In a Choice Election on Energy, Voters Favoring Obama
A new poll reveals energy issue voters overwhelmingly support Barack Obama over Mitt Romney. […]
Smart Grid
A Solar Powered Army of Energy Managers
A dustup over the U.S. Navy’s biofuel program hogged the media spotlight this spring, but under the radar, the Army has been pursuing an ambitious alternative energy program of its own. Aside from $7 billion in cutting-edge and utility-scale projects, the Army’s initiatives include a modest but critical experiment … [continued]
Despite Headwinds, US Clean Energy Industry Continued to Create Jobs in 2Q
The US clean energy industry continued to create green jobs in this year’s second quarter, though looming expiration of the federal tax credit for wind power is already having a dampening effect, according to the latest green jobs study from Environmental Entrepreneurs. […]
Could Minneapolis Get Cleaner Energy With a Utility Takeover?
As we spoke to legislators and activists roaming the halls of the State Capitol this past legislative session, it became increasingly clear that Xcel Energy and other utilities are calling the shots for our energy future. They decide which bills will be heard and, ultimately, which will be passed … [continued]
How to Achieve More Reliable Electricity: A Three-Pronged Approach
Annoyed when you have to reset the coffee pot clock? Infuriated when your power goes out for hours (or days) on end during the hottest months of the year? Confused why downed power lines miles away from your house leave you and your neighbors without electricity? Well, Think Progress … [continued]
Millions More Acres for Renewable Energy Projects in the U.S.
Whether you call it three-dimensional chess, rope-a-dope, or just plain old steamrolling over the opposition, the Department of Defense has been upping the ante on its renewable energy initiatives despite pushback from Republican leadership in Congress. In the latest maneuver, DoD has just joined with the Department of the Interior to … [continued]
Campaign Launched to Counter Utilities’ Efforts to Derail California’s Net Metering Program
With much of the US continuing to experience high heat and drought, distributed solar, and renewable power sources are helping alleviate the strains on electricity grids. Ongoing progress to integrate more clean, renewable energy into US power grids is threatened by utilities’ efforts to derail efforts such as California’s Net Metering program, however, according to Protect Net Metering. […]
Alactraz Island Now a Shining Solar Example
Previously on CleanTechnica, the plan to transition Alcatraz Island to some degree of solar power, and off of diesel generators, was discussed. That was about two years ago, and now that plan has come to fruition. Previously, about two thousand gallons of diesel fuel were being used per week … [continued]
Virtual Power Plant to Help Integrate Renewable Energy into Grid
Researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK have created a method for forming virtual power plants that would effectively bring renewable energy from smaller generators into the grid. The formation of such “cooperative virtual power plants” (CVPPs) would use intelligent and multi-agent software systems and include a … [continued]
New Oracle Software Seeks to Simplify Smart Grid Installations, Asset Management
Rolling out smart grids for electricity, gas, water and waste management are seen as keys to green economic growth, as well as reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and ramping up renewable energy. Oracle is introducing a new smart grid device management system that it says can reduce complexity as well as costs.
