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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

enXco announced that it has closed on the project financing for the Shiloh II Wind Energy Project under construction in the Montezuma Hills Wind Resource Area of Solano County, California.

One of the world’s biggest wind turbines with a hybrid tower is being built at the wind test site in Grevenbroich west of Cologne. The tower combines a lower segment consisting of long, narrow pre-cast concrete components made by Advanced Tower Systems (ATS) and an upper segment made of conventional steel elements.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in Nevada. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Nevada to be $1.1 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 2.3 million tons, and annual water savings are 944 million gallons.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in Utah. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Utah to be $1.1 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 2.0 million tons, and annual water savings are 828 million gallons.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in West Virginia. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in West Virginia to be $1.0 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 3.3 million tons, and annual water savings are 1,763 million gallons.

ICP Solar Technologies Inc. a developer of solar panels and products, announced that it will begin shipping its new Sunsei GreenMeter this month. The initial customer, an education products company, will be installing the GreenMeter in 30 high schools across North America as part of scientific training stations for labs within a curriculum that focuses on renewable energy.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA – November 17, 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 it will begin shipping its new, patented, Sunsei® GreenMeter this month. The initial customer, an education products company, will be installing the GreenMeter in 30 high schools across North America – providing scientific training stations for labs within a curriculum that focuses on renewable energy. The Sunsei® GreenMeter hybrid energy monitor will be the centerpiece of these stations, and it will interface with solar panels, wind turbines, and a battery system that monitors energy output. Students can measure electrical power production from both solar and wind sources, analyzing the resulting energy vis-à-vis existing weather conditions.

Join SEI and Global Exchange for a Renewable Energy and Energy Education Tour in Cuba.

In a joint conference call on Thursday, the leaders of four renewable energy industry associations — Randall Swisher from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Karl Gawell of the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), Linda Church Ciocci of the National Hydropower Association and Rhone Resch of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) — put forth 5 key proposals that they believe are essential elements in helping bring the U.S. out of these dark economically-challenged times and into a bright, clean future.

Date: 11/13/2008

As part of its Native American outreach, DOE’s Wind Powering America program has initiated a quarterly NAWIG newsletter to present Native American wind information, including projects, interviews with pioneers, issues, WPA activities, and related events. It is our hope that this newsletter will both inform and elicit comments and input on wind development in Indian Country.

Canadian Hydro Developers Inc. announced the official opening of the Melancthon EcoPower Centre. The 199.5-megawatt (MW) project is the largest wind energy installation in Canada. The Melancthon EcoPower Centre is 100% owned and operated by Canadian Hydro.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded GeneSiC Semiconductor two separate grants totaling US $1.5 million for the development of high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) devices that could serve as key enablers for wind- and solar-power integration with the nation’s electricity grid.

Beacon Power Corporation, a company that designs and develops products and services to support electricity grid operation, said that it plans to scale back its previously announced plans for a 5-megawatt flywheel based energy storage system.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in Arizona. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Arizona to be $1.15 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 2.0 million tons, and annual water savings are 818 million gallons.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power
in Idaho. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Idaho to be $1.1 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 2.2 million tons, and annual water savings are 906 million gallons.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power
in Maine. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Maine to be $1.3 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 2.8 million tons, and annual water savings are 1,387 million gallons.

Date: 10/31/2008

This analysis highlights the expected impacts of 1000 MW of wind power in
Montana. We forecast the cumulative economic benefits from 1000 MW of development in Montana to be $1.2 billion, annual CO2 reductions are estimated at 2.9 million tons, and annual water savings are 1,207 million gallons.

The U.S. utility industry will have to invest between US $1.5 and US $2 trillion between 2010 and 2030 to maintain current levels of reliable energy service for customers throughout the country, according to a new report issued by The Brattle Group. The findings are detailed in “Transforming America’s Power Industry: The Investment Challenge 2010-2030″.

I’m interested in finding renewable energy funds in which to invest my 401k. Could you direct me to an archived story regarding this and if there isn’t one, when can I expect to see something like that? Thank you for your time. — Chip A., Milwaukee, WI

BP Alternative Energy said last week that it plans to focus its future wind developments in the U.S. only and is looking to pull out of projects in China with Goldwind, Turkey and two projects in India with Suzlon.

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

Mainstream Renewable Power announced the signing of a US $1 billion joint venture deal with Andes Energy. The joint venture company Andes Mainstream SA will work toward the development of an initial pipeline of 400 megawatts (MW) of wind energy in Chile.

Duke Energy began commercial operation at its 59-megawatt (MW) Ocotillo Wind Farm, located in Howard County, Texas on November 1. Construction of the 28-turbine site began in February 2008. The electricity produced from the wind farm will be delivered into the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) transmission system and will be sold to Barclays Bank PLC.

Date: 11/6/2008 to 11/7/2008
Location: Chicago , IL

The National RPS Summit is designed as a working session where State energy policy makers and administrators, along with Federal government representatives and national organizations, convene for two days of information sharing and dialogue, focusing on how renewable portfolio standards are working and how to ensure their future success.

Summit Sessions

• Overview of status of RPS efforts nationwide
• Principles and best practices for State RPS programs
• Strategies for creating stronger regional REC markets
• The Federal role in RPS implementation

Speakers include state public utility commissioners and RPS administrators, federal legislative staff, national renewable energy associations, and RPS experts.

Summit Announcement (PDF 47 KB) Download Adobe Reader.

Date: 11/12/2008 to 11/14/2008
Location: Albuquerque , NM

You are invited to participate in an exciting new seminar, which we call the “Wind
Energy Boot Camp.” This name reflects the objective of this intensive seminar to
enable the participants to return to their jobs with the ability to fully participate in
the development, planning, engineering, commissioning, and operation of wind-powered
generation facilities.

To achieve this objective, there will be an intensive coverage of wind-energy
topics by a variety of outstanding speakers who represent the state-of-the-art of this topic in the United States today. Collaborating organizations will include Public Service Company of New Mexico, Western Electric Coordinating Council, the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, and the Utility Wind Integration Group.

There is a choice of two registration tracks for this program. Day 1 will be directed
especially to corporate executives and can be taken alone. Most engineers and
technical personnel will want to register for the second option, which includes the
entire 3-day program.

Please see the Wind Energy Boot Camp brochure (PDF 90 KB) Download Adobe Reader for full information.

Date: 11/13/2008
Location: DC

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
Following the success of the AWEA Offshore Wind Workshop in September, we are pleased to announce this offshore wind power webinar. The webinar will cover the role for offshore wind in the Department of Energy’s 20% Wind Energy by 2030 scenario and will also provide a refresher on several topics from September’s workshop.

The U.S. DOE issued the “20% Wind Energy by 2030″ report in May, 2008, which included 54 gigawatts of off-shore wind energy modeled in the 20% scenario analysis. This level of growth will require coordination between state agencies, federal agencies and offshore wind developers. Several panels at the Offshore Workshop addressed the need for state and federal actions that will create a favorable climate for offshore wind development. These panels brought together many stakeholders involved in offshore wind to learn from the recent progress in several states. Tune in to the webinar for more information on agency / developer relationships and on the development of offshore wind projects in the U.S.

You must register to attend.

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/493607391.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Date: 11/16/2008
Location: Kingston , RI

The 2008 Rhode Island Energy Solutions Expo will offer innovative and practical strategies to help Rhode Islanders deal with rising energy costs. The event will showcase dozens of local companies exhibiting products and services to help Rhode Islanders bring energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuels into their homes, businesses and communities.

The Expo will feature high-profile speakers, educational workshops and demonstrations, educational activities for kids, music and food. Educational activities will be organized around three themes: What can I do this winter to cope with high energy costs? What can I do this year? What can I do in the future? Attendees will leave with all the information they need to reduce their energy costs and go green.

Please see the Web site for more information.

Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Inc. (Mass Megawatts) announced that it is expanding into the small wind power plant manufacturing market. Due to the demand for these units from recently passed federal tax credit legislation, Mass Megawatts is making preparation for establishing itself as an alternative to the traditional horizontal or propeller-style turbine technology, the company said.