The business case for microgrids is improving by the day. Microgrids offer tremendous potential to enhance reliability, resilience, and long-term energy security. As microgrid technologies continue to advance and costs decline, business models and regulatory structures are beginning to shift in recognition of the potential benefits these systems … [Read more...]
Testing The Powers of Microgrids in College Project
A project at Las Positas College in Livermore, funded by a $1.5 million grant from the California Energy Commission, will test the powers of energy storage and microgrids to integrate renewable energy sources, curb peak power and take a mission-critical circuit off-grid. Herve Mazzocco, vice president of solutions for Imergy Power Systems, … [Read more...]
Economics of Renewables and Efficiency
Recently, my wife and I made a cross country trip from Norfolk Virginia to San Diego. Passing through Texas just west of Amarillo, there were large beautiful wind turbines as far as the eye could see. This majestic sight prompted a conversation regarding the benefits and challenges of renewables, both solar and wind as compared to energy … [Read more...]
Reports of Clean Energy’s Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
By Guest Blogger Stephen L. Cowell October 31, 2011 If the notion "he who lives by the subsidy dies by the subsidy" is true, then oil, gas and nuclear companies must be dying a thousand deaths. "A Sad Green Story," the recent New York Times article by David Brooks, is way off the mark with where we need to go as a country and as an entire … [Read more...]
Clean energy: How much hot air?
By Elisa Wood February 1, 2012 NewScientist’s January 28 issue is likely to unsettle clean energy advocates – but it is worth the read. The cover article, “Power paradox: Clean might not be green forever,” posits that even renewable energy can warm the planet, and eventually change climate, if we continue to ratchet up power production to … [Read more...]