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Renewable Energy
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Sitemap of Sections
Sitemap of Sections
Each section on this website contains articles and sub-sections to help you discover solutions that fit your interests. Drill down...and learn how to save money, improve quality, and enjoy the beauty and function of a sustainable home and workplace.
Personal Energy Solutions Personal Energy Solutions include heating, cooling and cooking for residential comfort and affordability, as well as career impacts of energy such as shortages, alternative energy market development and compliance regulations on pollution, carbon and peak load management. Home Energy Solutions Home energy solutions start with behaviors -- like turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use. They continue with proper insulation, reduced irrigation and living near your work -- and carpooling. The list goes on for ways to solve your energy costs and waste problems. We help you find practical solutions and ways to implement them1 Retail Energy Solutions Retail businesses such as merchants, restaurants and office buildings face unique energy challenges such as separation of ownership and tenant responsibilities, high lighting costs, and insurance challenges. We help you find alternative energy solutions from behaviors to LEDs to incentive programs for energy efficiency. Industrial Energy Solutions Industrial energy solutions are complex and leveragable - so they provide high value and often, short payback periods and higher ROI than other investments. We help you balance behaviors, technology, market opportunities, process optimization and regulatory incentives and risk management. Transportation Fuel & Energy Solutions Transportation fuel & energy solutions affect supply chain choices, alternative fuel and energy choices, and route optimization and behavior training for effective driving and delivery systems. We seek out solutions for your business and operational improvement. Biodiesel Fuel Biodiesel fuel is made from plant and animal matter - usually waste, and turned into diesel, considered the most efficient of the carbon based fuels. Solar Energy Solar energy includes a variety of conversion from sunlight into energy, heat, or industrial processes. From passive solar to concentrated solar power generation, sunlight holds tremendous potential for low pollution energy generation. Natural Gas Fuel Natural gas fuel has advantages as a transition fuel for vehicles and heavy equipment. E85 Ethanol Fuel E85 Ethanol Fuel is a mixture of ethanol with gasoline to accommodate changing engines. Check with your regional suppliers for specifications. Hybrid Fuel/Energy Hybrid Fuel and Energy vehicles have dual systems that use liquid fuel such as gasoline or ethanol and electricity. Electric Energy Electric energy for vehicles can come from hybrid-type designs that capture energy from brakes, etc -- and from plug-in vehicles that tap the grid, or solar panels that generate energy for storage in a battery. ZEV Zero Emissions Vehicles ZEV Zero Emissions Vehicles are designed to reduce air quality degradation and pollution including greenhouse gases, particulates and also reduce dependence on petroleum fuels. Hydrogen Energy Hydrogen Energy production and use is an emerging clean technology that promises reduced climate change emissions and air pollution. It currently uses natural gas as a feedstock but other options are being developed. Solar Thermal Energy Solar thermal energy has developed industry scale solar fields to generate multiple megawatts of electricity, and small scale solar thermal is used mostly for hot water systems Soar PV Photovoltaic Energy Solar PV - Photovoltaic Energy is one of the top alternative energy industries with systems scaled for home, commercial and utility installations. Passive Solar Energy Passive solar energy has been used since the sun started shining! Plants use passive solar energy. Animals, the weather systems... and some smart people optimize passive solar techniques such as shade and window systems to light, heat and cool buildings. Passive solar is the most cost effective, most reliable use of sunshine! Biogasoline Fuel BioFuel can be produced from Algae. Often called Algae Oil, Algae Fuel or Oilgae, this clean tech fuel is a third generation bio-fuel produced from Algae. Wind Power/Wind Energy Wind Power/Wind Energy is renewable energy generated by a wind generator, wind turbine, wind turbine generator (WTG), wind power unit (WPU), wind energy converter (WEC), or aerogenerator. Gas Energy Natural gas — which consists mostly of methane — has become increasingly popular as a fuel for power generation. Green Jobs in Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Green jobs in energy efficiency & renewable energy can be technical, communications and outreach, sales, administrative, or compliance-related. Green jobs in energy is one of the fastest growing job sectors. Fuel Savings for Transportation & Equipment Fuel savings for transportation & equipment starts with reducing mileage through route optimization and quality maintenance, and continues with new technologies. We help you find fuel saving strategies. Diesel Fuel Innovations for Cleaner Solutions Diesel fuel innovations for cleaner solutions include filtration, maintenance and better driver performance such as shutting off the engine when not in use. We help you discover cost and fuel saving solutions. Clean Tech Energy Clean Tech Energy includes not only fuels and electricity from renewable sources, but energy efficiency strategies, excellent management and reduced mileage. Tidal Turbine Energy Tidal power, also called tidal energy, is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity or other useful forms of power. Hydropower Energy Hydropower uses water to power machinery or make electricity. And since the water is not reduced or used up in the process and employs an endless, constantly recharging system, hydropower is considered a renewable energy. Ocean Energy Sources Ocean energy research, development and demonstration through international co-operation and information exchange, leading to the deployment and commercialisation of sustainable, efficient, reliable, cost-competitive and environmentally sound ocean energy technologies. Instream Hydrokinetic Energy Hydrokinetic devices are powered by moving water and are different from traditional hydropower turbines in that they are placed directly in a river, ocean or tidal current. They generate power only from the kinetic energy of moving water (current). River Energy Sources River Energy Sources include Micro-hydropower sites on private and public land in communities with rivers and flowing water that provide viable sites for micro-hydropower generation. Geothermal Energy Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from heat stored in the earth. This geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface. Distributed Energy Grid Distributed Energy Grids include renewable energy generation at homes, offices and citywide facilities. The grid of wires or pipes required to take energy from the point of generation to the point of use is a critical link in renewable energy commercialization. Hybrid plug-in vehicles Hybrid plug-in vehicles are part of the "advanced automotive" technology being developed to reduce fossil fuel emissions that cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, and even heart disease. Consumer Energy Programs Consumer energy programs combine incentives, rebates and infrastructure access to replace dirty energy with clean, renewable energies such as solar, wind, geothermal and even energy efficiency - the cleanest of all! Conservation of Energy | Energy Efficiency Conservation of energy or energy efficiency is the most cost effective of all "renewable energy" solutions. What is NOT used is saved. Many operations can be converted to manual or behavioral "no tech" solutions. We help you find practical, cost saving solutions. Compressed Air Energy Compressed air is air which is kept under a certain pressure, usually greater than that of the atmosphere. In Europe 10 % of all electricity used by industry is used to produce compressed air. Green Crude Algae, sunlight, carbon dioxide and non-potable water are used to make "green crude" fuel. Algae Biofuel Algae is an ancient source of oil reserves, and is being tapped to produce Biofuel known as green crude. Turbine Manufacturing Wind turbines are called a wind generator, wind turbine, wind turbine generator (WTG), wind power unit (WPU), wind energy converter (WEC), or aerogenerator. Contact Us About Us Energy Conservation Energy conservation includes energy efficiency, renewable energy replacement for fossil fuels, behavior changes and technology such as sensors to automatically monitor and control energy waste. Infrastructure Infrastructure is the shared distribution system of electricity, water, highways, fuel and gasoline... even education and taxes that support our shared capital. Smart infrastructure makes us economically competitive, saves individual costs and supports business and economic development. We help job seekers, small businesses and communities find practical infrastructure solutions. Biorenewable Energy Resources Biorenewable energy resources include plants and animal wastes, as well as new sources of bio-based, renewable energy such as algae. Biofuel Biofuel production, generation, efficiency and commercialization are part of the new economy of greener, more sustainable systems. Biofuel also affects systems such as water sources, agriculture, wildlands management and soil quality... Biofuel Algae is one of the biofuels expected to supplement transportation fuels with biorenewable fuel manufacturing Finance, Investments, Loans, Grants Finance, Investments, Loans, and Grants provide organizations with the green to create green! Wind Power Wind Power and wind energy generation are among the fastest growing renewable energy sources being commercialized for production of electricity. We bring options for homeowners, small business and communities to your attention. Sensors and Controllers Sensors and controllers offering thousands of solutions in the various fields of industrial automation to monitor and control energy use as well as related resources. EVs - Electric Vehicles EVs - Electric Vehicles have been in development for decades, but 2010 is begins the commercialization trajectory of this new age in transportation in cars, trucks, trains and even ships. PHEVs Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), also known as plug-in hybrids, are hybrid vehicles with rechargeable batteries that can be restored to full charge by connecting a plug to an external electric power source. EV Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles - EVs include electric cars, trucks, trains, ships and industrial vehicles of all sorts. EV transportation is seen as one of the major trends in moving people and goods. Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy, heating and cooling can be as simple as a residential heat pump, or as utility-scale as wells as deep as oil wells. We help you sort out practical solutions available to homeowners and small businesses. Carbon Sequestratioin Carbon sequestration is defined as the process of removing carbon from the atmosphere and depositing it in a reservoir. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), alternatively referred to as Carbon capture and sequestration, is a means of mitigating the contribution of fossil fuel emissions to global warming. Carbon tax - Cap & Trade A carbon tax is an environmental tax that is levied on the carbon content of energy and fuels. A carbon tax can levy taxes on the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum products such as gasoline in proportion to their carbon content. Energy Infrastructure Energy infrastructure includes sourcing raw feedstock, the refined production of energy, delivery to the end user, productive use of the energy and managing the waste or byproducts of energy use. EV Charging stations EV Charging stations are energy infrastructure for the growing fleet of electric vehicles that must be recharged at stations that vary from home-based plugs to parking lot and commercial networks of electricity recharging stations. Smart Grid Smart Grid infrastructure embeds information in energy production, distribution and use by monitoring and tracking energy as it moves from generation to use in buildings, lighting, transportation, etc. Biomass Energy Generation Biomass energy generation can help reduce waste in landfills, but can also reduce organic matter that improves fertility of soil for agriculture and natural systems. We bring you insights into today's biomass solutions. Hydrogen Energy Sources Hydrogen Energy Sources are projected as the next significant renewable resource, but today, hydrogen is in pre-commercialization stage. We keep pace with hydrogen news you need for renewable energy generation and energy efficiency. Solar as Renewable Energy Source Solar is considered the most abundant renewable energy source on earth, with an abundant, free supply from the sun on a daily basis. But using solar can be no tech, low tech, or high tech -- we help you find practical solar solutions. Advanced Fossil Energy Coal Advanced Fossil Energy Coal carries a lot of hope -- and a lot of controversy about the possibilities and wisdom of developing due to emissions, global climate change and associated health and environmental risks. Carbon Sequestration Carbon Sequestration is the technique of leaving fossil fuels and other sources of carbon (such as trees and other life forms) buried in the ground to prevent excessive carbon from being burned and escaping into the atmmosphere. Energy Efficiency Solutions Energy efficiency solutions reduce energy use in buildings, in transportations, and even in water and food. No tech, low tech and high tech solutions can help reduce or avoid energy use, especially energy that causes greenhouse gas and emissions. Pollution Control Equipment Pollution control equipment on equipment, appliances, vehicles and industrial processes can reduce health problems from air quality problems, water pollution, and even soil contaminants. We help you identify pollution reducing solutions. Funding of Alternative Energy Funding of alternative energy installations - for consumers -- and business startup - for commercial ventures, is a major factor in growth of renewable energy capacity. We help businesses and individuals spot solutions and opportunities. Loan Guarantees for Alternative Energy Loan guarantees for alternative energy can provide working capital for innovation and commercialization through government agencies such as the DOE and state REC programs. Innovation of Alternative Energy Innovation of alternative energy ranges from basic research to applied research, innovation of equipment and processes to installation and financial systems development. Opportunity for innovation has grown with policies addressing pollution, resource shortages and climate change. Commercialization Commercialization of alternative energy includes the infrastructure, the energy source, the supply chain and consumer demand generation. We help small businesses and communities find solutions for the value chain. Training & Certification Training and certification for job skills and career development in alternative energy sector include general skills, as well as specific compliance, technology and financing strategies that are unique to new technologies. Commissioning Commissioning - measuring the functioning level of equipment or systems - provides high savings value and ROI for alternative energy and building projects. We help you identify options and solutions Battery Technologies to Store Energy Battery technologies to store energy from distributed power generation are being commercialized to supplement the smart grid. Batteries can store energy for use at low-generation times, often called off-peak times. Battery Technologies Battery technologies are not yet keeping pace with the requirements of electric vehicles, waste management (toxic) and distributed storage requirments for cogeneration of many renewable energies. Innovation is ramping up to find a variety of new battery technologies that are lighter weight, faster to charge, less toxic to manufacture and with longer life. Battery Technologies Battery Technologies are critical to electric vehicle transportation as well as electronic devices. Innovation of battery technologies are a clean tech innovation and commercialization initiative. Solar thermal Solar thermal energy (STE) harnesses solar energy for thermal energy (heat) for hot water, energy generation or space heating. Solar thermal collectors are defined by the USA Energy Information Administration as low, medium, or high temperature solar thermal collectors. Food Supply and Energy Our food infrastructure is both Food Supply and Energy Supply. Plants form an organic infrastructure of soil quality, water retention and quality, as well as plant growth, harvest and food storage systems that are now also being tapped for energy generation. Innovation and constraint are needed - and we help you sort out potential solutions. Hydraulic Hybrid Hybrid vehicles use a combination of a gasoline engine and an alternative power plant. Hydraulic hybrids use many of the same principles as electric hybrids, but instead of using batteries, they use lightweight components and clean fluid to power the vehicle at slow speeds. Hydraulic Hybrids Hydraulic and pneumatic hybrid vehicles refer to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combining internal combustion engines and electric motors to charge a pressure accumulator to drive wheels via hydraulic o compressed air. Hybrid power trains are used for diesel-electric or turbo-electric railway locomotives, buses, heavy goods vehicles, mobile hydraulic machinery, and ships. Compressed Air Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a way to store energy generated at one time for use at another time. Another compressed air solution is vehicles: a compressed air car uses a motor powered by compressed air. Tax Incentives Tax incentives help fund research and development for innovative technologies that develop entire industries needed by communities to develop jobs, resources, and transfer of economic power multiple times in a community. Renewable Portfolio Standards Governments are gradually adopting "Renewable Portfolio Standards" to support and encourage development of renewable energy infrastructure at utility scale production. Renewable portfolios vary by government, but generally support solar, wind and geothermal renewable energy replacements for oil and coal, the energy sources that pollute the air with carbon particulate matter and increase heat that adds to climate and weather changes. Purchasing agreements for Alternative Energy Purchasing agreements for alternative energy can include energy efficiency as well as caps on prices, levels of service and other risk management features that can save on long term costs. Alternative Energy Standards Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards are regulations that require the increased production of energy from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Distributed generation Distributed energy resources are small-scale power generation technologies ranging from 3 to 10,000 kW so they can be located close to homes or businesses to provide alternative or enhanced utilitiy electric power systems. Net Metering Net metering is an electricity purchasing policy by utility companies for consumers who own renewable energy facilities such as wind, solar power or home fuel cells and want to sell excess energy generation to the utility grid. Interconnection Interconnection of energy sources, transmission and usage is being engineered with the smart grid system. Cogeneration of Alternative Energy Cogeneration of alternative energy provides renewable energy near the place of use - and that reduces leakage and waste across the grid. Cogeneration solutions involve rates, technologies, management strategies and other solutions that are being developed for the new economy. Alternative Energy Insurance Alternative Energy Insurance applies to wind turbine projects, environmental jobs, as well as professional liability insurance to provide risk management for new technologies are implemented. Renewable Fuels Standard The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program regulations were developed in collaboration with refiners, renewable fuel producers, and many other stakeholders. The RFS program was created under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005, and established the first renewable fuel volume mandate in the United States. As required under EPAct, the original RFS program (RFS1) required 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be blended into gasoline by 2012. Research & Development Grants Research & Development Grants for energy technologies, distribution, commercialization and conservation are largely funded by government agencies, through research labs and universities with collaborative outreach into high tech businesses Utility Scale Green Energy Generation Utility Scale Green Energy Generation provides the greatest efficiency -- not only will this reduce fossil fuels, but will optimize efficient generation, if not distribution. Goods Movement Goods movement for supply chains involves transportation, route optimization, warehousing, and compliance with green transportation, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards. We help bring practical solutions for small business and community health to your attention. Freight Trains / Rail Freight trains and rail transport of goods and people can save fuel, especially when mass transit is combined with electric or hydraulic power systems. Solar Thermal / Water Heating Solar Thermal systems can be used as room heat, for water heating or to convert heat into energy. Some say solar thermal is the most economical of the solar power generation and efficiency systems ... we help you sort out options available for practical solutions. Energy Security Energy security is a national security issues as well as a company risk management and economics challenge as natural resources fluctuate in price and availability. Research & Development Wind research and development includes a wide variety of energy generation and transmission improvements including Blades, Certification, Components, Computer Modeling, Control Systems, Drivetrains, Dynamometer Testing, Emerging Applications, Manufacturing, Partnerships, Small Wind Turbines, Towers Solar PV Generation Solar PV electricity generation is the most advanced of the renewable energy sources, especially for small installations. But Solar PV as a practical solution is more complicated that it first appears -- you need a "solutions system" to make solar PV affordable and cost effective. Passive Solar Solutions Passive solar solutions optimize building design, siting and ventilation to take advantage of thermal breezes, shade, optimal sunlight and heat sinks. Passive solar has been used to thousands of years with cost effective results - we help you identify today's wide variety of solar solutions.
Carolyn Allen, Our Editor
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