SOLAR POWER

Emerging Markets: Opportunities for Energy Innovation

In the last 20 years, energy innovation has become a global process in terms of education, finance, technology, and markets.  At the 2013 MIT Energy Conference a panel of experts discussed pros and cons of innovative energy solutions in emerging markets. Emerging markets provide attractive opportunities for innovative energy systems.  The competitive advantage of renewable…...

New Bill to Bolster Energy Production and Economic Growth

The Energy Production and Project Delivery Act of 2013 aims at opening more federal acreage for energy development and expediting permitting processes for energy projects to create millions of jobs and add trillions of dollars to the economy. On February 27, 2013, Senator David Vitter (R-La.) and Congressman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) introduced the Energy Production…...

Bipartisan Policy Center Releases Energy Policy Recommendations Report

A recent report from the Bipartisan Policy Center outlines common ground energy policy recommendations that build on energy abundance and efficiency accomplishments of the U.S.    On February 27, 2013, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a report proposing a set of recommendations intended to serve as a blueprint for establishing strong and diverse energy resource portfolios…....

Business Roundtable Releases Report Outlining Recommendations for Energy Policy

Chief executives of leading U.S. companies released a report outlining recommendations for a comprehensive energy policy framework that would capitalize on the nation’s strengths to enhance self-sufficiency, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. On February 25, 2013, Business Roundtable, a national association of corporate executives, released a report outlining recommendations to devise a comprehensive energy policy…...

SOTU 2013: President Obama Pushes For Climate Change Action

President Obama outlined bold actions to combat climate change, elaborating on his inaugural vow to address the issue.  Obama further pledged to use his executive power to tackle climate change challenges if Congress denied action. At his State of the Union (SOTU) speech on February 12, 2013, President Obama cast a bold vision on climate change…...

Climate Change Debate Intensifies

Divided opinions over climate change issues delayed approval of the draft oversight plan in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Democrats called to amend the draft plan to hold hearings on climate change science, an issue that Republicans have long opposed. On February 6, 2013, democrats in the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a…...

$1 Billion Green Bank to Advance New York’s Clean Energy Economy

As part of the state’s 2013 energy package, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a $1 billion “Green Bank” to draw in private sector money and spark investment in clean energy projects.  The Governor also named a “Cabinet-Level Energy Czar” to advance cleantech strategies.  The announcements are a step forward to promote renewable energy development…...

NY-Sun Initiative in for a Major Expansion

New York Governor Andrew M Cuomo, at his 2013 State of the State address, proposed a major expansion of the successful NY-Sun program, announcing $150 million in annual funding through 2023.  The expansion intends to steer progress in the solar power industry by making solar installations for homes and businesses more affordable.  The proposal, part…...

Shape of the President’s Energy Agenda in the Second Term

With the election over, President Obama’s energy priorities will emerge as new rules and regulations are finalized under existing law. The balance of power in Washington is the same as it was prior to the elections– President Barack Obama will serve another four years and Congress will continue to be divided with a Democrat-controlled Senate…...

Energy Industry Anticipations in the Wake of Obama’s Re-election

Under President Obama’s second term, energy industry officials and analysts are keen on the Administration’s priorities for the energy sector, envisioning regulatory reforms and policies to advance the nation’s energy and economic security.  Key areas to watch include Keystone XL Pipeline talks, recognizing the primacy of states in regulating oil and natural gas development, and…...

Look Ahead at Congress: Effects of Sequestration on the Energy Industry

Sequestration refers to a package of automatic $1.2 trillion across-the-board spending cuts that is a part of the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA), passed in August 2011.  The spending cuts would affect some 1200 government programs, including those that fund energy research and development initiatives. The cuts are scheduled to begin on January 2, 2013…...

DOE Announces $10 Million Investment for New Solar Projects

On August 29, 2012 the Department of Energy (DOE) announced new investments for two university-led solar projects over a five-year period, under its SunShot Initiative.  The investments amounting to $10 million are aimed at enhancing innovative technologies in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems.  Such innovations can make solar power a practical energy option by increasing…...