Destination Clean Energy: Denver International Airport Dedicates

Share 4.4 MW of Solar Power from Constellation Energy More than 8 Megawatts of Solar Now Supplies 6 Percent of DIAs Total Electricity Needs DENVER, July 28, 2011 – Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) and Denver International Airport (DIA) today announced the completion of a 4.4-megawatt, ground-mounted solar power system . Constellation Energy built, owns and maintains the solar installation, and DIA will purchase the electricity produced by the system over a 20-year period. It is the third large-scale solar project for DIA, bringing the airports total amount of hosted solar power to more than 8 megawatts the most solar generation at a commercial airport in the United States. In honor of the solar projects completion, a celebration and ribbon-cutting were held today at DIA. Business and community leaders, as well as representatives from state and local government were on hand for the event, including Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. With the addition of this solar facility, Denver International Airports three solar array systems now produce approximately six percent of the airports total power requirements, said Kim Day, aviation manager for DIA. We support alternative energy applications at DIA because these projects are good for the environment while positively impacting our bottom line; they are financially sustainable. This airport was built with a goal of being green, and with this additional solar array, Denver International Airport now has one of the largest solar installations in North America. The system is expected to supply approximately 7,000 megawatt-hours of electricity to DIA each year, utilizing approximately 19,000 Yingli Solar photovoltaic panels. Generating the same amount of electricity using non-renewable sources would result in the release of more than 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. “Constellation Energy congratulates DIA for its continued commitment to clean energy, said Michael D. Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation Energys retail business. Thanks to the shared commitment of federal, state and local government, along with private business, more businesses are able to rely on solar power to achieve environmental goals and control electricity costs. Constellation Energy thanks the public and private partners who worked with us in bringing this newest solar installation online for DIA. Denver-based solar development firm Oak Leaf Energy Partners originally developed the project; its third at DIA. Oak Leaf has developed 27 commercial and utility scale solar projects in Colorado, totaling over 35 megawatts of production. Quanta Services (NYSE:PWR) Intermountain Electric, which installed and manages DIAs 2 MW and 1.6 MW solar facilities, installed the 4.4 MW project. Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE) supplied the photovoltaic panels for the project. Constellation Energy currently owns and operates approximately 95 megawatts of solar installations that have been completed or are under construction for customers throughout the United States. By structuring its solar projects as power purchase agreements, Constellation Energy requires no upfront capital from its customers and is able to provide power at a fixed cost that is less than projected market rates. Commercial customers, universities, school systems, hospitals and government agencies interested in on-site solar installations of 1 megawatt or larger may contact Constellation Energy at sustainable-solutions@constellation.com or 1-877-427-2005. To watch a brief video about Constellation Energys solar power systems, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyaXDmgM55M .

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Destination Clean Energy: Denver International Airport Dedicates

Wind power dispute

kxan asked: Wind power dispute

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Wind power dispute

The End Of Nuclear Power Industry?

Despite predictions in the United States and elsewhere of a nuclear “renaissance,” the report concludes that the role of nuclear power was in steady decline even before the Fukushima crisis. The disaster will make the construction of new nuclear plants and extensions to the lifetime of current plants even more unrealistic.

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The End Of Nuclear Power Industry?

Electric Vehicle Invented

Richard Chapo asked: Many say the electric vehicle will never exist, but popular hybrid vehicles are a variation of them. To under electric vehicles, it is prudent to know who and when they were invented. The electric vehicle has been heralded for many years as the vehicle of the future. This type of electrically powered vehicle is better for the environment and less expensive to run than traditional gasoline powered vehicles, and can be built from existing vehicle parts with a few modifications. With all of the focus on hybrid and electric vehicles in recent years, you might think the time when the electric vehicle was developed was relatively recently, but this is not the case. So, when was the electric vehicle invented? Historians have recorded that between 1832 and 1839 (the exact year is uncertain), Robert Anderson of Scotland invented the first electric powered vehicles. This crude model was not exactly what would be considered a vehicle by today’s standards, but was definitely the forefather of electric vehicles today. Around 1842, more practical and usable electric vehicles were developed in America by Thomas Davenport, and in Scotland by Robert Davidson. While the evolution of the electric vehicle invented more possibilities, France and Great Britain were the only two countries to really start focusing on the electric vehicle, in the late 1800′s. In 1895, the United States finally got on board with developing electric powered vehicles, after an electric tricycle was built by A.L. Ryker. The first commercial version of an electric vehicle or vehicle was found in 1897, when the Electric Carriage and Wagon Company of Philadelphia built a fleet of electric powered taxis for New York City. The years 1899 and 1900 were the best years in the history of electric vehicles for the United States, as electric vehicles outsold any other type of vehicle in these two years. Production of electric vehicles peaked in the year 1912, and these type of vehicles enjoyed success into the 1920′s, after which there was a marked decline in the demand for electric vehicles. As more and more road systems were developed crossing the US, the need for longer range vehicles became apparent. Coupled with the finding of oil in Texas, which meant gasoline was more affordable for everyday use, combustion engines quickly became the more popular engine for vehicles. Today, the electric vehicles invented in the last half of the 20th century are seen as the wave of the future for eco-friendly vehicles. The same problems still plague electric vehicles that did so in the 1920′s, including slow speeds and short ranges, but hopefully with new technology, electric vehicles will be able to replace the polluting combustion engine vehicles we drive today. Read more on Electric Vehicle Invented…

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Electric Vehicle Invented

State Of Residential Solar Power For 2011

If you want to look into the future of sustainable energy in the United States, look at solar power. If you want to look into the future of solar power, look at the prices for solar panels. If you want to look at the future of solar panels, look to China.

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State Of Residential Solar Power For 2011

Why You Should Opt For A Condesing Boiler To Heat Your Home

In order to understand how efficient condensing boilers are it is crucial to know how they operate. Whether or not you have a standard boiler which operates to heat just your residence or a combination boiler that not only heats your residence but the hot water you use, these products use some kind of fuel to work. This can be in the form of gas, oil or electricity. They also create some kind of exhaust, which needs to be vented out of your residence or place of business. If your using gas boilers , they vent gases which possess toxins that go into the atmosphere, no matter how efficient the boiler is. The real difference between a condensing boiler and a regular boiler is, in the case of a condensing boiler, the original exhaust is recirculated back into the system, helping to keep your residence warm and your water hot. This assists the effectiveness make the boiler run;which makes the boiler itself not only work better, but reduces the need to use as much fuel to make the boiler run. It is vital to note that this is just the simple version of how a condensing boiler performs, there is much more in depth information online or through your local retailer. So to reply to the query of how efficient a condensing boiler is. Most conventional boiler methods possess an efficiency rating of up to 80%, while a condensing boiler is up to 98% efficient, depending on the product, but you can anticipate at least 90% efficiency. This means in real terms that your operating prices will be lower, your boiler will last longer, and your energy bills will be less. In environmental terms, it also means that less pollution is put into the atmosphere. Does this mean that you should run out and get a new condensing boiler for your residence? It really depends on the age of your current system. If your current boiler is out dated and you are discovering that your bills are high this may be a consideration. Understand that these types of boilers may be a little more pricey initially, but over long run they will pay for themselves. In today’s environmentally conscious world, a lot of regions have rules and regulation about boilers and a lot of properties that are being developed have to have condensing boiler systems put in instead of their traditional counterparts. It is important to understand that these boilers are more efficient, but there are also other aspects to consider. One is the fuel that powers them. If you have an electric boiler, while it requires much more time for your home and/or water to get up to a comfortable temperature, these are regarded as the most efficient. Natural gas, and propane is the next step down, but are operating pretty even with oil fired boilers. An oil fired condensing boiler can be a good viable alternative for a number of reasons. Newer oil boilers are state of the art and use the oil as effectively as possible, in addition to being condensing. They also can use recycled oil, which includes cooking oil, so you can do your part for a far better environment. Read more on Why You Should Opt For A Condesing Boiler To Heat Your Home…

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Why You Should Opt For A Condesing Boiler To Heat Your Home

Energy Efficiency – Replace Your HVAC System With An Energy Efficient Geothermal Heat Pump

Sam Greyhawk asked: Geothermal Heat Pumps or GHPs can use 30-60% less energy than conventional HVAC systems, Geothermal systems are also quieter and require less maintenance. Geothermal Heat Pumps are not limited to heating, they can also be use for cooling and in some cases they can even be used as water heaters. While we have been using Geothermal heat pumps since the late 1940s, according to the Climate Institute, “geothermal heating” has been used since the time of the Roman Empire as a way of heating buildings and spas by using sources of hot water and steam that exist near the Earth’s surface. How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work? While the temperature can vary widely from season to season, just a few feet below the earth’s surface the ground maintains a relatively constant temperature. This ground temperature can range from 45?F (7?C) to 75?F (21?C) depending on geographical location. A GHP uses this stable ground temperature to heat, cool, and when properly equipped, supply the house with hot water through a ground heat exchanger. Using the consistent temperature of ht earth as a heat exchange, instate of outside air with its variable conditions allows GHPS to reach fairly high efficiencies on the coldest nights. Geothermal Systems vs. Air-Source Systems While efficiencies vary by model, conditions and geographic location consider the following. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE): Geothermal Systems can reach 300 efficiency “on the coldest of winter nights” Air-Source Systems can reach 175 efficiency “on cool days” The improvement in energy efficiency offered by GHPs can reduce energy costs by 30-50% in comparison to traditional HVAC systems. In the United States, the DOE estimates about 40,000 geothermal heat pumps are installed each year. While this may seem like a large volume, it is only a drop in the bucket when your consider two-thirds of all homes in the United States are equipped with air conditioning. Why Isn’t Everyone Using a Geothermal Heat Pump? When compared to traditional HVAC systems, Geothermal Heat Pumps “can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity” states the DOE. How expensive are they? According to Michael Bluejay, “In 2006 a geo system cost about $2500 per ton of capacity to install. A 3-ton geo system at $7500 compares with $4000 for a traditional system, for a $3500 up-front premium for the geo system. Thanks to the energy efficiency of Geothermal Heat Pumps, this expense is returned to you in savings in as a little of 5-10 years. With an expected system lifespan of 25 years for components, and 50+ years for the ground loop, a Geothermal Heat Pump can provide energy savings for many years. By reducing your electricity consumption you reduce your carbon footprint. Do your part to fight global warming, by using energy efficient technologies like GHPs to reduce your electricity usage. Solar power Read more on Energy Efficiency – Replace Your HVAC System With An Energy Efficient Geothermal Heat Pump… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Energy Efficiency Replace Your HVAC System With An Energy Efficient Geothermal Heat Pump

Energy Efficiency – Where Does Your State Rank?

Even as Congress failed to take major action on climate and energy legislation in 2010, states across the United States achieved major new strides in energy efficiency , according to the 2010 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard from the nonprofit and independent American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

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Energy Efficiency Where Does Your State Rank?

Everything You Must Know Regarding The American Wind Energy

It has been estimated that throughout the past 25 years in the United States the carbon emissions has a risen at a rate of around 0.8% per year. As a percent this might not seem very much. Yet this would amount to millions of tons of carbon emissions and it is due to this reason that American wind energy was presented with the desire of cutting pollution caused by power generation in the country. In the United States in 2008 the amount of wind energy installed exceeded 8500 MW. Thus american wind energy has gone from strength to strength. Yet most green radicals claim that this rate of development in american wind energy is dissatisfactory and lobbies for better use of sustainable green energy. In the road to growth wind energy, the government had to face many obstacles. First of course is the issue involving the expenses. Installing wind energy is comparatively expensive. Thus american wind energy tends to be quite expensive and this has been one of the largest obstructions. Another problem is caused by the birds when they directly fly towards the rotor blades. Transporting the needed equipment has also been an issue as the suitable areas tends to be quite remote. The equipment also takes up a significant area. If american wind energy is to thrive further solutions would have to be found to these troubles. At least for some of these troubles, technological developments and advancements can offer answers. One of the added rewards of american wind energy is that it has lead to growth in employment opportunities in rural remote areas where employment is hard to find. Farmers can growth their incomes leasing the land and harvests could be grown around the turbine, up to its very base. Thus american wind energy may have been a god sent opportunity to develop and transfer rural America. Use of wind energy does not needfully have to be at the national or state level. You can now enjoy the benefits of american wind energy through the use of a small wind machine which could supply enough electricity to meet the needs of a family. Since use of wind energy has increased within the country many firms are now involved in the industry. The future for american wind energy does look quite good. Renewable, sustainable forms of energy is a key factor in creating a better future for our planet. Everyone involved should support openings like american wind energy and play their part in paving the way for a greener America. Read more on Everything You Must Know Regarding The American Wind Energy… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Everything You Must Know Regarding The American Wind Energy

Obama And McCain on Wind Power Energy Use – Where Do They Stand?

Evangeline Cortez asked: Barack Obama, Democratic Presidential candidate, and John McCain, the Republican contender both continue to address major issues on energy. The topic of Obama versus McCain on Wind Energy Use is quickly gaining increased attention from constituents. Senator Obama has stressed his proposal that the United States sell oil coming from its strategic reserve in the hopes of lowering gasoline prices. He is also pressing for the utilization of alternative sources of energy. Senator McCain, on the other hand, gears towards offshore drilling and an expanded utilization of nuclear power instead. Apparently, Obama is against expanded nuclear power exploration and investment. He has proposed a windfall profits tax policy which will result to a lowered supply and raised prices. Experts have stated that this policy have already been implemented during the Carter administration and it did not work. What is needed instead is higher supply and decreased consumption. The good news, however, on the whole issue of Obama versus McCain on wind energy use is that no matter who wins the election, the so-called green energy industry will surely be on the winner’s side. Obama focuses on the issues of oil. Last October 2007, he had said that when he becomes President, he will help automobile manufacturers to retool their factories in order for the latter to manufacture cars that will use lesser oil. McCain, on the other hand, has leaned more towards using wind power. This is apparent in his desire to cut down greenhouse gas emissions. It is known for its pollution-free nature. Unlike fossil fuels, wind power usage does not emit greenhouse gas. Obama, however, also supports the cap and trade policy for a system that will cut down greenhouse gas emissions. Development to use wind power is an endeavor the new president must look into. Central to this issue of Obama and McCain is the fact that a vast part of the United States is actually prime resource. Canada and Europe are world leaders of wind power projects. Other countries are also looking into building production facilities in the United States. The major wind turbine manufacturers in other world regions have already explored this. This is because the expenses that may be incurred in building the wind turbine systems in the US are far lesser compared to building the wind turbines overseas and then shipping them. These systems are a leading projects in the green energy system that promises to support whoever will win in the Obama versus McCain presidential elections. Another area of the green energy system is the solar thermal power plants. Although the entire Obama versus McCain on wind energy use issue can be a strain, it is at the very least still comforting to know that the country can depend on the green energy system to address the pressing concerns of oil and wind power problems that have arose and may be arising. Solar power Read more on Obama And McCain on Wind Power Energy Use – Where Do They Stand?… Energy Tags: wind power , energy

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Obama And McCain on Wind Power Energy Use Where Do They Stand?

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