May 9, 2008

Solar energy's presence is now felt. If its influence is to expand, however, researchers must innovate and develop tools to store the power.

That's the view from researchers at the Massachusetts's Institute of Technology who have received a substantial grant to make it all happen. Their overall goal is to improve today's mechanics, or to bring in disruptive technologies, that would greatly increase efficiencies and add value. As advances are made, prices will drop and give solar energy a chance to compete with conventional fuel sources.

By the MIRS News Service
Posted: Wednesday, 07 May 2008 3:08PM

A leading wind energy association blew off the House-passed energy package Tuesday, saying the legislation would actually put $2 billion in new investment in wind energy projects at risk.

In letters to Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Senate Energy Policy Committee Chair Bruce Patterson (R-Canton Township), the American Wind Energy Association urged the leaders to make a "fresh start" with annual renewable energy requirements much more aggressive than what passed the House two weeks ago.

May 7, 2008

Green cars come in many varieties. Natural gas is one of them, considered to be a much cleaner and cheaper alternative than conventional oil. In fact, Honda's Civic GX, a natural gas car that cost about $25,000 and is sold only in New York and California, is the "greenest" of them all.

The primary market is large fleets. Such vehicles drive substantial distances and are therefore able to recoup their higher initial costs through reduced fuel charges. They also have access to centrally located fueling and repair stations.

May 2, 2008

Brazilians are dancing in the streets. But will the hoopla last? The celebration comes amidst observations by key energy officials there that surveyors have discovered an area off-shore that may hold 33 billion barrels of oil. That would make it the largest such find in 30 years and the third biggest ever.

Brazil could potentially transform into an international powerhouse while the United States could win access to oil supplies from a friendly and democratic nation. Brazil, meantime, is warm to foreign investors, having already partially privatized its oil sector. A rich, new source of oil would invite a host of prospects. "We're already doing well, and if I look ahead, I think it will only get better," says Antonio Bonchristiano, who manages Latin America's largest private equity firm called GP Investments. In a speech, he also praised Brazil's well-developed infrastructure.

May 5, 2008

The nation's energy options will require new energy efficiency tools along with a host of fuels that are all supported by a substantial investment in generation and transmission. That's the view from an industry-sponsored report.

The demand for energy is expected to grow by 30 percent a year by 2030 and the United States will need to build 151 gigawatts of new generation by that time, according to the Brattle Group that performed a study for the Edison Electric Institute. Toward that end, energy conservation is critical -- as is the need for more controversial fuel sources. None of the ideas comes free of charge and energy conservation is no different. It necessitates new technologies and perhaps some government incentives.