MORE NEWS, 12-14: OFFSHORE WIND FOR THE WORLD; CHINA YET MORE ATTRACTIVE TO NEW ENERGY; CUTTING EDGE GEOTHERMAL; DESIGNED FOR EFFICIENCY

OFFSHORE WIND FOR THE WORLD
Copenhagen's offshore wind industry shows global potential
Aubrey Ann Parker, December 13, 2009 (Detroit Free Press)

"When it comes to wind power, Americans have all kinds of excuses not to use it. "It's too expensive" or "Not in my backyard" (NIMBY… they don't want a tall, skinny, white turbine obstructing their beautiful view…)… this is all a sham…

"…Detroit is rusting from the inside out. Michigan is currently experiencing a 15% unemployment rate…Why aren't we using our technical expertise and warehouses full of machinery equipment to help optimize wind turbines that could be used throughout the world? …[A] three-hour tour [of] Middelgrunden Wind Farm, just off the coast of Copenhagen…[highlighted] the need for better turbine design so that wind energy can become more affordable…But [for onshore and offshore wind] the potential is there, and estimates say the demand is growing fast."

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"…There are 11 offshore wind farms just like [Middlegrunden] scattered along the Danish coastline, but it still manages to retain its beauty…The coastline at Middelgrunden is marred with carbon emitting stackhouses… Denmark has 5,100 wind turbines total —- 78% of which are onshore, 22% offshore -— contributing to 20% of Danish electricity production…[B]y 2020 this will increase to 50%…

"…Michigan could lead the green revolution —- supplying wind turbines to the world instead of automobiles —- if we could only think outside the dinosaur graves buried beneath the Middle East. The laws of economics apply here: As fossil fuels become scarce and supply decreases, demand (and therefore price) of these industries will increase to an amount that no one can afford to pay…So why are we giving false hope to workers in Detroit by filling jobs manufacturing high mileage cars that we know are only temporary fixes? Why are we proposing to use our industrial knowledge and resources to build six new coal plants, if we know that the price of this energy is only going to increase? Why, instead, aren't we seeking our own, domestic solution to this very foreseeable problem in the near future? Shouldn't we be producing and manufacturing our own wind turbines, as well as supplying them to the rest of the globe?"

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"Simply put, because nobody wants a shiny white turbine obstructing their view of crystal clear Lake Michigan. Absurdity! …[A]t least we can sell the technology to other places like Denmark…The Danish wind industry started after the first oil crisis in the 1970s. Denmark was looking for domestic solutions to foreign fossil fuel dependence…[T]he market began with onshore wind turbines, offshore development—which produces 30% to 40% more energy per turbine -— has experienced a steady increase, expected to grow 45% annually in coming years. This means that in 2015 6% to 7% of the world's wind energy will be offshore, and the European Union will increase to 20% offshore…

"...Currently, there are wind projects totaling 33,000 MW under construction now, 22,000 of which are in China alone. Almost 29,000 MW of wind power are currently generated in the United States…I hope as we go into the next week of negotiations that the U.N. does decide to implement strict renewable energy goals. And I hope that the Michigan manufacturing industry will be watching."


CHINA YET MORE ATTRACTIVE TO NEW ENERGY
China Now In Top Two Nations For Renewable Energy Projects
10 December 2009 (Solar Industry)

"China is now one of the top two most attractive locations in the world in which to invest in renewable energy projects, according to Ernst & Young's latest global renewable energy country attractiveness indices.

"China, which is ranked just behind the U.S., has moved ahead of Germany for the first time in the report's six-year history. Ranked fourth in 2008 and sixth in 2007, China has been steadily improving its position as one of the powerhouses of the renewable industry as it increases its commitments to reduce emissions through its carbon intensity reduction plans…"

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"The Ernst & Young Indices rank countries according to their desirability as locations for investing in renewable energy technologies…[with] rankings for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies.

"The indices also see rises for both Brazil and Japan. The Japanese government's new targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% (based on 1990 levels) by 2020 are a significant increase on previous targets of 8%."

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"The U.K. has risen one point (ranked sixth) following further announcements relating to improvements with the grid connection process and a further 1.15 billion pounds of investment in the grid. But the scale of some overseas markets and, in particular, the speed of growth that is being achieved by the renewables industries in the tiger economies, has affected the U.K.'s ability to attract significant investment…

"In the U.S., the ambitious climate change bill has not yet been passed, but as the worst of the credit crunch starts to ease, the forecast for developments remains optimistic. In Eastern Europe, investment has become increasingly attractive over the last year as investors seek to exploit new, high-growth potential markets…Manufacture of solar modules in Europe has come under increasing price pressure from Chinese products as the cost of raw materials has fallen, with further consolidation looking likely…"


CUTTING EDGE GEOTHERMAL
New Report Examines R&D Needs in Geothermal Exploration and Drilling
December 11, 2009 (PR Newswire)

"A significant amount of the risk associated with geothermal energy lies in uncertainties encountered in exploration and drilling, and [ R&D Needs in Geothermal Exploration and Development from the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA)] outlines the needs and opportunities for research to help address those problems and propel more geothermal energy production…"

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) hold enormous potential but... (click to enlarge)

"The GEA report used a broad approach to the issue and is based upon interviews with many experts in the industry and at universities and national laboratories regarding geothermal exploration and drilling. The paper gives an overview of the various stages of exploration and drilling and addresses areas where significant geothermal R&D needs and opportunities exist. The paper recognizes the potential of breakthrough technologies and [Enhanced Geothermal Systems, EGS] as being important areas for R&D. At the same time, the paper also emphasizes focusing R&D on developing conventional technologies that could positively impact the industry in the near term…"

...drilling deep to where the heat is can create earth-shaking instability. (click to enlarge)

"Current R&D efforts in the geothermal industry have recently received increasing amounts of attention. This last November the Department of Energy announced approximately $338 million for geothermal research projects, including 24 "Innovative Exploration and Drilling Projects" which will be awarded up to $98.1 million. The paper identifies those recipients of ARRA funding and their relation to the different exploration and drilling R&D needs being presented…"


DESIGNED FOR EFFICIENCY
New designs touted as reducing energy costs and pollution
Michael Morton, December 13, 2009 (Daily News Tribune)

"Carpets and rugs just block heat from energy-efficient radiant floors, so design consultant William Churchill decided to simply polish the concrete lining his multistory sustainable home rising from the banks of the Sudbury…[part of] Churchill's endeavor to erect a home earning a special green certification known as Leadership in Environmental Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.

"With production of energy and power for buildings responsible for roughly two-fifths of national carbon dioxide emissions, the certification is touted as a means to reduce pollution and reliance on fossil fuels…But LEED also goes beyond conserving energy and tapping renewable sources, taking into account building on environmentally friendly sites, limiting water consumption, using nontoxic paints and finishes and employing local or recycled building materials."

Churchill's polished concrete floor and an efficient heating system. (click to enlarge)

"Applicants spend hundreds of dollars to register new homes and schools and new or renovated commercial projects with the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, racking up marks on a 100-point scale and aiming for one of four ascending levels: certified, silver, gold and platinum…

"…But though the government offers incentives to weatherize homes and install personal alternative energy systems, it does not [provide incentives] for LEED certification, and the building council lists just three area homes…Unlike other projects, LEED-eligible homes must be inspected by a certified firm…[There said to be] three types of applicants: affordable housing developers looking to attract investors, architects and builders looking for a market edge, and residents pursuing dream homes…[C]ertified projects can cost more [but they are better buildings]…"

Churchill's custom air venting system. (click to enlarge)

"Churchill wanted the challenge of creating a structure that provided good air quality for his asthmatic girlfriend, durability and energy-efficiency. While he recommends simply hiring a trusted green builder for long-term habitation, he decided the LEED stamp offered a selling point to future buyers…The angular, modernist home features insulated beams made of steel, a recycled material and a durable one. The metal also comprises the insulated interlocking wall panels, typically used in cold storage facilities.

"To hit the LEED mark, Churchill recycled and tracked all construction debris…But the home proved so airtight, Churchill needed a venting system, with exiting air warming the incoming flow to trim energy use. Also, the steel exterior formed a "shield," requiring a special antenna for cell reception. And even before he began, he realized he would have to serve as his own general contractor, since no home builder dealt with steel…"