Powering The Internet

There was too much talk about how much energy is used (wasted) using google search engine. Of course everyone wanted to use the internet without having to spend any energy. SO google has written a very nice article on the subject and now you know where to save energy for your Google Searches.
The table below computes average daily events in terms of Google Searches.

Activity	Google Searches
CO2 emissions of an average daily newspaper (PDF) (100% recycled paper)	850
A glass of orange juice	1,050
One load of dishes in an EnergyStar dishwasher (PDF)	5,100
A five mile trip in the average U.S. automobile	10,000
A cheeseburger	15,000
Electricity consumed by the average U.S. household in one month	3,100,000

Official Google Blog: Energy and the Internet

Tags: google search, internet, alternative energy, green internet

World’s First Integrated Wind Turbine Power Source Installed At Bahrain World Trade Center.

Manama, Bahrain – [March 19, 2007] – The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), which is set to launch as the Kingdom’s leading mixed-use commercial development, celebrated today the successful installation of its three wind turbine blades ahead of initial testing.This is the first time anywhere in the world that a commercial development has integrated large-scale wind turbines within its design to harness the power of the wind to generate an alternative energy supply. Lifting and installation of the turbine propellers began at the end of last week with all three propellers having now been fitted. The turbines will become fully operational following completion of the BWTC.
The three massive wind turbines, measuring 29 meter in diameter, are supported by bridges spanning between the BWTC’s two 240-meter high towers. Through its positioning and the unique aerodynamic design of the towers, the prevailing on-shore Gulf breeze is funnelled into the path of the turbines, helping to create even greater power generation efficiency. Once perational, the wind turbines will deliver approximately 11-15% of the BWTC tower’s energy needs, eliminating around 55,000 cubic kgC of carbon emissions into the environment every year. Incorporating the wind turbines as an alternative source of energy for the buildings will generate 1100 to 1300 MWh per year, which is equivalent to lighting 300 homes for more than a year and will create substantial annual savings.Claire Hughes, Associate Director for DTZ Bahrain said, “This is an incredible moment in the history of the Bahrain World Trade Center. We are extremely proud to be the first in the world to integrate wind turbines into a commercial development to create an alternative source of energy. What we have achieved here in Bahrain demonstrates to the world how we are actively playing our part in addressing the global issue of climate change.” “The BWTC towers have already become an iconic feature of the Manama skyline and are increasingly raising Bahrain’s profile not only in the GCC region but also across the world. The BWTC will attract leading regional and international organisations with a world-class business destination, which will have a positive impact on tourism, commerce and numerous other financial benefits for the Kingdom.”Shaun Killa, Chief Architect of Atkins and designer of the BWTC, said, “From the outset, I had a clear vision of integrating renewable energy into the design of the BWTC. Through the support of the BWTC management and Atkins’ commitment to sustainability, we have enabled this vision to be realised. “The BWTC project sets a technological precedent which we hope raises the awareness of environmental design and its importance in the built environment. We hope it paves the way for designers and clients to incorporate renewables and energy efficient measures into their future developments to reduce carbon emissions. “This project has given us great optimism for the future because we have clearly demonstrated that we can create a commercial development which is underpinned by an environmental agenda.”
In addition to the installation of the world’s first integrated wind turbines, the BWTC development continues to make good progress. All major structural works, such as concreting, foundation and steel works are now complete. External cladding is now 70% complete, whilst internally, more than 20 lifts are operational, representing more than 80% of the total, and all mechanical, electrical systems, service floors, chilled water pipe work, electrics and fire protection systems are 75% finished.
More than 40% of the office floors are now ready to handover to tenants, with that percentage expected to increase rapidly as work is finished in the larger floor areas of the development. A significant number of tenants are already well underway with their fit out design programmes, with some of the major tenants expected to begin their full site works programme in the next few weeks.
BWTC is also able to announce excellent progress with MODA Mall, BWTC’s ultra high-end shopping complex. 95% of the units are now ready for hand over to tenants with the anchor tenant, Villa MODA, the Kuwait based top luxury fashion retailer, already fitting out its units. As planned, the pre-launch of MODA Mall will happen in the next few months.
The BWTC is situated on the Manama waterfront and in the heart of the region’s leading financial and business hub and comprises two 50-storey sail shaped twin office towers, the five-star Sheraton Hotel as well as Moda Mall, Bahrain’s only ultra high-end shopping destination featuring some 160 luxury retail outlets as well as a host of modern concept cafes and exciting casual and fine dining restaurants.
An iconic feature on the Manama skyline, the BWTC towers are the definition of prime office and commercial space, perfect for the most discerning institutions. In every aspect, the buildings reflect the highest standards of quality as well as unparalleled levels of technology, business support services and a host of other amenities such as health centres and sports clubs to enhance the work environment and provide for optimal levels of productivity.
For more information or to become part of the Bahrain World Trade Center, contact DTZ Bahrain on +973 17 540 330 or go to www.bahrainwtc.com

Tags: wind power, Integrated Wind Turbine Power Source, Bahrain World Trade Center, BWTC, alternative energy, DTZ Bahrain, MODA Mall, Manama skyline

2007 Annual Report On U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends From Department Of Energy.

Click w or on the image above to download the complete report
3.9 MB PDF file

Among all the alternative energy sources wind power has been active, in the back ground for years. I have involved with large and small wind power projects over last 20 years! yes since while attending high school.
My first wind power project was to provide wind powered water pumps to poor villagers in developing countries in Africa and Asia. They were very simple water pumps to bring ground water to surface so that villagers had enough clean water to drink, for small plot farming etc. I have since gone into larger ideas.
But if you are even a little interested in wind energy, this report should fill up a lot of gaps in your knowledge or enhance the knowledge you already have. For instance did you know that in 2007, the US wind energy took a 46% surge with 5329 MW added to the system.

Tags: wind power, small wind power projects, Wind Power Installation, Wind Power Cost, Wind Power Performance Trends, DOE, alternative energy

German chancellor visits CHOREN to mark completion of building phase of world’s first commercial BTL plant

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and more than 100 other guests today marked the completion of the building phase of the world’s first commercial production plant to convert biomass into synthetic diesel fuel.

The plant, built in Freiberg, Germany by CHOREN Industries GmbH, will produce a high performance fuel called BTL from non-food biomass, such as forest residues and waste wood. The use of these raw materials means that a litre of BTL will need less than a third of the land needed for a litre of rapeseed bio diesel.

The fuel also promises to reduce CO2 production by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel and is compatible with standard diesel engines and supply infrastructure.

The next important step will be starting production, which will be in 8-12 months. The plant is designed to produce 18 million litres of fuel per year.

Guests in Freiberg today saw the engineering behind the build of this highly complex, first-of-a-kind plant and heard how the operations team will now go through structured testing of the 113 subsystems. They also looked ahead to future industrial-scale production of next generation biofuels.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “The Freiberg project demonstrates what progress can be achieved in the development of climate protection technology when government, industry and science work hand in hand.”

Tom Blades, Chief Executive Officer, CHOREN said “We have completed one successful stage today, but we still have a long way to go. In parallel with the commissioning of the beta plant we are working on a concept for the first industrial-scale BTL plant, in Germany. The medium-term regulatory framework has to be right for that.”

Rob Routs, Executive Director of Royal Dutch Shell plc, said: “Shell is committed to a secure, affordable and sustainable energy supply in the future. We are working both on making fossil fuels more efficient and on development of alternative fuels. With our investment in next generation biofuels, such as the BTL fuel from CHOREN, Shell is driving innovation in low-carbon fuels for sustainable mobility.”

Shell became a shareholder in CHOREN Industries in 2005 and provides the Fischer Tropsch technology used in the BTL process, with associated technical support.
tag: alternative energy, BTL, CHOREN, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Freiberg project, biofuels, bio diesel, synthetic diesel fuel

PHOENIX is moving ahead on becoming a solar-friendly city.

An article on Arizona Central lead me to the sprawling city's work on solar energy. It was pleasant to learn that Phoenix has been involving itself with Solar Power since 1990 with its Solar Canopies for Bus Stations, on Central Avenue. The city has small and large solar power projects under its belt and is about to start a new project further the solar power / alternative energy usage.
Phoenix's year around sun shine leads to providing better solar power conversion and need for better cooling, be it buildings or car parking areas. Demetrius Laloudakis, who oversees energy management for the Public Works Department, said the projects would go on city-owned rooftops and large open spaces such as unused landfill areas in the future. The department is responsible for the city's solar efforts.
"This is good for the environment and good for the bottom line," said Deputy City Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, who oversees the city's Public Works Department.
The city has applied to the federal government for a $200,000 matching grant to promote solar energy. The federal grant would help with the process, paving the way for fee reductions on the projects.
The newest project, atop the Phoenix Convention Center's completed west building, will be a city-owned and -operated unit. Phoenix partnered with Arizona Public Service (APS) to develop a solar energy project on the West Building of the Phoenix Convention Center. The renewable power generated from this city-owned 100 kW roof-mounted PV system will provide power to the Phoenix Convention Center and will be equivalent to the average annual energy needs of 12 Valley homes. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2008.
One can easily see the city's solar and renewable energy efforts here.
Arizona Central article.


tag: solar power, alternative energy, phoenix, Arizona Public Service, Phoenix Convention Center

Fairbanks utility SNAPs sustainable energy Producers and Buyers Together.

For more than two years, Golden Valley Electric Association has helped keep Alaska green, according to an article on Alaska Journal of Commerce. Through an innovative program known SNAP, this Fairbanks-based utility company is empowering its members to contribute and purchase sustainable energy.
SNAP stands for Sustainable Natural Alternative Power. The program is based on a model developed by Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County, Wash. The program links members (SNAP producers) who want to produce renewable power with those who are willing to support renewable power (SNAP purchasers).According to public relations analyst Dianne Porter, GVEA is only the third utility to copy the program. GVEA hopes to pave the way for other Alaska utilities looking to promote sustainable energy among their members.
GVEA members generate 100 percent of SNAP energy. This power is added to the existing power supply and transferred across GVEA's electric grid. Solar and wind power is received by SNAP purchasers who voluntarily agree to pay a little more on their bill - usually around $2 - each month. One hundred percent of SNAP funds go to producers. Producers also receive a percentage of the off-peak wholesale power rate, paid by Golden Valley Electric, for the power they produce.
The amount paid to producers depends on the total amount contributed by purchasers, and the total amount generated by producers. The greater the amount contributed, the greater the amount that will be distributed among participating SNAP producers. The maximum payment is $1.50 per kilowatt-hour.
According to Dianne Porter, current figures indicate that 14,885 kilowatt-hours have been produced since January 2007.
Complete article is here.

Tags: alternative energy, Alaska, Golden Valley Electric Association, GVEA, SNAP producers, SNAP purchasers, SNAP, Solar Power, wind power

POET WIll Power Ethanol Plant Expansion with Alternative Energy Source, Solid Waste Fuel Boiler

More than half of the ethanol plant’s natural gas usage will be replaced by fuel generated from waste
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (November 15, 2007) - An expansion of a POET ethanol plant includes a technology that will allow ethanol production to double without increasing fossil fuel usage. POET Biorefining - Chancellor, an ethanol production facility near Chancellor, S.D., is undergoing an expansion that will increase production capacity from 50 to 100 million gallons per year. The expansion includes construction of a solid waste fuel boiler, an alternative energy source that will generate enough steam to produce more than half of the expanded plant’s power needs. Mueller Pallets of Sioux Falls, S.D. will supply woodchip fuel for the boiler.

"The solid waste fuel boiler will allow us to double our production capacity without increasing our natural gas usage," said Rick Serie, General Manager of POET Biorefining - Chancellor. "We’ll be reducing our operating costs by using a green fuel source to produce a domestic, green transportation fuel for America."

Waste wood from pallets, construction sites and area landfills will be the primary fuel source for the solid waste fuel boiler. POET Biorefining - Chancellor has contracted with Mueller Pallets of Sioux Falls to provide 150-350 tons of wood per day. The company, long a recycler of used transport pallets, has increased operations to accommodate POET’s woodchip needs. Not only has Mueller begun acquiring and grinding waste wood from area landfills, but the company is also reaching out to tree services companies, contractors and other private sources to acquire and re-cycle waste wood at no charge to the providers.

"It’s a win-win situation. By recycling instead of disposing of waste wood, companies, cities and towns in the region will together save hundreds of thousands of dollars in landfill costs yearly," said Margie Mueller, president of Mueller Pallets. "And while saving raw materials from disposal, the fuel product we process will help reduce the need for natural gas."

POET Alternative Energy Engineer Jim Geraets said the solid waste fuel boiler will be outfitted with state-of-the-art pollution control equipment that exceeds state and federal standards and continuously monitored. "Ethanol is one of the best tools we have to fight pollution from vehicles," said Geraets, "and at POET we’re always looking for ways that we can make the ethanol production process even more environmentally-friendly."

POET Biorefining - Chancellor started operations in March, 2003. Last year, the facility produced 51 million gallons of ethanol and 160,000 tons of Dakota Gold Enhanced Distillers Nutrition products. The facility is in the midst of an expansion that will increase the production capacity to 100 mgpy. Construction on the expansion is expected to be completed in Q1 2008 and the solid waste fuel boiler is expected to be complete in Q3 2008. The construction will necessitate the hiring of approximately 20 additional employees for the facility, which is already the largest employer in the town.

Tags: Biorefining, alternative energy, POET, used transport pallets, ethanol, Dakota Gold Enhanced Distillers

LUZ shines again as LUZ II, Brightly.

Arnold J. Goldman, (64) is the founder of Luz International, which since it was founded in 1984, has designed, developed, built, financed, and operated nine solar power plants in California's Mojave desert. It was a pioneer in proving that solar energy is a reliable way to produce electricity commercially, even at times of peak consumption.
These nine plants are still operating, supplying 350 megawatts of power to Southern California. But Luz International, the company that deployed them on the plains of Nevada, was less fortunate. In 1991, despite being the sole commercial developer of thermal electricity in the US, it went bankrupt after failing to secure the necessary funding for the construction of its tenth power plant.
But just like the sun rise, LUZ has come back again as LUZ II.
Globe, Israel, interviewed the gentleman after he recreated Luz, LUZ II. Luz II is a subsidiary of BrightSource Energy Inc.of Oakland California, which is owned by Goldman. Follow the link for a swath of information and the interview that reveals what is the past, present and the future of LUZ or LUZ II.

Oil might hit $100 a Barrel, Bring out your Solar Panels

T. Boone Pickens said the price of oil will hit $100 per barrel—perhaps in the fourth quarter.

The Texas oilman, speaking at a conference in Houston, said the cost of oil, now around $90 a barrel, will rise to $100 before falling to $80.

Pickens, 79, said the cost of oil is going to drive the push for alternative energy. He went on to theorize that “peak oil,” the point at which oil production worldwide has reached its zenith, has arrived. After its peak, production will begin an unstoppable decline.

Billionaire Pickens is head of hedge-fund company BP Capital. He rose to prominence as a takeover artist who grew his Mesa Petroleum via acquisition.

From Hedgefund.net

Tags: alternative energy, Oil Price, Solar Panel, BP Capital, Mesa Petroleum

Alternative energy and OLPC

I was really surprised to read this comment left by cjohnson, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA, on a post about One Laptop per child (OLPC) project. I am happy to see a fellow human see the value of clean energy in the same way as I do. Also chairmen of INTEL and Microsoft failed to see, beyond the profit mountains or greed!
OLPC will provide computing power to children in poor nations and is powered by a hand cranked dynamo. It has been a big interest of mine and I have joined the few developers that develop for OLPC.
There is a project underway that will allow one to buy one for you and donate one to a poor child, for $399. May be some thing to think about this Christmas time.
The comment!
"The energy sources they really need are distributed generation - photovoltaics, wind, small hydro, biogas, and self-powered products such as this computer. Not western-style centralized power grids run by corporate oligarchies. That is the old-fashioned, polluting, and wasteful way to generate electricity. Distributed generation has taken hold where the legislative climate has been favorable. It has not done so well in others (e.g. US, UK) where big businesses who own the coal mines, large power stations, and grids also seem to own the government. Centralized grids are not the 'free markets' that 'pro-business' politics works them up to be, distributed grids are."

The article "Cheap laptops: the new ethical gift" where the comment was left.

Tags: photovoltaics, wind, small hydro, biogas, OPLC, One Laptop per child

China Calls for $265B Investment in Renewable Energy

Shares in renewable energy companies edged up on China’s stock exchanges Wednesday following the release of a national plan for reducing fossil fuel-based energy consumption, according to the country's official Xinhua News Agency.

China’s energy czar, Chen Deming, said on Tuesday that China needs $265 billion in investments to meet its renewable energy goals by 2020, according to the English-language China Daily.

The private sector, including state-owned companies, will likely foot most of the bill to reach China’s goal of generating 15 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources within 13 years, according to the National Development and Reform Commission’s (NRDC) plan. Beijing and local governments will contribute only about one-fifth of that total investment, Mr. Chen said.

Mr. Chen promised tax incentives and subsidies to help companies switch to more sustainable forms of energy, the China Daily said. But Mr. Chen also sketched out specific requirements, such as renewable energy investment quotas for large, state-owned enterprises and the installation of solar power equipment in real estate development projects, according to the China Daily.
source

Tags: enewable energy, alternative energy, solar, China

BP Solar to Welcome Governor O'Malley at Groundbreaking Ceremony

BP Solar and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley break ground today on what is now a $97 million expansion project that will further bolster the facility's output of solar energy products. Already the largest fully integrated solar plant in North America, the plan is to nearly double the current casting and sizing capacity to approximately 150 MW and will create approximately 70 new jobs.

Exactly nine months ago, the company announced it would invest $70 million in the project. That figure has now been increased to $97 million, which will allow for space to further enlarge its manufacturing capacity to 400+ MW in its casting, sizing, and wafering processes. Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2009.
This project is part of a larger growth plan for BP Solar globally. Earlier this year, the company announced it began construction on two mega cell plants -- one at its European headquarters in Tres Cantos, Spain, and the second at its joint venture facility, Tata BP Solar, in Bangalore, India.
"Expanding our Frederick plant ensures that BP Solar stays at the forefront of the global solar industry by meeting demand, providing
innovative products to our current customer base, and allowing us to enter new markets," said Lee Edwards, BP Solar CEO. "We recognize that in order to do business in the long term we must respect the broader needs of communities where we operate and be good corporate citizens. So, to complement our expansion plans, we will integrate sustainable building techniques such as a roof garden, bio- retention, extensive water recycling and the implementation of LEED(TM) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design components such as energy efficient lighting, cooling and heating."
Furthermore, to help educate Maryland students about the importance of solar energy, BP announces it will contribute $100,000 to the Maryland Solar Schools program. Administered by the Solar Schools Foundation, the program assists schools in the installation of solar electric systems,provides curriculum guidance, technical assistance, and can provide limited
grants to help defray the high upfront cost of solar.
"I am proud to be here today to celebrate the expansion of BP Solar in the State of maryland," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "By capitalizing on Maryland's existing renewable industry and recently enacted legislation to
promote solar and wind energy, I hope to make Maryland the engine of the renewable energy economy. Today, BP is helping to lead the way by using sustainable building techniques and investing $100,000 in Maryland's Solar
Schools Program."

In April, Gov. O'Malley signed into law Senate Bill 595, which establishes a market for solar power and encourages homeowners, businesses and others to invest in roof-top systems to lower their electricity bills.
"Solar energy is an important option to address rising electricity rates," said Edwards. "With its recently-passed legislation, Maryland is
now among a number of states across the country with programs to promote the installation of clean and reliable solar power. At a time when
electricity rates are increasing, this legislation allows homeowners to reduce their power bills through their own solar system on their home."
BP Solar is a key business within BP Alternative Energy and a global company with over 2,200 employees focused on harnessing the sun's energy to produce solar electricity. This includes the design, manufacture and marketing of quality solar electric systems for a wide range of applications in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With
over 30 years of experience and installations in over 160 countries, BP Solar is one of the world's largest solar companies and has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Spain, India and Australia. BP Solar is part of BP,one of the world's leading energy companies. To learn more, visit http://www.bpsolar.us.

Information on the Maryland Solar Schools Program can be found here
http://www.e3energy.com/SSF/index.html
Information on the LEED program can be found here
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

BP
Solar to Welcome Governor O'Malley at Groundbreaking Ceremony to
Celebrate Multi-Million Dollar Expansion Project and Contribution to
Maryland Solar Schools Program: 

Tags: solar, solar companies, bpsolar, Alternative Energy, solar power, solar energy, Maryland Solar Schools program

BioDiesel car might bring IRS agents home!

In a bizarre news post I read states that an elderly couple is being pressed with felony charges for use of untaxed used vegetable oil as motor fuel (is vegetable oil tax free?)and in order to become legal to post a $2500 bond to become special fuel supplier.
According to the same news item, this bond is for, "On the department of revenue's Web site, David Wetzel discovered that the definition of special fuel supplier includes someone who operates a plant with an "active bulk storage capacity of not less than 30,000 gallons." Wetzel also did not fit the definition of a receiver, described as a person who produces, distributes or transports fuel into the state. So Wetzel withdrew his application to become a supplier and receiver.

Mike Klemens, spokesman for the department of revenue, explained that Wetzel has to register as a supplier because the law states that is the only way he can pay motor fuel tax.

But what if he is not, in fact, a supplier? Then would he instead be exempt from paying the tax?

"We are in the process of creating a way to simplify the registration process and self-assess the tax," Klemens said, adding that a rule change may be in place by spring."

So watch out those biodiesel cars, specially with stickers that you proudly display might bring trouble. But State Sen. Frank Watson, R-Greenville, introduced Senate Bill 267, which would curtail government interference regarding alternative fuels, such as vegetable oil. A public hearing on the bill was held at 1 p.m. 1st march in Room 400 of the state Capitol.
follow the link for the complete Herald & Review article.

Links;
Herald & Review article

Tags: BioDiesel, alternative energy, alternative feul, IRS, motor fuel tax

"Go Solar California" is the moto of the new state website promoting solar Energy in California.

After all the initiatives that California has made, you can follow the progress on the new web site, "Go Solar California". The State of California plans or wishes to place 3,000 megawatts of new, solar produced electricity systems on rooftops by 2017. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger goal is to put solar systems on a million California roofs. And certainly the California need your help.
State has already taken steps to make alternative energy a part of the power Grig that runs through California.
About 10.2 percent of the electricity California already use comes from renewable sources - biomass, geothermal, small hydroelectric, solar, and wind.

According to a statement on the site, why alternative energy;

Benefits of Renewable Energy

Choosing renewable power provides many benefits:

• Making use of secure, indigenous, and sustainable natural resources.


• Helping to keep our air clean.


• Potential to reduce the production of carbon dioxide - a leading contributor to global climate change.


• Helping to create jobs for California and American workers.


• Establishing the United States as a world leader and exporter of renewable power technologies.


• Nationwide, reducing dependence on imported oil.

By purchasing electricity generated from renewable resources or installing a renewable energy system on your home, you can demonstrate your commitment to a healthy environment and a healthy economy.

Today, thousands of Californians have already made the switch to renewable energy, producing clean, "green energy" for themselves.

So join the race and be productive. The site is a source of information for Solar energy whether you are a Californian or not. I hope all the states in USA and other countries will follow a California, the state I live, and find best resources for energy. If you were to surpass us we will surely, follow you. Like we are already learning from Brazil about alternative feuls.
Only bad thing about site is videos are in windows format and not all can watch them. Please change them to a better format that ASF, not all people use windows, specially californians.

Links;
"Go Solar California"

Tags: biomass, geothermal, small hydroelectric, solar, wind, Go Solar California, alternative energy, renewable energy