Grist | Topics | 730 Results

RESULTS		Results 301 – 325 of 730
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Headline	Author	Published	Section
Discover Brilliant: Utilities Innovation from the nation's most progressive electricity providers	David Roberts	18 Sep 2007	Gristmill
First up today, a session on utilities: "Big Energy, Big Vision -- Utilities Making the Climate Commitment." We're starting off with a presentation from Janice Berman of PG&E, a northern California utility that's way, way ahead of the pack on energy policy. Here's an abridged list of what they're doing: Funding renewables generation via solar, wind, tides, and biomass. Hooking customers up with solar systems (more than 1700 so far). Pushing ha ...
Topics: business, energy, innovation, renewable energy (all these topics)

Discover Brilliant: Renewables and buildings	David Roberts	17 Sep 2007	Gristmill
Now it's "Moving the Technology Frontier," about technologies that are going to create "tectonic shifts" in the cleantech space, with Stan Bull, head of R&D at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Steve Selkowtiz, Building Technologies Program Leader at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Bull is first up. Says NREL's budget is $200-$250 million. That seems tiny to me. Makes the point that available solar energy dwarfs what is avail ...
Topics: electricity grid, energy, green building, renewable energy, tech (all these topics)

Energy storage in the field American Electric Power to install large battery banks to store wind energy	David Roberts	11 Sep 2007	Gristmill
Sweet. A utility called American Electric Power is going to set up a huge bank of batteries to store wind power. The short write-up in the NYT is both exciting, in that it's good to see storage moving to the deployment phase, and sobering, in that it highlights the limitations of current battery technology. Here's the setup: The batteries can each deliver one megawatt of power -- enough to run a medium-size shopping center -- for a little more than seven hours. Re ...
Topics: electricity grid, energy, renewable energy, wind power (all these topics)

An underrated climate solution On the energy potential of geothermal power	Joseph Romm	07 Sep 2007	Gristmill
Like solar thermal power, geothermal power is too often neglected. Indeed, the Bush administration has proposed zeroing out the geothermal energy program for two years running. But a major 2007 study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, 'The Future of Geothermal Energy' (a 372-page PDF), reveals the potential if we redouble our efforts toward this zero-carbon power source. The MIT-led panel of scientists, economic experts, and engineers found that Enhanced Geo ...
Topics: energy, geothermal power, renewable energy (all these topics)

Can't vs. shouldn't It's time to stop accepting the claim that we 'can't' switch to renewable energy	David Roberts	06 Sep 2007	Gristmill
This started as a response to Michael Tobis in this thread, but seemed worthy of moving to its own post. Photo: pcesarperez Michael said: "I started by defending sequestration on the grounds of the conventional wisdom that renewables do not seem adequate for the whole energy picture ..." This is a common refrain. You frequently hear people say that we "have to" continue using fossil fuels for the foreseeable future because we " ...
Topics: renewable energy, energy (all these topics)

The solar power you don't hear about Solar thermal power deserves more attention, due to its lower cost and relative ease of storage	Joseph Romm	30 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Solar thermal power is back! Solar thermal gets less attention than its sexier cousin -- high-tech photovoltaics -- but has two big advantages. First, it is much cheaper than PV. Second, it captures energy in a form that is much easier to store -- heat -- typically with mirrored surfaces that concentrate sunlight onto a receiver that heats a liquid (which is then used to make steam to drive a turbine). Back in the 1980s, Luz International was the sole commercia ...
Topics: California, energy, renewable energy, solar thermal power, solar voltaic power, Spain (all these topics)

'If you were really green, you would have walked here' Is Burning Man living up to its Green Man intentions?	Judith Lewis	29 Aug 2007	Gristmill
The headline refers to a sign that appears as you drive (or as I drove, in a huge white pickup truck) into the Playa at five miles an hour, and it's not a bad summary of the enviro discussion here at Burning Man. How can you really be green at an event you have to drive hundreds of miles to, mostly through desert, with all your heavy crap in the car? Where will all those plastic water bottles end up? Is there such thing as a petroleum-free camp? What about all those Zip ...
Topics: art, ecological footprint, energy, green living, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics)

Killing me greenly Miltary tech goes eco	David Roberts	29 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Earth2Tech brings us seven ways the military is using green technology. And don't forget how they're tackling overpopulation!
Topics: energy, renewable energy, tech (all these topics)

On the Ball: Obscure football edition Ball-kickers power stadiums with renewables	Sarah K. Burkhalter	28 Aug 2007	Gristmill
And you thought by 'football' in my title I meant football? Pssh. I do love me some obscure European soccer news. So with no further ado: Scottish soccer team powers its stadium floodlights with wind power! Swiss soccer team has the world's largest stadium-integrated photovoltaic system on the roof of the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf Bern! Heh heh. Wankdorf.
Topics: energy, green living, renewable energy, solar voltaic power, sports, wind power (all these topics)

Sustainable math in East Asia East Asian countries could save money shifting to renewables, but aren't gonna	David Roberts	27 Aug 2007	Gristmill
According to Greenpeace International, East Asian countries can save about $2 trillion in fuel costs over the next 23 years by shifting to renewable energy (abandoning plans for both coal and nuclear plants). Said dazzlingly monickered Greenpeace campaign coordinator Athena Ballasteros ... ... investment costs for new power plants in East Asia projected by the International Energy Agency (IEA) would total 490 billion dollars between 2004 and 2030. Under Greepeace's ...
Topics: Asia, energy, Greenpeace, international politics, politics, renewable energy (all these topics)

Make your own wind and solar power systems DIY renewable energy projects	Joseph Romm	24 Aug 2007	Gristmill
So you want some do-it-yourself climate solutions. Popular Science is the place to go. The magazine details how, for $300, you can build a vertical wind turbine (pictured below) for your home in about three days. It will generate 50 kilowatt-hours per month, which might be about 10 percent of your electricity use, depending on the size of your house and how efficient you are. You can also download plans at windstuffnow. Or maybe you want something a tad bit ...
Topics: energy, innovation, renewable energy, solar voltaic power, wind power (all these topics)

You call this wonkery? New article fails to shed light on state renewable portfolio standards	David Roberts	24 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Jordan Schrader of USA Today manages to pen a long piece about the profusion of state renewable portfolio standards (RPSs) without discussing, except in the most glancing, cursory fashion, any of the important issues around them. For instance, he notes that some people say RPSs will raise electricity rates, while others say they will ultimately save ratepayers money. Who's right? Which RPSs have raised rates and which haven't? How do different RPSs address costs? Or ...
Topics: energy, legislation, politics, renewable energy (all these topics)

An inflection point? U.S. energy consumption decreased from 2005 to 2006	Sean Casten	23 Aug 2007	Gristmill
According to new data from the DOE, total U.S. energy consumption actually declined from 2005 to 2006, in large part due to an increasing demand for renewables. Rather fascinating stuff. Details here.
Topics: energy, renewable energy (all these topics)

Dave's First Law of Sustainability Politics Sustainability doesn't just happen	David Roberts	20 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Tom Friedman is fond of the theory that high oil prices will drive investment in renewables and spur reform in corrupt governments. He's not alone -- some peak oil types believe that oil price spikes will force us to do the very things that will save us from global warming. This has always struck me as dangerous folly. Nothing good in politics happens automatically. Regress is the path of least resistance. Progress must be fought for. To wit, I commend you to Drake B ...
Topics: energy, oil, renewable energy (all these topics)

Coal myths They're still common, but they make no sense	David Roberts	20 Aug 2007	Gristmill
A little while back I praised Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) for opposing new coal plants in his home state. Now he's clarified his position: he opposes new coal plants anywhere in the world. Word. One grumpy note. Look at this: Michael Yackira, president and chief executive officer of Sierra Pacific Resources, said his company 'respectfully disagrees' with Reid's position. His company is seeking approval to build one of the plants. 'We believe what ...
Topics: business, coal, energy, Harry Reid, politics, renewable energy, solar voltaic power, wind power (all these topics)

Buoys	David Roberts	14 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Wave power takes its first baby steps. Instantly, whinging descends from all sides.
Topics: energy, renewable energy, wave and tidal power (all these topics)

Marrying efficiency and renewables A match made in heaven?	Joseph Romm	13 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Energy efficiency and renewable power together are better than either alone, according to a recent report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the American Council on Renewable Energy. Not a shocking conclusion, but an important one, especially in a world where it seems that all types of zero-carbon power are competing against each other for funding. The report finds that synergies between renewables and efficiency would cut greenhouse-gas em ...
Topics: climate, climate change mitigation, energy, energy efficiency, greenhouse-gas emissions, renewable energy (all these topics)

Algeria ...	David Roberts	13 Aug 2007	Gristmill
... sets out to become the Saudi Arabia of solar energy.
Topics: Algeria, energy, renewable energy, solar voltaic power (all these topics)

Underwater Update Tidal turbines in New York's East River halted temporarily for repairs		13 Aug 2007	Daily Grist
Underwater Update Tidal turbines in New York's East River halted temporarily for repairs The company experimenting with underwater electricity turbines in New York's East River has found that the river's currents are powerful. Too powerful, if you want to get picky about it: the river sheared off several blades on the 20-foot-tall turbines, and has stressed the bolts on the repl ...
Topics: energy, innovation, New York, news, renewable energy, wave and tidal power (all these topics)

Geez, All We Got Was Karl Rove's Resignation Governments ruffled by climate kerfuffles in England, Australia		13 Aug 2007	Daily Grist
Geez, All We Got Was Karl Rove's Resignation Governments ruffled by climate kerfuffles in England, Australia A couple of government climate kerfuffles have broken out: In Britain, a leaked briefing paper says the country won't meet a European Union target of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020, and suggests lobbying other nations for a more flexib ...
Topics: Australia, climate, climate change mitigation, climate change skepticism, England, news, renewable energy (all these topics)

The Daily Show makes a meal of Cape Wind opponents Watch a video outlining the conflict over this wind farm	Erik Hoffner	08 Aug 2007	Gristmill
"Nantucket Sound, blessed with a vast diversity of native life ... " Update, 11 Sep 2007: The video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Viacom International Inc., unfortunately.
Topics: energy, Massachusetts, renewable energy, TV, wind power (all these topics)

Dream a Little Ream of Me House passes ambitious energy bill, Bush threatens veto		06 Aug 2007	Daily Grist
Dream a Little Ream of Me House passes ambitious energy bill, Bush threatens veto The first national renewable-energy standard. Revoked oil-industry tax breaks that will help pay for clean energy. Funding for green job creation. A carbon-neutral federal government. What's all this, the deluded longings of some kooky environmentalist? Nope, it's a few of the features of the ...
Topics: Big Oil, Congress, energy, energy efficiency, news, politics, renewable energy (all these topics)

Federal renewable portfolio standard update What's happening with the House energy bill?	Adam Browning	03 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Word from the front: fierce resistance from the usual suspects has resulted in compromise amendments hacking the 20 percent standard to 15 percent, while allowing states the option of meeting up to 4 percent through energy efficiency. This is a strategic retreat that has supporters optimistic, though by no means certain of eventual victory. House is in recess right now over an Ag bill kerfluffle. No word yet on the critical solar investment tax credit. Update [20 ...
Topics: energy, politics, renewable energy (all these topics)

It's time for a national renewable portfolio standard The energy policy that kicks ass and gets too little support	David Roberts	02 Aug 2007	Gristmill
As this story in the WaPo makes clear, one of the more controversial measures in the House energy bill is a national renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which would require that utilities produce 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Legislators in Southern states -- where, it is conventionally thought, there is little renewable power available -- oppose it. They're afraid their constituents will be stuck with higher energy prices. They are ...
Topics: energy, politics, renewable energy (all these topics)

Economist stuff	David Roberts	02 Aug 2007	Gristmill
Two short articles of interest in The Economist. One describes the nascent attempts to conceive and build a network of high-voltage DC power lines across Europe, which would enable wind and solar to play the role of baseload power. The other is about compressed-air storage. This is nifty, but confusing: Meanwhile, General Compression, a small firm based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, is taking another approach. Its windmill compresses air directly. This has the adva ...
Topics: electricity grid, energy, renewable energy, wind power (all these topics)

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