December 2008
December 18, 2008
Blog
Will support for efficiency hold in 2009?
By Elisa Wood
December 18, 2008
The stars are aligned to make 2009 a good year for energy efficiency -- or at least, most of the stars.
President-Elect Barack Obama has assembled an energy team that supports clean technologies. Most notably, Obama named Steven Chu as energy secretary on December 15. Chu is a Nobel Prize winner and director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a leader in bringing energy efficiency technologies to market, such as the compact fluorescent light bulb. http://www.lbl.gov/
Obama also is in the process of putting together an economic recovery package that places high priority on energy, including investment in efficiency. The goal is to quickly create jobs by giving ‘shovel-ready’ projects a boost in the sluggish economy. Efficiency projects more easily qualify as ‘shovel-ready’ -- set for quick development – than most energy undertakings. Efficiency measures rarely require the kind of time-consuming permitting, engineering and financing of power plant or transmission construction.
So what star is out of place in the sky? The star that governs oil prices. It costs far less to fill up the gas tank now than it did last summer. That is a good thing. The problem is that the US consumer tends to be short-sighted. If gasoline is cheap today, who cares about tomorrow? Energy efficiency falls out of favor.
Joe Loper, senior vice president for the Alliance to Save Energy, warned about this “cycle of complacency” in testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources December 10. Loper recommended $15 billion in economic stimulus money for energy efficiency to keep the nation’s energy goals on track. Investing in efficiency will not only create jobs, but also will foster continued use of technologies that have already proven their worth. “A silent partner” in meeting the nation’s energy needs, efficiency has reduced America’s energy bill and related carbon emissions by 50% since 1973, he said.
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or
http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/
Podcast
Making Obama's infrastructure plan "smart" part 1
Energy Efficiency Markets continues its conversation with Saifur Rahman, vice president of new initiatives and outreach for IEEE Power and Energy Society. He's back to talk about President-elect Barack Obama's proposals to invest in infrastructure—and how to ensure the investments are "smart."
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
Enter the first annual Energy Efficiency Markets contest!
Tell us about the most innovative energy efficiency projects of 2008. We want to
hear about projects, events, or ideas that use the most cutting edge technology,
promote efficiency, lower costs, create jobs, or educate the public -- projects
that inspire energy independence. We will profile winners in our first Energy
Efficiency Markets Newsletter of 2009 and offer a select few 'air time' on our
popular Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast.
We will choose one winner from six categories:
1. Public Policy
2. Energy efficiency services company project
3. Demand-response
4. Appliance manufacturing
5. Transportation
6. Green building and construction
Send a description of your project by December 31 or any questions to: realenergywriters@comcast.net.
News
Concern for climate change defines Energy Department nominee
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/11/AR2008121103380.html
The green standard
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/realestate/14wczo.html
Air Resources Board says yes to climate action plan
http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr121108.htm
BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid goes on sale in China, 3 years before Chevy Volt
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/byd-f3dm-electric-plug-in-hybrid-china.php
Alliance to Save Energy applauds Obama energy-environment team
10 energy efficiency facts from EPRI
Requests for Proposals
Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA seeks proposals for capacity, energy or both from renewable energy or clean energy resources, including combined heat and power, that begin operation as early as June 1, 2009 and as late as June 1, 2011. TVA is interested in contracts that run one to twenty years.
Proposals are due by January 16.
Questions or additional information should be directed to Jim Howell, Senior Trader, Energy Origination, via fax to (423) 751-3387 or via e-mail to jthowell@tva.gov.
For more information go to http://www.tva.gov/pdf/recr_rfp.pdf
The Maine Public Utilities Commission
The Maine PUC seeks long-term contract proposals for capacity and associated
energy from supply and demand-side resources. Winners will enter into long-term
contractual arrangements with one or more of Maine's utilities: Central Maine
Power, Bangor Hydro-Electric, and Maine Public Service.
Questions should be directed to
faith.huntington@maine.gov, Phone: (207) 287-1373
Bidder registration deadline is January 7. Stage 2 proposals are due by
April 7. The deadline for stage 3 proposals is still to be determined.
For more information go to
http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/industries/electricity/RFP_LTBid_1108.htm
The California Environmental Protection Agency
The Air Resources Board is soliciting research concepts for the 2009-2010 Annual Research Plan. General areas of research include agriculture, health and exposure, emissions, transport and transformation, technology advancement and pollution prevention, and Global Climate Change.
Proposals are due by January 20.
For more information about Air Pollution Research, contact Dr. Susan Fischer at (916) 324-0627 or sfischer@arb.ca.gov.
For more information go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/plan/concepts/concepts09-10.htm.
The Connecticut Energy Advisory Board
CEAB seeks supply or demand-side alternatives to two transmission projects under development by Connecticut Light & Power: The Greater Springfield Reliability Project and the Manchester to Meekville Junction Circuit Separation Project. Project proposals include alternative transmission options, additional local supply sources, or reductions of load within the targeted geographic area at the time of the summer peak. The CEAB is directed by statute to solicit proposals that include distributed generation and energy efficiency.
Proposals are due by January 2.
Question should be directed to Gretchen Deans at 860-571-7147, gdeans@cerc.com.
For more information go to http://www.ctenergy.org/pdf/GSRPRFP.pdf.
The California Energy Commission
The CEC, as part of the PIER program, offers a funding opportunity for advanced mobile combustion engine technologies used in distributed energy and combined heat and power. The commission hopes to encourage widespread use of non-renewable distributed generation and improve California's air quality by developing reliable, cost effective, emission-reduction technologies for reciprocating engines, small turbines and microturbines, fuel cells, and hybrid fuel cell-microturbine technologies.
Proposals are due by January 8, 2009.
For more information go to http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#EPAG.
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Applications are due February 26.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
Upcoming Events
MEEA's annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference: January 7 – 9, Chicago.
Voluntary Carbon Markets USA: January 22 – 23, New York City.
http://www.greenpowerconferences.com/carbonmarkets/vcm_us09.html
Influencing Customer Behavior Toward Energy Efficiency: January 27 – 28, San Diego, Calif.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0109-customer-behavior/
CERA Week 2009 Risk and the Rebuilding of Confidence: Energy Strategies for a Turbulent Economy: February 9 - 13, Houston.
http://www2.cera.com/ceraweek2009/1,3551,,00.html
Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com
Our twitter names are: Real_Writers, lisaellencohn, ElisaWood
This is our last issue of 2008. See you next year!
Editor: Reid Smith
------
December 11, 2008
Blog
Front-load washers: Leaky solar panels revisited?
By Elisa Wood
December 11, 2008
Some days I’d like to throw my front-load clothes washer out the back door. But that probably won’t be necessary because it may walk out on its own.
The LG product shakes and rattles so much in the spin cycle that it ‘walks’ several inches across the floor each day. One guest to my kitchen thought we were experiencing an earthquake. Sears repairmen have visited twice, but tell me nothing is wrong with the machine: front loaders just do that. In fact, one repairman confessed that he’s called out to homes “all the time” because of these over-agitated beasts.
I spent several hundred dollars more on this machine than I would a conventional washer that loads clothes from the top. I was willing to do this because front loaders are more energy efficient. They use about one-third as much water as top-loading machines. That translates into less energy needed to warm the water. Front-loaders also spin faster, removing more moisture from clothes so that they require less time in the dryer.
The machine includes sophisticated electronics and can perform all sorts of tricks -- from automatically measuring the size of laundry load to singing me a sweet song when the cycle is over. But I eye its friendly R2D2-like exterior warily. How soon before all of the rattling and rolling breaks the delicate electronics, and I have a hefty repair bill?
Several months after I bought the machine, Sears advised that the machine might stop shaking if I shored up the laundry room floor from below and replaced the linoleum with tile. Sears sales folks did not tell me before I bought the machine that its successful use required home remodeling.
Supposedly, a next generation front loader will be released shortly that does not try to escape its owners. I’m not sure what good that does me – and so many others – who already put down our hard-earned cash on today’s poor design.
I write this not to whine about my purchasing misstep, but to point out the dangers that faulty products cause the green energy movement. We’ve been down this road before. In the 1980s, when high oil prices piqued consumer interest in renewable energy, the industry rushed solar panels to market without properly training installers. Many roofs leaked. Renewable energy became associated with poor quality. Today, the solar industry wisely puts a great deal of effort into proper training of installers and product warranties. Solar panels, in fact, are now associated with quality custom construction. But it took years to restore consumer confidence.
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or
http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/
Podcast
Advances in waste-to-ethanol commercialization
Arnold Klann, president and CEO of BlueFire Ethanol, explains how his company makes cellulosic ethanol out of municipal waste and other waste. He projects what the future of cellulosic ethanol will look like in the US and how it will be distributed.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
Enter the first annual Energy Efficiency Markets contest!
Tell us about the most innovative energy efficiency projects of 2008. We want to
hear about projects, events, or ideas that use the most cutting edge technology,
promote efficiency, lower costs, create jobs, or educate the public -- projects
that inspire energy independence. We will profile winners in our first Energy
Efficiency Markets Newsletter of 2009 and offer a select few 'air time' on our
popular Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast.
We will choose one winner from six categories:
1. Public Policy
2. Energy efficiency services company project
3. Demand-response
4. Appliance manufacturing
5. Transportation
6. Green building and construction
Send a description of your project by December 31 or any questions to: realenergywriters@comcast.net.
News
The energy efficiency program industry reaching higher
http://www.cee1.org/ee-pe/2008/
Obama to meet Gore to discuss energy, climate
http://www.reuters.com/article/joeBiden/idUSN08525939
Departments of State and Energy establish global partnership to green U.S. embassies and consulates
http://www.energy.gov/news/6774.htm
Exxon: Efficiency could slow world oil demand
http://www.washingtonenergy.com/articles/article/528/exxon-efficiency-could-slow-world-oil-demand
Green? You ain't seen nothing, yet
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf?/base/news/122853572865990.xml&coll=7
Summary Box: Energy efficiency industry growth
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/b6e617cafa3e4e2812cc7b693675dc64.htm
Requests for Proposals
Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA seeks proposals from qualified and eligible candidates to supply capacity and/or energy from renewable energy or clean energy resources beginning as early as June 1, 2009 and as late as June 1, 2011. TVA is interested in term proposals for power supplies lasting 1 - 20 years in duration.
Proposals are due by January 16.
Questions or additional information should be directed to Mr. Jim Howell, Senior Trader, Energy Origination, via fax to (423) 751-3387 or via e-mail to jthowell@tva.gov.
For more information go to http://www.tva.gov/pdf/recr_rfp.pdf
The Maine Public Utilities Commission
The Maine PUC seeks long-term contract proposals for capacity and associated
energy from supply and demand-side resources. Winners will enter into long-term
contractual arrangements with one or more of Maine's utilities: Central Maine
Power, Bangor Hydro-Electric, and Maine Public Service.
Questions should be directed to
faith.huntington@maine.gov, Phone: (207) 287-1373
Bidder registration deadline is January 7. Stage 2 proposals are due by
April 7. The deadline for stage 3 proposals is still to be determined.
For more information go to
http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/industries/electricity/RFP_LTBid_1108.htm
The California Environmental Protection Agency
The Air Resources Board is soliciting research concepts for the 2009-2010 Annual Research Plan. General areas of research include agriculture, health and exposure, emissions, transport and transformation, technology advancement and pollution prevention, and Global Climate Change.
Proposals are due by January 20.
For more information about Air Pollution Research, contact Dr. Susan Fischer at (916) 324-0627 or sfischer@arb.ca.gov.
For more information go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/plan/concepts/concepts09-10.htm.
The Connecticut Energy Advisory Board
CEAB seeks supply or demand-side alternatives to two transmission projects under development by Connecticut Light & Power: The Greater Springfield Reliability Project and the Manchester to Meekville Junction Circuit Separation Project. Project proposals include alternative transmission options, additional local supply sources, or reductions of load within the targeted geographic area at the time of the summer peak. The CEAB is directed by statute to solicit proposals that include distributed generation and energy efficiency.
Proposals are due by January 2.
Question should be directed to Gretchen Deans at 860-571-7147, gdeans@cerc.com.
For more information go to http://www.ctenergy.org/pdf/GSRPRFP.pdf.
The California Energy Commission
The CEC, as part of the PIER program, offers a funding opportunity for advanced mobile combustion engine technologies used in distributed energy and combined heat and power. The commission hopes to encourage widespread use of non-renewable distributed generation and improve California's air quality by developing reliable, cost effective, emission-reduction technologies for reciprocating engines, small turbines and microturbines, fuel cells, and hybrid fuel cell-microturbine technologies.
Proposals are due by January 8, 2009.
For more information go to http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#EPAG.
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Applications are due February 26.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
Upcoming Events
MEEA's annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference: January 7 – 9, Chicago Ill.
Influencing Customer Behavior Toward Energy Efficiency: January 27 – 28, San Diego, Calif.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0109-customer-behavior/
CERA Week 2009 Risk and the Rebuilding of Confidence: Energy Strategies for a Turbulent Economy: February 9 - 13, Houston, Tex.
http://www2.cera.com/ceraweek2009/1,3551,,00.html
Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com
Our twitter names are: Real_Writers, lisaellencohn, ElisaWood
Editor: Reid Smith
-----------
December 4, 2008
Blog
Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and combined heat & power
By Elisa Wood
Dec. 4, 2008
The universe contains many mysteries. A big one for me is: Why doesn’t the United States use more combined heat and power (CHP)?
It requires an energy geek, of course, to even ask that question. Most of the world knows nothing about CHP, even when referenced by its other name: cogeneration. So it was heartening to see the Department of Energy’s recent effort to educate the public in a Dec. 1 report: “Combined Heat and Power: Effective Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future.” http://www1.eere.energy.gov/industry/distributedenergy/
What’s the problem with CHP? People are unaware of it – even though it’s been around for 100 years. It could benefit from a marketing makeover, especially a name change. Combined heat and power does not roll off the tongue easily like solar and wind, nor does it evoke an image of efficiency and greenness.
Here is a quick definition: CHP systems are a form of distributed energy (like solar) built close to where they are used. They generate electricity and use the excess heat that is produced to cool or warm the building. So a CHP system uses one fuel to create two resources – power and usable heat. As a result, CHP plants are about 35% more efficient than typical generators.
“CHP may not be widely recognized outside industrial, commercial, institutional, and utility circles, but it has quietly been providing highly efficient electricity and process heat to some of the most vital industries, largest employers, urban centers, and campuses in the United States,” says the report.
To read and comment on the entire blog, go to
http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or
http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/
Podcast
How to convince consumers to save energy
Why are people willing to buy a Toyota Prius but less likely to buy energy efficient lightbulbs? EE Markets interviews Suzanne Shelton, CEO of the Shelton group, which recently conducted its fourth annual Energy Pulse study looking at consumer attitudes about saving energy. She gives tips for convincing consumers to conserve.
To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to
http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm
Enter the first annual Energy Efficiency Markets contest!
Tell us about the most innovative energy efficiency projects of 2008. We want to
hear about projects, events, or ideas that use the most cutting edge technology,
promote efficiency, lower costs, create jobs, or educate the public -- projects
that inspire energy independence. We will profile winners in our first Energy
Efficiency Markets Newsletter of 2009 and offer a select few 'air time' on our
popular Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast.
We will choose one winner from six categories:
1. Public Policy
2. Energy efficiency services company project
3. Demand-response
4. Appliance manufacturing
5. Transportation
6. Green building and construction
Send a description of your project by December 31 or any questions to: realenergywriters@comcast.net.
News
Fresh climate and energy advice for Obama
http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/more-cool-energy-prescriptions-for-obama/
Five major U.S. companies call for congressional action on climate change, clean energy
Despite drop in oil, Americans seal up for winter
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4B000M20081201
Energy efficiency is a growth industry in a slow economy
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=81363
Ford's bailout plea focuses on energy efficiency
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/editors/22209/
New LEED guidelines give more weight to efficiency
http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/building-and-design/i/1653/
Requests for Proposals
The Maine Public Utilities Commission
The Maine PUC seeks long-term contract proposals for capacity and associated
energy from supply and demand-side resources. Winners will enter into long-term
contractual arrangements with one or more of Maine's utilities: Central Maine
Power, Bangor Hydro-Electric, and Maine Public Service.
Questions should be directed to
faith.huntington@maine.gov, Phone: (207) 287-1373
Bidder registration deadline is January 7. Stage 2 proposals are due by
April 7. The deadline for stage 3 proposals is still to be determined.
For more information go to
http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/industries/electricity/RFP_LTBid_1108.htm
The California Environmental Protection Agency
The Air Resources Board is soliciting research concepts for the 2009-2010 Annual Research Plan. General areas of research include agriculture, health and exposure, emissions, transport and transformation, technology advancement and pollution prevention, and Global Climate Change.
Proposals are due by January 20.
For more information about Air Pollution Research, contact Dr. Susan Fischer at (916) 324-0627 or sfischer@arb.ca.gov.
For more information go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/plan/concepts/concepts09-10.htm.
The Connecticut Energy Advisory Board
CEAB seeks supply or demand-side alternatives to two transmission projects under development by Connecticut Light & Power: The Greater Springfield Reliability Project and the Manchester to Meekville Junction Circuit Separation Project. Project proposals include alternative transmission options, additional local supply sources, or reductions of load within the targeted geographic area at the time of the summer peak. The CEAB is directed by statute to solicit proposals that include distributed generation and energy efficiency.
Proposals are due by January 2.
Question should be directed to Gretchen Deans at 860-571-7147, gdeans@cerc.com.
For more information go to http://www.ctenergy.org/pdf/GSRPRFP.pdf.
The California Energy Commission
The CEC, as part of the PIER program, offers a funding opportunity for advanced mobile combustion engine technologies used in distributed energy and combined heat and power. The commission hopes to encourage widespread use of non-renewable distributed generation and improve California's air quality by developing reliable, cost effective, emission-reduction technologies for reciprocating engines, small turbines and microturbines, fuel cells, and hybrid fuel cell-microturbine technologies.
Proposals are due by January 8, 2009.
For more information go to http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#EPAG.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
NYSERDA seeks proposals to develop innovative products and systems for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in New York state that improve the safety, energy, and environmental performance of buildings.
Proposals are due by December 8 and should be submitted to:
Roseanne Viscusi, PON 1266
NYS Energy Research and Development Authority
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203-6399
Technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Robert Carver at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3242 or rmc@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Nancy Marucci at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3335 or nsm@nyserda.org.
For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/Funding/1266pon.asp
US Department of Energy
The US DOE has opened the second round of solicitations for the Loan Guarantee program, which offers up to $30.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for projects that employ advanced energy technologies and that avoid, reduce or sequester anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants or greenhouse gases. The three solicitations are for (1) energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies; (2) advanced nuclear power facilities; and (3) advanced nuclear facilities for the 'front-end' of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Applications are due February 26.
For application material and information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html.
Questions should be directed to the Loan Guarantee Program Office at lgprogram@hq.doe.gov or 202-586-8336. For additional contact information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/contact.html.
For information go to http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/index.html.
Upcoming Events
CERA Week 2009 Risk and the Rebuilding of Confidence: Energy Strategies for a Turbulent Economy: February 9 - 13, Houston, Tex.
http://www2.cera.com/ceraweek2009/1,3551,,00.html
Western Renewable Energy Development Summit: December 3 – 5, San Diego, Calif.
http://www.infocastinc.com/index.php/conference/western
Demand Response: Enabling Energy Efficiency & Conservation: December 8 – 9, Toronto, Ont.
http://www.dr-expo.com/2008/toronto/#home
Energy Efficiency Summit East 2008: December 8 – 10, Washington, DC.
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=9e57ef57-81bf-470f-9b17-48b2d8060f0d
EcoBuild: December 8 – 11, Washington, DC.
http://www.ecobuildamerica.com/fallhome.html
Virtual Energy Forum: December 10 - 11, online, anywhere.
http://www.virtualenergyforum.com/
MEEA's annual Midwest Energy Solutions Conference: January 7 – 9, Chicago Ill.
Influencing Customer Behavior Toward Energy Efficiency: January 27 – 28, San Diego, Calif.
https://www.euci.com/conferences/0109-customer-behavior/
CERA Week 2009 Risk and the Rebuilding of Confidence: Energy Strategies for a Turbulent Economy: February 9 - 13, Houston, Tex.
http://www2.cera.com/ceraweek2009/1,3551,,00.html
Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com
Our twitter names are: Real_Writers, lisaellencohn, ElisaWood
Editor: Reid Smith