Alternative energy
Project LIBERTY, a DOE-supported biorefinery project, is the first U.S. cellulosic ethanol plant to use corn waste as feedstock. On September 3, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the opening of POET-DSM Advanced Biofuel’s Project LIBERTY, a large-scale biorefinery in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Project LIBERTY is the nation’s second commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol biorefinery and the…...
Rhode Island has launched the Solarize program, a municipal-based initiative aimed to facilitate low-cost rooftop solar installations. On September 2, 2014, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (Commerce RI), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and non-profit partner SmartPower announced the launch of Solarize Rhode Island, a municipal-based program aimed to facilitate low-cost rooftop solar installations. The…...
On August 7, 2014, California and Quebec held a successful practice joint carbon emissions allowance auction in preparation for the first ever cross-border auction on November 2014. Despite varied participation levels in Quebec’s first four auctions, activity is expected to increase with program maturity and the upcoming 2015 compliance deadline.The programs – under the Western…...
The NRC has approved a final rule on spent nuclear fuel storage, ending its two-year suspension of final licensing decisions. On August 26, 2014, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a final rule on continued storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in response a 2012 federal court decision, which vacated NRC’s 2010 revision of the…...
ACO Investment Group, a U.S.-based private equity fund focused on emerging Asian markets, has signed an agreement to develop a 300 MW solar project in Burma. On August 28, 2014, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced an agreement between ACO Investment Group and Burma Ministry of Electric Power to develop two 150 MW…...
First Wind Holdings LLC has received preliminary permit to construct its proposed 62-turbine, 206 MW Bingham wind project in Maine. On August 27, 2014, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection granted preliminary land-use permit to First Wind Holdings LLC’s proposed Bingham wind project. The $398M project, to be developed by First Wind’s subsidiaries Blue Sky…...
Hawaiian Electric Companies have proposed comprehensive electric energy plans with a goal to achieve more than 65 percent renewable energy by 2030. On August 26, 2014, the Hawaiian Electric Companies – Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light Company – proposed electric energy plans in response to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC)…...
Through PowerUp Long Island, state agencies will work with Long Island energy companies to advance clean energy development and deployment. On August 22, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of PowerUp Long Island, a collaboration of state energy agencies and local utilities to boost clean and renewable energy development in Long…...
Summer and winter peak electricity demand records of 33,956 MW and 25,738 MW were set in 2013 and 2014, highlighting the need for a diverse and reliable generation mix. Increased wind and solar energy installations will help meet RPS goals, with increases in imported Canadian hydropower to address future goals and EPA-proposed emissions standards. In…...
The New Jersey BPU has released a draft program guide for its Energy Resilience Bank, the first-of-its-kind energy recovery and resiliency financing initiative in the U.S. On August 22, 2014, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) released a draft program guide to develop and implement the Energy Resilience Bank (ERB), an energy recovery…...
The NY-Sun Incentive Program, a conflation of New York’s multiple solar programs, aims to establish a self-sustaining solar industry by stimulating private sector participation. On August 21, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the transition of New York’s solar programs to the single NY-Sun Incentive program to support solar industry growth through the…...
DOE has announced 83 projects aimed to advance nuclear energy research and infrastructure enhancements. On August 20, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced approximately $67M in funding for 83 projects focused on research and development (R&D) to advance nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure improvements. The projects were selected from across the U.S. based on…...