January 28, 2008

Fuel cells are creating a lot of fanfare. But is it warranted? While some say that those hydrogen-oriented devices and the clean byproducts they release are not inevitable, others say that they are playing key roles now that will only grow.

Hydrogen, a carrier of energy, has many applications. It can be used to fuel vehicles, power stations and heavy equipment. One of most burgeoning niches is that of back-up power whereby companies that provide essential services can ill-afford a loss of service and the subsequent revenues. Telecommunications enterprises, for instance, have been pushed by federal regulators and customers alike to beef up their operations and particularly after some natural disasters knocked out services for extended periods.

December 19, 2007

Solar energy is getting a jumpstart. Energy suppliers scattered throughout the Southwest have asked bidders to submit proposals to build a 250 megawatt solar power project.

The consortium plans on picking a winner by June 2008 so that the project would be completed by 2012. It would be "concentrated solar power" that focuses sunlight, usually with mirrors, to heat a fluid to high temperatures to drive the engine -- something that proponents say can be used for large-scale solar power generation. That differs from the more traditional approach of photovoltaic solar power systems in which light interacts with sheets of semiconductors to generate electricity. That solar technology is more suitable for smaller projects.

December 14, 2007

Can wind be groomed to become a dependable source of electricity? Researchers at Stanford University say that it can. They conclude that various wind farms can connect and then join at a centralized transmission line to accomplish the mission.

Wind is becoming a premier energy source. But, its intermittent nature means that providers must "insure" against lulls by backing up plants with steadier fuels such as natural gas and coal. If, though, separate wind farms can be linked to a transmission grid, it would make wind more reliable.

The economic impact of wind industry development as the result of Michigan adopting renewable portfolio standards would be significant says a new report released today by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University.

The report, titled “Projected Impacts of Renewable Portfolio Standards on Wind Industry Development in Michigan,” is the outgrowth of research lead by Soji Adelaja, institute director and John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy. The report is co-authored by Yohannes Hailu, institute associate director of the Hannah Research Program.