March 01, 2010

When you think of the southeast United States, you don't usually think of renewables. NC GreenPower is working to change that, specifically in North Carolina.

NC GreenPower focuses on engaging the consumer and even supporting economic development in the renewables arena. Despite its renewables focus, NC GreenPower's approach could serve as a model for organizations tasked with engaging consumers in smart grid efforts and developing a more robust workforce to support smarter technologies. The group also shows that consumer engagement with energy doesn't always have to come from a utility.

February 05, 2010

American energy policy is a bit stop and go. While it's now centered on going green, the signals coming from Washington are always yellow and continually making participants hesitant to commit to long-term projects.

Relatively inexpensive hydrocarbons have fueled this country for decades. But spiraling prices along with concerns over air quality and dependence on foreign governments have forced policymakers to rethink this situation. That is what has propelled the renewable energy movement forward -- a condition that has led to the development of better and cheaper technologies, permitting those sustainable fuels a foothold in markets.

January 25, 2010

The Obama administration is bucking up and funding research into biofuels, which can be used as power for electric generators or fuel for automobiles. Altogether, it is placing $800 million into such projects under the federal stimulus plan.

It's all part of a broader effort by the White House to foster a variety of green energy forms. Biofuels are not without controversy. But experts generally agree that advanced technologies that involve the use of algae, waste or wood chips can produce cleaner electricity supplies while also eroding the country's dependence on foreign oil.

January 18, 2010

In an effort to move 31 renewable energy and transmission projects into high gear, the Obama administration has put them on a fast track permitting process. But such deals, which would take place on federal lands, have some opposition -- and it's coming from those in green corners, who say that certain ones should be relocated.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has picked those shovel-ready projects that qualify for federal stimulus support. And while the nation has clearly stated that growing its green energy portfolio is a priority, some controversy is surrounding the agency's new policy. The way and manner that some pending cases are decided will have a direct affect on how all renewable projects are permitted.

January 15, 2010

With global climate change talks in the hot seat, lots of attention is now on China. But what most don't know is that the country has become a world leader with respect to the development of renewable power.

The nation has just surpassed Spain and become the globe's third leading producer of wind energy behind the United States and Germany. And despite the perception that China was an obstacle at the recent Copenhagen talks, the reality is that it is moving forcefully ahead to produce 15 percent of its energy from green sources by 2020 and 30 percent by 2050. To get there it must attract hundreds of billions in foreign capital.