Modern Concept Blows In The Wind

Imagine living in an apartment building resembling a hybrid of a nautilus and a Dyson table fan. Beyond the aesthetics which looks like it came out of a Star Trek episode, the Dutch Windwheel’s appearance actually serves the function of utilizing wind energy. How appropriate that those resourceful folks in the Land of Windmills would conceptualize this radical design.

Striving to obtain complete sustainability, this motionless wind turbine would house 72 apartments within a round steel and glass frame, while also harvesting alternate energy from the sun with the installation of assorted solar PVs, as well as the bio gas produced by the residents’ organic waste. The structure will also be equipped to capture rainwater and recycle tap water.

The concept is destined for Netherlands' port city of Rotterdam, where it is surrounded by wetlands and would have an underground foundation, giving it the illusion of floating. It consists of an inner and outer ring. In addition to containing 72 apartments, 160 hotel rooms, and commercial space within the inner ring, the outer ring has 40 rotating cabins giving visitors spanning views much like the UK’s London Eye. Or one can enjoy dining atop the entire structure in the rooftop restaurant.

There’s no need to worry about endangering birds either with this motionless, bladeless design. Thanks to the electrostatic wind energy converter (EWICON), the Windwheel “converts wind energy with a framework of steel tubes into electricity without moving mechanical parts.” The result is a structure that is quiet and low maintenance.

The Dutch developers (a collective of Rotterdam-based companies BLOC, DoepelStrijkers, Meysters and NBTC Holland Marketing) will use this structure as a “dynamic showcase for Dutch Clean Technology”. Demonstrating creative innovations, the Windwheel is a quite the update on the traditional windmills of the Nederlands.

Wind-powered freighters

To make ships more eco-efficient, engineers have been working with alternative fuels. A Norwegian engineer is currently pursuing a new approach: With VindskipTM, he has designed a cargo ship that is powered by wind and gas. Software developed by Fraunhofer researchers will ensure an optimum use of the available wind energy at any time.

International shipping is transporting 90 percent of all goods on earth. Running on heavy fuel oil freighters contribute to pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) wants to reduce the environmental impact of ocean liners. One of the measures: Starting from 2020, ships will only be allowed to use fuel containing maximum 0.1 percent sulfur in their fuel in certain areas. However, the higher-quality fuel with less sulfur is more expensive than the heavy fuel oil which is currently used. Shipping companies are thus facing a major challenge in reducing their fuel costs while complying with the emission guidelines.

A new way of reducing fuel consumption, emissions and bunker expenses is being pursued by the Norwegian engineer Terje Lade, managing director of the company Lade AS: With VindskipTM he has designed a type of ship that does not use heavy fuel oil but utilizes wind for propulsion. The highlight: The hull of the freighter serves as a wing sail. On the high seas, VindskipTM will benefit from free-blowing wind making it very energy efficient. For low-wind passages, in order to maneuver the ship on the open sea while also maintaining a constant speed, it is equipped with an environmentally friendly and cost-effective propulsion machinery running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). With the combination of wind and liquefied natural gas as an alternative fuel to heavy fuel oil, the fuel consumption is estimated to be only 60 percent of a reference ship on average. Carbone dioxide emissions are reduced by 80 percent, according to calculations by the Norwegian company.

 

The hull of the cargo ship VindskipTM acts as a large wing sail. © LADE AS

Weather routing module determines the optimal course

For efficient operation, it is critical that the available wind energy is used in the best possible way. In order to calculate the optimal sailing route, researchers from Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services CML, a division of Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, have developed a customized weather routing module for VindskipTM. Considering meteorological data the software for the new ship type uses a navigation algorithm to calculate a route with the optimum angle to the wind for maximum effect of the design. “With our weather routing module the best route can be calculated in order to consume as little fuel as possible. As a result costs are reduced. After all, bunker expenses account for the largest part of the total costs in the shipping industry,” says Laura Walther, researcher at CML in Hamburg. For the complex calculations, the researcher and her team apply numerous parameters, such as aero- and hydrodynamic data as well as weather forecasts from the meteorological services, such as wind speed and wave height.

So how is it possible that the VindskipTM is being pulled forward? “At angles close to headwind the wind generates a force in the ship’s direction. The ship is pulled forward. Since the hull is shaped like a symmetrical air foil, the oblique wind on the opposite side – leeward – has to travel a longer distance. This causes a vacuum that pulls the ship forward,” explains VindskipTM patent-holder Lade. This makes the freighter move at speeds of up to 18 to 19 knots, hence just as fast as conventionally powered ships. Due to its very low fuel consumption, Vindskip™ can utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel and still be capable – in the worst case – of 70 days of steaming between bunkering. Thus, it can meet all of today’s and tomorrow’s challenges with regards to fuel economy and emission control.

Wind-tunnel tests completed successfully

The researchers from CML are continually developing the weather routing tool further; the first version has been available since mid-December 2014. By the end of January 2015, the software will be handed over to the company Lade AS. Ship types that are particularly relevant to the VindskipTM-design, for which the weather routing module is developed, are ships like car and truck carriers, big ferries, container ships and LNG carriers. Terje Lade forecasts that the freighter will set sail as soon as 2019. First, the ship model has to pass numerous tests in a marine research model tank – also called a towing tank by experts. Tests in wind tunnels have already been completed successfully.

Source: http://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2015/january/wind-powered-freighters.html

Companies Offer Employees Discounted Solar Power for Homes

In what is an interesting move, this week 4 major firms, 3M Co., Cisco Systems Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corp. and the National Geographic Society, made available an offer for significantly discounted solar cell installation on employees housing.  Thought up by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the program is known as the Solar Community Initiative and will give employees of the four firms for prices that average 35 percent lower than the national average for solar.  If even just 1% of eligible participants choose to use the program, it could save up to 74,500 metric tons of carbon.  The benefits of the program are both environmental as well as economical.  In addition to lowering the user's energy bills right away, the panels also help make the occupants aware of just how much they've been relying on dirtier forms of energy.  

"People see that climate change is happening right now, and a lot of them are looking to do something" - Keya Chatterjee, senior director of renewable energy at WWF

Coordinated by Geostellar, the program is also open to all solar fans, regardless of employment situation, until the end of the year.  Companies, municipalities, schools, clubs and other organizations can establish their own Solar Communities on the Geostellar platform to expand access to affordable solar for employees, residents or members. "We're thrilled to provide our first-of-its kind marketplace that makes the solar experience simple and convenient for the employees and communities of these pioneering companies," said David Levine, CEO of Geostellar. "Homeowners everywhere can simply type in their address and see instantly how much solar can save them on their electric bills and increase the value of their homes with no upfront costs or out-of-pocket payments."

Carbon County Wind Farm Moves Ahead

Carbon County, Wyoming, is the proposed site for the largest-to-date onshore wind farm in the United States.  Power Company of Wyoming  proposes to build up to 1,000 turbines in Carbon County, a proposal which has been approved by the Industrial Siting Council 7-0.  Known as the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre project, the proposed $5 billion plan could produce up to 3,000 megawatts of electricity, or 10 million megawatt hours annually. The ruling by the Industrial Siting Council moves the plan one step closer to becoming a reality, and it seems to be proceeding without much opposition.  During the two day hearing, council members noted that no one spoke in opposition to the project.  According to Richard O'Gara, a Cheyenne Democrat, "It was probably the most professional presentation I've ever seen. There was virtually no opposition."  This sentiment seems to be the same across party lines.  Siting council chairman Shawn Warner, a Powell Republican admits to entering the presentation a little apprehensive about such a large project.  It seems his fears were assuaged though, as he says "They did a first-class job in submitting what was required, they literally left no stone unturned."

The project's final aim is to sell electricity to Arizona, California and Nevada, three states that have renewable-energy standards requiring them to utilize renewables to bolster their supply of generated power.  The plan predicts an 8-year construction once the approval process is finalized.

Read more about the project here.

Tesla Could Upend Utilities

Morgan Stanley, a major investment bank, thinks the utility industry underestimates the potential of Tesla Motors ability to achieve dramatic reduction in battery storage costs. This breakthrough could potentially convince more people to go off-grid. In their detailed report released in late July, Solar Power & Energy Storage, Morgan Stanley says, "Energy storage, specifically Tesla’s product, could be disruptive in the US and Europe. Given the relatively high cost of the power grid, we think that customers in parts of the US and Europe may seek to avoid utility grid fees by going “off-grid” through a combination of solar power and energy storage. "

“We believe there is not sufficient appreciation of the magnitude of energy storage cost reduction that Tesla has already achieved, nor of the further cost reduction magnitude that Tesla might be able to achieve. once the company has constructed its “Gigafactory”, targeted for completion later in the decade.“

While the costs of the utility networks are fixed and rising, the costs of these new disruptive technologies will continue to fall, and they're falling quicker than the incumbents realize.

Most battery manufacturers, the report notes, have a capacity of around 40MW to 50MW per annum. Tesla is proposing one of 1,000MW – and possibly many more. This, says Morgan Stanley, will slash the capital cost of Tesla’s battery from the current $250/kWh to $150/kWh by 2020, whereas its closest competitor will be at a cost of ~$500/kWh.

Morgan Stanley canvasses three types of approach to the arrival of storage:

On the grid, but net zero grid power usage. Under this approach, a customer’s solar panels produce excess power during the day (which is sold back to the grid), and at night the customer draws power from the grid. This approach could result in low or net zero usage of power produced by large-scale power plants attached to the grid.

On the grid, partial grid power usage. This approach is often taken in Europe, where solar panel systems are not sized to fully allow customers to eliminate their net usage of power from the grid, and where economics and regulation mean moving fully off-grid is very unlikely. It is thus unlikely that such customers pursue a fully off-grid approach.

 Fully off the grid. In this approach, consumers fully depend on their on-site power generation, using storage and a power management system to provide power to the home when needed. Consumers could choose this approach for a number of reasons. For instance, in select markets, customers who choose to “net meter” as in the “on-grid” approach described above, have to pay a large non-bypassable, fixed grid charge; these consumers have an incentive to go fully off the grid.

“By 2028, we estimate Tesla’s 3.9 million units NA car population (or “park”) will have an energy storage capacity of 237 GW (443 GW globally), equal to 22% of today’s US production capacity and nearly 10x larger than the entirety of US grid storage that exists today. These figures exclude any recycled (2nd life) battery after EV use."

"Tesla Model S (85 kWh) can store enough energy to power the average US household for 3.5 days."

Connect & Collaborate - Natural Gas Vehicles

The transition from gas-guzzling cars to a friendlier fuel source hasn't been easy. We've been talking about electric cars, solar-powered cars and alternative fuels for more than twenty years. While there have been some great successes, no single technology has swept the nation just yet. Recent estimates of abundant natural gas reserves in the United States was a great incentive to push engineers and designers to bring natural gas vehicles to market. Among the complications, are the challenges of meeting the rigid and numerous requirements of EPA standards... followed by access to natural gas refueling stations. Tough, but not insurmountable.

In this week's Energy 101 session on Connect & Collaborate, we talk with Steve Rayborn of Alkane Trucking Company, where they are working to change the face of the American Economy by using Natural Gas Technologies. They've created a parent company called Noble Automotive, and their goal is to bring to market, a series of small cars, pick-ups and SUVs that run on compressed natural gas.

The result, a vehicle line under the name Valor Motors. It's first vehicle, the Seer, is a compressed natural gas vehicle to be introduced officially, At the at the International Propane Conference and Expo, in Atlanta, Georgia,  April 13-15 2013.

Alkane is also making strides in the development of propane-powered vehicles, listen and learn about these new technologies and how to get three years of free fuel when you buy a natural gas vehicle!

We talk with Steve Rayborn of Alkane in our first half hour, followed by Jan and Kelly with a review of their Energy 101 segments so far this year.

Listen to the entire Connect & Collaborate program this Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – or download our podcast – you’ll find it at the top of this article.

Energy Outreach Colorado

Since 1989, Energy Outreach Colorado has raised more than $165 million to help Colorado’s neediest families and seniors afford home energy. This has been distributed across the state for energy assistance to limited income households and for energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and nonprofit facilities.

http://www.energyoutreach.org/

Driving Force Radio: Clean Energy Investing

Kelly de la Torre talks with Caroline Howell of St. Vrain Partners to discuss investments in the clean tech industry, how to handle mergers and acquisitions. Then - Jan Mazotti talks with Peter Diamandis, author of Abundance; The Future is Better Than You Think. They discuss innovative ways to solve the world's problems and how those solutions are effective worldwide.

COGA's Energy Epicenter Encourages Attendees to Join a Revolution, Engage in Energy Truth

Colorado Oil and Gas Association’s (COGA) President and CEO, Tisha Conoly Schuller revved up the crowds this week at the organizations annual Rocky Mountain “Energy Epicenter”, encouraging attendees to get involved in an Energy Revolution centered around engaging the public and those outside the industry, in discussions rooted in fact. This years conference speakers delved into topics around technology, the economy and public perception, which turned out to be the perfect platform for the launch of the groups newest campaign, My Energy Truth. The campaign, which revolves around five tenants, encourages an honest and personal discussion around individual energy use that is responsible, fact-based, engaged, conscientious and localized.

The campaign is crucial as questions and public scrutiny continues to rise across the country, especially in new areas of development; speculating about the industry, its methodologies, techniques and environmental stewardship surrounding air and water quality. “The foundation of the energy revolution is the foundation of new technologies being created within the industry,” said Conoly Schuller, “It is because of these advancements that resources are more available and more abundant.”

The increased availability and abundance because of these new technologies have assisted in the rise of exploration and production in areas where there has not typically been energy development in the past. “The key component is the unknown,” said Douglas County Commissioner, Jill Repella who’s county is experiencing rapid new energy development, “It’s the pace in which development is happening and the unknown that scares people.”

Since 2000, advancements made in horizontal drilling have helped to increase oil and gas production by almost 40%. “Energy is fundamental to human existence, it is as important to all of us as clean air, water and food and none of these are exclusive from each other,” said Jim Hackett, CEO, Andarko.

The increase in production has helped to ensure a strong American energy future but it has also raised concerns with citizens and environmentalists alike about how far we will go to develop these essential resources. “Corporations influence resources and energy material flow, so we need to work with them and help them advance their conservation goals,” said Peter Kareiva, Chief Scientist of the Nature Conservancy, “I think there are enough options out there in nature and there are enough resiliencies that I believe there can be a win-win.”

The win-win attitude was shared by many at the conference who talked about their “Energy Truth” stating their concern over the non-renewable resource. Many shared that they ride their bikes often, are contentious of their thermostats and take into account simple things like turning off the lights. Others in the industry just wanted to have a truthful and engaging conversation with those that oppose the them, “Everyone should be treated with respect and deserve an answer to their concerns,” said Chesapeake Energy’s Digital Communications Manger, Blake Jackson, “We as an industry have to stay transparent. We can do so much better working together.”

Convention staff continued to urge corporations, organizations and individuals alike to take the pledge and assert their “Energy Truth”. The idea is nothing new but it is an essential reminder to people on both sides of the issue that our environment and our need for energy are both desperate and fragile. The campaign made it clear that only through engaging and thoughtful dialogues will we be able to work together to find the best path forward to secure an energy future that all of our grandchildren can be proud of.

What is your energy truth? Log on to www.MyEnergyTruth.org to take the pledge and share your truth.

Center for the New Energy Economy

The Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) is directed by former Governor Bill Ritter.  CNEE works toward the advancement of clean energy policy at the state level.  Ritter takes the CNEE message nationally through speaking events about clean energy.  The CNEE has partnered with the East China Normal University which seems to be strategic in that China was number one in all renewable index rankings for 2011 and 2010, reported Ernst & Young. “We need a national energy policy,” Ritter.  Ritter states the clean energy agenda is really about emissions for example natural gas emissions.  Questioning what forms of energy are most efficient has several factors such as the natural environment of a location.  The factors are numerous however the Feds have some legislation on clean energy.

In the U.S. Federal government the clean energy agenda is basically looking at two issues; one is Property-Assessed Clean Energy, (PACE) financing and two the extension of the production tax credit which the wind energy industry relies upon.

At the state level best practices in extraction and efficiency are being discussed.  The CNEE has worked with about 10 states in advancing clean energy policies.

“What’s really interesting is one size doesn’t fit all, so it is important to tailor our work in states to the resources available in the state—to the economic landscape to some extent—to the way that they are generating electricity, to think about that and what that transition is going to involve.  Interestingly transmission—it’s very difficult and sort of a sophisticated topic but the transmission infrastructure matters a lot because of interconnection—pulling renewables onto the grid can be a very difficult thing to do,” Ritter.

“I think energy is one of those things that should not be all about politics but somehow this debate over whether climate change is real or not, is sort of sucked into it, the whole conversation around clean energy including things like energy efficiency.  It’s about saving energy and good business practices,” Ritter.

Clean energy policy groups such as the Energy Foundation out of San Francisco, Hewlett Foundation, Packard Foundation and the McKnight Foundation fund CNEE.

To read more about the Center for the New Energy Economy, visit; http://cnee.colostate.edu/.

To view the full interview, visit; http://youtu.be/JrnCbJBsEro.

CERAWeek Gives Insight into the Issues Facing Supply and Demand

On the heels of the recent spike in gas prices, energy professionals are descending on Houston for one of the largest energy shows, CERAWeek, hosted by IHS CERA. Oil and gas executives, economists and IHS CERA staff will be speaking to the abundance and diversity of our worldwide and domestic resources, the controversy surrounding current technology and the issues facing supply and demand.

The conference couldn’t be better timed as GOP nominees debate energy policy and the issues surrounding it, in hopes to unseat the incumbent president in November. It doesn’t help that the current nuclear threat coming from Iran has prompted international sanctions, which has raised gas prices in addition to the increasing energy demand in developing nations.

There is no doubt that America is one of the world's largest importers of oil but as demand in these growing nations continues, the conversation surrounding pricing and exploration will be greatly realized. Speakers this week will look at oil and gas exploration and development around the world in unchartered areas and the technology that will be needed to fulfill new production within those areas.

The real message this week will be how the oil and gas industry can forge a critical business path to develop the resources we have domestically but more importantly how they can be extracted from our own “backyards” in an environmentally conscious way.

The recent past has shown that environmental concerns hovering over the industry are very emotionally charged. In states like Pennsylvania and New York, citizens have rallied together supplying thousands of comments in an effort to impose new policies or keep past moratoriums in place over air and water concerns.

“Regulatory agencies are moving forward at an impressive pace,” said Maryam Brown, Chief Counsel, Subcommittee on Energy and Power, House Energy and Commerce Committee. This same committee believes that regulatory reform will be central to the United States energy debate in the upcoming election year.

Companies as well are entrenched in the energy debate and the growing concerns for increased environmental performance as well as health and safety that have become part and parcel to doing business.  “It has to be a core competency just as much as 3D seismic,” said Mark Brownstein, Deputy Director, Energy Program, Environmental Defense Fund.

Evidenced by speakers across all panels was the lack of understanding they believe the public has. The hardest part for the industry will be to educate the public and help them understand the distinct and contrasting differences that development plays across shales and the diversity of various regulations that are being proposed and imposed.

While some shale’s require technologically intensive extraction techniques others are less complicated, less deep and are composed of softer rock elements. “Citizens should know that casing is dependent on geological conditions state-by-state,” said Stanford University Geophysics Professor, Mark Zoback. He stressed that while regulations might be good for one state, it might not be for another. The statement seemed like such an obvious remark to the group, the mere reminder however served to underscore the lack of knowledge the public has on the topic.

The conference is poised to show that there is an obvious effort to move the industry forward in an ever-growing effort to meet demand. There is also an obvious attempt by opposition to halt that momentum. Both domestic and worldwide supply is growing, but the complexity of doing business in the United States could prove to shape the industry either for us or against us.

World demand is growing whether we are on board or not. That same demand will continue to drive the current $125 per barrel pricing and that is if we are producing at home or not. We may want to be less dependent on oil, but the world, especially in growing economies is not. The question this conference will ask is, are we ready to become sustainable with our resources or without them? And if we choose to harness the energy we have, how can the energy industry and the public do so in a way where conservation is king and we let businesses operate within reason.

Western Energy Alliance

 

Western Energy Alliance is a non-profit trade association representing more than 400 companies across the West connected by the similar interest of environmentally responsible exploration and production of oil and natural gas.

Companies within the intermountain west are represented six ways. 

1. Regionally and nationally represented in the areas of government access to lands for exploration and production, federal agency permitting, air and water quality, reform of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA), wildlife conservation, health and safety, taxation, and other issues.
2. Western Energy Alliance has established relationships with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. enabling meetings with Congress and the Administration.
3. Western Energy Alliance is viewed as a valuable resource by policymakers on oil and natural gas.
4. Current issues are addressed with speaking events
5. They publish the Wildcatter Weekly focusing on natural gas and oil.
6. They provide networking opportunities.

Technology and geologic improvements have increased the locations natural gas can be drilled from making it a clean and secure energy source.  It reduces pollution by 50 percent in comparison to traditional energy sources.  This is measured in the reduced amount of mercury burned and the absence of sulfur dioxide emission.

One-third of all natural gas is produced in the west said, Kathleen Sgamma, vice president of Western Energy Alliance.  Sgamma also said a conservative estimate is that six states can produce an equal amount of all oil imported however the areas are oil drilling restricted.

Natural gas is highly regulated.  Sgamma and Kelly de la Torre seemingly agree that regulatory agencies overlap in regulations and are inconsistent.  Kelly de la Torre is an attorney at the Anton Law Group and practices environmental law.  Current regulations implemented by the E.P.A. have little environmental benefit compared to the cost it takes to abide the regulation.

Western Energy Alliance advocates for balance between environmental safety and production of natural gas and oil.  To contact the Western Energy Alliance visit their website at; www.westernenergyalliance.org.

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World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan

Martha Butwin is the senior international trade specialist at the Denver Export Assistance Center, (DEAC).  Some of the programs offered by DEAC are the Trade Fair Certification and Buyers programs.  DEAC’s two types of trade shows are certified and international buyer trade shows.  Each trade show is usually industry specific.  If the trade show has certification the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Embassy will support U.S companies in attending the trade show which increases the comfort level of partnerships. To contact the state of Colorado about exporting and trade show opportunities contact Thomas Binet at 303-892-3813 or [email protected].  To contact Martha Butwin email her at [email protected] or call 303-844-6623 ext. 221 Each trade show is a cooperative partnership arrangement between private sector show organizers and the U.S. government.  The International Business Center within each trade shows offers both foreign and domestic industry networking with potential partners.

Wayne Kakos and Christina Alonge from Reed Exhibitions, which is the premier company in trade shows, help companies increase profits through international trade shows.  International trade shows are similar to domestic trade shows due to Reed Exhibitions pre-set-up and organization.  Reed Exhibitions holds over 500 trade shows both domestic and international.  They offer turn-key service options where everything is ready and set-up, a company only has to set-up graphics and the small stuff.

One of Reed Exhibition’s certified trade shows is the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan, held on February 29^th, 2012.  They will be in the U.S. pavilion during that trade show.  This trade show focuses on renewable energy in Japan.  The trade show is separated into seven different expos, presented in one location as one trade show.  Each of the seven specifically focuses on one type of clean energy.  If you are green you are there in Tokyo.  The trade show ends March 2^nd 2012.  20,000 exhibitors and 120 attendees are expected to be in attendance since the isles are jam-packed last year.

Now is the time to enter this market as Japan moves to reach their future energy goals.   For U.S. companies at show the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in the Asian clean energy market will assist companies with the regions clean energy sector.

For more information call Wayne Kakos at 203-840-5875 or email him at, [email protected].

Also check out Reed Exhibitions at, www.reedexpo.com

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Kelly de la Torre―Commercial and Residential Energy Use

Conserving energy residentially and at your business saves money.  Small business owners are impacted by energy use both at home and at work so it is important to have a basic understanding of utilities.  Businesses can work back and forth with their utilities to figure out the best energy savings strategy.   Here are the basics of energy use. An energy rate consists of operating costs, recovery costs, actual cost of energy and return on investment to investors.

Factors that influence the energy rate are energy cost, price changes due to weather, economic forecast, general maintenance and time of day.  Time of day is used determine the energy rate.  Peak hours are defined by each utility company.  Typically peak hours are 8am to 8pm.  Peak hour energy rates cost more than off peak.

Commercial rates for energy can be lowered by allowing devices to be cycled during peak hours.  Utility companies and businesses can collaborate to determine when the cycling happens.

Every degree the thermostat is turned down saves three percent which can be $80 to $100 saved per year.

To save on energy power strips can be used on appliances that continually draw phantom energy such as cable boxes, computers and printers, etc.  Anything that is plugged into the wall can be put onto a power strip and shutting that power strip off saves money.

Purchase energy star appliance both at work and home.

For more information, visit: rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.

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Are We Really spOILed?

The documentary film spOILed debuted last week in Denver to a private crowd hosted by the city’s petroleum club, which was greeted with cheers and applause as the film gushed to a start. Director Mark Mathis delivered a truthful and resonating film from the perspective of a realist who journeyed to discover the truth about oil. As a born and bred local of Colorado and an energy enthusiast I was pleased to experience a realistic and balanced perspective on oil production.

From the onset, the film is catchy and interrupting. Mathis’ story line delivers you to logical points and in an instant flashes you back in time to iconic moments in history as a reminder of how quickly our perception of oil has changed. His clip composition is timed perfectly to anticipate the moments when the viewer may be thinking, “but…"

From Greenpeace to industry insiders, Mathis interviews a gamut of individuals with a vested interest in the production of oil. While the U.S. doesn’t have an energy policy, everybody has an opinion on what it should be. Like Gasland, spOILed is sure to receive attention regarding Mathis’ “ honest discussion on energy.” The film serves as a reminder about how we came to use oil, how oil has revolutionized our world and our lifestyles as well as the results of cutting off oil production completely. It begs to the absurdity of not knowing the intrinsic connections and value that oil affords us, and how far-reaching our dependence is. spOILed reminds viewers that while figuring out an alternative solution to oil is important we can’t just sever our life line to the fuel without consequences.

Living as Americans we have come to appreciate and take for granted the freedoms and choices that are provided to us daily. Our forefathers in a quest to develop a system for free people outlined a set of laws that helped us pursue life, liberty and happiness. These freedoms have allowed us to watch the sunset from our beach bungalows, cozy up to the fireplaces in our mountain homes and drink wine on the porches of our cottages; due in part to the innovations and discoveries years ago spurred by the discovery of oil.

Like residents living on the coasts or across the plains, I too appreciate the daily aesthetics’ that living in Denver and the state of Colorado allow to me. There is nothing like watching the sun set over the mountains, enjoying the outdoors and breathing the fresh Rocky Mountain air at 5,000 feet. I am also acutely aware of the blessings I count for myself in the form of a great place to live, a hot shower in the morning, a reliable car and an iPod that like me runs for hours so that I can be alone with my thoughts, which hopefully come out as good writing when I finally get to typing on my Mac. I also know that these same blessings are the result of American discovery, innovation and ingenuity forged as a direct result of our use of oil.

Mathis’ documentary while of course focused on oil, presents a logical look into the world of oil production and asks viewers to be rational when discussing it and its alternatives. Whether you are a fan of renewable energy or fossil fuels you need to see the film spOILed to really understand both sides or at least to have a rationale conversation on how our society can cut back on its oil dependence without eliminating it completely.

Salt Lake City Windustrial

 

Salt Lake City Windustrial established in 1968, and today is under the umbrella and guidance of WinWholesale Inc., a leading national supplier of domestic and industrial supplies and materials headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.  WinWholesale is on the Forbes list of America’s largest privately-held companies. Their local wholesale employees receive in the benefits of their partial ownership.

Today Windustrial is in 43 states with more than 450 locally owned and operate Win companies under the following names;  Winnelson, Winair, Winlectric, Windustrial, Wintronic, Winwater and Winsupply.

Windustrial focuses on the local economy providing services to local customers while at the same time having the advantage of international buying power such as sourcing products out of Germany and Switzerland.  The benefit of having local companies is the ability of meet local needs.  The corporate umbrella with local ownership makes Windustrail the supplier of choice.  The Salt Lake City branch has a family atmosphere and profit share program so the harder an employee works, the better they are compensated.  Retaining employees allows the company to keep a personal connection through employee/customer relationships.  Windustrial sees customers as partners with the goal of meeting customer’s need economically, quickly and accurately.  Windustrial pulls together to provide the best service.

Windustrail also recommends problem solving products to customers.  They reach out to both engineers and industry firms to generate projects.  They continually seek new opportunities to provide their services.  To contact Salt Lake City Windustrial, visit their website at; www.saltlakewindustrial.com.

Sustainable Energy in the U.S. Military

The United States military recognizes the need for sustainable energy.  In August the Army established the Energy Initiatives Office Task Force to develop renewable energy projects and improve energy security.  This is a concern because providing energy to remote military locations is dangerous as well as the possibility of the military communications being offline.  In fact one of eight army causalities is a result of protecting fuel convoys.  New energy technology can save lives, money and the environment.  In Iraq from 2003 to 2007, 3,000 people died protecting fuel convoys.  The fuel is used to run generators which provide electricity for communications.  The end cost is $40.00 per gallon which includes all aspects of getting the fuel to remote locations. One reduction to using fuel is providing solar panels that are easily rolled up into an individual’s backpack.  On base solar panels can be mounted on trailers.  The Department of Defense is interested in micro-grids to provide electricity to the military in an energy crisis.  As new energy products are provided and/or developed both by the military and business, most importantly lives will be saved.

For further reading please, visit: http://rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.

Related articles

• Are Renewables Vital to Our Nation's Security? (enerdynamics.com)

The Global Forefront of the New Energy Economy

Colorado is at the global forefront of the new energy economy.  Foreign delegates visit the National Renewable Energy Lab and Engines & Energy Conversion Laboratory to see cutting edge energy development.  Creating collaborative agreements develops relationships between Colorado organizations and foreign delegates.  Brian Wilson with EECL develops energy solutions for engines, smart grids, smart businesses and biofuels.  Through research to producing products EECL makes impacts on the environment for example developing pipeline technology.  This technology’s impact is the equivalent to 120 million automobiles removed from the highway.  The Envirofit program at EECL has produced 350,000 cook stoves which has improved the lives of two million people.  Business and other organizations can partner with EECL and Envirofit by visiting www.envirofit.org.

Boosting the demand for clean energy through engaging firms in forums to build partnerships is one focus of NREL.  Partnership activities include multilateral and bilateral partnerships, climate and environmental initiatives and energy assessments. Five barriers to clean energy are policy, new energy technology implementation, standardizing, reducing costs and infrastructure.  NREL works with several entities to solve these issues.  To inquire about partnerships contact the tech transfer office, at: www.nrel.gov/international.

Energy 101 with Kelly de la Torre

Access to power is key and we are so very plugged into it.  U.S. consumers need to realize consumption has global affects.  Think of every plastic object and know oil energy probably powered its creation.

Energy production has a bad reputation of harming the environment even though regulatory practices are enforced to protect it.  “Fracking is the process of initiating and subsequently propagating a fracture in a rock layer, by means of a pressurized fluid, in order to release petroleum, natural gas, coal seam gas, or other substances for extraction,” Charlez, Philippe A. (1997), Rock Mechanics. This process can have detrimental environmental implications.

To learn more about energy regulatory practices, visit the Rocky Mountain Energy Blog: http://rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.  Blogger and energy sector attorney, Kelly de la Torre, blogs about energy regulation, energy innovations in wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and biofuel.  De la Torre believes collaboration involving all energy sectors is needed to maintain and support both consumption now and the expected doubling energy needs that will come with year 2030.

Energy production is an issue at the forefront―consequently so is the energy grid.  Discussions on grid accommodations and security such as cyber-attacks, pipeline security and energy transmission are needed.

Leaner energy users are considered a 5^th fuel.  Innovation will propel us forward, says de la Torre.  Tough issues in innovations using garbage, biofuels, wind, solar and geothermal need to be collaboratively worked so that energy is sustainable.

Energy & Emerging Economies

Energy systems play an important role in economic growth.  Today and tomorrow, the Global Commerce Forum is hosting the 4th Annual International Conference on Energy, Logistics, and the Environment.  This year's focus is on emerging economies- especially those in Africa where energy infrastructure is less developed. Check out the livestream here:  http://www.livestream.com/icosamedia

“Energy will be critical to the prosperity of Africa and other emerging economies,” says Bill Ritter Jr., Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) at Colorado State University and former Governor of Colorado

http://www.livestream.com/icosamedia

other speakers: http://globalcommerceforum.org/2011-conference/speakers/

organizers & volunteers: http://globalcommerceforum.org/about-gcf/organizers-and-volunteers/