FPL, NASA celebrate New Solar Array at Kennedy Space Center
June 28, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 26, 2009 – At Kennedy Space Center, Sen. Bill Nelson and Reps. Suzanne Kosmas and Bill Posey joined officials from Florida Power & Light Company and NASA to celebrate the groundbreaking of FPL’s Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center.
The new solar photovoltaic power facility is the result of a unique public-private partnership between FPL and NASA and demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to bringing clean-energy solutions to the state.
“The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center is an important part of Florida’s clean-energy future. I grew up in Florida, seeing NASA as the home of historic American achievements, so I love the idea of FPL helping to power the space program,” said FPL President and CEO Armando J. Olivera. ”Like NASA, FPL is looking beyond the horizon. We are building more emissions-free solar power with the quality of life of our children and grandchildren in mind.”
“The partnership between NASA and FPL is an excellent one that comes at the right time,” said Robert Cabana, director of Kennedy Space Center. ”It will help provide clean, renewable power to Florida residents, it will help support America’s space program by supplying electricity directly to Kennedy Space Center, and it helps to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and improves the environment.”
The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center will be located on NASA property at Kennedy Space Center and, when completed, will produce an estimated 10 mw of clean, emissions-free power for FPL customers, which is enough energy to serve roughly 1,100 homes.
FPL is also building a separate solar facility of approximately 1 mw that will provide clean power directly to Kennedy Space Center, helping NASA meet its renewable energy goals.
“There’s no better time than right now to start using the sun and other clean sources to power America,” said Nelson. ”And, perhaps, there’s no better agency to help lead the way than NASA. Let’s hope power companies all over the country take a cue from this partnership.”
“Florida is poised to be a leader in America’s growing clean energy economy, which naturally includes solar power,” said Kosmas. “Bringing new clean energy jobs to our communities is one of my top priorities. This joint effort between NASA and FPL is an example of how we can create jobs while investing in common-sense solutions to the economic, environmental and national security challenges we face today.”
“As a member of the Congressional Renewable Energy Caucus, I have a strong commitment to renewable energy and am pleased to see this project going forward right here on the Space Coast,” said Posey. “This is an important step in the development of future sources of renewable energy and is one way we can reverse our dependence on foreign oil.”
The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 227,000 tons, which is the equivalent of removing 1,800 cars off the road each year according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It will also save approximately 122,000 barrels of oil and 2.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas over its lifetime.
Additionally, the solar array will provide about 100 jobs during construction, helping to boost the local economy in Brevard County. FPL expects to complete the project by the middle of next year at the latest.
The facility will feature approximately 35,000 highly efficient solar photovoltaic panels from SunPower, a global leader in commercial-scale solar power technology, across 60 acres at Kennedy Space Center. The panels are 50% more powerful than conventional solar panels. Last month, SunPower and FPL Group announced a supply agreement beginning in 2010 through 2012. SunPower has also committed to locating a research and development center in Florida if the state continues its robust solar program.
The Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center is one of three solar facilities that FPL is currently building in the state of Florida, totaling 110 megawatts of clean, renewable energy generation. The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Indiantown will be the world’s first hybrid solar thermal facility to connect to an existing fossil fuel plant. It is the largest of the three at 75 mw and is scheduled to be complete in 2010. FPL’s contractor on the project, Lauren Construction & Engineers, is currently hiring about 1,000 workers to complete the work.
FPL’s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, a 25-mw solar photovoltaic facility in Arcadia, will be the nation’s largest photovoltaic array when it is complete later this year. The project has brought more than 200 construction jobs to DeSoto County.
Longwei Petroleum Announces Plans for New 70,000 Metric Ton Capacity Oil Depot in Gujiao
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 24, 2009 – Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: LPIH), a leading China-based energy trading company operating in Shanxi Province, China, announced its plans to complete construction on a 70,000 metric ton capacity oil storage facility in the city of Gujiao, a major industrial center located in Shanxi Province. The new facility will more than double the company’s storage capacity to 120,000 metric tons and will potentially increase revenue by 100% within 24 months following completion. Longwei has already allocated approximately $23.8 million toward construction of the facility. The company hopes to complete the facility in 2009.
Longwei’s Gujiao project has been approved by Shanxi Province Economic and Trade Committee and meets the regional development planning and national industrial policy requirements. To date, Longwei has completed the construction of the 70,000 metric ton oil tank area, including 11 new oil storage tanks. Remaining construction includes work on the private railway system, handling system and ancillary facilities. T he new facility will allow Longwei to service customers quickly and efficiently in Gujiao and surrounding areas, expanding their market in Shanxi Province.
“The new facility is strategically located in Gujiao’s fast-growing industrial zone, providing a prime marketplace for Longwei’s oil,” said Cai Yongjun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Longwei. “The coking plants and electric power plants of this region will certainly be an abundant market for us, and we are encouraged by the interest already being expressed for our products. We believe the industrial growth in Gujiao will make this an important oil base and create a good economic foundation for the future profitability of Longwei and the Gujiao oil depot,” added Mr. Cai.
At present, mainland China ranks third in the world for finished oil products consumption. Experts predict that in 2010, China’s finished oil products demand will be 185 million tons to 189 million tons and will grow 6% each year for the next 10 years.
Shanxi Province is the largest energy-producing region and the third largest consumer of petroleum products in China. In 2008, the province’s road freight volume was the fifth highest in China. Currently, there are 4,692 gas stations servicing approximately four million cars in the province, providing a strong market for finished oil products. Gujiao, located west of Taiyuan City, is the energy center of coal, coke and electricity for Shanxi Province and for China. The power plants in Shanxi provide Beijing — China’s second largest city and capital — with 30% of its electricity.
Cap and Trade
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 23, 2009 – Jeff Johnson wrote “Angst Over Cap and Trade” in the June 15, 2009 issue of C&E News. “Climate-change legistlation that cleared the House Energy & Commerce Committee last month contatins a key provision intended to help chemical companies and other energy intensive industries that are operating in a globally competitive environment.” It will allow these industries to emit greenhouse gases without penalty for a few years. Now the industry wants more. The declining cap in the bill [HR2454] has goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the US to 83% of 2005 levels by 2020 and to 17% of 2005 levels by 2050 if we haven’t destroyed the planet by then. The bill is not final and there will be more changes, amendments and horse trading before a final bill is sent to President Barack Obama to be signed into law. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Henry Waxman [D-Calif] and Rep. Edward Markey [D-Mass].
Hiding Solar Roof Panels
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 23, 2009 – Melody Voith writes “Sneaky Solar” in the June 15, 2009 issue of C&E News. She points out that solar energy developers are seeking to move beyond clunky rooftop panels. Owners of high end houses want to keep the aesthetics of their house even if they install solar panels on their roof. Manufacturers are attempting to get the panels incorporated into building materials. These are called BIPV, or building-integrated photovoltaics. Europe’s BIPV in 2008 was only 40 MW or $300 million, less than 3% of the solar market. Thin film technology will be a factor in this technology. Players in thie market include Global Solar Energy of Tucson, AZ; Suntech Power, Kyocera, and United Solar Ovonics.
Unintended Consequences: Rescuers train for hybrid crashes
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 23, 2009 – Angel Streeter wrote “Rescuers train for hybrid crashes” in the Florida Sun-Sentinel on June 19, 2009. Who would have thought? Capt. Joe Nelson of the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said, “They have large batteries and high-voltage cables. Those are hazards our guys aren’t used to dealing with.” Extricating individuals from crashed vehicles requires new skills to avoid cutting high voltage [200 – 600 volts] cables. Also, the vehicles have different seat belts and airbags. The local Palm Tran bus has cables with 900 volts running through them and a large battery with 20 gallons of caustic liquid potassium hydroxide. Have you heard of any special problems with rescues from hybrid autos or buses? Please leave your comments here.
What is Happening With Wind Energy?
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 22, 2009 – David Mercer, an Associated Press Writer, recently wrote, “Change in the air? Wind Industry Wants Govt Lift.” In the decade before the economic crunch in 2008, wind energy grew 500% to 21,000 MW; still less than 1% of the energy usage in the US. President Barack Obama wants 25% renewable energy by 2025. Industry leaders believe that will only happen with long range stable policies, rather than ones that change every couple of yeas with a new Congress. HSBC Bank analysts predict that 6,700 MW could be installed in the next 12 months in the US due to the combination of the renewable energy mandate and the stimulus program. Have you seen any wind turbines being built in your area? Please leave your comments here.
Progress in thin film organic photovoltaic modules
June 26, 2009 | Comments Off
Mitsubishi Cooperation (MC), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Tokki Corporation (TOKKI) have succeeded in developing a new, highly-integrated Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) module. This is probably the world’s first organic photovoltaics module, and will be exhibited at the PV Japan world exposition held from June 24 to 26, 2009, at Makuhari Messe.
How Are Your Energy Stocks Doing
June 24, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 23, 2009 – Through the end of May 2009, most alternative energy stocks were down from their peaks even though President Barack Obama announced major spending initiatives and tax credits for renewable energy. For example, on an annual basis: Wind Energy America, -60%; First Solar, -32.7%; Evergreen Solar, -83.1%; VeraSun Energy, -99.7%; Sunpower, -66.5%; New Alternatives Fund, -34.1%; Guinness Atkinson AEF, -56.2. Is now a good time to buy these stocks and funds before they rebound? The stimulus money has to go somewhere and the Obama administration has repeatedly said that green energy is a priority issue. Have you had success with any alternative energy stocks, ETFs or mutual funds? Please leave your comments here.
Solar Hot Water Heater
June 24, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 22, 2009 – Rheem has available its SolPak all-inclusive active solar water heating system that comes with a heat exchanger tank, solar collector panels, a controller, multi-speed pump, thermal expansion tank, and other items. Rheem says that the SolPak system can reduce the water heating portion of energy bills by as much as 80%. Have you had any experience with this or competing units. Please leave your comments here.
Energy Efficient Exhaust Fans
June 24, 2009 | Comments Off
Jun 22, 2009 - Panasonic has new fans for 2009. A recent advertisement says, “Don’t just talk green. Install the world’s most energy efficient ventilating fans. Panasonic WhisperGreen. Now it pays to be quiet.” And they’re ENERGY STAR rate. Another tag line say, “Live green. Save green.” Have you had any experience with these or similar units. Please leave your comments here.