Getting rid of green power is a dumb idea Jun 25, 2009
Yes they are green wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:24 PM:" Every state but Oregon considers hydrodams as statutorially "green energy" due to low carbon emissions.Because Oregon's governor has a total dam removal agenda - he and the Democrats in the legislature have deemed hydropower in Oregon as non green - they are out to lunch. ". Green Credit wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:00 PM:" In response to "Green Energy" post; Unfortunately the four lower dams on the Klamath River do NOT qualify as 'green energy'... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
MID prepares to relicense Don Pedro Jun 24, 2009
The Modesto Irrigation District board took a step Tuesday toward continued use of Tuolumne River hydropower, a key source since the 1920s ... They completed Don Pedro in the early 1970s, enlarging a hydropower system created in the 1920s. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Africa: Russian President Starts Four-Nation Tour Jun 24, 2009
"Nigeria's trade with Russia is about $300 million a year, compared with $40 billion with the U.S. and $11 billion with China, he said. Angola currently holds the OPEC presidency, while another member of the cartel, Nigeria, is Africa's biggest oil producer, with reserves of more than 30 billion barrels. Russia, which is not an OPEC member, was the world's largest oil producer in April after Saudi Arabia cut output in line with a cartel decision, according to Bloomberg data. Russia, Egypt and... (allAfrica.com)
Hydro power camp wraps up with Snettisham tour Jun 24, 2009
About 45 kids, their parents and various hangers-on got to see the remote mountainside hydropower plant that supplies 80 percent of Juneau's electricity as part of a hydropower-themed science camp on Saturday ... SNETTISHAM - About 45 kids, their parents and various hangers-on got to see the remote mountainside hydropower plant that supplies 80 percent of Juneau's electricity as part of a hydropower-themed science camp on Saturday ... Along the way, Willis quizzed the campers on some of the... (Juneau Empire)
Power potential - Man works to revive Whitefish hydroelectric plant Jun 23, 2009
Jeff Arcel of Mother s Power Inc. wants to bring back to life a hydropower plant located just north of Whitefish near the city s water treatment plant ... Montana is the fifth most hydropower producer in the nation, behind the three Pacific Coast states and New York, according to Arcel s report. (Missoulian, MT)
'Green cities' focus on sustainability Jun 22, 2009
Another green cities leader is Rekyjavik, Iceland, where hydrogenpowered buses ply the streets and renewable energy sources geothermal and hydropower provide the city s heat and electricity. London, Copenhagen, Sydney, Barcelona, Bogota and Bangkok, not to mention Sweden s Malmo, Ecuador s Bah;a de Car;quez and Uganda s Kampala, also score high for their green attributes and attitudes. (Westerly Sun, RI)
DRC seeks bids for $7bn Inga 3 dam power plan Jun 21, 2009
The Inga hydropower plants along the Congo River may cost as much as $80bn, a World Energy Council official said last year. In April, Latscoube Fall, the Africa manager for the World Energy Council, called for an immediate start on the Inga project, potentially the world's biggest hydropower project, as electricity demand on the continent was set to triple. (Business Report, South Africa)
• Idaho Power partners with Western utilities for power-scheduling program Jun 18, 2009
Both projects continue the utility's efforts to deal with recent customer growth and new types of energy after decades of relying on its network of hydropower dams. "Timely completion of Langley is really critical to meeting current and future needs, and in the most responsible way possible," spokeswoman Stephanie McCurdy said. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
ADB targets $2 bln clean energy investment by 2013 Jun 17, 2009
The bank said it had funded wind power projects in China and India, a biomass power facility in Thailand, hydropower initiatives in Bhutan, China and Vietnam, and a shift to energy-efficient lighting for low-income Philippine homes. The ADB is also pushing projects to improve and expand energy-efficient mass transport systems, with such projects expected to cut Asia's fast-growing energy demand and trim its reliance on expensive fuel imports. (AlertNet)
Avista Reaches Settlement in Idaho Electric and Natural Gas Rate Requests Jun 17, 2009
"Natural gas prices have decreased substantially since we filed for rate adjustments this past January. Just as customers have seen a decrease in the cost of natural gas that they use in their homes, we've experienced a decrease in the cost of natural gas used to generate electricity. We're pleased that the settlement reflects these decreased costs for the benefit of our customers. "We also believe the components of the settlement, when taken as a whole, represent a fair resolution of the issues... (PR Newswire)
Needed: 100 New Nuclear Power Plants in 20 Years Jun 16, 2009
Clean hydropower provides 6% of our electricity and with the electrification of small dams around the country we may be able to expand this to 8. With diligent conservation, and other renewable resources, we can add another 10% to 12. (Human Events Online)
Federal Grants still available for farmers and small rural businesses Jun 16, 2009
Eligible renewable energy projects include projects that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydropower and hydrogen-based sources. The projects can produce any form of energy including, heat, electricity or fuel. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Marine Renewables Make Some Headway Jun 16, 2009
EnergyPulse - Insight Analysis and Commentary on the Global Power Industry. Free Newsletter Sign up today for your free subscription to the EnergyPulse Weekly Update - delivered directly to your e-mail box. (Energy Pulse, CO)
China Stops 2 Hydropower Dams; Cites Environment Jun 16, 2009
(AP) China's environment ministry has suspended construction of two ambitious hydropower dams in the upper Yangtze River region, saying the projects were illegal because they were started without necessary environmental assessments ... The dams are part of an estimated 200 billion yuan ($30 billion) project involving hydropower stations along the Jinsha River tributary in southwestern China which environmentalists have said would damage the region's biodiversity ... Tao said additional... (CBS News -- World)
COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS: How low can you go? Jun 16, 2009
According to the Environmental Defense Fund, coal is providing 55 percent of our electricity needs in the United States, while together with oil, nuclear, natural gas, and large hydropower facilities they account for 99 percent of our energy needs. Only 1 percent is generated by renewable energy. (Bolton Common, MA)
Whats racist, whats not regarding Tribes? Jun 16, 2009
Ramifications wrote on Jun 14, 2009 12:48 PM:" Over 8 years ago the concept of expanded storage at Long Lake, Whiteline, Antelope, Buck, Aspen among others was being considered and the BOR and Interior dragged their feet on the consideration, saying "It would just be too costly". Well, by the time this KBRA/AIP dam removal fiasco is over it will literally be in the billions and there will not be one ounce more of water available for fish or farming.It has long been the plan of the Interior Dept... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Local Industry News & Notes for Sunday, June 14, 2009 Jun 16, 2009
The program can be used to purchase and install renewable energy systems: solar, bioenergy (biomass, biogass), geothermal, wind, hydropower, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), and hydrogen. USDA Rural Development s mission is to deliver programs that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Green jobs growing at twice national average Jun 16, 2009
Last month, he landed a job as vice president of manufacturing for Free Flow Power, a hydropower company based in Gloucester, Mass. The auto industry just looked like it was going in the wrong direction, he said. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Siemens Sees U.S. Economic Stimulus Plan Spurring Expansion of Wind Energy Jun 16, 2009
Siemens is also in talks with clients outside of Germany who are interested in buying the lines, which are also used to transmit electricity generated by hydropower stations, Niehage said, without being more specific. Siemens, Europes largest engineering company, also makes blades for wind turbines. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Local legislators say energy issues popular at Legislature Jun 6, 2009
Political policy "Even some wind people supported it because we still have to supply power, and hydropower upgrades are the cheapest way to do that," Keane said. "Instead, we'll probably end up balancing it out with gas, which is more expensive." Rep. (Montana Standard, MT)
From monopoly to oligarchy Jun 6, 2009
Contrary to Mr. Donohue's argument, New York has abundant low-cost power supplies, particularly hydropower plants. They include the School Street plant in Cohoes, now operated by a Canadian company, and three nuclear plants, which were sold to Entergy, a Louisiana company. (Albany Times Union)
Uganda: Museveni Declares War On Corruption Jun 5, 2009
The same month, construction will start of the $1b Karuma hydropower project, he announced. He further said he had instructed the energy ministry to develop power projects along all available sites on River Nile and smaller rivers in the country. (allAfrica.com)
Is a Popular Carbon-Offset Method Just a Lot of Hot Air? Jun 5, 2009
based organization International Rivers discovered that a third of the CDM s hydropower projects had been completed before they were accredited. Lambert Schneider of Germany s Institute for Applied Ecology judged two fifths of the world s CDM portfolio to be of similarly questionable additionality. (Scientific American)
Old Wood Becomes New Coal for Utilities Embracing Carbon-Gathering Trees Jun 3, 2009
Biomass and wood contribute more primary energy in Europe than wind, solar or hydropower, says. Europes per-capita biomass energy use may triple by 2020 in response to a plan to expand renewable energy, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said. (Bloomberg)
Ethiopia: Shedding Light on Power Crisis Jun 2, 2009
With the water level in the currently operating hydropower generation dams going down by an average of one to two centimetres everyday, the expected rains in the coming few months will determine whether the power utility can continue supplying energy given the current state of affairs. Nevertheless, Miheret Debebe, chief executive officer of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo), says - in an exclusive interview with OMER REDI, FORTUNE STAFF WRITER - that it is not all doom and gloom... (allAfrica.com)
Quebec has plenty of hydro power to sell Jun 2, 2009
Quebec currently can produce about 46,000 megawatts of power, 43,000 megawatts of that coming from hydropower. . (Albany Times Union)
Companies to explore hydropower on Mississippi Jun 1, 2009
(AP) - Two companies are exploring hydropower projects for Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 7 at Dresbach, Minn. Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse wants to construct a 7-turbine system using the dam's defunct auxiliary lock. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Uganda: Tax Row Threatens Bujagali Power Project Jun 1, 2009
Kampala A tax row is threatening to delay the Bujagali hydropower project, seen as crucial in solving the acute power shortage in the country. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has defied a directive from the finance ministry to halt VAT charges against the project's supplier and sub-contractors. (allAfrica.com)
Lock and Dam 7 eyed for hydro power May 31, 2009
Hydropower the technology of using water to produce energy is such a hot issue, two companies are vying for the right to use Lock and Dam No. 7 at Dresbach, Minn ... Massachusetts-based Free Flow Power Corp. applied in February for a more ambitious hydropower proposal ... This hydropower project could be a large piece of that savings portfolio. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Obama seeks funding cuts for wave, tidal energy research May 31, 2009
By some estimates, wave and tidal power could eventually meet 10 percent of the nation's electricity demand, about the same as hydropower currently delivers. Some experts have estimated that if only 0. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Demand, resource issues drive up rates for Idaho Power customers in 2000s May 31, 2009
With its hydropower potential essentially capped, Gale said, Idaho Power has to look to alternate, more expensive sources of energy for at least the near future. But assuming his utility doesn't grow significantly faster than others, he said, he expects it to maintain its ranking in the survey. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
New Power Line Lights Up Afghan Capital May 31, 2009
"It would be better if [hydropower plants] in these regions became functional. It would be better if we produced our own electricity, so we didn t have to depend on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. One day they could say: We can t give you electricity today" or something like that ... "Electricity from Tajikistan, for example, would only be available in the summer when reservoirs at Tajik hydropower plants are full and generating electricity beyond Tajikistan s domestic needs.Some in Afghanistan fear... (EurasiaNet.org)
Keeping track (May 31) (33) May 31, 2009
6 million for a turbine and generator, Albany reactivated the hydropower plant at the end of the Santiam Canal in 2008. The new 500-kilowatt generator started commercial operation in January and was dedicated in a public ceremony Feb. 13. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
25-plus local firms may lose tax breaks May 29, 2009
Erie Boulevard Hydropower Inc., which was on the list of local companies appearing to not meet qualifications, is awaiting further clarification about the letter and will hold off making any decisions until then, Communications Director Julie Smith-Galvin said ... ONEIDA COUNTY *Erie Boulevard Hydropower. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
China drawn into Myanmar's border strife May 28, 2009
For the ethnic organizations, this has meant access to Chinese weaponry as well as Chinese development aid and investment in roads, hydropower projects, agricultural projects and cross-border trade. What the groups provide in exchange is a buffer zone from possible instability as a result of the policies of Myanmar's erratic rulers. (Asia Times Online)
Interior secretary won't get involved in water wars May 28, 2009
Hydropower one of the original purposes for which these dams were built means power generated from the gravitational flow of water. It DOES NOT mean cooling water for coal-fired plants (Florida) or nuclear plants (Alabama). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
200 attend state's first renewable energy conference May 26, 2009
Ann Miles, director of hydropower licensing for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said Alaska has already attracted attention among firms interested in tidal power. One of two tidal projects licensed as pilot projects by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is being developed by a company in Knik Arm, near Anchorage. (Juneau Empire)
Reservoir, creek neighbors hope for better management May 26, 2009
Julie Smith-Galvin, a spokeswoman for Brookfield Renewable Power Inc., which owns Erie Boulevard Hydropower, said the reservoir is designed to fluctuate for multiple uses, and power is one of those uses. Erie also is pleased that the court s ruling leaves unchanged the state s obligation to release the water stored in Hinckley Reservoir pursuant to the 1920 operating diagram a diagram that has successfully sustained an important water resource for over 80 years, Smith-Galvin said in a release. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Possible routes for transmission lines criticized by landowners May 25, 2009
Along with the MID and TID, the lines would serve the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the federal hydropower system at New Melones Reservoir, and city-owned utilities in Santa Clara and Redding. The project, expected to cost about $1. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Clean energy industry a new growth engine May 25, 2009
Some positive changes have emerged in China's new energy policy, pushing the country's hydropower, wind power and nuclear power to a new development stage. The country's enormous hydropower potential is yet to be fully tapped ... The country's currently low installed hydropower capacity indicates that the huge potential is yet to be tapped. (Xinhuanet, China)
Bringing About a Common African Platform May 24, 2009
Recent programs and projects related to hydropower, co-generation and wind will earn carbon credits for member countries. For example, the AfDB hosts the Congo Basin Forest Fund that enables countries in the basin to sustain their forests and earn carbon credits through access to clean energy. (allAfrica.com)
China to discuss plan for new energy industry May 23, 2009
He also said China is aiming to raise the proportion of renewable energy, excluding hydropower, in the country's total energy consumption to more than 6 percent by 2020, up from the current 1. 5 percent. (Xinhuanet, China)
China considers changes to nuclear power development May 23, 2009
"We need to develop more clean energy, including hydropower, wind power, solar power and biofuels," Zhou said. He noted that China's installed wind power generation capacity will be increased to 20 million kw in 2010 and 100 million kw in 2020. (Xinhuanet, China)
Suddenly, China embraces Green May 22, 2009
Premier Wen Jiabao has ordered an immediate halt to construction of a massive hydropower plant in Southwest China, which, if built, will dam one of the country's most scenic rivers, the Nujiang River. Wen's instructions included an in-depth and extensive study of the would-be impact on local ecology and local communities. (People's Daily Online, China)
Chinese Vice Premier stresses UHV power technology May 22, 2009
The company expected UHV capacity to reach 300 million kilowatts by 2020, with 78 million kilowatts dedicated to hydropower transmission. Editor: Wang Guanqun. (Xinhuanet, China)
Letters to the editor (5/22/09) May 22, 2009
We have shovel-ready renewable energy projects -- wind farms at Fire Island, geothermal power from Mount Spurr, and hydropower from Lake Chakachamna -- that can power Southcentral Alaska. To ensure that these new green jobs are also family-supporting jobs that offer competitive wages in the energy industry, we need to make sure that workers have the ability to form unions and secure good contracts. (Anchorage Daily News)
NY ready to welcome Yahoo! May 20, 2009
an allocation of 10 megawatts of low-cost hydropower from the Niagara Power Project for the first phase of construction, which could potentially begin in the fall of 2009 and be operational in January 2011 ... would receive an additional five megawatts of NYPA hydropower. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Boaters will trace path of Tuolumne River to celebrate, highlight May 20, 2009
Tuesday brought a voyage by kayak and power boat across the reservoir, which captures water for irrigation, urban use and hydropower. After a week's break, canoes and kayaks will make their way through the foothills and flatlands of Stanislaus County, where the river runs gently. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2008 Article IV Consultation with Guyana May 20, 2009
Directors welcomed the plans to reduce the external current account deficit gradually over the medium term, through growth in nontraditional exports and the development of petroleum and hydropower resources. They noted that external financing and inflows of foreign direct investment related to development projects could be vulnerable to the global financial turmoil, at least in the short term. (IMF News)
Beyond Castles, Corgi Dogs and Choirs: Wales Reveals Ten Fascinating Facts about the United Kingdom's Best Kept Secret May 19, 2009
The Welsh coast is rich in available wind and hydropower resources. Wales helps supply the United Kingdom with energy through two hydropower facilities in the Snowdonia area. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Power provider expects surge May 19, 2009
Customers range from a Costa Rican utility that needs help powering its grid in the summer months to a Peruvian utility needing a power boost because of a delay in building a national natural gas pipeline and a drought that hurt the production of hydropower. APR Energy employs about 30 people in Jacksonville and about 150 in its international operations. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Energy Bill Opposed By GOP, Some Dems May 19, 2009
Other amendments would surely anger environmentalists, such as one to end restrictions on incremental hydropower construction on wild and scenic waterways, or one that seeks less ambitious emissions reduction goals. While the bill in its current state focuses on stimulating alternative energy industries like wind and solar, one possible amendment would ensure that coal plants currently under construction are able to be completed. (CBS News)
Laos Plans to Sell First International Bond to Fund Hydropower Projects May 19, 2009
5 million) of five- to 15-year notes backed by royalties from hydropower plants, said Chiemi-Jamie Kaneko, a financial markets official at the Asian Development Bank, which is advising the Laos government ... Proceeds from the bonds would be used to buy a stake in a hydropower project to provide electricity to Thailand, Boualith said ... Copper and gold mining, hydropower and tourism are the biggest sources of income in a country where most people survive on subsistence farming. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Chinese shares edge up May 19, 2009
5-billion-yuan-purchase of generation units at the Three Gorges Dam, its parent company and the world's largest hydropower project. The State Council, or cabinet, announced a support plan Monday for the petrochemical industry. (Xinhuanet, China)
Historic train depot grant back on track May 18, 2009
Stuyvesant Hydropower is continuing its efforts to bring Stuyvesant Falls' historic hydroelectric plant back on line, after a years-long process of getting approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, among other obstacles. Jim Besha of Albany Engineering said recently that his firm would also donate the entire renovation of an informational kiosk at the overlook to the upper falls. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Authority: We can extend lines despite ruling May 17, 2009
Becher also said he was happy Hester tossed claims against the authority by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, which uses West Canada Creek and Hinckley Reservoir water to produce electricity. Becher complained the power company cared more about its own profits than proper management of the water supply. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Zimbabwe: South Koreans Might Invest in Waterworks May 15, 2009
Minister Chombo said Korean companies had the right technology, experience, knowledge and expertise to significantly contribute to the development of Zimbabwe, especially in water, infrastructure, hydropower and solar development. The minister took the opportunity to explain to the Koreans the correct position about the country in terms of its political, social and economic development contrary to false Western media reports. (allAfrica.com)
Canal turbine restart stalled for repairs May 14, 2009
The Augusta Canal might be full again, but its hydropower operations are far from normal ... The mill laid off the workers it once employed to manage the hydropower system, and Mr. Barwick said it remains unclear whether it is financially feasible to rehire them to operate one unit ... Since the construction project that made the draining necessary took longer than anticipated, the loss of revenue from hydropower and water sales will be larger. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Huge Bolivian glacier disappears May 13, 2009
This, the bank said, would both threaten the water supplies of nearly 80 million people living in the region, and jeopardise the future generation of hydropower. Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru depend on that power for about half their electricity. (BBC News -- Americas)
EDIT: Ties That Bind May 12, 2009
China can play a positive role as well, talking as it is to Nepal about trade, hydropower, agriculture and technology. But New Delhi will have reason to worry if a Maoist-dominated Nepal keeps flashing a Chin 00004000 a card to counter Indias traditional ties that have, on the whole, benefited both India and Nepal immensely. (India Times, India)
Inside Alaska business May 12, 2009
AVEC also received $1 million for a hydropower study for the Upper Kobuk region. The Northwest Inupiat Housing Authority received $250,000 for biomass energy research. (Anchorage Daily News)
Sunday Special: The stimulusjobs, energy, transparency May 10, 2009
Renewables account for 20 percent of New Yorkers electricity, most of which comes from hydropower. The RPS also imposes a surcharge on electric bills that is used to provide money and tax credits for residential and commercial renewable energy systems. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Lawmakers eye gas lease tax treatment May 9, 2009
A House panel heard from farm and business representatives and others at a hearing Thursday in Williamsport (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Met chief: Tibet challenged by global warming May 6, 2009
"Tibet needs to tackle, and adapt to, the persisting climate change," said Zheng, who advised the autonomous region to speed up construction of hydropower stations and exploitation of renewable energy. The regional government said Tibet has built a meteorological observation network consisting 48 ground observatories and four radar stations to monitor climate changes 24 hours a day. (Xinhuanet, China)
Time to enjoy the changing seasons May 5, 2009
Forget oil or gas or coal or wind or hydropower or any of those other fuels we normally think of as energy. Without the sun, none of them exist. (Anchorage Daily News)
