Author: Energy Matters

The 202 MW Peñascal wind farm in Texas, operated by the Spanish firm Iberdrola Renewables, has found a way to protect migrating birds at times of peak activity.

Lockheed Martin is undertaking a USD $400 million contract to construct a prototype of a solar powered airship for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Air Force.

Spain’s Abengoa Solar has commenced operation of the new PS20 solar power plant located at the Solúcar Platform, near Seville in Spain.

In an announcement late last week, the UK government proposed sweeping changes that would see the construction of any new coal based power stations require a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) component.

While energy storage has always posed somewhat of a challenge when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing; a technology showing promise is using solar power and wind energy to help generate farts, or more accurately, methane.

While the solar industry in Australia is generally populated by ethical companies that have a genuine passion for the products they sell, the explosion of low quality equipment coupled with financial incentives have seen some fly-by-night operations set up shop to take advantage of consumers; offering deals that seem too good to be true – and in many cases, indeed they are.

A solar industry source in Tasmania reported on the weekend that in Tasmania, RRPGP funding for off grid wind and solar power systems has been halted.

Tasmania’s Agfest 2008 was a great success with over 64,000 people attending over 3 days. This year the event is expected to attract even more interest thanks to attractions such as helicopter rides and new technologies being showcased, including solar power. 

The Regional Electrical Engineering Forum 2009, to be held in Tasmania, will examine and discuss the latest local and international practices and standards in electrical safety, switchgear & power cables, remote and emergency power; with a focus on the engineering environment and people of Tasmania.

In recognition of Earth Day, USA President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation recognizing the importance of renewable energy and addressing the challenges of global warming.