Tag Archives: clean energy
Let’s Unplug Dirty, Old Coal Plants
Across the nation, old coal-fired power plants are gasping for their last breath, having survived long past their prime because of political favors and weak government regulations. The nation is at an energy crossroads. One path cuts old ties and moves on to a clean energy future powered by a mix of next generation power sources. The other path prolongs our dependence on an energy source that is cooking the planet and making us sick. Continue reading
Wind Farms Of Small Vertical Axis Turbines More Efficient, Cheaper Than Conventional Projects
Researchers from the California Institute of Technology found that large horizontal axis wind turbines, broadly spaced (as in what you likely think of in a commercial wind farm) are far better by using shorter, vertical axis turbines, tightly spaced. Continue reading
What’s your plan, Governor?
Gov. Sam Brownback has received praise for declaring Kansas’ Flint Hills totally off limits to wind energy development. There is no question that this pristine prairie environment must not be spoiled or endangered, but we have some concerns about what happens next. We do not doubt Brownback’s sincerity in guarding those hills, but he now must demonstrate that he is equally committed to capitalizing on his state’s vast wind energy development potential. It is much easier to declare where wind turbines cannot go than it is to open opportunities for their development. Continue reading
State Clean Energy Mandates Have Little Effect on Electricity Rates So Far
While there’s room for more study, the estimated impact on electricity rates is a fraction of a percent in most cases and just over 1 percent in two states Continue reading
Clean Air Ambassador: Richard Mabion (Kansas City, KS)
GPACE is really pleased to see this partnership between two partners within our alliance – Richard Mabion of Kansas City, Kansas and Earthjustice. The Wyandotte County / Kansas City, Kansas community has so many emerging opportunities – and it’s share of historic challenges – related to cleaner air and water and renewable energy choices, as well as the resulting significant pubic health and economic development impacts. We’re glad Richard calls Kansas City, Kansas home and we’re thankful for his work to protect and improve that community. Continue reading
Expansion of Protected Area Kills Cowley County Wind Project
Whether turbines should be in the Flint Hills — and it appears they mostly will not be — is part of the dialogue over how best to leverage the sprawling, environmentally sensitive tallgrass prairie that Brownback has called “an ecological jewel. Continue reading
Saving Power: The Architecture of Delivery
In looking for savings in our electrical power systems, little attention has been paid to the architecture of power delivery. The hub-and-spoke relationship we have with our electricity provider has been in place since the beginning of electrical service and some updating is in order. Continue reading
Is Energy Storage Ready for Prime Time?
Energy storage systems not only harness power but also inject that energy into the grid so that providers can more efficiently meet their demands. With a focus on reducing harmful air emissions and on increasing the use of greener energy that is sometimes unavailable, such systems are getting the attention they deserve. And while some suppliers are now using the technology, they readily acknowledge that prices must come down if the tools are to proliferate. Continue reading
State Policies Key to Clean Energy Development, Report Says
From National Renewable Energy Laboratory States’ policies are important to solar and wind energy development and in reducing energy use says a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The findings are in … Continue reading
