ENS has an article stating that U.S. C02 Emissions Will Rise Absent Strong Policy, indicating that voluntary efforts won't be enough to drop U.S. emissions due to market forces absent legislative solutions.
- posted by Daniel @ 2:27 AM

 
From the Interstate Renewable Energy Council we have a few Great Lakes region news items:

1. OHIO - Wind Energy at Agricultural Education Center

2. OHIO Funds Available for Distributed Energy Resources

3. July 2003 IREC Interconnection Newsletter (Indiana & Michigan grid interconnection issues.)
- posted by Daniel @ 3:52 AM

 
The following is the text of an interesting debate I'm having with Ross Donald of the Renewable News Network via altpower digest at Yahoo Groups:

Dear Ross,

I'm leaving the rest of this thread here for quick reference.

In a case of solar power vs. oil, coal, or nuclear power, solar would get my vote every time.
In a case of solar power vs. wind energy, I would vote for whichever made economic sense, regardless. Now, before you say "ha! He just said that wind energy makes more sense economically and therefore does not support solar power!" I would like you to reference the context of the conversation. This is about ramping up renewable energy sources to alleviate the very immediate natural gas shortages faced by the USA. There are several points I want to make here, so I will reference them as "bullet items".

1. Both forms of clean renewable power are as far as I can tell, equally attractive from the standpoint of an unlimited, essentially free, renewable power source. The only limits I am aware of are those imposed by availability of geographic locations suitable to collection. I have not done any digging to see which form has more surface area on the planet available suitable to that mode of power production, outside the United States. Within the U.S. and it's coastal waters, it appears to me to be roughly even.

2. Given equal viability for the power source, wind power is currently, given the state of current technology, cheaper to utilize for power production, to the best of my ability to determine.

3. The need for alleviation of energy shortages caused by natural gas availability shortages is very immediate. This type of situation calls for the lowest cost / highest speed replacement of energy supply. We need to ramp up electricity production through another resource that is competitive economically, environmentally, and in terms of scalability with natural gas powered generation.

4. Wind energy is generally more available in winter. Solar energy is generally more available in summer. Natural gas usage is peaking in winter, when it is being tapped as an energy source both for heating of living and working space and as a source of energy for electricity production at the same time. (Granted, if natural gas were to become a large enough contributor to electricity production, air conditioning demand could outstrip heating for peaking demand, but I do not believe we're there yet.)

5. Wind energy has been growing at an average global rate of nearly 30% annually for just these reasons, so the manufacturing capacity mostly exists and could readily be scaled up quickly.

This was the general reasoning I used in making my earlier statement. In order to alleviate the looming natural gas shortage was the context of the topic.

Given a more long term view, the picture is somewhat different. Recently the Earth Policy Institute released an article stating that wind power could meet the total world demand for electricity and transportation needs if coupled with hydrogen could meet projected demand through year 2020 if only ten percent of the Earth's surface with viable wind conditions were available. See "Wind Power Set to Become World's Leading Energy Source" at: http://www.enn.com/direct/display-release-m.asp?objid=||D1D1364B000000F5FFB5EC17C0EFE1B4

What about beyond year 2020? Solar power could conceivably add more generation capacity and take the scope of renewables much further. It makes sense for those who live in areas where solar power is abundant to develop it. The energy economy picture looks to remain very regionalized through the foreseeable future as far as energy sources are concerned. It makes sense from a security standpoint for solar -rich regions to build local generation capacity to offset the need for energy imports in the short term. In the long term, solar power capacity adds will make even more sense globally as the effects of global warming become more and more pronounced and obvious, and the true costs of fossil fuel use are shoved under our noses like a hot potato.

Also, at some point, geographically acceptable terrestrial resources will become saturated for energy production, and the we must leave the planet for any increases in in renewable energy sources, and at that point, solar energy becomes the only easily-reached game in town.

Therefore, in the context of urgency, it makes more sense to lead with wind / hydrogen, and follow through with solar, at least when speaking of utility-scale generation capacity. In terms of individual plants that reduce grid dependency, the picture is far more dominated by which power source is locally available, and solar will make more sense to those in areas where wind is not so available, especially since the cost of production increases dramatically for wind power in smaller plants.

The end result?

Utility scale = wind first, then solar.
Individual independence = whichever is economically feasible in your area, and preferably both due to seasonal availability, especially the further from the equator you live. You will also need a battery string or other energy storage technology to buffer the intermittent nature of either.

I do support solar power, in the sense that it is environmentally sound technology, and in proper perspective for a long term comprehensive plan to transition to renewable power globally. If it had made more sense to me in the context given, I would have suggested it over wind energy. Given the information I have currently, it does not make greater sense to me in that context.

Sincerely,

Dan Stafford

Renewable News Network wrote:

Dear Dan,

Why can't you support solar energy?

You will be tempted to reply, I'm sure, that, you do support solar, but
your words betray you.

You talk about using both solar and wind, but then argue against this,
in trying to promote wind versus solar, when the arguement should be and
is, in fact, that 1) solar is better than natural gas, and 2) wind is
better than natural gas, too, where ever and whenever, the alternatives
can be shown to be preferable.

Wind energy may be cheaper than solar in some instances, and may
as abundant as solar energy in places, and may be able to be ramped
up to meet the same and/or other needs; but all this, in no way,
means that the same cannot be said regarding solar energy, in other
instances.

Its a matter of logic and strategy. Essentially, it makes no sense to
put solar down, in order to build wind up. We don't need a zero sum
perspective, when a synergystic approach is better.

Whatever you may want to say in favor of wind energy is certainly
worth considering. And solar energy advocates welcome most all
support for anyone's particular favorite mode of renewable energy, but
for you to support one resource at the expense of another form of
renewable energy, is counter-productive in many ways.

As to the facts, to state that "Solar is a much more expensive solution"
(than wind) is simply not true, in all instances, without going into
greater detail, in terms of place, price, and technological application.

Let the oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and utility industries say
that solar is expensive, so that we can argue against that proposition,
together. If you're trying to cozy up to the anti-solar interests, in
order to gain support for wind, by putting solar energy down, you will
hurt both wind and solar.

Yours truly,
Ross Donald


"Wise up." -John Belushi


On 6 Jul 2003 Dan Stafford wrote:

From: Dan Stafford
Subject: Re: Solar Power Cure for Natural Gas Shortage





From: (Tom Waters)
Subject: Solar Power Cure for Natural Gas Shortage

WASHINGTON, DC, July 3, 2003 (ENS) - The Solar Energy Industries Association released an analysis that shows that clean, renewable solar power could replace nearly one-third of the natural gas supply shortage in 2005, if the federal government took steps this year to promote solar expansion.
The news comes amid growing concern that the current shortage of three to four billion cubic feet of natural gas per day cannot be alleviated for several years, at a minimum.
Much of the problem stems from the growing use of natural gas to generate electricity.
"If Congress included a solar power stimulus section as part of its pending energy bill, we could mitigate nearly a third of the natural gas shortfall with clean, renewable power from the sun in 2005," said Glenn Hamer, executive director of the Solar Energy Industries Association, the national trade organization representing solar electric and solar thermal manufacturers, component suppliers, and distributors. The association proposed steps that would allow the U.S. solar industry to meet these goals. First, a federal solar electric rebate pegged at $4 a watt, which would phase out over time. This would be modeled on successful state rebates, or "buy downs." Another proposed step is a 25 percent tax credit on solar system purchases by homeowners, businesses, farms, and government entities. The group wants to extend the wind energy production tax credit to solar, including a temporary triple multiplier for the first 1,000 megawatts of solar to come on line.
The association also urges passage of the other solar provisions pending in the House and Senate energy bills.
"As the President and Congress recognize, the tax code is the fastest way to jumpstart the economy. It's also the fastest way to stimulate new clean energy production to alleviate the natural gas shortage," Hamer said.
________________________________________


Dan Stafford wrote:

Wind energy is far cheaper, every bit as abundant, and could easily be
ramped up to meet the same needs. Considering solar is most available in
summer and wind in winter, a combination of the two would be a much
better solution. Wind power costs are now ranging from 3.5 - 6 cents /
kwh, and could conceivably drop to 1.5-2 cents / kwh if demand fueled
mass-production lines and dropped equipment costs. and the U.S. has the
best wind potential on the planet. Solar is a much more expensive solution.
- posted by Daniel @ 12:18 PM

 
The latest headlines (Encouraged to be forwarded) from Windpower Monthly relate the state of wind worldwide:

WIND.ALERT FOR JULY 2003 FROM WINDPOWER MONTHLY

Here are your summaries of the top stories in the July 2003 issue of
Windpower Monthly. For a descriptive list of this month's full contents
just go to http://www.windpower-monthly.com/current


-------------------------
Australia practising what Europe is preaching
--------------------------
Leading politicians in Australia's states are fighting hard for not only
retention of the federal government's mandated market for green
power certificates, but also for a tougher target for renewables. It is
an interesting sign of the times. Australia is not a country known for
the environmental aspirations of its leaders, particularly when it
comes to clean energy production. To see a diverse range of political
leaders individually taking the same strong action on green power is
a surprising turnabout. But, as our special report from Australia this
month makes clear, it is not concern for the environment that is
driving unanimous support for the national mandate. What Australia's
state leaders have realised is that... (Go to http://www.windpower-
monthly.com/current,#focus to read more about this article)


-------------------------
Australia's business agenda for wind
-------------------------
It's crunch time in Australia. Energy policy is being revamped. The
Mandated Renewable Energy Target (MRET), hugely successful in
giving birth to Australia's wind industry, is up for revision. And the
battle is well and truly on for wind energy to take its rightful place as a
competitive, mainstream power source. Read the entire leader...go to
http://www.windpower-monthly.com/currentleader


-------------------------
Signs of German wind market decline confirmed
-------------------------
The world’s wind energy workhorse is showing signs of exhaustion.
Preliminary reports from developers for the first five months indicate
that Germany is bowing out of its role as a guaranteed market for
thousands of megawatts of wind power each year. Although about
560 MW of new wind capacity was installed, it is nearly 230 MW less
than during the same period last year. If political discussions about
reducing wind energy payments develop into an amendment to
Germany’s renewable energy law, the slow market exit could be
accelerated. We take a close look at the downward trend and the
market prospects ahead.


-------------------------
British development rush under way as Renewables Obligation bites
home
-------------------------
The number of applications to site renewable energy projects in
Britain has accelerated sharply since the UK’s Renewables
Obligation was introduced a year ago. From a steady rise in
applications for siting permits since the mid-1990s, the annual rate of
applications has dramatically shot up, from around 1400 MW of
capacity to over 2500 MW in 2003 for all renewables, reports the
Renewable Power Association (RPA). As we report, wind power is
leading the rush with 1360 MW of permitted projects.


-------------------------
European patent office rules on prior art and GE challenged in
America
-------------------------
After a two day hearing last month, the European Patent Office
(EPO) has ruled on the controversial patent on variable speed wind
turbine electronics held by General Electric Power Systems. The
decision can be appealed, however, a process which can drag the
long running case out for another three years. Meantime, in a bold
change of strategy, world market leader Vestas is challenging GE's
North American version of the patent by launching its brand new
variable speed 3 MW turbine right under the nose of its powerful
American competitor. Read about the EPO decision and what Vestas
has up its sleeve in the July issue of Windpower Monthly.


-------------------------
Controversial transmission policy good news for wind power
developers
-------------------------
The Canadian province of Alberta has decided to build new
transmission where and when it is needed. It is good news for the
wind power producers whose plans have been hindered by crowded
power lines coming out of the province's windy southwest. We report
on how energy minister Murray Smith's plans will create new
opportunities for wind power, including the potential development of
870 MW of new wind capacity to add to the state's current total of
170 MW.


-------------------------
Minnesota mandates masses of megawatt but with nasty nuclear
edge
-------------------------
In exchange for a guarantee that it can continue to operate two
nuclear power plants unimpeded, Xcel Energy is being required by
law to buy as much as 1400 MW more wind generation by 2015. The
change in state law converts a renewable energy objective into a
wind requirement. But while renewables advocates are declaring the
legislation a victory, they also point out that the law has a series of
nasty edges -- none of which are good for the environment nor the
pocket's of electricity ratepayers.


-------------------------
European conference delegates witness emergence of pragmatic
new business agenda for wind development
-------------------------
At last month's European Wind Energy Conference in Madrid, it
became increasingly clear that with the falling price of wind power,
the economic imperative is succeeding the environmental imperative
as the industry's main market driver. Despite this move into the
mainstream, debate was heated on whether European policy for wind
energy growth should be based on mandated premium purchase
prices or a market for trade in green power tags. Windpower Monthly
had a four-strong reporting team on the spot in Madrid. Read our
entertaining overview of the highlights and the lowlights of a busy
conference week last month.


-------------------------
Remote communities seek larger voice
-------------------------
Whitehorse, capital of Canada's Yukon Territory, was a fitting
location for the Cold Climate Opportunities international wind power
conference. With a decade of experience operating two wind turbines
in an area where temperatures can drop to -45 Centigrade, dedicated
individuals have shown what can be achieved when commercial,
utility and government sectors work together. This need to combine
forces and create a larger voice for medium-sized wind in small,
isolated community applications was a strong message during the
conference. Read our special report from Whitehorse in this month's
issue.



-------------------------------------------------------------

As a subscriber to this free Wind.Alert service you get
access to summaries of some of the articles in the current
issue of Windpower Monthly. For the full picture, including
exclusive access to our extensive on-line article archives,
why not try a subscription? As a truly independent news
magazine Windpower Monthly is widely recognised as the
leading title on the international wind power market. It
has long been essential reading for market players and
policy makers in the global wind arena. To subscribe go to
http://www.windpower-monthly.com/subs or visit http://www.windpower-monthly.com to find out more.

For further information on how your company can benefit by
advertising your products or services via Wind.Alert or any
of the other services provided by WindPower Monthly contact
advertising@windpower-monthly.com

For wind power technology facts and figures check out WindStats Newsletter, an unrivalled source of information available to all Windpower Monthly subscribers. http://www.windstats.com


-------------------------------------------------------------

If you like our Wind.Alert service, please feel free to
forward this email to anybody you believe would benefit from
it or find it useful.

If this email has been forwarded to you, subscribing to this
free service will take just a few seconds. Just go to
http://www.windpower-monthly.com/alert and follow the
instructions on screen.

To unsubscribe go to http://windpower-monthly.com/alert,
enter your email address then click the Unsubscribe button.
(Or send a blank email to Wind.Alert@windpower-monthly.com
with Unsubscribe in the Subject line.)

To modify your details, Unsubscribe as above using your old
email address then Subscribe again using your new one.

All contents © Windpower Monthly 1985-2003

==========================================
Windpower Monthly News Magazine
news@windpower-monthly.com
http://www.windpower-monthly.com
- posted by Daniel @ 12:06 PM