Just found this on the Mother Nature News Network about how much renewable energy we're using: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/eia-how-much-renewable-energy-do-we-use
Interesting!
-Tiff
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
MORE Funding Breakdowns
Tiff -
I have some other sites that offer stimulus breakdowns. I don't know about wave energy, but you can take a look.
http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/CO
http://www.energy.gov/colorado.htm
http://www.epa.gov/recovery/where.html
http://www.colorado.gov/recovery
-Lauren
I have some other sites that offer stimulus breakdowns. I don't know about wave energy, but you can take a look.
http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/CO
http://www.energy.gov/colorado.htm
http://www.epa.gov/recovery/where.html
http://www.colorado.gov/recovery
-Lauren
Friday, March 27, 2009
Funding breakdowns
Hey, in case anyone is interested, I found this breakdown of the Stimulus Package and how renewables will be funded. Looks like $2.5 billion to renewable energy research, specifically:
$800 million for projects related to biomass, $400 million for geothermal activities and projects, $1.3 billion for base program activities, such as research and demonstrations into additional renewable technologies.
I think my wave energy falls under "additional renewable technologies."
-Tiffany
$800 million for projects related to biomass, $400 million for geothermal activities and projects, $1.3 billion for base program activities, such as research and demonstrations into additional renewable technologies.
I think my wave energy falls under "additional renewable technologies."
-Tiffany
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
More questions
Agreed, Lauren's are spot on. Here are a few more for the mix:
--Cassie
- Are renewable energy technologies reliable?
- Following the increasing needs of energy in Colorado and the U.S., can renewable energy satisfy and match these growing needs?
- Are there any negative environmental impacts from different types of renewable energy?
- Which renewable energy resource is cheaper in the short run? In the long run?? What is the greatest factor that has kept renewable energy sources from being universally accepted/adopted?
--Cassie
Monday, March 23, 2009
Questions for Talking Heads
I tried to come up with some other questions, but I think everything I want to ask is captured in Lauren's questions. That being said, I am still open to asking five different questions, depending on the person. I think it might make it more interesting and easier to formulate questions--we want specific answers from each of them anyway.
On another note, I'm looking for funding/policy information on wave energy. Has anyone found a good site that breaks down the stimulus funding? Or anywhere else?
-Tiffany
On another note, I'm looking for funding/policy information on wave energy. Has anyone found a good site that breaks down the stimulus funding? Or anywhere else?
-Tiffany
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Possible Questions for Interviews
1. What do you think the future of renewable energy looks like in Colorado?
2. What do you think the future of renewable energy looks like on a national scale?
3. Do you think the recession will affect renewable energy progress? How? Why?
4. How do you think the Obama administration will affect renewable energy in Colorado?
- Lauren
2. What do you think the future of renewable energy looks like on a national scale?
3. Do you think the recession will affect renewable energy progress? How? Why?
4. How do you think the Obama administration will affect renewable energy in Colorado?
- Lauren
Working out some ideas - the whole group
Background Content:
Wind
Solar
Ocean
Biomass
Geothermal
Profiles:
Three profiles: their stories, tax and other benefits
1. Wind farm
-Turbine on Folsom
-Facilities research
2. Net zero energy house - Paul
- Possible home tour or audit tour
3. Geothermal projects - summit charter middle school that converted
Extra content:
Smart grid video
Voices/Comment section:
-Student
-expert
-politician
-local person
-cu president
-industry person
New Captain Planet Teams:
-Geothermal - Tiff + Lauren
-Net Zero - Molly
-Wind +Video - Cassie + Joanna
To Do:
Contact denver wind people, school and tour...
Post the ONE question you think we should ask...
Wind
Solar
Ocean
Biomass
Geothermal
Profiles:
Three profiles: their stories, tax and other benefits
1. Wind farm
-Turbine on Folsom
-Facilities research
2. Net zero energy house - Paul
- Possible home tour or audit tour
3. Geothermal projects - summit charter middle school that converted
Extra content:
Smart grid video
Voices/Comment section:
-Student
-expert
-politician
-local person
-cu president
-industry person
New Captain Planet Teams:
-Geothermal - Tiff + Lauren
-Net Zero - Molly
-Wind +Video - Cassie + Joanna
To Do:
Contact denver wind people, school and tour...
Post the ONE question you think we should ask...
Saturday, March 14, 2009
NY Times: Cali City to Help Finance Solar Panels?
Hey Molly,
The NY Times printed an article today about California residents lobbying to finance solar panels the same way water or power lines are financed. Thought it might be interesting for you.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/science/earth/15solar.html?_r=1&hp
-Lauren
The NY Times printed an article today about California residents lobbying to finance solar panels the same way water or power lines are financed. Thought it might be interesting for you.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/science/earth/15solar.html?_r=1&hp
-Lauren
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Geothermal Information
Geothermal literally means ‘heat from the earth’
- .32%: The amount of geothermal power used by the U.S. in 2002 http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
- .34%: The amount of geothermal power used by the U.S. in 2006 http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
- Geothermal energy production on track to double in next few yearshttp://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS85499+14-Feb-2009+PRN20090214
- Government agenda: 10 percent of our electricity will come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025 http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/energy_and_environment/
- Onions and garlic are dried geothermally in some areas in Nevada
http://geothermal.marin.org/map/usa.html
- There are 43 operating geothermal plants in California (which produce about two-thirds of the total geothermal generation in the U.S.) http://www.energy.ca.gov/geothermal/
- Read the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s full text (renewable energy appears under Subtitle B—Energy Incentives) http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf
SOME GOOD WEB SITES:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
ADVANTAGES:
- No pollution
- The heat and water already exist, it’s just a matter of harnessing the energy
- .32%: The amount of geothermal power used by the U.S. in 2002 http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
- .34%: The amount of geothermal power used by the U.S. in 2006 http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
- Geothermal energy production on track to double in next few yearshttp://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS85499+14-Feb-2009+PRN20090214
- Government agenda: 10 percent of our electricity will come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025 http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/energy_and_environment/
- Onions and garlic are dried geothermally in some areas in Nevada
http://geothermal.marin.org/map/usa.html
- There are 43 operating geothermal plants in California (which produce about two-thirds of the total geothermal generation in the U.S.) http://www.energy.ca.gov/geothermal/
- Read the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s full text (renewable energy appears under Subtitle B—Energy Incentives) http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf
SOME GOOD WEB SITES:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal.html
ADVANTAGES:
- No pollution
- The heat and water already exist, it’s just a matter of harnessing the energy
Biomass article idea....
It looks like there are biomass collection facilities for Boulder County. It might be interesting to see this or do a story on them. What do you guys think? Would you want to see a bunch of waste burning?
More Biomass Info
Biomass
What is it: If you have ever burned wood then you have used a renewable source of energy known as biomass to produce heat. Biomass is defined as “organic material made from plants and animals.”
But energy does not exist is a vacuum, it comes from somewhere. On earth we get our energy from the suns rays. Plants absorb that energy through photosynthesis and animals chow down on plants (and sometimes other animals) to get energy as well.
So lets go back beside the fire for a moment. When you torch a log you are burning the suns stored energy and releasing it as heat and steam.
There are many other ways to gain access to stored energy in natural materials though. Below are some of the different types of technology.
Wood/Garbage waste
Biofuel
Biogas -Methane
Ethanol
Algae
Usually to get at the energy stored in biomass one of four processes must happen:
1. Burning
2. Alcohol Fermentation
3. Anaerobic Digestion
4. Pyrolysis
To learn more about each of these methods click here (http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/methods.html)
Advantages: There is a ton of biomass on the planet – think of all the trees that grown on our earth or all of the algae in the water. Another advantage is that in general biomass is a fairly cheap way to get energy (http://rhlx01.rz.fht-esslingen.de/projects/alt_energy/bio/ADVAN.HTML) though this is debatable. Also, it is a renewable resource if managed with sustainable practices. Some environmental benefits of biomass include: less waste being sent to landfills, no net gain in greenhouse gas emissions if plants reabsorb the output. A huge advantage of this source of energy is that it can be converted into different type of energy, not just one form from gases to heat energy (http://www.centreforenergy.com/silos/biomass/biomassOverview09.asp).
Disadvantages: Chemical reactions often have byproducts, which is just a fancy way of saying leftovers. In biomass reactions there is always waste left behind. Greenhouse gas emissions from directly burning biomass can contribute to further climate change. It can be expensive to produce if not harvesting from pre-existing sources and converting biomass to alcohol is an expensive process. (http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/advant.html).
Local Information:
http://news.mongabay.com/bioenergy/2008/03/cu-boulder-awarded-project-solar.html
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/17/celestial-seasonings-others-partner-with-boulder-on-biomass-study/
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/feb/24/boulder-county-host-meeting-proposed-biomass-sorti/?partner=RSS “The board on Tuesday approved a new set of regulations to allow the establishment of biomass yards in unincorporated Boulder County”
http://www.bouldercounty.org/foresthealth/pages/biomass_faq.htm - About Biomass collection sites.
http://huey.colorado.edu/LTER/datasets/streams/streambio/strmbims.html
The Obama Factor: Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will receive a huge boost in funding. The Biomass Program will receive a hefty $800 million dollars in funding.
The Biomass Program's vision is to creates, “a viable, sustainable domestic biomass industry that produces renewable biofuels, bioproducts and biopower, enhances U.S. energy security, reduces our dependence on oil, provides environmental benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and creates economic opportunities across the nation.”
The stimulus sets aside this money for this program, but ethanol and biofuels will see little benefit from this huge chunk of change.
“The legislation extends the production tax credit (PTC) for biomass energy projects until the end of 2013 from 2010 and allows investors in projects placed into service by then to claim the investment tax credit (ITC) that, until now, had been reserved for the solar energy industry. In 2008, biomass facilities fueled with dedicated energy crops, as well as wind, solar and geothermal energy operations, received a $0.021/kWh PTC,” reported Bioenergy Business (https://www.bioenergy-business.com/index.cfm?section=lead&action=view&id=11861).
Additional Resources:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/biomass.html - an informative and basic description of biomass.
Information on Biomass lobbyist spending: http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?lname=US+Biomass+Power+Producers+Alliance&year=2008
Graphics/interactive ideas:
-Biomass quiz
- Interactive graphic or flash media that shows how photosynthesis works and how that energy is captured in biomass and made into usable energy for day-to-day human activities
- An activity where users could click on different types of biomass and learn about each and then select one to burn…..maybe this could work on a large scale for our whole project. We could have a graphic with different renewable energy sources and than have people match up pros and cons with each one or click on each one and see what happens….like the paper or plastic bag graphic…
What is it: If you have ever burned wood then you have used a renewable source of energy known as biomass to produce heat. Biomass is defined as “organic material made from plants and animals.”
But energy does not exist is a vacuum, it comes from somewhere. On earth we get our energy from the suns rays. Plants absorb that energy through photosynthesis and animals chow down on plants (and sometimes other animals) to get energy as well.
So lets go back beside the fire for a moment. When you torch a log you are burning the suns stored energy and releasing it as heat and steam.
There are many other ways to gain access to stored energy in natural materials though. Below are some of the different types of technology.
Wood/Garbage waste
Biofuel
Biogas -Methane
Ethanol
Algae
Usually to get at the energy stored in biomass one of four processes must happen:
1. Burning
2. Alcohol Fermentation
3. Anaerobic Digestion
4. Pyrolysis
To learn more about each of these methods click here (http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/methods.html)
Advantages: There is a ton of biomass on the planet – think of all the trees that grown on our earth or all of the algae in the water. Another advantage is that in general biomass is a fairly cheap way to get energy (http://rhlx01.rz.fht-esslingen.de/projects/alt_energy/bio/ADVAN.HTML) though this is debatable. Also, it is a renewable resource if managed with sustainable practices. Some environmental benefits of biomass include: less waste being sent to landfills, no net gain in greenhouse gas emissions if plants reabsorb the output. A huge advantage of this source of energy is that it can be converted into different type of energy, not just one form from gases to heat energy (http://www.centreforenergy.com/silos/biomass/biomassOverview09.asp).
Disadvantages: Chemical reactions often have byproducts, which is just a fancy way of saying leftovers. In biomass reactions there is always waste left behind. Greenhouse gas emissions from directly burning biomass can contribute to further climate change. It can be expensive to produce if not harvesting from pre-existing sources and converting biomass to alcohol is an expensive process. (http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/advant.html).
Local Information:
http://news.mongabay.com/bioenergy/2008/03/cu-boulder-awarded-project-solar.html
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/17/celestial-seasonings-others-partner-with-boulder-on-biomass-study/
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/feb/24/boulder-county-host-meeting-proposed-biomass-sorti/?partner=RSS “The board on Tuesday approved a new set of regulations to allow the establishment of biomass yards in unincorporated Boulder County”
http://www.bouldercounty.org/foresthealth/pages/biomass_faq.htm - About Biomass collection sites.
http://huey.colorado.edu/LTER/datasets/streams/streambio/strmbims.html
The Obama Factor: Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will receive a huge boost in funding. The Biomass Program will receive a hefty $800 million dollars in funding.
The Biomass Program's vision is to creates, “a viable, sustainable domestic biomass industry that produces renewable biofuels, bioproducts and biopower, enhances U.S. energy security, reduces our dependence on oil, provides environmental benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and creates economic opportunities across the nation.”
The stimulus sets aside this money for this program, but ethanol and biofuels will see little benefit from this huge chunk of change.
“The legislation extends the production tax credit (PTC) for biomass energy projects until the end of 2013 from 2010 and allows investors in projects placed into service by then to claim the investment tax credit (ITC) that, until now, had been reserved for the solar energy industry. In 2008, biomass facilities fueled with dedicated energy crops, as well as wind, solar and geothermal energy operations, received a $0.021/kWh PTC,” reported Bioenergy Business (https://www.bioenergy-business.com/index.cfm?section=lead&action=view&id=11861).
Additional Resources:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/biomass.html - an informative and basic description of biomass.
Information on Biomass lobbyist spending: http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?lname=US+Biomass+Power+Producers+Alliance&year=2008
Graphics/interactive ideas:
-Biomass quiz
- Interactive graphic or flash media that shows how photosynthesis works and how that energy is captured in biomass and made into usable energy for day-to-day human activities
- An activity where users could click on different types of biomass and learn about each and then select one to burn…..maybe this could work on a large scale for our whole project. We could have a graphic with different renewable energy sources and than have people match up pros and cons with each one or click on each one and see what happens….like the paper or plastic bag graphic…
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Project Proposal
And finally, the long-anticipated posting of our project proposal!
Renewable Energy and the Stimulus Package
Cassie, Molly, Tiffany, Joanna, Lauren
Purpose:
To inform users about the background, opportunities, policies, and implementation of renewable energy. At the nexus of so much innovation, we have a unique perspective to offer given our location in Boulder, Colo. This package will look to local labs, sources and strategies to explain the efficacy and potential of the renewable energy revolution. Driven by the current Obama stimulus package that is committed to supporting and investing in renewable energy, this multi-media capsule is both current and relevant.
Scope and scale:
This package will provide basic information about the state of renewable energy and its potential vis-à-vis Obama administration policies. However, it will neither explain detailed scientific mechanisms nor explore all possible energy sources.
Information components/suggested story slugs:
• Federal government policy: Obama’s Stimulus Package
• Opportunities and potential: Analyzing Boulder’s Smart Grid with a potential chart to show flow of energy
• Funding history of renewable energy: Graph of governmental funding changes over time
• Technology (research, development, categories, transfer from development to market):
• Current state of renewable ventures in the US: Map of different renewable hot spots
• Boulder as Model City: local news feed, Climate Smart, local policy measures
• Resources: Multi-media bibliography, glossary, and noted scientists
Initial Divisions of Labor:
Tiffany: Ocean
Joanna: Biomass
Molly: Solar
Cassie: Wind
Lauren: Geo-thermal
Anticipated barriers or obstacles:
Getting too wrapped up in the minutae of scientific explanations and the limitless amount of information/angles we could take.
Renewable Energy and the Stimulus Package
Cassie, Molly, Tiffany, Joanna, Lauren
Purpose:
To inform users about the background, opportunities, policies, and implementation of renewable energy. At the nexus of so much innovation, we have a unique perspective to offer given our location in Boulder, Colo. This package will look to local labs, sources and strategies to explain the efficacy and potential of the renewable energy revolution. Driven by the current Obama stimulus package that is committed to supporting and investing in renewable energy, this multi-media capsule is both current and relevant.
Scope and scale:
This package will provide basic information about the state of renewable energy and its potential vis-à-vis Obama administration policies. However, it will neither explain detailed scientific mechanisms nor explore all possible energy sources.
Information components/suggested story slugs:
• Federal government policy: Obama’s Stimulus Package
• Opportunities and potential: Analyzing Boulder’s Smart Grid with a potential chart to show flow of energy
• Funding history of renewable energy: Graph of governmental funding changes over time
• Technology (research, development, categories, transfer from development to market):
• Current state of renewable ventures in the US: Map of different renewable hot spots
• Boulder as Model City: local news feed, Climate Smart, local policy measures
• Resources: Multi-media bibliography, glossary, and noted scientists
Initial Divisions of Labor:
Tiffany: Ocean
Joanna: Biomass
Molly: Solar
Cassie: Wind
Lauren: Geo-thermal
Anticipated barriers or obstacles:
Getting too wrapped up in the minutae of scientific explanations and the limitless amount of information/angles we could take.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Solar Energy Basics
SOLAR
Technology
Most R&D is focusing on two main solar technologies: photovoltaics and concentrated and concentrated solar power.
Photovoltaic (or PV) uses solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cells are postage-stamp sized clusters of semiconductors that connect together to form modules. Modules connect together to form a PV array, which are the shiny silver panels you see on rooftops. The physics of the process is well-described at the DOE's renewable energy site.
PV Benefits
CSP Benefits
Colorado has really jumped on solar. Denver is one of DOE's 25 Solar America Cities, a program designed to spur innovation and "help lay the foundation for a solar energy market that can serve as a model for cities around the nation."
The program is a partnership between DOE, industry, universities, state and local government and NGOs. There are a few Boulder participants we may want to look at/contact, including:
"NREL is studying a new class of nanofluids that possess enhanced thermophysical properties including thermal conductivity, heat capacity, freezing point, boiling point, and high-temperature thermal stability."
Policy Mechanisms to make solar more viable
DOE put together a comprehensive solar glossary, which alleviates us of that task.
Technology
Most R&D is focusing on two main solar technologies: photovoltaics and concentrated and concentrated solar power.
Photovoltaic (or PV) uses solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cells are postage-stamp sized clusters of semiconductors that connect together to form modules. Modules connect together to form a PV array, which are the shiny silver panels you see on rooftops. The physics of the process is well-described at the DOE's renewable energy site.
PV Benefits
- is costing increasingly less to produce and use, thus becoming more affordable and available
- no air pollution, fuel inputs or combustion
- only hazardous waste is only small amounts of chemicals in PV factories
- style is modular and thus easy and flexible to mass-produce
- reliable and requires little maintenance (can be 80% efficient even on cloudy days)
- economic benefits like price stability relative to fossil fuels
CSP Benefits
- generates fairly inexpensive electricity
- can deliver power during peak demand
- can be integrated with low-cost thermal storage
Colorado has really jumped on solar. Denver is one of DOE's 25 Solar America Cities, a program designed to spur innovation and "help lay the foundation for a solar energy market that can serve as a model for cities around the nation."
The program is a partnership between DOE, industry, universities, state and local government and NGOs. There are a few Boulder participants we may want to look at/contact, including:
- Colorado Power Industries
- Sinton Consulting, Inc.
- testing crystalline silicon cells and modules
- Sunwave Lighting
- working on an efficient cell that can generate more light from less energy
- Xcel Energy
"NREL is studying a new class of nanofluids that possess enhanced thermophysical properties including thermal conductivity, heat capacity, freezing point, boiling point, and high-temperature thermal stability."
Policy Mechanisms to make solar more viable
- Renewable portfolio standards
- Emissions credits
- Production and investment tax credits for large systems
- State and federal tax credits for small systems
- Other buy-downs or credits for installation of a solar system
- Favorable mortgage interest rates for solar-equipped buildings.
DOE put together a comprehensive solar glossary, which alleviates us of that task.
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