EnergyWatch

Iran To Take Closer Look at Renewables

OPEC producer Iran announced earlier this week that it will look to boost its investment in renewable energy. The country hopes to see its green production capacity rise to at least 1.5 percent within the next 2-3 years.

"Iran wants to be in line with the world efforts to curb the world environmental problems," said Senior Deputy Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian.

Milestone for US Wind Industry

Last week, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced that the industry had crossed the significant milestone marker of 10,000 MW of generating capacity, which is enough to power 2.5 million homes.

via WattHead

The industry is gaining momentum as it grows. The first commercial wind farms were constructed in California in the early 1980s, and after reaching 1,000 MW in 1985, it took more than a decade for wind to reach the 2,000-MW mark, in 1999. Since then, however, installed capacity has grown fivefold.

Today, the industry is installing more wind power in a single year (3,000 MW expected in 2006) than the amount operating in the entire country in 2000 (2,500 MW).

India, the second-largest wind power market in the world, hopes to reach this milestone by next year.

Hoax, or Merely Unbridled Optimism?

I'm not quite sure what to make of this. I read about it last week, but sort of just dismissed it until I came across this post on Clean Break. The site's author asks some good questions here. I'm very curious to see what will come of all this. I am, of course, highly skeptical about this upstart's claim, but I will certainly keep my mind open as more information is revealed...

Steorn [official site]

Italy Plans Large Solar Park

In order to reduce the country's reliance on natural gas, Italian renewable energy company Italgest Energia SpA is planning to construct the world's largest solar farm, spanning nearly one square kilometer. The site, to be developed in the sunny southern region of Puglia, will initially produce 11 MW. If the Italian government expands its renewable incentive program in the future, more capacity is expecected to be added.

From the Dow Jones Energy Service:

Despite growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly power, the solar plant wouldn't be possible without government incentives meant to reduce Italy's dependence on foreign energy and lessen production of greenhouse gases.

Italgest's project is one of many renewable energy projects that have sprung up in Italy since the government declared a state of emergency at the beginning of 2006 after its gas supply from Russia suffered disruptions last winter. Solar energy is likely to play a key role in increasing the output of renewables.

Since Italy banned nuclear power in 1987, more than 73% of the country's electricity has come from natural gas and oil, the two most expensive fuels. Hydroelectric and geothermal power are currently the main sources of renewable energy, with hydro accounting for more than 70% of the whole renewable market. However, both types of generation offer very little prospect of growth, energy analysts said.

Despite Italy's sunny climate, solar power has so far been a non-starter because of the high specific costs of installation: solar energy can cost up to EUR7.5 per kilowatt peak, compared with EUR 1.25 per kilowatt for wind power, according to APER, Italy's Association for Producers of Renewable Energy. So why are energy companies so eager to venture into the world of renewables, particularly solar energy?

They wouldn't be if government incentives weren't in place, said Massimo Orlandi, chief executive of Sorgenia SpA, the electricity and gas arm of holding company Compagnie Industriali Riunite SpA (CIR.MI), which is planning to build 15 individual photovoltaic plants across southern Italy by the end of next year.

If the incentives weren't there, "it would be way too expensive," said Orlandi.

'Hot Rocks' Down Under

A very interesting finding regarding geothermal power's potential in Australia:

A new report has predicted Australia's geothermal, or "hot rock", energy could inject $10 billion into the nation's economy by 2030.

The Centre for International Economics says hot rocks could also generate 10 per cent of Australia's electricity capacity.

The report estimates recoverable hot rock resources across Australia equates to the nation's current electricity consumption for 450 years.

California Embraces Solar

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill yesterday that will give life to a $3.2 billion initiative to create 3,000 MW of solar power for the state by 2018. The plan involves the installation of 1 million rooftop solar panels, which with provide 5% of the state's electricity needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3 million tons (the equivalent of taking a million cars off the road). The move will create the world's third largest solar economy, after Japan and Germany. The new bill is expected to cost consumers just $15 more on an annual basis; the environmental gains from implementing such a plan: priceless.

Bravo, California.

An Electric Outlet in the Ocean

An exciting, innovative project from Cornwall, UK -- Wave Hub, a wave-power device that will plug electricity generated by ocean waves directly into the city's electricity grid. 

Though the Wave Hub could potentially cause an 11% reduction in the height of waves along the southwest coast of Britain, surfers in the area put their support firmly behind the project.

>> Energy From the Restless Sea [NYT]

Renewable Energy Market 'Gone Mainstream'

This according to a Financial Times report today. According to the article (written by the head of renewables at E&Y), a phase of extremely rapid growth is underway in the sector, as several of the world's largest corporations are signing on to increasing large investments in biofuels, solar and wind power:

Within this tale of growth and development a number of key themes are emerging: consistent investment by Fortune 500 companies accompanied by high profile branding campaigns; the emergence of regional and global renewable energy champions; increasing activity by financial players seeking either long-term cash flows for retail investors or classic buy-build exit opportunities; and a flourishing IPO market.

Global Fortune 500 companies such as Siemens, GE, BP, Shell and Total are not only making alternative energy a core theme for corporate advertising, but also showing a desire to develop real business presence, as is increasingly evidenced by hard commercial spend, not just statements of corporate responsibility.

>> Euromoney and Ernst & Young Global Renewable Energy Awards 2006
>> Renewable energy is no corn-fed fad [FT]

BP Acquires US Wind Firm

British oil major BP, stricken with environmental and regulatory woes, has announced its acquistion of Virginia-based wind power firm Greenlight Energy.

Given its recent history of hydrocarbons-related operations in North America, this is probably a smart move on the part the company that claims that it's "Beyond Petroleum."

Turbines in the Backyard

   

The Wall Street Journal reports today on the use of wind energy by individual households. According to the article, consumers may cut their reliance on fossil fuel-driven and nuclear power by as much as 90% by maintaining these backyard turbines.

While wind energy is commonly associated with massive turbines churning in desolate, windy areas, a new generation of smaller systems made for areas with moderate wind is hitting the market. The latest small turbines, which resemble a ship propeller on a pole, have three blades, are up to 24 feet in diameter and are usually perched on stand-alone towers between 35 and 140 feet high. The systems have the potential to save consumers between 30% and 90% on their electric bills, manufacturers say, and promise to make no more noise than an air conditioner. But tapping so-called small wind using a high-tech windmill can be costly, and homeowners may find themselves battling zoning officials and annoyed neighbors who find the towering devices unsightly.

Unfortunately, it seems that even for those who can afford personal wind technology, aesthetics remains a bigger issue than responsible energy use.

>> Skystream 3.7 wind generator (featured in article) [Southwest Windpower]