Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tilting at Windmills: Is Small-Scale Turbine Power Viable--Or Just an Illusion
Tilting at Windmills: Is Small-Scale Turbine Power Viable--Or Just an Illusion?
A new plastic turbine can capture energy from the wind gusting over your roof
| October 28, 2008 | 13
HOME WINDMILL: The Cascade turbine is small, light and quiet enough to fit on a home, thanks to its plastic manufacture and surrounding ring.Image: Courtesy of Cascade EngineeringDowntown Muskegon, Mich., population just over 40,000 people, has one thing on New York City's Times Square: a small-scalewind turbine powering a liquid-crystal display. Only this (smaller) billboard gives the time, temperature, wind direction and wind speed, along with the cumulative energy generated by the turbine, rather than featuring the latest ad from Samsung or Calvin Klein. It's the first sign of what Grand Rapids, Mich.–based plastics manufacturer Cascade Engineering hopes will be a revolution in wind turbines for businesses and residences.
"We're allowing [homeowners] an on-site renewable solution for their home, whether in the city or [in the country]," says Cascade marketing manager Jessica Lehti. The company's SWIFT wind turbine is also aimed at helping businesses "offset those peak loads [of electricity demand], generate on-site renewable energy, and demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy."
The SWIFT turbine, based on a design from Renewable Devices, Ltd., in Scotland, is about seven feet (2.1 meters) in diameter, weighs a svelte 190 pounds (86 kilograms), and produces an average of 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually in winds of at least eight miles (12 kilometers) per hour from its five blades. More importantly, an outer ring around the blades eliminates the steady hum associated with large-scale wind farms.
"The wind was blowing 30 miles [48 kilometers] per hour this morning," says Arnold Boezaart, vice president for grant programs at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, whose four-story arts complex boasts the first commercial SWIFT attached to a mast jutting from its outside wall. "The thing was just cranking like crazy but it was zero-noise. We were 10 feet [three meters] below the unit and there was nonoise."
In fact, the turbine clocks in at 35 decibels—about the same level as a whisper, according to Lehti.
But that quietness comes at a price: around $12,000 installed on the roof and hooked to the grid compared with as little as $4,000 for some other small-scale turbine designs. And the turbine won't soon make up the cost: Two thousand kilowatt-hours is less than one fifth the energy use of a typical American home. "If they did some easy energy conservation tactics [it would be] pretty easy to get to around 6,000 kilowatt-hours, then it's about one third of the average home," Lehti says. But "in most cases, if you put this on your home you're not going to be rolling back your [electricity] meter."
In fact, such small-scale wind turbines are typically more about green design than actual energy generation, although the American Wind Energy Association predicts robust growth of as much as 20 percent in the area as a result of local and state tax incentives. In addition to the lightweight SWIFT, Mariah Power in Reno, Nev. offers a 30-foot- (nine–meter-) tall cylindrical wind turbine, whereas San Diego–based Helix Wind offers a turbine in the shape of a double helix, and Southwest Wind Power in Flagstaff, Ariz., has been selling its windmills for decades, among others. "Think of it as recycling," Lehti says. "In most places, you're not getting paid to recycle, you're paying your trashman extra to do recycling, because it's a good thing to do."
For those companies and homeowners looking to make a green impression—like Muskegon's Community Foundation—the SWIFT offers a quiet chance. "First and foremost we wanted to offer a showcase for alternative energy," Boezaart says. "To the extent we gain some electricity output to offset conventional grid-generated electricity will be added value. It will do that over time."
"We're allowing [homeowners] an on-site renewable solution for their home, whether in the city or [in the country]," says Cascade marketing manager Jessica Lehti. The company's SWIFT wind turbine is also aimed at helping businesses "offset those peak loads [of electricity demand], generate on-site renewable energy, and demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy."
The SWIFT turbine, based on a design from Renewable Devices, Ltd., in Scotland, is about seven feet (2.1 meters) in diameter, weighs a svelte 190 pounds (86 kilograms), and produces an average of 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually in winds of at least eight miles (12 kilometers) per hour from its five blades. More importantly, an outer ring around the blades eliminates the steady hum associated with large-scale wind farms.
"The wind was blowing 30 miles [48 kilometers] per hour this morning," says Arnold Boezaart, vice president for grant programs at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, whose four-story arts complex boasts the first commercial SWIFT attached to a mast jutting from its outside wall. "The thing was just cranking like crazy but it was zero-noise. We were 10 feet [three meters] below the unit and there was nonoise."
In fact, the turbine clocks in at 35 decibels—about the same level as a whisper, according to Lehti.
But that quietness comes at a price: around $12,000 installed on the roof and hooked to the grid compared with as little as $4,000 for some other small-scale turbine designs. And the turbine won't soon make up the cost: Two thousand kilowatt-hours is less than one fifth the energy use of a typical American home. "If they did some easy energy conservation tactics [it would be] pretty easy to get to around 6,000 kilowatt-hours, then it's about one third of the average home," Lehti says. But "in most cases, if you put this on your home you're not going to be rolling back your [electricity] meter."
In fact, such small-scale wind turbines are typically more about green design than actual energy generation, although the American Wind Energy Association predicts robust growth of as much as 20 percent in the area as a result of local and state tax incentives. In addition to the lightweight SWIFT, Mariah Power in Reno, Nev. offers a 30-foot- (nine–meter-) tall cylindrical wind turbine, whereas San Diego–based Helix Wind offers a turbine in the shape of a double helix, and Southwest Wind Power in Flagstaff, Ariz., has been selling its windmills for decades, among others. "Think of it as recycling," Lehti says. "In most places, you're not getting paid to recycle, you're paying your trashman extra to do recycling, because it's a good thing to do."
For those companies and homeowners looking to make a green impression—like Muskegon's Community Foundation—the SWIFT offers a quiet chance. "First and foremost we wanted to offer a showcase for alternative energy," Boezaart says. "To the extent we gain some electricity output to offset conventional grid-generated electricity will be added value. It will do that over time."
Herbicide spurs reproductive problems
Report: Herbicide spurs reproductive problems in many animals Mon, 11/28/2011 - 12:25 An international team of researchers has reviewed the evidence linking exposure to atrazine – an herbicide widely used in the U.S. and more than 60 other nations – to reproductive problems in animals. The team found consistent patterns of reproductive dysfunction in amphibians, fish, reptiles and mammals exposed to the chemical. Atrazine is the second-most widely used herbicide in the U.S. More than 75 million pounds of it are applied to corn and other crops, and it is the most commonly detected pesticide contaminant of groundwater, surface water and rain in the U.S. The new review, compiled by 22 scientists studying atrazine in North and South America, Europe and Japan, appears in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Wind tax credit
Wind tax credit Extending federal tax credit would give wind energy confidence in consistency America's wind energy industry - and Kansas' wind energy industry - have some real momentum behind them that needs to be sustained. Now is not the time to flirt with ending a federal tax credit for wind production that the industry views as critical for its continued growth. The industry is appealing to Congress to extend the measure, which provides an income tax credit of 2.2 cents a kilowatt-hour for the production of electricity from utility-scale turbines, helping wind energy to compete with natural gas. Representatives of an industry trade group on Monday released results of a study it commissioned that concludes that failing to extend the tax credit could cut existing jobs in the wind industry by half, while maintaining it could grow jobs by a third. Extending the tax credit for another four years would cost an estimated $13.6 billion but would yield more than $25.6 billion in economic benefit - up to $2 billion in Kansas. Hutchinson and Kansas are proof of the growing industry. Hutchinson is home to Siemens Energy's wind turbine manufacturing plant in the U.S., which has created 300 jobs and is still growing. Siemens executive Kevin Hazel, speaking with other industry leaders on a conference call, said his company's division has grown in the U.S. from a single employee in 2005 to more than 1,800 today. That isn't to mention the growing number of wind farms sprouting up around the state. Siemens isn't done in Hutchinson. Suppliers for the company continue to eye the community as a location of their own. And plenty of wind in Kansas remains to be harvested for power. The industry is seeking confidence and consistency in the tax environment, Hazel said. When Congress has allowed renewable tax incentives to expire twice before, that created uncertainty, slowed wind turbine installations and caused job losses, he said. The tax credit doesn't expire until the end of 2012, but members of Congress ought to appreciate the need for consistency. It is exactly what many Republican lawmakers have been saying about federal tax policy and regulation, that uncertainty is hurting business growth. Wind energy has become a vital industry for Kansas. Members of our congressional delegation should step forward to co-sponsor and push for legislation to maintain this federal tax credit. By John D. Montgomery/Hutchinson News editorial board
Renewable energy industry urges US Senate to extend tax credits
Washington (Platts)--14Dec2011/340 pm EST/2040 GMT
Representatives from across the US renewable energy industry on Wednesday urged members of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure to extend tax incentives for wind, solar and biofuels that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year or next.
In a subcommittee hearing, renewable energy companies called for more long-term stability in government incentives, saying it was crucial for investment.
"Stable policy drivers will cause significantly more investment in wind energyg and domestic production will increase," said Martha Wyrsch, the president of Vestas-American Wind Technology.
In a subcommittee hearing, renewable energy companies called for more long-term stability in government incentives, saying it was crucial for investment.
"Stable policy drivers will cause significantly more investment in wind energyg and domestic production will increase," said Martha Wyrsch, the president of Vestas-American Wind Technology.
"For this industry's continued success, it is critical that Congress immediately extend the [production tax credit]," she said. "The impact of allowing the PTC to expire -- or extending it at the last hour -- is much greater that in previous years."
Wyrsch warned that 37,000 jobs could be lost if the credit is not extended.
The wind energy has long complained that the production tax credit, which provides developers a tax credit during the first 10 years of a facility's operation, has been allowed to lapse three times before being extended. Each lapse resulted in a downturn in the industry. The PTC is set to expire again at the end of 2012.
In addition, some incentives targeting renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are scheduled to expire this year. Anther incentive aimed at cellulosic biofuel is set to expire at the end of 2012.
Paul Soanes, the president and CEO of Houston, Texas-based Renewable Biofuels, told the subcommittee that he attributed the growth of the biofuels industry to federal incentives and said that when they lapsed in 2010, production dropped 40%. He also warned that if the credit is allowed to expire at the end of the year, plant closures and job cuts would follow.
"Uncertainty over the extension of the tax credit and the price of biodiesel will drive purchasers to the sidelines once again, significantly curtailing domestic market demand and production capacity, availability of working capital, investor confidence and ultimately putting at risk the tremendous production and job gains of 2011," he said.
Senator Jeff Bingaman, a New Mexico Democrat and the chairman of the committee, agreed that tax policy should be more consistent.
"Allowing those incentives to expire will have, in my view, a negative impact on the country's ability to develop alternative-energy resources," Bingaman said. "Manufacturers, developers and investors routinely face significant uncertainty surrounding federal policy."
Although many Democratic senators on the subcommittee were symphathic to the concerns of industry, the senior Republican on the panel, Senator John Cornyn of Texas, said that while there needs to be predictability in tax policy, renewable-energy incentives should not last forever.
"The time has come to evaluate tax policy based on value to the taxpayer," Cornyn said. "Our current tax code is a neverending maze of twists and turns that can only confuse and befuddle the experts. It is in dire need of reform, and nothing, nothing should be off the table."
Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has said in recent weeks that senior lawmakers aim to include the extension of energy tax credits in a year-end legislative package that would extend tax provisions set to soon expire. However, some analysts have been skeptical that Congress can act before the tax incentives expire on December 31.
--Derek Sands, derek_sands@platts.com
Wyrsch warned that 37,000 jobs could be lost if the credit is not extended.
The wind energy has long complained that the production tax credit, which provides developers a tax credit during the first 10 years of a facility's operation, has been allowed to lapse three times before being extended. Each lapse resulted in a downturn in the industry. The PTC is set to expire again at the end of 2012.
In addition, some incentives targeting renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are scheduled to expire this year. Anther incentive aimed at cellulosic biofuel is set to expire at the end of 2012.
Paul Soanes, the president and CEO of Houston, Texas-based Renewable Biofuels, told the subcommittee that he attributed the growth of the biofuels industry to federal incentives and said that when they lapsed in 2010, production dropped 40%. He also warned that if the credit is allowed to expire at the end of the year, plant closures and job cuts would follow.
"Uncertainty over the extension of the tax credit and the price of biodiesel will drive purchasers to the sidelines once again, significantly curtailing domestic market demand and production capacity, availability of working capital, investor confidence and ultimately putting at risk the tremendous production and job gains of 2011," he said.
Senator Jeff Bingaman, a New Mexico Democrat and the chairman of the committee, agreed that tax policy should be more consistent.
"Allowing those incentives to expire will have, in my view, a negative impact on the country's ability to develop alternative-energy resources," Bingaman said. "Manufacturers, developers and investors routinely face significant uncertainty surrounding federal policy."
Although many Democratic senators on the subcommittee were symphathic to the concerns of industry, the senior Republican on the panel, Senator John Cornyn of Texas, said that while there needs to be predictability in tax policy, renewable-energy incentives should not last forever.
"The time has come to evaluate tax policy based on value to the taxpayer," Cornyn said. "Our current tax code is a neverending maze of twists and turns that can only confuse and befuddle the experts. It is in dire need of reform, and nothing, nothing should be off the table."
Senator Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has said in recent weeks that senior lawmakers aim to include the extension of energy tax credits in a year-end legislative package that would extend tax provisions set to soon expire. However, some analysts have been skeptical that Congress can act before the tax incentives expire on December 31.
--Derek Sands, derek_sands@platts.com
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
India Sees Success With New Model for Solar Tuesday, December 6th 2011 1:26 PM By GetSolar Staff. The U.S. solar marke
India Sees Success With New Model for Solar
Tuesday, December 6th 2011 1:26 PM
By GetSolar Staff.
The U.S. solar market has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, quickly making up lost ground on world leaders like Germany and Italy. But other regions of the globe have begun to find success with solar power as well. Bloomberg reports that the India saw a dramatic drop in prices at its latest solar auction, offering promise that solar power could compete with traditional fossil fuels far faster than anticipated.Solar incentives in the U.S. revolve largely around tax incentives, reducing the cost of commercial and residential solarinstallations, and loan guarantees for companies that ideally will never be paid. Country's such as Europe, Italy and now China instead offer feed-in tariffs that pay a certain price per kilowatt-hour of energy produced.
India has taken a very different approach, setting up auction wherein it offers to purchase solar power at a specified rate for 25 years. Companies will then make a bid based on how cheaply it believes it can produce the necessary amount of power and a number of power plants are contracted by the companies that offer the lowest price. The latest auction allowed for as many as 28 solar installations of as much as 20 megawatts each.
The Indian government set the introductory price at 15,390 rupees, or slightly more than $300, per megawatt-hour of electricity. That amounts nearly 44 percent above the average global price for solar power. By the time the auctions had resolved, however, the average bid of the 28 successful project had fallen as low as 8,780 rupees, or around $171, per megawatt-hour of energy. That amounts to nearly 18 percent below the global average.
The top bid from Solairedirect SA of France reached as low as 7,490 rupees, or $147, per megawatt-hour, beating the global average by 30 percent. Indeed, that brings the price to less than double the global cost of coal, which sounds unimpressive before realizing that this accounts for the fact that most coal plants have already been constructed and have paid off some or all of the cost of their construction.
V. Saibaba, the chief executive officer of Lanco Solar, suggested to Reuters that the current trends in the solar industry in India could drop the cost as much as 40 percent by 2015.
While much of this might seem foreign or arcane, the stunning success of such a young solar market at a seemingly low cost could help promote cheap solar power around the globe, setting a model for other regions to follow.
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