July 23, 2007

The Japanese nuclear industry is under fire. The sector there has been attacked for years for documented lax safety procedures. But it was a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that set off radiation leaks and flames that is prompting the latest surge of scrutiny.

A central question is whether the recent malfunctions and cover-ups in Japan will have an affect on the nuclear renaissance that is underway in the United States. It's unlikely. Certainly, the accident gives opponents the ammunition they need to continue to wage battle against the industry. But it also gives proponents some fodder. Notably, despite being hit with a huge quake, little damage was suffered and certainly not enough to cause danger to the environment or to human life.

July 25, 2007

Look for explosive growth in offshore wind in the near future -- at least overseas.

David Still, managing director of Clipper Windpower Europe, based in London, said that the United Kingdom looks to obtain 20 percent of its energy from renewable power by 2020, and three-quarters of that will come from wind.

July 27, 2007

A new industrial revolution is underway in Europe -- the push by heads of state and governments across the continent to usher in more renewable energy. The 27 nations there agreed to meet 20 percent of their overall energy needs with green energy by 2020.

The overarching goal is to achieve more energy independence and in doing so, move away from fossil-fired fuels that contribute much of the dirty emissions as well as carbon dioxide that is tied to global warming. Each member state will have to set national objectives, adopt action plans and determine sector-specific targets.

Substantial wind resource exists off Mid-Atlantic coast

Delaware Sea Grant researchers are investigating whether offshore wind turbines could play a major role in meeting the Mid-Atlantic region's energy needs.

By Ron Ohrel, Delaware Sea Grant

August 1, 2007

Energy is the hot topic on Capitol Hill this summer. Separate bills are emerging that include increasing mileage standards and encouraging the use of alternative fuels.

Philosophical differences among the two parties may preclude comprehensive legislation. Progressives are arguing that conservation and more reliance on renewable fuels is the right solution while conservatives are saying that the country must boost all of its energy supplies. Oil, of course, is the dominate fuel source today. And the demand for it is only expected to escalate as developing nations become increasingly industrialized. Toward that end, the United States must expand fuel alternatives, take steps to reduce usage and consider allowing developers to explore for new sources.