Company

In a major initiative to reduce energy and carbon emissions significantly, the New York Marriott Downtown, a 500-room full-service Marriott hotel managed by Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) and owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., celebrated the inauguration of its new "microturbine farm" with a ribbon cutting. (more)

One Facility's Waste is Another's Energy Source

Source: Company

EPA recognized three Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Awards winners for using CHP to reduce their energy use by more than 18 percent. CHP, also referred to as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. By installing a CHP system, a facility can increase operational efficiency and decrease energy costs, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. (more)

New Wind Power Partnerships to Benefit Industry and Nation

Source: NREL

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced projects that will enhance the nation’s ability to realize the full potential of wind power across the United States. (more)

State Energy Efficiency Analyses Show Positive Returns for Economic Growth and Job Creation

Source: ACEEE

A new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) concludes that energy efficiency can contribute to the growth of state economies, and, by extension, to the United States as a whole. The report, Positive Returns: State Energy-Efficiency Analyses Can Inform U.S. Energy Policy Assessments, concludes from a review of 48 state- and regional-level efficiency potential studies, performed over the last 16 years, that energy efficiency will result in a small but net positive benefit for the American economy as a result of policies that emphasize investment-led energy efficiency improvements. These studies can inform the direction the United States must take to ensure viable energy security and climate change solutions. (more)

Company Produces "Green" Crude Oil and Gasoline from Algae

Source: Company

Sapphire Energy announced that it has produced "green" gasoline from a synthetic crude oil made from algae. The algae yield a crude oil replacement that is literally green, and according to the company, the "green crude" meets fuel quality standards and is completely compatible with the existing petroleum infrastructure, from refinement through distribution to retail suppliers. Gasoline produced from the green crude achieved a 91 octane rating while meeting fuel quality standards. Sapphire Energy considers the achievement to be at the forefront of an entirely new industrial category, called "green crude production." (more)

Largest U.S. Biodiesel Plant Starts Production in Texas

Source: Company

GreenHunter Energy, Inc. has begun commercial operations at its biodiesel refinery in Houston, Texas, that can produce 105 million gallons per year (mgpy) of biodiesel. That production capacity makes it the largest biodiesel refinery in the United States, barely beating out the 100 mgpy biodiesel refinery built by Imperium Renewables in Washington State. For comparison, the total U.S. production capacity for biodiesel reached 2,240 mgpy in 2007, although poor market conditions held 2007 production to about 450 million gallons, according to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). (more)

New Report Finds the United States Leading in Wind Power Growth

Source: DOE

For the third year in a row, the United States was the fastest growing wind power market in the world in 2007, according to a new DOE report. The 2007 edition of DOE's "Annual Report on U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends," released last week, found that $9 billion was invested in 5,329 megawatts of new U.S. wind power capacity in 2007, causing the total U.S. wind power capacity to increase by 46%. The growing U.S. wind market spurred new investment in turbine and component manufacturing plants, with enough new and planned facilities to create more than 4,700 new U.S. jobs. The report notes that wind power accounted for 35% of all new U.S. electric generating capacity in 2007 and can now supply about 1.2% of the country's electricity needs. In addition, new transmission facilities under development throughout the country will allow the future development of another 200,000 megawatts of wind power. (more)

Napa Winery Basks in Solar Power

Source: Company

Napa-based Far Niente flipped the switch on a solar energy system that will supply all of the winery's needs. The system relies on a combination of land-mounted and "Floatovoltaic" solar arrays that are expected to generate 400 kilowatts at peak output. More than 1,000 Sharp solar panels are mounted to pontoons that will float on the irrigation pond at the winery's Martin Stelling Vineyard, while another 1,300 panels are located on an adjacent acre of land. (more)

DDP Develops Customizable, Energy-Efficient Architectural LED Lighting System

Source: Company

DDP, a leader in engineered LED solutions, has developed a customizable, linear wall wash LED lighting system that combines a stylish look with a rugged and high-performance design. Part of the Emerge LED Lighting product family, the LED WashGraze® is an energy-efficient solution that features a unique, patent-pending optical configuration with user-specifiable viewing angles that significantly reduce light loss and maximize efficacy. The IP67-rated LED WashGraze is the brightest linear solid-state lighting (SSL) fixture on the market and is ideal for interior or exterior applications, as it can withstand the most challenging environmental conditions. (more)

Oklahoma Schools Commence Energy Saving Project

Source: Company

The Geary Public Schools (GPS) in Geary, Okla., are implementing $291,341 in facility enhancements designed to improve operations, comfort and efficiency in eight district facilities. The Energy Solutions division of TAC, a world leader in energy services, building automation and security, will complete the work as a performance contract with the district. TAC guarantees that GPS will reduce its utility costs by $20,482 annually when the project is completed in the spring of 2008. (more)

Frost & Sullivan Lauds Tridium’s Outstanding Growth Strategy in the Building Automation System

Source: Company

Based on its recent analysis of the remote monitoring services market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Tridium Inc. with their 2008 North American Global Excellence of the Year Award for its successful implementation of its global growth strategy. (more)

Distech Controls Founding Member of EnOcean® Alliance Establishing Standard for Green Building

Source: Company

Distech Controls, a leading provider of building automation solutions, has joined 15 other Promoter members to found the EnOcean Alliance. The EnOcean Alliance is a global consortium of companies working to further develop and promote self-powered wireless monitoring and control products for sustainable buildings. (more)

Boston Scientific Receives LEED Certification for Marlborough, MA Campus

Source: Company

Boston Scientific Corporation announced it has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the renovation of its Endosurgery Headquarters located in Marlborough, MA. The 500,000 square foot campus houses the Company's Endosurgery Group, including its research and development laboratories as well as extensive office space for supporting business functions. (more)

Capstone Turbine Corporation Receives ISO 14001:2004 Certification

Source: Company

Capstone Turbine Corporation® (www.microturbine.com) (NASDAQ: CPST - News), a leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announced that its facilities in Van Nuys and Chatsworth, California, have received ISO 14001:2004 Certification under Capstone’s 14001 Certification initiative. (more)

Dominion Virginia Power Plans to Offer 'Green Power' to Customers

Source: Company

Dominion Virginia Power, a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), asked the Virginia State Corporation Commission for permission to offer its customers two new options to purchase renewable energy. (more)

OSRAM SYLVANIA Wins LightFair Technical Innovative Award for New PowerSHED Ballast

Source: Company

At the LightFair International 2008 trade show and conference, OSRAM SYLVANIA received a Technical Innovation Award for its QUICKTRONIC(R) PowerSHED(TM) High Efficiency Demand Response Ballast. The Technical Innovation Award, which was announced at the LFI Innovation Awards ceremony, recognizes the most significant advances in lighting technology and was awarded by a judging panel of lighting industry professionals. (more)

China Holdings Announces Consolidated Develop

Source: Compan

China Holdings, Inc.a global diversified asset holdings company and its subsidiaries, headquartered in the U.S. and engaged in multiple China-focused business activities including energy, renewable energy, resources, utilities, finance, real estate, and pharmaceuticals, announced its consolidated development of its 4 Biomass Waste to Energy Power Plants/Projects (The total power capacity: 200MW). (more)

SolarCity Launches Solar Seminar Series

Source: Company

Soaring energy costs and growing concern about pollution and climate change are prompting more families to seek renewable energy alternatives. SolarCity, California's #1 residential solar installer, today announced a series of summer seminars to help inform California residents about affordable new ways to switch to clean, solar power. Each session will detail new solar financing options that can allow homeowners to switch to renewable power with no upfront cost and save money from day one. Each seminar will highlight recent developments in solar technology and explain federal and state tax incentives that reduce the cost of solar power. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about local permit processes, local solar programs, roofing and electrical requirements and other information specific to their communities. (more)

SunPower Completes Two Solar Power Plants in Spain

Source: Company

SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, announced the completion of two solar-electric power plants in Spain, totaling 8.7 megawatts. The two plants, located in Llerena and Lebrija, were developed by Solarpack, a Spanish company specializing in renewable energy development, investment, consulting and services. Solarpack hosted ceremonies dedicating the two power plants. (more)

Utilities to Use Ice Bear to Deliver Energy Savings to Businesses and Peak Power Relief to CA

Source: Company

As part of the California Public Utilities Commission’s new permanent load-shifting program Shift & Save, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) will deploy Ice Energy Inc.’s Ice Bear units at businesses throughout their service territories. The Ice Bear, which I’ve written about several times before (see links below), is a mechanical cooling system that freezes water in a storage tank at night during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are low. The next day, when the air conditioner kicks on, the stored ice, instead of a condensing unit, is used to cool refrigerant. Shifting the cooling burden onto ice instead of the energy-guzzling condensing unit enables the Ice Bear to reduce peak cooling energy demand by up to 95% and to slash greenhouse gas emissions from cooling by 20% or more. (more)

Focus on Energy Program Helps Hotels Realize Energy Savings, Providing Discounted Energy Management

Source: Company

Telkonet, Inc. a provider of innovative, centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation and proactive support services, announces that it has won an energy management contract with Cornerstone Hotel Management as part of Wisconsin's Focus on Energy incentive program. Cornerstone Hotel Management will initially install the in-room, occupancy-driven Telkonet SmartEnergy™ (TSE) energy management system at three of its properties to lower utility bills by eliminating unnecessary heating and cooling of unoccupied guest rooms. (more)

Virginia Becomes a Maritime Renewable Energy Research Leader

Source: Company

For several years, SAIC has pursued the concept of marine renewable energy as a logical extension of the company's work in naval undersea and ocean observation applications. SAIC's Neil Rondorf conceived of and led the effort to establish VCERC at Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Va. (more)

Washington Mutual Center’s DDC System is More Unique Than Common