May 14, 2008

Detractors of ethanol are trying to decelerate its take off. Ethanol production is ramping up to meet federal mandates, which critics say has created global food shortages and potentially more greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal policies have favored ethanol production as a way to lessen the dependence on foreign oil and as an innovative to way to clean the air. But critics say that this country's strategy is not working, pointing out that ethanol is made mostly from corn. That has diverted about a quarter of the nation's corn crop away from food production and into ethanol use -- an amount that will grow to 30-35 percent this year.

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.

April 14, 2008

Wind power is drawing some fancy suitors. The latest is Germany's E.ON, which just revved up a 335 megawatt plant in Texas. It's part of E.ON's business strategy, which considers North America to be the best market for renewable energy in the world.

Wind's allure is tied to its environmentally-friendly image -- a picture that is now enhanced because of global desires to curb the use of carbon-producing fossil fuels. With U.S. lawmakers and all the presidential candidates now talking about the enactment of legislation to deal with this, wind power's stock is rising. The point is underscored by the fact that the U.S. is now the world's second largest magnet for wind-powered investment.

In its annual state-of-the-industry report, Outlook 2008, AWEA announced that last year's 45% growth rate is a record breaking milestone for the U.S. wind power industry.

New wind power installations comprised 30% of all new electricity generating capacity added in 2007. More than 5,200 MW of wind were added to the U.S. supply last year, which is enough to generate zero-emissions, renewable electricity for 1.5 million American homes. The report notes that new wind plants accounted for the largest portion of new generation of any type built in the U.S. over the year.