August 29, 2007

India's parliament will soon debate the accord that permits the United States to sell nuclear technology to fuel that nation's growing energy appetite. It's a hot debate not only in the West but also in Central Asia where detractors worry about an expanded nuclear role for India at a time when it is trying to build questionable energy ties.

India's economy is expanding at 8 percent a year while its energy needs are growing proportionately. That will necessitate the development of a modern grid and efficiency technologies along with diversified fuel options. It's urgent. Already, power shortages and blackouts plague the country's major cities. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that India's political and economic framework belies risk takers.

August 27, 2007

In the old days, utilities used radios to give work orders to their crews. Today, they have converted to digital communications that can transmit more data at faster speeds. Budding technologies are now beckoning and utilities are once again faced with how they will embrace the future.

Power and gas companies need communications systems for more than voice. They need to be able to transmit maps, issue work orders and survey available inventories. They may even need video streaming and video conferencing capabilities. Utility services, though, are destined to get more involved and will require advanced metering with demand response programs as well as those that can "heal the grid" and better regulate the flow of electrons over the wires to relieve congestion.

Christine Ferretti / The Detroit News

TAYLOR -- Amid a national push to reduce fossil fuel usage, Taylor is poised to join the slowly increasing ranks of Michigan cities gambling on the wind to cut soaring energy costs.

The City Council this week signed on to a $100,000 deal to build a pair of 120-foot-tall meteorological towers in Taylor's north and south ends. They would measure currents for a year before officials consider spending $3 million on two 1.5 megawatt turbines in 2009 that would power 600 homes.

August 24, 2007

The bridge collapse in Minneapolis is giving rise to other concerns. Hundreds of billions is needed to rebuild the nation's infrastructure. It's not just roads and bridges. It's also generation and transmission.

Enter infrastructure investing: Public and private pension funds currently invest in varied assets that range from stocks to bonds to real estate. But some are now taking a look at vital infrastructure as a way to earn better-than-average returns as well as to guarantee the longevity of an area's economic growth. If such allocations could provide competitive returns, pension experts say that fiduciaries and trustees would not violate their obligation to act solely in the interest of plan participants.

August 20, 2007

A proposed windmill that would soar 250 feet above the skyline near dozens of homes in Hanover Park could save the local school district millions of dollars in energy costs, officials said.

But the proposed 1.6-megawatt turbine has sparked an outcry from anxious village trustees who said it would be a noisy eyesore that could lead to windmills sprouting like weeds across the west suburb.