Shared Solar Programs

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

Every three weeks, the U.S. brings as much #solarpower online as we installed for the entire year in 2008.#DidYouKnow you can still reap the benefits of this solar boom without installing anything at your home? Shared solar programs, such as the ones highlighted in this graphic, enable communities to increase access to affordable, sustainable solar power. Find out how the Energy Department’s #SunShot Initiative works to expand and improve shared solar programs all across America: http://go.usa.gov/SAvh

From NREL:

The Future of Sustainable Transportation

January 29, 2015

Illustration of an electric vehicle being charged wirelessly simply by driving on an electrified roadway. Illustration by Josh Bauer, NREL Connecting Electric Vehicles to the Grid A sustainable transportation future will rely on innovative systems connecting vehicles, utilities, renewable energy sources, and buildings. NREL is working with partners to develop electrified transportation systems that allow electric vehicles (EVs) to interact with the power grid, providing the opportunity to shift transportation energy demands from petroleum to electricity. This animation depicts a potential future transportation scenario in which EVs are charged via electrified roadways (e-roadways).

Truck Platooning Delivers Fuel Savings

Semi-automated truck platooning reduces aerodynamic drag by grouping vehicles together and safely decreasing the distance between them via electronic coupling, allowing multiple vehicles to accelerate or brake simultaneously. NREL's initial test results indicate that platooning improves gas mileage at all speeds, but travel at 55 mph results in the best overall fuel economy. A number of conditions impact the savings, including ambient temperature, distance between lead and trailing truck, and payload weight.

Businesses Install Charging Stations for Workers' Electric Vehicles

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are playing a growing role in the country's transportation future. U.S. employers are recognizing that more employees are driving PEVs, and access to workplace charging can double a PEV driver's daily commuting range and bolster an organization's sustainability efforts. In addition, workplace charging can provide incentives to workers considering buying a PEV. To date, more than 160 employer partners have joined the U.S. Department of Energy's Workplace Charging Challenge, a program that aims to increase the number of employers offering workplace charging tenfold by 2018 and invites employers to pledge to provide workplace charging.

New Tool Helps Optimize Battery Lifespan

While upfront costs of lithium-ion batteries need to be dramatically cut for electric vehicles (EVs) to reach a wider audience, lifespan optimization and synergistic business approaches offer additional ways to make EVs more affordable. NREL's new Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) suite makes it possible to predict long-term performance of batteries in a wide range of business strategy, use, and infrastructure scenarios—including fast charging, wireless charging, and battery swapping—and identify possible improvements. It has also been paired with NREL's Battery Ownership Model (BOM) to evaluate lifetime battery costs in conjunction with performance, longevity, and new value propositions.

Evaluation Focuses on Utility Vehicle Capable of Exporting Power to the Grid

NREL has teamed with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Efficient Drivetrains Incorporated to evaluate the performance of a unique Class 5 plug-in hybrid electric bucket truck. The innovative utility vehicle is equipped with batteries and an electric generator that can export up to 120 kW of power—enough to power a neighborhood while repairs are being made by electric crews. NREL test results will help PG&E fine-tune the design of such vehicles and assist with expanding their use.

Learn more about opportunities to collaborate with NREL on sustainable transportation solutions.

Auction Results for Offshore Wind Energy in Federal Waters off Massachusetts

From U.S. Department of the Interior:

Today, the Interior Department announced the auction results for offshore wind energy in federal waters off Massachusetts -- resulting in the largest area leased to date. If fully developed, the area leased could support approximately two gigawatts of commercial wind generation, enough electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Learn more:http://on.doi.gov/1LmeDW2

#ActOnClimate

Cooking with a Solar Cooker

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

The Energy Department has played an important part in#energy education for many years. This #TBT photo takes us back to the 80s at our National Renewable Energy Laboratory where students performed an experiment by cooking eggs on a #solar cooker. These days, we partner with teachers and education groups throughout the #US to connect educators with energy literacy resources they need. Learn more about our#energyliteracy efforts from last year and see what to expect in the months ahead: http://go.usa.gov/Syqm.

Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging access

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

Plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging access at American workplaces has nearly doubled in the last two years. Our Workplace Charging Challenge partners like NetApp are helping increase charging access for Americans. To keep up with their 100+ employees driving #PEVs, the company installed 31 Level 2 charging stations that are now utilized an average of 43 times each day to power up employees’ PEVs. Learn more about NetApp’s workplace charging success:http://go.usa.gov/SWvk.

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are quickly becoming a commercially available sustainable#transportation option for Americans. Unlike gasoline-powered cars, these cutting-edge vehicles are fueled by #hydrogen and emit only water. The latest and greatest FCEVs are on display this week at The Washington Auto Show Learn more about how #FCEVswork and what the Energy Department is doing to make them even more #energy efficient and cost effective: http://go.usa.gov/SXGR #WAS15

Cutting Energy Use

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Engineering Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

The largest city in Southwest #Virginia is cutting#energy bills in publicly operated facilities in partnership with our Better Buildings Challenge. Today, the Energy Department recognized Roanoke for cutting energy use by 16% since 2009. Learn more about the city’s showcase project, the Berglund Center (pictured below), and how upgrades to its heating and cooling system as well as new energy-efficient lighting, will save taxpayers $180,000 annually:http://go.usa.gov/SNCG.

Women in STEM

From the U.S. Department of Energy:

We're launching our first ‪#‎WomenInSTEM‬ video of 2015.

Meet Suzanne, an engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. When she's not working on solar forecasting, she's empowering Native American tribes across the country to develop their own renewable energy programs. ‪#‎TribalEnergy‬

More here → http://1.usa.gov/1yrrvzV

Tidal Energy

From Lockheed Martin:

50: The percentage of homes in Scotland that can be powered by the MeyGen tidal stream project - the world's largest tidal stream project. Check out our list of other top surprising energy sources and technologies. http://lmt.co/1BuIWo1

Offshore wind power means better business, better beaches | TheHill

The push by some politicians and the oil industry to expand offshore drilling to the Atlantic is the wrong way to create jobs and lower gas prices. In fact, offshore wind development off the East Coast could produce twice as many jobs and energy as offshore drilling while alleviating the risk of catastrophic oil spills.

Oceana's recent report, Offshore Energy by the Numbers, An Economic Analysis of Offshore Drilling and Wind Energy in the Atlantic, considered the amount of economically recoverable oil and gas in the Atlantic and made conservative estimates of offshore wind development to compare these two activities. We found that offshore wind development in the Atlantic would produce roughly 91,000 more jobs and could generate enough energy to power over 115 million homes in the next 20 years, which is almost double the job creation and energy potential of Atlantic oil.

Offshore wind power means better business, better beaches | TheHill

New biofuels testing lab opens at North Carolina t - Renewable Energy From Waste

Lab at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College considered the first of its kind in the Southeast.



New biofuels testing lab opens at North Carolina t - Renewable Energy From Waste

Virginia’s Prince William County approves new orga - Renewable Energy From Waste

New processes include composting, anaerobic digestion and CHP production.



Virginia’s Prince William County approves new orga - Renewable Energy From Waste

Wave Energy Conversion

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

With more than 50% of the #American population living within 50 miles of the coast, harnessing #energy from#waves could provide an important renewable energy source for future generations. The Energy Department is hosting a new prize challenge that aims to produce game-changing performance improvements to wave energy conversion (WEC) technologies. Learn more, including how to sign up and participate:www.waveenergyprize.org. 

Pictured below is the U.S. Navy’s maneuvering and seakeeping facility in #Maryland. This wave generating basin will allow Wave Energy Prize participants to put their WEC devices to the test in real-life wave scenarios.

Construction begins on $60 million landfill-gas-to - Renewable Energy From Waste

Facility designed to generate 160,000 megawatt-hours of electricity.



Construction begins on $60 million landfill-gas-to - Renewable Energy From Waste

NASA Research Leads to Improved Fuel Efficiency

From NASA:

Our technology advances aeronautic research, helping with better fuel efficiency and less noise. Learn more:http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2015/t_1.html#spinoff2015 #nasaaero #nasatech

Energy Efficiency

From Energy Star:

#EnergyEfficiency = America’s #1 housing concern. What actions have you taken to be more energy efficient?  Full article by Triple Pundit here: bit.ly/_3P

Green Jobs

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

A recent report from The Solar Foundation says we have 174,000 #solar workers in the #US. The Energy Department is taking further steps to continue America’s clean energy job growth while implementing President Obama's Climate Action Plan. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the creation of the Jobs Strategy Council this week to continue the nation’s rapid increase in clean #energy and advanced#manufacturing #jobs, as well as other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. Learn more: http://go.usa.gov/JJw5.

Next Generation Vehicles

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

The next generation of vehicles featuring increased fuel efficiency and advanced technology are being showcased at The Washington Auto Show this week. We’re hoping to keep the momentum going to save Americans #money on their vehicle fueling costs. Energy Department Secretary Ernest Moniz announced new research funding at the show to further develop and deploy cutting-edge vehicle technologies that strengthen the clean #energy economy. 

Historic Marsac Building, Park City, Utah

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

Park City, #Utah, known for skiing and hosting one of America’s most popular film festivals, is also gaining a reputation for renewable #energy and energy efficiency. As the Sundance Film Festival begins this week, we highlight #solar atop the historic Marsac Building that houses City Hall. For #TBT, we go back to 2010 when we introduced this project to #America on Energy.gov:http://go.usa.gov/uXbm. 

Pictured above is the 18-kilowatt solar energy system in use today on the Marsac Building, which was originally constructed in 1936.

Offshore Wind Energy

From the U.S. Department of the Interior:

Today, the Interior Department announced a new milestone that makes offshore wind energy development in federal waters off the coast of North Carolina one step closer. Learn more:http://on.doi.gov/1ClRtLI

#ActOnClimate

From NREL:

NREL Reports Examine Economic Trade-offs of Owning versus Leasing a Solar Photovoltaic System

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Two new reports from the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) examine the economic options customers face when deciding how to finance commercial or residential solar energy systems. NREL analysts found that businesses that use low-cost financing to purchase a photovoltaic (PV) system and homeowners who use solar-specific loans can save up to 30 percent compared with consumers who lease a PV system through a conventional third-party owner.

The first report, "Banking on Solar: An Analysis of Banking Opportunities in the U.S. Distributed Photovoltaic Market," provides a high-level overview of the developing U.S. solar loan product landscape. The analysis covers the range of consumer and commercial loan products available for financing solar in the United States, discusses the potential and active market players in the distributed solar loan space, and provides qualitative and quantitative analyses of how solar loans of varying maturities stack up against third-party financing. Key findings include:

• The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for residential systems with solar loans was lower than the LCOE for residential systems with power purchase agreements (PPAs) by 19-29 percent (varying by the term of the loan), because of the higher cost of capital necessary for the sponsor and tax equity in a PPA transaction.
• There are additional operational and financial risks associated with owning a solar asset, and many of the savings calculated depend on market environment and the specific situation of an individual homeowner or business. For example, changes in a homeowner's credit rating and the term of the loan can more than double the interest rate payments on the loan.

"Market interest rates on solar-specific loans currently range from 2 percent with special provisions to 8 percent," said Travis Lowder, an energy analyst and coauthor of the report. "Compare this to a weighted average cost of capital of 9-10 percent for third-party systems financed through tax equity investments. Using the lower cost rates provided by the loans could help to make solar power more affordable to more consumers, and more competitive with utility rates in more states."

The second report, "To Own or Lease Solar: Understanding Commercial Retailers Decisions to Use Alternative Financing Models," examines the tradeoffs between financing methods for businesses installing onsite PV systems. The authors present case studies of PV financing strategies used by two large commercial retailers that have deployed substantial PV capacity in the United States: IKEA, which owns its PV, and Staples, which leases its PV through PPAs. In addition to carrying out in-depth interviews with both organizations for the report, the authors analyze the considerations that influence any company's choice of PV-financing strategy using corporate and solar industry data. The report's goal is to clarify the economic and institutional costs and benefits of financing strategies and to inform other companies that are considering launching or expanding similar PV programs. Key findings include:

• The LCOE for the modeled self-financed system is approximately 30 percent lower than the LCOE for the PPA-financed system, given a commercial customer's pre-tax discount rate of 10 percent; however the LCOEs are equivalent when the discount rate rises to 23 percent.
• Companies may view the risks of ownership differently than those for a PPA-financed system. If a company assumed a 10 percent pre-tax discount rate for a PPA versus a 23 percent pre-tax discount rate for self-financing, then the LCOE would be 14 percent lower using the PPA.

"The most appropriate PV financing option for a particular business depends on the characteristics and circumstances of that business," said David Feldman, a senior financial analyst and lead author of the report. "A company must work across its different business groups to decide what is most appropriate for its situation. With that said, if a company has less expensive sources of financing and is comfortable with the risks, it can often save on its energy bills by owning a PV system."

The research was supported by funding from the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in support of its SunShot Initiative. The SunShot Initiative is a collaborative national effort that aggressively drives innovation to make solar energy fully cost-competitive with traditional energy sources before the end of the decade. Through SunShot, the Department supports efforts by private companies, universities, and national laboratories to drive down the cost of solar electricity to $0.06 per kilowatt-hour. Learn more at energy.gov/sunshot.

NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for the Energy Department by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

###

From NREL:

NREL Releases the 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book, Detailing Increases in Installed Capacity

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The newly released 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book illustrates United States and global energy statistics, including renewable electricity generation, renewable energy development, clean energy investments, and technology-specific data and trends. The Data Book is produced and published annually by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on behalf of the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

"The 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book is an important resource for policymakers, analysts, and investors worldwide," NREL Energy Analyst Sean Esterly said. "Renewable energy trends are displayed in an accessible format for a variety of audiences."

The 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book compiles recently available statistics for the 2013 calendar year. Key findings include:

• Renewable electricity, including hydropower and biopower, grew to nearly 15 percent of total installed capacity and 13 percent of total electricity generation in the United States in 2013.
• In 2013, renewable electricity accounted for more than 61 percent of all new electricity capacity installations in the United States.
• In 2013 in the United States, solar electricity was the fastest growing electricity generation technology, with cumulative installed capacity increasing by nearly 66 percent from the previous year.
• Renewable sources accounted for 23 percent of all electricity generation worldwide in 2013.

The 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book is produced by NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis Center.

NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for the Energy Department by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

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Johnson Controls to unveil improved energy and cost efficient heating and cooling solutions for buildings worldwide

From Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls to unveil improved energy and cost efficient heating and cooling solutions for buildings worldwide

Company to demonstrate new variable refrigerant flow and building automation systems at International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Expo

MILWAUKEE – (January  22, 2015) – Johnson Controls will introduce its new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and building management solutions to create and maintain better performing buildings worldwide at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating (AHR) Expo, January 26-28, in Chicago, Illinois.

Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, will unveil its new VRF solution, a benefit of the company’s recent Hitachi joint venture. The ductless and modular HVAC solution heats and cools multiple building zones to increase energy savings, improve occupant comfort, and lower construction costs. VRF features Hitachi’s high-efficiency compressors and is complemented by energy modeling and selection tools to measure and compare VRF to other HVAC technologies.

“We recognize that heating and cooling strategies are not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve developed new digital selection and configuration tools that will help owners, operators and consultants compare heating and cooling solutions,” said Bill Jackson, president, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. “When VRF is your best choice, our solution uses compressor technology that operates at unmatched efficiency levels.”

Johnson Controls will also unveil the new user interface for its Metasys building automation system, which connects HVAC, lighting, security and fire protection systems on a single platform. New system configurations, programming capabilities, and additional IT features will improve productivity, reduce energy costs and enhance security.  

“We’ve improved Metasys by making the tool more intuitive, easier to use and more mobile-friendly in today’s fast-paced world. The new interface transforms data into building intelligence to help owners and operators make better informed decisions to improve bottom lines and meet building needs,” said Jackson.

In addition to its VRF and Metasys advancements, Johnson Controls will also feature the following in Booth 5023:

• Connected Chiller technologies to remotely monitor chiller performance in real-time to ensure system performance, proactively manage maintenance, and extend the chiller’s lifecycle.
• York magnetic centrifugal chiller (YMC2) which offers up to 13 percent better efficiency than conventional, variable-speed chillers and is recognized as the quietest chiller in its class.
• New design-through-delivery process for York custom air handling units orders to lower specification risk, reduce manufacturing and installation time, and ensure system quality.
• New Unitary Products Group direct-fit commercial rooftop units and the soon-to-be-released residential HVAC product line including a new residential packaged unit, air handling unit and an outdoor condenser.

More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the AHR Expo. For more information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/ahr.

Follow us at @JCI_BEnews

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/benews

About Johnson Controls:

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The company's 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Johnson Controls' commitment to sustainability dates back to its roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through its growth strategies and by increasing market share, Johnson Controls is committed to delivering value to shareholders and making its customers successful. In 2014, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #12 company in its annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow@johnsoncontrols on Twitter. 

Duke Energy to build 13-megawatt solar facility at Camp Lejeune - Duke Energy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -

A partnership between Duke Energy, the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps will lead to a 13-megawatt (AC) solar facility being built at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Onslow County, N.C.

The facility will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Progress (DEP) and is expected online in 2015. It will help Duke Energy further its commitment to renewable energy, diversify its energy mix and meet the N.C. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard.

Duke Energy to build 13-megawatt solar facility at Camp Lejeune - Duke Energy

2013 Renewable Energy Data Book

January 20, 2015

From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):

NREL's newly released 2013 Renewable Energy Data Book illustrates United States and global energy statistics, including renewable electricity generation, renewable energy development, clean energy investments, and technology-specific data and trends.http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2015/15450.html

Carbon Cycle Power advances in Florida waste conve - Renewable Energy From Waste

Representatives will meet with St. Lucie County selection committee about its gasification technology.



Carbon Cycle Power advances in Florida waste conve - Renewable Energy From Waste

Research predicts second-generation biofuels marke - Renewable Energy From Waste

Report from Allied Market Research cites advantages of waste-derived biofuels over those from other renewable sources.



Research predicts second-generation biofuels marke - Renewable Energy From Waste

Green Transportation

From Energy Saver:

Employees at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are resolving to save #energy by using alternative transportation to get to work! 

You can also make an #EnergyResolution to commute greener by biking, taking public transit, or using Energy Saver’s transportation tips→ http://go.usa.gov/eWux.#GoGreen

Solar Capability and Home Prices

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

“Kitchens and baths sell homes,” is one of the oldest sayings among many real estate professionals. #Solarmight be added to that saying following a recent report by the Energy Department’s Berkeley Lab that said owning a home with solar equates to an average $15,000 premium on sale prices. Read the full report that was supported by our #SunShot Initiative:http://go.usa.gov/zt5C.

Supporting Energy Education

From the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

Supporting energy education is a priority for our office to help future scientists solve #energy challenges such as climate change, and expand the affordability and availability of clean energy technologies to increase America’s energy independence. As seen in these photos, which show how the Energy Department and our national laboratories continue to work to advance energy #education. A week from tomorrow, we’re co-sponsoring the National Energy Education Summit, where hundreds of energy educators will gather to learn about increasing the nation’s energy literacy and creating more opportunities for college and university students to learn about energy and enter the energy workforce. Learn more about the event and how to participate: http://go.usa.gov/zFPP.
#EnergyEdSummit #energyliteracy