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Project and Location News |
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Shale Gas: Site Selection Game-Changer
(previously published in The Site Selection Energy Report)
In 2008, the Potential Gas Committee (PGC), a group of industry experts affiliated with the Colorado School of Mines, focused on shale gas resources as part of its biennial estimate of U.S. reserves. The PGC increased their previous reserve estimate from 2006 by a staggering 39 percent, the highest upward revision ever. Approximately two-thirds of the increase results from higher estimates of recoverable natural gas in shale formations. Although not every play will be commercial and contribute to those reserve estimates, here's what we know: Shale Gas has a unique set of characteristics - an energy "perfect storm" - that will redefine the competitive landscape of states and communities.
In other project news:
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Market Update |
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Utilities Committed to Overcoming Challenges Faced by Electric Cars
Utility executives at the recent Business of Plugging In conference cited vehicle cost and grid limitations as key challenges faced by companies bringing electric cars to widespread use, and stated their commitment to helping overcome them. Read the entire article here.
In other market news:
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Incentives and Policy News |
Solar Energy Advocates Support Offshore Drilling
The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, an association that represents manufacturers, distributors, contractors and retailers of solar powered products, recently announced its support for drilling for oil and natural gas that has been proposed for offshore Florida. Read the entire story here.
In other incentives and policy news:
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Technology Update |
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DOE Funding Available for Carbon Capture Technologies
DOE is making available $55M to develop advanced carbon capture technologies (post-combustion) to use in retrofitting existing coal-burning power plants so that the greenhouse gas may be sequestered or reused. The funding opportunity is seeking applications in four technical areas: membranes, solvents, solid sorbents and condensed-phase capture.
In other technology news:
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Workforce Trends |
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1000+ Solar Installers Now Certified
The North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) announced that more than 1,000 individuals have been awarded the NABCEP Installer Certification as a result of the most recent exam administered. The total number of certified solar installers increased by 38% during 2009.
In other workforce news:
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Conference News |
Mississippi the Buzz at Biomass Summit
At the Biomass Summit this week in Washington, people were talking about Mississippi, said Sumesh Arora, director of Strategic Biomass Solutions (SBS) for the Mississippi Technology Alliance. Companies excited about developing in Mississippi were wood pellet manufacturers, cellulosic ethanol companies and those interested in using poultry waste for alternative energy source projects. About 175 people in private sector upper-level management positions and investors attended the summit. Read the entire article here.
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Company Profile: Fisker Automotive |
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Controversy Heats Up in Electric Car Market
Fisker Automotive , headquartered in Irvine, CA, is a privately-held startup manufacturer of "The World's First Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle." The $87,900 Karma, which when fully-charged is all-electric for the first 50 miles, then operates as a hybrid, is expected achieve 100 mpg when it hits the market in 2012. The company was formed in 2007 as a joint venture between Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies. The company, as reported above, is planning to acquire a former GM facility in Delaware and was awarded a $528M loan guarantee from DOE. This loan has stirred up controversy because the Karma will be assembled in Finland from 65% US parts. The DOE funds will be spent in the US to develop their next product, the $47,900 Nina, a more family-friendly vehicle. Production of the Nina is intended for the former GM facility being acquired.
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