November 02, 2009

The hydropower industry is gushing with enthusiasm. A new study commissioned by its top Washington lobbying organization says that with the proper federal incentives and initiatives, it could provide up to 25 percent of the nation's power by 2025.

That, of course, is wishful thinking. But the central premise behind its study is worth noting -- that hydropower will get swept up in the clean energy trends now breezing across the country. And as such, its share of the electricity market will grow. The industry group says that hydro facilities could easily become more efficient and thereby improve the output at existing plants.

October 30, 2009

The green revolution goes beyond financing research and development. It is also helping to create a robust national market for existing technologies and shovel-ready projects.

Federal stewardship in conjunction with some creative state and local programs are serving to inspire all kinds of renewable energy deals. As the initiatives go forward, private investors, who must ultimately sustain them, will join in increasing numbers.

Solar energy is now the focal point, which the U.S. Department of Energy says that can be applied around the country and through local communities. To that end, the federal agency is establishing programs with some cities to overcome barriers to development and to help create more solar projects. To get there, the department is allocating nearly $100 million to assist localities craft permitting processes, financing programs and training procedures.

Rochester Hills-based Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: ENER) and CertainTeed Corp. Wednesday announced the installation of EnerGen, a breakthrough solar roof system, on the official residence of Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm.

EnerGen is the first product developed through a joint venture announced between the two companies in October 2008, and is slated for official launch to the roofing industry in 2010. EnerGen combines Uni-Solar's industry-leading expertise in photovoltaics with CertainTeed's century-long leadership in residential roofing to create a solar roof system that seamlessly integrates the solar with roofing shingles. To celebrate this achievement, the two companies donated a 3.2-kilowatt EnerGen system for Granholm's official residence in Lansing.

October 12, 2009

Call it the one-two punch that proponents say will advance the climate change agenda. The U.S. Senate is now debating a measure similar to that of the House while the U.S. EPA has proposed that utilities install modern pollution control equipment on all facilities they modify or build.

Their mutual goal is to give the issue momentum before the global climate change talks in December. While they will underscore the sense of urgency, lawmakers will probably not be able to resolve their complex differences by then. Opponents of the Obama's EPA proposal, furthermore, will challenge that plan in court.

October 09, 2009

Offshore wind production could surge forward. Both European and U.S. advocates say that the construction of such energy projects could take off assuming that both continents stick with their carbon-free energy themes.

Offshore wind development, in theory, would avoid the typical in-fighting that occurs with respect to all other of power projects that are built on land. In practice, however, it is just as onerous largely because the wind mills in some places could be seen by local residents and because of the extensive underwater transmission systems that are thought to harm sea life.