The World’s Energy Resources & Consumption (Graphic)
The global economic recession drove energy consumption lower in 2009 — the first such decline since 1982. Take a look at the world’s energy consumption as a factor of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, courtesy of our friends at the Travel Insurance Blog. Source: Consumer Energy Report
Inside the Electric Grid
In between power plants and the plug on the wall is this thing called the grid, an engineering marvel that's largely invisible and impenetrably complex to most of us. Source: CNET
Are We About to Hit Peak Coal?
Grist's David Roberts asks: What if world-wide coal estimates are exaggerated? Source: Sustainable Business
DOE Creates New Energy Hub for Energy-Efficient Building Design
DOE has created a new energy innovation hub led by Penn State. From the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the new hub will pioneer energy-efficient building designs. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy
Will ZigBee Rule Networked Lighting?
A dozen or so companies now dominate the big, untapped smart lighting controls market, but stealthy startup Daintree Networks wants to take a slightly different tack: deliver ZigBee-based, interoperable lighting controls to market by partnering directly with the incumbents. Source: Earth2Tech
Photo by aussiegall
How to Handle Challenges to LEED Certification
The controversy over the LEED certification of Northland Pines High School case brings the gaps in the policy for handling such challenges into sharp focus. Here are some constructive suggestions on how to improve the process.
PACE Financing for Commercial Buildings Could Reach $2.5B by 2015
Market report explores the potential of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs.
Washington State Delays Building Energy Standards
Washington's governor requested a nine month delay in implementing the state's new energy efficiency guidelines, according to an AP report. Gov. Chris Gregoire cited concerns about the recovering construction sector in her request. The new regulations were set to take effect at the end of the month.
In D.C., All Eyes Turn to Demand Response
Washington's heat melts no one's belief in the inevitability of demand management.
Utilities Try to Get Smarter About Selling Smart Grid
Having seen the backlash around smart meters, utility executives say that for the smart grid to work, consumers need better tools to control their home energy.
Boston to Scan Office Buildings to Determine Energy Efficiency
To drive energy-efficiency efforts in Boston, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced plans to use infrared technology to scan all buildings in Boston to determine their energy efficiency, reports Boston Herald.
The Cost of Energy Independence
Every president since Nixon has talked about the need to get the United States off of foreign oil and moving toward energy independence. So why hasn't it happened? The technical issue isn't really all that difficult, but the political challenge is enormous.
Dow Corning Receives $1.2 Million to Improve Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings
The United States Department of Energy has awarded $1.2 million to Dow Corning Corporation to develop an insulating facade system that may significantly increase the energy efficiency of commercial buildings.
Smart Grid Denied: When Regulators Say No
Securing a smart grid stimulus grant doesn't always guarantee a utility's smart grid project is in the clear. This week Maryland's public regulator, the Maryland Public Service Commission, denied Baltimore Gas and Electric Co's smart grid project request.
Clean Energy Report: Crossing the 'Valley of Death'
New report suggests possible solutions for overcoming the gap in financing for new clean energy technologies.
Photo by Werner Kunz
A handful of interesting energy management stories from the last few days . . .
Shining a Light on Greater Building Efficiency
Lighting upgrades are just one element of a larger process that can yield greater savings and better energy performance in buildings.
Can Kevin Costner Help Clean up the Gulf?
What can actor Kevin Costner do for the oil-soaked Gulf Coast? Last week, the movie star told Congress he has a device that can separate oil from water in a safe, clean, and effective manner.
The Second Wave of the Smart Grid
Smart meters, yes. But then what?
New Study: Burning Trees for Power Worse for Climate than Burning Coal
A study commissioned by MA Department of Energy Resources and released last week reaches the conclusion that burning trees to make electricity is worse for the climate than burning coal. Who didn't know that?
Burger King Restaurant Cuts Energy Costs by 45%
The quick service chain has unveiled a new energy-efficient restaurant located in Germany that uses state-of-the-art technologies and renewable energy to power one-third of the restaurant's energy requirements, reducing energy costs by 45 percent and CO2 emissions by more than 1201 metric tons annually.
Photo by Ian Livesey
The week's edition of Energy Management News features cows, manure, and the EPA.
Dead Cows, Earthquakes, and the Future of Green Energy
Dead cows, water-well explosions, and contaminated groundwater from drilling are hurting Chesapeake Energy's efforts to market natural gas as a clean alternative to coal.
Government Roadblocks Private Production of Biogas
Turning manure into fuel means dealing with a lot of red tape.
Is Demand Response Clean?
Demand response rarely results in a significant reduction in energy use because load is either shifted to off-peak hours or substituted by a backup generator. Does that sound clean to you?
NY Injects $100M into Energy Efficiency Projects
New York companies will be able to improve the energy efficiency of their manufacturing facilities and data centers with the addition of $100 million in funds from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
LA Mayor Proposes Carbon Surcharge on Energy Bills
Customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power may one day see a carbon surcharge added to their bills. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has proposed a surcharge to help shift the utility away from coal power.
Prepaid Electric Service Launched
Texas utility First Choice Power becomes the first affiliated retail electric provider in the state to offer consumers a prepaid service option.
AT&T Launches Smart Charger to Fight Vampire Power, Finally
The phone company says it will start selling a smart charger in May - dubbed the AT&T ZERO charger and made by Super Communications - that eliminates vampire power (wasted standby power).
EPA to Phase in CO2 Emissions Permits
The Obama administration will give small businesses a break on coming carbon dioxide emissions rules but big emitters like coal-fired power plants will face a crack-down.
How Congress Accidentally Saved Us Millions
Legislation that halted purchases of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 2008 aimed to push gas prices down - it didn't work. Nevertheless, the legislation still delivered positive results.
Industry Reacts to Smart Meter Anger
Oncor faces customer backlash over smart meters and skyrocketing electric bills.
Photo by JelleS