Archive for Uncategorized

Does Renewable Energy Need to be “Perfect” to Work?

Oh, the bickering! I can’t stand it when I’m following articles, blogs and the like and see the disagreement over meaningless(at least to the overall “big picture”) items or ideas.
All the while

» Read more..

Moved by Moving Planet and 350.org

Moving-Planet.org

Moving-Planet.org

My friends, community wind leaders Windustry,  made me aware today, September 24, is slated for a worldwide positive demonstration called “Moving Planet”. 

According to Moving Planet organizers, today is “a day to put our demands for climate action into motion—marching, biking, skating » Read more..

Wind and Renewable Energy: Feed in Tariffs Pros and Cons

 

As I see it, Feed in Tariffs (FiT’s) are the most logical and proven method of expanding renewable energy in a way that is fair to consumers, utilities, companies and, well, pretty much everyone because » Read more..

Wind and Renewable Energy: What is “Distributed Generation”

When talking about renewable energy, the topic of “Distributed Generation” comes up as another positive.  Distributed generation is the opposite of what our current electric grid currently is.  We currently have » Read more..

Wind And Renewable Energy: What are “feed in tariffs”

Feed in Tariffs (FiT’s) are a government set price or amount that a power producer like wind turbine owners can expect to receive as payment for their power produced. 

They have proven to be the fastest and cheapest way to promote massive growth in renewable energy, but all importantly, while still protecting the public interest by paying only for energy delivered.  Paying only for energy delivered should be preferred.  You know the deal: you work-you get paid. 

That would be unlike tax breaks and grants, which are the current method » Read more..

Wind Power Explained

Great article and chart, although I must call out the questionable info in their “negatives” section. I am tired of giving “equal time” to pros and cons, is if that is “journalism”. Thus, we get comparisons that do not have EQUAL WEIGHT, and ignore that it is the journalist’s job to show the balance to the weight of these arguments.

-First, there is actually evidence showing property values static or even increasing with a wind turbine in view.

-They clarify the bird issue (thank you).

-They murk the waters stating coal is cheaper, but if you’re paying attention, coal is only cheaper because the real costs are not factored in to the price of the coal. It’s as if dirty energy, pollution, and the external costs of those aren’t happening.(refer to previous article Why Wind.)

Other than that small digression, which I just couldn’t let go without comment; it’s very cool, an excellent visual chart, so all is forgiven.

check it here:

Wind Power Explained

Why Wind?

 

Why wind?

 

“You mean not even getting into the bigger picture issues like: why change, why renewable energy, why stop polluting, why stop causing climate change and a hundred other ‘whys’?”  I ask myself.

 

Well, let’s look at some readily checkable facts when we ask, “Why wind”?

It’s generally agreed » Read more..

Windmade:Change You Select

  

 

windmade    Check out this great idea:

 

 

You, as a responsible consumer (or not), can choose to buy products for numerous reasons versus another product.  Now, you may also choose an item that has added value, because it was made with clean, renewable wind power.

 

See the website and video here: Windmade

 

Energy 101: Wind Turbines

Interesting US Dept of Energy outreach series. A broad overview for the novice and enthusiast alike, in just 2 minutes.

find it here:

Energy 101: Wind Turbines

Catching Up: Cape Wind

  I’d like to congratulate Jim Gordon and all at Cape Wind on the finally, “final” construction and operations plan approval, which came through this spring.  Just the latest legal win, this time at the EPA, over their small number of opponents who have dragged this project out for 10 years now against all good reason through extremely well-funded, well-connected and highly organized groups.

Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future by Wendy Williams and Robert Whitcomb.

Cape Wind by Wendy Williams and Robert Whitcomb.

To find out the story of Cape Wind, read Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future by Wendy Williams and Robert Whitcomb. 

I applaud their diligence and conviction to see this through, in spite of any and all obstacles put in their way.     

 In a statement from Cape Wind’s Director of Communications, Mark Rodgers, “This latest decision by the agency responsible for protecting our air and water is yet another example of how, over the past decade, the coal- and oil-funded opposition group has clogged the court system with frivolous appeals. Cape Wind has won every lawsuit and challenge brought by this self-serving special interest group.”

I also would like to congratulate them on their PPA and extremely fair rate for their renewable energy that they negotiated for all parties involved, including the sliding scale that may further save residents if the project can attain further grants and incentives.   Massachusetts residents will not only have a stabilized energy flow and cost, this will significantly reduce the carbon dioxide and other pollutants that would otherwise be sent airborne by fossil-fuel burning plants for local residents to breathe.

I hope Mr Gordon and his compatriots can finally move forward.

Happy Independence Day.

I would like to think that one day we may celebrate Energy Independence Day as well.  How can a country so strong, resilient and filled with ingenuity not be doing more towards this very attainable goal?  It is a matter of national, financial and environmental security.