The recession was supposed to slow down white-hot renewable energy growth. A lack of financing and tax equity was to reduce the wind and solar markets as much as 50% in 2009. Instead, last year brought new records in capacity additions. Wind power in the US grew (more…)
Archive for the ‘Coal’ Category
Wind & Solar Poised to Supply New Demand
Sunday, February 7th, 2010EIA: US emissions diving more than 4% in 2009
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
As I wrote last month would probably happen, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) lowered its estimate for fossil fuel energy demand in 2009, translating into a huge drop in greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions projections for coal, oil, and natural gas were all lowered in its July Short Term Energy Outlook — meaning, by my calculations, that US emissions are expected to fall (more…)
Recession keeps a lid on fuel prices
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
The recent oil price rally has taken a break due to the persistence of recessionary low demand. While lower prices may finally translate into lower crude oil and natural gas output in July 2009 than in 2008, US demand numbers show little sign of recovery. This reality makes it tough for renewable energy to compete currently, but is a relief to (more…)
The Human Toll of Fossil Fuel Use
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Most of my posts have focused on the environmental and public health impacts of burning fossil fuels due to their greenhouse gas emissions. But the 16 deaths from a liquefied petroleum gas explosion on an Italian train today are an important reminder that reduced emissions are not the only benefit from efficiency and (more…)
Deutsche Bank leader: Renewable Energy Ready, Clean Coal Years Away
Monday, June 29th, 2009
One of the most compelling speakers at our last day of REFF Wall Street was Deutsche Bank’s Global Head of Asset Management, Kevin Parker.
The focus of his talk was the importance for the finance community to respond to resource scarcity amidst a (more…)
EIA Report: US emissions to tank ~3.5% in ‘09
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
The US Energy Information Agency (EIA) has further lowered its emissions projection for 2009 this month, as I said in May was likely. Lower coal consumption drives the reduction, based on the drop in industrial demand for fuel and the substitution by natural gas for coal for (more…)
House committee passes climate bill as electricity emissions plunge
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
Yesterday, the House Energy & Commerce Committee passed Waxman-Markey’s American Clean Energy & Security (ACES) Act by a 33-25 vote. This passage does not guarantee ultimate passage in the full House or Senate, but gets some positive political momentum behind necessary federal (more…)
May report: US emissions expected to fall further
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its monthly Short Term Energy Outlook today. And their projection for 2009 US carbon dioxide emissions from energy fell even further than last month’s. The drop was led by (more…)
NY moves to become offshore wind power leader
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
Denmark offshore, photo by Jim Hodson of Greenpeace
SET’s home state of New York is moving to become a leader in offshore wind power. Both the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) have offshore wind farms they are pursuing. The NYPA project would be the first major freshwater wind farm in (more…)
US Electricity Emissions in Freefall
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) US electric power estimates for January and February just came out. And the numbers are dramatic. Net generation in January was down ~3.3% from January 2008, largely on lower demand from industrial users. February showed an even greater ~6.9% nosedive in (more…)