"- by Terry Maxon, December 31, 2014, Dallas Morning News" Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood, for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest's phrasing, it is purchasing "low carbon renewable jet fuel, made using forest residues that will help reduce the risk of destructive wildfires in the Western United States." It has agreed to buy about 3 million gallons a year from Red Rocks Biofuels, a Fort Collins, Colorado, that focused on recycling that foresty stuff. That won't provide much of Southwest's needs. he Dallas carrier in 2013 bought 1,818 million gallons, so 3 million gallons would represent 0.2 percent of its needs or about 60 percent of an average day's usage. But it might make a noticeable portion of the fuel needs at Southwest's Bay airports - San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose - where the fuel will be delivered beginning in 2016. "Our commitment to sustainability and efficient operations led us on a search for a viable biofuel that uses a sustainable feedstock with a high rate of success," said Bill Tiffany, Southwest's vice president of supply chain. "Red Rock Biofuel's technology, economics and approved use made entering into an agreement for purchase a win-win situation," he said. "From the outset, we have sought to build the best possible team of project partners," Red Rock CEO Terry Kulesa said. "A conversation we started with Southwest on the premise of providing renewable jet fuel at cost parity with conventional jet fuel has evolved into a great partnership. "We're happy to help Southwest diversify its fuel supply,"Kulesa said. According to the announcement, "RRB's first plant will convert approximately 140,000 dry tons of woody biomass feedstock into at least 12 million gallons per year of renewable jet, diesel, and naphtha fuels." How can you turn humus, plant duff and twigs into fuel to fly a commercial airplane? Here's Red Rock's explanation from its website: "RRB's technology platform converts woody biomass to jet, diesel, and naphtha fuels. Our process begins with the gasification of woody biomass to produce synthesis gas. "This synthesis gas is cleaned and sent to a Fischer-Tropsch unit where it is converted to liquid hydrocarbons. "Hydroprocessing refines the liquid hydrocarbons to produce jet, diesel and naptha fuels." Red Rock has received a 70 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to build a "biorefinery" at Lakeview, Oregon, near the intersection of California, Nevada and Oregon and close to Fremont National Forest. Tags: southwest airlinesBiomassbioenergybiofuelsbiofuelrenewable energybiodieselusda
Origin: cleanpowerlife.blogspot.com
Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines With Help From NativeEnergyPROJECT POWERS SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND AND CUTS GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTIONPRESS RELEASEWednesday, September 5, 2012 - 10:00am(3BL Media) Burlington, VT - September 5, 2012 - "Native"Energy, a leading provider of carbon credits, is offering carbon offsets from a trio of wind turbines serving Indiana school districts. By harnessing a natural resource, this project powers school buildings, saves money and teachers' jobs, and provides hands-on renewable energy training for young people."Our customers enthusiastically support community wind projects," said Jeff Bernicke, "Native"Energy's president. "We now have 29 successful wind developments in our portfolio of carbon projects."The Northwestern (Kokomo), West Central (Francesville), and North Newton (Morocco) School Corporations have each installed 900kW PowerWind turbines on their school campuses. Each district owns its turbine and will take advantage of the net metering incentive offered through the local electric utility company. The project is being developed by Performance Services of Indianapolis."Every dollar we save on energy costs and earn from carbon offsets is a dollar we can spend in the classroom," said Harold Seamon, Northwestern assistant superintendent.Each turbine is projected to produce 2,400 megawatt hours annually. They are expected to save school corporations millions of dollars over the 20+ year life of the turbines, helping the districts retain critical programs at a time when school budgets are dwindling. While the savings are significant over time, the initial cost for each turbine was prohibitive. "Native"Energy's Help BuildTM approach, which provides early funding for carbon credits, was essential in making the economics of the project workable.Previously, "Native"Energy's Help BuildTM model was used to enable the development of the Wray, Colorado, school district turbine in 2006 and the City of Union City and Randolph Eastern School Corporation turbines in Indiana in 2011. The Union City project was also developed by Performance Services.Speaking of the partnership, Tony Kuykendall of Performance Services said, "School wind projects offer a constellation of benefits- lower cost to schools, clean energy, real-world educational opportunities. At Performance Systems, we're proud of our record in advancing community projects, and we're glad we've found a partner in "Native"Energy who can help us succeed more quickly in more towns."The rewards to the schools and communities are not just financial. K-12 renewable energy curriculum-which integrates live and historical data from the turbines-will be offered at every school. In addition, Northwestern is discussing the offering of dual credit classes in conjunction with Indiana University at Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College. At North Newton, credit from the high school's renewable energy coursework will be earned through Purdue University and transferable to any state university in Indiana. Credit will also be available at West Central. "This is the first wind turbine in our county. The community is very excited about it," said Chuck Mellon, West Central superintendent, with a chuckle. "If the turbines aren't turning on a certain day, I hear about it!"SOURCE: 3BL MEDIA (HTTP://3BLMEDIA.COM/THECSRFEED/INDIANA-SCHOOLS-INSTALL-WIND-TURBINES-HELP-NATIVEENERGY)
Some people like to suggest that it's impossible for individuals to make a difference, when it comes to protecting the environment. They like to argue that it's up to governments and corporations to make the real decisions.Frankly, I've always found this argument to be a little too convenient. It's a great way of passing the buck and ignoring our own responsibilities. It's certainly true that governments, businesses and other organisations do have the potential to make a significant impact in many areas. They can certainly help us all to deal with climate change.But every individual and every household possesses the ability to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that is causing so much harm. Before this starts to sound like something of a lecture, I should also point out that I believe that there are significant financial benefits associated with tackling this problem.In other words, I believe that it's possible to do something that's good for the environment and also good for family finances.REDUCING THE RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELSYou may not be able to control the fuels that are being burned at your nearest power station, but you certainly are in a position to use less of them. In fact, you may be able to put yourself in a position where you become a net contributor to the country's energy needs.There are a variety of ways for achieving this, including making use of renewable energy systems. Solar panels, biomass boilers and air source heat pumps might all be part of the solution for your home.Some governments even offer financial incentives for installing such systems, as detailed by websites like MrRenewables.co.uk. By making use of such incentives, you may find that you can use less energy and also generate an additional income.LOSING LESS HEATAs things stand, it's likely that you are paying for heat and light that is actually being wasted. In effect, that means that you are wasting money, as well as energy.It's likely that a considerable amount of heat is being lost via windows, doors, walls and ceilings within your home. Fortunately, there are a number of cost-effective home improvements that you could consider.From cavity wall insulation to the use of modern double glazing, you'll discover that such improvements can reduce heat loss. Indeed, double glazing may also reduce levels of noise disturbance.I'm fond of this idea of making improvements that are good for the wider environment, but that also make sense in other areas. If that means ending up with a home that looks better, or that simply costs you less money to heat and maintain, then it seems to me that this can only be a good thing.Before leaping to the conclusion that there is nothing that you can do to protect the planet from climate change, think about whether you have really investigated your options in full. It's likely that there are more possibilities than you imagine.AUTHOR BIOKeith Barrett believes that we can all do a little more to protect the environment. He writes about green issues, as well as a range of other subjects.
2012
12.04.12 PSCW Decisions "Tax" Renewable Energy
11.08.12 The Real Meaning of Kewaunee's Demise
08.16.12 Natural Gas: Wrestling with Reality
2011
07.11.11 Wisconsin's Widening War on Renewables
2010
11.10.10 Shirley Wind: An Auspicious Debut for Emerging Energies
09.30.10 Meet Butler Ridge, Wisconsin's Newest Wind Project
09.27.10 Touring This Year's Renewable Energy Crop
07.12.10 The Oil Spill and You
05.05.10 Impressions of Wind Siting Council's Tour of Wind Development in Fond du Lac County
05.04.10 A Cruel Month for Renewable Energy
04.15.10 Legislators Fire Blanks at Clean Energy Jobs Act
04.07.10 Costs of Coal Plants Keep Going Up
02.22.10 Of Molehills and Renewable Energy Purchases
02.17.10 Clearing Up Wisconsin's Lakes With Clean Energy
02.12.10 Letter to Sen. Miller & Rep. Black on rate impacts of ARTs
2009
12.22.09 Think Tank Flunks Renewable Energy Analysis
11.20.09 Fact sheet: Renewable energy buyback rates
10.19.09 Educating Schools on Solar Air Heating
10.10.09 Plain English explanation of wind siting reform law
09.25.09 CWESt's Report Adds Noise to Wind Debate
08.11.09 Pursuing Sustainability Through Economic Adversity
07.10.09 It's Time to Bring Renewable Energy Home
06.02.09 Windpower - A Stabilizing Force in an Economic Downdraft
04.07.08 The Importance of Doing the Math
01.27.09 Response to anti-wind comments of State Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer
2008
12.05.08 Q&A on higher buyback rates on electricity from renewables
10.07.08 Palin's Folly
07.24.08 Sock maker steps up to solar hot water
07.10.08 An Open Letter to Congress: Extend Renewable Energy Tax Incentives
05.19.08 Fossil Fuel Watch: Gas Tax Pain
03.31.08 Oppositon to Windpower Pollutes Climate Policy
01.04.08 Walling Out Wind
2007
07.27.07 A Federal Energy Policy: Can It Happen Here?
03.20.07 Fossil Fuel Watch: Solar, The No-risk Path to Wealth Creation
2006
12.28.06 Fossil Fuel Watch: Meet My Solar Clothes Dryer
11.16.06 Mid-Term Elections: Renewable Energy Cleans Up
11.02.06 Draining Canada First
2005
10.06.05 Fossil Fuel Watch: Stirrings in the Land of What-Me-Worry?
09.21.05 Fossil Fuel Watch: The Eye Between the Storms
Source: amosrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
Whenever the estimate of gas rises, North Americans gain to connect about thug less. Behind oil estimate trends manipulate seen a distinctive reduction in SUV sales and manipulate hit the large van manufacturers firm. Chief characterize America has been hit hardest by the rising proposed law of living; condescending levy and mortgages, car costs and the rising estimate of home and vehicle energy. Fantastic uptown homes need large amounts of heat, electricity (for elucidation) and air conditioning. Greatest extent households manipulate two or director full-sized cars which are used to supervisor far distances for education and employment. All of these factors contribute to the plunge in middle-class incomes and free part. Greatest extent North Americans confidence two vehicles to society and draw on a tough vending of their part in faction. People upgrade home after a fancy day's society absolutely exhausted from the time when of the overspill supervisor part. On weekends and evenings uniform director part is left commuting as family tree confidence about implementation household tasks and shopping for purchaser products (commonly bent from petroleum). The purchaser the people is creating mass fatigue and heaviness due to our pipe dream to hint the exhaust levels of our Neighbours. Greatest extent households need two large incomes in establish to sustain a typical middle-class routine. All of this is prepared achievable by rubbishy energy. Fringes, large homes, electronics, far-off foods and grocery market cuffs, supervisor and hobbies are all prepared achievable by stingy resource necessities. For example not an iota is strong-willed how fancy these resources ghoul okay us to sustain our way of features, it is fact that North Americans (Canada and the USA) management violently 35% of the world's energy resources, though we lonesome cart about 5% percent of the world's community. The grave disperse of this energy interruption is that many ecological nations are energetic miserably to hint our exhaust levels and be a lodger within walking distance purchaser lifestyles. It is lonesome advantage that other nations would craving access to the awfully types of homes, education, cars, vigor and fertility consumables that we take pleasure in. The snag is that this type of corporation exhaust is not achievable. It would take director than six planets with the awfully resource necessities as earth in establish to sustain a corporation uptown routine. Entreat for fertility purchaser items is at once flourishing in countries such as Brazil, Breakables, India and Russia. If the corporation fascinate for energy to fuel industry, homes and transportation continues to intensification at cloud levels, world oil capital and energy resources ghoul no longer be able to hint fascinate. A long time ago this exceed (which many should think we are sooner than experiencing) occurs there ghoul be an unchangeable economic slowdown derived in a downward spiral and credibly uniform a globally economic dwindling. As nations run for election to hint rising energy needs, we ghoul geographical see a intensification in resource related disputes and uniform an very good in soldierly conflicts. SOLUTIONSNorth Americans need a new energy strategy, one that focuses on energy efficiency and preservation. It has been well-known far away cheaper to invest in energy efficiency plans than to build director energy generating services such as power plants. Homeowners are far away leg up off re-fitting their homes than purchasing a cut above heating, cooling or energy production technologies. Perpetuation and efficiency practices can be as sour as amplified casing ethics, replacing light bulbs and appliances, or lowering exhaust levels. Undeniable Luscious Verve Neatness FACTS: * Fuel-efficient cars ghoul cut fuel, finance and operating costs though plummeting wicked lush emissions. * Quarters heating and cooling costs can be cut in two by ensuring straightforward home sealing and casing. * Switching to treaty fluorescent light bulbs reduces energy exhaust levels by 80%. * Replacing old appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines can promote efficiency levels up to five become old. * Hose exhaust can be saving by not whole with the installation of low-flow film and faucet owing technologies. * On-demand water heaters can slacken off the proposed law of hot water by 50%. * Hot water costs can be second saving in the middle by installing a solar thermal water heater.
Below are excerpts from Renewable Energy News, a great resource for Clean Energy, available by email subscription:
UK LOW-CARBON CONTRACT WINNERS REVEALED: WIND SCORES, SOLAR DISAPPOINTS
"BY DAVID APPLEYARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR" February 27, 2015
The first round of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) programme - the UK scheme that is designed to support low-carbon generation and a capacity margin in the energy sector - has concluded. Contracts were offered to 27 renewable e... Full Article
TO SHIFT MIDDLE EAST AWAY FROM NUCLEAR TRACK, U.S. SHOULD INVEST IN SOLAR PARTNERSHIPS
"BY THOMAS BUONOMO" March 3, 2015
The Middle East is on track toward a nuclear proliferation nightmare as Iranian officials have expressed their intent to vastly expand Iran's domestic nuclear enrichment capacity by the beginning of the next decade, Saudi Arabia i... Full Article
DEEPWATER GETS FINANCING FOR FIRST US OFFSHORE WIND FARM
"BY JUSTIN DOOM, BLOOMBERG" March 3, 2015
Deepwater Wind LLC received 290 million in financing that will allow it to begin building its Block Island offshore wind project in Rhode Island, the first one in the U.S. Full Article
NEW MEXICO UTILITY ADDING WIND, SOLAR AND GEOTHERMAL TO ITS POWER MIX
"BY BARRY CASSELL, CHIEF ANALYST, GENERATIONHUB" March 2, 2015
JOB NUMBER:
2034378
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 - limited (f/m)
CAREER LEVEL:
Experienced
FUNCTION:
EPC Project Management
FUNCTION SEGMENT:
Project Operations
LOCATION:
Germany
U.S. STATE, CHINA OR CANADA PROVINCES:
CITY:
Salzbergen
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. The role will be limited to 24 months.
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.
