Wind Of Change Sweeps Through Energy Policy In The Caribbean

ARUBA IN THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN HAS 107,000 PEOPLE, A LOT OF WIND AND SUN AND, UNTIL VERY RECENTLY, ONE VERY BIG PROBLEM. DESPITE THE TRADE WINDS AND SUNSHINE, IT WAS SPENDING MORE THAN 16% OF ITS ECONOMY ON IMPORTING 6,500 BARRELS OF DIESEL FUEL A DAY TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY. PEOPLE WERE FURIOUS AT THE TRIPLING OF ENERGYPRICES IN 10 YEARS AND THE RESULTING SPIRALLING COSTS OF IMPORTED WATER AND FOOD. A juice cafe in Tortola BVI That changed at the Rio earth summit in 2012, when the prime minister, Mike Eman, announced that the former oil-producing Dutch island close to Venezuela planned to switch to 100% renewables by 2020. Working with the independent US energy group the Rocky Mountain Institute and the business NGO Carbon War Room, Aruba ditched its old steam turbines for more efficient engines and changed the way it desalinated seawater. Amory Lovins, chief scientist at the Rocky Mountain Institute. It cost 300m (lb183m), says the energy minister and deputy PM Mike D'Emeza, but Aruba immediately halved its fuel consumption and saved itself 85m a year. It then built a 30MW wind farm and cut its diesel consumption a further 50%. Now it is planning another wind farm and a large solar park. By 2020, Aruba will be free from fossil fuels and possibly storing renewable electricity under water or using ice. The move to energy independence has had dramatic results, says De Meza. Electricity prices, which were US 33c/ KwH in 2009, have dropped 25% and are stable; inflation has been reversed; the island has nearly paid off the 300m it cost to switch out of diesel; the price of drinking water has fallen by almost a third; and the number of people unable to pay their bills has declined drastically. "We had been grappling with very high energy costs for 15 years. We realised that our dependency on fossil fuels was leading to political and economic instability. We had to act," De Meza says. Aruba is already enjoying health and economic benefits. More tourists are keen to visit a green island, he adds, and children are fitter because it costs families less to pay for sports, and there is less illness. "It has been very popular. Instead of energy prices being the top of the political agenda, the debate now is about which is the best renewable energy source Aruba should go for next." Many other Caribbean islands are eager to follow Aruba. Some in the region pay more than 42c/ kwh - three or four times the price paid in most of the US and Europe - and up to 25% of their GDP on diesel for electricity. Many are also locked into long-term contracts with monopolistic US or Canadian utility companies which have negotiated 17% or even higher guaranteed profit margins. With many states also having to pay off onerous long-term loans to regional banks, the net effect of high power costs is continual misery, says Nicholas Robson, director of the Cayman Institute think tank. "People are coming to me saying they cannot afford electricity. It costs 42c [US] in the Caymans. It's approaching a crisis point. People are struggling because of energy prices." "We are very concerned about the high cost of energy and how it affects jobs," BVI prime minister Orlando Smith adds. "We pay 38c/ KwH," says James Fletcher, St Lucia's energy and science minister. "The result is that industries like tourism, which are very heavy electricity users, are not competitive, our agriculture cannot move out of being just primary commodity producers, and our people have no money." St Lucia plans over the next 10 years to switch much of its electricity from diesel to renewables, using geothermal, wind and solar power. The government will make it easier for people to generate their own electricity to reduce diesel demand, and changing street lights to LEDs could reduce costs by 11m a year, he explains. "Renewables will provide new jobs, everyone will have more money in their pockets, transport will be cheaper and companies will be able to expand more easily," Fletcher says. "Islands can get prices down to just 12c/ KwH," says Ed Bosage, a wealthy American financier who bought the small island of Over Yonder Cay and who has switched it to 96% renewables with wind, solar and a tidal generator. "The wind blows at an average of 16 knots. The tidal is extremely reliable. We learned that wind trumps sun by 2:1. We now produce electricity for 12c, the cheapest in the Caribbean, and will get it cheaper. It's repeatable everywhere," he says. Caribbean islands share similar problems to thousands of others in the Pacific and elsewhere. Mostly, they are not on national grids, which makes them vulnerable to high energy costs, fuel has to be imported at extra cost, and they are often reliant on just one utility company and most are too small to benefit from economies of scale. While some can attract high-spending tourists and offshore finance companies, small island states are often heavily indebted, with weak economies, pockets of intense poverty and often rundown hospitals and schools. But, says Peter Lilienthal, director of Colorado-based Homer Energy and former US national energy laboratory chief, islands stand to benefit from the renewable revolution more than anyone. "Diesel is now hurting small islands. They are burning money. But the price of solar has plummeted in the last few years. It's now cost-efficient everywhere. Islands now can be the leaders." Jamaica is investing heavily in wind, Barbados in solar power and eight island states - Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos,and the Colombian islands of Providencia and San Andreas have joined the Carbon War Room's "10 island challenge". This gives them access to technological and funding help from the Rocky Mountain Institute and others. "Renewables have come slowly to the Caribbean and other developing countries but the technology is now cheap enough and diverse enough to make it much easier to install," says Amory Lovins, chief scientist at the Rocky Mountain Institute. "Small islands can move fast if they have coherent policies. They can be the future." More

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Fact Sheet On The Sunzia Power Transmission Line And Who To Write To Stop This Project

SunZia Fact Sheet and Contact List - Who to Write to Stop this Project Below are some facts about the SunZia proposal and who you can write to help stop this environmentally destructive project. This is a partner article to another at: http://arizona.typepad.com/safeenergyanalyst/2012/08/sunzia-the-making-of-a-slave-state-first-power-then-transmission.html However, this factsheet is from the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club. 1) This is a transmission project, and does not involve approval of any renewable energy projects. No one knows exactly how much renewable energy generation will result from building the proposed transmission lines and support towers. 2) A 2008 economic feasibility study has established that transmitting the proportion of renewable energy claimed (81 to 94%) in the BLM's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is very unlikely to occur, because this mix would not be economically competitive in the absence of a CO2 emissions tax. The same study concluded that under current market conditions, the most likely energy mix to result in actual power purchase agreements would consist mostly of fossil fueled energy. The BLM's Environmental Impact Statement never acknowledged these findings, despite repeated submission of this third party study by local stakeholder groups. This violates federal regulations regarding the use of the best available data in the EIS. 3) The owners of the SunZia project also own a very large planned and permitted natural gas fired generation plant in southeastern Arizona that is located along their proposed transmission lines. The BLM never acknowledged the relationship between the owner's interests in the two proposed projects, despite the disclosure of this relationship by the owners to another federal agency (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). This violates federal regulations regarding the use of the best available data in the EIS. 4) The SunZia project would open up a new industrial scale infrastructure corridor on 40% of its proposed route, most importantly through environmentally sensitive lands along the Rio Grande and San Pedro Rivers. On one route segment alternative, over 80% of the proposed path would be through previously undisturbed lands. 5) Other proposed transmission projects, such as the Southline Project, would co-locate with existing infrastructure and disturbed lands to a much higher degree than the proposed SunZia project. SunZia is a project that would cause significant new impacts to our dwindling wildlands, and would not live up to its purported renewable energy benefits. To email your Representatives regarding these points, especially regarding the use of best available data in the EIS (points 2 and 3): Rep. Ron Barber: https://barber.house.gov/contact/email-me Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick: https://kirkpatrick.house.gov/contact/email-me Rep. Raul Grijalva: https://grijalvaforms.house.gov/email-raul To email the head of the Bureau of Land Management: Principal Deputy Director: Neil Kornze: director@blm.gov To send a message to the President's staff: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/old To send an email to the Albuquerque Journal: Sharon Hendrix / Journal Editorial Writer/ shendrix@abqjournal.com / 505-823-3846 Dan Herrera / Editorial Page Editor/ dherrera@abqjournal.com / 505-823-3810 To send an email to the Tucson Weekly: Dan Gibson/ Editor/ dan@tucsonlocalmedia.com To send an email to the Arizona Daily Star: letters@azstarnet.com

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Solar Panels In Australia

Everybody wants to save some money in the long run and if we can benefit the environment as well at the same time, then even better. In the last couple of years there has been a drastic increase in the mount of photovoltaic panels being installed in homes and business throughout Australia. The amount of capacity generated by solar panels has increased tenfold between 2009 and 2011. It is estimated that up till August 2011, solar panels contributed 2.3% of the nation's energy production. This energy is clean and free and some people are even making money from this.

SOME BENEFITS

Anything that we can do to get our dependency away from fossil fuels is in every ones benefit. By investing in new technology, which can use limitless and free resources available from the sun, harnessing this power and transforming it into energy, we can reduce our own financial costs in the long term. We can also be proud that we are doing an active part in looking after our environment and also may be able to make money off it, if you are producing a surplus of energy which you can then sell back to the electricity companies. You do need to look at the technology as an investment as there is some cost to setting this up, especially if you are looking to remove yourself from the grid. Up until May of 2012 the Australian government was even offering a rebate to schools, business and residents who invested in this technology, which helped to offset the initial set up costs. Although this rebate is now finished, there is still a feed-in tariff, which allows you to negotiate the price that you can sell your surplus energy at. Not everyone can afford to invest in a system to totally remove themselves from the grid and this is something which you can start with small steps first. You should invest in a system which is within your budget as you can add to this at a later date as well to increase the amount of power collected.

LOCATION IS KEY

To make sure that you can get the most out of solar power, you need to have your solar panels facing the correct direction to make sure they are exposed to the sun's rays as much as possible during its track across the sky. It is important as well to make sure that the panels are not shadowed by anything such as trees or mountains as this can have a dramatic effect on the efficiency of the solar panels and limiting the amount of energy that they can produce. If you looked at the entire earth through a thermal imaging camera, you would see Australia as a big red dot, as it receives so much direct sunlight. This means that Australia is almost perfect to harness this power and put it to good use. A study in 20012 showed that Australia has the highest average of solar radiation of any of the continents. This is a huge market which is only starting to really take off now so there is a massive potential to increase the production of energy through solar radiation. Wouldn't it be great to not have any energy bills and actually be able to make money every month by selling your surplus energy back to the energy companies?

THE COST

The technology is improving all of the time which means that solar panels are becoming not only more popular, but more accessible to the vast majority of us as well. The cost of the system that you install will vary depending on the size and types of panels that you use. You need to look at the long term though as a good system will pay for itself within a matter of years after the initial outlay. This weighed up against the impact on the environment and the reduction in your domestic fuel costs makes solar power a viable alternative for a lot of Australians. Solar panels are usually installed to the roofs of homes so the only limitation would be with the size of your roof. Alternatively if you have a large open space, you can install a system in a field or large garden, as long as this is not overshadowed by anything to decrease the efficiency of the solar panels. All in all, if you are looking to be more environmentally friendly and reduce your carbon footprint as well as your reliance on fossil fuels, solar power is an excellent alternative and can save you money, or even make you money in the long run. Go on! Get the neighbours talking and be the envy of your street, start being smart and get your energy for free.

AUTHOR BIO:

"This article was written by Max Johnson on behalf of AVIC Solar. AVIC Solar is a leading supplier in solar panels Sydney and ranks 250th in the Global Top 500 largest corporations in 2012. Max is a keen blogger on technology and green issues and is always looking for ways to help maintain the planet and reduce such carbon footprint."

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Wind Commissioning Engineer Fm Job Germany

JOB NUMBER:

2031322

BUSINESS:

GE Power & Water

BUSINESS SEGMENT:
PW-REN Renewables

ABOUT US:

Renewable Energy offers its customers solutions for energy production from renewable resources such as wind, solar and biogas. With more than 18,000 installed wind turbines globally, GE Energy provides more than 25,000 megawatt installed capacity of clean and efficient energy. A comprehensive service program supports clients from project development to operation and maintenance, to solutions for network integration and the commercial exploitation of wind energy. In Germany, GE Wind Energy is represented by almost 2,000 wind turbines. The wind turbines are manufactured in Salzbergen, Lower Saxony - GE's European headquarters for renewable energy, where also the European Customer Service and Training Center is located.

POSTED POSITION TITLE:

Wind Commissioning Engineer (f/m)

CAREER LEVEL:
Experienced

FUNCTION:

EPC Project Management

FUNCTION SEGMENT:
Project Operations

LOCATION:

Germany

U.S. STATE, CHINA OR CANADA PROVINCES:

CITY:

POSTAL CODE:

48499

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
No

ROLE SUMMARY/PURPOSE:

In this role you will be part of GE Wind's Global Projects & Services organization. You will be responsible to perform commissioning and service activities on wind turbine generators (WTG) and its ancillary equipment (SCADA etc.) across the globe, with focus on the EMEA region.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Commission and service wind turbine equipment and ensure it works to its specification
* Carry-out and perform trial-run operations and equipment test procedures
* Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical or system malfunctions
* Perform, instruct and ensure safety within commissioning activities
* Collaborate with installation/project/engineering and other functions
* Make improvements to and offer advice about operational procedures
* Support and facilitate on the job trainings (OJT)
* Maintain and follow safety and quality procedures as required by company policy
* Mentor and share knowledge within area of responsibility
* Keep records, maintain documentation and report as required by company policy
* Identify and maintain stock of critical assets, tools and spare parts
* Communicate openly with client, vendors, and stakeholders
* Maintain company vehicle with necessary tools and equipment to perform commissioning/service jobs
* Ensure periodic maintenance and repairs are made to equipment/tooling and company vehicles

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

* Degree as qualified/certified electrical engineer/technician
* Ability to work to tight deadlines whilst continuing to follow safety/quality guidelines
* Competent in Health and Safety standards (EHS)
* Ability to work as part of a team and/or on own initiative
* Ability and confidence to work at height (includes physical fitness to climb)
* Capable of working at remote sites in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, wind, altitude)
* Equipment: Operate both light and heavy equipment
* Physical activities: Stand, walk, use hands to touch and feel, crawl, climb, floor sitting, manual lifting, kneel and/or exert force
* Ability to communicate at all levels with various cultures
* Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (~90%)
* Valid/clean driving license (EU class B)
* English fluency, particularly with technical explanations
* Unrestricted EU work permit

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS:

* Bachelor's degree/state certified engineering degree in Electrical Engineering is preferred
* 2+ years' experience in similar role (wind commissioning, field service etc.)
* Good knowledge of measurement-, control- and feedback control systems/ technology
* Good knowledge of GE processes and tools (GE employees only)
* Six Sigma Green Belt certification (GE employees only)
* Good MS Power Point, Excel, Word skills and general PC skills
* Self-starter, requires little direction

If you have any further requests, please contact Stefanie Wierich, Senior Recruiter, at Tel. + 49 5971

9801796.

We look forward to receiving your online application.

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International Energy Agency Report Released Technology Roadmaps Hydropower

Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) "an autonomous organisation which works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 28 member countries and beyond," released a new report titled, "Technology Roadmaps: Hydropower" (2012). The 68-page report available here discusses how,Hydropower could double its contribution by 2050, reaching 2 000 GW of global capacity and over 7 000 TWh. This achievement, driven primarily by the quest of clean electricity, could prevent annual emissions of up to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 from fossil-fuel plants. The bulk of this growth would come from large plants in emerging economies and developing countries.Hydroelectricity's many advantages include reliability, proven technology, large storage capacity, and very low operating and maintenance costs. Hydropower is highly flexible, a precious asset for electricity network operators, especially given rapid expansion of variable generation from other renewable energy technologies such as wind power and photovoltaics. Many hydropower plants also provide flood control, irrigation, navigation and freshwater supply.The technology roadmap for Hydropower details action needed from policy makers to allow hydroelectric production to double, and addresses necessary conditions, including resolving environmental issues and gaining public acceptance.

Source: energy-technologies.blogspot.com

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Fws Issues Recommendations On How To Minimize The Impacts Of Wind Farms On Wildlife

The U.S. Lure and Wildlife Revolution now transmitted a set of perfect recommendations on how to therapist the impacts of land-based wind farms on wildlife and its residence to Secretary of the Native soil Ken Salazar.

"These recommendations intend the harmony of the 22 speckled members of the Lurch Turbine Instructions National Clarifying Directive and were reached during a supervisor than two-year process. Secretary Salazar diplomacy to look over the recommendations and stem them numb advisement as he directs the Revolution to develop commands for evaluating wind energy development on joint and creature lands.

The mode contains moreover policy recommendations and not compulsory spontaneous commands for siting and vigorous wind energy projects in make to escapism or therapist potential impacts to wildlife and residence. Once upon a time the Native soil Secretary's look over, the Revolution preference use the Committee's recommendations to develop and production its revised commands in the National Assault and innate them for joint see. The mode, as amply as a prepare list of Directive members, is user-friendly for download here.

Tourist attractions of the Committee's recommendations include:

* A decision-making entice that guides all stages of wind energy development;

* Craving on the get the better off user-friendly science such as assessing renewable energy projects and their potential actual impact; and

* Use of landscape-scaled provision that recognizes the need to deem enduring about protecting our nation's economic and natural resources.

Lurch Turbine Directive Clarifying Directive members were a few by the Secretary from a large set of candidates to intend a degree of stakeholder groups with the key policy, technical and professional expertise. The magnitude was created in agreement with the National Clarifying Directive Act and represents the diverse interests attendant with wind energy development as amply as wildlife supervisory professionals. The Directive did not conversation off-shore wind energy development.

Arrived its chartered request, the Directive reported to the Secretary of the Native soil defeat the Superior of the U.S. Lure and Wildlife Revolution. It functioned really as an illustrative create, carriage recommendations on indubitable planning to shield wildlife resources and corresponding the look over and firmness of services by state, tribal, back at the ranch and central agencies.

The National Clarifying Directive Act, further forward as FACA, was enacted by Get-together in 1972 to assurance that urging rendered to the dealing out division by illustrative committees, employment armed forces, boards and commissions formed by Get-together and the Leader, be moreover objective and friendly to the joint. The Act formal a process for establishing, vigorous, administration and terminating these illustrative bodies. The Well-known Services Directive is faithful for implementing FACA.

Source: http://bit.ly/cjs65A Place from CleanTechLaw.org: www.cleantechlaw.org

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Wind Power Economics India Solar And Wind Power For Residential Homes

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