Aquí podrán poner noticias relacionadas con proyectos de energía renovable, reciclaje,conservación, transportación, construcción y productos "verdes" en general.

Here you can post news related to renewable energy projects, developments, recycling, conservation, transportation, construction and general consumer "green" products.

Obama urges boost in clean energy tax credits

The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — President Barack Obama is calling on Congress to expand a tax credit for clean energy manufacturing that he says would be a jobs generator for the U.S.In prepared remarks ahead of a speech scheduled later Thursday in Las Vegas, Obama says a $5 billion investment would create nearly 40,000 jobs. He praises both Democrats and Republicans for supporting the initiative, saying similar bipartisan support has been absent from many of the other efforts he has promoted.
Obama is wrapping up a two-day swing through Missouri and Nevada, where he campaigned for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is facing a tough re-election campaign. Solar projects that Reid has been promoting heavily in Nevada would be eligible for the tax credits Obama is advocating.


http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=45313&ct_id=3&ct_name=1

Incandescent Light Bulbs -- Gone Like The DODO birds in 5 years

June 21, 2010
[/URL] (http://www.glgroup.com/NewsWatchPrefs/Print.aspx?pid=49078)
(http://twitter.com/home?status=Reading+GLG+News:+http://www.glgroup.com/News/Incandescent-Light-Bulbs----Gone-Like-The-DODO-birds-in-5-years-49078.html)


Analysis by: Jerald Kolansky (http://www.glgroup.com/Council-Member/Jerald-Kolansky-31856.html)
Analysis of: CBS News Changing State of Light Video (OLEDS, LED lighting) (http://greenstockscentral.com/cbs-news-changing-shape-of-light-video-led-oled-lighting-cree-inc-cree-universal-display-panl-highlighted-3298.html?utm_source=Green+Stocks+Central&utm_campaign=29daeaac1d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email)
Published at: greenstockscentral.com


Summary

1. CBS news ran a very interesting video on TV last night regarding the lighting revolution that is occurring where incandescents will be legislated out of existence, and new technologies such as LED's and OLEDs will replace them.
Analysis

1. Today there was an announcement that IKEA will stop selling incandescent light bulbs.

2. In the past few months there have been a number of announcements regarding the banning, or discontinuing of incandescent lighting. As an example, Toshiba has announced that they will stop manufacturing incandescent light bulbs.

3. New energy standards are currently being written that will most probably end the incandescent light bulb within the next 5 years.

4. The most difficult issues is that both OLEDs and LED's are to expensive for the everyday consumer to buy. Currently LED lightbulbs in the 40W to 60W range cost between $40 to $50, an only the most energy conscious consumers will buy them.

5. If LED's and OLED's are able to continue the year to year cost reduction of 50% per year, there is a good chance that within a couple of years incandescent will be either outlawed, or legislated out of the market.

6. In my opinion, even though the cost of CFL's has come down there are still issues of shape, flickering, and color temperature that will not allow them to become the dominant lighting technology in the future.

[url]http://www.glgroup.com/News/Incandescent-Light-Bulbs----Gone-Like-The-DODO-birds-in-5-years-49078.html

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http://www.lumination.com/images/spacer.gif Ever-demanding traffic signal applications require constant reliability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Replacing incandescent signals with high-efficiency, long-life GE Lumination LED systems - facilitates dramatic energy and maintenance cost savings. Keyed to various industry or country-specific standards, our complete line of robust LED traffic signal balls, arrows and pedestrian signals are designed for both OEM and retrofit applications. http://www.lumination.com/images/spacer.gif http://www.lumination.com/images/spacer.gif


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http://www.lumination.com/

¿No saben si ya han empezado a cambiar las señales de transito a LED's?

And for those of you in favor of incandescent bulbs:

July 2, 2010 12:00 A.M.
The All-American Light Bulb Dims as Freedom Flickers
Congress should repeal the federal ban on Thomas Edison’s monumental creation.

1 | 2 (http://article.nationalreview.com/437464/the-all-american-light-bulb-dims-as-freedom-flickers/deroy-murdock?page=2) | Next > (http://article.nationalreview.com/437464/the-all-american-light-bulb-dims-as-freedom-flickers/deroy-murdock?page=2)
http://article.nationalreview.com/images/spacer.gif

As the U.S.A. celebrates its 234th birthday, the plight of a quintessentially American innovation says volumes about the state of the union.

As American as the grand slam, the Mustang convertible, and the constitutional republic, Thomas Alva Edison’s incandescent light bulb is among this nation’s most enduring gifts to mankind. Granted U.S. Patent No. 223,898 (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/0223898.pdf) on January 27, 1880 (after some 1,200 experiments), Edison’s “Electric-Lamp” essentially made night optional for most Earthlings. Days stopped ending at sunset. Simple, convenient, and cheap, Edison’s greatest invention also was far safer than the flammable kerosene lamps they replaced.

Today’s federal government, naturally, had to hammer something that has hummed along nicely for 130 years. In one of his most shameful moments, former president George W. Bush foolishly signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. EISA establishes performance criteria that Edisonian bulbs cannot meet. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2010/06/P084206lamplabeling.pdf): “These standards, which begin in 2012, will eliminate low efficiency incandescent light bulbs from the market.”

According to an April 14 fact sheet (http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/education_resources/literature_library/product_brochures/downloads/attribute/legislation_overview.pdf) from General Electric, which Edison founded (http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/education_resources/learn_about_light/history_of_light/index.htm) in 1876, 276 versions of its incandescent bulbs will start to vanish just 18 months from now. Few Americans realize that federal busybodies plan to snatch their traditional bulbs. Sylvania’s December 2009 survey (http://assets.sylvania.com/assets/Documents/2009_SYLVANIA_Socket_Survey.d81a552e-cb6b-4779-9e56-5da47e838c7f.pdf) of 302 adults found that “awareness of the 2012 100-watt bulb phase-out” is just 18 percent (error margin: +/- 5.7 percent).

EISA has made more common compact fluorescent lights, those swirly bulbs with distinct pros and cons. Costlier up front, energy-efficient CFLs eventually save money. They also require less frequent replacement than do traditional bulbs.

To discover CFLs’ negatives, try setting a romantic mood with a dimmer switch. This is, at best, a hit or miss proposition. Scarier still, just drop one onto your kitchen floor. Its internal mercury is highly toxic. If spilled, it requires something approximating a Superfund cleanup. The Environmental Protection Agency warns (http://epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html) that if a CFL breaks on one’s apparel or bedspread, “Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage” (emphasis added).

CFLs should be discarded at recycling centers. Hundreds of millions of busy Americans, however, will toss these dangerous bulbs in the trash, atop table scraps and junk mail. CFLs will clog landfills from coast to coast. Decades hence, mercury will have leeched into the environment. Americans will wonder why people are suffering brain, kidney, and lung damage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning). Medical visits will yield lawsuits. And yet another national disaster will erupt, courtesy of Washington, D.C.


Today’s federal government, naturally, had to hammer something that has hummed along nicely for 130 years. In one of his most shameful moments, former president George W. Bush foolishly signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. EISA establishes performance criteria that Edisonian bulbs cannot meet. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains (http://www.ftc.gov/os/2010/06/P084206lamplabeling.pdf): “These standards, which begin in 2012, will eliminate low efficiency incandescent light bulbs from the market.”

According to an April 14 fact sheet (http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/education_resources/literature_library/product_brochures/downloads/attribute/legislation_overview.pdf) from General Electric, which Edison founded (http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/education_resources/learn_about_light/history_of_light/index.htm) in 1876, 276 versions of its incandescent bulbs will start to vanish just 18 months from now. Few Americans realize that federal busybodies plan to snatch their traditional bulbs. Sylvania’s December 2009 survey (http://assets.sylvania.com/assets/Documents/2009_SYLVANIA_Socket_Survey.d81a552e-cb6b-4779-9e56-5da47e838c7f.pdf) of 302 adults found that “awareness of the 2012 100-watt bulb phase-out” is just 18 percent (error margin: +/- 5.7 percent).

EISA has made more common compact fluorescent lights, those swirly bulbs with distinct pros and cons. Costlier up front, energy-efficient CFLs eventually save money. They also require less frequent replacement than do traditional bulbs.

To discover CFLs’ negatives, try setting a romantic mood with a dimmer switch. This is, at best, a hit or miss proposition. Scarier still, just drop one onto your kitchen floor. Its internal mercury is highly toxic. If spilled, it requires something approximating a Superfund cleanup. The Environmental Protection Agency warns (http://epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html) that if a CFL breaks on one’s apparel or bedspread, “Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage” (emphasis added).

CFLs should be discarded at recycling centers. Hundreds of millions of busy Americans, however, will toss these dangerous bulbs in the trash, atop table scraps and junk mail. CFLs will clog landfills from coast to coast. Decades hence, mercury will have leeched into the environment. Americans will wonder why people are suffering brain, kidney, and lung damage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning). Medical visits will yield lawsuits. And yet another national disaster will erupt, courtesy of Washington, D.C.


http://article.nationalreview.com/437464/the-all-american-light-bulb-dims-as-freedom-flickers/deroy-murdock?page=1

The first contact many consumers have with LEDs is when stringing lights on the Christmas tree. But improvements in the energy-efficient lighting technology mean that more people will start screwing in LEDs for general lighting next year.
Semiconductor research company iSuppli on Tuesday forecast double-digit sales growth (http://www.isuppli.com/News/Pages/LED-Lighting-Lights-up-the-2009-Holiday-Season.aspx) in the next three years for all types of LED lights, which are increasingly used in everything from street lights to flat-screen TVs. Although LEDs are still mostly used for other lighting applications, LEDs have started to penetrate the residential market as a replacement for incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs, it said.
http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20091216/SYLVANIA_Lamp_Array_610x402.jpg A recent Sylvania survey shows that three-quarters of Americans have tried different energy-saving light bulb technologies, such as halogen (left), compact fluorescent (center), or light-emitting diode (right).
(Credit: Osram Sylvania)
"While the retail prices for LED light bulbs are still about an order of magnitude higher than those traditional incandescent lamps, customers increasingly are becoming aware of the power savings and long life benefits of solid-state LED lights," according to iSuppli.
LED manufacturers have already released 40-watt replacement bulbs with the traditional Edison shape while some, such as Lemnis Lighting, are marketing a 60-watt replacement (http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10366221-54.html) that consumes only 6 watts.
Not surprisingly, high upfront costs are a significant barrier to broad adoption. The Lemnis 60-watt replacement costs about $50 and a 40-watt replacement from Osram Sylvania costs about $35.
Still, consumers are considering their options. Osram Sylvania on Wednesday released results from a survey that found 74 percent of consumers changed to a more efficient bulb this year, with 12 percent using LEDs.
The company anticipates that consumers will increasingly consider LEDs for efficient lighting because of the 2007 law to phase out incandescent bulbs in the U.S. by 2012. Nearly two-thirds of people will consider lower-energy options for replacements, although more than half said the price is a "key consideration," according to company representative Stephanie Anderson.
Osram Sylvania plans to introduce a 60-watt replacement in the spring of 2010, which is a more popular lighting choice that could draw more consumers. The cost will be in the same range as its 40-watt replacement, Anderson said.
"There is an appetite for new technologies. Consumers are not mourning the loss of the 100-watt incandescent," she said.
The Department of Energy hosts the Lighting Facts (http://www.lightingfacts.com/default.aspx?cp=label) Web site, where it lists manufacturers and offers a volunteer labeling system with information on light output and efficiency, expressed in lumens per watt.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10416475-54.html

¿No saben si ya han empezado a cambiar las señales de transito a LED's?

Most major intersections have already made the switch. Roads that were maintained, redone or newly built after 2007 should also carry the bulb.

Anuncian proyectos de energía renovable

Por Carlos Antonio Otero

Sábado 10 de Julio de 2010 01:29 http://www.vocero.com/images/stories/aenergia.jpgFajardo (INS).- El director ejecutivo de la Administración de Asuntos Energéticos (AAE), Luis Bernal Jiménez, anunció ayer los programas de incentivos para proyectos de energía renovable y eficiencia energética, que sobrepasan los $15.4 millones provenientes del Paquete de Estímulo Económico Federal (SEP-ARRA).

Bernal Jiménez habló de los incentivos en la Convención 2010 Uniendo Visiones, Marcando el Futuro, que celebra
la Cámara de Mercadeo, Industria y Distribución de Alimentos (MIDA) en el hotel El Conquistador, en Fajardo.

Agregó que dentro de ese paquete de programas para el sector comercial como el que representa MIDA está disponible el Préstamo Verde que ofrece una baja tasa de interés de 4.95% para un financiamiento de un 50% del costo total del proyecto hasta un máximo de $300,000 para la adquisición e instalación de equipo de energía solar y eólica.

Bernal Jiménez explicó que ese préstamo se puede combinar con otros programas que ofrece la AAE como el Programa de Energía Solar y el de Energía Eólica.

Ese préstamo está disponible a través del Banco de Desarrollo Económico de Puerto Rico.

El Programa de Energía Solar provee fondos para la compra e instalación de sistemas fotovoltaicos solares con un reembolso de 50% del costo del equipo e instalación para empresas privadas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro hasta un máximo de $200,000.

Por otra parte, el Programa de Energía Eólica también ofrece un reembolso de 50% para el costo de instalación del equipo hasta un máximo de $200,000 para la compra e instalación de sistemas de energía de viento.

También está disponible el Building Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program para edificios privados con o sin fines de lucro, donde se le otorgarán fondos para la implementación de proyectos de eficiencia energética en las estructuras donde cubriría el 50% del costo hasta un máximo de $300,000, luego de haber completado los requisitos establecidos por la Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Infraestructura (AFI), agencia gubernamental que gerencia el programa así como los programas Solar y Eólico.


http://www.vocero.com/negocio-noticias/32-negocios/8370-anuncian-proyectos-de-energia-renovable.html

Ustedes Quieren energías renovables ????...vean esto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfwHoRptPCs

¿No saben si ya han empezado a cambiar las señales de transito a LED's?


Hace ya bastantes años que están usando casi exclusivamente LEDs para los semáforos nuevos pero son unos que se ven los puntitos individuales. Hace par de semanas noté que algunos semáforos existentes cerca donde yo vivo en Juana Díaz y de mi trabajo en Guayama los han reemplazado por esos "Full Ball" que aparecen en tu mensaje. Se que son LEDs porque el color es más intenso que las luces incandescentes, se ven parejos y al prender y apagar es instantáneo y no ves este efecto que causan las luces incandescentes al apagarse que la luz se queda un poco iluminada por una fracción de segundo. Y contrario a las luces LED que se habían estado usando hasta hace poco estos "full ball" no tienen este aspecto donde se ven puntitos individuales.


La pregunta que me hago con esta cuestión de eliminar las luces incandescentes es qué van a usar para aplicaciones particulares como altas temperaturas. Por ejemplo, cuando se funda la bombilla de mi horno qué le voy a poner? :?

Flexible solar panels are easier to set up than a rug


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/SoloPower-flexible-solar-panels-thumb-550xauto-42613.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/these-flexible.php)



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How much easier can it get? A company called SoloPower is rolling out flexible solar panels (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fthese-flexible.php&t=Flexible%20solar%20panels%20are%20easier%20to%20set%20up%20than%20a%20rug%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp) that it hopes will soon grace the flat roofs of office buildings. Looking at something like this, though, you can't help but think how great it would be if you could just toss it on your own home.
SoloPower's panels are lighter than your typical solar setup that's encased in glass, and it's easier to install, too. What's more, SoloPower's panels could still be mounted on a rack to give them some tilt, or just installed right onto a roof.
It's true that if you're looking into a solar option yourself there's really not much else you can do than get it professionally installed. Imagine, though, one day we may all be able to head into a Home Depot and walk out with a roll of solar cells that's light and super easy to install. That's where this kind of technology is taking us.


[url]http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/these-flexible.php

Secret to fusion power discovered: diamond bullets


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/nuclear_fusion_graphic-thumb-550xauto-42521.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/speeding-diamon.php)



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Nuclear fusion (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fspeeding-diamon.php&t=Secret%20to%20fusion%20power%20discovered%3A%20diamond%20bullets%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp) is hard. But Chinese scientists say they've figured out a way to make it happen using miniscule diamond bullets fired into crystallized methane. There's one big problem with that, though: those 1mm diamonds will need to be fired at a speed of 2,232,000 mph to start up the fusion reaction.
http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/diamond_projectile2-thumb-525x234-42522.jpg
A bullet smashing into methane crystals at that speed would create a tremendous amount of kinetic energy, and the resulting shockwave and high pressure would bring the temperature up to a high enough level to start a nuclear fusion reaction.
How do they know this? Well, they didn't try it in the real world, but the scientists say their computer simulation of this mind-boggling operation assures them it would work. The next step? Figuring out how to keep that fusion reaction going beyond the ignition phase.
Even though it sounds like it would require tremendous amount of energy to get the reaction going, the researchers say it will produce a net energy gain. Looks like they're on the right track, and if they're successful, the world will have the cleanest and most efficient energy source yet.



[url]http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/speeding-diamon.php

Ideal para Puerto Rico:

Will this home solar station someday make gas stations obsolete?


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/hydrogenstation-thumb-550xauto-42402.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/hondas-home-hyd.php)



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For fuel-cell vehicles (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fhondas-home-hyd.php&t=Will%20this%20home%20solar%20station%20someday%20make%20gas%20stations%20obsolete%3F%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp), hydrogen replaces gasoline as the substance that keeps the engine running. But where do you fill up such a tank?
Honda's solution is this home hydrogen station, a setup designed for your driveway that can turn eight hours of sunlight into 0.5 kilograms of hydrogen, or about enough for 30 to 35 miles of driving. It wouldn't be enough for a road trip, but could be enough to allow you to commute without paying for gas.
Of course, if and when hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles catch on, there will be hydrogen stations around like we have gas stations now. But I've never seen a solar panel pump out free gasoline, have you?


[url]http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/hondas-home-hyd.php

Nano Garden lets you grow vegetables right in your kitchen


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/kitchennanogarden-thumb-550xauto-42220.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/nano-garden-let.php)



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Growing your own vegetables is fun, healthy and saves money at the grocery store. The problem is, you need a garden (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fnano-garden-let.php&t=Nano%20Garden%20lets%20you%20grow%20vegetables%20right%20in%20your%20kitchen%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp), which makes it tough to do if you live in an apartment.
With Hyundai's Kitchen Nano Garden, even people without outdoor spaces can grow their own veggies. The Nano Garden is like a fridge that is designed to grow food rather than to keep it cold. It uses hydroponics and controllable light, water and nutrient supplies to make tending to your indoor garden as simple and possible.
There's no word on when this thing will hit stores, but it seems like a great addition to any kitchen that has the space for it.


[url]http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/nano-garden-let.php

Say hello to America's first electric highway


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/America-I-5-electric-highway-thumb-550xauto-42183.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/say-hello-to-am.php)



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Is there an electric vehicle (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fsay-hello-to-am.php&t=Say%20hello%20to%20America%27s%20first%20electric%20highway%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp) in your future? Then Washington state is the place to be. A stretch of I-5 that spans from Canada to Oregon is about to become America's first "electric highway" after a $1.32 million grant from the government.
Driving along the "electrified" I-5, instead of going for a gas station you'd look for what's called a Level-3 electric charging station, of which there will be 10 initially. Eventually, the state hopes to have a station every 80 miles (within the 100-mile range upcoming electric vehicles (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/12-photos-of-te.php) such as the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf are rated for). When you're running out of juice, you'd pull over and plug in instead of trying to find a pump.
Hey, wait, doesn't it take a while to charge a car? You're right — that's the downside. The charging stations charge at 400 volts, and it's thought that it'd take an average of 30 minutes to charge a car to up to 80%. That doesn't sound so bad, maybe. You could always grab a bite or something while you wait, right? On a road trip, though, you'd be running out of charge just under every two hours. You're looking at a lot of chow.
That, and 80% of that 100-mile range cuts it down to 80. Wouldn't you be coasting into every charging station? Sounds risky — or timely.
No matter what happens, it's an experiment to be excited about. This kind of infrastructure is what we need to make electric vehicles possible. The technology sounds like it may not be quite there yet, but it only gets better from here, and technology moves fast.


[url]http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/say-hello-to-am.php

Ninguno de los dos sistemas de energía me parecen prácticos para uso normal. 30 millas por cada recarga de hidrógeno en ese sistema solo sirve para ahorrarse par de pesos cuando/si el hidrógeno llega a sustituir la gasolina. El otro sistema de recarga de baterías en la carretera funcionaría mejor con un sistema de intercambio de baterías donde llegas y te cambian la batería por una cargada en cuestión de minutos. Parar cada 80 millas por media hora no me parece práctico.

NYC opens 1st public electric car charging station
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/electric.jpg
The Associated Press

NEW YORK — In an effort to encourage New York City residents to choose environmentally friendly ways to travel, the city unveiled its first electric car charging station on Wednesday and says more will be placed throughout the city.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, joined by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, demonstrated how to use the public car charging station installed on a Manhattan parking lot.
"The electric vehicle is not just a pipe dream or a scene from the Jetsons," Bloomberg said. "It is here and it is here right now."
He said 100 similar charging stations will be installed throughout the city by September 2011. The city already uses 10 electric cars to check for potholes and other street problems, and plans to buy about 40 more to be used by the parks and transportation departments.
Charging an electric car is similar to pumping gas. After tapping a special payment card on the front of the machine, simply insert a pump into the car.
Coulumb Technologies, based in Campbell, Calif., received $15 million of federal economic stimulus money to make the chargers.
Richard Lowenthal, the company's CEO, said 4,600 chargers will be installed across the country by September 2011.
A car with a fully drained battery can be charged in less than four hours, Lowenthal said. The cost to charge a car would be determined by the company that maintains the station, he said. The first charging station in Manhattan's far West side will be free for a month.
There are different kinds of electric cars. Some, like Nissan's Leaf, are purely electric, using just a rechargeable battery for power. The Chevrolet Volt by General Motors also has a battery but includes a small gas-powered engine that creates electricity when the battery charge runs out after 40 miles. Other models are plug-in hybrids with engines that get power from both batteries and gas. But the common feature is that the vehicles can be recharged using a power cord and a plug.
Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with IHS automotive, said electric cars may not be good for everyone because they cannot be driven long distances.
"Some people are really uncomfortable with the idea that you're only going to be able to go 100 miles round trip," Lindland said. "The typical car has a 300-mile range. That's what people are used to."
Donovan said spending money to build electric cars will help create new jobs and allow the country to keep up with competitors outside the U.S.
He said stimulus funds are not just for supporting jobs in existing industries, "but also about catalyzing the new jobs in new industries that our nation needs to compete in the 21st century."
The White House plans to promote its work to develop electric cars this week, dispatching administration officials across the nation to discuss advanced batteries and new vehicles powered by electricity.
President Barack Obama, who is pushing clean energy, has vowed to bring 1 million plug-in hybrid vehicles to U.S. highways by 2015, and his administration has set aside billions of stimulus dollars to bolster U.S. battery manufacturers.


http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=45518&ct_id=3&ct_name=1

Can you imagine taking almost 4 hours to fill up your car with gas? :ohno:

Es que pensaba que el hilo era de la AEE Y AAA. Pero hecho:)

^^^^ YAY!

Ultra: No crees que eso pueda ir en el hilo de recursos naturales? Como no es energía renovable... ;)

No me voy a adelantar y ponerlo, me dejas saber si quieres que yo lo ponga.

$297k in ARRA energy funds for Gurabo projects

By CB Online Staff
cbnews@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

Energy Affairs Administration (EAA) Executive Director Luis Bernal announced the approval of two renewable energy and energy conservation projects financed with American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The projects include the installation of photovoltaic panels on the Gurabo city hall at an investment of $99,000. The solar panels will generate approximately 20,145 kWh a year, saving the municipality an estimated $5,400 annually. The other project will replace the lighting at Evaristo “Varo” Roldán Stadium with a more energy efficient system.
The investment for both projects totals $297,000 in funds awarded through ARRA’s Sun Energy Program, which benefits the public sector covering 100% of the investment.
In the case of residences (owned or rented), the program covers 50% of the investment for equipment and installation of energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects, up to $30,000. For profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible for a 50% reimbursement on investment in equipment and installation up to $200,000.


http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=45624&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Gurabo City? Where that is?

Good news anyway xD

Gurabo City? Where that is?


Gurabo City Hall....:lol:

Firma leyes para energía verde (http://www.elnuevodia.com/firmaleyesparaenergiaverde-744976.html)
Con dos proyectos de ley y una orden ejecutiva, Fortuño busca que para el año 2020 el 20% de la energía que se use en la Isla sea renovable

El gobernador Luis Fortuño firmó hoy dos proyectos de ley y una orden ejecutiva que buscan reducir la dependencia de combustible fósil.

La firma de estas leyes se dio en una finca al norte de Ponce, en la que se desarrolla un proyecto fotovoltáico con capacidad para generar 4.5 millones de vatios.

Este proyecto, propiedad del empresario Víctor Gónzalez, consiste en 20,000 paneles solares para vender energía solar a la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica. La inversión, se informó, es de $35 millones.

La primera de las medidas firmadas por Fortuño establece que para el 2015 el País debe estar produciendo el 12% de la energía que se consume sea renovable. Y, cinco años después en el 2020, busca incrementar a 20% la producción de energía renovable en la Isla.

La segunda medida consiste en un reembolso por inversión en energía renovable de hasta un 60 % en efectivo. Este reembolso para residencias y pequeñas empresas. Este segundo proyecto dispone de $20 millones para promover el desarrollo de industrias de energía renovable para el siguiente año.

También se firmó una orden ejecutiva que “nos permitirá aprovechar los créditos federales para iniciativas de proyectos de energías alternas”, dijo Fortuño.

Governor inks three energy measures

By CB Online Staff
cbnews@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

Gov. Luis Fortuño signed Monday three measures that combined provide a framework for an “aggressive plan” to protect the environment, reduce energy costs and create thousands of “green industry” jobs. The measures aim to curb Puerto Rico’s heavy reliance on expensive and volatile imported oil for energy, which has pushed local electricity costs far higher than the U.S. average, undercutting the island’s competitiveness in attracting investment.
“We must change our antiquated and obsolete energy infrastructure and move rapidly toward energy sources that are not derived from oil and are clean and renewable,” Fortuño said. “This will lower our dependence on oil, reduce the cost of energy to consumers, protect the environment and make Puerto Rico more globally competitive.”
Currently, prices on the island hover around 21¢ per kilowatt hour (kWh), versus 10¢ per kWh on the U.S. mainland. Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority generation is 68.7% dependent on imported oil. Another 16.1% stems from natural gas and 15% from coal in supply deals with private generators on the south coast. The remainder of the public utility’s power generation comes from several small hydropower production facilities.
Oil imports will top $5 billion this year, according to Fortuño.
“Worse still, for every $100 earned by Puerto Rico residents, $12 goes to pay for electricity,” the governor said in Ponce.
The first of the bills enacted by the governor is the Energy Diversification and Sustainable Renewable Energy Law, which commits the government to weaning Puerto Rico off its heavy dependence on imported oil to produce electricity and increase renewable-energy production from sources like wind and solar.
Under the benchmarks set by the law, Puerto Rico will have to produce 12% of its power through renewable sources by 2015, 15% by 2020 and 20% by 2035. The island currently gets less than 1% of its power through renewable resources.
The law also creates renewable energy certificates as incentives to spur the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. The legislation also creates the Renewable Energy Commission to oversee the compliance with the law’s objectives regarding economic development, environmental protection and public health.
The governor also enacted the Puerto Rico Green Energy Law, which provides incentives for businesses and residents to invest in renewable energy equipment. The bill also creates the Green Energy Fund, which will be used to finance both initiatives and total $290 million over five years.
The two main measures are expected to create more than 10,000 green jobs over the next five years and achieve an estimated investment of $4 billion over the next decade, according to Fortuño.
A third measure was an executive order declaring an energy emergency in Puerto Rico and calling for expedited processes for projects that foment the diversification of energy sources and promote the use of alternative or renewable energy sources.


http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=45791&ct_id=1

Obama launches policy to protect oceans

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is announcing a new national policy for strengthening the way the U.S. manages its oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes. Officials said the framework is needed now more than ever following the massive Gulf oil spill.
The policy calls for the creation of a new National Ocean Council that will coordinate the work of the many federal agencies involved in conservation and marine planning. But it creates no new restrictions or regulations, and is not expected to have any short-term effect on offshore oil drilling.
Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said the new policy recognizes that use of the ocean is expanding at a rate that challenges the ability to manage competing demands.
Among the central tenets of the policy is a zoning process that confines certain recreational and commercial activities to designated areas, known as marine spatial planning. Proponents of the process say it will help balance and manage competing uses of the oceans.
The zoning would be overseen by new regional organizations, with final approval coming from the National Ocean Council.
The policy is based on final recommendations from the two dozen senior policy experts from across the government named to the Ocean Policy Task Force Obama established last year. The president is expected to sign an executive order adopting the recommendations Monday.
While marine spatial planning could ultimately affect offshore drilling, administration officials said any changes would be in line with the findings of a presidential commission investigating the causes of the Gulf oil spill.
The administration imposed a moratorium on deep-water offshore drilling pending the outcome of the commission. That moratorium was later revised after courts struck down the original as heavy-handed.
Environmental advocates praised the national oceans policy as an important step in promoting a healthy environment.
"Coastal and marine spatial planning will allow for more transparent decisions about how to manage conflicting uses while maintaining and restoring the health of the ocean," said Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of Ocean Conservancy, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group.


http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=45779&ct_id=3&ct_name=1

Curbside electric car chargers coming in 2011


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/GE%20BLOOM%20context%20city%20street%20small%20c-thumb-550xauto-42725.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/wattstation-ele.php)


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If you're going to be driving an electric car, there'd better be plenty of charging stations available along the way. That's why our parent company GE (technically our parent's parent) hired designer Yves Behar to create WattStation, a powerful charger that'll be able to top off your batteries in four to eight hours.
http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/GE%20BLOOM%20context%20hotel%20small%20c-thumb-620x418-42726.jpg
Today's average chargers take between 12 and 18 hours to fully charge a car. For quick charging, a lot more power is necessary, and the WattStation provides this. It looks like a useful improvement, at least until you consider the "electric highway" (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/say-hello-to-am.php)in Washington state, whose 400-volt chargers are said to charge a car to 80% in 30 minutes. But for workplace charging, this WattStation might be more cost-effective.
This attractive appliance is due on the streets in 2011. In the meantime Behar is designing other models for homes and garages. Its display on top shows color-coded icons that you can see while driving by. At a glance, you can determine if the charger's available, out of service, or in use. Take a look at the video below and see how beautiful these objects are, perhaps on their way to becoming iconic.
Now if they could just make it so the WattStation could charge a car's batteries in the time it takes to fill up a tank with gas, this could make driving an electric car a painless way to get from here to there.



http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/wattstation-ele.php

I'm not sure, but I swore I saw some of these LED streetlamps in Puerto Rico during my last visit this past spring....these are being tested in NYC...

http://img.ledsmagazine.com/objects/news/6/9/17/NYClights3.jpg

Curbside electric car chargers coming in 2011


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/GE%20BLOOM%20context%20city%20street%20small%20c-thumb-550xauto-42725.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/wattstation-ele.php)

me imagino esto en santurce :D

[QUOTE=Ultramatic;60609273]Curbside electric car chargers coming in 2011


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/GE%20BLOOM%20context%20city%20street%20small%20c-thumb-550xauto-42725.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/wattstation-ele.php)

me imagino esto en santurce :D

Que va, Rio Piedras...:lol:

Prepa going ‘green’ at Santurce office building

By CB Online Staff
cbnews@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa) is preparing to convert the Juan Ruiz Vélez Building in Santurce into the public utility’s first “green” facility. The $232,000 project to make the Santurce office building green involves the installation of 198 photovoltaic panels ranging from 195-220 watts each to generate an initial capacity of nearly 43 kilowatts of solar power.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/roof.jpgPrepa Executive Director Miguel Cordero characterized the project as another step in preparing the island to face “the great challenges of the present and future.”
“One of those challenges is to achieve the sound and responsible use of available energy sources, without harming the environment and in keeping with existing rules and laws,” Cordero said.
The project will serve as an example for the industry and island residents who want to develop net metering and renewable energy projects that meet the legally established codes and regulations, Prepa Planning and Environmental Protection Division Francisco López García said.
López García said “replicas” of installation were being considered for Prepa facilities around the island, including customer service centers, for clients to see.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=45996&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Saludos hermanos, adivinen qué?

Weeeeee. Sigo apareciendo en varias partes del Internet. Esta última fue inesperada jeje.

http://www.miprv.com/quienes-somos/

Bajen hasta abajo para verme. :D

Congrats again Davsot!:)

Massive, redesigned wind turbines produce three times the energy


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/07/Aerogenerator-X-thumb-550xauto-43623.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/massive-redesig.php)



9Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2Fmassive-redesig.php&t=Massive%2C%20redesigned%20wind%20turbines%20produce%20three%20times%20the%20energy%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp)

Your typical wind turbine in operation today is a set of blades mounted on a horizontal axis. You know, like a windmill. Well, this is the Aerogenerator X, and it's making a case for a vertical axis and a much, much larger turbine.
Deployed out at sea, the Aerogenerator X would have a blade span of just over 900 feet — triple today's average turbine (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/05/fully-enclosed.php) — and cranks out ten megawatts of electricity (also three times your usual turbine).
While the three-bladed, horizontal axis turbines we use today have gotten us pretty far, there's a worry that the design has peaked. We can't build them as big (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/02/norway-is-build.php) as, say, the Aerogenerator as the stresses from gravity would be too much and the cost alone would probably make it not worth it.
A coalition of green engineering firms would like to make something like the Aerogenerator a real prototype by 2013, with the aim of taking wind turbine tech into the next generation.
http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/massive-redesig.php

“Ecopuente” entre Ceiba y Vieques
Un ecopuente subsidiado por recursos energéticos es la propuesta de la Alianza Pro Desarrollo de Ceiba y Enercoop



HUMACAO – Un ecopuente subsidiado por recursos energéticos es la propuesta de la Alianza Pro Desarrollo de Ceiba y Enercoop, impulsada por el líder ambientalista Rogelio Figueroa para aminorar el problema de transportación entre la isla municipio de Vieques y la isla grande de Puerto Rico.



Figueroa, también presidente de Puertorriqueños por Puerto Rico, señaló que desde 2006 se ha estado impulsando la construcción de un puente que conecte el municipio de Ceiba con la isla de Vieques como medida para aliviar los problemas recurrentes con la transportación marítima. Aunque la posibilidad fue descartada por objeciones de los residentes de ambos pueblos, la propuesta fue modificada en busca de satisfacer los reclamos comunes.



“Retomamos el proyecto cambiándole aquellas cosas que nosotros identificamos que eran negativas para las comunidades tanto de Ceiba como de Vieques. Así que lo reconceptualizamos en un puente donde el factor de ingreso no es inundar a Vieques de carros, sino llevar visitantes a Vieques por un sistema de transporte colectivo”, explicó Figueroa en entrevista con una emisora del este (WALO).



Según indicó, el proyecto se fundamenta en el transporte colectivo de turistas pues entrar en auto sería bien costoso. No obstante, se permitiría el paso de residentes así como de camiones para el intercambio de carga.



“Además, el puente se diseña para llevar agua a Vieques y para conectar un cable de alta capacidad eléctrica entre Vieques y Puerto Rico. Lo que pasa es que Vieques, tanto en tierra como en el mar – al norte y al este– tiene un recurso de viento y sol que es increíble”, dijo el ingeniero.



Indicó que se desarrollaría un parque eólico para subsidiar el puente, tomando en cuenta que no estaría siendo utilizado por una gran cantidad de vehículos que paguen una tarifa de peaje.



“Básicamente se crea una infraestructura social y económica, pero la subsidian los recursos energéticos que tiene Vieques a la misma vez”, sostuvo.



A tales efectos, Figueroa anunció que este próximo domingo, 1 de agosto se estará ofreciendo una orientación sobre dicho proyecto, en el Museo Fuerte Conde de Mirasol en Vieques, desde las 10:00 de la mañana.



Especificó que en la mañana se reunirá con las personas que han estado apoyando la iniciativa de crear un enlace entre Ceiba y Vieques, mientras que en la tarde atenderá a las personas que han mostrado preocupaciones y objeciones, para escuchar sus aportaciones.
http://www.wapa.tv/noticias/politica/-ecopuente--entre-ceiba-y-vieques/20100730143247/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=WapaPageWall&utm_campaign=%E2%80%9CEcopuente%E2%80%9D+entre+Ceiba+y+Vieques

Hola. Es la primera vez que entro por aquí. Se que quizás es un poco rudo pero los quiero invitar al foro de Mi Puerto Rico Verde :) Es una página puertorriqueña que ahora tiene su foro que incluye muchos temas "going green", incluyendo energía renovable y transportación colectiva o multimodal. Los invito a que se registren y compartan por allá también, y pienso que se podría generar un buen grupo con buenos temas y nuevos moderadores! http://www.miprv.com/foro/

La página principal es http://www.miprv.com/

De igual manera espero seguir entrando y contribuyendo por acá.

Saludos davsot! y saludos a todos.

Saludos miprv! Siempre puedes poner enlaces a las noticias de Mi Puerto Rico Verde. ;)

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Fantastic site!

http://thevenusprojectdesign.com/

http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/logo.gif (http://www.pelamiswave.com/)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/mail_icon.gif (http://eepurl.com/x1sl) http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/facebook_icon.gif (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pelamis-Wave-Power/340861378049)
About Us (http://www.pelamiswave.com/aboutus/about-us) Our Technology (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/pelamis-wec) Our Projects (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-projects/project-overview) Wave Energy (http://www.pelamiswave.com/wave-energy/what-is-wave-energy) News (http://www.pelamiswave.com/news) Gallery (http://www.pelamiswave.com/gallery?category=images) Contact Us (http://www.pelamiswave.com/contact-us)

http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/files_flutter/1275059256_1_1_1_2_left_image_1.jpg
Pelamis WEC
The Pelamis Wave Energy Converter is a semi-submerged, articulated structure composed of cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. The wave-induced motion of these joints is resisted by hydraulic rams, which pump high-pressure fluid through hydraulic motors via smoothing accumulators. The hydraulic motors drive electrical generators to produce electricity. Power from all the joints is fed down a single umbilical cable to a junction on the sea bed. Several devices can be connected together and linked to shore through a single seabed cable.
Pelamis offers technological, economic and environmental advantages including:
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/table_top_left.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/table_top_right.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
Survivability built in
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
100% available technology
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
No maintenance carried out at offshore site
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
No offshore intervention required http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
'Hands Free' operation
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
Lowest kWh costs in the market http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
High return potential
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Commercial track record http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/bullet.gif
Verified and insured


http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/table_bot_left.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/table_bot_right.gif
http://www.pelamiswave.com/images/tech01.jpg http://www.pelamiswave.com/images/tech02.jpg
Current production machines are 180m long and 4m in diameter with 4 power conversion modules per machine. Each machine is rated at 750kW. The energy produced by Pelamis is dependent upon the conditions of the installation site. Depending on the wave resource, machines will on average produce 25-40% of the full rated output over the course of a year. Each machine can provide sufficient power to meet the annual electricity demand of approximately 500 homes.

http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif

Pelamis WEC
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
Research & Development (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/research-development)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
The Pelamis Prototype (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/the-pelamis-prototype)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
Production (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/production)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
Commissioning & Sea Trials (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/commissioning-sea-trials)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
Installation (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/installation)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
Operations & Maintenance (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/operations-maintenance)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
The Future (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/the-future)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif
Environmental Characteristics (http://www.pelamiswave.com/our-technology/environmental-characteristics)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif

http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif


http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif

Further Information: http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/download.pngThe Pelamis Brochure
(English) (http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/media/pelamisbrochure.pdf)
http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/download.pngThe Pelamis Brochure
(Portuguese) (http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/media/pelamis_port_for_web.pdf)


http://www.pelamiswave.com/wp-content/themes/pelamis/assets/images/spacer.gif

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Que rapido podrian extender la PR-22 hasta Mayaguez....

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Underwater Kites (http://thevenusprojectdesign.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=226:underwater-kites&catid=42:energy&Itemid=145)


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Written by Andrew Buxton Tuesday, 11 May 2010 00:00


http://www.thevenusprojectdesign.com/images/rokbox/energy/underwater_kites.jpg
Minesto, a spin-off from Swedish automaker Saab, is developing what it calls it's "Deep Green" technology, underwater kites tethered to the ocean floor that could produce continuous energy from tidal flows. A single Deep Green turbine could produce up to 500 kilowatts of electricity. And tides are much more regular than winds, so that the energy produced would be less erratic and variable.
The kites have a 12m (almost 40 ft) wingspan. The kites would remain at least 20m (66 feet) below the surface, to prevent conflicts with ocean navigation and minimize visual impact. Tidal flow as low as 1.6 meters/second can be used to create the lift necessary to move the kite.
Since the underwater kite is anchored to the ocean floor, it is able to move at much faster speeds, which makes the turbine more effective, as it traverses back and forth in order to generate electricity. Although wind-based deepwater offshore power systems are difficult to install and operate, Deep Green tidal kites would be well suited for instalation in deeper waters. Furthermore, the underwater kites are much lighter and easier to install than the equipment needed for other deepwater generation systems. In our current socio-economic system - Deepwater generating systems have the additional expense and technical hurdles of transmitting the power over a greater distance. But the higher efficiency and more consistent generation offered by Deep Green could offset those drawbacks.

The company indicates the Deep Green system offers an operating cost of 0.06-0.14 Euros/kWh, as compared to 0.15-0.30 Euros/kWh for other tidal systems, and 0.10-0.12 Euros/kWh for offshore wind systems.
A scale model of Deep Green will be tested in Northern Ireland next year as the next stage of development for this system.

Space Solar Power (http://thevenusprojectdesign.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=206:power-sat&catid=42:energy&Itemid=145)


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Written by Andrew Buxton Monday, 26 April 2010 00:00


Space solar power (SSP) is an innovative, reliable, technologically advanced way of collecting and distributing solar power from space down to earth and is being pioneered by Powersat http://www.powersat.com

A SSP system is comprised of a solar power satellite, or powersat, which is a satellite made up of a number of modules outfitted with light weight photovoltaic solar panels.

Energy across geographic regions. This advantage means that powersats can provide continuous, baseload power in areas where traditional energy sources are hard to site, and in areas where demand is significant.
POWERSAT VIDEO
http://thevenusprojectdesign.com/images/rokbox/energy/powersat.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/v/4TYhYrnKd5Y&hl=en_GBfs=1&)
The first benefit of solar power satellites or powersats is the fact that space-based solar power collection is virtually unaffected by the day and night cycles of the sun, with only minor effects from orbital eclipse. On the earth’s surface, solar panels can only collect solar energy for a maximum of 9 hours per day and when there is cloud cover this number is even lower. Space-based solar power can be collected 24 hours per day for the majority of the year and this means at least 5 times more space-based solar power can be collected than that collected by solar panels on the surface. That’s 5:1 in favour of space-based solar power. In areas where it is frequently cloudy, this number jumps to 25:1.
Space-based solar power is a method of using solar power satellites to collect solar energy so that it can be distributed for use all over the earth. With this amazing technology, space-based solar power is the future of power generation.
What else makes space-based solar power a viable energy source for the future? It is fast. The energy can be transmitted from the solar power satellites to the receiving stations and then between receiving stations in just seconds. This is all accomplished via a wireless transfer of the energy and the result is dispatchable, baseload power, which can then power homes and businesses as effectively as the more traditional forms of power generation.

For more info visit http://www.powersat.com

FAQ available at http://www.powersat.com/faq.html

Me preocupa que al ser una compañía privada la cual va a construir la extensión, no tomen precauciones únicas para un ambiente como el Karso.

honestamente yo no apoyo este expreso el karso y el suministro de agua del pais valen mas que una carretera.

pero si lo fueran a hacer que sea todo elevado y que no se permita desarrollos alrededor del mismo.

Aunque todos sabemos que como se mueve el cobre aki eso es precisamente lo que buscan expandir la metro de sanjuan hasta aguadilla y en trayecto jorobar las pocas tierras agricolas del norte que nos quedan pa sembrarlas de cemento y obligarnos a importa leche marca ****** de USA super cara

francamente no a este expreso..sorry por ponerlo en este thread pero tenia que decirlo

BTW ...otec es mucho mejor que eso tidal la energia es mas economica

¿De qué sirve un auto eléctrico si no hay dónde cargarlo?


Sábado 31 de Julio de 2010 09:03 http://www.vocero.com/images/stories/negocios/revistanegocios/nissanleaf.jpgNissan Leaf/ Foto AP

NUEVA YORK- La industria automotriz enfrenta un dilema: La gente quiere autos eléctricos pero teme no tener suficiente carga para hacer viajes largos. Después de todo, ¿de qué sirve pasarse al campo de los ecologistas si te vas a quedar varado en el camino porque se te acabó la batería?

Es un temor que los fabricantes de autos deberán despejar para poder vender más autos con baterías eléctricas. En Estados Unidos, la industria automotriz y el propio gobierno están tomando medidas para aumentar la cantidad de estaciones de servicio capaces de recargar las baterías.

La esperanza es incentivar al público a que compre autos como el Leaf de Nissan, totalmente eléctrico, que saldrán al mercado en los próximos meses y que pueden cubrir 160 kilómetros (100 millas) con una carga. Esto quiere decir que sirven para manejarse a nivel local, pero en los viajes largos la duración de la batería podría ser un problema.

"El Leaf es un vehículo con un diseño muy bonito, pero 100 millas no son mucho", expresó Bob Shafron, quien fue propietario de un auto eléctrico en California. "No creo que funcionen en mercados como el de Los Angeles, donde todo está tan diseminado".

Los fabricantes apuestan a que la gente cargue el auto en su casa, pero los problemas surgirán si les queda poca carga cuando están afuera o si se ven atrapados en un congestionamiento de tráfico.

En la actualidad hay unos pocos cientos de sitios con cargadores en el país.

Los sectores que promueven el uso de vehículos eléctricos esperan que tiendas y restaurantes privados también hagan lo suyo y ofrezcan a sus clientes sitios donde recargar las baterías, del mismo modo que muchas cafeterías ofrecen servicio de Wi-Fi gratis.

Ya están apareciendo sitios de carga en lugares como paradas para descansar, hoteles y locales de McDonald's y Starbucks. De todos modos, si se cumple el más optimista de los pronósticos, para el 2012 habrá 16.000 sitios donde recargar baterías, comparado con las 117.000 estaciones de servicio que hay en toda la nación.

El presidente Barack Obama dice que quiere que para el 2015 haya un millón de autos eléctricos en las carreteras estadounidenses, pero para ello habrá que resolver primero la encrucijada del huevo y la gallina: Las empresas automotrices no querrán producir demasiados autos mientras no haya más sitios de carga, al tiempo que no surgirán más sitios de carga si no hay más autos en la calle.

Cargar una batería toma ocho horas, de modo que lo más práctico es hacerlo en casa. Habrá también una cantidad limitada de sitios de cargas rápidas, que tomarían unos 30 minutos.

En 1999, Shafron se quedó sin batería en plena carretera cuando conducía su EV1, un modelo eléctrico que General Montors vendió durante un tiempo en la década de 1990. El medidor decía que tenía carga para otras 20 millas, pero se agotó al poco tiempo.

La medición de la carga fue uno de los problemas que hizo que GM suspendiese la producción de ese modelo. Las condiciones del terreno y del tiempo hacían difícil pronosticar la duración de la carga.

Los medidores actuales, no obstante, son mucho más confiables, según los fabricantes.

De un modo u otro, varios fabricantes sacarán a la venta modelos totalmente eléctricos y se calcula que para el 2012 habrá unos 146.000 vehículos de ese tipo en las carreteras.

La fabricante de autos deportivos Tesla ya vendió más de 1.000 vehículos y planea sacar al mercado un sedán más barato. Nissan tiene el Leaf y Ford planea fabricar un modelo Focus eléctrico para el 2012. GM ofrecerá una versión del Volt parcialmente eléctrica.

El Volt tiene un modelo que permite usar la batería en los primeros 64 kilómetros (40 millas), para luego emplear un pequeño motor a gasolina y que puede cubrir hasta 480 kilómetros (300 millas).

Los autos eléctricos son una opción para un tipo de cliente muy específico, según Nissan.

"No recomendaría este auto para alguien que quiere hacer viajes largos", expresó la portavoz de Nissan Katherine Zachary. "Es un auto para la ciudad, para ir al trabajo".

Nissan señala que la mayor parte de la gente maneja menos de 160 kilómetros diarios y que el Leaf cubrirá las necesidades de personas que tienen rutinas fijas.

Tom Moloughney, de 43 años, dueño de un restaurante en Nueva Jersey, participa en un programa piloto del Mini-E electrónico de BMW. Opinó que los autos eléctricos sirven como segundo vehículo, para los viajes diarios de rutina. Para los largos y las vacaciones es necesario un vehículo con gasolina.

Wind Lens floating farms could triple electricity production

The Yokohama Renewable Energy Exhibition showcases a new wind farming technology that could significantly boost electricity production in Japan
By Robert Michael Poole (http://www.cnngo.com/node/64632) 26 July, 2010 Select ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome






http://www.cnngo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_large/2010/07/26/main.jpg A CG image shows how future wind-turbine farms may look.
The Yokohama Renewable Energy International Exhibition 2010 (http://www.renewableenergy.jp/english/index.html) earlier this month revealed some visually spectacular new designs for wind turbine technology. The Wind Lens has the potential to triple the amount of electricity produced by offshore turbines according to experiments. Kyushu University professor Yuji Ohya spoke of the merits (http://news.yourolivebranch.org/2010/07/21/japan%E2%80%99s-next-generation-of-renewable-energy/) of the 112-meter diameter structures being able to increase energy output "two or three fold" (http://www.riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp/windeng/windlense/English.htm), as well as being about to reduce the dreaded noise pollution so often associated with wind turbines, and improve safety too.
http://www.cnngo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/400x267/2010/07/26/inline.jpg
Thanks to its many volcanoes (and hot springs), Japan has previously derived most of its renewable energy from geothermal means (http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/japan-renews-drive-to-tap-geothermal-5450/), and currently has 18 power plants producing 0.2 percent of the total electricity of the country. With wind power now producing 2 percent of the world's total -- 159.2 gigawatts according to the World Wind Energy Associations annual report (http://www.wwindea.org/home/images/stories/worldwindenergyreport2009_s.pdf) -- the development of the Wind Lens could have significant benefits.The Wind Lens focuses the power of the wind to the centre of the hoop, intensifying the power in a similar way a magnifying glass does with the sun's rays. With their unique floating hexagonal bases, the Wind Lens might also win over the many detractors of wind turbines who claim they are an ugly blight on the landscape.
Ohya added: "Despite its merits, even if this technology does enter the market in Japan, it may not be easily adopted by other countries, due to differing intensities and directions of wind conditions."


Read more: Wind Lens floating farms could triple electricity production | CNNGo.com (http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/life/wind-lens-floating-farms-could-triple-electricity-production-877035#ixzz0vo7WHPsI) http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/life/wind-lens-floating-farms-could-triple-electricity-production-877035#ixzz0vo7WHPsI

Image of the Day Gallery

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/464923main_image_1698_946-710.jpg
Supersonic Green Machine

This future aircraft design concept for supersonic flight over land comes from the team led by the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The team's simulation shows possibility for achieving overland flight by dramatically lowering the level of sonic booms through the use of an "inverted-V" engine-under wing configuration. Other revolutionary technologies help achieve range, payload and environmental goals.

This concept is one of two designs presented in April 2010 to the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate for its NASA Research Announcement-funded studies into advanced supersonic cruise aircraft that could enter service in the 2030-2035 timeframe.

http://www.boeing.com/Features/2010/06/img/futuristic_700.jpg

A look at the subsonic (left) and supersonic airplane concepts Boeing submitted to NASA for the agency's N+3 program, which sought concepts for designs for future commercial airplanes that offer improvements in operational and environmental performance.
Envisioning tomorrow's aircraft

By Daryl Stephenson (http://active.boeing.com/contactus.cfm?directed_to=feature_44)
What will commercial airplane designs look like 25 to 30 years from now?
Two Boeing-led teams completed 18-month studies on that question and recently submitted their findings to NASA under a program called N+3, which denotes three generations beyond today's transport fleet.
After examining various subsonic and supersonic concepts, the teams came up with configurations that met the NASA-stated goals for dramatic improvements in operational and environmental performance over today's aircraft.
The Boeing subsonic team, which includes General Electric and Georgia Tech, looked at five concepts. The team's report provides detailed benefits and drawbacks as well as recommendations for further study, but doesn't show favorites. "No single concept met all of the study goals, so we did not pick a preferred concept," said Boeing's Marty Bradley, the team's leader.
However, the team found that one concept known as SUGAR Volt - which includes an electric battery gas turbine hybrid propulsion system - can reduce fuel burn by more than 70 percent and total energy use by 55 percent. This fuel burn reduction and the "greening" of the electrical power grid can greatly reduce emissions of life cycle carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Hybrid electric propulsion also has the potential to shorten takeoff distance and reduce noise.
"Advanced technologies can reduce fuel burn enough that a supersonic aircraft could be economically and environmentally viable in multiple markets." The subsonic team's report concludes that hybrid electric engine technology "is a clear winner, because it can potentially improve performance relative to all of the NASA goals."
Boeing and the three other teams providing subsonic aircraft concepts have submitted proposals for a second phase of studies to begin developing the necessary new technologies. This contract award is expected in the next few months.
Meanwhile, the Boeing supersonic team, which includes Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, General Electric, Georgia Tech, Wyle and M4 Engineering, focused on four concepts that include a low fuel burn/low boom swing-wing "arrow" configuration, a low sonic boom concept with a V-tail to shield noise and control the sonic boom, a joined wing alternate concept and an oblique "scissor" wing alternative concept.
Based on conceptual design studies, the team recommended to NASA a fixed wing configuration (nicknamed Icon II) with V-tails and upper surface engines, said Bob Welge, Boeing's leader of this team. The Icon II concept can carry 120 passengers in a two-class, single-aisle interior, and can cruise at Mach 1.6 to Mach 1.8 with a range of about 5,000 nautical miles.
The study acknowledges that supersonic aircraft inherently have less fuel efficiency than subsonic aircraft, but points out they offer offsetting productivity benefits because of speed. The study concludes that advanced technologies can reduce fuel burn enough that a supersonic aircraft could be economically and environmentally viable in multiple markets.
The study also indicates that these efficiencies can be achieved while meeting the same community noise certification limits as subsonic aircraft, with a reduction of the sonic boom noise to 65 to 75 decibels. "That may make it possible for a supersonic transport to operate at maximum cruise speed, even over land," Welge said.
The NASA N+3 supersonic program does not provide the option for a Phase II system study, but Welge said technology development research announcements are anticipated in the near term.

Car is flushed with power

The UK’s first people-powered VW Beetle has taken to the streets of Bristol in what has been hailed as a breakthrough in the drive to encourage sustainable power.

http://www.geneco.uk.com/uploadedImages/Geneco/Furniture/about/geneco_BioBug_356.jpg
The Bio-Bug runs on methane gas generated during the sewage treatment process.
Waste flushed down the toilets of just 70 homes in Bristol is enough to power the Bio-Bug for a year, based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles.
With support from the South West Regional Development Agency, GENeco, a Wessex Water-owned company, imported specialist equipment to treat gas generated at Bristol sewage treatment works in Avonmouth to power the VW Beetle in a way that doesn’t affect its performance.
Mohammed Saddiq, GENeco’s general manager, said he was confident that methane from sewage sludge could be used as an alternative energy source and was an innovative way of powering company vehicles.
He said: “Our site at Avonmouth has been producing biogas for many years which we use to generate electricity to power the site and export to the National Grid.
“With the surplus gas we had available we wanted to put it to good use in a sustainable and efficient way.
“We decided to power a vehicle on the gas offering a sustainable alternative to using fossil fuels which we so heavily rely on in the UK.
“If you were to drive the car you wouldn’t know it was powered by biogas as it performs just like any conventional car. It is probably the most sustainable car around.”
"On first hearing of the Bio-Bug, some people will smile, and some people will go ‘yuck’! Either way, what I hope they realise is that this is exactly the kind of innovation we now need for a more sustainable world – and those directly involved should be proud they’re making a small but significant contribution to it everyday!"
Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director, Forum for the FutureCountries including India and China use compressed natural gas (CNG) to power vehicles and a number of companies in the UK are now using CNG mainly to fuel buses and commercial vehicles. In Sweden, more than 11,500 vehicles already run on biomethane produced from sewage plants.
But using biogas from sewage sludge is yet to take off in the UK despite a significant amount being produced everyday at sewage plants around the country.
To use biogas as vehicle fuel without affecting vehicle performance or reliability the gas needs to be treated – a process called biogas upgrading. It involves carbon dioxide being separated from the biogas using specialist equipment.
If all the biogas produced at Avonmouth was converted to run cars it would avoid around 19,000 tonnes of CO2.
http://www.geneco.uk.com/uploadedImages/Geneco/Furniture/about/geneco_BioBug_250.jpgGENeco believes that more gas will be produced at its Avonmouth site when the company embarks on its latest green venture to recycle food waste.
Mr Saddiq said: “Waste flushed down the toilets in homes in the city provides power for the Bio-Bug, but it won’t be long before further energy is produced when food waste is recycled at our sewage works.
“It will mean that both human waste and food waste will be put to good use in a sustainable way that diverts waste from going to landfill.”
Around 18 million cubic metres of biogas is produced at Bristol sewage treatment works a year.
It is generated through anaerobic digestion – a process in which bugs in the absence of oxygen break down biodegradable material to produce methane.
Bath-based Greenfuel Company converted the Beetle so it could run on biogas while bosses from GENeco ran a workshop at a University of Bath event for teenagers from schools in Bath and North East Somerset to come up with ideas for the car’s design.
Mr Saddiq added: “The choice of car was inspired by students who took part in a workshop. They thought it would be appropriate that the poo-powered car should be the classic VW Beetle Bug because bugs naturally breakdown waste at sewage works to start the treatment process which goes on to produce the energy.”
http://www.geneco.uk.com/uploadedImages/Geneco/Furniture/about/geneco_BioBug_process_356.jpg
The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) said the launch of the Bio-Bug proved that biomethane from sewage sludge could be used as an alternative fuel for vehicles.
ADBA chairman Lord Rupert Redesdale said: “This is a very exciting and forward-thinking project demonstrating the myriad benefits of anaerobic digestion (AD).
“Biomethane cars could be just as important as electric cars, and the water regulator Ofwat should promote the generation of as much biogas as possible through sewage works in the fight against climate change.”
ADBA chief executive Charlotte Morton added: “We are delighted to see such ingenuity and commitment to maximising the potential of AD from the water industry.”
GENeco said if the trial involving the Bio-Bug proved successful it would look to convert some of the company’s fleet of vehicles to run on biogas.
Claire Gibson, director of sustainable resources at the South West RDA, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to support GENeco to demonstrate this alternative transport fuel.
“We have invested in a range of emerging low carbon technologies and renewable energy fuel types such as this to ensure the South West is well positioned to take advantage of this growing market.
“It is vital that the knowledge from initiatives such as this biogas project is shared so we can move more quickly towards a low carbon, resource efficient economy. I look forward to continuing to work with GENeco to achieve this."

El video data del 2007. ¿Porque sera esto no se esta estudiando para su eventual implementacion?

x59MptHscxY&

Puerto Rico Aggressively Pursuing wind Energy

22 de julio de 2010

In order to promote and facilitate the development of renewable energy sources in Puerto Rico, the Government of Puerto Rico is establishing a series of new policies that will create the necessary legal framework.
http://www.evwind.es/userfiles/image/noticias/thumb/windmar.jpg
Today, Puerto Rico's Governor, Luis G. Fortuno, signed into law several measures that clearly define Puerto Rico's public policy regarding renewable energy. The newly enacted Act for a Public Policy for Energy Diversification Through Sustainable and Alternative Renewable Energy ("Energy Diversification Act") and Green Energy Incentives Act ("Incentives Act") set specific renewable energy production goals and create economic incentives to facilitate the investments required to meet those goals.

"We need to aggressively encourage the development of renewable energy sources for the benefit of all that reside and work in Puerto Rico. Establishing the right public policy will be the anchor to make it happen," said Governor Fortuno.

Firstly, the new law establishes public policy rules to increase and diversify energy generation by requiring the purchase and sale of sustainable and alternative renewable energy. Specifically, it gives way to a Renewable Portfolio Standard ("RPS"), which will require retail energy providers in the Island to produce or purchase a specified percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources. These portfolio standards set a hard target of 15 percent renewable energy production by 2020 and require retail energy providers to prepare a plan to reach 20 percent renewable energy production by 2028.

In addition, the measure establishes Renewable Energy Certificates ("RECs") as the main financial mechanisms to achieve these goals and validates them as legally-recognized assets that can be purchased, sold, traded, and transferred separately from electric power. It also provides for the creation of a permanent Renewable Energy Commission, comprised of five members ex officio and two named by the Governor for a four year term, one of which must come from academia.

"RECs validate the value of renewable energy over conventional methods of producing electricity and in many jurisdictions have helped incentivize the cost-effective establishment of renewable energy facilities," said Jose Ramon Perez-Riera, Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce, who, along with other public officials, will have a seat in the newly created Commission. The Department of Economic Development and Commerce is the public entity spearheading the Government's energy reform efforts.

Furthermore, the Governor signed a second law that provides a series of short, medium and long-term economic incentives to encourage the creation of a new and solid renewable energy industry. This second law creates a Green Energy Fund ("GEF"), to be established by the Department of the Treasury as a special, independently administrated fund. Through this mechanism the Government of Puerto Rico will co-invest $290 million in renewable energy projects and other initiatives over the next 10 years. The GEF initiates with a $20 million injection in 2011. Through the GEF, the Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration will offer cash rebates of up to 60 percent for individuals, and 50 percent for companies, on the cost of installing residential and industrial projects not exceeding 1 MW of capacity. The GEF also provides flexibility for the Government to establish new investment or incentive programs in the future.

For companies dedicated to the production of renewable energy on a commercial scale, the new Incentive Act also provides tax benefits in the form of significant partial exemptions from income taxes, property taxes, and municipal taxes; super-depreciation of buildings, structures, machinery, and equipment; and eligibility for tax-credits related to the use of locally-manufactured products, job creation, and research and development.

"Renewable energy policies and sound economic incentives are key to attract players of all sizes that can contribute to the creation of a renewable energy industry in Puerto Rico, jumpstart competition and be an active part of the solution. This can lead to innovation-based development and new job creation, while attending concerns over high energy prices and environmental effects of petroleum-based generation emissions. It is a win-win for all," added Perez-Riera.

The Fortuno Administration has a mandate of reducing the cost of energy and ensuring that electric power is affordable, reliable and sustainable for all residents. Currently, electricity prices in Puerto Rico are approximately twice the United States average. This is due in large part to the Island's current dependence on oil for approximately 70 percent of electricity production.

The Island's overall energy reform banks on the diversification of the energy generation mix. Currently, petroleum comprises 69 percent of the mix, followed by natural gas at 16 percent, coal at 15 percent and renewable sources at 1 percent. The goals forecasted by the Administration for 2015 contemplate reducing the use of petroleum to 48 percent and keeping coal use constant, while increasing the use of natural gas to 24 percent and renewable sources to 12 percent.

"Diversification of our energy sources can not wait any longer. The cost of electricity is undoubtedly the number one obstacle to Puerto Rico's competitiveness and one of the main concerns of our people. We will be relentless in our efforts to reduce the cost of electricity for all and we are confident that our energy reform legislation will have a profound influence across the board," concluded the Governor.

Already recognized renewable energy players, such as Pattern Energy Group LP, have announced plans to be part of the action. Secretary Perez-Riera confirmed that just last month one of Pattern's subsidiaries entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) for the sale of 75 megawatts (MW) of wind energy that will be produced at their proposed Pattern Santa Isabel Wind Power Project.


www.pridco.com/ (http://www.pridco.com/)

http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=wpaadmin)
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/spacer.gif
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands 50-Meter Wind Resource Map

The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a wind resource map for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50 meters above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for utility-scale wind development. Future plans are to provide wind speed estimates at 30 meters, which are useful for identifying small wind turbine opportunities.
As a renewable resource, wind is classified according to wind power classes, which are based on typical wind speeds. These classes range from Class 1 (the lowest) to Class 7 (the highest). Given the advances in technology, Class 3 and higher resource areas can support utility-scale development.
The map indicates that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have wind resources that can be considered for utility-scale production. The best wind resource areas are concentrated on the highest ridge crests and on exposed capes.
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/windmaps/pr_vi_50m_800.jpg

So Puerto Rico would be "marginal" at best. :ohno:

El video data del 2007. ¿Porque sera esto no se esta estudiando para su eventual implementacion?

x59MptHscxY&


La AEE, o mejor dicho el gobierno, la única entidad que se atrevería estudiar tecnología nunca antes implementado en escala mayor (por los riesgos económicos), no tiene los cojones ni el deseo de hacerlo. Específicamente, la AEE está en deuda a sus bondholders los cuales están involucrado en la industria del petróleo.

http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=wpaadmin)
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/spacer.gif
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands 50-Meter Wind Resource Map

The Department of Energy's Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a wind resource map for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This resource map shows wind speed estimates at 50 meters above the ground and depicts the resource that could be used for utility-scale wind development. Future plans are to provide wind speed estimates at 30 meters, which are useful for identifying small wind turbine opportunities.
As a renewable resource, wind is classified according to wind power classes, which are based on typical wind speeds. These classes range from Class 1 (the lowest) to Class 7 (the highest). Given the advances in technology, Class 3 and higher resource areas can support utility-scale development.
The map indicates that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have wind resources that can be considered for utility-scale production. The best wind resource areas are concentrated on the highest ridge crests and on exposed capes.
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/windmaps/pr_vi_50m_800.jpg

So Puerto Rico would be "marginal" at best. :ohno:



Bueno veremos a ver ya que Windmar propone molinos de hasta 531 pies de altura por lo que esta mas arriba de lo indicado. Si ellos lo proponen asumo que habran hecho sus debidas investigaciones. Me imagino que a esa altura los vientos son mas consistentes que a los 50 metros, que es la altura mas o menos que tienen los molinos de la Bacardi.

And we have offshore wind farm prime real estate dude! Look at the size of the pink areas Ultra!

Haven't heard anything about off shore wind farms. Only on shore, which is why I made the comment.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The first of a new generation of cars, the Chevy Volt will be an electric car with a gasoline engine onboard to help recharge its batteries. GM claims it offers the environmental benefits of an electric car without the limited range -- but the media hasn’t been able to test most of the company’s claims.

The Chevy Volt could be revolutionary -- if it works. Chevrolet calls the Volt an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or “an electric car that can create its own electricity.” It isn’t a hybrid, nor is it a purely electric car. Instead, the Chevy Volt is an electric car with a gasoline-powered generator that can kick in to recharge its batteries when they are low. Owners will be able to charge their Volt from a wall outlet at home, and Chevy claims that the Volt should be able to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. That’s more than most Americans drive in a single day, meaning that many Volt owners would not use any gasoline in a typical day. But, since the Volt can recharge itself while driving, it shouldn’t have the limited range of an electric car.

The Chevy Volt is scheduled to reach showrooms at the end of 2010, in Michigan, California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Texas and Washington D.C. A few media outlets have been allowed brief test drives in pre-production Chevy Volts. Summarizing their findings, we can provide a decent picture of the car that’s coming -- but since the Volts they drove were still in development, we can’t say for certain that the final car will be the same as the version they drove. Think of this, in other words, as a progress report, not a final grade.

Reviewers say the Volt is actually an entertaining car to drive. It’s never going to win any races (GM says its top speed is limited to 100 mph), but it can get up to highway speed quickly for a family sedan, and it’s relatively agile. It’s also stylish, with an unusual exterior and a funky interior that resembles an iPod on wheels. Functionally, the Volt is a little less practical than a midsize car, since it seats only four and offers a tiny trunk. But it should combine the small carbon footprint and low cost to operate of an electric car with the large range of a gas-powered one. It won’t be cheap -- General Motors announced a base price of $41,000, which includes a navigation system and five years of OnStar service.

http://spbcar.ru/news/en/i/2009-07-24/001chevyvolt2011-580op.jpg

Green Energy finally arrives to the inner island

August 10, 2010
The Utuado, Adjuntas and Jayuya municipalities will be granted a joint total of $455,000 for renewable energy and energy conservation projects and works. The grant, announced Monday, is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Executive Director Luis Bernal Jiménez presented the project along with Rep. Waldemar Quiles.
During a press conference in Utuado Monday, Bernal- Jiménez explained that the town will receive $160,000 so it can establish a project replacing lights, electrical signs and air conditioning units in favor of more efficient and ecologically responsible equipment. Additionally, the municipality will install a photovoltaic panel system in City Hall one of the many future solar-powered buildings. Thanks to this project, the municipality is expected to save a yearly total of $10,267.20 in energy costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 69,574 pounds each year.
Adjuntas will be granted $147,500 to replace the lighting system in facilities such as Town Hall and the Town Cultural Museum. The mayor’s official residence will also have its air conditioning units replaced and have photovoltaic panels installed to generate the home’s electrical needs. The municipality will save an estimated yearly total of $6,216.44 in energy costs and reduce carbon dioxide pollution by 40,540 pounds each year.
Jayuya will also receive $147,500 to install a better lightning system and replace the current air conditioning system, which is estimated to save the municipality a yearly total of $48,427.65 in energy costs.
“Green Energy has finally arrived to the interior of the island. These changes, supported by our governor, legislators and mayors, will encourage alternative energy use and improve services to our people. A culture of energy conservation and renewable energy will help reduce electrical costs for our residents and protect our environment, forging a new island as part of our Green Puerto Rico plan.” added Bernal Jiménez.
“Helping raise alternative energy and energy conservation awareness is part of our duty as Puerto Ricans. That’s why this administration is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to reduce pollution as well as our dependency on fossil fuels” indicated the officials.
Utuado, Adjuntas and Jayuya are a few of the 37 municipalities that will benefit from energy conservation funds granted by the EECBG.

Esto es una noticia vieja (hace exactamente un año) pero tiene un video con un review del Chevy Volt.
http://www.miprv.com/el-chevy-volt-230-mpg/

En la mañana de ayer, General Motors anunció el comienzo de la producción del nuevo modelo Chevy Volt 2011 y su alto rendimiento de 230 millas por galón (mpg). El Volt está diseñado para viajar hasta 40 millas eléctricamente tan sólo con la carga total que contiene la batería que incluye el modelo. GM anunció que el mismo entrará a las líneas de ensamblaje a finales del próximo año. La compañía añade que el modelo podría llegar a 300 mpg con la combinación de su generador eléctrico y combustible, utilizado únicamente para cargar la batería una vez en movimiento.
Asumiendo que el costo promedio de electricidad es de 11 centavos el kWh en los Estados Unidos (alrededor de 5 centavos el kWh en PR), un conductor de un Volt podría pagar alrededor de $2.75 por electricidad para viajar 100 millas, equivalente a menos de tres centavos por milla. En Puerto Rico, asumiendo la tarifa actual de la AEE según facturas por consumo recientes, el vehiculo estaría rindiendo una milla por un poco más de un centavo.
La pregunta obligada: ¿Cómo lo logra hacer?
Ni GM, ni EPA están haciendo declaraciones públicas de como este modelo logra ese rendimiento exactamente y si verdaderamente el Volt logrará las ya famosas 230 mpg que han anunciado en todos los medios. GM únicamente declara que “los consumidores podrán adquirir por primera vez un vehículo “plug-in”, que podrán utilizar diariamente, sin tener que recurrir a gasolina.” Sin embargo la clave para este rendimiento implicará conectar el vehiculo todos los días a un receptáculo eléctrico. Estos números están basados en el uso urbano o alrededor de la ciudad del vehiculo y que no han revelado detalles en diferentes escenarios, según Dave Darovitz de GM.

Lo único que sabemos es que aunque podría estar clasificado como “plug-in”, todavía existe el componente de combustible convencional que aunque no se utilizará para mover el motor y las ruedas del vehículo, si será necesario en viajes largos para activar el generador eléctrico que recarga la batería. Según el video, recargar el Volt puede tomar desde 8 horas en un receptáculo convencional, hasta 3 horas en un receptáculo 240W.
Aunque existen muchas preguntas sin contestar, y GM aparenta estar en estado crítico, el Volt definitivamente se presenta como una solución inmediata para disminuir la dependencia y consumo de combustibles fósiles, pero no va a ser suficiente. El año pasado se aprobó una ley federal que otorga un crédito de impuesto o contributivo a todo aquel vehiculo eléctrico de tecnología “plug-in” y se piensa que la misma fue creada con el Volt en mente. Esto, junto a la eficiencia real del Volt lo sabremos en un futuro cercano.

Y esto es un artículo nuevo:
La Pirámide Energética: Como alcanzar la eficiencia energética en casa

http://www.miprv.com/la-piramide-energetica-como-alcanzar-la-eficiencia-energetica-en-casa/

Solo una observación.

http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/casa-verde-e1281466848410.jpg

Por qué esta casa que aparece en el web site tiene chimenea? :lol:

Atlantis Resources Unveils the World's Largest Tidal Turbine in Scotland


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/08/AK-1000-largest-tidal-turbine-thumb-550xauto-44990.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/08/worlds-largest-12.php) (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/08/worlds-largest-12.php)


By Alex Morales - Aug 13, 2010 5:17 AM ET Fri Aug 13 09:17:40 GMT 2010
Atlantis Resources Corp., the tidal power company whose investors include Morgan Stanley and the Norwegian utility Statkraft AS, unveiled the world’s largest tidal turbine in Scotland.
The AK1000 device’s 18-meter (60-foot) rotors have the capacity to generate 1 megawatt of electricity, enough to power at least 1,000 homes, the Singapore-based company said today in an e-mailed statement. The turbine will be installed at the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland’s Orkney Islands later this year, it said.
“We are at the start of a new industrial boom, akin to the development of the North Sea oil and gas fields,” Atlantis Chief Executive Officer Timothy Cornelius (http://search.bloomberg.com/search?q=Timothy%20Cornelius&site=wnews&client=wnews&proxystylesheet=wnews&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&filter=p&getfields=wnnis&sort=date:D:S:d1&partialfields=-wnnis:NOAVSYND&lr=-lang_ja) said. “If we receive the same support from all levels of government that the oil and gas industry received to make the North Sea the success that it is, then the future is very bright for marine power.”
The tides around the U.K. may provide enough electricity for 1.4 million homes by 2020, the government said in March. The industry, whose investors include Siemens AG (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=SIE:GR) and Vattenfall AB (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=VATT:SS), is still in the development phase. The largest source of tidal power in the U.K. is a 1.2-megawatt twin-turbine SeaGen device installed in 2008 in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, by Marine Current Turbines (http://www.marineturbines.com/).
SeaGen’s 16-meter rotors can deliver about double the amount of electricity to the grid in a year as a similarly-rated wind turbine because the tides are predictable and the wind doesn’t blow all the time, according to the Bristol, England- based company’s website.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-13/atlantis-resources-unveils-the-world-s-largest-tidal-turbine-in-scotland.html

Genius hubcap makes any bicycle electric


http://dvice.com/assets_c/2010/08/MIT-Copenhagen-Wheel-electric-bikes-thumb-550xauto-44961.jpg (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/08/simple-hubcap-t.php)

0diggsdigg

22Share (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdvice.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2Fsimple-hubcap-t.php&t=Genius%20hubcap%20makes%20any%20bicycle%20electric%20%7C%20DVICE&src=sp)

MIT's "Copenhagen Wheel," designed by the university's SENSEable City Lab (http://dvice.com/archives/2009/10/mit-wants-your.php), is designed to be a simple addition to any bike that will give it some electric assistant. The benefits are obvious, and it's scored MIT's design an award from James Dyson (http://dvice.com/archives/2010/07/awesome-video-t.php), the vacuum king.
We've seen the Copenhagen Wheel before (http://dvice.com/archives/2009/12/mit-reinvents-t.php), but now with this kind of award backing it up hopefully it pushes its way toward a real product one day. The motor, battery and everything needed to assist the bike is built right into the cap, meaning you could fit it to the bike you already use instead of having to buy a new one.
From MIT:
Its sleek red hub not only contains a motor, batteries and an internal gear system — helping cyclists overcome hilly terrains and long distances — but also includes environmental and location sensors that provide data for cycling-related mobile applications. Cyclists can use this data to plan healthier bike routes, to achieve their exercise goals or to create new connections with other cyclists. Through sharing their data with friends or their city, they are also contributing to a larger pool of information from which the whole community can benefit.
http://dvice.com/archives/2010/08/simple-hubcap-t.php

Lista de Centros de Acopio e Instalaciones de Reciclaje en Puerto Rico (http://www.miprv.com/lista-de-centros-de-acopio-e-instalaciones-de-reciclaje-en-puerto-rico/)

http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Reciclaje-en-Puerto-Rico.jpg
Lista de Centros de Acopio e Instalaciones de Reciclaje (http://www.ads.gobierno.pr/secciones/reciclaje/lista_centros_acopio.pdf)
(Última Revisión: mayo 2009)
Categorías de Materiales Reciclables
Aceite Usado de Motor
Aceite Vegetal (de cocina)
Baterías de Autos (plomo-ácido)
Bio sólidos / Cienos (lodos)
Cartón
Cartuchos de Impresora
Equipos Electrónicos (computadoras, TVs, DVD, VHS, etc)
Escombros de Hormigón y asfalto
Lámparas Fluorescentes (bombillas)
Mattress
Metales Ferrosos (enseres, autos, varillas, etc.)
Metales no Ferrosos (cobre, aluminio, bronce, etc.)
Neumáticos
Paletas de Madera
Papel
Periódico
Plástico
Residuos de alimento
Residuos de jardinería / Material vegetativo
Vidrio
Lista de Centros de Acopio e Instalaciones de Reciclaje (http://www.ads.gobierno.pr/secciones/reciclaje/lista_centros_acopio.pdf)
(Última Revisión: mayo 2009)
NOTA por ADS: El propósito de esta lista es informar a la ciudadanía sobre los centros de acopio y empresas de reciclaje que la Autoridad de Desperdicios Sólidos (ADS) ha identificado. La ADS no recomienda ni favorece a ninguna compañía de las aquí descritas y no garantiza que estas cuenten con el endoso de nuestra agencia. De existir un centro o empresa que no esté incluido en esta lista o para conocer más información sobre alguna de las empresas, favor contactar la Oficina de Desarrollo de Mercados e Industrias, al teléfono (787) 765-7575 extensión 4150.

Study: U.S. to take lead in EV race, China not far behind

by Eric Loveday (http://green.autoblog.com/bloggers/eric-loveday/) (RSS feed (http://green.autoblog.com/bloggers/eric-loveday/rss.xml)) on Aug 15th 2010 at 9:04AM
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ze100615-01-08low.jpg

According to a recent study released by McKinsey & Company, an international consultancy firm, the U.S. is at the top of a list as the country most likely to lead in the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). The study looked at nine variables that may influence each country's likelihood of adopting EVs as a means for mass transportation, including production costs, electricity rates, government incentives and consumer interest.

By factoring in all nine variables, McKinsey concludes that the U.S. will initially lead the EV race, but China and Germany are just slightly behind. The initial U.S. lead could be short-lived, since McKinsey & Co. thinks China could emerge as the leading electric car market within 20 years. McKinsey suggests China's low electrical costs, combined with its high expectations of producing millions of EVs soon (http://green.autoblog.com/2010/05/06/daimler-ceo-says-theres-not-enough-oil-for-china-country-has-n/), could help the nation leapfrog other countries quite soon.
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/08/15/study-u-s-to-take-lead-in-ev-race-china-not-far-behind/

Chevrolet Volt shows up wearing "Victory Red" for the first time

by Sam Abuelsamid (http://green.autoblog.com/bloggers/sam-abuelsamid/) (RSS feed (http://green.autoblog.com/bloggers/sam-abuelsamid/rss.xml)) on Jul 14th 2010 at 4:56PM http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/swipe-featured.gif (http://green.autoblog.com/tag/featured/)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-630-lead.jpg
(http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/) Chevrolet Volt in 'Victory Red' – click above for high-res image gallery

When we arrived at General Motors (http://www.autoblog.com/make/gm/)' Michigan battery plant in Brownstown Township this afternoon, we were greeted by the sight of the first-ever red Chevrolet Volt (http://www.autoblog.com/model/volt). This "Victory Red" example is one of between 30 and 40 manufacturing validation vehicles built so far at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. Those cars were preceded by about three dozen production verification cars built since late March of this year. This particular example was built about one week ago.

In the next two to three weeks, General Motors will start building so-called "salable" Volts which will go into the captured test fleet for GM employees to accumulate miles and catch any last minute glitches before the cars enter full production in November.

What do you think – does Victory Red suit the Volt? Have your say in 'Comments.'


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt in 'Victory Red' (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/)



http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-05_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172888)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-14_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172875)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-18_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172869)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-13_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172876)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt--2-1280-2_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172920)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-02_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172893)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-01_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172895)
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/red-volt-1280-04_thumbnail.jpg (http://green.autoblog.com/photos/first-red-chevrolet-volt/#3172889)

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/chevrolet-volt-shows-up-wearing-victory-red-for-the-first-time/

Go architects! Gracias Ultra por las noticias.

Solo una observación.

http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/casa-verde-e1281466848410.jpg

Por qué esta casa que aparece en el web site tiene chimenea? :lol:


Jajajajaja... eso es una buena observación... para nada green...

Lista de Centros de Acopio e Instalaciones de Reciclaje en Puerto Rico (http://www.miprv.com/lista-de-centros-de-acopio-e-instalaciones-de-reciclaje-en-puerto-rico/)

http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Reciclaje-en-Puerto-Rico.jpg
Lista de Centros de Acopio e Instalaciones de Reciclaje (http://www.ads.gobierno.pr/secciones/reciclaje/lista_centros_acopio.pdf)
(Última Revisión: mayo 2009)
Categorías de Materiales Reciclables
Aceite Usado de Motor
Aceite Vegetal (de cocina)
Baterías de Autos (plomo-ácido)
Bio sólidos / Cienos (lodos)
Cartón
Cartuchos de Impresora
Equipos Electrónicos (computadoras, TVs, DVD, VHS, etc)
Escombros de Hormigón y asfalto
Lámparas Fluorescentes (bombillas)
Mattress
Metales Ferrosos (enseres, autos, varillas, etc.)
Metales no Ferrosos (cobre, aluminio, bronce, etc.)
Neumáticos
Paletas de Madera
Papel
Periódico
Plástico
Residuos de alimento
Residuos de jardinería / Material vegetativo
Vidrio
Lista de Centros de Acopio e Instalaciones de Reciclaje (http://www.ads.gobierno.pr/secciones/reciclaje/lista_centros_acopio.pdf)
(Última Revisión: mayo 2009)
NOTA por ADS: El propósito de esta lista es informar a la ciudadanía sobre los centros de acopio y empresas de reciclaje que la Autoridad de Desperdicios Sólidos (ADS) ha identificado. La ADS no recomienda ni favorece a ninguna compañía de las aquí descritas y no garantiza que estas cuenten con el endoso de nuestra agencia. De existir un centro o empresa que no esté incluido en esta lista o para conocer más información sobre alguna de las empresas, favor contactar la Oficina de Desarrollo de Mercados e Industrias, al teléfono (787) 765-7575 extensión 4150.

Ultramatic: Gracias por difundir esta info... Me han preguntado que porque lo pongo en el site si eso esta en el site de ADS. Sencillo: Casi nadie entra a las paginas de gobierno a menos que sea pa hacer una gestion. Con la experiencia ya la gente le ha perdido la confianza a las agencias de gobierno.

Estoy seguro que ahora mas gente verá esa informacion a traves de aqui tambien! :dance:

http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Escuela-Ecológica-de-Culebra-Puerto-Rico-Arq.-Fernando-Abruña-e1281927395999.jpg
Escuela-Ecológica-de-Culebra-Puerto-Rico-Arq.-Fernando-Abruña

Educación: US Green Building Council & CEDES: Principios del Diseño Arquitectónico Verde

http://www.miprv.com/educacion-us-green-building-council-cedes-principios-del-diseno-arquitectonico-verde/


El Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable (CEDES) de la Escuela de Asuntos Ambientales en la Universidad Metropolitana ofrecerá un programa de educación continua para profesionales sobre Principios del Diseño Arquitectónico Verde.
“Los recursos naturales, además de ser fuente de vida, son la materia prima para las actividades económicas que nos sostienen. Su uso apropiado y eficiente, su reuso y reciclaje son claves para garantizar que no se agoten o contaminen. De esto dependerá en gran medida la continuidad de su uso en el futuro, inclusive, para proteger nuestra propia existencia. El concepto de la economía lineal e ilimitada del consumo y luego del desecho nos ha llevado a los serios retos ambientales, sociales y económicos que enfrentamos hoy día. Necesitamos un cambio de paradigma.”

Cuando: Desde el Jueves, 2 de septiembre al Jueves, 14 de octubre / 7 jueves consecutivos de 6:00pm a 9:00 pm
Donde: Salon MC 102 UMET en Cupey
Primer Curso en Principios del diseño arquitectónico verde por el Arq. Fernando Abruña, PHD, FAIA – Costo del Curso: $378.00
Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable (CEDES)
Correo electrónico: cedes@suagm.edu

Está un poco caro, pero se pueden coger cursos independientes, y aunque creo que es para profesionales, me imagino que tambien aceptan estudiantes... Esa info no la tengo :)

Ultramatic: Gracias por difundir esta info... Me han preguntado que porque lo pongo en el site si eso esta en el site de ADS. Sencillo: Casi nadie entra a las paginas de gobierno a menos que sea pa hacer una gestion. Con la experiencia ya la gente le ha perdido la confianza a las agencias de gobierno.

Estoy seguro que ahora mas gente verá esa informacion a traves de aqui tambien! :dance:

De nada miprv. Cuanto mas saben,mejor. :)

Jajajajaja... eso es una buena observación... para nada green...

Eso también pero el punto era que en PR las casas no tienen chimenea. :lol:

DDR touts lighting pilot program at P.R. malls

By CB Online Staff
cbnews@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

Developers Diversified Realty Corp. announced Wednesday it is launching a pilot program in Puerto Rico to replace common area parking lot lighting at 14 shopping centers to lower energy consumption and reduce common area utility expenses. Developers Diversified is partnering with WLS Lighting Systems to install Natural White technology that draws less energy while emitting a higher-quality light. WLS Lighting Systems will also install the netLiNK Controls system, which will enable Developers Diversified to wirelessly control each individual parking lot light using an astronomical time clock for maximum efficiency and longevity.
“WLS Lighting Systems is excited about partnering with Developers Diversified,” said Kevin Fletcher, president of Energy Services Group of WLS. “With Developers Diversified’s proactive efforts in energy conservation coupled with our energy efficient lighting products, we will positively impact the environment and reduce common area utility expenses. Installing energy efficient lighting and our netLiNK Controls system on these 14 properties in Puerto Rico will eliminate over 1,700 tons of carbon dioxide emission annually.”
“As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, and following the successful launch of our rooftop solar program last year, we intend to implement our sustainable lighting program in the continental United States within the next six months,” said John S. Kokinchak, senior executive vice president of property management at Developers Diversified.
Developers Diversified owns and manages approximately 620 retail operating and development properties in 42 states, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico. Totaling more than 137 million square feet, the company’s shopping center portfolio features open-air, value-oriented neighborhood and community centers, mixed-use centers and lifestyle centers located in prime markets with stable populations and high-growth potential. Developers Diversified is the largest landlord in Puerto Rico and owns a premier portfolio of regional malls in and around Sao Paulo, Brazil. Developers Diversified is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=47106&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Excellent news!

Rinde frutos el reciclaje en escuelas del Pepino (http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/educacion/escuelas/1586-rinde-frutos-el-reciclaje-en-escuelas-del-pepino.html)

Martes, 11 de Mayo de 2010 09:56 Escuelas (http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/educacion/escuelas.html) (http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/educacion/escuelas.html)
(http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/educacion/escuelas.html) (http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/educacion/escuelas.html)


http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/images/stories/escuela.jpgLa Segunda Unidad Maximino A. Salas de San Sebastián se siente orgullosa de ser la primera escuela en Puerto Rico en implantar un programa oficial de reciclaje. La escuela elemental e intermedia, ubicada en el barrio Juncal en el pueblo de San Sebastián, en el área oeste del país, comenzó el proceso de recuperación de papel, botellas de plástico, latas de aluminio y periódicos desechados durante el inicio del curso escolar, en agosto pasado, como parte del programa Operativo Reciclaje de la Administración de Desperdicios Sólidos del gobierno estatal. Al preguntársele por qué habían escogido su escuela y no otra, la directora Elizabeth Cortés señaló que la Maximino A. Salas ya se había destacado en competencias de reciclaje en el distrito escolar de San Sebastián -pueblo conocido popularmente como Pepino- y además, habían realizado un proyecto de refosteración, en el que participaron estudiantes, padres y todo el personal escolar, con el auspicio del Club Altrusa de San Sebastián, una organización de damas civícas.
“Antes, no había esta conciencia ambiental que hay ahora. Los estudiantes compraban dulces en la tienda del frente y tiraban las envolturas al piso. Se tomaban el refresco y dejaban la latas por dondequiera. Ahora, los estudiantes se sienten bien comprometidos con el reciclaje”, dijo la maestra de Ciencias, Rosa Centeno, quien tiene la tarea de educar sobre reciclaje y la conservación del medioambiente en sus clases.
Según informó la directora escolar, a finales de agosto también se adiestró en el proceso de reciclaje a todo el personal de la antigua escuela, fundada en 1932. Hasta el momento, el reciclaje es llevado a cabo, primordialmente, por el Primer Grado, cuyos padres han constituido un comité para servir de apoyo a los estudiantes. Una vez a la semana, los camiones de recogido de basura del Municipio de San Sebastián – pueblo conocido popularmente como El Pepino- pasan por la escuela para llevarse los materiales reciclables.
El Municipio de San Sebastián, que patrocina el reciclaje en las escuelas pepinianas, lleva los materiales recuperados a su Centro de Acopio, donde los compacta para su entrega posterior a la empresa International Fiber Corporation (IFCO), que los exporta a países que los reciclan y los convierten en materia prima para a elaboración de nuevos productos, según informó a Prensa Comunitaria el coordinador del Programa de Reciclaje del Municipio de San Sebastián, Ramón Luis Méndez Méndez.
El funcionario explicó, que además de la Segunda Unidad Maximino Salas, hay otras 24 escuelas públicas y privadas de San Sebastián –de un total de 34- que tienen programas de reciclaje fomentado por el gobierno municipal. “Estas escuelas participan del Open House de Reciclaje, que se lleva a cabo a mediados de abril y en la cual se exhiben todos los trabajos de reciclaje realizados por los estudiantes. Tenemos desfile de modas de trajes hechos con papel reciclado, feria científica y exhibiciones de esculturas, artesanías y manualidades todas hechas con materiales reciclados”, destacó Méndez Méndez.
La Casa Abierta culmina con un Maratón de Reciclaje, en el que se premia a las escuelas que hayan recuperado mayor cantidad de periódicos. Según Méndez Méndez, el año pasado se recuperó 1 millón 200 mil periódicos y la escuela ganadora fue la intermedia Narciso Rabell Cabrero, ubicada en la zona urbana de San Sebastián, con 61,101 periódicos recuperados a través del año. Los premios en metálico que otorga el Municipio desde hace cinco años aumentaron el año pasado a: $700 el primer lugar; $500 el segundo lugar; $300 el tercer lugar y $150 el cuarto lugar, informó.
El Programa de Reciclaje del Departamento de Obras Públicas del Municipio de San Sebastián también promueve el reciclaje entre las comunidades y establecimientos comerciales pepinianos. “Tenemos un programa de reciclaje casa por casa en varias comunidades como la Comunidad González, Villa Soigal, sectores de Juncal y próximamente vamos a estar impactando a los residenciales Andrés Méndez Liciaga y San Andrés”, el coordinador del Programa de Reciclaje municipal, quien destacó, además, que tienen un programa de recogido de papel blanco en oficinas privadas y otro de recogido de cartón en unos 186 establecimientos comerciales del pueblo.
Sobre el reciclaje de latas de refrescos, el funcionario dijo que es muy poco el aluminio que se recupera en las escuelas y comunidades de San Sebastián. “Esa es la gallina de los huevos de oro del reciclaje, pues muchos se quedan con ellas para ganarse algunos chavitos”, expresó Méndez Méndez.
Para el coordinador del Programa de Reciclaje del Municipio de San Sebastián, “Puerto Rico no tiene ni la infraestructura ni la tecnología para el reciclaje. Del 95% al 98% del material reciclable recuperado es exportado a otros países para ser utilizado como materia prima en la elaboración de otros productos.”
Un eco-parque escolar

Los estudiantes de "kinder" de la Escuela Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón de Luquillo se divierten en el recreo a la vez que aprenden de la conservación del medioambiente ya que cuentan con el primer eco-parque de ruedas de carros recicladas. El área recreativa cuenta con una peregrina, columpios y jardineras de neumáticos reciclados.
La maestra del jardín de infantes, Elsie Cruz, que atribuyó la iniciativa a la Primera Dama, indicó que, aunque a sus estudiantes de 4 a 5 años les encanta el parque, no es mucho lo que se le puede enseñar sobre la conservación del ambiente a su corta edad. “A esa edad ellos no entienden. Yo le busco la vuelta y le enseño a hacer manualidades con cosas que se botan, como los rollos de papel de baño. Con eso hacemos conejitos y así por el estilo”, expresó Cruz.
Por su parte, el director de la escuela, Carlos García, informó que los estudiantes de cuarto a sexto grado son los que realizan el reciclaje y se mostró complacido con el beneficio del programa para la comunidad escolar. “Yo creo que esto es parte del proceso formativo de los estudiantes; primero, conservan la escuela limpia, segundo, aprenden el proceso de conservación del ambiente, y tercero, es interesante ver como el reciclaje ya forma parte de su cultura”, indicó García.
Según trascendió durante su inauguración, el eco-parque fue construido por la Autoridad de Desperdicios Sólidos (ADS) como parte del programa Operación Reciclaje en alianza con el proyecto La escuela en tus manos de la Oficina de la Primera Dama.
A pesar de que la ADS tiene como meta incrementar la tasa de reciclaje en Puerto Rico, su programa de reciclaje en las escuelas y comunidades apenas está comenzando y tienen en agenda entre 12 y 15 municipios para orientarlos sobre el proceso de recuperación de materiales que se pueden reciclar o reusar, según la supervisora del Programa de Reciclaje de la ADS, Mildred Orona.
Orona explicó que el programa de reciclaje que promueven se lleva a cabo con la ayuda de los gobiernos municipales, que son los encargados de recoger el material para reciclar en escuelas y comunidades; y aclaró, que la ADS “es sólo un ente facilitador para el manejo adecuado de los desperdicios sólidos.
http://www.prensacomunitaria.com/educacion/escuelas/1586-rinde-frutos-el-reciclaje-en-escuelas-del-pepino.html

La escuela de la foto no es la de San Sebastián. Es la Luchetti en Condado. Sólo una observación.

WLS Lighting Systems will also install the netLiNK Controls system, which will enable Developers Diversified to wirelessly control each individual parking lot light using an astronomical time clock for maximum efficiency and longevity.


Esto me parece una soberana estupidez. Los "múcaros" hacen el mismo trabajo con una simple fotocelda. Cuando oscurece la luz prende y cuando amanece la luz apaga y no necesita controles especiales ni ultra mega precisos relojes astronómicos no cosas innecesarias y se ajusta naturalmente a los cambios en la duración del día durante el año.

Sobre el alumbrado en si, Wal Mart lleva ya algún tiempo usando luminarias a base de LEDs en sus estacionamientos. Son blancas y alumbran muy bien. No se si en todas las tiendas ya las tienen pero en Ponce y en Santa Isabel las he visto.

^^^^

No, en realidad es bien verde. Es para reducir contaminación de luz.

Se ajusta de acuerdo a la luna, no al atardecer y amanecer. A mí me encanta la idea, están muy avanzados ya que es raro encontrar esto implementado en el mundo. Los aplaudo DDR!

La contaminación lumínica la reduces con el diseño geométrico de la lámpara y con la fuente de luz que uses, no con controles especiales ni nada. Por ejemplo, si has notado las luminarias de tipo "cobra head" que la AEE lleva usando por varios años ya nop tienen el difusor que sobresale por debajo como un guavucho :lol: sino que son planas con la bombilla escondida dentro del cuerpo de la luminaria y con el reflector haciendo el trabajo del difusor que tenía antes. Esas luminarias solo alumbran hacia abajo dentro un cono con la bombilla en el vértice. El único problema es que las luces de sodio no son muy amigables en términos de contaminación lumínica. Para controlar esa contaminación solo se necesita que las luces alumbren hacia abajo y no hacia los lados y que la fuente de luz no esté visible desde los lados o desde arriba.

La única ventaja que le veo a ese sistema (me puse a buscar un poco más) es que te permite controlar lámparas individuales y te avisa cuando hay problemas pero fuera de eso me parece más una chulería para hacer hacer show que otra cosa. Creo que un buen diseño de las lámparas y el uso de LEDs es la solución y no el usar controles fancy.

Solar streetlamps available in Puerto Rico:

http://www.caribbeantraderinc.com/images/light_pole1.jpg

http://www.caribbeantraderinc.com/images/light_pole2.jpg

http://www.caribbeantraderinc.com/images/light_pole3.jpg

http://geo.yahoo.com/f?s=792600099&t=990295de0293f88bc1c07991cceee714&r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Faltframes%2F107220042%2Fsizes%2Fz%2Fin%2Fphotostream%2F&fl_ev=0&lang=en&intl=es
Aqui tienen el tradicional "Cobra Head" a la izquerda. El de la derecha le falta el "defuser"

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/56/107220042_41fc16c2ab_b.jpg

Creo que lo dijiste alrevés. El de la izquierda tiene el difusor. El de la derecha no lo tiene. Y lo más probable no es que le falta el difusor sino que es una luminaria más nueva que la otra y no tiene.

Hace tiempo se están usando faroles solares en algunos sitios en Puerto Rico. Baxter en Guayama tiene su estacionamiento iluminado con faroles de este tipo y hace algún tiempo pusieron fotos creo que en Camuy de una calle donde hay de estos faroles y yo comenté que los paneles están mal orientados porque un lado de la calle los tiene apuntando en una dirección y el otro lado en la dirección opuesta.

En Camuy tambien hay faroles solares en los estacionamientos de la Coop. de Ahorro y Credito de Quebrada y el estacionamiento de UNITEC.

Y qué tal estos postes en Plaza Coop en Aguada...?


http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt149/miguelpr91/45250a29.jpg


http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt149/miguelpr91/fe8d1863.jpg

Those are Kickass!

Están horribles. :lol:

Horribleees

Recycle!

14037015

Biofuels in Puerto Rico:

5393733

Puerto Rico is widely known as the "La Isla del Encanto," which translated means "The Island of Enchantment." And while its beaches, tropical rain forest, and biolumescent bhttp://vimeo.com/5393733ays (http://bhttp//vimeo.com/5393733ays) are wonders of nature, the island is not without its problems. From energy needs to economics, Puerto Rico shares many issues facing the rest of the world.

In this MicrobeWorld Video episode we talk with Nadathur S. Govind, Ph.D., Professor, Marine Sciences Department at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, and William Rosado, Marine Sciences Department at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, about the sustainable biofuel program they are launching in southwestern Puerto Rico.

According to Govind, the island's successful sugarcane industry died in the 1990's. In fact, local rum manufacturers now import their molasses from as far away as Malaysia. As a result, approximately 70 percent of the population in southwestern Puerto Rico is on welfare.

Govind believes he can rebuild the local economy by harnessing bacterial enzymes extracted from the guts of termites and shipworms (mollusks) found in the mangroves off the coast to break down the lignocellulose in sugarcane and hibiscus. The idea is that if he can bring agricultural production back to his community, he can use the crop waste to produce ethanol to supplement Puerto Rico's demand for fuel. And since the byproduct of ethanol is carbon dioxide, he also plans to use algae to capture the gas and produce biodiesel. The waste that he has left over can then be returned to the soil as fertilizer or given to livestock as feed, completing the cycle.

For more information about Govind's program please read the article, "Combining Agriculture with Microbial Genomics to Make Fuels," found in the American Society for Microbiology's Microbe magazine.
http://vimeo.com/5393733

Solar Decathlon 2009: Team Puerto Rico
by Brandon Bloch (http://vimeo.com/bloch) http://assets.vimeo.com/images/plus_icon.gif (http://vimeo.com/bloch)

7434920

The Solar Decathlon is bolder, brighter, and more efficient than ever! 20 university teams from around the world have designed and built their ultimate solar home on the National Mall in Washington, DC. We're taking a look at a team from each participating country. This video is about Team Puerto Rico, who try to address the the public taboo that solar power is unrealistic.

Portugal Has Embraced Renewable Energy, So Why Can’t We? (http://www.infrastructurist.com/2010/08/10/portugal-has-embraced-renewable-energy-so-why-cant-we/)

Posted on Tuesday August 10th by Melissa Lafsky | 1,816

http://www.infrastructurist.com/wp-content/uploads/portugal-wind-300x192.jpgIn the New York Times, reporter Elisabeth Rosenthal writes of Portugal’s swift and remarkable energy transformation (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/science/earth/10portugal.html?partner=rss&emc=rss). In just five years, the nation has cut its dependence on fossil fuels dramatically, with nearly 45% of its grid electricity coming from renewable sources this year, up from 17% in 2005. How did it accomplish this? Major government-led initiatives, including privatization of former state energy utilities to create a new, more renewable-friendly grid, as well as cushy, partly-subsidized contracts for private companies. The results included a sevenfold increase in land-based wind power, as well as a massive increase in the use of electric cars.
Portugal’s efforts epitomize what a country can accomplish in an extremely short time if the political and public will is there. Granted, such rapid change isn’t without its costs:
Portuguese households have long paid about twice what Americans pay for electricity, and prices have risen 15 percent in the last five years, probably partly because of the renewable energy program, the International Energy Agency says.
Although a 2009 report by the agency called Portugal’s renewable energy transition a “remarkable success,” it added, “It is not fully clear that their costs, both financial and economic, as well as their impact on final consumer energy prices, are well understood and appreciated.”
Higher energy prices brought exactly the reaction from voters that you’d think they would: sharp derision and intense political pressure to lower those bills. But rather than bury the issue in deliberate obfuscation and/or avoid it for fear of political repurcussions, Portugal’s leaders put it all on the line in favor of effecting change. And paid a price for it — after a landslide victory in 2005, Portugese Prime Minister José Sócrates scraped by with a narrow win in the last election.
Granted, Portugal has a few things that make it uniquely suited for the transition to renewables — not the least of which are its large untapped resources of wind and river power. As such, according to government officials, the energy transformation required no increase in taxes or public debt, since the wind and hydro-power replaced natural gas, coal, and oil — most of which were imported.
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So where does the U.S. stand in comparison when it comes to likelihood of an energy metamorphosis? Well, for starters, we’ve got our grid (http://www.infrastructurist.com/2010/08/09/is-our-power-grid-prepared-to-handle-global-warming/) — an antiquated mess that’s starting to resemble a ticking time bomb — as well as an embedded tradition of reliance on cheap fossil fuels and massive oil and coal industries that wield considerable political clout. All serious obstacles for any lawmaker, to be sure — but not hopeless. Plus there’s the possibility of the costs equaling out — as the price of renewable energy continues to drop, the costs of a shift to renewables now could mean a huge savings in the future. Though as with all “pay more now for savings later” policies presented, American voters rarely see the forest through the trees.

“Hay que integrar la conservación al desarrollo económico”


Por Luisa García Pelatti El Vocero Sábado 28 de Agosto de 2010 12:00
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http://www.vocero.com/images/stories/aefideicomiso.jpgFernando Lloveras, director ejecutivo del Fideicomiso de Conservación. (El Vocero / Alvin J. Báez)

En 1930, el 94% de Puerto Rico estaba deforestado, principalmente debido a la agricultura. Actualmente, esa proporción se ha reducido al 45% como resultado del abandono de los terrenos que antes se utilizaban para la agricultura, pero el 24% del terreno ya está en cemento, se han perdido dos terceras partes de los manglares y el 80% de los ríos de la Isla no cumplen con los estándares de calidad de agua.

Quien ofrece estos datos apocalípticos es Fernando Lloveras, director ejecutivo del Fideicomiso de Conservación, una institución privada sin fines de lucro que tiene como misión proteger los recursos naturales de Puerto Rico. Y lo hace mediante la adquisición de áreas naturales.

Lloveras participó ayer como orador en una actividad organizada por la Asociación de Analistas Financieros, y aprovechó para hablar de economía y ecología, dos aspectos que no siempre van de la mano. Lea el artículo completo en la edición impresa.
http://www.vocero.com/negocio-noticias/32/11733.html

Wind Turbine Projects Run Into Resistance

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/08/27/business/27radar-span/27radar-span-articleLarge.jpg J. Emilio Flores for The New York Times
Scott Debenham, a wind energy developer at one of the sites where he has proposed to set up wind turbines near Barstow, Calif. The military is opposing his proposals.

By LEORA BROYDO VESTEL

Published: August 26, 2010



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BARSTOW, Calif. — The United States military has found a new menace hiding here in the vast emptiness of the Mojave Desert in California: wind turbines (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/w/wind_power/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier).

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J. Emilio Flores for The New York Times

A 1.5 Megawatt wind turbine set up at the Marine Corps logistics base in Barstow, Calif.

Enlarge This Image (javascript:pop_me_up2('http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2010/08/27/business/Radarjp2.html','Radarjp2_html','width=720,height=563,scrollbars=yes,toolbars=no,resizable=yes'))
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Leah Nash for The New York Times

Workers installing turbines near Arlington, Ore.


Moving turbine blades can be indistinguishable from airplanes on many radar systems, and they can even cause blackout zones in which planes disappear from radar entirely. Clusters of wind turbines, which can reach as high as 400 feet, look very similar to storm activity on weather radar, making it harder for air traffic controllers to give accurate weather information to pilots.
Although the military says no serious incidents have yet occurred because of the interference, the wind turbines pose an unacceptable risk to training, testing and national security in certain regions, Dr. Dorothy Robyn, deputy under secretary of defense, recently told a House Armed Services subcommittee (http://armedservices.edgeboss.net/wmedia/armedservices/read062910.wvx).
Because of its concerns, the Defense Department has emerged as a formidable opponent of wind projects in direct conflict with another branch of the federal government, the Energy Department, which is spending billions of dollars on wind projects as part of President Obama (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/index.html?inline=nyt-per)’s broader effort to promote renewable energy.
“I call it the train wreck of the 2000s,” said Gary Seifert, who has been studying the radar-wind energy clash at the Idaho National Laboratory, an Energy Department research facility. “The train wreck is the competing resources for two national needs: energy security and national security.”
In 2009, about 9,000 megawatts of proposed wind projects were abandoned or delayed because of radar concerns raised by the military and the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a member survey by the American Wind Energy Association (http://www.awea.org/). That is nearly as much as the amount of wind capacity that was actually built in the same year, the trade group says.
Collisions between the industry and the military have occurred in the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon-Washington border and in the Great Lakes region. But the conflicts now appear to be most frequent in the Mojave, where the Air Force, Navy and Army control 20,000 square miles of airspace and associated land in California and Nevada (http://www.edwards.af.mil/r-2508.asp) that they use for bomb tests; low-altitude, high-speed air maneuvers; and radar testing and development.
When the developer Scott Debenham told local Navy and Air Force officials in June that he was working on plans to install a wind turbine at three industrial locations near the area overseen by the military, they expressed opposition to all of the projects, saying that even one additional turbine would interfere with critical testing of radar systems.
The military says that the thousands of existing turbines in the gusty Tehachapi Mountains, to the west of the R-2508 military complex in the Mojave Desert, have already limited its abilities to test airborne radar used for target detection in F/A-18s and other aircraft.
“We cannot test in certain directions because of the presence of wind turbines in the Tehachapi area,” said Tony Parisi, the complex’s sustainability officer. “Our concern is construction in other areas will further limit where we can do this kind of testing.”
As a result of the military’s opposition, Horizon Wind Energy recently withdrew three project applications in the area. AES (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/aes_corporation/index.html?inline=nyt-org) Wind Generation said it found out in May, after nine years of planning, that the military had objections to its proposal to build a 82.5-megawatt, 33-turbine wind farm.
Mr. Debenham, a former naval officer, said he understood the concerns but that the military was overstating them. A similar turbine just went up on a nearby Marine base (http://www.marines.mil/unit/mclbbarstow/Pages/WINDTURBINE2.aspx). “It’s standing proof that these single turbines are not an unmitigatable threat to national security,” he said. (Mr. Parisi said the military was assessing whether the interference would force it to shut down the base’s turbine, which cost $6 million to install.)
The impact of wind turbines on radar had been a back-burner concern for years, but it heated up in March, when the Defense Department put a last-minute halt to the $2 billion, 338-turbine Shepherds Flat wind project in Oregon out of concern the turbines would impair the effectiveness of long-range surveillance radar.
The department eventually withdrew its opposition after an internal analysis indicated the effect on radar would not be as severe as initially thought and an outside study identified measures that could be taken to mitigate the interference. However, the Pentagon soon raised concerns about another wind project in the area, saying it could interfere with the very same radar.
Mark Tholke, regional director for the wind energy developer enXco, said that the objections could make wind energy less competitive. “It makes investors and banks jittery,” he said. “They will increasingly view these as risky projects and push up the financial terms.”
Mr. Tholke said three of four wind projects in enXco’s current portfolio have been delayed because of radar concerns. One of the projects has been reduced in size to 140 megawatts from 250 megawatts to appease a military contractor worried about radar impacts.
Eliminating turbine clutter on radar is complicated. Part of the challenge is that many radar systems in use in the United States date back to the 1950s and have outdated processing capabilities — in some cases, less than those of a modern laptop computer. While there are technology fixes to ease interference on these aging systems, it can be tricky to filter out just the turbines.
On radar, “a wind turbine can look like a 747 on final approach,” said Peter Drake, technical director at Raytheon (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/raytheon_company/index.html?inline=nyt-org), a major provider of radar systems. “We don’t want to have the software eliminate a real 747.”
The Energy Department says the problem should be solvable through new technologies. “We are confident that investments in mitigation measures, including new coatings or materials for wind turbines, alternative configurations for wind farms, gap-filler radar or software patches, and investments over time in upgrades to modernize radar systems, will enable the continued deployment of wind power across the country,” said Jen Stutsman, a spokeswoman for the agency.
But some observers say this piecemeal approach does not go far enough.
“I can’t imagine a better example of everyone wanting to do the right thing and nobody doing it,” said Howard Swancy, an aviation consultant and former F.A.A. official. “We need an infrastructure-size development plan.”
Mr. Debenham just wants his three individual turbines to win approval. The concerns of the local military have been directed to Washington for review. In the meantime, millions of dollars in financing and renewable energy incentives are, well, twisting in the wind.
“I’m in limbo. My customers are in limbo,” he said. “Can you tell anyone in Obama’s office?”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/27/business/energy-environment/27radar.html?ref=technology

Electricity Out of Thin Air Could Be The Next Big Power Source (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-08/hygroelectricity-could-enable-devices-pull-electricity-out-thin-air)

Geothermal, solar, vibration harvesting: step aside for hygroelectricity
By Clay Dillow (http://www.popsci.com/category/popsci-authors/clay-dillow) Posted 08.26.2010 at 10:00 am 11 Comments (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-08/hygroelectricity-could-enable-devices-pull-electricity-out-thin-air?page=#comments)

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/701px-Lightning3_1.jpg Electricity in the Air

We're already making great strides at pulling electricity from the motion of the air and from the photons that stream through it, but what about pulling electric charges right out of the air itself? Researchers have solved a mystery about how electricity forms in the atmosphere, and in doing so may have found a way to pull electricity right out of the air (http://www.eurekalert.org/emb_releases/2010-08/acs-ecf080910.php).
We know a lot about how to manipulate electricity, but the way it forms naturally in the atmosphere has long stymied scientists. But research unveiled today at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society has defined the mechanism by which water vapor in the air become charged, a discovery which could lead to devices capable of creating electricity from the atmosphere's own charges.
Related Articles

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/related_info_thumbnail/articles/Picture%202_18.pngStanford's New Solar Cells Are The First to Produce Electricity From Both Light and Heat (http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-08/stanford-researchers-new-solar-cells-convert-light-and-heat-electricity)http://www.popsci.com/sites/all/themes/albert/images/50x50_bullet_point.pngWater Vapor Almost Busts Dam (http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2003-03/water-vapor-almost-busts-dam)http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/related_info_thumbnail/articles/701px-Lightning3_0.jpgOut of the Blue, DARPA Seeks Means to Manipulate Lightning (http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2009-12/out-blue-darpa-seeks-means-manipulate-lightning)Tags

Science (http://www.popsci.com/science), Clay Dillow (http://www.popsci.com/category/popsci-authors/clay-dillow), american chemical society (http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/american-chemical-society), chemistry (http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/chemistry), electricity (http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/electricity), energy (http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/energy), environment (http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/environment), green tech (http://www.popsci.com/category/tags/green-tech)
For a long time, scientists though that water droplets adrift in the atmosphere remained electrically neutral even after attaching themselves to dust particles or other particulates in the atmosphere. But recent evidence has suggested otherwise, which led Dr. Fernando Galembeck and his colleagues to dig deeper. What they found, and then proved in the lab, is that in fact water in the atmosphere does pick up a slight charge. Using small particles of aluminum phosphate and silica -- two particles found commonly in the atmosphere -- they showed that in the presence of water vapor silica particles become more negatively charged. Aluminum phosphate grows slightly more positively charged. This building of charges in humid air can accumulate and be transferred to other objects, explaining phenomena like the charge buildup where steam escapes from boilers that had baffled scientists for centuries.
Galembeck and company call the quality "hygroelectricity," meaning "humid electricity." The property could lead to generators that pull charge right out of humid air to power buildings, as well as to panels that prevent lightning from striking in certain areas.

The Chevy Volt Gets a Price Tag: $41,000 Before Tax Credit, First Deliveries in November (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2010-07/chevy-volt-gets-price-tag-41000-tax-credit-first-deliveries-november)

By Clay Dillow (http://www.popsci.com/category/popsci-authors/clay-dillow) Posted 07.27.2010 at 3:10 pm 22 Comments (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2010-07/chevy-volt-gets-price-tag-41000-tax-credit-first-deliveries-november?page=#comments)

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/800px-Chevrolet_Volt_WAS_2010_8852.JPG The 2011 Chevy Volt Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz via wikimedia (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chevrolet_Volt_WAS_2010_8852.JPG)

When the Chevy Volt concept first materialized a few years back, there were a lot of questions surrounding America’s first mass-market electric car. While answers to most of those questions dribbled out over the last few years, GM remained mum on one critical aspect: price. But today it’s official (http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/07/its-official-chevrolet-volt-will-cost-41000/): the Chevy Volt will cost $41,000 before a $7,500 federal tax credit, and the cars will arrive in driveways later this year.
Only 600 dealerships in Chevy’s “launch markets” – California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Washington, D.C. – will start taking orders for the Volt today, thought the first cars won’t roll off the lot until November. But that hasn’t stopped the GM PR machine from swinging into action, calling this a “historic day.” We’ll see. The Volt has competition arriving later this year in the form of Nissan’s Leaf, a full-blown EV that gets 100 miles to the charge and costs just $25,280 after the tax credit, compared with $33,500 for the Volt.But Volt has its selling points. Though it only gets 40 miles from a single charge on its 16-kilowatt-hour Li-ion battery, GM boasts that the Volt performs beyond the competition because it contains a gasoline engine that can assist the battery for another 300 miles, arguably a very clutch feature to include on a car that is supposed to bridge the technological gap between the carbon fuels of the present and the all-electric future.
Considering most Americans keep their daily driving under the 40-mile mark, that might not make such a huge difference. The price, however, probably will. Even after the tax credit the Volt is one of Chevy’s more expensive offerings, not too far shy of an entry-level luxury car. As the NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/business/28volt.html?_r=1&hp) points out today, while there are 52,464 people across the globe signed up for an unofficial waiting list at the non-GM-affiliated gm-volt.com, those people on average are looking to pay about $31, 400 for the car. Hopefully cost won’t end up as the Achilles heel of a seemingly good idea.
GM plans to roll 10,000 Volts off its Detroit production lines by the end of next year, with 30,000 following in 2012. For those not interested in buying a car in that time frame, the Volt will lease for $350 per month with $2,500 cash down.

Archive Gallery: The Electric Car, 1916-Present (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)


http://www.popsci.com/files/category_pictures/futurethen-badge.png (http://www.popsci.com/category/category-badges/-future-then)

Electric cars are nothing new: From lever-powered hybrids to generator-towing luxury cars, we've tracked their progress for nearly a century
Posted 07.23.2010 at 2:16 pm 7 Comments (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car?page=#comments)

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/ev1-main.jpg The GM EV1
View Photo Gallery (http://www.popsci.com/cars/gallery/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)

It's shaping up to be a big year for electric cars, with Chevrolet's Volt (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-05/test-drive-chevy-volt) and Nissan's Leaf (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-08/hed-test-drive-nissan%E2%80%99s-leaf-electric-car%E2%80%99s-first-shot-mainstream-dek-nissan-going-manufacture-leaf-0) due before 2010 draws to a close.
Which makes it as good a time as ever to remind ourselves that the idea of an electric car is far from novel; in fact, it's been a persistent, tantalizing puzzle for automotive engineers hoping to eliminate gasoline from the equation for over a century. And there's no better place to track the history of the electric car than in the complete archives (http://www.popsci.com/archives).
http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_thumbnails_for_block/articles/aug1916.png (http://www.popsci.com/cars/gallery/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)
http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_thumbnails_for_block/articles/jan1920.png (http://www.popsci.com/cars/gallery/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)
http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_thumbnails_for_block/articles/aug1920.png (http://www.popsci.com/cars/gallery/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)
http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_thumbnails_for_block/articles/nov1921.png (http://www.popsci.com/cars/gallery/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)
http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/photogallery_thumbnails_for_block/articles/sep1937.png (http://www.popsci.com/cars/gallery/2010-07/archive-gallery-journey-electric-car)


Click to launch the photo gallery (http://popsci.com/node/47315)

The story of the electric car and its relationship with the car-buying public is a fickle one. Whether for a hybrid or a pure electric, it remains a tough sell to get the majority of our drivers to give up their gas-guzzlers. This is especially evident in the sad and complicated story of the General Motors EV1--the first electric from a major manufacturer aimed squarely at consumers. The sad story of the EV1 has been well documented in the film "Who Killed the Electric Car" (http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2006-07/who-killed-electric-car), and as you'll see, we followed it from the very start, when it was just a concept. Check out the gallery (http://popsci.com/node/47315) for a full look at a century of electric cars in the pages of Popular Science.

The future is in our hands: solar energy

August 29, 2010
by Raul Colon (http://www.prdailysun.com/index.php?page=news.journalist&id=1257822733)
The days when all homes in Puerto Rico are powered by solar energy are still a decade or more away. That’s seems to be the consensus of many energy, political and environmental leaders.
Years of promising advances in solar energy storage and distribution has promoted the idea that an independent, solar-powered society is more than a possibility now.
Unfortunately, reality and a stagnant economic climate has caught up with the dream and all but squashed it, at least for the immediate future.
“I’m a realistic. I know that the technology hasn’t caught up with the current economic environment, but we need to start working on photovoltaic (pv) cells in order to have in the next ten years most of our homes using solar energy as their main source,” New Progressive Party Rep. José "Pichy" Torres said.
Currently, the Puerto Rico Energy Power Authority (PREPA) is capable of producing 5,000 megawatts (mw) of energy, mostly out petroleum burning. Of that total, the island consumes approximately 3,600mw annually. The rest are use, by local law, as a strategic reserve.
A study produced in 2008 by the Union of Concerned Scientist a think-tank base in Washington DC, reveals that Puerto Rico has the capability of generating just one percent of all of its domestic energy consumption from solar power, and that is achievable only with huge investments in infrastructure and distribution.
In Germany, one and a half percent of all its energy production comes from pv cells. That’s 8,800mw, more than double of the island’s current consumption level.
But in order to generate that world-leading total, the Germans had to set up huge pv farms all across the southern part of the country. In Dresden for example, there are three farms, covering almost 2,000 acres, filled with solar panels. The total output from the three barely reaches eight megawatts.
Without much available land and with a solar index fluctuation (that’s the radiation emitting from the sun at each point) gap between the northern and southern regions of the island in the mid .20, there’s little worry about massive pv farms springing up all over Puerto Rico any time soon.
“Puerto Rico, due to its urban development structure and the land allocation during the past 30 years, prohibits the development of large-scale solar PV farms,” Miguel Solis, an electric engineer consultant for the UCS said.
Without the use of farms, localized PV installations is the most promising option left. And it is one that had been employed, with a reasonable measure of success, for the last three years.
Since 2004 almost 300 houses and several business centers had installed PV cells and are able to generate part of the power they consume through solar power.
There are two established methods of developing electricity through solar power on an individual bases.
The first calls for the installation of PV cells that can produce enough energy to provide a typical, three bedrooms home with power for day operations. Then on the night, PREPA takes over as the home energy source.
Because of daily generating solar energy usually surpasses the amount consumed by the home, the electrical distribution system returns the unused watts to PREPA which then credited the owner when it is utilizing the corporation’s generating system during the night.
The other method relays on pv cells to recharge batteries in order to store solar energy during the day so it can be use at nighttime. This is the lesser use method because of the high cost involved in its configuration.
An average Puerto Rican home of three bedrooms and two bathrooms consumes 4,800 kilowatts hourly. That is roughly 80 percent of what an average synthetic pv cell configuration produced.
“There’s no question it is a very attractive way of generating power. It’s clean and relatively cheap. Unfortunately, the prices for installation of such system are too expensive for them to be viable,” Torres said.
PV cell installation for an average home (3 rooms) usually cost $15,000.00. With a battery design, the cost skyrocket it to almost $30,000.00.
Both prices are almost prohibited in the current economic environment.
In order to achieve the goal of providing each home with the option of solar energy power, the government needs to invest on the matter now, according to Rogelio Figueroa.
The well known environmentalist believes that with a little tinkering on current programs, most Puerto Ricans would invest in pv cells.
“I believed that there are two aspects that the government can do right away in order to spark the installation of pv cells on the island. The first is to go back to the 75 percent deduction. The second is to promote a faster track for approving green loans,” Figueroa said.
The Treasury Department has a tax exception of 50 percent to any person or entity which invests in clean energy. The exception was 75 percent during the first years of the Aníbal Acevedo Vilá administration, but it was gradually reduced until it reached 25 percent in 2008.
The Fortuño administration raised the number to 50 percent in 2009.
The availability of ‘green loans’ is another matter. Several banks and many cooperatives are granting those loans at a lower than usual interest rate. But the guidelines for approval are the same as with any other type of loan.
While Figueroa sees an individualistic approach to fomenting pv cells installation, Torres believes that is the government's task to enforce solar panels employment as way of generating electricity for low income homes.
“The government needs to take action here. In order to promote the use of Solar Cells Island wide, we might have to regulate that any new home build should had pv cells on it, especially the low income houses,” Torres said.
Although the two leaders disagree on the path towards independent generated home solar electricity, both share the same vision that by 2010, 25 percent of the island’s homes will be entirely powered by pv cells.
http://www.prdailysun.com/news/The-future-is-in-our-hands-solar-energy

Everyone should see Who Killed the Electric Car

Se acerca el fin del agua embotellada (http://www.miprv.com/se-acerca-el-fin-del-agua-embotellada/)

http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/agua-embotellada-e1283380609977.jpg
Según la Corporación de Mercadeo de Bebidas (http://www.beveragemarketing.com/?section=pressreleases) (BMC), las ventas del agua embotellada en Estados Unidos han disminuido constantemente desde el año 2008 hasta el presente, sin embargo cada vez es más el agua potable que se embotella para la venta.
La organización ‘Food and Water Watch (http://documents.foodandwaterwatch.org/MunicipalWater-IssueBrief.pdf)‘ hace unas semanas muestra que casi la mitad del agua embotellada en el plástico tipo PET (Tereftalato de polietileno) realmente proviene de plantas de agua potable tratada.
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/ventas-de-agua-embotellada-EEUU.jpg
El por ciento del agua embotellada con agua del sistema de distribución de agua tratada está en un 47.8. El agua potable embotellada no sólo contiene el mismo preciado líquido que se obtiene en cualquier casa, sino que está siendo subsidiada por los contribuyentes y embotellada en contenedores plásticos (PET), de un sólo uso, que son dañinos al medioambiente.
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/botellas-pl%C3%A1sticas-de-agua.jpg
Lo más ridículo de todo este esquema es que se vende por 1,000 veces su precio real, y a fin de cuentas todos pagamos el daño ambiental.
http://www.miprv.com/se-acerca-el-fin-del-agua-embotellada/

Energía Solar - Aguadilla

http://a.imageshack.us/img337/9740/gedc1091.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/i/gedc1091.jpg/)


Energía Eólica - Cataño

http://a.imageshack.us/img691/3456/gedc1303.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/gedc1303.jpg/)

Compactadores de basura solar....en Moca, Puerto Rico.

http://a.imageshack.us/img838/4086/cimg3542u.jpg (http://img838.imageshack.us/i/cimg3542u.jpg/)

http://a.imageshack.us/img828/6606/cimg3543r.jpg (http://img828.imageshack.us/i/cimg3543r.jpg/)

^^ Oh my GOD! ¡Esta brutal!

En Moca??? What??? Yo no lo habia visto!

Jajaja, si. Hay varios por todo el pueblo.

Asignación millonaria para programa energético (http://www.vocero.com/noticias/locales/12722-incluyen-a-puerto-rico-en-asignacion-millonaria-para-programa-energetico.html)


Por Inter News Service Jueves 09 de Septiembre de 2010 03:33
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http://www.vocero.com/images/stories/aee-aaa/l_aee.jpgEl País fue incluido en una millonaria asignación de fondos para lograr mayor eficiencia energética. EL VOCERO / Archivo

San Juan - Puerto Rico fue incluido por el Gobierno estadounidense en una millonaria asignación de fondos para lograr mayor eficiencia energética, anunció hoy el secretario del Departamento de Energía de los Estados Unidos, Steven Chu.

Chu informó de una asignación de 28.5 millones para 12 estados y territorios estadounidenses, en el que se incluye a Puerto Rico, para apoyar proyectos de eficiencia energética.

Con esa suma se reducirán las facturas de energía para las familias y las empresas norteamericanas, impulsarán un alza en el empleo y aumentará la inversión en compañías que ofrecen tecnologías de ahorro energético, dijo el funcionario en un comunicado de prensa.

Chu indicó que los estados competitivos seleccionados recibirán premios a través del Programa Energía de Estados Unidos para ayudar a crear una transformación duradera en el mercado para el ahorro energético, entre otros.

También ayudarán a generar las políticas y programas para apoyar la inversión del sector privado en la eficiencia energética a largo plazo.

Analizan algas para producir electricidad (http://www.primerahora.com/analizanalgasparaproducirelectricidad-418343.html)
miércoles, 8 de septiembre de 2010
06:12 p.m.
Primera Hora

La Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE) le encargará a la empresa Bío-Lípidos Puerto Rico estudiar la viabilidad de producir aceite de algas para, de esta manera, insertarse en el uso de fuentes renovables.

El contrato establece que Bio-Lípidos hará varios estudios y rendirá los informes correspondientes a la AEE, que determinará si es posible desarrollar el proyecto a largo plazo, dijo a Primera Hora el portavoz de la corporación pública, Carlos Monroig. El acuerdo se firmará mañana, jueves.

Bio-Lípidos produce biocombustible mediante el uso de algas, así como mariscos orgánicos, según se desprende de su perfil profesional en LinkedIn.

Actualmente, la AEE propone la construcción de un gasoducto de Sur a Norte del país, justificado por lo que ha llamado un proceso de transición hacia fuentes de energía renovables.

Sin embargo, esta propuesta de la AEE ya generó oposición al uso de gas natural por considerarlo peligroso para la salud y el ambiente.

La producción energética a base de algas sería la opción a largo plazo, y la que defensores ambientales han solicitado con vehemencia en la última década.

“La meta es desarrollar las fuentes renovables y llegar a este biodiesel que sería natural, y poder producirlo en Puerto Rico”, señaló Monroig.

^^
Prefiero esto al gasoducto..... podríamos pasar un proyecto de ley para que las fabricas burbujeen todo el Co2 que produzcan (mediante la compra de carbono) y con este Co2 crear el biodissel de algas. aunque esto también produce Co2 es menor cantidad y como lo estamos usando para crear mas biodissel el impacto es mínimo, casi nulo

Como estamos sacando toneladas de Co2 del ambiente podriamos vender bonos de carbono. Con este recurso financiar proyectos de reciclaje de desperdicios solidos, transporte colectivo, agricultura, consumo y manejo de energia electrica y agua potable, desarrollo economico y saldo de deudas del estado.

Sugiero que todos los camiones de carga en vez de utilizar gasolina usen biodisel de algas ya que este es un 60% mas barato que la gasolina.
Logrando asi una mejora en la competividad del pais mediante una reduccion del costo de acarreo de mercancías.

solo apoyaria el uso de gas natural o petroleo para exportacion de energia hacia RD bajo el programa de PREPA.NET

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Plumen 001 by Hulger (http://www.dezeen.com/2010/09/09/plumen-001-by-hulger/)


September 9th, 2010 http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-5.jpg
London design brand Hulger (http://www.hulger.com/) has launched Plumen (http://plumen.com/), a product it describes as “the world’s first designer low-energy light bulb”.
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-4.jpg
The sculptural light bulbs use 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and last eight times longer.
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-3.jpg
The Plumen 001 was designed in collaboration with Sam Wilkinson (http://www.samuelwilkinson.com/).
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-6.jpg
See our story about the Plumen prototypes (http://www.dezeen.com/2007/11/21/plumen-low-energy-bulbs-by-hulger/) from November 2007.
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-7.jpg
Here’s some information from Hulger:
THE WORLD’S FIRST DESIGNER LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULB Plumen is the antithesis of low energy light bulbs as we know them. Rather than hide the unappealing traditional compact fluorescent light behind boring utility, Plumen 001 is a bulb you’ll want on show.
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-1.jpg
The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to purchase an ecological product with style. It works just like any low energy bulb but it has a lot more presence.
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Plumen-001-by-Hulger-2.jpg
“It’s strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination.”

Una “economía verde” es posible en la Isla


Por Carlos Antonio Otero EL VOCERO Sábado 11 de Septiembre de 2010 05:40
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Rodríguez Báez, sostuvo que una “economía verde” es posible en la Isla, la cual debe ser apoyada por los diferentes sectores económicos, que incluyen al gobierno, la empresa privada y la comunidad. Definió la economía verde como aquella que trabaja con el objetivo de que haya una protección ambiental en armonía con la producción de bienes.

Destacó que precisamente debido a la recesión y a los recortes de asignaciones gubernamentales, “el próximo paso tiene que ser buscar la sustentabilidad” de las diferentes entidades mediante gestiones creativas que generen ganancias. Según explicó, todavía muchas entidades dependen principalmente de los fondos públicos, y esto es necesario en lo que se completa la transición para la total sustentabilidad.
http://vocero.com/images/stories/verde.jpg
Sin embargo, y a pesar de que las asignaciones de dinero público han disminuido, Rodríguez Báez mencionó que muchas entidades pierden la posibilidad de acceder a miles de dólares en fondos por no conocer de las ayudas disponibles o por no cumplimentar adecuadamente las propuestas, que suelen ser bastante técnicas y específicas. “En Estados Unidos hay gran cantidad de fondos, pero no se llegan a aprovechar”, añadió.

En la producción de bienes es donde ve el gran potencial de crecimiento, como sería crear productos artesanales para la limpieza y diversos usos, “porque hay un mercado” y no siempre están los productos disponibles, señaló. “La rentabilidad va a depender de que haya una masa crítica –que apoye esas iniciativas de producción-”.

Al presente el sector verde constituye cerca del 15% del total de las entidades sin fines de lucro, que en general involucran a unas 230,000 personas, entre empleados y voluntarios.

En Puerto Rico, según la investigación de Estudios Técnicos, las entidades sin fines de lucro relacionadas al sector ambiental ofrecen principalmente servicios educativos, iniciativas de reciclaje y apoyo técnico en las áreas de protección y conservación. Mientras, la mayor parte de los fondos que les conceden, van dirigidos a investigación y educación.

Rodríguez Báez comentó que en general las entidades inician prácticas sustentables en sus operaciones, como el cambio de luminarias por las que son más eficientes y gastan menos energía, entre otras. Pero, “el 50% de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que no han implantado prácticas sustentables es por falta de fondos”.
http://vocero.com/negocio-noticias/32/12915.html

Bayamón en busca de su autonomía energética
El proyecto Zona Solar le produce ahorros al Municipio

Por Gerardo E. Alvarado León / galvarado@elnuevodia.com

Apenas tres meses demoró la construcción de Zona Solar, un novedoso proyecto con el que la administración municipal de Bayamón enfiló sus cañones hacia una meta: alcanzar la autonomía energética.

Desde el pasado 22 de junio, el sistema fotovoltaico compuesto por 2,253 placas solares suple el 30% de la electricidad que consume el Complejo Deportivo Onofre Carballeira, que incluye el coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, el estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, el gimnasio Miguel J. Frau y el estacionamiento multipisos.

Zona Solar ha generado unos 75,840 kilovatios-hora (kWh) desde que inició operaciones. Su capacidad de generación estimada por día es de 2,400 kWh.

Según el alcalde, Ramón Luis Rivera, hijo, el ahorro anual estimado para el Municipio es de $193,000. El gasto anual de electricidad en Bayamón es de $9 millones.

“Además de lograr economías, queremos enviar un mensaje de que existen energías alternas que mejoran la calidad de vida de todos. Son tecnologías que tienen que seguir mejorando, pero que desde ahora podemos empezar a ver su funcionalidad”, dijo el Alcalde.

Rivera explicó que el proyecto está conectado al sistema de la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE). La instalación de las placas se hizo utilizando la tecnología conocida como “Net Metering”, que alimenta la red de la AEE con la producción de energía solar. Como dicha producción no sobrepasa el 100% del consumo energético, el Municipio no recibe incentivos por parte de la AEE.

Zona Solar costó $4.5 millones: $2.8 millones provinieron del “American Recovery Act” (ARRA) y los $.17 millones restantes fueron fondos municipales.

El Alcalde destacó que la obra también ha ayudado a disminuir las emisiones de los gases de invernadero que producen el calentamiento global. Por ejemplo, mencionó que desde junio se han emitido 101,465 libras menos de dióxido de carbono (CO2), 144 libras menos de óxidos de nitrógeno (NOx) y 364 libras menos de dióxido de azufre (SO2), entre otros.

Estos datos, que cambian día a día, serán la espina dorsal de un centro educativo que se establecerá en las distintas instalaciones del Complejo Deportivo. A través de pantallas gigantes colocadas en puntos estratégicos, los visitantes conocerán más de Zona Solar, desde la producción energética hasta las emisiones atmosféricas.

La obra no tiene un sistema de resguardo o “battery backup”, pero se le puede instalar si fuera necesario. Los paneles aguantan vientos de 145 millas por hora (mph).

Rivera prevé la instalación de placas solares en los centros Head Start del Municipio, así como en el centro de reciclaje de material vegetativo, entre otros lugares.

Estaciones de carga

Por su parte, el ingeniero Ángel Zayas, diseñador de Zona Solar, indicó que este es el único proyecto público que cuenta con tres estaciones de carga para vehículos eléctricos y otros aparatos de la misma clase.

Son tres estaciones de 120 voltios, que funcionan bajo el principio de una bomba de gasolina. Zayas reconoció que hay pocos vehículos eléctricos aquí. Por eso, dijo, esta parte de la obra se concibió como una a largo plazo, que aumentará a la par que crece la demanda por esos automóviles.

En el Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP) no existen reportes de autos eléctricos en la Isla. Los que sí están registrados -hasta el 17 de agosto- son 680 híbridos, considerados vehículos de baja velocidad.

Según el DTOP, en el recinto de Mayagüez de la Universidad de Puerto Rico existe un modelo de auto que corre con energía solar. Bayamón cuenta con varios carritos de golf eléctricos y tiene un “finger” (minicargadora) que se carga en las estaciones de Zona Solar.

Josen Rossi, presidente de la Junta de Directores de Aireko Construction, empresa que erigió Zona Solar, puede decir que tiene el único carro eléctrico en la Isla, de los 2,000 que produjo la compañía Tesla Motors.

Se trata de un vehículo cuyo motor tiene 260 caballos de fuerza y que tiene una velocidad máxima de 125 mph. Su distintivo es que puede ir de 0 a 60 mph en tan sólo cuatro segundos. No emite ningún ruido. Cuando está totalmente cargado puede recorrer 200 millas. Su recarga en una estación de 120 voltios tarda de 24 a 30 horas, y seis horas en una de 240 voltios.

http://www.elnuevodia.com/bayamonenbuscadesuautonomiaenergetica-782325.html

Unen esfuerzos por la energía renovable


Por Ileanexis Vera Rosado EL VOCERO Sábado 18 de Septiembre de 2010 12:00
http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-es.gif (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=20)AddThis Social Bookmark Button


http://vocero.com/images/stories/negocios/energia_nf1_thumb.jpgLa Universidad del Turabo, el Recinto de Mayagüez del Sistema de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, la Universidad Politécnica, el Bioprocess Development & Training Complex y Merck, han unido esfuerzos para desarrollar el uso de fuentes sustentables de energía.

Como parte del Plan de Acción para el año comprendido entre octubre de 2010 a octubre de 2011, el grupo ha organizado el inicio de la implantación de fuentes alternas de energía en una industria –que aún no ha sido seleccionada– y sustituir en ella los combustibles fósiles en un 50%, en un término de tiempo de entre 3 a 5 años.

También contemplan establecer siete sesiones educativas durante el próximo año, con el fin de demostrar al público la rentabilidad del uso de energía sustentable. Aseguran que el sistema se paga asimismo y genera ingresos.

Igualmente estarán trabajando en otras obras. Una de las que mayor impacto tendrá es la selección de un hospital, un recinto universitario, una organización sin fines de lucro y una agencia gubernamental y convertirlas en un “Energy Treasure Homes”, lo que aseguran representa un ahorro energético de más de un 30%.

José Muratti, director de comunicaciones corporativas de Merck explicó, que en la planta de Merck en Las Piedras, se desarrolló esta estrategia, lo que ha repercutido en un ahorro energético de cerca de $1.5 millones.
Muratti sostuvo, que para orientar en estos temas han organizado un Simposio de Energía Sustentable, el cual se llevará a cabo en la Universidad del Turabo los días 23 y 24 de septiembre.

La agenda incluye 11 conferencias y 4 paneles con invitados internacionales y locales entre los que figuran: Miguel Cordero, Rogelio Figueroa y Juan Rosario de Misión Industrial. En el área internacional expondrán: Thomas Pagliuco de Merck, y Eduardo Aznar de CENER, entre otros.

La conferencia se transmitirá por webcast, de manera que todos los empleados de las organizaciones participantes podrán accederlo desde sus computadoras para ver las presentaciones que más le apetezcan y podrán enviar preguntas a los conferenciantes/panelistas vía e-mail.
http://vocero.com/negocio-noticias/32/13442.html

PR waste woes: Trash production high, recycling low and space is running out

Danica Coto/The Associated Press

Thousands of volunteers scooped up beer cans, plastic bags and other trash on Puerto Rico’s coastline Saturday in an event intended to both clean the beaches and call attention to what activists and government officials say is a growing garbage problem. The island is not meeting its own legally mandated recycling goals. Calls to ban plastic bags that choke waterways and tumble along roads have gone unheeded. And the landfills — often ill-managed and polluting — are near overflowing. With space on the island limited, environmentalists say, Puerto Rico is simply generating too much trash and running out of places to put it.
“Puerto Rico must, must take action,” said Pedro Nieves Miranda, director of the Environmental Quality Board. “The island is not growing.”
The problem begins with a consumer-driven population on an island that produces one of the highest amounts of trash per capita when compared with U.S. mainland states, according to the Sierra Club.
Authorities say there is little appetite for reducing waste among citizens and the government, so marketing campaigns promoting recycling have made little headway.
Such attitudes have also helped stall efforts to legislate the kind of plastic bag ban increasingly being implemented in a number of cities — including one that took effect recently in Mexico’s capital.
Meanwhile other kinds of plastic, along with bottles and cans and the like, are going largely unrecycled.
Of the 11,000 tons (10,000 metric tons) of garbage Puerto Rico generates per day, only 11 per cent is recycled — far short of the 35 per cent rate mandated by law — said Eli Diaz Atienza, executive director of the Solid Waste Management Authority. His agency blames poor recycling habits among islanders for failing to meet the target.
Waste that could otherwise be recycled and reused is helping drive the nation’s 29 landfills to the brink of capacity. It’s not clear exactly how full each landfill is, because operators are not required to keep tabs on how much or what kind of trash they receive. Yet according to the best estimates, space is running out.
“Right now, the landfills have between 20 to 25 years of life left,” Diaz said. “But the studies are old, and we need new numbers.”
Expanding or building new landfills is not an option because there is no room on the 3,500 square-mile island, and the government cannot afford to export its trash, Miranda said.
And the existing dumps, built in the early 1970s, are often mismanaged ecological nightmares that leak into the groundwater.
The Environmental Protection Agency ordered five of the island’s landfills to close for safety and health reasons nearly four years ago, but they remain open as operators dispute the findings.
“I would say it’s getting worse,” EPA regional administrator Judith Enck said of landfill management on the island. “Virtually all of them are violating environmental standards.”
Puerto Rico is looking into the possibility of constructing plants that would burn organic waste and convert it into energy, which officials say could cut back on garbage glut. Yet each one would cost up to $500 million — a steep price tag on an island entering its fourth year of recession — and the government has failed so far to find a company interested in building one, Diaz said.
Camilla Feibelman, the Sierra Club’s cobordinator in Puerto Rico, said what the island really needs to do is step up recycling and consider steep fines for those who violate litter laws.
“Public service announcements haven’t worked,” she said. “People have to feel there’s a risk to throwing trash out the window.”
Saturday’s beach cleanup, which marked International Coastal Cleanup Day, collected an estimated 130,000 pounds by the afternoon, and organizers expected the final total to be double that.
Volunteer Yarimar Coss, 30, said the refuse included things like sofas, car parts and even a sink.
“Clearly, one can see there is a big garbage problem,” said Coss, who blamed a lack of awareness among Puerto Ricans. “If you don’t see where the garbage falls, you forget about it.”
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=48732&ct_id=1






We need more recycling and more waist to energy plants.

PR waste woes: Trash production high, recycling low and space is running out






We need more recycling and more waist to energy plants.

ok...then what are we going to do with the left overs of the waste to energy plants...wich by the way are more contaminated that nuclear left overs and have to be buried in special landfills with specific characteristics

(no place in PR has any of those characteristics)

so were gonna have to export it...to where...what country would accept algo mas cancerígeno que radiacion nuclear

i rather recycle as much as posible and any organic material use it for composta and sell it

I see your point, but you can't recycle everything. I believe the Residues from Gas treatment can be resolved in time. http://www.mbt.landfill-site.com/EfW/image011.gif

This is a subject from the Caribbean Solar Alliance group I am following on Linkedin. It is bringing some interesting reactions and heated discussions from LinkedIn users from around the world.

Is Natural Gas really the answer for Puerto Ricos' energy issue?Should we rethink the value vs safety? (http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?trk=EML_anet_qa_ttle-cDhOon0JumNFomgJt7dBpSBA&gid=1994173&view=&srchtype=discussedNews&item=29513550&type=member)

I believe you need to sign up with Linkedin to have access to this group. Here is a taste:

Jean Arenas • Traditional renewables, (PV and Wind), at their current efficiency and price points, are in no position to displace Hydrocarbons in Power Generation given the needs of industry and households in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is an energy guzzler. To top it off, cloud cover in Puerto Rico and low speed/variable winds make for conditions that resemble an investment cesspool for the aforementioned technologies since business models will never see ROI during the usable lifetime of the deployments.
Hydrothermal is the only renewable source of power (via steam) deployable in an efficient manner in Puerto Rico, given the climatological considerations present and given the tried and true nature of this mature technology. Maybe out of ignorance or the presence of ulterior motives by those patronizing less adept power generation routes, Hydrothermal is not being considered seriously, for now...
Natural Gas is a good alternative to Bunker Oil #6 in terms of carbon credits and betterment in emissions. Also, it is a transitory investment, albeit not the way I would go.
If Puerto Rico were to exploit its Hydrothermal resources, We would reduce the cost per kWh from approximately 19-21 cents to a more economically friendly 7-8. Forget the PV-Wind bandwagon. Puerto Rico is not the place for them.

I knew it, this graph I posted back in August in this thread showed wind currents in Puerto Rico needed for wind turbines "marginal" at best. I am surprised on solar though. http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/images/windmaps/pr_vi_50m_800.jpg

Parte del problema de la basura es que hay demasiada gente puerca. Yo participé en la actividad de Limpieza Internacionad de Costas (la que se refiere el artículo) en un tramo de playa en Juana Díaz. Es el tercer año consecutivo que se lleva a cabo en esa misma área y es preciso ver que sitios de donde se removieron escombros y muebles abandonados en años anteriores de nuevo estaban igual. Esa área tiene varios negocios y hay un barrio al lado. El sitio donde se remueven estos materiales es un manglar y no hay forma que bajen en un río o que el mar los traiga. Tienen que ser los propios vecinos que no tienen consciencia sobre la protección del ambiente y literalmente ensucian su propio patio pues este manglar queda muy cerca de sus casas.

Parte del problema de la basura es que hay demasiada gente puerca. Yo participé en la actividad de Limpieza Internacionad de Costas (la que se refiere el artículo) en un tramo de playa en Juana Díaz. Es el tercer año consecutivo que se lleva a cabo en esa misma área y es preciso ver que sitios de donde se removieron escombros y muebles abandonados en años anteriores de nuevo estaban igual. Esa área tiene varios negocios y hay un barrio al lado. El sitio donde se remueven estos materiales es un manglar y no hay forma que bajen en un río o que el mar los traiga. Tienen que ser los propios vecinos que no tienen consciencia sobre la protección del ambiente y literalmente ensucian su propio patio pues este manglar queda muy cerca de sus casas.

Muy cierto, pero el gobierno (cualquier partido) deberia de poner mano dura en esto y multar a la gente que hace esto, y si es necesario poner camaras o cosas asi para ver quienes lo hacen, pues que inviertan en eso tambien, asi la gente puerca se les quita las ganas de volverlo hacer.

Te sorprenderia saber de las distancias que las lavadoras, estufas y muebles pueden cubrir, bajando por rios, y flotando hasta llegar a costas lejanas de la boca del tributario del que vienen.

Te sorprenderia saber de las distancias que las lavadoras, estufas y muebles pueden cubrir, bajando por rios, y flotando hasta llegar a costas lejanas de la boca del tributario del que vienen.

Yo he visto basura en los cayos frente a Tallaboa que te preguntas WTF!! Pero en el sitio al que me refiero es un manglar rodeado por casas y carreteras sin conexión directa al mar o algún río. Basura que llegó a ese sitio es basura depositada por puercos, no arrastrada por una corriente ni traida por el mar. Y aún si es arrastrada, fue depositada por algún puerco en otro lugar.

Beautiful Solar Balloon Collects Energy From High in the Sky

by Kristi Bernick (http://inhabitat.com/author/kristi-bernick/),
(http://inhabitat.com/energy/)http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/image11.jpg
r Power (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/)

Designer Seongyong Lee recently blew us away with her beautiful design for a Solar Balloon (http://www.rca.ac.uk/Default.aspx?ContentID=507380) that can collect energy straight from the sky. Based on the idea that the most efficient way to collect solar energy (http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/04/10/sunhope-solar-balloons/) is from high above the earth, the balloon features a new breed of colorful dye-sensitized solar cells and is easily able to clear blocking structures such as buildings or trees.

http://inhabitat.com/files/2010/03/image31-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/beautiful-solar-balloon-collects-energy-from-high-in-the-sky/image3-2/)
http://inhabitat.com/files/2010/03/image21-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/beautiful-solar-balloon-collects-energy-from-high-in-the-sky/image2-2/)
http://inhabitat.com/files/2010/03/image11-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/beautiful-solar-balloon-collects-energy-from-high-in-the-sky/image1-2/)

http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/image31.jpg
Seongyong Lee’s Solar Balloon is composed of a fluid interweaving of colorful dye solar cell panels combined with an unknown white material whose panels pivot downward. LED lights (http://goog_1268897858403/) are attached along the joints where the white and colored dye-solar cell panels come together, highlighting the twisting curves around the balloon’s form. To optimize the gathering of energy from the sun, the dye-solar panels direct upward while the white panels face back down to earth.
The collected energy is stored in a charger located in the base of the balloon. Energy collected in this model only lights the LEDs, however if it were produced to actual scale, the excess energy stored could provide enough power for many purposes including the operation of street lights (http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/2010/02/26/sustainable-city-street-lights-by-phillips/). One may easily confuse this floating Balloon with a UFO (http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/2009/06/24/foster-partners-space-port-america-blasts-off/), since it will be lighting the night sky with a unique and colorful pattern. Solar Balloon has a 7 meter diameter and is 10 meters in height. When grounded, the balloon’s base is 7 meters in height making the grounded height of the balloon a total of 17 meters tall.
The design is part of an international design workshop called Sunny Memories (http://www.rca.ac.uk/Default.aspx?ContentID=507374) that was hosted by London’s Royal Academy of Art (RCA) (http://www.rca.ac.uk/default.aspx) to showcase innovative designs that incorporate a new type of dye-solar cells (http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/2009/09/18/colored-solar-panels-dont-need-direct-sunlight/). Dye-sensitized solar cells (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dye_solar_cell) are a relatively new class of low-cost photovoltaic cells that are easily manufactured into flexible, durable sheets. Although Lee’s Solar Balloon is intended to fly high and away from danger, just in case there are unforeseen obstacles these solar cells are a great choice since they are designed to withstand (http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/2009/11/24/worlds-largest-earthquake-proof-building-completed-in-istanbul/) minor impacts such as tree strikes.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/26/beautiful-solar-balloon-collects-energy-from-high-in-the-sky/

Solar Power Is Cheaper Than Nuclear for the First Time

by Cameron Scott (http://inhabitat.com/author/cameron-scott/),
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/solar-trough.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/solar-trough/)
Here’s bright spot in the news of the day: energy from new solar installations (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/) has, for the first time, become cheaper (http://theenergycollective.com/oshadavidson/40559/study-solar-power-cheaper-nuclear) than energy from new nuclear plants, according to a new Duke University (http://www.duke.edu/) study. Thanks to cost-saving technologies and economies of scale, price can no longer be an excuse to invest in nuclear power (http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/24/vermont-yankee-nuclear-reactor-set-to-shut-down/) rather than solar.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/ikata-nuclear-plant-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/ikata-nuclear-plant/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/diablo-canyon-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/diablo-canyon/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/solar-reflectors-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/solar-reflectors/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/solar-trough-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/solar-trough/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/07/solar-reflectors.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/solar-reflectors/)
In North Carolina, nuclear energy costs 16 cents per kilowatt hour (the energy required to run 10 100-watt light bulbs for an hour), whereas solar is now going for 14 cents per kWh — a rate that continues to fall. In regions with more annual sunlight, the price gap is almost certainly even more pronounced. The data also analyzed only conventional photovoltaic power, not the concentrating technologies (http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/12/worlds-first-hybrid-coal-solar-power-plant-goes-online-in-colorado/) of troughs and reflectors, which also bring costs down.
The study was developed in response to aggressive lobbying by the nuclear industry, which has tried to position itself as the most affordable way to reduce carbon emissions. The study factors in governmental subsidies (http://inhabitat.com/2010/02/17/obama-announces-8-billion-in-loan-guarantees-for-nuclear-power/) for both power sources, but found that even if all subsidies were removed, solar power would still be cheaper within a decade
http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/29/solar-power-is-cheaper-than-nuclear-for-the-first-time/

Municipios del sur reciben millones para proyectos conservación energía (http://www.vocero.com/noticias/locales/14717.html)
Por CyberNews
Domingo 03 de Octubre de 2010 03:31


La inversión podría representar un ahorro anual de más de $180 mil dólares. Photos.com
PONCE– Nueve municipios del distrito senatorial de Ponce se beneficiarán de una inyección de fondos que sobrepasa $1.4 millones de dólares para proyectos de eficiencia y conservación energética.

La asignación proviene del programa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) creado bajo Ley federal de Recuperación y Reinversión (ARRA, en inglés) y que es dirigido en Puerto Rico por la Administración de Asuntos Energéticos.

Los fondos serán distribuidos en los municipios de Adjuntas ($147.5), Guánica ($160.0), Guayanilla ($160.0), Sabana Grande ($160.0), Lajas ($160.0), Jayuya ($147.5), Utuado ($160.0), Peñuelas ($160.0) y Maricao ($147.5) el cual se espera sea aprobado en los próximos días. Esta inversión podrá representar un ahorro anual de más de $180 mil dólares.

De acuerdo con el director ejecutivo de la Administración de Asuntos Energéticos (AAE), Luis Bernal, entre los proyectos que realizarán en estos municipios se encuentran la instalación de paneles fotovoltaicos o aerogeneradores, sensores de movimiento, trabajos de modernización energética ("retrofit") como cambios a luminarias y acondicionadores de aire más eficientes, entre otros.

Para el presidente de la Comisión de Urbanismo e Infraestructura, senador Larry Seilhamer, este tipo de proyecto es vital para el desarrollo de Puerto Rico ya que ayudará a bajar los costos energéticos, a crear más empleos a la vez que protege el ambiente y mejora la calidad de vida.

"Puerto Rico enfrenta grandes retos en los sectores de energía y ambiente, desarrollar esfuerzos concretos de conservación y mayor eficiencia energética que permitan reducir el consumo de energía atiende la preocupación de tener un modelo de generación eléctrica basado solamente en el petróleo que drena nuestra economía e impide su crecimiento. Por esto hemos estado en comunicación constante con la AAE para asegurar que estos proyectos municipales se concreten para el beneficio de nuestra ciudadanía", manifestó Seilhamer.

Al Gore afirma que Puerto Rico tiene el potencial para ser líder en energía solar (http://www.elnuevodia.com/puertoricotienequeserliderenenergiasolar-812714.html)
Enumera por qué, mientras el Gobierno apunta al gas natural
V(END/Angel M. Rivera)
Por Andrea Martínez/amartinez@elnuevodia.com

El ex vicepresidente de Estados Unidos, Al Gore, criticó severamente las prácticas capitalistas no sustentables que propiciaron la crisis bancaria durante su alocución hoy ante los industriales de Puerto Rico en el Hotel Caribe Hilton.

"Los bancos de momento estaban dando millones de préstamos sin tan siquiera requerir prontos. Eso fue precisamente lo que instigó la crisis que nos llevó a la recesión que todavía está afectando a Puerto Rico en gran medida".

Sobre el vínculo entre hacer buen negocio y respetar el ambiente, el ex vicepresidente afirmó que Puerto Rico tiene la capacidad de convertirse en un líder en la región en la generación de energía solar.

"La energía solar será la principal fuente de energía para el siglo XXI. Ustedes (Puerto Rico) tienen todos los elementos para liderar en esto. Tienen el sol, la capacidad intelectual, los ingenieros y las universidades", enumeró Gore sobre esta creciente industria en la energía renovable, cuyo líder, irónicamente, es un país con menos luz solar: Alemania.

En el planeta, las instalaciones de sistemas solares se espera que lleguen a los 14 gigawatts este año, según datos publicados en la prensa. La mitad de esta capacidad energética provendrá de equipos en Alemania.

Sin embargo, los planes a futuro intermedio del Gobierno de Puerto Rico están actualmente centrados en el gas natural, un combustible fósil que no forma parte de las alternativas de energía renovable.

Gore está invitado por la Asociación de Industriales como orador invidado dentro de su programa de Oradores de Calibre Mundial, para elaborar sobre la conciencia ecológica como estrategia económica para el siglo 21.

Hablando ante un nutrido grupo de industriales, figuras públicas y empresarios, reunidos en el salón San Jerónimo, del Hotel Caribe Hilton, el premio Nobel de la Paz de 2007, ofreció un discurso sobre cambio climático.

Comenzó diciendo "Gracias" en español a los aplausos recibidos, y recordando que ha visitado Puerto Rico en varias ocasiones, y entre las primeras, mencionó que estuvo aquí cuando era reportero y tenía unos 20 años, a principios de la década de los 1970.

"Con permiso", dijo Gore, de nuevo en español, para mencionar que en el salón se encontraban miembros del proyecto climático que auspicia, y los que que estarían disponibles para ofrecer una charla con vistas fijas tanto en español como en inglés según sea requerido.

También aprovechó para felicitar a los peloteros puertorriqueños Javier López, Andrés Torres, y Jonathan Sánchez, que colaboraron en la obtención de la victoria de los Gigantes de San Francisco, en la Serie Mundial de Beisbol, por lo cual "me siento muy alegre".

Además comentó que no le complació el resultado de las "pequeñas elecciones" en Estados Unidos, sin embargo, sostuvo que "al menos se mantuvo el Senado".

AAE anuncia primeras casas climatizadas en comunidad de Salinas (http://www.primerahora.com/aaeanunciaprimerascasasclimatizadasencomunidaddesalinas-442939.html)
martes, 9 de noviembre de 2010
02:37 p.m.
Inter News Service

El director ejecutivo de la Administración de Asuntos Energéticos (AAE), Luis Bernal, anunció hoy la climatización de la primera vivienda en la comunidad salinense de Aguirre.

El anuncio, que hizo en compañía del alcalde Carlos Rodríguez Mateo, se realizó luego de que personal de la AAE, junto a empleados del municipio, visitaron residencias en proceso de ser climatizadas e informaran a la ciudadanía sobre las oportunidades para solicitar los beneficios energéticos.

El Programa de Climatización (WAP) forma parte de la asignación federal para proyectos de conservación energética provenientes del Paquete de Estímulo Económico Federal (ARRA, en inglés).

Según Bernal, esta iniciativa inyecta a la isla más de 60 millones de dólares con los cuales cerca de nueve mil viviendas de familias puertorriqueñas se verán beneficiadas de mejoras de eficiencia que les permitirán reducir su consumo energético.

“La comunidad de Aguirre se distingue por ser el primer 'company town' de la Iila y hoy hacemos historia al posicionar a Salinas hacia un futuro de crecimiento que se origina precisamente en esta centenaria comunidad”, afirmó Rodríguez Mateo.

Agregó que “con esta iniciativa buscamos la eficiencia energética, reducir costos de electricidad mientras contribuimos a la calidad de nuestro ambiente que es una de nuestras prioridades. Ya cerca de 50 familias están en proceso de ver sus hogares transformados a través de este programa”.

Me gusta mucho esta noticia, y siempre pensaba el porque las casas en PR no son climatizadas.

Alguien sabe en que cuenta, esta climatizacion de casas en particular?

You can't get more green than this:

Gold Nanoparticles Could Transform Trees Into Street Lights

by Timon Singh (http://inhabitat.com/author/timon/), 11/10/10 filed under: Botanical (http://inhabitat.com/botanical/), Green Lighting (http://inhabitat.com/lighting-2/), Urban design (http://inhabitat.com/urban-design/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/11/tree-paul-dex.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/tree-paul-dex/)
Street lights (http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/26/sustainable-city-street-lights-by-phillips/) are an important part of our urban infrastructure — they light our way home and make the roads safe at night. But what if we could create natural street lights that don’t need electricity to power them? A group of scientists in Taiwan recently discovered that placing gold nanoparticles within the leaves of trees, causes them to give off a luminous reddish glow. The idea of using trees to replace street lights is an ingenious one – not only would it save on electricity costs and cut CO2 emissions, but it could also greatly reduce light pollution in major cities.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/11/tree-paul-dex-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/tree-paul-dex/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/11/mrhayata-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/mrhayata/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/11/Luis-Argerich-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/luis-argerich/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/11/GlowingTrees-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/glowingtrees/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/11/mrhayata.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/mrhayata/)Photo © mrhayata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrhayata/2161304337/)
The discovery came about accidentally after the scientists were looking for a way to create high-efficiency lighting similar to LED technology (http://inhabitat.com/2010/05/12/gorgeous-led-flowers-bloom-at-night/), but without using toxic chemicals such as phosphor powder. Speaking about the development, Professor Shih-Hui Chang said, “Light emitting diode (LED) has replaced traditional light source in many display panels and street lights on the road. A lot of light emitting diode, especially white light emitting diode, uses phosphor powder to stimulate light of different wavelengths. However, phosphor powder is highly toxic and its price is expensive. As a result, Dr. Yen-Hsun Wu had the idea to discover a method that is less toxic to replace phosphor powder. This is a major motivation for him to engage in the research at the first place.”
By implanting the gold nanoparticles into the leaves of the Bacopa caroliniana plants (http://www.aqua-fish.net/show.php?h=bacopacaroliniana), the scientists were able to induce the chlorophyll in the leaves to produce a red emission. Under a high wavelength of ultraviolet light, the gold nanoparticles were able to produce a blue-violet fluorescence to trigger a red emission in the surrounding chlorophyll.






Read more: Gold Nanoparticles Could Transform Trees Into Street Lights | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/#ixzz15wgZmHB3)

http://inhabitat.com/2010/11/10/gold-nanoparticles-could-transform-trees-into-street-lights/

damn...that would be awesome

AFA to acquire Sustainable Agro Biotech of PR

By CB Online Staff
cbnews@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

Alternative Fuels Americas, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: NSIH) announced Monday it is acquiring Sustainable Agro Biotech, LLC, a Puerto Rico based company active in the research and development of algae for biofuels. Sustainable Agro Biotech, LLC has been developing proprietary technologies to recycle carbon dioxide emission into microalgae varieties with robust growth and oil production capabilities and to achieve commercially feasible harvesting of microalgal products. The company operates facilities in Gainesville, Fla. and a 10-acre facility in Puerto Rico in partnership with the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez.
Florida-based Alternative Fuels Americas (AFA) will work with the Sustainable Agro Biotech team to further its research and develop a viable algae-to-biofuels capacity.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“This announcement, following last week’s news that we have concluded agreements providing AFA with large tracts of land, demonstrates our commitment to the fulfillment of our business plan. We are extremely excited by this acquisition,” said AFA CEO Craig Frank. “We have had an interest in algae for quite some time and have been looking for a company that fit well with our comprehensive approach to biofuel. This acquisition opens up new opportunities for AFA, and broadens our operational possibilities, both in terms of geography and the types of feedstock we have at our disposal.”
“The opportunity this agreement provides to Sustainable Agro Biotech is meaningful in a number of ways,” said Arup Sen, president of Sustainable Agro Biotech. “AFA will lend us support, encouragement, vision, and the larger infrastructure under which we can explore various methods of growing algae and extracting oil from algae. We are excited by the possibilities the combination of our talents and resources will allow.”
Alternative Fuels Americas is a “seed to pump” company developing above ground oil fields through the planting of high yield crops. The company expects to engage in all phases of the biodiesel process — planting, growing, and harvesting Jatropha, crushing and refining Jatropha seeds into biodiesel, and selling the biodiesel or green fuel oil into the local markets.
Founded in 2007 in Puerto Rico, Sustainable AgroBiotech develops proprietary technologies related to collection and use of unique microalgae varieties, recycling of carbon dioxide emission into microalgae biomass as a source of fuel oil and environmentally safe, commercially feasible methods to harvest microalgal products.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=51193&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Fortuño touts ‘Puerto Rico Verde’ program

By : JOHN MARINO
marino@caribbeanbusinesspr.com
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/milhaus.jpg
Gov. Luis Fortuño touted his administration’s environmental record during a speech Friday at an activity celebrating the 40th anniversary of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The governor highlighted his administration’s energy reform legislation, the promotion of waste-to-energy (WTE) projects, recycling efforts, and the $450 million Vía Verde natural gas pipeline project, which will allow for the conversion of several power plants to natural gas from oil.
“We have implemented a number of initiatives that are contained in our vision called ‘Puerto Rico Verde,’ which uses our energy and environmental policy as a platform to foment sustainable economic development,” the governor said.
As part of the energy reform, the Energy Diversification and Sustainable Renewable Energy Law sets mandatory benchmarks obligating the government to reduce conventional energy production and increase renewable energy. Under the renewable energy standards proposed by the law, Puerto Rico will have to produce 12 percent of its power through renewable sources by 2015, 15 percent by 2020 and 20 percent by 2035. The island currently derives less than 1 percent of its power through renewable resources.
To incentivize the development of large-scale renewable energy projects, the law also creates renewable energy certificates (RECs), which will be granted to projects for each megawatt hour of renewable energy they produce. Each certificate will have a real monetary value and producers can trade them both locally and in the United States market that is developing around such green credits. The credits would provide an essential stream of revenue once the plant is operational but, more importantly, the initial government commitment, together with a Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority power-purchase agreement, allow developers to secure project financing.
RECs are expected to take on increasing importance and grow in value as the federal government looks to regulate greenhouse gases. They could help companies offset power produced either on the island or elsewhere through carbon sources. Or local firms could trade the certificates to other companies needing to reduce their carbon-footprint.
The REC trading market is expected to become more developed as evolving federal carbon standards are enacted into law or new regulations are drafted.
Also, the government could use the RECs it buys from project developers to substantially lower the cost of its initial investment. It is expected to be able to resell the RECs to companies needing to offset their carbon production on the island or elsewhere, and could use the proceeds to refund the incentive program. Another possibility would be for the government to use the RECs to show compliance with future federal energy requirements.
The legislation also creates the Renewable Energy Commission to oversee compliance with the law’s objectives regarding economic development, environmental protection and public health.
The Puerto Rico Green Energy Law provides incentives for businesses and residents to invest in renewable energy equipment, offering reimbursements of up to 60 percent for homes and small businesses, and up to 50 percent for larger businesses, on the purchase of renewable energy equipment.
The legislation also creates the Green Energy Fund, which will be used to finance both initiatives. The fund will begin next year with a $20 million assignment but will increase annually until reaching $40 million in five years for a total of $290 million, the governor said.
The Vía Verde pipeline, which will bring natural gas from Peñuelas to Arecibo and San Juan, will save $1 billion in annual energy costs and cut pollution by 64 percent by enabling four plants to convert to natural gas from oil.
“Natural gas is a safe, effective, cost-efficient alternative that brings Puerto Rico a greater diversification in energy sources and will allow for a more active participation in renewable sources,” Fortuño said.
The administration also aims to triple the amount of materials recycled on the island through an expanded “single-stream curbside recycling system,” which has been proven the most effective in increasing recycling rates in many U.S. jurisdictions.
The administration is improving its $7 million Economic Assistance Program (PAE by its Spanish acronym), which will make it easier for municipalities to acquire recycling equipment.
The governor also discussed the benefits of increased WTE technology as both a waste management and energy solution. A proposed $500 million plant by Energy Answers in Arecibo just won Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approval for its environmental impact statement.
“I favor the WTE program because it offers several advantages. First, it saves valuable land, and it uses garbage in a much more useful and efficient manner, generating energy instead of burying it in the ground, which also helps lower our dependence on fossil fuels,” the governor said.
“This will also drive the economy because WTE projects require a significant capital investment and once operational a workforce of from 50 to 200 people, much more than what is needed to operate a landfill,” Fortuño said.
The governor said the implementation of WTE technology here will follow strict federal standards and will also be governed by stringent local standards regarding where plants are located and how they are operated.
“The WTE alternative will be a key part of a host of initiatives we are developing to address the solid waste problem at the same time we reduce our overdependence on oil,” Fortuño said. “It’s clear that if we continue doing things the same way we have done them we will never resolve our solid waste problem. We need to be creative and innovative.”
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=51680&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Primer pavimento fotovoltaico en el mercado (http://www.miprv.com/primer-pavimento-fotovoltaico-en-el-mercado/)Foto via www.onyxsolar.com

La empresa Butech se ha asociado a la empresa Onyx Solar, ambas españolas, para lanzar al mercado una línea de losas (baldosas) fotovoltaicas, hechas de cerámica y vidrio.
Mejor aún, el proceso utilizado para producir las piezas solares utiliza menos CO2 y requiere menos energía que la que conllevaría producir un pavimento tradicional.
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pavimento-fotovoltaico-1-500x375.jpgFoto via www.onyxsolar.com

Las compañías esperan lanzar el producto antes de que finalice el año, y será el primer sistema para pavimentos de este tipo disponible en el mercado.
Aunque el pavimento no es recomendado para el tráfico vehicular, está diseñado para resistir tráfico peatonal y mobiliario.
Las compañías Butech (http://www.butech.es/) y Onyx Solar (http://www.onyxsolar.com/es/index.html) ya han colaborado en una cubierta para fachadas ventiladas fotovoltaicas (‘PV ventilated photovoltaic curtain wall’) que ha sido instalada en varios edificios alrededor del mundo.
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/La-casa-solar-de-la-Universidad-Cardenal-Herrera-500x331.jpgLa casa solar de la Universidad Cardenal Herrera para el Euro Solar Dechathlon / Foto via www.onyxsolar.com
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pavimento-fotovoltaico-2-500x279.jpgFoto via www.onyxsolar.com
El vidrio utiliza un laminado de seguridad, aislante térmico y acústico.
Las compañías no han revelado todavía los detalles y especificaciones del producto. Se desconoce cuanta energía es capaz de generar el suelo cerámico fotovoltaico, como están fabricadas y cual será su precio en el mercado.[IMG]http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pavimento-fotovoltaico-
La empresa Butech se ha asociado a la empresa Onyx Solar, ambas españolas, para lanzar al mercado una línea de losas (baldosas) fotovoltaicas, hechas de cerámica y vidrio.
Mejor aún, el proceso utilizado para producir las piezas solares utiliza menos CO2 y requiere menos energía que la que conllevaría producir un pavimento tradicional.
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pavimento-fotovoltaico-1-500x375.jpgFoto via www.onyxsolar.com

Las compañías esperan lanzar el producto antes de que finalice el año, y será el primer sistema para pavimentos de este tipo disponible en el mercado.
Aunque el pavimento no es recomendado para el tráfico vehicular, está diseñado para resistir tráfico peatonal y mobiliario.
Las compañías Butech (http://www.butech.es/) y Onyx Solar (http://www.onyxsolar.com/es/index.html) ya han colaborado en una cubierta para fachadas ventiladas fotovoltaicas (‘PV ventilated photovoltaic curtain wall’) que ha sido instalada en varios edificios alrededor del mundo.
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/La-casa-solar-de-la-Universidad-Cardenal-Herrera-500x331.jpgLa casa solar de la Universidad Cardenal Herrera para el Euro Solar Dechathlon / Foto via www.onyxsolar.com

El vidrio utiliza un laminado de seguridad, aislante térmico y acústico.
Las compañías no han revelado todavía los detalles y especificaciones del producto. Se desconoce cuanta energía es capaz de generar el suelo cerámico fotovoltaico, como están fabricadas y cual será su precio en el mercado.

Tremendo invento ese de las losas fotovoltaicas wow!!! Imaginence ponerlas en las aceras, y en paredes de edificios hum! esto podria ayudar muchisimo a ahorrar energia...

Me parece k eso son locetas... tremenda idea :D pero caminar descarso en ellas seria tremenda mierd... creo llo jajaja :lol:
http://www.miprv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pavimento-fotovoltaico-1-500x375.jpg

07 Febrero 2011

Puerto Rico como modelo desarrollo de energía limpia (http://www.elnuevodia.com/laislacomomodelodedesarrollodeenergialimpia-883602.html)

‘Task force’ de la Casa Blanca dice sería la base para el desarrollo económico del país

http://recend.apextech.netdna-cdn.com/images/2011/02/06/20110114_notprh_2798018.jpg

Por José A. Delgado / Jdelgado@elnuevodia.com

WASHINGTON – El grupo interagencial de la Casa Blanca sobre Puerto Rico recomendó que el Gobierno federal incentive que la Isla se convierta en un modelo para el desarrollo de una política económica que fomente la producción de energía renovable y limpia.

Puerto Rico, según el ‘task force, tiene una base sólida para impulsar el uso de “energía limpia, su rol como eje económico y turístico hacia el Caribe y Latinoamérica, y sus industrias centradas en la salud”, tres áreas que el ‘task force’ considera que una vez se construyan las bases para el crecimiento económico pueden ser cruciales en la creación de empleos durante las próximas décadas.

Como parte del primer informe del ‘task force’ de la Casa Blanca del presidente Barack Obama, que se debe divulgar en su totalidad este mismo mes, se le da un espaldarazo a la iniciativa para crear una red submarina que conecte inicialmente el sistema eléctrico de Puerto Rico con las Islas Vírgenes y San Cristóbal y Nevis.

“El Departamento de Energía de Estados Unidos, junto a agencias del Gobierno puertorriqueño, deben participar en un estudio de viabilidad que examine el potencial técnico y económico de hacer una interconexión eléctrica submarina entre Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes. Además, para avanzar las discusiones en la región caribeña sobre el potencial para una interconexión submarina eléctrica como parte de la Sociedad de Energía y Clima de las Américas, por medio de una subvención de la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA), debe financiarse un estudio de viabilidad para examinar la interconexión entre San Cristóbal y Nevis y Puerto Rico”, indica una sección del resumen ejecutivo del informe de la Casa Blanca que fuentes cercanas al proceso suministraron a El Nuevo Día.

El Gobierno de Puerto Rico ya había echado a andar la idea de vincularse a los esfuerzos regionales por interconectar los sistemas de energía eléctrica de la Cuenca del Caribe, con la intención de reducir el costo de almacenar reservas e intercambiar energía en momentos de emergencia.

Desde abril de 2010, el secretario de Estado, Kenneth McClintock, anunció que el Departamento de Energía federal está decidido a respaldar el proyecto que crearía un anillo energético que salga de la isla grande de Puerto Rico hacia Culebra, luego a San Thomas, Santa Cruz y Vieques, antes de regresar a la isla grande. Ahora, la idea cuenta con el endoso formal del grupo interagencial, integrado por representantes de 17 departamentos del Ejecutivo y la Casa Blanca.

Las recomendaciones persiguen “cambiar fundamentalmente” la forma en que Puerto Rico se enfrenta a los asuntos relacionados a energía y ambiente, según el informe. Y son las primeras que se conocen de un informe que debió haberse divulgado en octubre pasado y que se centra en temas como el status y el desarrollo económico.

Entre sus propuestas, el grupo interagencial sugiere que el Ejecutivo federal, incluyendo el Departamento de Energía, apoye los esfuerzos en Puerto Rico “para cambiar su estructura regulatoria energética” y recuerda que una de las tareas del Comité de Reorganización de la Rama Ejecutiva de Puerto Rico es crear una Comisión de Utilidades Públicas con garras para ejercer poderes de supervisión.

También sugiere que se examine la posibilidad de poner en marcha en la Isla el Modelo de Desarrollo Integral del Departamento de Energía federal, descrito como un plan para acelerar la adopción de iniciativas de energía renovable para el funcionamiento de hogares, empresas y automóviles.

En su reciente mensaje sobre la situación de Estados Unidos, el presidente Obama volvió a resaltar su intención de potenciar la energía limpia dentro de sus proyectos de desarrollo económico.

Los miembros del grupo interagencial indicaron que el Departamento de Comercio federal ya ayuda a desarrollar una alianza público-privada en Puerto Rico -el Proyecto de BioRefinería Integral- que persigue producir productos biológicos de alto valor, principalmente biocombustibles por medio de la biomasa disponible localmente, con el fin de reducir la dependencia del petróleo y sus derivados.

El informe del ‘task force’, a su vez, apoya la expansión de los créditos contributivos y de la asistencia federal que otorgó la ley de estímulo económico de 2009 (ARRA), para compensar propiedades de energía que se utilicen para crear o retener puestos de trabajo, así como para expandir el uso de energía limpia y renovable.

La recomendación del grupo interagencial es que entidades en Puerto Rico y subsidiarias estadounidenses (quizá en referencia a las Corporaciones de Control Foráneo) se beneficien de esos créditos y ayuda federal.



07 Febrero 2011
1:48 p.m.
Turbinas de viento en aguas boricuas (http://www.elnuevodia.com/turbinasdevientoenaguasboricuas-884277.html)

Realizarán estudio sobre viabilidad de un parque eólico marítimo

Por Inter News Service

Diversas agencias gubernamentales podrían realizar un estudio sobre la viabilidad de instalar un parque eólico marítimo para la generación de energía en Puerto Rico, si el Senado presenta una resolución a esos fines tras recomendarse la aprobación de un informe que establece los beneficios de un proyecto de este tipo.

La resolución 36, del senador Roberto Arango, permitió que se investigara si es posible la construcción e instalación de un grupo de aerogeneradores ubicados en plataformas marítimas a cierta distancia de la costa.

El Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) favoreció la realización de un estudio posterior que sea “estratégico ambiental del litoral costero donde se identifiquen y delimiten aquellas áreas que posean condiciones apropiadas para este tipo de instalación”.

La Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE) indicó en un memorial explicativo que “la cantidad de energía obtenida del viento se duplica cada tres años”.

Sin embargo, las instalaciones de parque eólicos marítimos es más costosa que los que se realizan en tierra, según la AEE.

La agencia informó que, según una investigación realizada, las únicas áreas en Puerto Rico en que se pudieran ubicar los molinos son el sur, sureste, este de la Isla y en el noroeste de Vieques.

La investigación que encomendaría el Senado estaría a cargo de la AEE, el DRNA, la Administración de Asuntos Energéticos y la Junta de Planificación.

nice....interesante la segunda noticia

Puerto Rico quedaria bien con muchas turbinas de viento. :D

--
El Centro Energético de Puerto Rico (PREC) se complace en invitarles a participar en la realización del taller titulado “Energía Eólica y Turbulencia”. Este evento es financiado por NSF y se realizará durante los días 24-25 de febrero del 2011 en el Anfiteatro Argentina Hills ubicado en las instalaciones de la Universidad del Turabo. La actividad contará con expertos en energía eólica y turbulencia de Estados Unidos, Europa, Canadá y Australia. Para más información visite el sitio web prec.ut.pr (http://prec.ut.pr)

--
The Puerto Rico Energy Center (PREC) is very glad to invite you to attend the realization of a NSF funded workshop titled “Wind energy & turbulence”. The event will take place during February 24-25, 2011 in the Amphitheater Argentina Hills located in the facilities of the Universidad del Turabo. Experts on wind energy and turbulence from the USA, Europe, Canada & Australia will be participating in this event. For more information, visit the website prec.ut.pr (http://prec.ut.pr)

Yo porlomenos a veces parezco español. :D
Christaguiar no se tu. :D
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AHHG! Acabo de ver un anuncio de vía verde! No c que tiene eso de verde! Se quema pero da un poco menos de emisiones de CO2

F6-_UTU_bJ0

PR esta rodeado de esas fumaredas

Truly the "holy grail" in renewable energy. ¿Porqué sera esta opcion no se esta explorando? Gracias por el video Draco.

Ya vi eso. Creo que fue aqui.. Ojala usaran eso enves de la ViaVerde (gaaaasooooduuuuctooo!). Si se usaran unos cuantos de esos vents Puerto Rico no necesitaria ninguna otra energia.

Muy interesante la energia hidrotermal...

Yep. :D. Valdria la pena comprarse una de esas plantas y conectar el cablesote a tu casa y como seria tanta enerjia la profucida iria negativamente en lo que mide la electricidad para cobrarte injustamente caroresultando en que le vendas energia a AEE y como seria mucba ganarias muchos chavos $$$ sin tener que pagar algo de aceite o algo costosoa la planta hidrotermica.

Torque vectoring gears for smaller, more efficient wind turbines

By Darren Quick (http://www.gizmag.com/author/darren-quick/)
10:16 February 24, 2011

http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/comments.png 7 Comments (http://www.gizmag.com/torque-vectoring-gears-for-smaller-more-efficient-wind-turbines/17970/#comments)

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/wind-turbine-rural.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/torque-vectoring-gears-for-smaller-more-efficient-wind-turbines/17970/picture//) Wind farm near Wadena, Indiana (Image: John Schanlaub (http://www.flickr.com/photos/schanlaub/3738240251/) via Flickr)


Torque vectoring is a relatively new technology that has been employed in automobile differentials (http://www.gizmag.com/go/7426/), most commonly all-wheel-drive vehicles, that allows the amount of power sent to each wheel to be varied. Scientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) have now adapted this technology to wind turbines, to eliminate the need for converting the alternating current produced by the turbines into direct current and back again before it is fed into the grid.
As the rotational speed of the wind turbine, and thus the generator that is connected to the rotor via a gearbox, changes depending on the force of the wind, the alternating current it produces must first be rectified so that it can be fed into the grid with the correct frequency – usually 50 or 60 hertz. To accomplish this, the alternating current from the wind turbine's generators is transformed into direct current using giant rectifiers before being transformed back into alternating current of the right frequency. This twofold conversion process results in a loss of close to five percent.
To attain the desired grid frequency of 50 hertz, a generator with the usual two poles pairs must operate at a synchronous speed of exactly 1500 revolutions per minute. The scientists at TUM developed an active torque-vectoring gear similar to a controlled differential in a motor vehicle, that could operate at this speed in spite of the variable input rotational speed of the rotor.
In the TUM system, as in conventional designs, planetary gears generate most of the transmission required, but these are supplemented by a torque-vectoring gear with a supplemental electric motor that can be used as both a drive and a generator. This motor allows the power from the rotor to be either boosted or diverted to ensure a constant rotational speed for the generator. The researchers say that an electric motor of about 80 kW is sufficient for a 1.5 MW wind turbine.
By doing away with the need for giant rectifiers, the TUM (http://www.tum.de/) system results in a lighter power train that doesn't require as large a wind turbine nacelle. Also, the researchers say that because a robust, low maintenance synchronous generator can be used, there's no need for powered electronics for frequency adjustment, which results in a boost to the overall efficiency of the wind farm.
http://www.gizmag.com/torque-vectoring-gears-for-smaller-more-efficient-wind-turbines/17970/

HyperSolar concentrator could boost solar cell output by 400 percent

By Ben Coxworth (http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/)
14:24 February 17, 2011

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http://images.gizmag.com/hero/hypersolar.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/hypersolar-concentrators-could-boost-solar-panel-light-input/17914/picture/130496/) HyperSolar intends to produce a thin, flat, clear solar concentrator, that could boost the amount of sunlight reaching solar cells by up to 400 percent (Image: HyperSolar)
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/hypersolar-concentrators-could-boost-solar-panel-light-input/17914/picture/130496/) (2 images)

Solar cells are the most expensive part of a solar panel, so it would follow that if panels could produce the same amount of electricity with less cells, then their prices would come down. In order for panels to be able to do so using existing cell technology, however, they would need to get more light to the fewer cells that they still had. Mounting the panels on the end of vertical poles to get them closer to the sun is one possible approach, that might work in the town of Bedrock or on Gilligan’s Island. A better idea, though, is to apply a clear layer of solar concentrators to the surface of a panel – and that’s just what HyperSolar intends to do.
The California company claims that it has just completed the prototype design of “the world’s first thin and flat solar concentrator for direct placement on top of existing solar cells.” Each sheet will contain a matrix of optical concentrators that are capable of collecting sunlight from a variety of angles. Beneath those concentrators will be a “photonics network,” that will channel light from all the collection points on the top to concentrated output points on the bottom. This network will also able to separate the sunlight into different spectrum ranges, so that specific ranges can be sent to specific cells designed to absorb them.
The sheets will also incorporate a photonics thermal management system, that will keep unusable parts of the solar spectrum from reaching the cells. This should keep the cells from overheating, and becoming less efficient.
http://images.gizmag.com/inline/hypersolar-1.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/hypersolar-concentrators-could-boost-solar-panel-light-input/17914/picture/130497/)
While HyperSolar predicts that its product will be able to magnify the sun’s rays by 300 to 400 percent, not all cells will necessarily be able to handle that kind of intensity. For that reason, the solar concentrators will come in Low Magnification, High Magnification, and Mix-Mode Magnification models. At the 400 percent level, the company states that a concentrator-equipped panel could use 75 percent less cells than one without.
HyperSolar (http://www.hypersolar.com/index.php)’s next step will be to produce an actual physical prototype, and see if it works as envisioned. We’ll keep you posted ...
http://www.gizmag.com/hypersolar-concentrators-could-boost-solar-panel-light-input/17914/

Solar Thermal Waste Heat Engine works at low temperature, low pressure

By Paul Evans (http://www.gizmag.com/author/paul-evans/)
23:37 February 12, 2009

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http://images.gizmag.com/hero/10969_13020960259.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-waste-heat-engine/10969/picture/66847/) Cyclone Power Technologies - Waste Heat Engine
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-waste-heat-engine/10969/picture/66847/) (2 images)

February 13, 2009 Technology capable of generating electricity by extracting energy from heat that is otherwise just wasted is a fairly new branch of renewable technology. A typical co-generation plant uses waste heat from a gas or steam turbine for hot water or space heating. This Waste Heat Engine (http://www.cyclonepower.com/waste_heat_engine.html) (WHE) developed by Cyclone Power Technologies operates at temperatures as low as 225F (107 C). The engine can generate up to 10kw from heat sources such as industrial ovens or furnaces, concentrating solar thermal collectors, engine exhaust and biomass combustion.
The compact, lightweight 18 lb (8 kg) Waste Heat Engine is a six-cylinder radial steam engine capable of running on waste heat as low as 225 °F (107 °C) and pressure as low as 25 psi (172 kPa). The engine achieves maximum efficiencies at 600 °F (316 °C) and steam pressure of 200 psi (1.4 MPa), at which point one Waste Heat Engine can generate 16 hp (12 kW), 30 lb-ft (41 Nm) of torque, and a little over 10 kW of electrical output. The only drawback is the typically low 12% energy efficiency common with most reciprocating steam engines. On the plus side the piston-based steam engine operates at a maximum of 3000 rpm which means it is well suited to drive any standard generator.
Due to its patent-pending valve mechanism and radial spider bearings, which allow for efficient piston movement, the WHE will self-start immediately upon the introduction of steam to the cylinders. This makes the engine well suited for passive or secondary energy production like co-generation or small scale solar thermal applications.
Over the following months, the company's new WHE/Generation division will launch a consumer-oriented web site, and contract with manufacturers and installers to handle forecasted sales of these systems.
The first WHE system will be installed at Bent Glass Design in Hatboro, PA. This system will harness waste heat from the customer’s glass manufacturing furnaces, and is expected to produce enough electricity to light their 65,000 ft2 facility while providing a quick payback possibly within two or three years.
Paul Evans
http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-waste-heat-engine/10969/

ultamatic is the ultimate green guy... :lol:

Researchers use bacteria to produce potential gasoline replacement directly from cellulose

By Darren Quick (http://www.gizmag.com/author/darren-quick/)
00:23 March 10, 2011


http://images.gizmag.com/hero/cornfield.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/isobutanol-biofuel-cellulose-bacteria/18106/picture//) Researchers have succeeded in producing isobutanol directly from cellulosic plant matter such as corn stover (Image: mattdente via flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattdente/46944896/))


With the situation in Libya causing a spike in fuel prices worldwide there's some good biofuel (http://www.gizmag.com/tag/biofuel/)-related news out of the U.S. Department of Energy's BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) that could help to reduce many countries' dependence on oil imports. For the first time, BESC researchers have succeeded in producing isobutanol directly from cellulosic plant matter using bacteria. Being a higher grade of alcohol than ethanol, isobutanol holds particular promise as a gasoline replacement as it can be burned in regular car engines with a heat value similar to gasoline.
Due in large part to its natural defenses to being chemically dismantled, cellulosic biomass like corn stover and switchgrass, which is abundant and cheap, has been much more difficult to utilize than corn or sugar cane. This means that producing biofuel from such biomass involves several steps, which is more costly than a process that combines biomass utilization and the fermentation of sugars to biofuel into a single process.
Building on earlier work at UCLA in creating a synthetic pathway for isobutanol production (http://www.gizmag.com/bacteria-convert-co2-into-fuel/13601/), the BESC researchers managed to achieve such a single-step process by developing a strain of Clostridium cellulolyticum, a native cellulose-degrading microbe that could synthesize isobutanol directly from cellulose.
"In nature, no microorganisms have been identified that possess all of the characteristics necessary for the ideal consolidated bioprocessing strain, so we knew we had to genetically engineer a strain for this purpose," said Yongchao Li of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The research team chose Clostridium cellulolyticum, which was originally isolated from decayed grass, because it has been genetically engineered to improve ethanol production, which has led to additional more detailed research. While some Clostridium species produce butanol and others digest cellulose, none produce isobutanol, an isomer of butanol.
"Unlike ethanol, isobutanol can be blended at any ratio with gasoline and should eliminate the need for dedicated infrastructure in tanks or vehicles," said James Liao, chancellor's professor and vice chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science and leader of the research team. "Plus, it may be possible to use isobutanol directly in current engines without modification."
Earlier this week, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu visited the BESC (http://www.ornl.gov/%7E5os/bioEnergy/index.html) to congratulate the research team, saying, "Today's announcement is yet another sign of the rapid progress we are making in developing the next generation of biofuels that can help reduce our oil dependence. This is a perfect example of the promising opportunity we have to create a major new industry – one based on bio-material such as wheat and rice straw, corn stover, lumber wastes, and plants specifically developed for bio-fuel production that require far less fertilizer and other energy inputs."
http://www.gizmag.com/isobutanol-biofuel-cellulose-bacteria/18106/

Yaaaay! Ojala pronto hagan gasolina sin emisiones!

PepsiCo presenta botella elaborada al 100% con material vegetal
AP (http://www.vocero.com/author/ap/) (marzo 15, 2011)


PURCHASE, Nueva York, EE. UU.— PepsiCo Inc. presentó el martes una botella fabricada totalmente con materia prima vegetal, que según dice mejora la tecnología de su competidor Coca-Cola y reduce su consumo de hidrocarburos.





http://www.vocero.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/pepsi-inside.jpg (http://www.vocero.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/pepsi-inside.jpg)

La botella está hecha de césped, corteza de pino, mazorcas y otros materiales. Más adelante, Pepsi planea usar también cáscara de naranja, corteza de roble, restos de papas y otros residuos de su negocio de alimentos.

El nuevo envase luce, se siente y protege la bebida de su interior igual que sus botellas actuales, afirmó Rocco Papalia, vicepresidente ejecutivo de investigación de avanzada en PepsiCo. “Es indistinguible”.

Pepsico asegura que se trata de la primera botella en el mundo de un tipo de plástico llamado PET confeccionado totalmente con material vegetal. Coca-Cola produce actualmente una botella que usa un 30% de material vegetal y recientemente calculó que tardaría varios años antes de conseguir una botella 100% vegetal comercialmente viable.

“Lo hemos logrado”, afirmó Papalia.

El descubrimiento tiene el potencial para cambiar las normas de la industria para los envases de plástico. El plástico tradicional, llamado PET, se usa en botellas de bebidas, envases de alimentos, revestimientos y otros productos comunes.

El plástico es preferible debido a que es liviano y resistente a los golpes, su seguridad está bien estudiada y no afecta los sabores. No es biodegradable. Pero es totalmente reciclable.

El plástico PET tradicional se fabrica con combustibles fósiles, al igual que el petróleo, un recurso limitado cuyo precio aumenta. Al usar materiales vegetales, las compañías reducen el impacto ambiental. Pepsi dijo que el nuevo plástico costará aproximadamente lo mismo que el plástico tradicional.

PepsiCo proyecta probar el producto en el 2012 en unos pocos cientos de miles de botellas. Una vez que la compañía esté segura de poder producir exitosamente la botella a esa escala, empezará a usarla en todos sus productos.
http://www.vocero.com/negocios-es/pepsico-presenta-botella-elaborada-al-100-con-material-vegetal

Tremendo adelanto, una pena que no sea biodegradable, pero por lo menos es un cambio

Casa Blanca recomienda desarrollo de proyectos de energía renovable
Maricelis Rivera Santos, EL VOCERO (http://www.vocero.com/author/maricelis-rivera/) (marzo 16, 2011)


Puerto Rico debe desarrollar proyectos de energía renovable y vender electricidad a las Islas Vírgenes Norteamericanas y otras islas caribeñas como San Kitts y Nevis para poder mejorar su economía y crear empleos, según declaró el Grupo de Trabajo de la Casa Blanca.

La información se desprende de las recomendaciones sobre el desarrollo de industrias competitivas del informe que emitió el Grupo de Trabajo.

Menciona que la energía limpia es uno de los tres sectores de la industria donde ven oportunidades de crecimiento económico, junto al turismo y las empresas de salud.

“Puerto Rico está bien posicionado para convertirse en un modelo de la implantación de proyectos de energía verde, eficiente y sustentable… El Grupo de Trabajo va a recomendar que el Presidente y el Congreso trabajen de manera cercana y apoyen los esfuerzos de Puerto Rico para los cambios fundamentales de energía y ambiente”, indicó el Grupo en la primera recomendación del área económica.

Primero, plantean que el Departamento federal de Asuntos de Energía (DOE, por sus siglas en inglés) y las agencias gubernamentales de Puerto Rico e Islas Vírgenes deben participar en estudio el potencial técnico y económico para la interconexión eléctrica por vía marítima.
La interconexión eléctrica con San Kitts y Nevis debe darse bajo la Alianza de Energía y Clima de las Américas a través del Departamento de Estado y la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA).

La segunda sección es para que el Gobierno federal ayude a Puerto Rico a transformar la economía energética. En una primera fase, se debe cambiar la estructura de regulación de energía mediante la colaboración de las agencias, la Legislatura y el sector privado.

Aconsejaron reactivar un comité creado en el 2009 con el DOE, que puede incluir a las corporaciones públicas de infraestructura y a las de regulación de permisos, para que se encargue de crear nuevas agencias.

En la segunda fase de las recomendaciones, el Grupo de Trabajo propone que el DOE desarrolle un plan compresivo para crear una nueva economía energética mediante el llamado Modelo Integrado de Desarrollo, con la misión de construir sistemas de energía renovable para los hogares, negocios y los vehículos.

Igualmente, se recomiendan que la Agencia para el Desarrollo de Negocios de las Minorías (MBDA) ayude a Puerto Rico en un proyecto de una bio-refinería mediante alianzas público privadas que pueda producir biocombustibles con el proceso de biomasa.

Recomendaron además la extensión a Puerto Rico de créditos contributivos por energía renovable.

El informe no hace mención a la Orden Ejecutiva del gobernador Luis Fortuño sobre emergencia energética ni la nueva política pública de la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE) para moverse a la energía renovable utilizando como transición el gas natural en la mayoría de sus centrales termoeléctricas mediante Vía Verde, expresó Arturo Massol, de Casa Pueblo.
http://www.vocero.com/noticias-es/casa-blanca-recomienda-desarrollo-de-proyectos-de-energia-renovable

WUUUUUUUUUUUUUHUUUUU NO AL GASODUCTO EN OTRAS PALABRAS!!!!
Hydrotermic vents thing here we go!
Muchos molinoos :D
Panales solareees!!
LA cosa de los espejos y la cosa que ierve con esos espejos y el sool!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:banana:

WUUUUUUUUUUUUUHUUUUU NO AL GASODUCTO EN OTRAS PALABRAS!!!!
Hydrotermic vents thing here we go!
Muchos molinoos :D
Panales solareees!!
LA cosa de los espejos y la cosa que ierve con esos espejos y el sool!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:banana:

En ningun momento dice eso. No desinformes Numeratzi.

Si eso sujiere es que eso piensa pero no obliga. creo yo

USDA seeks applications for renewable energy

By : JOSÉ L. CARMONA
josec@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the federal agency is seeking applications to increase the production and the use of renewable energy sources. Funding is available from three USDA Rural Development renewable energy programs authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill).
“This funding will create green jobs and help America become more energy self-sufficient.” Vilsack said. “These investments will help spur new technologies that will enable us to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and build a strong renewable energy industry in rural America that will enable our nations to ‘out-innovate’ its competitors.”
José Otero García, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico, said the USDA is accepting applications for loan guarantees in the Bio-refinery Assistance Program, Re-powering Assistance Program, and the Bio-energy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
USDA’s Bio-refinery Assistance Program provides loan guarantees to develop and construct commercial-scale biorefineries or retrofit existing facilities using eligible technology for the development of advanced biofuels. Under the notice of funds availability (NOFA), USDA is making approximately $463 million in program level available for loan guarantees in fiscal 2011. For fiscal 2011, there is only one round of competition. Applications must be received by May 10, 2011.
The Re-powering Assistance Program is designed to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to process heat or power in the operation of eligible bio-refineries (those bio-refineries in existence on June 18, 2008 – the date the 2008 Farm Bill was enacted). Eligible project cost will be only project related construction cost for re-powering improvements associated with the equipment, installation, engineering, design, site plans, associated professional fees, permit and financing fees.
Under this notice, USDA is making available approximately $25 million to make payments to eligible bio-refineries. The deadline to apply for funding under this program is June 9, 2011.
The Bio-energy Program for Advanced Biofuels work to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels by providing payments to eligible advanced biofuels producers. USDA may fund up to $85 million under a notice of contract proposal (NOCP) for payments to eligible advanced biofuel producers in fiscal 2011. The deadline to apply is May 10, 2011.
To be eligible for payments, advanced biofuels must be produced from renewable biomass, excluding corn kernel starch, in a biofuel facility located in a state.
Advanced biofuels are derived from renewal biomass to include cellulose, sugar and starch, crop residue, vegetative waste material, animal waste, food and yard waste, vegetable oil, animal fat and biogas (including landfill gas and sewage treatment gas).
This program is an important part of achieving the Obama administration’s goal of out-building and out-innovating our global competitors by increasing biofuels production and use.
USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 offices at the national, state and local level. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of life in rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers, and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $146 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
Additional information on the Rural Development’s Programs can be obtained by calling Luis García at (787) 766-5095 ext. 239, or Miguel A. Ramírez at ext. 232.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=55279&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Si eso sujiere es que eso piensa pero no obliga. creo yo

Tampoco es insinuado. Simplemente dice que una alternativa para crear empleos en la isla es impulsando el sector de energia renovable dado a que somos una isla tropical (sol todo el año) y al ser una isla hay buen flujo de viento por todo el territorio, entre otros aspectos.

BTW hay muchos desarrollos energeticos en planificacion y/o construccion. Plantas solares e instalaciones eolicas estan siendo planificadas para Santa Isabel, Guayama, Arecibo, Naguabo, Culebra, Ponce y otros municipios mas.

Hawaii to roll-out large scale public electric vehicle charging infrastructure

By Gizmag Team (http://www.gizmag.com/author/gizmag-team/)
22:12 March 20, 2011

http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/comments.png 3 Comments (http://www.gizmag.com/aerovironment-better-place-ev-charging-hawaii/18176/#comments)

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/aerovironment-ev-charging-docks.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/aerovironment-better-place-ev-charging-hawaii/18176/picture/132119/) Up to 320 AeroVironment charging docks will be installed in Hawaii


AeroVironment (http://www.gizmag.com/tag/aerovironment/) and Better Place (http://www.gizmag.com/battery-switchable-electric-taxi/15470/) are among six organizations to receive a share of US$2.6 million in federal stimulus funding as part of Hawaii's push to boost electric vehicle (http://www.gizmag.com/tag/electric+vehicle/) infrastructure. AeroVironment's $820,000 contract will see up to 320 of its EV charging docks rolled-out on the islands while the $854,000 awarded to Better Place will support the introduction of EVs to a rental car fleet as well as installation of charging stations.
The contracts were announced by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT (http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/)) as part of the EV Ready Grant Program.
AeroVironment will install public and semi-private charging docks throughout Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai. Data collection and analysis of the effect of charging infrastructure on the power grid forms part of the contracts and the company will partner with The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), University of Hawaii at Manoa on this aspect of the project.
The remainder of the $2.6 million grants went to GreenCar Hawai'i ($200,000) , to introduce EVs to car-sharing services within the hospitality industry, Countyof Kauai, ($267,000), City & County of Honolulu ($400,000) for charging stations on Oahu, EVs and an online charger permitting system Plug In America ($50,000 for public education including an EV Ready Guidebook for Hawaii).
A rebate of up to $500 for installing charging docks is on offer from the State of Hawaii while EV purchasers are eligible for a rebate of up to $4,500. Hawaii has set a target of 70 percent clean energy by 2030. Currently around 268 of Hawaii's 900,000 + vehicles (http://www.staradvertiser.com/business/20110319__its_electric.html) are registered as EVs.
http://www.gizmag.com/aerovironment-better-place-ev-charging-hawaii/18176/

Scientists use bacteria to create fuel from sunlight and CO2

By Ben Coxworth (http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/)
17:50 March 24, 2011


http://images.gizmag.com/hero/bacteriafuel.png (http://www.gizmag.com/bacteria-sunlight-co2-renewable-petroleum/18223/picture/132287/)
Shewanella bacteria, which produces ketones that are processed into fuel
(Image from 'Cultivating Bacteria's Taste for Toxic Waste')


Researchers from the University of Minnesota have announced a breakthrough in the quest to create a viable fuel alternative using greenhouse gases (http://www.gizmag.com/bacteria-convert-co2-into-fuel/13601/). The process uses two types of bacteria to create hydrocarbons from sunlight and carbon dioxide. Those hydrocarbons can in turn be made into fuel, which the scientists are calling "renewable petroleum."
The process starts with Synechococcus, a photosynthetic bacterium that fixes carbon dioxide in sunlight, then converts that CO2 to sugars. Those sugars are then passed on to another bacterium, Shewanella, which consumes them and produces fatty acids. University of Minnesota (http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/index.php) biochemistry graduate student Janice Frias discovered how to use a protein to transform those acids into ketones, a type of organic compound. Her colleagues in the university's College of Science and Engineering have developed catalytic technology that allows them to convert those ketones into diesel fuel.
"CO2 is the major greenhouse gas mediating global climate change, so removing it from the atmosphere is good for the environment," said Frias' advisor, Prof. Larry Wackett. "It's also free. And we can use the same infrastructure to process and transport this new hydrocarbon fuel that we use for fossil fuels."
The university is in the process of filing patents on the process.
http://www.gizmag.com/bacteria-sunlight-co2-renewable-petroleum/18223/

Eso es buena idea. Se podra seguir usando cosas que produscan CO2 por que eso usara el C)2 despues para algo beneficioso.

Up in the Air: How Flying Turbines Will Change Wind Power

One of wind power's grand challenges is that the breeze doesn't blow all the time—especially close to ground level. But high in the atmosphere the wind blows strong and steady, and startup companies backed by big-bucks investors (Google included) are building flying wind turbines to target this untapped wind power gold mine. But can flying turbines truly become a major energy source?



By James Vlahos

Twenty-five-knot gusts sweep across the Pacific, scooping up kiteboarders and flinging them into the sky. Atop a seaside bluff, the wind races through the grass in long lines, the prairie version of ocean waves, and buffets a panel delivery truck parked at the end of a dirt road. The logo in peeling paint on the side reads TOM'S QUALITY SNACKS… FOR EVERY TASTE. But there are no chips or Choco Tacos inside. Instead, four young men sit elbow to elbow, staring at computer screens filled with code. They act like an FBI surveillance team awaiting the big sting, until one of them jumps out the back and grabs what looks like a large model airplane.

He walks downwind, carrying the plane. It's nearly as large as he is. A voice from snack-truck mission control crackles over his radio—"launch when ready"—and he heaves the plane into the sky. The propeller hums. A pilot standing nearby maneuvers the craft with a remote control, but it's obvious this is no hobby flight. Rather than cruising aimlessly, the plane carves identical circles. A tether connects it to the ground—and after a few minutes, the pilot puts his controller down and software takes over. The plane is flying itself.

Of all the things you might guess are taking place, testing a potent new *method for generating clean power would probably rank near the bottom of the list. But here on the coast, just north of Santa Cruz, Calif., that's exactly what is *happening. These engineers from Joby Energy are developing a technology known as airborne wind. Like traditional wind power, it employs spinning rotors to generate electricity. But the similarity ends there. Joby's engineers want to ditch the bulky support towers of wind farms. They want to teach windmills to fly.

The plane climbed, driven by its propeller, until its tether was taut. But now, the wind alone, racing over the wings, provides sufficient lift, freeing the propeller to function as the rotor of a wind generator. Joby is building models 10 times the size of this research prototype, some with up to 12 rotors. In a fully deployed system, the electricity generated would be routed down the tether and into the grid.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/xE/turbines_slideshow_495x170_033011.jpg (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/next-generation/5-wild-flying-turbines)

The airborne wind industry is a gnat next to B-52s like hydropower and coal. But the sector is booming, with Joby and its closest rival, Makani Power, leading a race among more than a dozen startups. The companies have poured an estimated $50 million into R&D, and they are backed by Silicon Valley venture capitalists in search of the next big thing, as well as by ARPA-E, the Department of Energy agency that funds cutting-edge research. The promise of airborne wind has even wowed Google co-founders *Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who plunked $20 million into Makani. Ken Caldeira, a senior climate scientist for the Carnegie Institution for Science at Stanford *University, studied airborne wind relative to other energy options and came away impressed. "Airborne wind is one of the few potential sources that can supply power on the scale that civilization needs," he says.

Airborne wind farms might have the same number of turbines, the same *distance apart, as today's terrestrial ones. But they would fly on tethers 1000 feet or higher in the sky. Because the wind is stronger and more consistent there, *power generation would no longer be limited to the world's gustiest places, making the technology widely deployable. "Think of an airborne turbine as just a turbine on a really tall tower—without needing to pay for the tower," says *JoeBen Bevirt, the founder of Joby Energy.

High-yield. Low-cost. Clean. It all sounds great, but for these promises to pan out, the turbines must ultimately be able to take off safely, fly for hours or days and land without a human pilot—critical capabilities that are unproven and years away from commercialization. "The people doing airborne wind are visionaries," says Fort Felker, the *National Renewable Energy Labora*tory's leading expert on wind power. "But none of them has brought a product to market that has the safety and reliability requirements of flight vehicles."

Inside the snack truck, engineer *Henry Hallam tells me, "The plan for the day is to do some endurance testing and autonomous flight. If all goes well, it will be really boring." But the wind is too spirited for boring. On the fourth test, the plane is rocked by a pop; it belches a ball of fire, zigzags and lands hard. Bevirt vaults from the truck; engineer Greg Horn follows with a fire extinguisher.* The plane, fortunately, is fine, and it doesn't take long to figure out what *happened. The model is a testbed for studying flight control systems, not *energy production, but the wind was so strong, the motor controller couldn't brake the propeller sufficiently. "We *generated so much power, we melted our wires," Horn says. Bevirt turns to me with a smile. "It gives you a sense of how much energy is up there, huh?"

8BnKzCtGVxs


[/URL][url]http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/solar-wind/how-flying-turbines-will-change-wind-power?click=pp (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/solar-wind/how-flying-turbines-will-change-wind-power#ixzz1IKrGZZos)

Eso esta demente :D
Jajaj en el morro le daria bien la ventolera :P

Donde se podria poner eso?

En ningún sitio porque aquí se oponen a todo.

^^ Tienes razon.
Pero si le pones una bandera de USA fortuño quizas lo ponga a la cañona.

Nene, qué obsesión con Fortuño. Soñaras con el? You gotta' crush? :lol:

Scientists unveil 'world's first practical artificial leaf'

By Ben Coxworth (http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/)


Leaves – the kind that grow on trees – create energy from sunlight and water through the process of photosynthesis. For over a decade, scientists have been kicking around the idea of creating an "artificial leaf." Such a device would use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which could then be stored in a fuel cell and used to create electricity. A functioning artificial leaf has been created before, but was impractical due to the fact that it was made from expensive materials, and was highly unstable. Now, however, scientists are reporting that they have created a cost-effective, stable artificial leaf.
"A practical artificial leaf has been one of the Holy Grails of science for decades," said MIT (http://web.mit.edu/)'s Dr. Daniel Nocera, who led the research team. "We believe we have done it. The artificial leaf shows particular promise as an inexpensive source of electricity for homes of the poor in developing countries. Our goal is to make each home its own power station."
Nocera's leaf is about the size of a poker card (but thinner), and is made of silicon, electronics, and nickel and cobalt catalysts – all materials that are relatively inexpensive and widely-available. Placed in a gallon of water in bright sunlight, it is said to be able to produce enough electricity to supply a house in a developing country for a day. It would be connected to a fuel cell located either on top of or beside the house.
When tested under laboratory conditions, it was able to operate continuously for at least 45 hours without a drop in activity. Newly discovered nickel and cobalt catalysts (http://www.gizmag.com/electrode-materials-hydrogen-fuel/15118/) are the key to the leaf's practicality, allowing it to reportedly operate at ten times the efficiency of a natural leaf. Nocera believes that the efficiency can be boosted much higher in future versions and has founded a company called Sun Catalytix (http://www.suncatalytix.com/) to pursue development of the technology.
John Turner of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory created a functioning artificial leaf over ten years ago, but it incorporated costly metals, and barely lasted one day. More recently, Chinese scientists have presented a design (http://www.gizmag.com/artificial-leaf-blueprint/14630/) for an artificial leaf that incorporated titanium dioxide and platinum, and Dutch researchers created a light-capturing system (http://www.gizmag.com/artificial-leaf-converts-light-to-energy/12126/) based on the chlorophyll of the alga Spirulina.
The MIT research was presented today at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, California.
Nocera discusses the technology in the following video:

WD9yr-Bf-Kw

http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-first-practical-artificial-leaf/18247/

Nene, qué obsesión con Fortuño. Soñaras con el? You gotta' crush? :lol:

Ni pal ca! :lol: Es que me cae spl mal!
Anibal fue mejor gobernador jajaja.

Scientists unveil 'world's first practical artificial leaf'

By Ben Coxworth (http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/)


Leaves – the kind that grow on trees – create energy from sunlight and water through the process of photosynthesis. For over a decade, scientists have been kicking around the idea of creating an "artificial leaf." Such a device would use sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, which could then be stored in a fuel cell and used to create electricity. A functioning artificial leaf has been created before, but was impractical due to the fact that it was made from expensive materials, and was highly unstable. Now, however, scientists are reporting that they have created a cost-effective, stable artificial leaf.
"A practical artificial leaf has been one of the Holy Grails of science for decades," said MIT (http://web.mit.edu/)'s Dr. Daniel Nocera, who led the research team. "We believe we have done it. The artificial leaf shows particular promise as an inexpensive source of electricity for homes of the poor in developing countries. Our goal is to make each home its own power station."
Nocera's leaf is about the size of a poker card (but thinner), and is made of silicon, electronics, and nickel and cobalt catalysts – all materials that are relatively inexpensive and widely-available. Placed in a gallon of water in bright sunlight, it is said to be able to produce enough electricity to supply a house in a developing country for a day. It would be connected to a fuel cell located either on top of or beside the house.
When tested under laboratory conditions, it was able to operate continuously for at least 45 hours without a drop in activity. Newly discovered nickel and cobalt catalysts (http://www.gizmag.com/electrode-materials-hydrogen-fuel/15118/) are the key to the leaf's practicality, allowing it to reportedly operate at ten times the efficiency of a natural leaf. Nocera believes that the efficiency can be boosted much higher in future versions and has founded a company called Sun Catalytix (http://www.suncatalytix.com/) to pursue development of the technology.
John Turner of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory created a functioning artificial leaf over ten years ago, but it incorporated costly metals, and barely lasted one day. More recently, Chinese scientists have presented a design (http://www.gizmag.com/artificial-leaf-blueprint/14630/) for an artificial leaf that incorporated titanium dioxide and platinum, and Dutch researchers created a light-capturing system (http://www.gizmag.com/artificial-leaf-converts-light-to-energy/12126/) based on the chlorophyll of the alga Spirulina.
The MIT research was presented today at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, California.
Nocera discusses the technology in the following video:

WD9yr-Bf-Kw

http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-first-practical-artificial-leaf/18247/

OMG! :D
Se podra hacer el I Planta ahora jejeje :lol:
No entiendo como diache crearon eso.

Se nota que Numeratzi es un nenito que aun no ha desarrollado mucha capacidad.

He's faking it.

Pact aims to jumpstart electric cars

By : JOSÉ L. CARMONA
josec@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

The Puerto Rico government and the Renault-Nissan Alliance signed Tuesday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to study the introduction, use and expansion of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle (EV) on the island. Gov. Luis Fortuño, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Executive Director Miguel Cordero and Ken Ramírez, director of Nissan Latin America & Caribbean, took part in the signing ceremony at Bayamón City Hall. The activity was staged against the backdrop of the new solar panels at the municipal government headquarters and coincided with the observation of Earth Month.
A working group will be established to meet the goals of the MOU. The group, which will include local government officials and Nissan representatives, is aimed at implementing a pilot program for the use of the Nissan LEAF and define the incentives granted by regulatory institutions and the government to users of this new technology.
“It is an honor for Nissan to be a part of this strategy. The MOU is a decisive step in introducing our zero-emissions technology with the Nissan LEAF,” said Ramírez. “We are ready to work jointly and make the age of sustainable mobility in Puerto Rico a reality.”
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has established more than 90 partnerships around the world with governments, municipalities, power suppliers and new carriers interested in developing the infrastructure for electric cars, noted Ramírez.
According to the Nissan Latin America & Caribbean director, the Nissan LEAF offers a quiet and efficient driving experience with an autonomy range of about 100 miles. It is powered by an electric engine working on Li-ion batteries, producing no polluting emissions at all. The vehicle does not have an internal combustion engine and does not use oil-based fuel.
“The LEAF’s electric engine offers 80 kilowatts of power (107 horsepower) and 207 foot-pounds of direct torque to the tires, providing quick response and powerful acceleration,” said Ramírez.
Ramírez added the Renault-Nissan Alliance has started up zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) initiatives in Japan, Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China and Hong Kong.
In the U.S., the alliance is exploring ways to promote zero-emissions mobility and the development of the EV infrastructure in the states of Tennessee, Oregon, California, Arizona, Washington, North Carolina and Washington, D.C.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=56009&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Llega el auto eléctrico de Nissan
Fortuño presenta acuerdo para vender el Leaf

En febrero pasado, Kenneth Ramírez, de Nissan, presentó el Leaf al gobernador Fortuño. Hoy, Fortuño anunció el plan para instalar estaciones de recarga para el vehículo eléctrico, cero emisiones.

(Archivo/ Jorge Ramírez Portela)
Por Yalixa Rivera / yrivera@elnuevodia.com

El gobernador de Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño, anunció hoy oficialmente la llegada del primer auto 100% eléctrico conocido como Leaf y manufacturado por Nissan.
El auto de cero emisiones que no requiere gasolina tendrá un costo aproximado de $30,000, precio que gracias a incentivos federales podría reducirse a $15,000.
Fortuño hoy selló el acuerdo de colaboración con Nissan que creará la infraestructura necesaria para la venta y distribución del Leaf en Puerto Rico, primer país del Caribe en tener este auto eléctrico.
Kenneth Ramírez, director de Nissan para la región de América Latina, dijo que el costo de operación del vehículo es 34% mas económico que un vehículo de gasolina.

Ramírez explicó que la recarga de 100 millas en el Leaf tendrá un costo de $5 aproximadamente, mientras que en un auto de gasolina el costo sobrepasaría los $15.
Por su parte, el alcalde de Bayamón, Ramón Luis Rivera, agregó que las primeras estaciones de recarga del auto estarán en las inmediaciones del Coliseo Rubén Rodriguez y formaran parte de la iniciativa de energía renovable del municipio de Bayamón, donde se opera un huerto solar que produce unos 2,190 kilovatios por día.
La actividad celebrada en este municipio contó con la presencia de Miguel Cordero, director de la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica, así como del senador Carmelo Rios.

http://www.elnuevodia.com/llegaelautoelectricodenissan-932468.html

Segun el website de Nissan, toma 30 minutos recargar a un 80% con una toma de 480V el Leaf. En una de 220V, 7 horas y en una de 110V, 20 horas, en estas dos ultimas al 100%.

http://mobile.usablenet.com/mt/www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/faq/list/charging

Que hicieron con la demanda que le hicieron a nissan por que ese carro no emitia sonido y pues jente sorda o maquinas de deteccion no lo podian escuchar o detectar?

Experimental direct solar steam generation power plant opens in Spain

By Ben Coxworth (http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/)
22:02 April 4, 2011

http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/image_modernist.png 2 Pictures (http://www.gizmag.com/direct-solar-steam-generation-power-plant/18318/picture/132620/)

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/solarsteam.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/direct-solar-steam-generation-power-plant/18318/picture/132620/)
An experimental new direct solar steam generation power plant generates electricity by using the Sun's rays to heat water and create steam


When most of us think of sunlight being used to generate power, we likely picture photovoltaic cells. Concentrated solar power plants (http://www.gizmag.com/shams-1-concentrated-solar-power-plant/15389/) however, use lenses or mirrors to heat fluid – such as synthetic oil – which in turn is used to generate high-pressure steam to drive a conventional turbine. A new experimental solar steam generation power plant that opened last week in southern Spain is aiming to improve on the efficiency of existing systems by using water as the direct working fluid and incorporating novel methods for storing the energy, so it can be dispensed even on cloudy days or at night.
The pilot plant is located in the municipality of Carboneras, and is the result of a collaboration between the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (http://www.dlr.de/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-6216/10226_read-29777/), or DLR) and Spanish utility company Endesa (http://www.endesa.es/Portal/en/default.htm). It was officially put into use on March 31st.
The water in the receiver tubes is kept at a pressure of up to 120 bar (1740 psi), which results in the creation of superheated 500C (932F) steam. That higher temperature allows the whole process to work more efficiently, bringing down the cost of solar thermal power generation and making it a more viable option.
Heat gathered by the plant can be stored in both sensible and latent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensible_heat) forms, for use in creating energy when the sun isn't brightly shining. In the sensible heat system, heat from the steam is absorbed by a concrete storage system, so it can later be released to create more steam and drive the turbine. In the latent heat system, the steam is used to heat salt, which absorbs energy when it reaches a temperature of 305C (581F) and changes from a solid to a liquid state. When the salt cools back down below 305 degrees and reverts to its solid form, that energy is released.
http://images.gizmag.com/inline/solarsteam-0.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/direct-solar-steam-generation-power-plant/18318/picture/132620/)
The Carboneras plant now boasts the world's largest high-temperature latent heat storage facility.
"The advantage of such a system is its capacity to store large amounts of energy in a small volume and with a minimal temperature change," said Doerte Laing, Thermal Energy Storage Research Area Manager at the DLR Institute of Technical Thermodynamics. "The energy in the system can be transferred and absorbed very efficiently by phase transition at a constant temperature."
Researchers plan to keep the plant in use until the end of the year. They will be validating the direct solar steam generation process itself, the storage methods, and the flexible pipe connections that are necessary for the mirror and receiver tube assembly to pivot as it tracks the Sun.
http://www.gizmag.com/direct-solar-steam-generation-power-plant/18318/

Busco y busco en todo el foro y no encuentro el post donde estaban todos los proyectos de energia propuestos para PR, alguien me puede ayudar?

Wave Power: 5 Bright Ideas to Capture the Ocean’s Energy

The world's ocean waves hold as much as 10 trillion watts, and engineers and startup companies are racing to find the best ways to tap the incredible resource that's washing up on our shores every day. These designs—inspired by beach caves, oyster shells and airplane wings—could point the way to harnessing wave energy. By Sarah Fecht


http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/FF/wave-power-01-0411-md.jpg (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#)


Far out at sea, the wind blows over the water's glassy surface, creating tiny ripples and eddies. Those ripples provide a rough surface for the wind to grab and push—and waves are born. The longer a gust of wind catches the water's surface, the bigger the waves become.

According to some estimates, ocean waves around the world could hold up to 10 trillion watts of energy. If humans could harness that energy, we would be able to generate renewable, predictable and pollution-free electricity. But so far, few large-scale wave-energy projects have made it off the diving board—which means that ocean-wave technology is a free-for-all in terms of design. "There are many, many different types of devices," says Paul Jacobson, an ocean-energy leader at the Electric Power Research Institute. "The technology hasn't developed to the point where a lot of the designs have been shaken out yet. And so it remains to be seen which devices will turn out to be the most cost-effective and efficient."

These five ocean-power designs could help us to ride the wave into the future of energy.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/Zb/wave-power-02-0411-md.jpg

The Oyster

Company: Aquamarine Power

Much like its namesake mollusk, the Oyster sits on the seabed, opening and closing its jaws. The device is a large hinged flap attached to the ocean floor at a depth of about 35 feet. As the flap opens and closes, it drives hydraulic pistons that squirt high-pressure water onshore, where it drives a conventional hydroelectric turbine. "In essence, the Oyster is simply a large pump which provides the power source for a conventional onshore hydroelectric power plant," says Carrie Clement, a spokeswoman for Aquamarine.

A 0.32-megawatt Oyster has already been installed in Scotland, where it began feeding power to National Grid in 2009. Now Aquamarine Power is working on creating a 2.4-megawatt Oyster bed in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. The submerged design protects Oyster's equipment from storm damage and allows it to keep working in all kinds of weather
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/El/wave-power-03-0411-md.jpg

The Pelamis Wave Energy Converter

Company: Pelamis Wave Power

Floating on top of the water, the Pelamis device is the sea snake of ocean-power generation. It consists of four big cylinders strung together by hydraulic joints. As the tubes bob up and down on the waves, their movement pumps the joints, moving oil through hydraulic motors. Those motors drive generators to produce electricity.

Recent improvements in the design give the device's joints universal mobility. The initial joint worked like a knee joint—it could only generate electricity from simple up-and-down or side-to-side movements. The new design acts more like the ball-and-socket joint of your shoulder. It can make electricity whether the segments are moving up and down, from side to side, or in any other direction. That increases efficiency at turning waves into energy.

Each Pelamis snake is 600 feet long and 13 feet wide and generates up to 0.75 megawatts—that's enough to power about 500 homes for a year. Past projects have generated up to 2.25 megawatts, and Pelamis plans to set up similar ones at several sites in Scotland.

(http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy-pelamis-wave-energy-converter) (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy-terminator)
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/ei/wave-power-04-0411-md.jpg
(http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#)
GreenWAVE

Company: Oceanlinx

This design was inspired by Oceanlinx founder Tom Denniss's youthful days on the beach. Like a blowhole cave on a rocky coastline, the greenWAVE consists of an underwater tunnel that opens on a cabin full of air that sits above the waterline. At the top of the cabin is a small hole with a turbine. As an incoming wave floods the device with water, it compresses the air inside the cabin, making it rush out the air vent. When the water recedes, the falling water creates a vacuum inside the chamber. That makes the cabin suck in air from outside.

When it's working, the greenWAVE sounds like a big animal breathing, Denniss says. And as the vent breathes in and out, it turns a turbine hooked up to a generator. Each device measures 82 by 50 feet and has a 1-megawatt capacity. Oceanlinx has plans to develop a permanent version in Australia or Mexico, which it hopes to expand into a wave farm. GreenWAVE is relatively inexpensive as well, Denniss argues, because it's made mostly of concrete, weathers ocean storms easily and has no moving parts underwater.


(http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#)http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/Z9/wave-power-05-0411-md.jpg

The Terminator

Company: The U.S. Air Force Academy

This model was inspired by airplane design. The wing-shaped turbine blades force water to flow faster over one side than the other, creating different pressures on each surface. This results in a "lift" toward the low-pressure side; lift is the upward force that happens when you hold your hand horizontally out the window of a moving car. In contrast, typical water turbines rely on drag, or the direct push of the water—like sticking your hand out flat against the wind. By employing lift instead of drag, engineer and owner Stefan Siegel says the device (theoretically) could use 99 percent of a wave's energy, compared to the 50 percent efficiency or less that current tidal power projects can get. Siegel hasn't tried the device in the ocean yet. He's working to scale up the prototype to make it strong enough for testing off the coast of Texas later this year.

(http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy-terminator) (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#)

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/popularmechanics/images/VR/wave-power-06-0411-md.jpg
(http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#) (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#)

Autonomous PowerBuoy

Company: Ocean Power Technologies

The PowerBuoy has two main parts: a moving float that's 5 feet in diameter by 5 feet tall and a 25-foot-tall spar anchoring it. When the float bobs up and down on the wave, it tugs on the spar. That stretching gets translated into electricity by a rotary motor and generator.

One significant challenge to the design, says Phil Hart, OPT's chief technology officer, was getting the buoy to properly resist the waves. In order to get electricity out of puny waves, the resistance between the float and the spar needs to be low—otherwise, the weakling wave won't move the buoy at all. But bigger waves contain more energy, and by increasing the force needed to move the float, OPT can harness more of that energy. Thus, PowerBuoy needs low resistance at some times and high resistance at other times. To solve the problem, they've implemented a computer that adjusts the device's resistance 10 times per second, leading to a big increase in efficiency.

Each PowerBuoy currently operating off the coast of Hawaii has a capacity of 0.04 megawatts, but an upcoming installation in Scotland may be able to generate up to 0.15 megawatts.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/hydropower-geothermal/5-bright-ideas-to-capture-the-oceans-energy?click=pp#fbIndex1

Yo no se qué piensan pero yo veo esto de "green" o "verde" más como un truco publicitario. Ahora todo el mundo quiere ser "verde". No se equivoquen, no estoy criticando el uso energía renovable. Es la mal uso de la palabra verde. El mejor ejemplo: Via Verde.

Eso se llama "Green washing". Corporaciónes y gobiernos tratan de vender algo como si fuera bueno para el ambiente cuando no necesariamente lo es. Por ejemplo, las compañias de cable, telefono y los bancos todos quieren que hagas tus pagos online y asi ellos dicen qué no tendrían que enviarte facturas de papel. Menos papel, menos arboles cortados. En realidad lo qué ellos quieren es ahorrar el coste del papel y el envio. Les importa un bledo los arboles.

Encuanto a la via verde . Se llama asi por que va por areas verdes las cuales desforestara cuando explote :lol: ...

El gasoducto tiene de energia renovable y verde
como Fortuño tiene de buen gobernador.
capich? :lol:

Vestas launches design for world's largest offshore wind turbine

By Tannith Cattermole (http://www.gizmag.com/author/tannith-cattermole/)
22:31 April 6, 2011



http://images.gizmag.com/hero/vestas.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/vestas-v164-wind-turbine/18319/picture/132752/)

Vestas has revealed plans to build the largest dedicated offshore wind turbine in the world - the 164 m diameter V164
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/vestas-v164-wind-turbine/18319/picture/132752/) (3 images)

Offshore wind power specialist Vestas (http://www.gizmag.com/tag/vestas) has revealed plans to build the largest dedicated offshore wind turbine in the world. The proposed V164 would have a 7.0 MW capacity, twice that of its predecessor, the 3.0 MW V112. The awesome 164 meter (538 ft) diameter rotor would eclipse the size of the current titleholder, the prototype G10X installed by Gamesa (http://www.gamesacorp.com/en/) in Spain in 2009 which has a diameter of 128 m (420 ft).
The world's largest capacity wind turbine, the Enercon E-126 (http://www.enercon.de/) has a rated capacity of 7.58 MW, but its 126 m (413 ft) diameter would still be dwarfed by the V164. The proposed Sway AS (http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-biggest-wind-turbine/14215/) rotor diameter of 145m (476ft) and could stretch capacity to 10 MW.
http://images.gizmag.com/inline/vestas-2.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/vestas-v164-wind-turbine/18319/picture/132753/)
Vestas V164-7.0MW has a blade length of 80 meters, the length of nine routemaster buses


Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) are designed with a rotor shaft and electrical generator at the top of a tower. Small turbines are pointed into the wind by a simple wind vane, while large turbines generally use a wind sensor coupled with a servo motor. Most have a gearbox, which turns the slow rotation of the blades into a quicker rotation that is more suitable to drive an electrical generator.
Vestas approached the design using two separate R&D teams – one investigating direct drive, and one investigating geared-train turbines – and eventually a proven medium-speed drive-train solution was chosen.
Vestas (http://www.vestas.com/)' V164 has been specially designed to withstand the punishing North Sea winds and the business case is aimed at the European market, especially the North European countries of UK, France, Sweden and Germany among others.
Construction of the first V164-7.0 MW prototypes are expected in late 2012, with serial production set to begin in early 2015 if enough orders are received to justify the substantial investment needed. Vestas says that the energy taken to produce the turbine would be paid back within ten months of installation.
http://images.gizmag.com/inline/vestas-3.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/vestas-v164-wind-turbine/18319/picture/132754/)
Wind power in perspective

In the EU in 2009 renewable energy and wind accounted for 7% and 2% respectively of energy production, compared with coal at nearly 25%. Governments have agreed to increase energy production to 13% from renewable sources by 2020 (http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/what%20we%20do/uk%20energy%20supply/energy%20mix/renewable%20energy/ored/25-nat-ren-energy-action-plan.pdf).
The potential added capacity of renewable energy in the EU accounts for two thirds the capacity available for all energy sources, and Vesta hopes to make wind the driving force behind the move towards 10% energy from wind by 2020.
"Seeing the positive indications from governments worldwide, and especially from the UK, to increase the utilization of wind energy is indeed very promising. We look forward to this new turbine doing its part in making these political targets a reality," said Vestas (http://www.vestas.com/) CEO Ditlev Engel.
http://www.gizmag.com/vestas-v164-wind-turbine/18319/

Ea diache!

New solar-thermal device harnesses heat and light

By Steven Hondrogiannis (http://www.gizmag.com/author/steven-hondrogiannis/)
00:52 April 7, 2011

http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/image_modernist.png 2 Pictures (http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-cell/18346/picture/132775/)

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/solarthermaldevice.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-cell/18346/picture/132775/)
Wake Forest University researchers say a new solar thermal device could deliver up to 40 percent savings to the cost of heating
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-cell/18346/picture/132775/) (2 images)

Researchers at Wake Forest University have developed a new type of polymer solar-thermal device that combines photovoltaics with a system that captures the Sun's infrared radiation to generate heating. By taking advantage of both heat and light (http://www.gizmag.com/pete-process-harnesses-heat-and-light-to-double-solar-cell-efficiency/15918/), researchers say the device could deliver up to 40 percent savings on the cost of heating, as well as helping reduce power bills by producing electricity.
The hybrid cell is designed with an integrated array of clear tubes, five millimeters (approx 1/4 inch) in diameter. Lying flat, visible sunlight shines into the clear tube which is filled with an oil blended with a proprietary dye, heating the oil which then flows into a heat pump to transfer the warmth inside a home.
Electrical current is produced via a polymer photovoltaic sprayed onto the back of the tubes.
The result is a solar-thermal device with an impressive 30 percent conversion efficiency.
In comparison to flat solar cells, the tube design also has the advantage of being able to capture light at oblique angles, so it can accumulate power for a much longer stretch in the day and be more readily integrated into building materials – it could be produced to resemble a roofing tile for example.
The research team aims to produce a 3 foot square solar thermal cell over the coming months, a key step in bringing the technology closer to market.
"It's a systems approach to making your home ultra-efficient because the device collects both solar energy and heat," said David Carroll, Ph.D., director of the Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials at Wake Forest University. "Our solar-thermal device takes better advantage of the broad range of power delivered from the sun each day."
http://www.gizmag.com/solar-thermal-cell/18346/

Ojala que esto salga a la luz y ya se olviden del gasoducto ese ya. Con el calor y sol que hace aqui usando eso tendremos aqui todo el timpo enedremos energia pronto. :D

GE Will Build the United States’ Largest Solar Panel Factory

by Rebecca Paul (http://inhabitat.com/author/rebecca-paul/), 04/07/11

[/URL]
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/primestar-solar-array.jpg
GE (http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-power/) has just announced their plans to build the largest solar panel factory (http://inhabitat.com/huge-solar-panel-factor/) in the U.S. The company will spend 600 million dollars on the new factory and their goal is to produce of 400 megawatts of thin-film solar (http://inhabitat.com/ibm-releases-cheaper-40-more-efficient-thin-film-solar-cell/) annually, by the time they open for business in 2013. GE’s solar panels with be composed of the same thin layers of cadmium telluride (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadmium_telluride) currently used by their largest competitor First Solar (http://www.firstsolar.com/en/index.php), but for nearly less than a third of the cost.

http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=739&campaignid=113&zoneid=179&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Finhabitat.com%2Fge-will-build-the-largest-solar-panel-factory-in-the-united-states%2F&cb=0942658fa9
http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=179&n=a0b8f9d (http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a0b8f9d) GE has become one of the world’s primary manufacturers of wind turbines (http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/wind_turbines/en/index.htm), and according to Victor Abate, Vice President of GE’s renewable energy business, the company will continue to actively invest in high-tech solar products to advance their position in the renewable energy industry.GE’s first step toward building their new factory has included the recent acquisition of PrimeStar Solar (http://www.primestarsolar.com/) located in Arvada, Colorado.
Abate relays, “The biggest challenge for solar is the cost of energy. For every point you can move [higher] in efficiency, you reduce the cost of the system by 10%.” To counter this issue PrimeStar Solar is seen as a major asset to GE. The company has been able to produce a CdTe thin-film panel with a record-breaking efficiency of 12.8%. The cadmium telluride thin-film also proves to be cost efficient, reducing production costs from $1.20 a watt (the cost of traditional silicon solar panels) to just $.80 a watt.
GE has stated that worldwide demand for solar products is expected to grow by 75 gigawatts over the next five years. With these focused investments GE is hoping to capitalize on the growth. Thus far they already have 100 megawatts worth of orders from utility-scale solar customers in the U.S.


[url]http://inhabitat.com/ge-will-build-the-largest-solar-panel-factory-in-the-united-states/

OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY MEETS OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY STORAGE.


by Bruce Mulliken, Green Energy News


Eventually the United States will get its first offshore wind farm. No one is taking bets as to when it will go online. There have been many proposals, but so far resistance onshore has kept those projects from being built.
Still, wind resources are much better offshore than on and those windy resources are often near heavily populated areas that will be able and willing to consume electricity generated by those reliable ocean breezes.
As with many relatively expensive technologies it’s not such a bad thing to be a late adopter. Early adopters make and have to correct mistakes at a high cost. Early adopters too have only earliest versions of the technology to work with. Late adopters, on the other hand, learn from the mistakes of early adopters and need not repeat them. Late adopters also get to use newer, more sophisticated versions of the technology in question.
Offshore wind is one of those relatively expensive technologies that it’s OK to be a late adopter.
When U.S. offshore wind builders finally get around to planting the first turbine in the ocean bottom (or perhaps floating turbines in deep water over the horizon) they’ll have a better idea of the costs, know exactly how to install them and they’ll have access to far more powerful turbines than those used in the first offshore wind farms in Europe. The U.S. will benefit by being slow to adopt offshore wind, but the time has come to embrace the technology; wind developers know this, so does the U.S. government.
Even as dollars are being pinched in Washington, the Department of Energy has put aside $50.5 million for projects that support offshore wind energy development. The Department of the Interior too, in its Smart for the Start program, has given a hand to offshore wind development by designating four areas along the Mid-Atlantic coast to be on the fast track for regulatory approval.
The funding being offered by DOE can be used for the development of innovative wind turbine design tools and hardware to provide the foundation for a cost-competitive and world-class offshore wind industry in the United States (up to $25 million over 5 years); for baseline studies and targeted environmental research to characterize key industry sectors and factors limiting the deployment of offshore wind ( up to $18 million over 3 years); and for the development and refinement of next-generation designs for wind turbine drivetrains (up to $7.5 million over 3 years).
The Department of the Interior has chosen areas on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Delaware (122 square nautical miles), Maryland (207), New Jersey (417), and Virginia (165) to receive early environmental reviews that will help to lessen the time required for review, leasing and approval of offshore wind turbine facilities.
Government isn’t alone in seeking to develop offshore wind.
The U.S. branch Spain’s Gamesa, in partnership with the largest shipbuilder in the U.S., are gearing up to join the growing global offshore wind industry. Together, Gamesa North America and Northrop Grumman Corporation have officially launched the National Offshore Wind Technology Center in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Hampton Roads, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, is the metropolitan area that surrounds the body of water of the same name. The area is has a commercial seaport but also includes the huge Norfolk Navy Base and other government facilities. Hampton Roads is also near the areas set for fast-track regulatory approval by the Interior Department. The Center could feasibly become the hub of a U.S. East Coast offshore wind industry. The partnership brings together Gamesa’s 15-plus years of wind turbine building experience and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s broad experience, including the company’s shipbuilding operations in the seaport.
The first project at the Center will be to build prototypes of Gamesa’s 5-megawatt wind turbine engineered for the harsh environment of the oceans. Two prototype turbines will be built, one onshore and one offshore for comprehensive validation testing. The expected completion date is the fourth quarter of 2012.
After testing the turbines will be marketed globally.
Like onshore wind, energy generated offshore but not sold needs to be stored for later consumption if the technology is to compete with conventional energy sources that operate 24/7.
Without obstructions, winds offshore, including any large body of water, can be stiffer and stronger than winds onshore. Winds that blow lightly onshore even in the middle of the night can be howling offshore. Overnight breezes are a source of energy gone to waste. Right now energy storage is one of those technologies that is in the early (very early) stages of mass adoption.
Offshore wind farms, however, because they are, well, offshore in water, have the potential to utilize a natural energy storage medium: the pressure of water.

Hydrostor, of Toronto, Ontario, is working with engineering researchers at the University of Windsor, on a concept to store energy from offshore wind turbines in the form of compressed air.
The concept goes something like this: Wind energy generated at off-peak hours and not sold would be used to power compressors that would pump air into marine salvage bags moored to the bottom with granite slabs. Like big underwater balloons each bag would be capable of storing 50 cubic meters of compressed air. Compressed air would be released whenever needed to turn generators to make electricity to be sold on the power grid. The pressure of the surrounding water would keep pressure high in the bags as the air was being released. Simple enough.
A project to install 225 bags at a planned Lake Ontario offshore wind farm has a number of hurdles to clear such as an environmental assessment before it can go ahead.
http://www.green-energy-news.com/arch/nrgs2011/20110012.html

Chicago’s Willis Tower to Become a Vertical Solar Farm

by Andrew Michler (http://inhabitat.com/author/andrew-michler/), 03/21/11

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-5-537x402.jpg
Chicago’s iconic Willis Tower (http://inhabitat.com/sears-tower-going-green-with-350-million-renovation/) (formally the Sears Tower) is set to become a massive solar electric plant with the installation of a pilot solar electric glass (http://inhabitat.com/solar-glass-generates-power-through-your-windows/) project. The high-profile project on the south side of the 56th floor will replace the windows with a new type of photovoltaic glass developed by Pythagoras Solar (http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/) which preserves daylighting and views while reducing heat gain and producing the same energy as a conventional solar panel. The project could grow to 2 MW in size — which is comparable to a 10 acre field of solar panels — turning North America’s tallest building into a huge urban vertical solar farm.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-6-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/willis-tower-solar-windows-6/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-5-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/willis-tower-solar-windows-5/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-4-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/willis-tower-solar-windows-4/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-3-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/willis-tower-solar-windows-3/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-2-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/willis-tower-solar-windows-2/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-1-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/willis-tower-solar-windows-1/)


http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=739&campaignid=113&zoneid=179&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Finhabitat.com%2Fchicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm%2F&cb=60b3ff068a
http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=179&n=a0b8f9d (http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a0b8f9d)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-1-537x447.jpg

The project is a collaboration between the tower’s owner and the manufacturer to prove the viability of the building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, which will also save energy by reducing heat gain and cooling costs. The new windows, dubbed high power density photovoltaic glass units (http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/03/Willis-Tower-Solar-Windows-4.jpg) (PVGU), are a clever hybrid technology that lays typical monocrystalline silicon solar (http://inhabitat.com/start-up-makes-solar-cells-cheap-enough-to-compete-with-fossil-fuels/) cell horizontally between two layers of glass to form an individual tile. An internal plastic reflective prism directs angled sunlight onto the solar cells but allows diffuse daylight and horizontal light through. Think of it as a louvered shade (http://inhabitat.com/greenbuild-2010-day-2-wrap-up/dsc04173/?extend=1)which allows for views but cuts out the harsh direct sun.
The manufacturer claims that the vertically integrated solar cells will produce the same amount of energy as normal rooftop-mounted solar panels (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/). This is great news for cities that have precious little rooftop space and towering walls of glass. The product is also a potential breakthrough in energy efficiency in glass towers, where solar heat gain is the bane of energy-efficient design.

http://inhabitat.com/chicagos-willis-tower-to-become-a-vertical-solar-farm/

Una buena fuente de energia renovable q no he visto q se hable mucho y no se si lo han dicho por aqui es la Digestion Anaerobica. La Digestion anaerobica es el proceso en el cual microorganismos descomponen los desperdicios naturales de animales y humanos para crear metano y dioxido de carbono enriquesido en metano los cuales forman biogas y se puede utilizar para combustible como el gas natural.

Puede q las plantas de tratamiento en PR utilizen los digestores para tratar el agua de alcantarilla... pero no se q se hace con el metano... y cuando pasan por una planta de tratamiento y huelen el olor a mie$^@... eso es el metano.

esconde mas lo de mier ^^&$ . Jajaj es pa que no te regañen pq la a ya es muy reconocida y pues se puede saber que ahi dice mie.....
Jajaj es vrdd. Huelen super mal!
El metano no produce emiciones?? :O Aunque no me importa tanto eso por que es verde de donde sale.
Aqui deberian utilizar el metano enves del gas que ira por el gasoducto. El metano lo puedes sacar del POPO que diariamente va por nuestras tuberias y ahi creo que habria energia gratuita! :D

Google invests US$168 million in world’s largest solar power tower plant

By Darren Quick (http://www.gizmag.com/author/darren-quick/)
00:56 April 13, 2011


[/URL]
http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/image_modernist.png 2 Pictures (http://www.gizmag.com/google-invests-168-million-in-solar-power-tower/18383/#comments)

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/isegs.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/google-invests-168-million-in-solar-power-tower/18383/picture/132965/)

Model rendering of ISEGS, the world's largest solar power tower being built in California
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/google-invests-168-million-in-solar-power-tower/18383/picture/132965/) (2 images)


(http://www.gizmag.com/tag/google/)
Google (http://www.gizmag.com/tag/google/) has chipped in a US$168 million investment in what will be the world's largest solar power tower (http://www.gizmag.com/tag/solar-power-tower/) plant. To be located on 3,600 acres of land in the Mojave Desert in southeastern California, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS) will boast 173,000 heliostats that will concentrate the sun's rays onto a solar tower standing approximately 450 feet (137 m) tall. The plant commenced construction in October 2010 and is expected to generate 392 MW of solar energy following its projected completion in 2013.
Although solar power tower development is currently less advanced than the more common trough systems, they offer higher efficiency and better energy storage capabilities. Parabolic trough systems consist of parabolic mirrors that concentrate sunlight onto a Dewar tube running the length of the mirror through which a heat transfer fluid runs that is then used to heat steam in a standard turbine.
Solar power tower systems such as the ISEGS on the other hand focus a large area of sunlight into a single solar receiver on top of a tower to produce steam at high pressure and temperatures of up to 550 ° C (over 1,000° F) to drive a standard turbine and generator. The ISEGS also uses a dry-cooling technology that reduces water consumption by 90 percent and uses 95 percent less water than competing solar thermal technologies. Water is also recirculated during energy before being reused to clean the plant's mirrors.
http://images.gizmag.com/inline/isegs-0.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/google-invests-168-million-in-solar-power-tower/18383/picture/132965/)

Overshadowing the 20 MW PS20 solar power tower plant (http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-largest-solar-power-tower-plant-now-on-line/11590/) in Spain, the scale of ISEGS can't be overstated. It will be the first large-scale solar power tower plant built in the U.S. in nearly two decades and will single-handedly almost double the amount of commercial solar thermal electricity produced in the U.S. today and nearly equal the amount of total solar installed in the U.S. in 2009 alone.
The entire complex will consist of three separate plants developed by BrightSource Energy (http://www.brightsourceenergy.com/) that will be built in phases between 2010 and 2013. The energy generated from all three plants will be enough to supply more than 140,000 homes in California during peak usage hours, with the project contracted to provide 1,300 MW to Southern California Edison and 1,310 MW to Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Google says it has now invested over $250 million in the clean energy sector but its $168 million investment in the ISEGS is the company's largest investment to date. The size of the investment reflects Google's faith in the technology and it hopes that other companies will follow its example and make similar investments in renewable energy.
[url]http://www.gizmag.com/google-invests-168-million-in-solar-power-tower/18383/

^Asi es que tienen que ponerse a invertir en energia renovable.

eso SI es energia renobable. No un gasoducto Via Verde como dice fortuño.
Lo de verde fue para cogernos a todos de bobo.

BREAKING: Solar Power Breakthrough Could Render Photovoltaic Cells Obsolete

by Laura K. Cowan (http://inhabitat.com/author/lauracowan/), 04/14/11

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/Solar-e13026298747791.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/breaking-solar-power-breakthrough-could-render-solar-cells-obsolete/solar-e1302629874779/)


Researchers at the University of Michigan (http://www.umich.edu/) have made a discovery about the behavior of light that could change solar technology (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=solar+technology) forever. Stephen Rand, a professor in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Physics and Applied Physics and William Fisher, a doctoral student in applied physics, discovered that light (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=light), when traveling at the right intensity through a material such as glass that does not conduct electricity, can create magnetic fields that are 100 million times stronger than previously thought possible. In these conditions, the resulting magnetic field (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=magnetic+field) is strong enough to rival a strong electric effect. The result is an “optical battery, which could lead to “a new kind of solar cell (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=solar+cell) without semiconductors and without absorption to produce charge separation”, according to Rand.


Rand revealed the research in a paper published in the Journal of Applied Physics. Instead of requiring semiconductor processing, the new technique would only require “lenses to focus the light and a fiber to guide it,” according to Fisher. “Glass works for both. It’s already made in bulk, and it doesn’t require as much processing. Transparent ceramics might be even better.” Rand and Fisher predict that they could achieve efficiency with this new technology that is equivalent to today’s commercial-grade solar cells.
With efficiencies equal to current commercial-grade panels, the new solar tech could lead to more affordable home-based arrays that integrate more seamlessly into your home–maybe even directly into your windows?

http://inhabitat.com/breaking-solar-power-breakthrough-could-render-solar-cells-obsolete/

Numeratzi, deja la politica a un lado en temas como estos.

Hace muchos años Bacardí en Cataño utiliza digestores anaeróbicos para generar metano y lo usan para operar las calderas de la destilería. Ellos venden o vendían esa tecnología y se que la Cervecería India (ahora Cervecera de PR) tiene un sistema similar aunque más pequeño. También se que el vertedero municipal de Humacao operado por Waste Management tiene uns sistema de recuperación de gases pero ahora mismo no tienen a quien venderle el gas y lo que hacen es quemarlo en un "flare".

Esos gases los deberian usar ellos en un generador para producir surplus energy para que corra en riversa por el grid y energia electrica les pague. :D

http://www.green-energy-news.com/Resources/_clear.gifhttp://www.green-energy-news.com/Resources/_clear.gif
April 14, 2011
Duke Energy to Deploy 36-Megawatt Battery Storage System at Texas Wind Farm.

http://www.green-energy-news.com/Resources/notrees.jpeg

Duke Energy intends to store electricity generated at its Notrees Windpower Project in west Texas using an energy storage and power management system developed by Austin-based Xtreme Power.
In November 2009, Duke Energy announced plans to match a $22 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to install large-scale batteries capable of storing electricity produced by the company's 153-megawatt (MW) Notrees wind farm, located in Ector and Winkler counties. After due diligence, Duke Energy chose Xtreme Power to design, install and operate a 36 MW-capacity Dynamic Power Resource(TM) system at the wind farm. When complete, the battery storage system will be one of the largest of its kind in the world and the largest at a wind farm.
This system will store excess wind energy and discharge it whenever demand for electricity is highest - not just when wind turbine blades are turning. In addition to increasing the supply of renewable energy during periods of peak demand, Xtreme's Dynamic Power Resource(TM) solution will help stabilize the frequency of electricity traveling throughout the power grid.
Duke Energy will work closely with the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to integrate the wind power and battery storage solution into the state's independent power grid. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) will advise the project team, collect data and help assess the potential for broader adoption of energy storage solutions throughout the industry. Results from the storage project at Duke Energy's Notrees wind farm will be shared publically through the DOE's Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse.

The DOE grant was made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In January 2011, DOE and Duke Energy agreed upon the terms and conditions of the grant. Duke Energy will elect to receive the matching funds for the energy storage and management solution once the company has completed its due diligence.
Duke Energy is targeting an in-service date for the battery storage system by late 2012. (4/14/11)
Links:
Duke Energy
http://www.duke-energy.com (http://www.duke-energy.com/)
Xtreme Power
http://www.xtremepower.com (http://www.xtremepower.com/)

http://www.green-energy-news.com/nwslnks/clips411/apr11018.html

Solar-energy development slated for shuttered landfills

By : JOHN MARINO
marino@caribbeanbusinesspr.com
Edition: April 14, 2011 | Volume: 39 | No: 14

Effort promises dollars for municipalities; renewable energy to meet island’s new mandatory public policy; goal is to have first project operational next yearThe Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is leading a joint federal-commonwealth initiative that aims to develop solar-energy projects on shuttered landfills across the island.
The effort will contribute to a new public policy of the Gov. Luis Fortuño administration that requires that 20% of Puerto Rico’s power come from renewable sources by 2030 and also will make the most of what could be Puerto Rico’s most limited resource, its land, EQB President Pedro Nieves Miranda told CARIBBEAN BUSINESS in an exclusive interview.
“We are very excited about this initiative. We have received great support from federal and local agencies, as well as mayors,” Nieves Miranda said. “Once landfills close, very few do something productive. It’s time we rescue this resource and put it to use.”
Some 30 landfills were closed in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, and another five are in the process of closing or will be shuttered in the near future. Most are owned by cash-strapped municipalities.
Once closed, the landfills must be capped and maintained to meet federal standards, a burden that can cost several hundred thousand dollars a year, Nieves Miranda said. Solar projects could recoup those costs and also start making money for island towns.
Solar technology is being looked at in tropical Puerto Rico, and the infrastructure required is one of the few that can be built on land occupied by a shuttered landfill, the EQB chief said. For example, large excavations can’t be attempted on closed landfills without damaging their caps.
An interagency team has been doing site visits on landfills to study their geographical and solar characteristics, access to the island’s power grid and other technical issues to determine the viability of a solar project at each site.
The team is also exploring project financing and whether existing grants or incentives could help make the projects viable. The administration is looking to attract private industry to develop the solar projects, perhaps as public-private partnerships (PPPs) with municipal governments that own the landfills. The power would then be sold to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa), or used by the municipality to supply its own needs or sell to third parties.
“At this point, a broad range of alternatives is being explored,” the EQB chief said. “Our focus remains on determining the viability of solar technology at each site.”
Solar projects probably won’t be viable at all sites, because of terrain, solar capture and other factors, and the size of the landfills varies greatly. Nieves Miranda estimated that a landfill solar project could deliver anywhere from four megawatts to 11 megawatts.
The goal is to have a project operational next year. So far, the EQB-led initiative has visited 10 landfills, and Aguadilla Mayor Carlos Méndez has expressed interest in such a project in his town.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/cb_content/news02.php?nw_id=5142&ct_id=90

eso SI es energia renobable. No un gasoducto Via Verde como dice fortuño.
Lo de verde fue para cogernos a todos de bobo.

Segunda vez que te pido por favor te limites a comentarios sobre el proyecto y no a criticas no constructivas en contra de cualquier cosa, grupo o persona en la cual no estas de acuerdo.

Solar on the Water

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/04/20/business/Float/Float-articleLarge.jpg

Elvin Batz, an installer at SPG Solar, checks the pontoon structure and panels of a floating solar array in an irrigation pond in Petaluma, Calif.


By TODD WOODY

Published: April 19, 2011



PETALUMA, Calif. — Solar panels have sprouted on countless rooftops, carports and fields in Northern California. Now, several start-up companies see potential for solar panels that float on water.


Already, 144 solar panels sit atop pontoons moored on a three-acre irrigation pond surrounded by vineyards in Petaluma in Sonoma County. Some 35 miles to the north, in the heart of the Napa Valley, another array of 994 solar panels covers the surface of a pond at the Far Niente Winery.
“Vineyard land in this part of the Napa Valley runs somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000 an acre,” said Larry Maguire, Far Niente’s chief executive. “We wanted to go solar but we didn’t want to pull out vines.”
The company that installed the two arrays, SPG Solar of Novato, Calif., as well as Sunengy of Australia and Solaris Synergy of Israel, are among the companies trying to develop a market for solar panels on agricultural and mining ponds, hydroelectric (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/h/hydroelectric_power/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier) reservoirs and canals. While it is a niche market, it is potentially a large one globally. The solar panel aqua farms have drawn interest from municipal water agencies, farmers and mining companies enticed by the prospect of finding a new use for — and new revenue from — their liquid assets, solar executives said.
Sunengy, for example, is courting markets in developing countries that are plagued by electricity shortages but have abundant water resources and intense sunshine, according to Philip Connor, the company’s co-founder and chief technology officer.
Chris Robine, SPG Solar’s chief executive, said he had heard from potential customers as far away as India, Australia and the Middle East. When your land is precious, he said, “There’s a great benefit in that you have clean power coming from solar, and it doesn’t take up resources for farming or mining.”
Sunengy, based in Sydney, said it had signed a deal with Tata Power (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/tata_group/index.html?inline=nyt-org), India’s largest private utility, to build a small pilot project on a hydroelectric reservoir near Mumbai. Solaris Synergy, meanwhile, said it planned to float a solar array on a reservoir in the south of France in a trial with the French utility EDF.
MDU Resources Group (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/mdu-resources-group-inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org), a $4.3 billion mining and energy infrastructure conglomerate based in Bismarck, N.D., has been in talks with SPG Solar about installing floating photovoltaic arrays on settling ponds at one of its California gravel mines, according to Bill Connors, MDU’s vice president of renewable resources.
“We don’t want to put a renewable resource project in the middle of our operations that would disrupt mining,” Mr. Connors said. “The settling ponds are land we’re not utilizing right now except for discharge and if we can put that unproductive land into productive use while reducing our electric costs and our carbon foot footprint, that’s something we’re interested in.”
Mr. Connors declined to discuss the cost of an SPG floating solar array. But he noted, “We wouldn’t be looking at systems that are not competitive.”
SPG Solar’s main business is installing conventional solar systems for homes and commercial operations. It built Far Niente’s 400-kilowatt floating array on a 1.3-acre pond in 2007 as a special project and has spent the last four years developing a commercial version called Floatovoltaics that executives say is competitive in cost with a conventional ground-mounted system.
The Floatovoltaics model now being brought to market by SPG Solar is the array that bobs on the surface of the Petaluma irrigation pond.
“We have been able to utilize a seemingly very simple system, minimizing the amount of steel,” said Phil Alwitt, project development manager for SPG Solar, standing on a walkway built into the 38-kilowatt array.
“With steel being so expensive, that’s our main cost,” Mr. Alwitt said.
Long rows of standard photovoltaic panels made by Suntech, the Chinese solar manufacturer, sit tilted at an eight-degree angle on a metal lattice fitted to pontoons and anchored by tie lines to buoys to withstand wind and waves.
The array, which is not yet operational, will be hooked up to a transmission line through a cable laid under the pond bed. Mr. Alwitt said that when the array is completed, 2,016 panels would cover most of the pond’s surface and generate one megawatt of electricity at peak output.
He noted that the cooling effect of the water increased electricity production at the Far Niente winery by 1 percent over a typical ground-mounted system.


SPG Solar executives said an environmental engineering firm that evaluated its technology concluded that water evaporation under the floating arrays decreased by 70 percent. The companies also say that their systems inhibit destructive algae growth by blocking the sunlight the algae need to grow.


David L. Sedlak, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Berkeley (http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/university_of_california/index.html?inline=nyt-org), agreed that the floating solar power (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/solar_energy/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier) plants could prove useful in controlling algae.
“Irrigation ponds have the potential to become algal sources and algae can cause all sorts of issues,” said Dr. Sedlak, co-director of the university’s Berkeley Water Center. But he said he doubted that stemming evaporation would be a big selling point for floating solar panels since irrigation ponds did not lose that much water to evaporation.
Solar entrepreneurs had hoped to persuade the California State Water Project to cover the 400-mile California Aqueduct with photovoltaic panels. The panels could then generate electricity in the canal that irrigates the agricultural empire of the Central Valley and helps supply water to 25 million Californians.
Solaris Synergy, the Israeli firm, claims that installing its floating solar arrays on the aqueduct could produce up to two megawatts of electricity per mile. And SPG Solar executives said they held preliminary discussions with state officials about putting solar panels on the aqueduct.
“We think there’s a huge potential,” Mr. Robine said.
Ralph Torres, deputy director of the state water project, said he had recently spoken with Solaris, the latest of many companies that he said had approached his agency over the years about installing solar panels.
“You would really have to anchor these solar arrays so they wouldn’t float away,” Mr. Torres said. “If you do spring a leak and have to go in quickly these panels would be in the way and you might damage or destroy them when responding to an emergency.”
“A better application would be on a reservoir,” he added.
That is Sunengy’s strategy. Mr. Connor said the company was looking to developing countries to turn hydroelectric dams and village reservoirs into giant batteries.
“Any solar power you generate on the dam allows you to feed the transmission line and save water in the dam for use on rainy days or at night,” he said.
Sunengy’s plan would deploy rafts of solar units that use a plastic lens to track the sun and concentrate sunlight on small photovoltaic cells that use less expensive silicon than conventional cells. In high winds, the lens stows under the water.
“If you have a drought on a hydroelectric dam, your asset is dead,” Mr. Connor said. “If you have solar power on that dam, you can continue to generate electricity.”



http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/business/energy-environment/20float.html?pagewanted=2&ref=us

Segunda vez que te pido por favor te limites a comentarios sobre el proyecto y no a criticas no constructivas en contra de cualquier cosa, grupo o persona en la cual no estas de acuerdo.

It's a waste of time my friend. My best advice is to ignore it. Like flatulence, eventually it will fade away.

Estaria bueno poner un techo con paneles solares ensima de un estacionamiento para dar sombra y que despues de un tiempo se pague por si mismo. :D

Ehhh Zona Solar en los predios del Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel de Bayamon es asi. Parte del estacionamiento es techado y en el techo hay placas solares. Esta cerca del estacionamiento multipisos y de la estacion Deportivo del Tren Urbano.

Eso es algo que lo pueden hacer en los centros comerciales. Cubrirlos de paneles solares a manera de cobertizos en todo o la mayor parte. No solo se convierte en estacionamiento bajo techo sino que proveería energía para centro comercial y si sobra venderla a la AEE.

Aunque en esta aplicación hay que ver el impacto de la necesidad de iluminación de noche ya que en espacio abierto iluminas con unos pocos postes altos de 30 pies o más y un sitio bajo techo necesitas mucha más iluminación.

Ese es mi punto luisr :D
Em por la noche se puede poner algun mecanismo que cuando sea la noche se viren los paneles solares como las ventanas miami para dejar pasar la luz del poste un poco mejor. :D

Honeywell’s Home Wind Turbine Goes on Sale Today!

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 04/21/11


http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/Honeywell-on-sale-6-537x335.jpg
The Honeywell wind turbine (http://inhabitat.com/energy/wind), a small lightweight gearless system built perfect for homes and small businesses, goes on sale today around the world! The Honeywell, which was designed by WindTronics (http://www.windtronics.com/), measures six feet in diameter and is less than 185 pounds, and depending on where it is mounted, it can generate 1500kWh annually. But most impressively, the turbine is able to generate power (http://inhabitat.com/energy) for your home in wind as light as 2 miles per hour!

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The Honeywell goes on sale through authorized distributers around the world today — stores like Ace Hardware and True Value will be selling it — and it retails for $5,795 plus installation. “The design of the Honeywell Wind Turbine (http://inhabitat.com/energy/wind) is unlike anything I have seen before,” said Kyle Biedermann, CEO of WindBucks Energy, a distributor of Honeywell Wind Turbine in Texas. “This product, which lives harmoniously in almost any setting, is beneficial anywhere there is wind and is a viable option for sustainable energy.”
Honeywell’s design resolves many people’s fears that the blades of a residential wind turbine might cut loose and fly off into the neighborhood. The design is compact — and although we wouldn’t call it artful — it is definitely not imposing. The price might make put gadget out of reach for a lot of homeowners, but given that the average home in the United States has an bill of $1,250 a year with an average usage of 900kWh (well below the Honeywell’s projected wind production (http://inhabitat.com/energy/wind) level) if you can front the $6,000 for the device and installation, this device could start saving you $1,200 a year just four and a half years after installation.


http://inhabitat.com/honeywells-home-wind-turbine-goes-on-sale-today/

California Signs Most Ambitious Renewable Energy Law in the Country

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 04/14/11


http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/Jerry-Brown-Energy-Law-1-537x402.jpg
Yesterday, California’s governor, Jerry Brown, signed into law the most ambitious renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) standards in the country, which would require the state to generate 1/3 of its power from renewables (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) within ten years. Brown believes that this aggressive mandate will help push California to the lead of green technology (http://inhabitat.com/green-gadgets/) while giving the state’s economy a push. The mandate will surely create new green collar jobs, an incentive for technology companies to push forward their renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) projects, and will hopefully help lead the rest of the country in the same direction.

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“It’s about California leading the country. It’s America potentially leading the world,” Brown said at a signing ceremony in Silicon Valley where he was joined by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and some California state lawmakers.
“The new law will stimulate the economy and improve the environment, while protecting ratepayers from excessive costs,” noted Senator Joe Simitian, a Democrat from Palo Alto and author of the legislation.
Supporters of the bill say that the initiative will help reduce California’s air pollution and help the country cut ties with unstable foreign oil sources. They also note that they believe the legislation will create about 100,000 new jobs in the clean energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) sector.
Republicans in the state have pushed against the law saying it will require utilities to raise energy costs for citizens by about 7% — the cost difference between cheaper oil and coal and the more expensive wind (http://inhabitat.com/energy/wind), solar (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) and hydro. Governor Brown acknowledged that there would be arguments over clean energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) with state Republicans. He thinks they will eventually come over to the green side, though saying, “I believe a number of Republicans will come around, but they are not there yet.”

http://inhabitat.com/california-gets-most-ambitious-renewable-energy-law-in-the-country/

Power From Thin Air: Urban Turbines Grab Cars’ Energy



http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/voltair-1.jpg


The ability to harness clean energy is all around us – the very air is full of green power possibilities. The Voltair Vertical Turbine (http://www.designbuzz.com/entry/voltair-vertical-turbine-harnesses-movement-of-vehicles-to-produced-clean-energy/) is a novel approach to harvesting energy from passing cars: the turbines are turned by cars as they move by in an urban environment. The turning of the turbines creates clean electricity that can be stored and used to power the lights, signs, gas stations, toll booths and service areas lining streets and highways.


http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/voltair-2.jpg


Designed by Portuguese designer Luis Castanheira Santos, the Voltair system makes double use of the fuel already being used to power cars and trucks passing by. The fuel is used first by the vehicles, of course, but is then used again as the air disturbance created by the vehicles’ passing is transformed into electricity.


http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/voltair-3.jpg


The designer intends for the turbines to be used along urban streets and highways, where constant and steady traffic would provide plenty of wind to turn the turbines almost perpetually.


http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/voltair-4.jpg


Unlike most traditional methods of electricity generation, this method doesn’t create any additional pollution. Cars and truck, of course, are some of the worst environmental offenders, so doubling the use of the fuel that runs them without doubling their emissions could be a huge environmental benefit to everyone. The biggest benefits may be felt by those living in the urban environment where the clean energy is utilized.
http://gajitz.com/power-from-thin-air-urban-turbines-grab-cars-energy/

Recycled Smog: Algae Street Lamp Eats Smog, Fuels Cars


http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/biolamp-1.jpg

Plenty of ideas are proposed every year for reducing urban smog. There are even concepts out there for scrubbing the existing smog out of the air. But this concept would actually put urban smog to good use powering eco-friendly biomass-fueled cars.

http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/biolamp-2.jpg

The Biolamp design (http://www.thedesignblog.org/entry/biolamp-streetlamp-converts-smog-into-fuel-to-power-eco-cars/), from Hungarian designer Peter Horvath, is basically a chamber containing water and algae. The algae eats the CO2 from the environment, which is sucked into the chamber and circulated to the algae by a pump. According to the designer, the algae becomes saturated with CO2 at which point it becomes biomass that is pushed through underground tubes to a nearby filler station. The chamber inside the street lamp is refilled with more algae and water to start the process again.

http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/biolamp-3.jpg

Eco cars which run on biomass can fuel up at these filler stations, which essentially means that clean energy cars will be fueled by smog-producing gasoline-powered ones. Although the concept seems a bit shaky, using biomass and existing pollution to power our world is an intriguing idea that definitely deserves exploration.
http://gajitz.com/recycled-smog-algae-street-lamp-eats-smog-fuels-cars/

Buenos los 2 articulos :D

Cleaner, Greener: Offshore Wind + Wave Power Generator



http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/poseidon.jpg


We’ve only just begun to harness the energy-producing capabilities of natural forces like wind and waves. Power plants that sit in the water can take advantage of both; over 70% of the planet is covered in water, after all. The Floating Power Plant (http://www.floatingpowerplant.com/?pageid=242) project will blaze new paths in harvesting wind and wave energy from an offshore location. Called Poseidon for the mythical god of the sea, the power plant (http://inhabitat.com/2010/04/28/floating-poseidon-power-plant-harnesses-the-wind-and-waves/) will be kept afloat in rough seas by the same technology that’s used to keep oil rigs stable.


http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/floating-power-plant.jpg


The futuristic commercial power plant will be a whopping 230 meters long, and just one of them will represent far lower emissions than a traditional (fossil fuel) power plant. One Poseidon plant reduces 145 tons of sulphur dioxide, 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide, 120 tons of nitric oxides and 2600 tons of flying slag and ash – pollutants emptied into the environment every year by fossil fuel power generation. It’s estimated that each plant could produce in the neighborhood of 50 gigawatts annually.


http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/poseidon-floating-power-pla.jpg


The plant’s considerable size works in its favor; it’s much more difficult for waves to tip over a huge platform than a small one. And because wave power isn’t 100 percent reliable due to ever-changing sea conditions, the onboard wind turbines would keep the juice flowing. But maybe the best part of the Poseidon project is the fact that it will most likely cut down on energy costs over time. After the Obama administration’s pledge to get 25% of America’s energy from renewable sources by 2025, this project couldn’t have come at a better time.
http://gajitz.com/cleaner-greener-offshore-wind-wave-power-generator/

New Solar-Thermal Flat Panels Are Eight Times More Efficient than Existing Technology

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 05/02/11
filed under: News (http://inhabitat.com/news-2/), Renewable Energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/), Solar Power (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/05/Solar-Thermal-Flat-Panel-4-537x358.jpg

A team of researchers from Boston College and MIT have developed a hybrid flat panel that is capable of producing electricity (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) from the sun’s rays as well as hot water for thermal energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/). The team’s new flat panel is eight times more efficient than previously developed solar thermoelectric generators and could make solar thermoelectric technology (http://inhabitat.com/green-gadgets) more cost effective on a wider scale. Solar Thermal energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) is expensive and generally employed in large installations — like the one above — with this new flat panel, solar (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) thermal energy could become a much more valuable investment. The team has increased the energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) output without adding much to the dollar sign side of the equation.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/05/Solar-Thermal-Flat-Panel-4-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/new-solar-thermal-flat-panels-are-eight-times-more-efficient-than-existing-technology/solar-thermal-flat-panel-4/)
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In order to develop the panels the team used nanotechnology to combine spectrally-selective solar absorbers (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) in a vacuum sealed chambers with high-performance thermoelectric materials. “Existing solar-thermal technologies do a good job generating hot water. For the new product, this will produce both hot water and electricity,” said Boston College professor of physics, Zhifeng Ren. “Because of the new ability to generate valuable electricity (http://inhabitat.com/energy/), the system promises to give users a quicker payback on their investment. This new technology can shorten the payback time by one third.”
The added materials doesn’t make the panel much more expensive than existing solar thermal technology (http://inhabitat.com/green-gadgets/) — but increases the energy generation dramatically — which means this could be a big development in clean energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) markets.”We have developed a flat panel that is a hybrid capable of generating hot water and electricity in the same system,” said Ren. “The ability to generate electricity by improving existing technology at minimal cost makes this type of power generation self-sustaining from a cost standpoint.”
Via PhysOrg (http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-05-solar-thermal-flat-panels-electric-power.html)

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http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/05/Solar-Thermal-Flat-Panel-1-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/new-solar-thermal-flat-panels-are-eight-times-more-efficient-than-existing-technology/solar-thermal-flat-panel-1/)


http://inhabitat.com/new-solar-thermal-flat-panels-are-eight-times-more-efficient-than-existing-technology/

Eco Ultra Fuel Is Made from Re-Refined Used Motor Oil

by Lori Zimmer (http://inhabitat.com/author/lorizimmer/), 04/27/11
filed under: automotive (http://inhabitat.com/automotive/), Renewable Energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/EcoUltra-537x344.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/eco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil/ecoultra/)

With the possibility of fossil fuels running out in our lifetime, Universal Lubricant is looking ahead (http://inhabitat.com/european-union-aims-to-ban-gas-fueled-cars-in-cities-by-2050/). Through the re-refining of used motor oil, they’ve created Eco Ultra (http://www.ecoultraoil.com/). With production increasing to 1.5 million gallons, the recycled oil is gaining popularity. Available in the near future on store shelves, using Eco Ultra is comparable to unused fuel and exceeds the fuel (http://inhabitat.com/ineos-breaks-ground-on-first-commercial-biofuel-plant-in-u-s/) requirements of the Society of Automotive Engineers. By using Eco Ultra, the consumer will not only help reduce overall dependance on fossil fuels, but simultaneously lower greenhouse gas emissions. Only 10% of the 1.3 billion gallons of oil used every year in the U.S. is re-refined.


http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/Re-refinery-moon-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/eco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil/re-refinery-moon/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/EcoUltra-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/eco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil/ecoultra/)


http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=739&campaignid=113&zoneid=179&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Finhabitat.com%2Feco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil%2F&cb=4ce19721a7
http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=179&n=a0b8f9d (http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a0b8f9d) http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/04/Re-refinery-moon-537x358.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/eco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil/re-refinery-moon/)

Universal Lubricant's Re-refinery in Kansas

Along with Valvoline NextGen (http://nextgen.valvoline.com/), Eco Ultra provides one solution to dealing with used motor oil. In fact, researchers at the University of Cambridge have further examined the process of recycling used fuel, claiming to have developed a “microwave-heated process” that recycles waste oil into fuel. While complete details have yet to be divulged, the process is said to have “excellent potential.”

Although alternative energy sources (http://inhabitat.com/uk-firm-develops-hydrogen-micro-beads-that-could-fuel-cars-for-1-50-per-gallon/) are better on the environment, re-refining does contribute to the reduction of the depletion of fossil fuels. Eco Ultra offers a green and sustainable option to consumers who have not been able to take the plunge of buying a new hybrid (http://inhabitat.com/hyundai-unveils-the-hydrogen-powered-blue2-hybrid/) or electric car.


Read more: Eco Ultra Fuel Made from Re-refined Used Motor Oil | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/eco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil/#ixzz1LMhf3N4o)

http://inhabitat.com/eco-ultra-fuel-made-from-re-refined-used-motor-oil/

Jayuya joins biofuel revolution, creates R&D opportunity

By : EVA LLORENS
eval@caribbeanbusinesspr.com
Edition: May 5, 2011 | Volume: 39 | No: 17

Mountain town aims to further cut costs, build on $871K budget surplus; hardy, oil-rich jatropha plant already harvested in other countriesThe mountain municipality of Jayuya is starting to grow jatropha plants for the production of diesel fuel in a joint venture with engineering firm Environmental Engineering Enterprises (EEE).
Jayuya already is turning used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel for its city trucks and heavy machinery, an initiative that has helped the city government save money. The Popular Democratic Party-controlled city has an $871,000 budget surplus.

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/lead1_5-5-11.jpg

Now, the city will expand its biodiesel-fuel operation by experimenting with jatropha. In 2007, scientists reported jatropha could be used for biodiesel production since it is resistant to drought and pests, and produces seeds containing 27% to 40% oil, according to a research article published in the journal "Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining."
Carlos Rivera, president of EEE in Jayuya, will be in charge of designing the process for extracting the oil from the seeds and turning it into biodiesel fuel. The company is already in charge of processing used cooking oil into biodiesel.
"We are planting the jatropha on three acres of land at an ecological hacienda in Mameyes Sector," Rivera said.
The city hopes to produce enough seeds for other farmers to grow jatropha, he added.
Currently, the oil from jatropha seeds is used for making biodiesel in the Philippines and Brazil, and it is being promoted as an easy-to-grow biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India and other developing countries, according to the World Agroforestry Centre.
Rivera said jatropha oil is not fit for human consumption.
"The oil needs to be processed, but the U.S. Air Force has been experimenting with it in its pure form for its jets in California and Costa Rica," Rivera said, adding that another benefit of jatropha is that it doesn't hurt other plants or require a lot of land to grow.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/cb_content/news02.php?nw_id=5257&ct_id=90

Biodiesel goes popular

By : EVA LLORENS
eval@caribbeanbusinesspr.com
Edition: May 5, 2011 | Volume: 39 | No: 17

15 of 30 PDP municipalities turning used cooking oil into biodiesel to run towns’ trucks, machineryAt least 15 of the 30 Popular Democratic Party (PDP) members of the Puerto Rico Mayors Association soon may be joining Jayuya in its energy initiative to turn used cooking oil into biodiesel to run municipal trucks and vehicles, CARIBBEAN BUSINESS learned.
A year ago, Jayuya's PDP Mayor Jorge González and Carlos Rivera, president of Environmental Engineering Enterprises (EEE), began using biodiesel in two municipal vehicles as part of an experiment to save money.
The town now is using biodiesel in 20 vehicles and has saved more than $42,000 in the last year, said Jayuya Planning Director Mario García.
"We now are using biodiesel to fuel garbage trucks and all heavy equipment, and we expect to increase our savings," he said.
Comerío PDP Mayor José A. Santiago recently signed an agreement with González to collect used cooking oil from businesses and homes, which will be processed in the Jayuya plant as organic fuel. For the time being, Comerío will merely provide used cooking oil to Jayuya, but Santiago said the town also may use it to fuel its town's vehicles.
González recently met with association members, and at least 15 expressed an interest in participating in the initiative. García said Jayuya plans to sell Comerío the biodiesel it makes from its sister PDP town's used cooking oil.
"For every 1,000 gallons of [used] cooking oil they provide, we will sell them back 90%, or 900 gallons, of biodiesel," García said. "We have been approaching cities and agencies because we need raw material."
Rivera, a biodiesel expert, said he began processing used cooking oil for biodiesel a few years ago to help his father, a coffee farmer, save money on fuel for his farm machinery.
"Diesel was at $1.25 a liter. We ended up saving money. The municipality then became interested," Rivera said. "We now have been in this project for a year." García said EEE designed the process and the city put up the money. City workers also help collect the used cooking oil.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/cb_content/news02.php?nw_id=5256&ct_id=90

IMPLUX: Omni-directional, vertical axis wind turbine for urban environments

By Darren Quick (http://www.gizmag.com/author/darren-quick/)
22:34 May 12, 2011


[/URL]
http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/image_modernist.png 5 Pictures (http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/#comments)

http://images.gizmag.com/hero/implux.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/picture/134224/) How the IMPLUX might look atop a building
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/picture/134224/) (5 images)

When most people think of wind power they think of large-scale wind farms with fields of huge three-bladed horizontal axis turbines. With such farms requiring lots of room they are generally unsuitable for placement in or even near large cities. Smaller turbines tailored for urban environments such as AeroVironment's Architectural Wind System (http://www.gizmag.com/wind-turbines-harness-building-power/9120/), the Honeywell Windgate (http://www.gizmag.com/earthtronics-honeywell-windgate-wind-turbine/11990/) and the Windspire (http://www.gizmag.com/windspire-low-cost-wind-power-alternative/10861/) represent a growing sector though, and the latest to catch our eye is the IMPLUX – a vertical axis turbine designed to harness the power of the wind blowing from all directions.


http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/implux-1.JPG (http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/picture/134225/)
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http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/implux-6.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/picture/134230/)

The key to the IMPLUX, which was designed by inventor Varan Sureshan, is the omni-directional shroud that forms the outer covering of the turbine and directs the wind from all directions up through the unit to turn an aerofoil propeller rotor like that used on horizontal axis wind turbines. The shroud, which wouldn't look out of place in The Jetsons, consists of a series of fixed horizontal blades that are shaped to capture the wind and accelerate it up into the central chamber to turn the turbine rotor.
To stop the wind simply blowing straight through the shroud, the horizontal blades are angled to direct the wind upwards. Sureshan says the wind entering the bottom-most opening, which has the highest focusing ability, forms a "fluid dynamic gate" – essentially an air curtain – that blocks the wind entering on one side from escaping out the other, instead forcing it up a past the rotor.
http://images.gizmag.com/inline/implux-5.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/picture/134229/)
Sureshan says his invention is capable of generating the same amount or more electricity than a standard horizontal wind turbine with the same sized rotor, but with reduced noise, maintenance and the ability to harness the power of wind that is continuously and rapidly changing direction and speed. This makes it suitable for the swirling wind patterns usually found on the tops of high-rise buildings within cities.
And because the unit is fixed to the building and the rotor is spinning on a vertical axis, Sureshan says the amount of imbalance forces are almost nil, resulting in very little vibration and noise being transferred to the building on which it is located.
Sureshan says the bigger the IMPLUX is, the more efficient it is and he has modeled the design up to a 30 kW unit that measures about 15 m (49 ft) in diameter using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses. However, a unit of such size would be impractical for most buildings, so to test the technology a prototype unit measuring roughly 4 m (13 ft) in diameter and 4 m high with a rotor of about 2 m (6.5 ft) in diameter has been built that is expected to produce up to a maximum of 2 kW. The prototype is set to be placed atop a high-rise building in a city environment for real world testing in June.
If the tests go as expected, Sureshan says he plans to produce units that are slightly smaller to give the device the best chance of meeting as many council planning permission regulations for placement on existing buildings as possible. These will measure around 3 m x 3 m (9.8 x 9.8 ft) and are expected to produce around 1.5 kW.
Sureshan has been awarded patents for the IMPLUX design and has founded a company, Katru Eco-Energy (http://www.katru.com.au/katru.html), to bring the IMPLUX to market. The company is aiming for a mid-2012 date for the first IMPLUX units to roll off the production line with an expected price tag in the area of US$10,000.
[url]http://www.gizmag.com/implux-wind-turbine/18625/

Valla que buena idea! Coje viento de todos lados literalmente!

MIT’s New Liquid Flow Batteries Could Make Refueling EVs as Fast as Pumping Gas

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 06/06/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/06/Liquid-Flow-EV-Battery-1-537x402.jpg
A team of researchers at MIT set out to “reinvent the rechargeable battery” and succeeded by creating a liquid-flow battery, suitable for electric vehicles (http://inhabitat.com/automotive) that can be recharged as quickly as simply pumping gas and could halve the cost of current EV batteries. The new batteries involve a semi-solid, liquid electrolyte material which holds suspended positive and negative electrodes that provide needed electricity (http://inhabitat.com/energy). When all the energy has been zapped out of the amorphous material, you can simply remove it from the battery — recharge it for future use — and replace it with fully charged goo. The team at MIT envisions this happening in much the same way — and about the same amount of time — that we’re all used to pumping gas.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/06/Liquid-Flow-EV-Battery-1-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/new-liquid-flow-batteries-from-mit-could-make-refueling-evs-as-fast-as-pumping-gas/liquid-flow-ev-battery-1/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/06/Liquid-Flow-EV-Battery-2-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/new-liquid-flow-batteries-from-mit-could-make-refueling-evs-as-fast-as-pumping-gas/liquid-flow-ev-battery-2/)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/06/Liquid-Flow-EV-Battery-3-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/new-liquid-flow-batteries-from-mit-could-make-refueling-evs-as-fast-as-pumping-gas/liquid-flow-ev-battery-3/)


http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=739&campaignid=113&zoneid=179&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Finhabitat.com%2Fnew-liquid-flow-batteries-from-mit-could-make-refueling-evs-as-fast-as-pumping-gas%2F&cb=bb95e75ec8
http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=179&n=a0b8f9d (http://ads.inhabitat.com/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a0b8f9d)
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/06/Liquid-Flow-EV-Battery-2-537x402.jpg This kind of liquid flow battery is not new, but prior research teams were not able to find a material that had high enough energy density to make the batteries plausible. With lower energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) density needed to make huge structures to hold the batteries, the MIT team has managed to find a material — shown above on the right — that ups the energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) density of prior liquid flow batteries ten fold. This improvement made the structures small enough to be plausible for use in electric vehicles (http://inhabitat.com/automotive), large energy storage facilities as well as smaller applications.
The researchers came up with the idea for their liquid flow battery by combining the traditional positive and negative electrodes of a lithium-ion battery — now used in most electric vehicles (http://inhabitat.com/automotive) — with the suspension ideas of a liquid flow battery. By suspending the positive and negative electrodes in the battery — in traditional lithium-ion batteries they are stationary — the team made it possible to replace the battery’s energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) making system without having to recharge it within the batteries structure. By creating this new, less expensive design the research team believes they could bring down the cost of electric vehicles to make them more competitive with gas-powered vehicles.


http://inhabitat.com/new-liquid-flow-batteries-from-mit-could-make-refueling-evs-as-fast-as-pumping-gas/

Eso esta bruta! Y se recicla el liquido bateria que es remplazado :D

Getting a Spark in Public: Green Turbine Charging Stations
http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/savannius-turbine-1.jpg
Maybe we would all get out of the house a bit more if outdoor spaces were a little more conducive to our tech-heavy lifestyles. This strange but kind of wonderful concept would put green electricity, combined with new lounging spots, in public spaces.
http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/savannius-turbine-2.jpg
The Savannius Wind Turbine (http://www.hirotakamatsui.com/savannius.html), designed by Hirotaka Matsui, is a small wind turbine that harnesses the natural power of the wind to electrify the public. The top part of the device turns to generate electricity and the bottom is a clever plastic seat that allows several people to sit down and take in the scenery.
http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/savannius-turbine-3.jpg
On the base of the Savannius are three electrical outlets that let visitors plug in laptops, phone chargers or whatever other gadgets they happen to be hauling around.
http://cdn.gajitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/savannius-turbine-4.jpg
According to the designer, the purpose of the Savannius is to create a social space that is also functional. This definitely seems like the way of the future, given the fact that most of us are never without our gadgets for very long. Putting charging stations in public spaces is a logical step, and the fact that this design features clean, green energy is a huge bonus.
http://gajitz.com/getting-a-spark-in-public-green-turbine-charging-stations/

$290 millones para energía verde (http://www.elnuevodia.com/$290millonesparaenergiaverde-1002580.html)
El gobierno reembolsará las inversiones a consumidores y empresas


(Thinkstock)
Por Joanisabel González / joanisabel.gonzalez@elnuevodia.com
A partir de este viernes, el gobierno separará entre $20 millones y $40 millones anuales para reembolsar a consumidores y empresas que inviertan en equipos de generación de energía con fuentes renovables, instalados en hogares, comercios o industrias.

La multimillonaria asignación representa la primera inyección que recibirá el Fondo de Energía Verde (FEV), un programa de subsidios con el que se espera crear un nuevo paradigma en cuanto a la producción de energía en la Isla, aseguraron ayer el secretario de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio, José R. Pérez-Riera, y el administrador en Asuntos Energéticos (AAE), Luis Bernal Jiménez.

El FEV entrará en vigor el 1 de julio en el contexto de la nueva ley de reforma energética. En esa fecha, el Gobierno le transferirá unos $20 millones del arbitrio a vehículos de motor -y que ingresa al Fondo General- al FEV, decisión que crearía unos 280 empleos directos, indirectos e inducidos en el año fiscal 2011-12. Esto último si se consuma el estimado de 150 proyectos de generación de energía.

“Es usar dinero del pueblo de una mejor forma para beneficio del pueblo”, sostuvo Pérez-Riera al insistir que la asignación de fondos al FEV no representa impuestos adicionales a la población.

El objetivo del Gobierno es transferir unos $290 millones al FEV al cabo de diez años, a fin de que Puerto Rico logre producir más energía de fuentes renovables. La asignación anual aumentaría a $25 millones en el fiscal 2014; a $30 millones en el fiscal 2015 y a $35 millones en el 2016. Luego, hasta el año fiscal 2020, se asignarían $40 millones anuales.

En el 2012, la producción de energía de fuentes renovables debiera representar el 12% de la generación total y en el 2015, 15%.

Con esa movida, Pérez-Riera aseguró que se logrará reducir el costo de la energía, eliminando así uno de los escollos más importantes para la actividad empresarial, y se daría paso a la creación de un nuevo segmento industrial dedicado a la manufactura e instalación de estos equipos.

Bernal Jiménez explicó que el gobierno reembolsará hasta el 60% del costo de adquisición e instalación de equipos, como serían molinos de viento o placas fotovoltaicas, cuando se trate de proyectos de pequeña escala. Estos proyectos, según el gobierno, podrían ser desarrollados por individuos o pequeñas empresas, ya que generarían hasta 100 kilovatios de energía.

Mientras, en los proyectos de escala mediana comercial e industrial que produzcan entre 100 kilovatios y un megavatio de energía, el reembolso sería de hasta 50%.

Los reembolsos se harán en función de un costo de referencia, que oscilará entre $6 y $7. Si los proyectos se desarrollan en las islas municipio de Vieques y Culebra el costo de referencia sería de unos $8.50, aproximadamente. También influirán en el cálculo otras variables como los costos permitidos para el proyecto y capacidad.

Los proyectos, empero, tendrán que cumplir las especificaciones de calidad y eficiencia establecidas por la AAE y tendrán que estar construidos en su totalidad para ser elegibles para el reembolso. Además, los proyectos por los que se solicite el reembolso tienen que ser permanentes, o sea, que no pueden trasladarse físicamente.

En el caso de los proyectos de escala mediana, se requerirá que incluyan un programa de mantenimiento y el reembolso se otorgaría en función de una subasta a fin de que los proyectos que se establezcan en la Isla utilicen los mejores equipos y tecnología disponible, explicó Pérez-Riera.

Apuesta a lo verde

De concretarse la proyección del gobierno, los proyectos que se gestionen a partir del año fiscal siguiente generarían unos cinco megavatios de energía verde. Estos se sumarían a la producción de otros 600 megavatios que se lograrían a través de siete proyectos adicionales a los que el Gobierno ha dado su aval mediante diferentes estrategias e incentivos.

La construcción de estos proyectos comenzará este año y se espera estén en operaciones el año entrante.

Proyectos renovables

parte de los proyectos que el Gobierno pretende impulsar con el Fondo de Energía Verde, hay siete proyectos de energía renovable de gran escala en curso.

En conjunto, los proyectos representan una inversión estimada de $1,199 millones y crearían unos 980 empleos durante la etapa de construcción.

Salvo Windmar, donde ya comenzaron los trabajos, la construcción o habilitación de las fincas donde enclavarán los proyectos comenzará a partir de este mes.

*Parques eólicos

Pattern Energy, Santa Isabel

Windmar, Guayanilla

Costa Verde/Go Green, Naguabo

*Parques solares

Aguirre Solar Farm/Horizon, Salinas

Ciro Group, Salinas

Western Wind Energy, Yabucoa

AES Ilumina, Guayama

UPR puts $2M into renewable energy

By CB Online Staff
cbnews@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

The University of Puerto Rico is implementing a series of renewable-energy and conservation projects aimed at slashing its electricity bill by $230 million per year. The 11 projects announced Tuesday by UPR President Miguel Muñoz are being funded by $1.6 million in federal funds awarded under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act with investments from the public university’s 11 campuses totaling $364,000.
“We are meeting our commitment to spurring advances in initiatives that benefit the environment and allow us to cut our energy costs,” Muñoz said. “This allows us to set an example as the island’s leading academic center and to serve as a source of support for teaching on the issue of renewable energy.”
The UPR president noted that the projects cut dependence on fossil fuels, spur economic development and improve quality of life while “placing UPR in the global framework of energy conservation.”
Of the 11 projects, three have been completed at the flagship Río Piedras campus and satellite campuses in Bayamón and Arecibo. Those initiatives include the installation of solar panels on certain buildings.
Other solar energy projects are in the works at the Ponce, Humacao, Aguadilla, Utuado and Medical Sciences campuses, along with the Adjuntas Agricultural Experiment Station, which is run by UPR Mayagüez.
Retrofit projects are on tap at UPR Cayey and UPR Hospital. That work will include the switch to more efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems.
“Our university has always been a leader in the development and implementation of projects that benefit the island’s environment and economic development,” said Energy Affairs Administrator Luis Bernal.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=58962&ct_id=1&ct_name=1

Boom market seen as India’s rural poor give up on power grid, go solar

By : The Associated Press

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/indiasolar.jpg

NADA, India — Boommi Gowda used to fear the night. Her vision fogged by glaucoma, she could not see by just the dim glow of a kerosene lamp, so she avoided going outside where king cobras slithered freely and tigers carried off neighborhood dogs. But things have changed at Gowda’s home in the remote southern village of Nada. A solar-powered lamp pours white light across the front of the mud-walled hut she shares with her three grown children, a puppy and a newborn calf. Now during the nighttime, she can cook, tend to her livestock and get water from a nearby well.
“I can see!” Gowda said, giggling through a 100-watt smile. In her 70 years, this is the first time she has had any kind of electricity.
Across India, thousands of homes are receiving their first light through small companies and aid programs that are bypassing the central electricity grid to deliver solar panels to the rural poor. Those customers could provide the human energy that advocates of solar power have been looking for to fuel a boom in the next decade.
With 40 percent of India’s rural households lacking electricity and nearly a third of its 30 million agricultural water pumps running on subsidized diesel, “there is a huge market and a lot of potential,” said Santosh Kamath, executive director of consulting firm KPMG in India. “Decentralized solar installations are going to take off in a very big way and will probably be larger than the grid-connected segment.”

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/indiaread.jpg

Next door to the Gowdas, 58-year-old Iramma, who goes by one name, frowned as she watched her neighbors light their home for the first time. At her house, electrical wiring dangles uselessly from the walls.
She said her family would wait for the grid. They’ve already given hundreds of dollars to an enterprising electrician who wired her house and promised service would come. They shouldn’t have to pay even more money for solar panels, she insisted.
But she softened after her 16-year-old son interrupted to complain he was struggling in school because he cannot study at night like his classmates.
“We are very much frustrated,” she said. “The children are very anxious. They ask every day, ‘Why don’t we have power like other people?’ So if the grid doesn’t come in a month, maybe we will get solar, too.”
Growing frustration over huge gaps in grid
Despite decades of robust economic growth, there are still at least 300 million Indians — a quarter of the 1.2 billion population — who have no access to electricity at home. Some use cow dung for fuel, but they more commonly rely on kerosene, which commands premium black-market prices when government supplies run out.
They scurry during daylight to finish housework and school lessons. They wait for grid connections that often never come.
When people who live day-by-day on wage labor and what they harvest from the land choose solar, they aren’t doing it to conserve fossil fuels, stop climate change or reduce their carbon footprints. To them, solar technology presents an elegant and immediate solution to powering everything from light bulbs and heaters to water purifiers and pumps.

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/indiacarry.jpg

“Their frustration is part of our motivation. Why are we so arrogant in deciding what the poor need and when they should get it?” said Harish Hande, managing director of Selco Solar Light Pvt. Ltd.
The company, which is owned by three foreign aid organizations, has fitted solar panels to 125,000 rural homes in Karnataka state, including the Gowdas’, outside the west coast port of Mangalore.
Getting the technology to low-income customers is not easy. They need help with everything from setting up their first bank accounts and negotiating loans to navigating the fine print of payment contracts.
To find new clients, agents must go door-to-door in remote settlements, sometimes crossing rivers, hiking mountains or wading through wetlands to reach them.
But the sales pitch leads to reliable profits. Solar panels take little space on a rooftop, the lights burn brighter than kerosene lamps and they don’t start forest fires or get snuffed in strong winds. Unlike central power, solar units don’t get rationed or cut.
Buying solar panels is more expensive than grid electricity, but for people off the grid it compares well with other options. One of Selco’s single-panel solar systems goes for about $360, the same or less than a year’s supply of black-market kerosene. And government subsidies mean customers actually pay less than $300.
In two years, India’s government hopes the off-grid solar yield will quadruple to 200 megawatts — enough to power millions of rural Indian homes with modest energy needs.
Boommi Gowda’s family signed up for its solar system within weeks of seeing one at the home of neighbor Babu Gowda, who is not related but shares the common regional last name.
“With kerosene, you have to carry the lamp around wherever you go. The light is dim, and smoke fills the room and spoils the paint,” said Babu Gowda, a sprightly 59-year-old.
He finally decided on solar after losing his dog to a tiger from the neighboring national park. Now light from his home wards off predators.
“I kept waiting and thinking the grid would come, and after years I was angry. But now I’m thrilled,” he said. “Now we have light. We can move on, maybe expand with another solar panel and get a TV.”
Bright future seen for India’s solar market
What’s predicted for India’s solar market is not unlike the recent explosion in cell phones, as villagers and slum-dwellers alike embraced mobile technology over lumbering landline connections. There is now at least one mobile phone link for every two people in the country.
The government has pushed for manufacturers and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity. Its solar mission — an 11-year, $19 billion plan of credits, consumer subsidies and industry tax breaks to encourage investment — is fast becoming a centerpiece of its wider goal for renewable sources, including wind and small hydropower, to make up 20 percent of India’s supply by 2020. Solar alone would provide 6 percent — a huge leap, since it makes up less than 1 percent of the 17 gigawatts India gets from renewables alone. The federal government leads a massive campaign titled “Light a Billion Lives” to distribute 200 million solar-powered lanterns to rural homes, while also supporting the creation of so-called “solar cities” with self-contained micro-grids in areas where supply is short.
Solar power is making inroads in smaller ways as well.
Near Nada, some schools send students home with solar-charged flashlights to study at night, and the temple town of Dharmasthala, visited by 10,000 pilgrims a day, offers free water purified through solar filtration.
Another Hindu temple in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh boasts one of the world’s largest solar-powered kitchens, preparing 30,000 meals a day, while western Gujarat state has experimented with a solar crematorium. Even in the Himalayan frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh, where the sunshine is not India’s brightest, Buddhist monks have installed solar panels to heat water at the 330-year Tawang Monastery.
Solar panels are becoming a must-have luxury item on dowry lists, even for those who have electricity but are annoyed by power cuts. And the capital of New Delhi requires hotels, hospitals and banquet halls to have solar water-heating systems.
Even Tata Power, India’s energy giant and main supplier of coal-sourced grid power, is eyeing the off-grid market while it plans large solar and wind installations to feed into the network.
“Decentralized and distributed power from renewables is where we see a lot of growth. There are many suitable technologies. All that’s needed are entrepreneurs,” Tata’s chief sustainability officer Avinash Patkar said.
Government in hurry to diversify energy sources
India’s government is desperate to expand its energy options as its fast-moving economy faces chronic electricity shortages. Last year’s 10 percent shortfall is expected to increase to 16 percent this year, according to the Central Electricity Authority. Within 25 years, India must increase electricity production fivefold to keep up with its own development and demand, the World Bank says.
India is planning new nuclear plants and quickly building more coal-firing plants, but it’s also working to take better advantage of its renewable energy opportunities. It has been named the world’s third most attractive destination for renewable energy investment, after the U.S. and China, according to two separate reports by global consulting firms KPMG and Ernst & Young.
Western states like Gujarat and Rajasthan get the full brunt of the sun, with famed deserts and scrublands filled with sand dunes, camels and residents who spend hours fetching water from wells. These states are luring big projects for solar fields to plug into the grid.
But most new grid capacity will be sucked up by industry, leaving little for the poor who live in off-grid desert outcrops, mountain hamlets and jungle villages like Nada. For them, the surest way to get electricity anytime soon may be to get a solar panel and make it themselves.
No more tears: One family’s turn to solar electricity
P.N. Babu, a 51-year-old laborer who supplements his wages by tapping sap from rubber trees, finally stopped waiting for the grid when he saw his 14-year-old son’s eyes tearing as he tried to read by lamp.

http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/fotos/sureshpaint.jpg

“My children are too important,” Babu said as the sun set in Nidle village, about 10 kilometers (six miles) south of Nada.
Normally, it is so dark not even moonlight cuts through the dense canopy of palms overhead. But on the family’s first night with solar electricity, the house was ablaze.
The family took turns praying, elated they could see the Hindu icons of Lords Krishna and Ganesh by the light.
“When school starts again, I am ready now to get high scores,” Babu’s son Suresh said. “I couldn’t see the words in the book before, with the smoke and the tears.”
With the lights on, Suresh grabbed his sketchbook, filled with fanciful drawings of tigers, hippos, flowers and water jugs. He opened to a blank page and quickly outlined a modest house like his own, complete with a neatly swept yard and jungle gardens growing wild.
He finished by drawing the small box of a solar panel atop the roof.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=59110&ct_id=4

Ford Focus’ At-Home Charging Station Charges EVs in Less than 4 Hours

by Lori Zimmer (http://inhabitat.com/author/lorizimmer/), 07/05/11
filed under: automotive (http://inhabitat.com/automotive/), Green Transportation (http://inhabitat.com/transportation/), Renewable Energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/Ford-BestBuyCharger.jpg
Ford (http://inhabitat.com/ford-incorporates-soy-foam-seats-into-explorer-encouraging-bio-foam-usage/) Focus Electric owners can now charge up their vehicles without leaving their homes! In a partnership with Leviton and Best Buy, consumers will be able to purchase their own in-home charging stations for personal use. The cool and compact charging station was recently introduced at Ford (http://inhabitat.com/ford-spent-1-65-million-in-first-quarter-2011-lobbying-for-electric-vehicle-tax-breaks/)’s booth at CES 2011.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/Ford-focus-electric-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/ford-focus-at-home-charging-station-charges-faster-than-nissan-leaf/ford-focus-electric-3/)
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The tiny charging station (http://inhabitat.com/china-launches-trial-clean-e-taxi-program-in-shenzhen/) is about the size of a backpack, and currently runs for about $1,500 at Best Buy. Easy to install, each station comes with the assistance of Best Buy’s Geek Squad, who provides service from sale to installation. The 240-volt system should not interfere with typical home electric wiring, but if so, the Geek Squad will work out any issues, in addition to any servicing and repairs required. Small and sleek, the system (http://inhabitat.com/pininfarina-designs-beautiful-antares-ev-charging-tree/) hooks into an outlet instead of having to be hard-wired into a circuit breaker. The bright blue and white unit attaches to the vehicle via a simple cord and small plug.
Linked in with the car (http://inhabitat.com/cal-cravens-cat-aquatic-car-is-the-water-taxi-of-the-future/)’s 6.6 kilowatt charger, Ford Focus Electric owners can fully charge their vehicles at home in three to four hours — this is half the charge time of their competitor the Nissan Leaf (http://inhabitat.com/nissan-leaf-becomes-first-electric-class-pikes-peak-champion/). Charging at home also saves consumers cash, avoiding the issue of over-charging at public commercial charging stations.


Read more: Ford Focus' At-Home Charging Station Charges EVs in Less than 4 Hours | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/ford-focus-at-home-charging-station-charges-faster-than-nissan-leaf/#ixzz1RI0gkRiK)

Department of Energy Commits Support for Landmark Rooftop Solar Project

Largest Rooftop Project in U.S. History Will Enable Wide Distribution of Solar Power Across Country While Creating at Least a Thousand Jobs

June 22, 2011



http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/06/DOE-Solar-Power-Buildings-1-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/department-of-energy-gives-1-4-billion-to-largest-us-solar-project-ever/doe-solar-power-buildings-1/)
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U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment to provide a partial guarantee for a $1.4 billion loan to support Project Amp. This project will support the installation of solar panels on industrial buildings across the country, with the electricity generated from those panels contributing directly to the electrical grid, as opposed to powering the buildings where they are installed. Supported by funding from the Recovery Act, the solar generation project includes the installation of approximately 733 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which is nearly equal to the total amount of PV installed in the U.S. in 2010. The project sponsor estimates Project Amp will create at least one thousand jobs over a four year period. "This unprecedented solar project will not only produce clean, renewable energy to power the grid in states across the country, but it will help us meet the SunShot goal of achieving cost competitive solar power with other forms of energy by the end of the decade," said Secretary Chu. "In addition, Project Amp will create at least a thousand jobs across the U.S. and increase our global competitiveness in the clean energy race."
Project Amp will enable a wide distribution of solar power over approximately 750 existing rooftops owned and managed by Prologis. NRG Energy is the lead investor for the first phase of the project, which includes a 15.4 MW installation in southern California. Phase 1 will utilize at least 90% U.S. sourced components. The power from Phase 1 will be sold to Southern California Edison. Additional installations will be built in up to 28 states and the District of Columbia.
Project Amp is expected to produce up to one million megawatt hours annually, enough to power over 88,000 homes. At this level, the project is also expected to avoid approximately 580,000 tons of carbon pollution annually. Project Amp's application was submitted by the lender-applicant, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, under the Financial Institution Partnership Program (FIPP).
The Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office administers three separate programs: the Title XVII Section 1703 and Section 1705 loan guarantee programs, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program. The loan guarantee programs support the deployment of commercial technologies along with innovative technologies that avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions while ATVM supports the development of advanced vehicle technologies. Under all three programs, DOE has issued loans, loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees totaling over $33 billion to support 37 clean energy projects across the United States. The program's 20 generation projects produce nearly 29 million megawatt-hours annually, enough to power over two million homes. Including Project Amp, the program has reserved or committed to over $12 billion in loan guarantees to solar generations projects. DOE has also committed financing to support numerous other projects, such as three geothermal projects, the world's largest wind farm and the nation's first new nuclear power plant in three decades. For more information, please visit the DOE Loan Programs Office website (http://www.lpo.energy.gov/).

US Navy Tests Bacteria-Powered Fuel Cell Underwater Monitoring Device

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 07/09/11
filed under: Renewable Energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/)

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/Navy-ZPBC-Sensor-3-537x355.jpg

The US Navy is currently testing a microbial fuel cell powered (http://www.nrl.navy.mil/media/news-releases/65-11r/) underwater device that, instead of harvesting electricity (http://inhabitat.com/energy) from microbial cell growth like most microbial fuel cell (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=microbial+fuel+cell) devices, harvests gas and heat to provide buoyancy and a small amount of energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) for its low-power sensors. The device is called the Zero Power Ballast Control (ZPBC) and the Navy hopes to eventually use it to visually monitor the ocean’s depths and to monitor ocean temperatures over long periods of time.

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The Navy tested the ZPBC device off the coast of Thailand and the researchers who created the device hope it will eventually be totally autonomous. For this first test the device was tethered to a nearby ship and sent into the sea for a period of seven days. The device is comprised of two chambers – the top chamber is a dry chamber that holds the necessary sensors and electrical equipment and the bottom chamber is the gas chamber that increases in pressure as the bacteria inside grow. As the pressure increases and decreases the device is able to sink to the ocean floor and float to the surface without a mechanical propeller.
“Preliminary trials were successful in many ways,” said Dr. Justin Biffinger, who was involved in the research and testing. “The device surfaced and submerged periodically as designed via hydrogen gas produced from the microbial inoculum and growth medium, proving the device generated gas in sufficient quantity to produce buoyancy.” The device is capable of using a low-energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) timing device that regulates the microbial growth allowing the device to sink and resurface on demand. In future tests, they hope to attach a geo-referencing device so that the ZPBC can go untethered. The Navy’s list of future jobs for this gadget (http://inhabitat.com/green-gadgets) include Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Warfare (MIW), Naval Special Warfare (NSW), and Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) research — sounds like this bacteria powered gadget is headed to the higher echelons of Naval intelligence.


Read more: Navy Tests Autonomous Microbial Energy Harvesting Underwater Monitoring Device | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/us-navy-tests-bacteria-powered-fuel-cell-underwater-monitoring-device/#ixzz1RjDig2lH)

Enzyme Discovered in the Great Salt Lake Could Unlock Non-Food Derived Biofuels

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 07/11/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/great-salt-lake-537x385.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/great-salt-lake.jpg)
Researchers working with the US Department of Energy (http://www.energy.gov/) recently isolated a salt-tolerant enzyme from the Great Salt Lake that they say is the missing piece in the biofuel refining process. The team of researchers has been working with ionic liquids, which are liquid forms of salt, to effectively break down the lignin in non-food derived biofuel — or lignocellulosic biomass (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignocellulosic_biomass) — which is generally made up of agriculture waste, corn husks (http://inhabitat.com/cargill-shell-and-honda-team-up-to-make-gasoline-from-pine-cones-and-corn-husks/), sugar cane, pine needles, and other inedible plant matter. Until now, ionic liquids have been efficient at breaking down lignin in the plant matter but they were unable to unlock the sugars needed to produce biofuel – this new Great Salt Lake enzyme may well serve as the missing piece in the puzzle.

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Up until now, researchers didn’t have an enzyme capable of unlocking sugars in biomass that could also withstand the presence of salt and high temperatures. The Great Salt Lake is an obvious place to look for such an enzyme — researchers were able to isolate one from the Halorhabdus utahensis microbe and then clone it in their laboratory. “This is one of the only reports of salt-tolerant cellulases, and the only one that represents a true ‘genome-to-function’ relevant to ionic liquids from a halophilic environment,” said Vice-President of the JBEI Deconstruction Division, Blake Simmons, in the study.
“This project has established a very important link between genomic science and the realization of enzymes that can handle very demanding chemical environments, such as those present in a biorefinery,” noted Simmons. The research was conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org/) (JBEI) at DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory with assistance from Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. The researchers involved in the study believe that with further experimentation this could lead to an efficient and effective biorefinery process (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=biofuel) that unlocks biofuel from plant matter.


Read more: Enzyme Discovered in the Great Salt Lake Could Unlock Non-Food Derived Biofuels | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/enzyme-discovered-in-the-great-salt-lake-could-unlock-non-food-derived-biofuels/#ixzz1Rot7mIjs)

ECOGIZMO (http://www.gizmag.com/ecogizmo/)


World’s first 100 watt equivalent LED replacement bulb

By Darren Quick (http://www.gizmag.com/author/darren-quick/)
23:59 May 17, 2011
http://www.gizmag.com/images/icons/splashyIcons/image_modernist.png 2 Pictures (http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-first-100-watt-equivalent-led-replacement-bulb/18659/picture/134472/)
http://images.gizmag.com/hero/100we-led-bulb.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-first-100-watt-equivalent-led-replacement-bulb/18659/picture/134472/) Switch Lighting's 100 watt-equivalent LED bulb

Currently the brightest options for those looking to ditch their incandescent light bulbs in favor of the longer life and more energy efficient LED variety are those equivalent to 60 watt incandescent bulbs, such as the GeoBulb II (http://www.gizmag.com/geobulb-led-light-bulb/10965/). Things got a little brighter last month when California-based Switch Lighting announced its 75 watt-equivalent LED bulb and now the company has gone one better with the announcement of what it claims is the world's first 100 watt-equivalent LED bulb.
To solve the problem of LEDs projecting light in only one direction, Switch has mounted outward-facing LEDs on metal fingers. But the real key to the brighter bulb is the company's "City of Light" technology that allows for maximum brightness with fewer LEDs by creating a self-cooling environment inside the bulb. To draw heat away from the LEDs, the bulb dome is filled with a nontoxic liquid that flows out towards the surface of the bulb as it warms. The heat then dissipates evenly over the surface of the bulb and the liquid is then drawn back in to repeat the process.
Switch Lighting says all its LED bulbs offer incandescent quality light and the 100 watt-equivalent LED bulb is no exception. The bulbs are also dimmable and can be mounted in any direction. Additionally, in accordance with the Cradle to Cradle principals, all parts of the bulb can be reused, recycled or reclaimed.
Switch Lighting's Chief Strategy Officer, Brett Sharenow says the company's 100 watt-equivalent A19 bulb produces 1700 lumens in neutral white, which is the same white color as halogen track lighting. Switch Lightbulbs will be available later this year and the company says it will also offer a warm white version of the 100W equivalent bulb in mid- to late-2012.
While no concrete pricing has been announced, Switch Lighting (http://www.switchlightbulbs.com/) says its LED bulbs will cost much less than existing LED bulbs. A figure of US$20 to $25 for the company's 15.5 watt, 75 watt equivalent bulb is being bandied about, which would see the bulb paying for itself in about a year and is much lower than other LED replacement bulbs currently available.
UPDATE: Switch's 100W e LED bulb consumes 16W with an efficacy of 100 Lumens/Watt. Switch says it has an average lifetime of 20,000 hours and is dimmable from 20 to 100 percent.
http://www.gizmag.com/worlds-first-100-watt-equivalent-led-replacement-bulb/18659/

Ese sistema de enfriamiento probablemente significa que solo se puede usar en posición vertical.

Lol se ven mas complex y futuristic que las incandecentes.

Ese sistema de enfriamiento probablemente significa que solo se puede usar en posición vertical.


"...and can be mounted in any direction."

Solar-Powered Supertrees Sprout at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay – New Photos!

by Bridgette Meinhold (http://inhabitat.com/author/bridgette/), 07/14/11
filed under: Landscape Architecture (http://inhabitat.com/landscape-architecture/), Sustainable Building (http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-building/)


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We just caught sight of this incredible crop of solar-powered Supertrees rising at Singapore's Gardens By The Bay (http://inhabitat.com/gardens-by-the-bay-singapores-largest-ever-garden-project/), a 101-acre conservatory that will soon blossom with 226,000 plants and flowers from all over the world. Designed by Grant Associates (http://www.grant-associates.uk.com/projects_77_2921.aspx), the 18 Supertrees will serve as towering vertical gardens that collect rainwater, generate solar power (http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-power), and act as venting ducts for the conservatories. Although the gardens aren't expected to be complete for another full year, construction is moving right along and the Supertrees are truly a magical sight to behold.


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Image ©Munshi Ahmed

Gardens by the Bay (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2009806/Singapore-Supertrees-50-metre-manmade-trees-installed-middle-city.html) will be Singapore’s largest garden project and is central to the country’s continued development of Marina Bay. Managed by the Singapore (http://inhabitat.com/amazing-green-roof-art-school-in-singapore/)‘s National Park Board, the gardens will feature two cooled conservatories – the Flower Dome (cool dry biome) and Cloud Forest (cool moist biome), as well as themed horticulture gardens, heritage gardens, and hundreds of thousands of plants from around the world. UK landscape architects Grant Associates are responsible for all the gardens in the Bay South area.
One of the more impressive elements will be the Supertrees, which are tree-like structures ranging in height from 25 metres and 50 metres in height (9 to 16 stories). There will be 18 Supertrees, which act as vertical gardens (http://inhabitat.com/category/vertical-garden) covered with tropical flowering climbers, epiphytes and ferns. During the day, the trees and their huge canopies will provide shade, shelter and help moderate temperatures. Then at night, the canopies will come alive with special lighting and projected media. Eleven of the trees are embedded with solar photovoltaics (http://inhabitat.com/austin-texas-gets-an-electric-sunflower-garden/) to generate electricity for lighting and water technologies to help cool the conservatories.
Aerial walkways will connect a couple of the taller Supertrees together so visitors can see the gardens from up high. And the 50 meter Supertree will feature a treetop bistro offering panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding gardens. Bay South at Gardens By The Bay is expected to be complete in June 2012.


Read more: Solar-Powered Supertrees Sprout at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay - New Photos! | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/new-photos-singapore%e2%80%99s-solar-powered-supertrees-under-construction-at-gardens-by-the-bay/#ixzz1S8ReLjKP)

Hydrokinetics catches on as quest for renewable power turns back to water

By : The Associated Press

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NEW ORLEANS — The powerful flow of the Mississippi River, which brought destruction to scores living near its flooded banks this spring, is viewed by a new generation of energy entrepreneurs as a reliable alternative way to generate electricity.
These developers aren’t planning giant concrete dams like the ones that brought electric lights to many Americans for the first time. Instead, their idea is to put turbines on the bottoms of rivers or mount them on barges to spin generators.
It’s all part of the emerging technology of hydrokinetics — using flowing water to generate power without dams.
“If we’re going to control the cost of converting to new forms of energy, hydro has to be part of that equation,” said Jon Guidroz, project development director for Boston-based Free Flow Power, which wants to generate energy from the Mississippi River.
Hydrokinetic generation isn’t a new idea — but only in recent years has technology made it feasible.
“Water speeds vary and, years ago, generators weren’t built and developed for variable speed,” said Brent Ballard, chief executive of Olney, Texas-based Gulfstream Technologies. “In the last few years, they make very efficient generators that can operate in a wide range of speeds.”
Still, developers are faced with many challenges, such as the current low prices for electricity that have bedeviled other alternative energy forms and a technology that is still in its infancy. Widespread application is years away, and no one is yet willing to predict how much power could eventually be generated nationwide by hydrokinetics.
“I’d say hydrokinetic generators are at the stage where the wind generators were 15 years ago,” said Jerome Johnson, research professor at the Institute of Northern Engineering with the University of Alaska at Fairbanks.
FFP is focusing on obtaining federal permits for 25 hydrokinetic projects along the lower Mississippi River between Kentucky and Louisiana. Sites were chosen based on flow volume, flow velocity and the proximity to transmission facilities and potential customers. At each site, hundreds of turbines on pylons at the bottom of the river would spin like propellers and transmit energy to the riverbank.
Each turbine would produce about 40 kw of power, comparable to gasoline and diesel-powered home generators. By comparison, small wind turbines used to power homes and small businesses typically have capacities of 100 kilowatts or less.
Guidroz said FFP’s long-term goal is to operate turbines for utilities and for chemical industries along the river. The company began testing one in June at a Dow Chemical Co. plant in Plaquemine, La. The company said that in addition to private funding, it received a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department.
The cost of a turbine, for now, is an FFP trade secret.
Ballard said turbines also could be strung below some existing dams to produce additional power.
“Your infrastructure is already there,” he said. “It’s not like a wind farm where you might to build 200 miles of infrastructure.”
And flowing water can be had away from rivers. Gulfstream Technologies began a pilot hydrokinetic project in December 2009 at a power plant on a lake in Texas. The turbine uses the flow of water that comes from the plant following cooling cycles.
Guidroz said he wasn’t deterred about the flood of 2011, saying that underwater turbines could easily be designed to handle the raging river.
“If anything, it proves the awesome power of the river and the potential for hydrokinetics,” he said.
Some hydrokinetic testing is also taking place in Alaska, where powering isolated villages is a challenge.
Alaska Power & Telephone Co., which provides electricity to 33 communities with populations of 60 to 3,000, hopes the technology can reduce the use of room-sized diesel generators that still account for 30 percent of the power it provides.
Using a $1.8 million federal grant, the company built an aluminum barge mounted with a power turbine that dipped into the Yukon River. Last year, the generator provided part of the power for Eagle Village — population 50. The barge was later pulled back because of drifting wood, and the Institute of Northern Engineering is working on a device to divert debris, Johnson said. Another trial could take place next year.
While the power company believes the technology is ideal for remote parts of Alaska, “this sort of thing is not ever going to serve St. Louis or New Orleans,” said Mark McCready, the company’s marketing director.
Developers are trying to deal with environmental concerns.
In a study that will be sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FFP is assessing whether its turbines would affect shipping or fishing on the Mississippi. The commission will have to approve any large-scale uses of river turbines.
Both FFP and Gulfstream Technologies say their turbines are environmentally friendly. FFP’s turbines use no chemical lubricants, Guidroz said. The company also put larger gaps between the turbine blades so large species can pass through safely, at the expense of some generating efficiency. Gulfstream Technologies has opted for a biodegradable lubricant, Ballard said.
But the cost has killed the plans of other developers.
Marine services company McGinnis Inc. thought its proximity to the Ohio River was a natural reason to get into hydrokinetic generation. However, the South Point, Ohio-based company found small-scale generation wasn’t economically feasible and a larger operation required development costs that were too high, said its legal counsel Doug Ruschman.
The company tried to get federal help, but was turned aside.
Douglas Meffert, executive director of Tulane University’s RiverSphere, a planned hydrokinetic testing facility along the Mississippi River in New Orleans, said the technology will need federal support for commercial development.
“Every renewable energy source that has moved into commercial use, such as solar and wind, has always had to depend upon that initial subsidy,” he said.
A small amount of federal money in tight budget times is now available, but that support depends upon matching funds from other sources, including private investors, Meffert said.
“This economy is slowing down the development of an industry that shows so much promise,” he said.
http://www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?nt_id=59709&ct_id=3

MIT Unveils Solar Power System That Doesn’t Need Sunlight

by Timon Singh (http://inhabitat.com/author/timon/), 07/31/11

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/Sun-Free-Photovoltaics-e1311881645114.jpg

A solar energy system that doesn’t require sunlight is almost as bizarre as a tidal power system (http://inhabitat.com/aquamarine-power-unveils-oyster-800-wave-energy-generator-exclusive-photos/) that doesn’t use water – however that’s exactly what researchers at MIT (http://web.mit.edu/) have cooked up. The team just unveiled a new photovoltaic energy conversion system that can be powered by heat, the sun’s rays, a hydrocarbon fuel, or a decaying radioisotope. The button-sized power generator that can also run three times longer than a lithium-ion battery (http://inhabitat.com/new-toyota-hybrid-will-feature-lithium-ion-battery/) of the same weight.
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The science behind the device is not necessarily groundbreaking, as engineers have long used the surface of a material to convert heat into precisely tuned wavelengths of light. However MIT’s method to convert light and heat into electricity is much more efficient than previous versions.
Described in the journal Physical Review A, MIT’s breakthrough was enabled by a material with billions of nanoscale pits etched on its surface. When this pitted material absorbs heat, it radiates energy at precisely chosen wavelengths depending on the size of the pits. It is hoped that the technology may one day be used to generate power for spacecraft (http://inhabitat.com/nasa-solar-powered-micro-satellite-will-clean-space-debris/) on long term missions where sunlight may not be available.
“Being able to convert heat from various sources into electricity without moving parts would bring huge benefits,” says Ivan Celanovic, research engineer in MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN), “especially if we could do it efficiently, relatively inexpensively and on a small scale.” Celanovic went on to say that he believes his team could triple the efficiency of their prototype, adding that “It’s a neat example of how fundamental research in materials can result in new performance that enables a whole spectrum of applications for efficient energy conversion.”
Considering that space firms are looking for new ways to power spacecraft efficiently now that the shuttle fleet has been retired (http://inhabitat.com/the-eco-facts-of-the-legendary-nasa-space-shuttle-program-as-it-comes-to-an-end/), we imagine NASA will be among the many companies interested in this technology.


Read more: MIT Unveils Solar Power System That Doesn't Need Sunlight | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/mit-unveils-solar-power-system-that-doesnt-need-sunlight/#ixzz1U0LrKkdH)

How Green Design Will Propel the Planes Of The 21st Century

by Timon Singh (http://inhabitat.com/author/timon/), 08/01/11
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Aircraft are responsible for a staggering 11% (http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/climate_law_institute/transportation_and_global_warming/airplane_emissions/index.html) of the United States’ CO2 emissions, however a lot of work is being done to make them more environmentally friendly. Plane designers are doing everything from developing biofuels (http://inhabitat.com/airbus-unveils-fuel-efficient-aircraft-of-the-future/) and more efficient engines (http://inhabitat.com/mit-team-unveils-airplane-that-uses-70-percent-less-fuel/) to experimenting with lighter construction materials (http://inhabitat.com/airbus-unveils-fuel-efficient-aircraft-of-the-future/). A recent report from energyNOW! (http://vimeo.com/energynow) correspondent Josh Zepps reveals the innovations that aviation designers are pursuing to make flying as green as possible.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/NASA-Plane-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/how-green-design-will-propel-the-planes-of-the-21st-century/nasa-plane/)
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I doubt you’ll be surprised to learn that among the many companies developing next generation planes is NASA (http://inhabitat.com/the-eco-facts-of-the-legendary-nasa-space-shuttle-program-as-it-comes-to-an-end/). At the space administration’s Langley Air and Space Research Center, America’s brightest are working on reducing the weight and drag of planes in order to improve propulsion efficiency.
On top of that, NASA’s boffins have reportedly created a new composite material that is 10 percent lighter than the most advanced carbon fiber composite materials on the market today, and 25-30 percent lighter than aluminum. Known as PRSEUS, it is almost as thin and malleable as a piece of cloth, but exponentially stronger.
Meanwhile, at the Green Lab facility in Cleveland, researchers are using science to improve the oil yield of biofuel plants. Not only will this save crops that could otherwise be used for food, but it could cuts costs — especially as the general expenditure for aviation fuel each year is $39 billion.
Last but not least, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (http://inhabitat.com/how-green-design-will-propel-the-planes-of-the-21st-century/www.faa.gov) is working on NextGen, an advanced system for guiding commercial flights. By creating more efficient flight paths for commercial airlines, the FAA believe they could save 1.4 billion gallons of aviation fuel and cut 14 million tons of CO2 by 2018.
This is all brilliant news, but the verdict is still out on whether it will ever be more comfortable sitting in economy class.


Read more: How Green Design Will Propel the Planes Of The 21st Century | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/how-green-design-will-propel-the-planes-of-the-21st-century/#ixzz1U0MbGqwP)

Twice the height of the Empire State - EnviroMission plans massive solar tower for Arizona

By Loz Blain (http://www.gizmag.com/author/loz-blain/)
11:03 July 21, 2011



http://images.gizmag.com/hero/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-power.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-clean-energy-renewable/19287/picture/138290/)

EnviroMission's solar tower: coming to Arizona in 2015
Image Gallery (http://www.gizmag.com/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-clean-energy-renewable/19287/picture/138290/) (24 images)


An ambitious solar energy project on a massive scale is about to get underway in the Arizona desert. EnviroMission is undergoing land acquisition and site-specific engineering to build its first full-scale solar tower - and when we say full-scale, we mean it! The mammoth 800-plus meter (2625 ft) tall tower will instantly become one of the world's tallest buildings. Its 200-megawatt power generation capacity will reliably feed the grid with enough power for 150,000 US homes, and once it's built, it can be expected to more or less sit there producing clean, renewable power with virtually no maintenance until it's more than 80 years old. In the video after the jump, EnviroMission CEO Roger Davey explains the solar tower technology, the Arizona project and why he couldn't get it built at home in Australia.
How Solar Towers Work

Enviromission's solar tower is a simple idea taken to gigantic proportions. The sun beats down on a large covered greenhouse area at the bottom, warming the air underneath it. Hot air wants to rise, so there's a central point for it to rush towards and escape; the tower in the middle. And there's a bunch of turbines at the base of the tower that generate electricity from that natural updraft. It's hard to envisage that sort of system working effectively until you tweak the temperature variables and scale the whole thing up. Put this tower in a hot desert area, where the daytime surface temperature sits at around 40 degrees Celsius (104 F), and add in the greenhouse effect and you've got a temperature under your collector somewhere around 80-90 degrees (176-194 F). Scale your collector greenhouse out to a several hundred-meter radius around the tower, and you're generating a substantial volume of hot air.
Then, raise that tower up so that it's hundreds of meters in the air - because for every hundred metres you go up from the surface, the ambient temperature drops by about 1 degree. The greater the temperature differential, the harder the tower sucks up that hot air at the bottom - and the more energy you can generate through the turbines.


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http://images.gizmag.com/inline/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-power-1.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-clean-energy-renewable/19287/picture/138291/)


The advantages of this kind of power source are clear:
Because it works on temperature differential, not absolute temperature, it works in any weather;
Because the heat of the day warms the ground up so much, it continues working at night;
Because you want large tracts of hot, dry land for best results, you can build it on more or less useless land in the desert;
It requires virtually no maintenance - apart from a bit of turbine servicing now and then, the tower "just works" once it's going, and lasts as long as its structure stays standing;
It uses no 'feed stock' - no coal, no uranium, nothing but air and sunlight;
It emits absolutely no pollution - the only emission is warm air at the top of the tower. In fact, because you're creating a greenhouse underneath, it actually turns out to be remarkably good for growing vegetation under there.

http://images.gizmag.com/inline/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-power-0.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-clean-energy-renewable/19287/picture/138290/)


The Arizona Project

While this is not the first solar tower that has been built (a small-scale test rig in Spain proved the technology more than a decade ago) EnviroMission has chosen to build its first full-scale power plant in the deserts of Arizona, USA.
The Arizona tower will be a staggering 800 metres or so tall - just 30 meters shorter than the colossal Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest man-made structure. To put that in context - it will stand more than double the height of the Empire State building in New York City, and it'll be as much as 130 meters in diameter at the top. Truly a gigantic structure.
Currently undergoing site-specific engineering and land acquisition, EnviroMission estimates the tower will cost around US$750 million to build. It will generate a peak of 200 megawatts, and run at an efficiency of around 60% - vastly more efficient and reliable than other renewable energy sources.
The output has already been pre-sold - the Southern California Public Power Authority recently signed a 30-year power purchase agreement with EnviroMission that will effectively allow the tower to provide enough energy for an estimated 150,000 US homes. Financial modelling projects that the tower will pay off its purchase price in just 11 years - and the engineering team are shooting for a structure that will stand for 80 years or more.


http://images.gizmag.com/inline/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-power-23.jpg (http://www.gizmag.com/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-clean-energy-renewable/19287/picture/138318/)


Considering that a large city like Los Angeles requires total power in the region of 7,200 megawatts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Department_of_Water_and_Power#Power_system), you'd have to build a few dozen solar towers up to the same size as the Arizona project if you wanted to completely replace the existing, primarily coal-based energy supply for that city's 3.7 million-odd residents. So it's not an instant solution - but then, its short projected payback period and virtually zero operating costs make it a very sound economic proposition that competes favorably against other renewable sources.
Under the terms of the pre-purchase agreement, the Arizona tower is due to begin delivering power at the start of 2015. Watch this space!
http://www.gizmag.com/enviromission-solar-tower-arizona-clean-energy-renewable/19287/

Yosemite Flips the Switch on the Largest Ever Solar Array in a National Park

by Jessica Dailey (http://inhabitat.com/author/jldailey618/), 08/04/11



http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/yosemite-solar-panels-solar-world-537x357.jpg


Last week, there was much mumbling and grumbling over Yosemite’s decision to chop down thousands of trees (http://inhabitat.com/yosemite-to-chop-down-thousands-of-trees-to-preserve-iconic-views/) to improve its picturesque views, but don’t start hating the beloved park just yet. In fact, on the very same day we reported the park’s tree chopping decision (http://inhabitat.com/yosemite-to-chop-down-thousands-of-trees-to-preserve-iconic-views/), Yosemite officials flipped the switch (http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/epsolar11.htm) on a $5.8 million solar array — the largest solar installation in a national park ever. The 672 kW system consists of 2,800 PV panels and will be able to provide 12 percent of the park’s total energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy/) needs.

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Located in the park’s El Portal Maintenance and Administrative Complex, the solar array is highly visible to all visitors to the park offices and facilities at the complex. The array is made up of a 500 kW solar canopy over a parking area, a 100 kW rooftop array on a warehouse, and a 72 kW wall mounted array. The system was designed and installed by Suntrek (http://www.electroiq.com/articles/pvw/2011/july/suntrek-completes-yosemite-pv-project.html).
Yosemite estimates (http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/epsolar11.htm) it will be “saving approximately $50,000 per year on electricity purchased off the grid and is expecting to receive a $700,000 energy rebate from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) over the next five years. This represents an approximate 12 percent reduction in electricity purchased off the grid.”
During a ribbon cutting ceremony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5H60sRgaB8), Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher said, “Yosemite carries a message to the nation, really to the world, that we really can live on this planet in a good way and reduce our energy consumption.”


Read more: Yosemite Flips the Switch on Largest Solar Array in a National Park | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/yosemite-flips-the-switch-on-the-largest-ever-solar-array-in-a-national-park/#ixzz1UDiHvjhr)

SunPower, First Solar plants win environment deals

NEW YORK | Tue Aug 9, 2011 9:33am EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - First Solar and SunPower Corp reached agreements with environmental groups to help protect endangered animals around two of the largest planned solar power plants in the United States, the companies said on Tuesday.
The agreements help clear the way to build First Solar's 550-megawatt Topaz solar farm and SunPower's 250-MW California Valley Solar Ranch plants in the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County.
The Carrizo Plain is a recovery area for the San Joaquin kit fox and giant Kangaroo rat.
Under the agreements with the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity, the companies will add 9,000 acres to 17,000 acres that are currently set to be marked as permanently protected areas around the plants.
SunPower and First Solar will also remove 30 miles of fencing to allow for greater wildlife movement, help eliminate poisons used to control rodents in the area and make significant financial contributions to acquire undeveloped areas for restoration.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/09/us-solar-california-idUSTRE77837B20110809

Interesting federal web page on renewable energy:

http://www.nrel.gov/

SunPower, First Solar plants win environment deals

NEW YORK | Tue Aug 9, 2011 9:33am EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - First Solar and SunPower Corp reached agreements with environmental groups to help protect endangered animals around two of the largest planned solar power plants in the United States, the companies said on Tuesday.
The agreements help clear the way to build First Solar's 550-megawatt Topaz solar farm and SunPower's 250-MW California Valley Solar Ranch plants in the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County.
The Carrizo Plain is a recovery area for the San Joaquin kit fox and giant Kangaroo rat.
Under the agreements with the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity, the companies will add 9,000 acres to 17,000 acres that are currently set to be marked as permanently protected areas around the plants.
SunPower and First Solar will also remove 30 miles of fencing to allow for greater wildlife movement, help eliminate poisons used to control rodents in the area and make significant financial contributions to acquire undeveloped areas for restoration.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/09/us-solar-california-idUSTRE77837B20110809

Now that's what I call progress!

Japan Will Generate Electricity by Turning Unused Rice Paddies into Solar Farms

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 08/03/11

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/Rice-Paddy-Solar-Farm-3-537x355.jpg

Softbank Corporation President Masayoshi Son is rolling out a plan to turn Japan’s 1.3 million acres of unused rice paddies into solar farms (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power). Energy issues in Japan have been under heightened scrutiny since the March 11th earthquake, tidal wave (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=japan+nuclear+disaster) and resulting Fukushima nuclear disaster (http://inhabitat.com/japanese-nuclear-plant-rocked-by-earthquake-nuclear-emergency-situation-declared/), and particular attention has been paid to Japan’s slow adoption of renewable energy technology. Son has decided to tackle this problem head on and has done the math – turning just 20% of Japan’s unused rice paddies into solar farms (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) would replace all 50 million kilowatts of energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) generated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

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Son’s plan could also come as a huge relief to farmers in former agricultural communities who have seen their work disappear as rice paddies are no longer being used. The installation of massive solar farms (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) could refuel those communities with new jobs, new income and the vision of a prosperous clean energy future (http://inhabitat.com/energy). 35 of Japan’s 47 prefectures have already expressed interest in the plan.
Son’s ideas were sparked by the disaster in March and at Softbank Corporation’s annual meeting he had the company’s articles of incorporation altered to include renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) growth as part of its business model. “If the central government and electric power companies cannot resolve the nuclear power plant issue, I’ve decided we will have to do the job instead,” Son said.
One problem standing in Softbank’s way is a set of Japanese laws that could inhibit the sale of renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) from the rice paddy solar farms to Japan’s electric companies — which have regional monopolies over power markets. Once built, those electric companies would not be required to buy power from the new solar farms and Son is appealing to local governments to help him change the laws around energy purchasing. At a meeting with some Japanese lawmakers Son urged the government to move forward with feed-in tariffs requiring energy companies to buy power from renewable projects, saying “if passage of the legislation is delayed, Japan will become the laughingstock of the world. You should establish the right to generate electricity and the right to sell electricity. This will be for the sake of Japan and the children. Pass the bill. ”


Read more: Japan Will Generate Electricity by Turning Unused Rice Paddies to Solar Farms | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/japan-will-generate-electricity-by-turning-unused-rice-paddies-into-solar-farms/#ixzz1Uf36ICTk)

New System Powers Your Home More Efficiently with Solar-Hydrogen Hybrid Array

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 08/11/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/Rooftop-hydrogen-power-3-537x415.jpg

A professor at Duke University has developed an innovative solar energy system (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) that powers buildings with hydrogen. The system, though it looks like a solar array (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power), is made up of thousands of coiled copper tubes coated with a thin layer of aluminum and aluminum oxide, and filled part-way with catalytic nanoparticles. A mixture of water and methanol is rushed through the tubes and as it evaporates and heats, a catalyst is added to create hydrogen. The system is more efficient than any currently on the market and the hydrogen created can be stored in a pressurized chamber to be used whenever needed.

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“This set-up allows up to 95 percent of the sunlight to be absorbed with very little being lost as heat to the surroundings,” said the system designer Duke engineer Nico Hotz. “This is crucial because it permits us to achieve temperatures of well over 200 degrees Celsius within the tubes. By comparison, a standard solar collector can only heat water between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius.” The super efficient hydrogen-solar hybrid system can then take its product and use it in a hydrogen fuel cell or store it for future use. No energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) is lost, as might be in a solar array (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) that produces too much energy for a home to use.
The system produces hydrogen efficiently due to its high temperatures and the added catalyst. To power (http://inhabitat.com/energy) an average home during the summer time Hotz and his team believe an installation would cost $7,900, much more than a regular fossil fuel generator. However, that price is much lower than a renewable energy generator (http://inhabitat.com/energy) that can store excess electricity. The team would need to bring the costs down in order to make the system cost-efficient at powering a home in the winter.

Read more: New System Powers Your Home More Efficiently with Solar-Hydrogen Hybrid Array | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/new-system-powers-your-home-more-efficiently-with-solar-hydrogen-hybrid-array/#ixzz1UjV28HqW)

Solar Powered Schools in California Will Save the State $1.5 Billion

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 07/29/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/CA-Solar-Schools-1-537x402.jpg

Cash-strapped California is in the midst of a Solar Schools initiative (http://solarschools.org/solar-school-initiative/) that will help the state save over $1.5 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years. In partnership with SunPower, the California Solar Schools (http://californiasolarschools.org/) program helps K-12 and higher education institutions across the state take advantage of local solar (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) subsidies that will partially fund the installation of solar panels on their buildings. In addition to helping the schools onto the clean energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) boat, the initiative aims to teach kids in those schools about professions in the renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) sector.

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/07/CA-Solar-Schools-3-75x75.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-schools-in-california-will-save-the-state-1-5-billion/ca-solar-schools-3/)


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The solar panels (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) that are installed as part of the Solar Schools program are all equipped with high tech (http://inhabitat.com/green-technology) monitoring systems so that children in that school can learn about how the solar panels (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) collect energy throughout the day. “Whether it be a 1 kW solar panel on a pole, or a roof-mounted system on a non-profit building, each is hooked up to an online data monitoring system so that the community can view the energy production of the system and learn about the environmental impact of that system,” the California Solar School’s website says.
Over the next year, SunPower aims to install 90 solar arrays at schools across the state as part of the program. In the San Ramon Valley Unified School District there will be five new solar arrays (http://inhabitat.com/solar-power) that will account for nearly 80% of each school’s power requirements. In the first year alone the San Ramon Valley Unified School District will save a whopping $2 million in energy costs. This program all comes thanks to the Foundation for Environmental Education (http://www.fee-international.org/en) a non-profit that is seeking to build the next generation of thinkers who will carry the renewable energy torch far into the future.

Read more: Solar Powered Schools in California Will Save the State $1.5 Billion | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-schools-in-california-will-save-the-state-1-5-billion/#ixzz1UkkzydL7)

Buena idea para Puerto Rico. Anybody listening?

WILL ABUNDANT NATURAL GAS MUSCLE OUT CLEAN RENEWABLES?



by Bruce Mulliken, Green Energy News


There are efforts here in U.S. to make better use of the abundant supply of natural gas trapped in rock formations far below the surface of the land and waters off the coastline. Proponents say it’s mostly about clean energy and energy independence, but it’s also a way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions in an attempt to slow the warming of the planet. When burned as fuel natural gas emits about 30 percent less carbon dioxide than oil, and just under 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal.
The efforts to exploit more natural gas is not confined to the U.S., of course, they’re global. The International Energy Agency has titled a new report “Are We Entering a Golden Age of Gas?” that presents a scenario where the use of natural gas rises by more than 50 percent above 2010 levels and accounts for more then a quarter of global energy demand by 2025. The report laments that natural gas could muscle out the development of emission-free renewable energies and nuclear power.
The IEA has a point. What happens to renewables if there’s a significant switch to not-entirely-clean natural gas? Let’s examine.
Natural gas certainly has its advantages over popular intermittent renewables, such as wind and solar.
It’s cheap compared with those renewables. It can provide energy for both heat and power 24/7 in any weather. To some extent it is renewable in that methane gas (natural gas is mostly methane) from landfill operations or sewage treatment plants can be injected into natural gas pipelines. And there’s already an extensive natural gas infrastructure in place - pipelines, storage and connections within commercial and industrial buildings and of course homes.
Natural gas could feasibly be a direct replacement for some petroleum fuels helping with energy independence. (Energy independence is really about independence from imported oil.) Both cars and trucks of all sizes can run on it. It can be also be an indirect replacement for petroleum when used as fuel for power plants that, in turn, charge electric vehicles.
However, for passenger cars and light trucks, the automotive industry is now more interested in improving fuel efficiency of conventional vehicles and building electric and hybrid vehicles than converting them to natural gas. A bill in Congress, the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions of 2011, or NatGas Act, wants vehicle makers to do more than electric drive and proposes tax incentives for the purchase of natural gas fueled vehicles of all sizes as well as tax credits to build a fueling infrastructure.
On his own, natural gas magnate T. Boone Pickens is offering his Pickens Plan. The Plan wants natural gas to fuel large trucks and more power plants as well as build more renewables like wind and solar. Boone Pickens most likely understands the technical and safety issues involved with distributing natural gas to consumers thus his plan might make more sense than the NatGas Act.
There are drawbacks to natural gas. It’s not free of carbon emissions and even if it replaced all the coal in the world, eventually its emissions would become a problem as the world continued to grow. Still, in the short term a major switch over to natural gas in U.S. powerplants could cut the nation’s contribution to global carbon dioxide by 8 percent which is almost half the country’s unofficial 2020 emissions reduction goal, according to a new report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT) “The Future of Natural Gas.”

Further, though abundant now and to a small extent renewable, natural gas like oil today, eventually go into decline. It may take many decades, well past my lifetime and probably yours, but it will happen. Energy planners as well as politicians should always plan beyond their lifetimes since it takes so long to make an energy switch.
Then there’s the safety issue. Natural gas fueling can be perfectly safe with proper instruction, care of equipment and the maintenance of vehicles. Somehow, though, I don’t think you’d want average motorists refueling with this highly-combustable, pressurized gas. One cigarette smoking passenger combined with a leaky pump would cause considerable trouble. Fueling stations would need to be built to be manned by qualified personnel, not just a cashier in a glass booth. The Pickens Plan leaves natural gas to powering large trucks. Truck drivers, more intimate with their rigs than everyday drivers with their cars, would learn the safety issues with natural gas refueling.
Finally there are major concerns about the method used to extract all this natural gas from rocks: The much talked about hydraulic fracturing or fracking. The concerns here are that methane can enter the water supply, too much water is used in the fracking process, the waste disposal of contaminated fracking fluids as well as earth tremors set off by splitting up rocks underground. The methane in water issue seems to be the primary concern and as one expect in this free speech country both the methane-is-in-water and no-it-isn’t sides are debating the issue, even in court. The issue will need to be resolved if fracking is to continue on large scale to meet natural gas dreams for the future.
Popular intermittent renewables, again wind and solar, have their problems too. Both are costly and both are not able to provide energy all the time unless energy storage is included.
On the plus side renewables, like wind and solar, have no emissions other than emissions created when the technologies were manufactured and installed. Zero emissions is far better than a 30 - 45 percent reduction for natural gas. These renewables are quick to build too. Find a sunny spot and solar can make energy in as little as a few weeks. Find a reliable breeze and turbines can capture it for energy. And, solar energy in particular is easy to deploy with little, if any resistance from the public.
So will cheap natural gas shove aside clean renewables? It will certainly pose some challenges. Cost will have to drop for renewables and energy storage will need to be the norm. But don’t expect natural gas to dominate all energy sectors. In power generation it may get a greater foothold particularly if fracking turns out to be OK environmentally. For transportation more heavy vehicles could be running on natural gas in the near future (a welcome thing), but light vehicles will continue towards greater gasoline efficiency and electric drive.
If it works out that natural gas DOES become a greater part of our energy mix then perhaps it should be made greener. One way to do this is use it as fuel for fuel cells where it isn’t combusted but chemically reacted with oxygen in air to make electricity. Solid oxide fuel cells, in particular, use natural gas directly with the high heat of the cell stacks doing the task of reforming the natural gas into hydrogen fuel and some carbon dioxide.
Bloom Energy, one of the companies selling solid oxide fuel cells, expanded manufacturing operations in California in April with 1000 new employees and is now going East and will open up another manufacturing plant in Newark, Delaware at the site of an old Chrysler plant.
http://www.green-energy-news.com/arch/nrgs2011/20110045.html

Iowa Now Receives 20% of Its Power from Wind

by Diane Pham (http://inhabitat.com/author/diane-pham/), 08/11/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/China-Wind-Power-Double-2-537x356.jpg

If you thought that middle America was the last to be concerned about their carbon footprint, think again. Iowa now ranks as the top state to receive the greatest percentage of its power from wind. According to the Des Moines Register is reporting (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110806/BUSINESS/108060305/Wind-supplies-20-of-Iowa-electricity), wind generation hit the 20% the second quarter of this year, and it looks like the state is working hard to increase this number even further. Currently best known for their production of corn, our friends in the midwest could soon be changing their street cred by rocking wind power (http://www.inhabitat.com/energy).

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According to the American Wind Energy Association (http://www.awea.org/), the second quarter boost came from MidAmerican Energy’s new 594-megawatt wind farm near Adair — the first of three major wind projects the Des Moines utility plans for this year. The company already had 1,330 megawatts of wind generation capacity on its system.
Iowa is now the second biggest wind power market in the nation, with over 4,000 megawatts of installed capacity, only behind Texas who produces 9,000 MW.
So does this mean wind power back on the rise? Here’s hoping we all get swept away by the trend.
Via Treehugger (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/08/iowa-20-percent-wind-power.php)


Read more: Iowa Now Receives 20% of Its Power from Wind | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/iowa-now-receives-20-of-its-power-from-wind/#ixzz1UvQYO4NP)

Ecotricity Rolls Out the World’s First Wind Powered Car Charger

by Timon Singh (http://inhabitat.com/author/timon/), 08/13/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/ecotricity-wind-powered-car-chrager-537x358.jpg

Ah Ecotricity (http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/ecotricity-launches-wind-powered-sports-car), how we love your innovative and awesome ways. Not content with pioneering electric highways (http://inhabitat.com/tag/ecotricity-electric-highway/) and eco-friendly supercars (http://inhabitat.com/ecotricity-spends-1-million-making-uks-first-all-electric-supercar/), the UK based renewable energy company has created the world’s first wind turbine-powered post (http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/acrobat/GPInfoPack.pdf)for charging electric vehicles.


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The charger was unveiled at Green Park (http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/acrobat/GPInfoPack.pdf)as part of the country’s first national network of chargers. The wind powered charger was also aimed at the 4,500 employees at the business park in South Reading who will be among the first to have access to the cleaner alternative energy to power their EVs.
The eco-friendly power pump is capable of charging two cars at once and is also equipped with solar panels in order to subsidise the wind energy. The turbine is estimated to be able to generate around 3.5 million units of green electricity every year (http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/acrobat/GPInfoPack.pdf)and can support all current types of EVs on the market. While it could take the vehicles two hours to be fully charged, the next generation of ‘fast-charge’ cars are expected to be ready to go in 20 minutes.
The chargers are also set to be installed at Welcome Break service stations (http://inhabitat.com/ecotricity-rolls-out-the-worlds-first-wind-powered-car-charger/www.welcomebreak.co.uk/) across the country and will also be powered by Ecotricity’s national solar panels across the country. Once the network is fully installed, drivers will be able to get from London to Edinburgh for free without causing any emissions.
Speaking about the new green tech, Deena Shaw, business centre and marketing manager at Green Park, said: “This breakthrough in electric car infrastructure removes one of the main barriers for people wanting to buy electric cars – range anxiety – which currently restricts people to driving within their own city.
“The free-to-use electric vehicle charge point has been installed by ChargePoint next to the wind turbine at Green Park. It will be the world’s first publicly available charge point connected directly to not just one but two renewable energy generation devices – solar and wind.”
Reading? But I live in Bristol. Granted I don’t have an EV yet, but my outrage is justified!


Read more: Ecotricity Rolls out the World's First Wind Powered Car Charger | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/ecotricity-rolls-out-the-worlds-first-wind-powered-car-charger/#ixzz1V2HY4JNg)

Top 6 Solar Powered Bags to Take You Back to School in Style

by Yuka Yoneda (http://inhabitat.com/author/yuka/), 08/14/11
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2011/08/6-solar-powered-backpacks-537x368.jpg (http://inhabitat.com/top-6-solar-powered-backpacks-to-take-you-back-to-school-in-style/6-solar-powered-backpacks/?extend=1)
You know how make-or-break your first day back at school (http://inhabitat.com/top-6-must-have-green-supplies-for-back-to-school/) can be, so you can imagine how much a dead phone (http://inhabitat.com/iphone-6-could-have-wireless-charging-and-be-totally-cord-free/) or a drained iPod (http://inhabitat.com/solar-surge-ipod-and-iphone-cases-are-now-available/) could seriously cramp your style. Don't be a victim. With the right gear - i.e. one of these high tech solar-powered backpacks - getting the low-battery chirp on your cell will be a non-issue. Just plug it into your bookbag and let the sun do all of the work juicing it back up. That way you can get back to more important issues like trying to get excused from phys. ed - yeah, we used to have a mysterious "allergy" to gym clothes too.

Read more: Top 6 Solar Powered Bags to Take You Back to School in Style | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/top-6-solar-powered-backpacks-to-take-you-back-to-school-in-style/#ixzz1V3m9woTM)

Wind Cube: A Clever Design for a Personal Wind Farm Right on Your Own Home

by Lori Zimmer (http://inhabitat.com/author/lorizimmer/), 08/15/11

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Chen Liao Hsun has been envisioning a future of renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/ikea-uk-makes-pledge-to-use-100-renewable-energy/) that individuals can use right at home. His concept, the Wind Cube, would allow each homeowner to install personal wind turbine generators (http://inhabitat.com/as-the-summer-heats-up-utilities-go-into-over-drive/) right on the sides of their houses. The Modularized Wind Power Systems could help offset each family’s reliance on grid power, and lower monthly bills.

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Wind Cubes can be installed alone or in groups, easily connecting with other units to create a honeycomb (http://inhabitat.com/crazy-vertical-garden-billboard-park-revitalizes-argentinian-city-waterfront/) tile pattern. They mount sturdily to unseen exterior walls, or on rooftops, and hook right into a home’s energy network. Each unit can generate 100 watts of power, thanks to retractable blades. When activated, they can cull power from even the most gentle of breezes (http://inhabitat.com/germany-to-construct-2800-miles-of-transmission-lines-as-it-abandons-nuclear-power-for-renewable-energy/). In severe weather, the blades retract into the wall mount to prevent breakage.
In actuality, Hsun estimates that each cube unit (http://inhabitat.com/iowa-now-receives-20-of-its-power-from-wind/) can generate 21.6 kilowatt hours of electricity per month, which equals around 1/15th of the power needed for a household of four. Combined together, the wind cubes could substantially offset a family’s power (http://inhabitat.com/power-grid-to-struggle-with-off-peak-renewable-energy-demand/) usage each month. Although still just a concept, Hsun’s Wind Cubes could take individual renewable energy (http://inhabitat.com/self-sustaining-bioenergy-domes-produce-organic-veggies-fish-and-energy/)usage to a new level. Although he does not estimate that the cubes could account for all of a household’s energy usage, it’s a great way to decrease power from less renewable sources.

Read more: Wind Cube: A Clever Design for a Personal Wind Farm Right on Your Own Home | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/wind-cube-a-design-for-a-personal-wind-farm-right-in-your-home/#ixzz1V7VP7QJe)

Massive 550 Megawatt Solar Project Cleared for Construction in the California Desert

by Timon Singh (http://inhabitat.com/author/timon/), 08/15/11


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The Golden State is about to get one hell of a solar boost, as Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar just gave the green light for the construction of the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm (http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2011/august/NR_08_10_2011.html) – a 550 megawatt solar power project that will be built in the California desert east of Palm Springs. The photovoltaic solar facility will generate enough energy to power 165,000 homes while bolstering the local economy by creating more than 630 jobs during its construction. The plant will use state-of-the-art ultra-thin photovoltaic (PV) technology to generate electricity with low visual impact and no air emissions, waste production or water use. In fact, it is expected to have the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology.

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“The Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is the largest photovoltaic facility the Interior has approved thus far and, when built, will help power our nation and economy,” Secretary Salazar said. “With 12 large-scale solar projects approved in the last 18 months, we continue to make significant strides in spurring innovation, job-creation, and investment in the private sector while strengthening America’s energy security.”
Here at Inhabitat (http://inhabitat.com/), we have covered multiple solar power plants in the area (http://inhabitat.com/mojave-desert-solar-power-fields/). With the inclusion of the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm (http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/newsroom/2011/august/NR_08_10_2011.html), the region will have a combined solar capacity of 354 megawatts (MW), making it the largest solar power installation in the world. Nevada’s Solar One is a solar thermal plant with a 64 MW generating capacity, located near Boulder City, Nevada. However this all pales in comparision to the forthcoming Blythe Solar Power Project (http://inhabitat.com/us-government-approves-worlds-largest-solar-plant/) – a 968 MW solar thermal power station under construction in Riverside County, California.

Read more: Massive 550 Megawatt Solar Project Cleared for Construction in the California Desert | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/massive-550-megawatt-riverside-solar-project-to-be-built-in-the-californian-desert/#ixzz1V91tigaQ)

Scientists Discover Deep-Sea Mussels That Can Convert Hydrogen into Energy

by Brit Liggett (http://inhabitat.com/author/brit-liggett/), 08/15/11
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According to scientists, there are mussels at the bottom of the ocean that are efficiently converting hydrogen into energy (http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=hydrogen+energy) in their very own, nature-made hydrogen fuel cells. The mussels, discovered by the Max Planck Institute of Marine Microbiology and the Cluster of Excellence (http://www.mpg.de/4390896/hydrogen_symbionts) (MARUM), were found near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor and have onboard symbiotic bacteria that convert hydrogen into energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy). With this discovery, researchers might be able to clone the hydrogen eating bacteria to create all-natural hydrogen fuel cells to power things other than sea life.

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When hydrothermal vents were discovered they were widely researched and found to provide two sources of energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy) to sea life — hydrogen sulfide and methane. Now, the Max Planck Institute of Marine Microbiology has discovered a third source of energy (http://inhabitat.com/energy). The discovery was made in a mountain range deep below the surface of the Atlantic ocean at the Logatchev hydrothermal vent field which is 3000 meters below sea level. When researchers brought the mussels back to their laboratory they found they were using a new form of energy than what they had previously discovered in deep ocean vents.
“Our calculations show that at this hydrothermal vent, hydrogen oxidation could deliver seven times more energy than methane oxidation, and up to 18 times more energy than sulfide oxidation,” said Jillian Petersen, a researcher on the discovery team. The mussel in question, Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis, is the most abundant at the Logatchev vent and that population was found to consume up to 5000 liters of hydrogen per hour. “The hydrothermal vents along the mid-ocean ridges that emit large amounts of hydrogen can therefore be likened to a hydrogen highway with fueling stations for symbiotic primary production,” said Petersen. Perhaps this “hydrogen highway” could lead to a network of less watery bacterial hydrogen fuel cells for human energy consumption (http://inhabitat.com/energy).


Read more: Scientists Discover Deep-Sea Mussels That Can Convert Hydrogen into Energy | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World (http://inhabitat.com/scientists-discover-deep-sea-mussels-that-can-convert-hydrogen-into-energy/#ixzz1V9wZrMlG)