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Where did Henry Ford go wrong? When he first designed the Model T, he wanted it to run on an agriculture-based fuel — ethanol. But it wasn’t long before those plans were switched to use a petroleum-based fuel — gasoline.

As anyone who drives a gasoline-powered vehicle knows, the rest is history. Americans have since accepted the economic and environmental consequences.

Had Ford’s plan to use ethanol been realized, America might have looked very different today. However, ethanol still has many benefits and its not to late for America to take advantage of them, said Mark Dunn, director of the Northwest Ethanol Fuel Association.

“Ethanol is fermented and distilled from agricultural products like corn, wheat, barley and potatoes,” he said. “This makes it a renewable resource — unlike fossil fuels.”

By combining gasoline with 10 percent ethanol, the new mix will actually gain a higher octane rating and burn more efficiently, Dunn said. Equally important, however, vehicles burning this fuel called “gasahol” will emit about 25 percent less carbon monoxide.

Since roughly 60 percent of all carbon monoxide pollution is created by vehicles, these reductions can be significant. Several U.S. cities already have started “gasahol” programs and have noticed the benefits of ethanol in dealing with air pollution problems.

Ethanol has other environmental advantages, as well. Some production methods can use agricultural waste like potato skins. Sending these wastes to an ethanol manufacturer can keep them from contributing to America’s solid waste problem.

Ethanol also has some impressive economic advantages. In Bend, Ore., the Oregon Ethanol Co. is building a small refinery that will employ more than 40 people.

“From our workforce, even more jobs will be created,” said Terry Lynch, president of the company. “For every job we create, another seven will be created indirectly.”

A study by the Illinois Corn Growers Association revealed that for every 100 million bushels of corn used for the production of ethanol, 2,250 new rural jobs would be created. Additionally, the ethanol industry could put 50 million idle farming acres back into production.

Last year alone, 34 states sold more than eight billion gallons of ethanol, which was blended into only eight percent of the gasoline burned in the United States.

Perhaps it’s time to put Henry Ford’s original plans back on track.

Tip/Stat — For more information on ethanol or other alternative fuels, call the Renewable Fuels Association at 1 (800) 543-3802.

Technorati Tags: fuel efficiency, ethanol, ethanol industry, environmental consequences, renewable fuels, renewable energy, gasahol, carbon monoxide pollution

Louisville, CO 2008 – Bella Energy’s 10 kilowatt solar electric system on the Colorado State Capitol is part of the Governor’s Energy Office’s “Greening Government” project, which encourages state employees to be leaders in Gov. Ritter’s New Energy Economy. Energy conservation and efficiency measures will reduce the environmental impact of state operations with the goal to reduce energy use 20% by 2012.

Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, supplied 10 three-phase 225 kilowatt (kW) inverters for the new solar installation at Denver International Airport (DIA) in Colorado.

IntertechPira is pleased to announce that the 3rd annual Organic Photovoltaics 2009 conference is scheduled for April 27 – 29, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA, US. Co-Chaired by Russell Gaudiana, of Konarka Technologies Inc. and Dr. Dana Olson of the NREL, this year’s program will provide a unique venue for industry experts, researchers, customers and investors to address the opportunities and most critical challenges for the commercialization of OPV technologies.

Genasun’s new GV-4-Li brings high-performance maximum power point
tracking to solar power systems with lithium-ion batteries. With
people increasingly interested in lightweight mobile power systems —
for instance for on-location photography & filming, or camping —
lithium-ion batteries are coming more into play and a suitable charge
controller was due.

Del Sur Elementary School dedicated a 40 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system at a ceremony held at the school today. Officials of Poway Unified School District were presented with a plaque and an incentive check for $100,387 from San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) as a part of the utility’s Sustainable Communities Program. The roof top solar array was designed and installed by SPG Solar, Inc., is owned by SDG&E, and will provide power to SDG&E customers.

SolFocus announced the release of its latest Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) system solution, the SF-1100S-CPV-28. The company said that this new generation of its CPV technology achieves panel efficiencies of 25%.

Comdel, Inc., trusted supplier of RF and DC power, announces the appointment of Lenny Prepas as Quality Assurance Manager, responsible for managing Comdel’s initiatives for customer quality standards, internal, external, and ISO quality systems, and continuous improvement techniques. Prepas will report directly to Scott Johnson, Vice President of Comdel.

Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, announces it was awarded contracts from enXco Inc., an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, valued at approximately US$1.5 million. Under the contracts, Xantrex will supply commercial three-phase solar inverters for two large-scale projects in California and New Jersey.

In Gainesville, Florida yesterday, the Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) hosted a Solar Feed-in Tariff workshop for interested local businesses and residents, as well as statewide solar providers and manufacturers. The purpose of the workshop was to help guide the GRU in the ordinance it will be drafting, which will introduce a Feed-in Tariff policy mechanism to Gainesville.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released an Administrative Law Judge Proposed Decision and a Commissioner’s Alternate Proposed Decision regarding San Diego Gas and Electric Company’s (SDG&E) proposed 150-mile Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project.

It’s possible to save money while saving the environment — that’s the message the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promoting through its innovative Green Lights program.

By encouraging U.S. corporations to install state-of-the-art lighting in their facilities, the EPA is promoting both energy efficiency and pollution prevention. Companies that join the program will profit by lowering their energy bills and improving lighting quality. As a byproduct, these companies also will help reduce the air pollution caused in the generation of electricity.

Lighting consumes nearly 25 percent of the electricity used each year in the United States. And commercial and industrial lighting represents 80 to 90 percent of that electrical demand.

By installing “green lighting,” companies can reduce the electrical power required for their lighting systems by 50 to 75 percent, said Maria Tikoff, manager of the Green Lights program for the California EPA. This in turn reduces the amount of pollution produced at power plants.

“One of the misunderstandings we need to overcome is that energy efficiency means a sacrifice of some sort,” Tikoff said. “When it comes to lighting, that’s just not the case. In most instances, the quality of lighting is improved.”

Since the voluntary Green Lights program started last January, more than 125 corporations and five state governments have joined the effort. This means more than one billion square feet of building space has already been dedicated to energy efficient lighting, she said.

Under the program, participants sign an agreement committing their organization to survey all of its facilities and install new lighting systems that maximize energy savings and do not compromise lighting quality.

To simplify the process, the EPA has a computer program to help participants quickly survey their lighting systems. The program assesses various options and can even make final recommendations. The EPA also offers product information and can help organizations find grants or low-interest loans for the new lighting.

California was the first state government to join the Green Lights program. The state estimates that by installing “green lighting” in its buildings, taxpayers eventually will save $255 million in annual energy costs, Tikoff said.

Along with the monetary savings, the new lights also will keep more than two billion pounds of carbon dioxide, two million pounds of sulfur dioxide and six million pounds of nitrogen oxide out of California’s air.

Not a bad gain for changing a few light bulbs.

Tip/Stat — One compact fluorescent light bulb can last as long as 13 incandescent bulbs, while saving about $57 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

Technorati Tags: saving the environment, environmental protection, pollution prevention, energy efficiency, green lighting, green lighting systems

EPV SOLAR, Inc.’s, CEO, Scott T. Massie, and CFO, Tom Werthan, will be presenting at the Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference taking place November 10-12, 2008, in New York City. The Conference, being held at New York City’s Palace Hotel, will feature the Energy Industry among other industry tracks, including Steel, Metals, and Mining; Healthcare; Asia and Growth Companies; and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. The conference is expected to draw over 2500 attendees and offers nearly 250 presentations from industry and investment experts.

The renewable energy industry can add another name to its list of states with renewable portfolio standards. On November 4, a ballot initiative requiring that investor-owned utilities in Missouri obtain 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2021 received “Yes” votes from an overwhelming 2/3 of the constituency.

Intel Capital, Intel’s global investment organization, announced that it has made a new US $20 million investment in Trony Solar Holdings Co. Ltd., a Chinese solar photovoltaics cell manufacturer and solution provider.

BEDFORD, MA – November 6, 2008 – Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing turnkey solar factories and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic modules worldwide, today announced that the Company will host its third-quarter 2008 conference call on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA – November 3, 2008 – ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: ICPR.OB, FRANKFURT: K1U.F), a developer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary solar panels and products, today announced that West Marine, the largest retailer of marine-related goods in North America, has extended its supply agreement for 2009. The retailer has seen strong demand for ICP’s Sunsei® branded solar chargers, with sales up by approximately 14% year-to-date even in a slowing economy.

BERLIN, GERMANY, November 5, 2008 – Xantrex Technology Inc., a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, has been honored with a Best Quality Award by Elektroprofesional magazine, a publication of the REED Business Information Group in Spain.

Trojan Battery Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of deep cycle batteries, announced today two new management positions within the company to drive future strategies and success.

Dow Corning Corporation, a global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, today launched a three-day education program in Shanghai with China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace (CWICP): “Dow Corning Science Day—Fascinating Silicone in Life”.

Germany’s largest thin-film pitched roof system has begun operations. The system was constructed by Riedel Recycling at a facility where the company is using the former coal mixing hall in Moers for the storage and preparation of building materials.

Enfinity Management has completed and opened four ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Spain. The projects are the first ground-mounted systems the company has installed and have a total installed capacity of 6.5 megawatts (MW).

Engineering company M+W Zander has signed a contract to be the contractor for the new solar photovoltaics manufacturing complex in Singapore being developed by Norway’s Renewable Energy Corporation (REC). The contract, valued at more than EUR 100 million [US $127.37], includes planning and construction for the cells and modules production areas of the solar complex.

Novato-based SolarCraft announced today it has completed the design and installation of a 39.2 kW solar electric system for Trione Vineyards & Winery in Geyserville, CA. The winery’s new tasting room and production facility are now powered by the sun.

Trans-India Acquisition Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire at least 80% of privately held Solar Semiconductor Ltd. The company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands and has subsidiaries in the United States and India.

Three Carolinas companies have partnered to bring one of the first large-scale solar energy projects to Western North Carolina. The 1-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) array is expected to produce more than 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity over the course of a year. The FLS Energy solar farm will include 3,288 PV panels installed on about seven acres at the closed landfill. This PV array is expected to start producing electricity in the spring of 2009.

Business must play a key role in improving the environment in the future. But is the corporate world up to the task?

The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) is working hard to make sure the answer is “yes.” Formed in 1990, GEMI now has 21 corporate members focused on improving the business world’s environmental performance.

“The public is demanding that corporations improve their environmental practices,” says Andrew Mastrandonas, a project manager with GEMI. “Our hope is that business — by taking control of its environmental destiny — can spur change from within and create a forum for sharing solutions among industries worldwide.”

Already some big names have joined: IBM, AT&T, Boeing, Duke Power, Eastman Kodak, General Electric and Procter & Gamble. And GEMI is confident its list of member companies will continue to grow, Mastrandonas says.

The nonprofit organization is geared to help businesses improve their environmental management practices by sharing information and successful programs on the subject.

“The biggest polluter has historically been business, but companies are now getting together and starting to reduce that problem,” explains Mastrandonas. “By sharing information and the latest technologies, this effort is going to foster environmental excellence.”

GEMI does not hold fund raising activities — it is funded through member fees of $25,000 a year. The organization also does not take stands on public policy, he said, and is not an advocacy group.

Through research, workshops, conferences and discussion groups, GEMI is developing a large body of knowledge on environmental management practices. One of the issues being emphasized involves total quality management (TQM).

TQM aims at continuous improvement, Mastrandonas said, with an end point never being reached. Under this thinking, companies work to continually improve their environmental quality.

“First, companies have to figure out what they need to do to improve their performance,” he explained. “Then they need to track it and eventually communicate their results to employees, investors, environmentalists and other important groups.”

Because many of its member companies have operations scattered around the globe, GEMI plans to establish an international network and expand world thinking about sound environmental management.

“GEMI can provide a way for companies to tackle their own problems,” Mastrandonas said. “Through effective management, companies can take responsibility for their own actions and improve their environmental performance.”

Tip/Stat — For every ton of paper recycled by business, 7,000 gallons of water are saved during production.

Technorati Tags: environmental groups, environmental management, environmental business, environmental workshops

Don’t get me wrong — I’m as upset as the next person that our tax dollars will go to bail out unscrupulous banks — but there is a silver lining to all those interested in renewable energy, which should be everyone worried about climate change, peak oil, or energy independence. The recent rescue package extends tax credits on wind, geothermal, and biomass energy for one more year. This is good news, but not earth-shattering. The really good news is that the bill extends tax credits for solar energy of all types for the next eight years, and removes the current US $2,000 cap for homeowners. This means that renewable energy is now more competitive with utility rates, the investment pays for itself in a shorter time frame, and homeowners can more easily guarantee their electricity costs for the next 20-30 years.