QUICK NEWS, January 6: ECONOMY, NEW ENERGY, AND EE DRIVE U.S. ELECTRICITY USE DROP; NEW WIND DESIGN TO PROTECT BIRDS; TEN TIMES GROWTH FOR PLUG-IN TRUCK MARKET BY 2020

ECONOMY, NEW ENERGY, AND EE DRIVE U.S. ELECTRICITY USE DROP U.S. electricity sales have decreased in four of the past five years

December 20, 2013 (Energy Information Administration)

"Total U.S. electricity sales have declined in four of the past five years…driven by declining sales in the industrial sector and flat sales in the residential and commercial building sectors, despite growth in the number of households and commercial building space…Electricity sales to the residential sector (blue line) accounted for 36% of all electricity use in 2012, up from 33% in 2000…[Weather patterns and efficiency improvements] are key drivers…Sales of power to commercial buildings (brown line) have increased about 1% annually since 2000 and accounted for 35% of electricity use in 2012…Total industrial electricity sales [--historically sensitive to economic conditions --] decreased by 9% between 2000 and 2012, and…total [sector] electricity usage fell from 30% to 26%...Growth in solar photovoltaic capacity and other types of distributed generation…[slowed] electricity sales in the residential and commercial sectors…[EIA's Annual Energy Outlook] projects relatively flat electricity use through 2015, after which growth resumes at near historical rates of nearly 1%...” click here for more

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NEW WIND DESIGN TO PROTECT BIRDS Researchers, wind energy companies seek more "bird-friendly" turbines on Altamont Pass

Jeremy Thomas, January 1, 2014 (Contra Costa Times)

"…[T]he Altamont Wind Resource Area (AWRA)… -- one of the largest concentrations of wind farms in the country -- is in the middle of a decommission of 4,000 old turbines that use 1970s and '80s technology; nearly all will have to be removed or replaced by 2018. The world's most heavily studied area for wildlife impacts could also be the proving ground for a new type of turbine…[Ogin Inc. is seeking] approval to install 40 of its ‘shrouded’ turbines in the Sand Hill area to test its theory that the turbine's unique design will help prevent golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and other species from colliding with the blades, hopefully reducing deaths…The key is the shroud -- two concentric covers around the blades -- which the company says not only make them more efficient than older turbines, but also less accessible to approaching birds and bats…The Golden Gate Audubon Society in Berkeley is supportive of the study…” click here for more

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TEN TIMES GROWTH FOR PLUG-IN TRUCK MARKET BY 2020 Hybrid and Electric Trucks; Hybrid Electric, Plug-In Hybrid, and Battery Electric Light Duty, Medium Duty, and Heavy Duty Trucks and Vans: Global Market Analysis and Forecasts

4Q 2013 (Navigant Research)

"The hybrid and electric truck market experienced a demand surge from 2008 to 2011, even as the broader truck market foundered in the global economic downturn…As of 2013, the economic stimulus programs are winding down…Although many fleets are interested in using these vehicles to support corporate sustainability targets, ultimately most purchasing decisions are driven by cost. Not all applications for hybrid and electric trucks provide sufficient fuel savings to offset the price premium over diesel or gasoline trucks…Navigant Research forecasts that global annual unit sales for hybrid and electric trucks – including light duty trucks used by commercial fleets and all medium and heavy duty on-road trucks – will rise from under 10,000 in 2013 to more than 100,000 in 2020…” click here for more

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