January 18, 2010

In an effort to move 31 renewable energy and transmission projects into high gear, the Obama administration has put them on a fast track permitting process. But such deals, which would take place on federal lands, have some opposition -- and it's coming from those in green corners, who say that certain ones should be relocated.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has picked those shovel-ready projects that qualify for federal stimulus support. And while the nation has clearly stated that growing its green energy portfolio is a priority, some controversy is surrounding the agency's new policy. The way and manner that some pending cases are decided will have a direct affect on how all renewable projects are permitted.

January 15, 2010

With global climate change talks in the hot seat, lots of attention is now on China. But what most don't know is that the country has become a world leader with respect to the development of renewable power.

The nation has just surpassed Spain and become the globe's third leading producer of wind energy behind the United States and Germany. And despite the perception that China was an obstacle at the recent Copenhagen talks, the reality is that it is moving forcefully ahead to produce 15 percent of its energy from green sources by 2020 and 30 percent by 2050. To get there it must attract hundreds of billions in foreign capital.

December 18, 2009

Green energy is causing a blue mood in West Virginia. Opponents of a wind farm there near the Greenbrier resort have long said that a project now underway is killing bats and that it must comply with federal laws. A federal judge now agrees with them.

Despite critical advantages such as newer technologies in combination with volatile energy prices and a push to go green, many regions are having difficulty winning permits for renewable generation. Good wind sites that have easy access to existing transmission are a novelty while opposition groups are getting louder. Some say that windmills are an eyesore and others are worried that the power they generate cannot be counted on to perform during peak periods.

December 16, 2009

International discussions to achieve firm carbon constraints may come up short. But that won't inhibit national governments and their legacy enterprises from investing in green technologies.

Now that the worst of the global recession is apparently over, money is expected to flow into next-generation energy technologies that include wind, solar and energy efficiency projects. While analysts say that the reason behind the influx of new capital is tied to rising spending by national governments, they are also saying that the same policymakers must now implement long-lasting and certain rules.

November 04, 2009

With energy and environmental issues atop the national agenda, America may fundamentally change the way it drives. And the utility sector says that it can deliver.

At issue is the plug-in hybrid that can run for about 40 miles on electricity before a traditional internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline would kick in. And while the automakers are working hard to meet their expected 2011 deadline to commercialize such vehicles, the utility sector must also fulfill its obligations -- to help develop the infrastructure by which cars can recharge their batteries and to employ clean-burning fuels in the process.