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4PAY Taps Opti9 to Modernize Canada’s Digital Finance Infrastructure and Support Cloud Transformation

βœ‡Data Center POST
By:Emily Frye
4 December 2025 at 17:00

4PAY is taking PaiyHub, its collaborative finance platform, to the next level with a new partnership with Opti9. The goal is to modernize PaiyHub’s AWS environment to make it faster, more reliable, and ready to scale across banks, telecom providers, government agencies, and fintech organizations.

PaiyHub makes it possible for institutions that normally operate on separate systems to securely exchange value. In an increasingly digital financial ecosystem, organizations are demanding faster, real-time payment capabilities, as well as smoother collaboration between banks, telecom providers, and other financial service partners. PaiyHub addresses this need by providing a unified platform that allows multiple parties to process transactions, share information, and manage payments securely and efficiently.

Earl Robinson, VP of Global Channel Sales at 4PAY, says the company’s long-term vision is to create a shared framework connecting a wide range of financial and communications providers. To make that happen, PaiyHub needs infrastructure that supports quick onboarding, smooth interoperability, and high availability, especially as it expands into new markets. By investing in cloud modernization, 4PAY is ensuring that the platform can grow with increasing transaction volumes and evolving integration requirements.

Opti9 is bringing its cloud expertise to the table, redesigning key parts of PaiyHub’s architecture using AWS-native tools and modernization practices commonly seen in regulated industries. This includes making systems more reliable, streamlining compliance processes, and speeding up the rollout of new features. Modernizing the infrastructure also helps 4PAY reduce operational complexity, allowing teams to focus on developing new capabilities and improving user experience rather than managing outdated systems.

Drew Jenkins, Cloud Alliances Director at Opti9, adds that the partnership is all about giving 4PAY a secure, scalable foundation for growth. With experience building cloud environments for financial institutions and other compliance-heavy sectors, Opti9 is well-equipped to support a platform that handles sensitive payment and identity data. This expertise is critical for companies like 4PAY that operate in highly regulated environments, where data security and system reliability are top priorities.

The initiative also reflects a bigger trend in Canada’s financial sector: modernizing legacy systems as digital payments and multi-party financial services become increasingly interconnected. By upgrading PaiyHub’s infrastructure, 4PAY is positioning itself to meet growing demand for programmable financial services, support more complex transaction models, and integrate with an expanding network of partners, all while maintaining the regulatory controls that institutions expect.

Ultimately, this cloud modernization effort is about more than just technology, it’s about enabling innovation and growth in the financial ecosystem. For 4PAY, it means building a platform that can scale globally, onboard partners quickly, and deliver reliable, secure services in a fast-changing industry. For organizations that rely on PaiyHub, it translates to faster transactions, smoother integrations, and a foundation for future digital payment capabilities.

To learn more about Opti9’s cloud modernization capabilities, visit opt9tech.com.

The post 4PAY Taps Opti9 to Modernize Canada’s Digital Finance Infrastructure and Support Cloud Transformation appeared first on Data Center POST.

Eu Energy Consumption Level Falls To 20 Year Low

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
13 February 2015 at 02:05
Eu Energy Consumption Level Falls To 20 Year Low
 Energy consumption in the European Union has fallen to levels last seen more than two decades ago, statistics published on Monday showed.

The dramatic drop in annual consumption - in 2013, the year to which the new research applies, it was down by more than 9% from its 2006 peak - reflects in part the continuing economic troubles in the eurozone, but also efforts taken by member states and businesses to cut energy use and improve efficiency.

Despite the plunge, Europe remains heavily dependent on fuel imports, with more than half of energy needs supplied by production from abroad, including the Middle East and Norway. Under oil prices at the time, that amounted to a cost of more than EUR400bn (lb297bn) in imports in the year in question, but that figure is now volatile owing to the effects of a sharply lower oil price and the exchange rate of the Euro.

The UK was one of the least dependent on imports of the biggest member states, buoyed by its offshore fossil fuel supplies, with 46.4% of primary energy coming from overseas. That relative independence is likely to be eroded further in future years, however, as the North Sea supplies of oil and gas are dwindling fast.

France, where nuclear reactors supply the vast majority of electricity needs, was also less dependent than the average, at 48% of supplies imported. By contrast, about 63% of Germany's energy came from outside, and 77% of Italy's.

Nuclear power accounted for the biggest slice of the EU's own generation of electricity, with 29% of production. Just behind came renewable sources of energy, which in total generated just under a quarter of homegrown power.

The total energy used across the bloc in 2013 was 1,666 million tonnes of oil equivalent, a widely used measure. That was just below 1990's total of 1,667 Mtoe.

The UK used just over 200 Mtoe in 2013, a substantial drop on its 210 Mtoe in 1990, after a rise in the early part of this century to 230 Mtoe. The government has sought to encourage energy efficiency by home insulation schemes and levying a price on carbon for businesses.

Some of the EU's decline in consumption has come from progress made in energy efficiency among newer member states in eastern Europe, which inherited notoriously inefficient infrastructure from their years as part of the energy-rich Soviet bloc. Bulgaria, for instance, used nearly 28 Mtoe in 1990, but only 17 Mtoe in 2013. Lithuania's use dropped from 16 Mtoe to 7 Mtoe over the same period. Such one-off drops are unlikely to be repeated.

The European Commission is working on proposals for new legislation to force member states to make their buildings more energy efficient, a leaked document revealed on Friday. Those plans are likely to be brought forward in October, but will take years to come into force, and are geared towards helping meet the EU's energy efficiency target for 2030.

A boost to energy efficiency will also help the EU to meet its international pledge of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, compared with 1990 levels, by 2030. That target is likely to be enshrined in a new global agreement on climate change, scheduled to be signed in Paris in December.

Solar Power Distributors In Nigeria What You Tfinish Not To Knowabout Wind Power

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
2 February 2015 at 01:58
Solar Power Distributors In Nigeria What You Tfinish Not To Knowabout Wind Power
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Al Gore Explains Why Hes Optimistic About Stopping Global Warming

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
19 January 2015 at 12:51
Al Gore Explains Why Hes Optimistic About Stopping Global Warming
AL GORE WAS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FROM 1993-2001. SINCE LEAVING POLITICS, HE'S BEEN HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING, EVEN WINNING A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR HIS EFFORTS. AND HE SAYS HE'S MORE OPTIMISTIC THAN EVER THAT THE ISSUE HAS REACHED "A TIPPING POINT." IN THIS LIGHTLY EDITED INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT, HE EXPLAINS WHY.EZRA KLEIN: IN 2005, WHEN "AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH" CAME OUT, I REMEMBER THAT THE HOPE WAS WE COULD KEEP THE CARBON LOAD IN THE ATMOSPHERE TO 350 PARTS PER MILLION, AND THE FEAR WAS WE WOULD HIT 400PPM. NOW WE'VE HIT 400PPM AND PEOPLE ARE HOPING TO AVOID 450PPM. THIS SEEMS TO BE GETTING OUT OF HAND, AND FAST.AL GORE: WE HAVE ALREADY CROSSED THE 400 PARTS PER MILLION MARK. WE CROSSED IT EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE QUESTION NOW IS HOW HIGH IT WILL GO BEFORE WE BEGIN BENDING THE CURVE. BUT IN SPITE OF THE CONTINUED RELEASED OF 90 MILLION TONS OF GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION EVERY DAY INTO THE ATMOSPHERE, AS IF IT'S AN OPEN SEWER, WE ARE NOW SEEING THE APPROACH OF A GLOBAL POLITICAL TIPPING POINT.THE APPEARANCE OF MORE EXTREME AND MORE FREQUENT WEATHER EVENTS HAS HAD A VERY PROFOUND IMPACT ON PUBLIC OPINION IN COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. YOU MENTIONED MY MOVIE BACK IN THE DAY. THE SINGLE MOST COMMON CRITICISM FROM SKEPTICS WHEN THE FILM CAME OUT FOCUSED ON THE ANIMATION SHOWING OCEAN WATER FLOWING INTO THE WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL SITE. SKEPTICS CALLED THAT DEMAGOGIC AND ABSURD AND IRRESPONSIBLE. IT HAPPENED LAST OCTOBER 29TH, YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, AND THE IMPACT OF THAT AND MANY, MANY OTHER SIMILAR EVENTS HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD HAS REALLY BEGUN TO CREATE A PROFOUND SHIFT.A SECOND FACTOR IS THE SHARP AND UNEXPECTEDLY STEEP DECREASE IN PRICES FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCED FROM WIND AND SOLAR AND THE DEMAND DESTRUCTION FOR FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY FROM NEW EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND 33 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT SEEMS LARGER THAN JUST ONE DEGREE. IT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WATER AND ICE. AND BY ANALOGY THERE'S A SIMILAR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY THAT'S MORE EXPENSIVE THAN ELECTRICITY FROM COAL AND RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY THAT'S LESS EXPENSIVE. AND IN QUITE A FEW COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD AND SOME PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES WE'VE CROSSED THAT THRESHOLD AND IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS WE'RE GOING TO SEE THAT CROSSED IN NATIONS AND REGIONS CONTAINING MOST OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION.ANOTHER WAY TO THINK ABOUT THIS IS THAT BACK WHEN MOBILE TELEPHONES FIRST APPEARED, THE MARKET PROJECTIONS FOR HOW QUICKLY THEY WOULD INCREASE MARKET SHARE TURNED OUT TO BE NOT JUST WRONG BUT WAY WRONG. THIS IS A POINT MADE BY DAVE ROBERTS AT GRIST, BUT THE PROJECTIONS MADE 5-10 YEARS AGO FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR AND WIND TECHNOLOGIES WERE, SIMILARLY, NOT JUST WRONG BUT WAY WRONG. WE'VE SEEN A DRAMATIC INCREASE THAT'S FAR MORE RAPID THAN ANYBODY PROJECTED AND IT'S ACCELERATING - NOT JUST IN THE UNITED STATES BUT EVEN MORE RAPIDLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.EK: DO THE POLICY FAILURES OF THE LAST DECADE PUT MORE PRESSURE ON TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES TO BE THE SOURCE OF THE SOLUTION?AG: NO, I SEEM THEM AS INTERTWINED. TO SOME EXTENT, THE FAILURE OF POLICY AT COPENHAGEN AND BEFORE THAT IN WASHINGTON HAS PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON THE HOPEFUL DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY, BUT AS THE CONVERSATION IS WON ON GLOBAL WARMING - AND IT'S NOT WON YET BUT IT'S VERY NEARLY WON - THE POSSIBILITIES FOR POLICY CHANGES ONCE AGAIN OPEN UP.WE ARE SEEING DRAMATIC PROGRESS TOWARDS NEW POLICIES IN CHINA, KOREA, IRELAND. WE'VE SEEN A COAL TAX IN INDIA. WE'VE SEEN CHANGES IN AUSTRALIA, THE LARGEST COAL PRODUCING NATION. WE'VE SEEN MEXICO TAKE A LEADERSHIP POSITION. WE'VE SEEN ACTION IN CALIFORNIA AND OTHER STATES. AND SOME 17 OTHER COUNTRIES ARE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF ADOPTING EITHER A CAP AND TRADE OR CARBON TAX OR BOTH. IF CHINA FOLLOWS THROUGH IN ITS STATED INTENTION TO MOVE ITS CAP-AND-TRADE PILOT PROGRAM INTO A NATIONWIDE PROGRAM IN TWO YEARS, THEN WE'LL SEE A NEW CENTER OF GRAVITY IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY MARKETPLACE THAT WILL ACCELERATE THE SHIFT TOWARDS A MARKET-BASED SET OF POLICIES THAT WILL SPEED UP THE PHASE-OUT OF COAL-BASED ELECTRICITY.EK: LET ME PUSH BACK ON YOUR OPTIMISM HERE. TO AGAIN USE "AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH" AS A TIME MARKER, WHEN THAT CAME OUT, REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE WERE STILL INTRODUCING BILLS TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH POLICIES LIKE CAP-AND-TRADE OR CAP-AND-DIVIDEND. IN 2008, THERE WAS A CAP-AND-TRADE PLAN IN THE MCCAIN/PALIN PLATFORM. IN 2009, WAXMAN-MARKEY PASSED THE HOUSE. BUT SINCE THEN, REPUBLICAN OPPOSITION HAS SOLIDIFIED, AND CAP-AND-TRADE AND CARBON TAX IDEAS SEEM COMPLETELY OFF-THE-TABLE IN AMERICAN POLITICS.AG: WELL, IT'S NOT UNUSUAL TO FIND BIG POLITICAL SHIFTS THAT TAKE PLACE BENEATH THE SURFACE BEFORE THEY'RE VISIBLE ABOVE THE SURFACE. A LOT OF REPUBLICANS HAVE SHARED WITH ME PRIVATELY THEIR GROWING DISCOMFORT WITH THE STATEMENTS OF SOME OF THE DENIERS IN THEIR RANKS. EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE NOT YET WILLING TO COME BACK TO ADVOCATE CONSTRUCTIVE POLICIES, THERE IS DEFINITELY MOVEMENT. YOU HAVE NOW THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST ORGANIZED CAUCUS IN THE SENATE, WITH SEN. SHELDON WHITEHOUSE JOINING WITH OTHERS IN A HARD-HITTING EFFORT.BUT YOU SEE IT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL A BIT MORE THAN AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL. YOU SEE THESE STATE INITIATIVES AND LAWS. AND YOU SEE MAYBE THE BIGGEST SHIFT OF ALL IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. I THINK THAT IN ORDER TO BE COMPETITIVE INTERNATIONALLY WE'LL HAVE TO MAKE THE SHIFT TOWARDS A PRICE ON CARBON. PEOPLE ARE INCREASINGLY AWARE THAT WE'RE ALREADY PAYING THE COSTS OF CARBON AND SO IT MAKES SENSE TO PUT A PRICE ON IT.EK: BUT TO PLAY THE PESSIMIST AGAIN, WOULDN'T CARBON PRICES IN OTHER COUNTRIES GIVE US A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THE LONGER WE RESIST THEM AT HOME? IT SEEMS THAT IF INDIA IS TAXING FOSSIL FUELS AND WE'RE NOT, THAT'S A SLIGHT EDGE FOR US. IT'S EASY TO IMAGINE IT BECOMING A KIND OF PROTECTIONIST, SAVE-OUR-MANUFACTURING-SECTOR ISSUE.AG: IT'S CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT CAN'T BE DISMISSED OUT OF HAND. BUT REMEMBER THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION RULES EXPLICITLY ALLOW THE RECAPTURE OF CARBON TAXES AT THE BORDER, MUCH IN THE MANNER OF A VALUE-ADDED TAX. THE U.S. IS IN DANGER IF IT DID NOT CHANGE OF BEING SUBJECTED TO THOSE RECAPTURE PROVISIONS. AND AS THE COST CURVE FOR RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY CONTINUES PLUNGING, THE LOW-COST ELECTRICITY IN THE FUTURE WILL BE RENEWABLES. AT APPLE, FOR EXAMPLE, 100 PERCENT OF ITS SERVER FARMS AND HEADQUARTERS ARE ON RENEWABLES, AND THEY'RE ON THE WAY TO 100 PERCENT FOR THE COMPANY. GOOGLE IS GOING DOWN THE SAME ROAD. THE PRESSURE IS ONLY GOING TO BUILD AS THE PRICE OF RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY CONTINUES TO FALL.THAT'S EVEN MORE TRUE AS THE CONSEQUENCES TO SOCIETY AND TO THE FUTURE OF HUMAN CIVILIZATION BECOME EVER MORE APPARENT TO PEOPLE. ONCE QUESTIONS ARE RESOLVED INTO A CHOICE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG, THEN THE LAWS CHANGE. IT HAPPENED WITH CIVIL RIGHTS. IT'S HAPPENING NOW WITH GAY RIGHTS. IT HAPPENED WITH APARTHEID AND, IN AN EARLIER ERA, WITH ABOLITION. AND THIS IS NOW BEING RESOLVED INTO A QUESTION OF RIGHT AND WRONG.EK: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION'S INTENTIONS TO PUSH REGULATORY APPROACHES TO LIMITING CARBON EMISSIONS?AG: I'M VERY ENCOURAGED. I THOUGHT THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH ON CLIMATE WAS TERRIFIC AND IT FOLLOWED THE INSPIRING COMMENTS IN HIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS AND HIS POST-ELECTION STATE OF THE UNION. AND REMEMBER THE IMPACT OF POLICY DIRECTION ON BUSINESS CALCULATIONS IS FORWARD-LOOKING. WHEN BUSINESS BEGINS TO UNDERSTAND THE DIRECTION OF POLICY, THEY HAVE TO START ADJUSTING TO WHERE THE POLICY IS GOING. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE EPA PROCESS, IT'S UNDENIABLY CLEAR THAT THERE WILL BE A PRICE ON CARBON ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. THEN WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE MOVEMENT IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND THE STATES AND LOCAL MEASURES BEING ENACTED, THE DIRECTION IS NOW QUITE CLEAR AND BUSINESSES ARE MAKING PLANS TO ADJUST TO IT.EK: YOU'VE MOVED FROM THE WORLD OF POLITICS TO THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY. HOW HAS THAT CHANGED YOUR VIEW OF HOW MUCH TECHNOLOGY CAN DO TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, AND IN PARTICULAR, HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEW ON VARIOUS GEOENGINEERING SCHEMES?AG: LET ME DEAL WITH THE GEOENGINEERING PART OF YOUR QUESTION FIRST. THAT'S COMPLEX BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME BENIGN GEOENGINEERING PROPOSALS LIKE WHITE ROOFS OR EFFORTS TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO EXTRACT CO2 FROM THE ATMOSPHERE, THOUGH NO ONE HAS FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO THAT YET. BUT THE GEOENGINEERING OPTIONS MOST OFTEN DISCUSSED, LIKE PUTTING SULFUR DIOXIDE INTO THE ATMOSPHERE OR ORBITING TINFOIL STRIPS - THESE ARE SIMPLY NUTS. WE SHOULDN'T WASTE A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT THEM. SOME PEOPLE WILL ANYWAY, BUT THEY'RE JUST CRAZY.TO THE BROADER PART OF YOUR QUESTION, INNOVATION IS ALREADY PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN BRINGING ABOUT NEW POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO THE CLIMATE CRISIS. THE TECH WORLD HAD A BITTER EXPERIENCE AFTER THE BURST OF ENTHUSIASM IN 2005 AND 2006 BECAUSE OF A PERFECT STORM MADE UP OF FOUR ELEMENTS: FIRST, THE GREAT RECESSION, WHICH HAD A HUGE, DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT ON BUSINESS GENERALLY. NUMBER TWO, THE CHINESE JUGGERNAUT, WHICH SUBSIDIZED THE PRODUCTION OF SEVERAL PROMINENT RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES TO THE POINT WHERE THEIR SALES PRICE FELL BELOW THE PRICE OF PRODUCTION IN THE WEST. THIRD, THE SHALE GAS BOOM DROPPED THE RETAIL PRICE OF ELECTRICITY TO LEVELS BELOW WHAT MANY RENEWABLE ENERGY PLANS NEEDED TO BE VIABLE. AND FOURTH THERE WAS THE POLICY FAILURE I MENTIONED EARLIER IN THE U.S. SENATE AND COPENHAGEN. AND ALL THE WHILE THERE WAS THIS MASSIVELY FUNDED CLIMATE DENIER CAMPAIGN BY THE KOCH BROTHERS AND EXXON-MOBILE AND OTHERS THAT HIRED TOBACCO INDUSTRY VETERANS TO WORK WITH THEM ON CONSUMER ADVERTISING AND LOBBYING ACTIVITIES.BUT THAT SETBACK WAS ONLY TEMPORARY BECAUSE REALITY HAS A WAY OF REASSERTING ITSELF. THERE HAS BEEN A 100-FOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF EXTREME, HIGH-TEMPERATURE EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD IN THE DISTRIBUTION CURVE. AND PEOPLE HAVE NOTICED FOR THEMSELVES - THE RAIN STORMS ARE BIGGER, THE DROUGHTS ARE DEEPER AND THE FIRES ARE MORE DESTRUCTIVE. ALL OF THESE THINGS HAVE NOT ESCAPED NOTICE AND PEOPLE ARE CONNECTING THE DOTS. THE CUMULATIVE AMOUNT OF ENERGY TRAPPED BY MANMADE GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION EACH DAY IN THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE IS NOW EQUAL TO THE ENERGY THAT WOULD BE RELEASED BY 400,000 HIROSHIMA BOMBS GOING OFF EVERY 24 HOURS. IT'S A BIG PLANET, BUT THAT'S A LOT OF ENERGY.THE CONSEQUENCES ARE NOW HARD TO ESCAPE. EVERY NIGHT ON THE NEWS, IT'S LIKE A NATURE HIKE THROUGH THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS. ELEVEN STATES TODAY ARE FIGHTING 35 MAJOR FIRES! PEOPLE ARE NOTICING THIS. AND SIMULTANEOUSLY THEY'RE NOTICING THE SHARP DROP IN THE COST OF CARBON-FREE, GREENHOUSE GAS-FREE ENERGY, AND THE COMBINATION IS PUSHING US OVER THIS POLITICAL TIPPING POINT AND THE TREND IS UNSTOPPABLE.EK: WHAT'S YOUR RESPONSE TO PEOPLE WHO SAY THOSE EVENTS SIMPLY CAN'T BE CONFIDENTLY CONNECTED TO GLOBAL WARMING?AG: THE LEADING SCIENTISTS HAVE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS CHANGED THE WAY THEY DISCUSS THAT PARTICULAR CONNECTION. IT'S TRUE THAT IT USED TO BE COMMON FOR THEM TO SAY YOU CAN'T BLAME ANY SINGLE EXTREME WEATHER EVENT ON GLOBAL WARMING. WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY IS THE ODDS HAVE SHIFTED AND THOSE EVENTS ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON AND EXTREME. THEY'VE NOW CHANGED THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THAT CONNECTION. THE TEMPERATURE HAS INCREASED GLOBALLY AND THERE'S NOW 4 PERCENT MORE WATER VAPOR IN THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE THAN 30 YEARS AGO. AS A RESULT, EVERY EXTREME WEATHER EVENT NOW HAS A COMPONENT OF GLOBAL WARMING IN IT.IF YOU LOOK AT SUPERSTORM SANDY ON OCTOBER 29TH, THE OCEAN WATER EAST OF NEW JERSEY WAS NINE DEGREES FAHRENHEIT ABOVE AVERAGE. THAT'S WHAT PUT SO MUCH MORE ENERGY INTO THAT STORM. THAT'S WHAT PUT SO MUCH MORE WATER VAPOR INTO THAT STORM. WOULD THERE BE A STORM ANYWAY? MAYBE SO. WOULD THERE BE HURRICANES AND FLOODS AND DROUGHTS WITHOUT MAN-MADE GLOBAL WARMING? OF COURSE. BUT THEY'RE STRONGER NOW. THE EXTREME EVENTS ARE MORE EXTREME. THE HURRICANE SCALE USED TO BE 1-5 AND NOW THEY'RE ADDING A 6. THE FINGERPRINT OF MAN-MADE GLOBAL WARMING IS ALL OVER THESE STORMS AND EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS.EK: GIVE ME THE OPTIMISTIC SCENARIO ON WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. IF ALL GOES WELL, WHAT DO THE NEXT FEW YEARS LOOK LIKE ON THIS ISSUE? AG: WELL, I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF IT IS WINNING THE CONVERSATION. I REMEMBER AS A BOY WHEN THE CONVERSATION ON CIVIL RIGHTS WAS WON IN THE SOUTH. I REMEMBER A TIME WHEN ONE OF MY FRIENDS MADE A RACIST JOKE AND ANOTHER SAID, HEY MAN, WE DON'T GO FOR THAT ANYMORE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON APARTHEID. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE NUCLEAR ARMS RACE WITH THE FREEZE MOVEMENT. THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN AN EARLIER ERA WITH ABOLITION. A FEW MONTHS AGO, I SAW AN ARTICLE ABOUT TWO GAY MEN STANDING IN LINE FOR PIZZA AND SOME HOMOPHOBE MADE AN UGLY COMMENT ABOUT THEM HOLDING HANDS AND EVERYONE ELSE IN LINE TOLD THEM TO SHUT UP. WE'RE WINNING THAT CONVERSATION.THE CONVERSATION ON GLOBAL WARMING HAS BEEN STALLED BECAUSE A SHRINKING GROUP OF DENIALISTS FLY INTO A RAGE WHEN IT'S MENTIONED. IT'S LIKE A FAMILY WITH AN ALCOHOLIC FATHER WHO FLIES INTO A RAGE EVERY TIME A SUBJECT IS MENTIONED AND SO EVERYBODY AVOIDS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM TO KEEP THE PEACE. BUT THE POLITICAL CLIMATE IS CHANGING. SOMETHING LIKE CHRIS HAYES'S EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY ON CLIMATE CHANGE WOULDN'T HAVE MADE IT ON TV A FEW YEARS AGO. AND AS I SAID, MANY REPUBLICANS WHO'RE STILL TIMID ON THE ISSUE ARE NOW OPENLY EMBARRASSED ABOUT THE EXTREME DENIERS. THE DENIERS ARE BEING HIT POLITICALLY. THEY'RE BEING SUBJECTED TO RIDICULE, WHICH STINGS. THE POLLING IS GOING BACK UP IN FAVOR OF DOING SOMETHING ON THIS ISSUE. THE ABILITY OF THE RAGING DENIERS TO STOP PROGRESS IS WANING EVERY SINGLE DAY.WHEN THAT CONVERSATION IS WON, YOU'LL SEE MORE MEASURES AT THE LOCAL AND STATE LEVEL AND LESS RESISTANCE TO WHAT THE EPA IS DOING. AND SLOWLY IT WILL BECOME POPULAR TO PROPOSE STEPS THAT GO FURTHER AND POLITICIANS THAT TAKE THE BIT IN THEIR TEETH GET REWARDED. I REMEMBER WHEN THE TIDE TURNED ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES. PEOPLE THOUGHT THE LATE FRANK LAUTENBURG WAS CRAZY FOR PROPOSING A BAN ON SMOKING IN AIRPLANES, BUT HE WAS REWARDED POLITICALLY AND THEN POLITICIANS BEGAN FALLING ALL OVER THEMSELVES TO DO THE SAME. THAT'S THE OPTIMISTIC SCENARIO. AND IT'S NOT JUST A SCENARIO! IT'S HAPPENING NOW! MORE

How Cell Phone Chargers Are Going Green

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
28 December 2014 at 10:29
How Cell Phone Chargers Are Going Green
Cellphone chargers have gone green because they use a minimal amount of energy. There are so many new solar technologies available in the electronic device industry. Smartphones use a fraction of the energy that older cellphones use. They are also more affordable today than they were when they first came out. Netbooks and tablets offer longer battery life than traditional laptops. Solar energy has found its way into the home improvement industry. You can buy solar lights to illuminate your home without costing you more for energy. These lights can also be decorative as well as improve your level of home security. Solar energy is being installed in homes throughout the country. Although the initial costs are high, you will not have a monthly energy bill once your system is paid off. There are also a variety of incentives from energy providers and government agencies that will offset these costs. Figure out how long it will take for you to see a return on your initial investment. Most homeowners pay off their solar systems within a few years and reap the benefits early. You can finance your solar panels and have them paid off within five years. A green home is a home that doesn't rely on electricity for power.You thought this was good? Brace yourself: Nivea: Solar Ad Charger

Source: green-power-project.blogspot.com

How The Right Uses Environmental Law To Kill American Jobs

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
27 December 2014 at 19:15
How The Right Uses Environmental Law To Kill American Jobs
In insistence you missed it.....HOW THE Totally USES Verdant LAW TO Kill AMERICAN JOBSNo, that was not the perception of the existing New York Grow old article about the Indicate Loop offshore wind project. But it have to hold been. Yarn Op Ed January 25, 2014 - 1:00pm U.S. lacks a corpulent, tranquil offshore wind industry."Tidy GROUPS USE Verdant Legal action TO Kill AMERICAN JOBS. "By Lew Milford, Person in command of Out-and-out Supremacy Have fun.No, that was not the perception of the existing "New York Grow old" article about the Indicate Loop offshore wind project. But it have to hold been.The article lifelike the meager story of how a saloon contractor, Flock Basin, unhappy out on a big welding job for the Indicate Loop project to European offshore contractors.Why? Like the European bids were cheaper.And why is that? Like the U.S. lacks a corpulent and tranquil offshore wind industry. It has not had the path to build up to scale to pursuit in opposition to the Europeans who hold been building projects for two decades.But why is that? That is where the glasses case in opposition to the Indicate Loop project have to hold a played a haughty part in the story.Matter DON'T GO In good health By KOCHFor the last decade, Take effect Koch, the prominent billionaire, has funded glasses case to ruin the Indicate Loop project, what he doesn't requirement to see it from his Indicate Cod terrace. Whether he very desires to appear off renewable power what his plethora comes from fossil fuels is next to opposed to the trip.And what cook of glasses case strategies is the narrow-minded Mr. Koch pursuing? In particular the cook of lawful strategies that the narrow-minded actual complains about the same as environmentalists use them to shield the environment.In Koch's topical unsuccessful obstacle to use new law to ambush the project, the central appeals mall in Washington rejected his attempts to sue the FAA, which via the project would not be inquisitive with depot radar. The insistence relied in part on using NEPA, the nation's elemental new swift law, to try to upset the central approval.Offer is a connection here between the pour blood of American jobs and the conservatives' use of new glasses case to meaning eagerly private, not native, interests.While IF...If the Indicate Loop offshore wind project had not been said up for a decade by squandered glasses case, pompous companies nearing Flock Basin would hold had a travel to dawn service, easiness costs, and pursuit in opposition to their European counterparts for Indicate Loop and other offshore wind projects. Offer constrain be an budding offshore wind industry with ruthless U.S. suppliers exultant bids reasonably than gulp down them.The everlasting glasses case is not the barely justification for that failure, but it has to pinch a few of the rebuke.So the future stop get down on the actual falsely decries environmentalists for slaughter American jobs upfront lawsuits, ask them to tolerate why their links in Massachusetts are feign the incredibly bee in your bonnet.This article is reprinted with the author's entrance. It very appeared in the Huffington Ship's mast.""Out-and-out Supremacy Have fun is a improve on nonprofit advocacy organization vigorous in the U.S. and internationally on sophisticated clean energy technology, finance, and policy programs.""Founded in 1998, CEG is headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont, with position based in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. In 2002, CEG formed and now manages a part, countrywide nonprofit fusion of state-based, U.S. native clean energy funds- Out-and-out Supremacy States Union. CEG has sooner than serverd as the Secretariat for the UNEP Sustainable Supremacy Savings account Union, the barely convening stem in the sophisticated system for native finance agencies in the clean energy sector.""Out-and-out Supremacy Have fun is supported by elemental foundations, as kindly as state, central and sophisticated energy agencies." Connected Content: Aggression Indicate Loop 1 MILLION AT A TIMECOOL Prepare OR HOT AIR: THE Store FOR Indicate WINDEVERYTHING YOU Inevitability TO Experience Present Take effect KOCH...KOCH, MURDOCH, ON 10 Best BILLIONAIRES Agenda HTTP://WWW.CAPECODTODAY.COM/ARTICLE/2014/01/25/23750-HOW-RIGHT-USES-ENVIRONMENTAL-LAW-KILL-AMERICAN-JOBS

Southwest Airlines To Use Forest Biofuels

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
15 December 2014 at 06:45
Southwest Airlines To Use Forest Biofuels
"- by Terry Maxon, December 31, 2014, Dallas Morning News" Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday that it plans to buy some biofuels made from waste wood, for use in its San Francisco Bay airports beginning in two years. To use Southwest's phrasing, it is purchasing "low carbon renewable jet fuel, made using forest residues that will help reduce the risk of destructive wildfires in the Western United States." It has agreed to buy about 3 million gallons a year from Red Rocks Biofuels, a Fort Collins, Colorado, that focused on recycling that foresty stuff. That won't provide much of Southwest's needs. he Dallas carrier in 2013 bought 1,818 million gallons, so 3 million gallons would represent 0.2 percent of its needs or about 60 percent of an average day's usage. But it might make a noticeable portion of the fuel needs at Southwest's Bay airports - San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose - where the fuel will be delivered beginning in 2016. "Our commitment to sustainability and efficient operations led us on a search for a viable biofuel that uses a sustainable feedstock with a high rate of success," said Bill Tiffany, Southwest's vice president of supply chain. "Red Rock Biofuel's technology, economics and approved use made entering into an agreement for purchase a win-win situation," he said. "From the outset, we have sought to build the best possible team of project partners," Red Rock CEO Terry Kulesa said. "A conversation we started with Southwest on the premise of providing renewable jet fuel at cost parity with conventional jet fuel has evolved into a great partnership. "We're happy to help Southwest diversify its fuel supply,"Kulesa said. According to the announcement, "RRB's first plant will convert approximately 140,000 dry tons of woody biomass feedstock into at least 12 million gallons per year of renewable jet, diesel, and naphtha fuels." How can you turn humus, plant duff and twigs into fuel to fly a commercial airplane? Here's Red Rock's explanation from its website: "RRB's technology platform converts woody biomass to jet, diesel, and naphtha fuels. Our process begins with the gasification of woody biomass to produce synthesis gas. "This synthesis gas is cleaned and sent to a Fischer-Tropsch unit where it is converted to liquid hydrocarbons. "Hydroprocessing refines the liquid hydrocarbons to produce jet, diesel and naptha fuels." Red Rock has received a 70 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to build a "biorefinery" at Lakeview, Oregon, near the intersection of California, Nevada and Oregon and close to Fremont National Forest. Tags: southwest airlinesBiomassbioenergybiofuelsbiofuelrenewable energybiodieselusda

Origin: cleanpowerlife.blogspot.com

Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
14 December 2014 at 04:41
Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines
Indiana Schools Install Wind Turbines With Help From NativeEnergyPROJECT POWERS SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND AND CUTS GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTIONPRESS RELEASEWednesday, September 5, 2012 - 10:00am(3BL Media) Burlington, VT - September 5, 2012 - "Native"Energy, a leading provider of carbon credits, is offering carbon offsets from a trio of wind turbines serving Indiana school districts. By harnessing a natural resource, this project powers school buildings, saves money and teachers' jobs, and provides hands-on renewable energy training for young people."Our customers enthusiastically support community wind projects," said Jeff Bernicke, "Native"Energy's president. "We now have 29 successful wind developments in our portfolio of carbon projects."The Northwestern (Kokomo), West Central (Francesville), and North Newton (Morocco) School Corporations have each installed 900kW PowerWind turbines on their school campuses. Each district owns its turbine and will take advantage of the net metering incentive offered through the local electric utility company. The project is being developed by Performance Services of Indianapolis."Every dollar we save on energy costs and earn from carbon offsets is a dollar we can spend in the classroom," said Harold Seamon, Northwestern assistant superintendent.Each turbine is projected to produce 2,400 megawatt hours annually. They are expected to save school corporations millions of dollars over the 20+ year life of the turbines, helping the districts retain critical programs at a time when school budgets are dwindling. While the savings are significant over time, the initial cost for each turbine was prohibitive. "Native"Energy's Help BuildTM approach, which provides early funding for carbon credits, was essential in making the economics of the project workable.Previously, "Native"Energy's Help BuildTM model was used to enable the development of the Wray, Colorado, school district turbine in 2006 and the City of Union City and Randolph Eastern School Corporation turbines in Indiana in 2011. The Union City project was also developed by Performance Services.Speaking of the partnership, Tony Kuykendall of Performance Services said, "School wind projects offer a constellation of benefits- lower cost to schools, clean energy, real-world educational opportunities. At Performance Systems, we're proud of our record in advancing community projects, and we're glad we've found a partner in "Native"Energy who can help us succeed more quickly in more towns."The rewards to the schools and communities are not just financial. K-12 renewable energy curriculum-which integrates live and historical data from the turbines-will be offered at every school. In addition, Northwestern is discussing the offering of dual credit classes in conjunction with Indiana University at Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College. At North Newton, credit from the high school's renewable energy coursework will be earned through Purdue University and transferable to any state university in Indiana. Credit will also be available at West Central. "This is the first wind turbine in our county. The community is very excited about it," said Chuck Mellon, West Central superintendent, with a chuckle. "If the turbines aren't turning on a certain day, I hear about it!"SOURCE: 3BL MEDIA (HTTP://3BLMEDIA.COM/THECSRFEED/INDIANA-SCHOOLS-INSTALL-WIND-TURBINES-HELP-NATIVEENERGY)

Make Improvements To Your Home And Save Energy

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
9 December 2014 at 14:41
Make Improvements To Your Home And Save Energy
Some people like to suggest that it's impossible for individuals to make a difference, when it comes to protecting the environment. They like to argue that it's up to governments and corporations to make the real decisions.Frankly, I've always found this argument to be a little too convenient. It's a great way of passing the buck and ignoring our own responsibilities. It's certainly true that governments, businesses and other organisations do have the potential to make a significant impact in many areas. They can certainly help us all to deal with climate change.But every individual and every household possesses the ability to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that is causing so much harm. Before this starts to sound like something of a lecture, I should also point out that I believe that there are significant financial benefits associated with tackling this problem.In other words, I believe that it's possible to do something that's good for the environment and also good for family finances.REDUCING THE RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELSYou may not be able to control the fuels that are being burned at your nearest power station, but you certainly are in a position to use less of them. In fact, you may be able to put yourself in a position where you become a net contributor to the country's energy needs.There are a variety of ways for achieving this, including making use of renewable energy systems. Solar panels, biomass boilers and air source heat pumps might all be part of the solution for your home.Some governments even offer financial incentives for installing such systems, as detailed by websites like MrRenewables.co.uk. By making use of such incentives, you may find that you can use less energy and also generate an additional income.LOSING LESS HEATAs things stand, it's likely that you are paying for heat and light that is actually being wasted. In effect, that means that you are wasting money, as well as energy.It's likely that a considerable amount of heat is being lost via windows, doors, walls and ceilings within your home. Fortunately, there are a number of cost-effective home improvements that you could consider.From cavity wall insulation to the use of modern double glazing, you'll discover that such improvements can reduce heat loss. Indeed, double glazing may also reduce levels of noise disturbance.I'm fond of this idea of making improvements that are good for the wider environment, but that also make sense in other areas. If that means ending up with a home that looks better, or that simply costs you less money to heat and maintain, then it seems to me that this can only be a good thing.Before leaping to the conclusion that there is nothing that you can do to protect the planet from climate change, think about whether you have really investigated your options in full. It's likely that there are more possibilities than you imagine.AUTHOR BIOKeith Barrett believes that we can all do a little more to protect the environment. He writes about green issues, as well as a range of other subjects.

Commentaries

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
8 December 2014 at 15:13
Commentaries
2012

12.04.12 PSCW Decisions "Tax" Renewable Energy

11.08.12 The Real Meaning of Kewaunee's Demise

08.16.12 Natural Gas: Wrestling with Reality

2011

07.11.11 Wisconsin's Widening War on Renewables

2010

11.10.10 Shirley Wind: An Auspicious Debut for Emerging Energies

09.30.10 Meet Butler Ridge, Wisconsin's Newest Wind Project

09.27.10 Touring This Year's Renewable Energy Crop

07.12.10 The Oil Spill and You

05.05.10 Impressions of Wind Siting Council's Tour of Wind Development in Fond du Lac County

05.04.10 A Cruel Month for Renewable Energy

04.15.10 Legislators Fire Blanks at Clean Energy Jobs Act

04.07.10 Costs of Coal Plants Keep Going Up

02.22.10 Of Molehills and Renewable Energy Purchases

02.17.10 Clearing Up Wisconsin's Lakes With Clean Energy

02.12.10 Letter to Sen. Miller & Rep. Black on rate impacts of ARTs

2009

12.22.09 Think Tank Flunks Renewable Energy Analysis

11.20.09 Fact sheet: Renewable energy buyback rates

10.19.09 Educating Schools on Solar Air Heating

10.10.09 Plain English explanation of wind siting reform law

09.25.09 CWESt's Report Adds Noise to Wind Debate

08.11.09 Pursuing Sustainability Through Economic Adversity

07.10.09 It's Time to Bring Renewable Energy Home

06.02.09 Windpower - A Stabilizing Force in an Economic Downdraft

04.07.08 The Importance of Doing the Math

01.27.09 Response to anti-wind comments of State Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer

2008

12.05.08 Q&A on higher buyback rates on electricity from renewables

10.07.08 Palin's Folly

07.24.08 Sock maker steps up to solar hot water

07.10.08 An Open Letter to Congress: Extend Renewable Energy Tax Incentives

05.19.08 Fossil Fuel Watch: Gas Tax Pain

03.31.08 Oppositon to Windpower Pollutes Climate Policy

01.04.08 Walling Out Wind

2007

07.27.07 A Federal Energy Policy: Can It Happen Here?

03.20.07 Fossil Fuel Watch: Solar, The No-risk Path to Wealth Creation

2006

12.28.06 Fossil Fuel Watch: Meet My Solar Clothes Dryer

11.16.06 Mid-Term Elections: Renewable Energy Cleans Up

11.02.06 Draining Canada First

2005

10.06.05 Fossil Fuel Watch: Stirrings in the Land of What-Me-Worry?

09.21.05 Fossil Fuel Watch: The Eye Between the Storms

Source: amosrenewableenergy.blogspot.com

Renewable News Deepwater Gets Financing For First Us Offshore Wind Farm

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
20 November 2014 at 22:32
Renewable News Deepwater Gets Financing For First Us Offshore Wind Farm
Below are excerpts from Renewable Energy News, a great resource for Clean Energy, available by email subscription:

UK LOW-CARBON CONTRACT WINNERS REVEALED: WIND SCORES, SOLAR DISAPPOINTS

"BY DAVID APPLEYARD, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR" February 27, 2015

The first round of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) programme - the UK scheme that is designed to support low-carbon generation and a capacity margin in the energy sector - has concluded. Contracts were offered to 27 renewable e... Full Article

TO SHIFT MIDDLE EAST AWAY FROM NUCLEAR TRACK, U.S. SHOULD INVEST IN SOLAR PARTNERSHIPS

"BY THOMAS BUONOMO" March 3, 2015

The Middle East is on track toward a nuclear proliferation nightmare as Iranian officials have expressed their intent to vastly expand Iran's domestic nuclear enrichment capacity by the beginning of the next decade, Saudi Arabia i... Full Article

DEEPWATER GETS FINANCING FOR FIRST US OFFSHORE WIND FARM


"BY JUSTIN DOOM, BLOOMBERG" March 3, 2015

Deepwater Wind LLC received 290 million in financing that will allow it to begin building its Block Island offshore wind project in Rhode Island, the first one in the U.S. Full Article

NEW MEXICO UTILITY ADDING WIND, SOLAR AND GEOTHERMAL TO ITS POWER MIX

"BY BARRY CASSELL, CHIEF ANALYST, GENERATIONHUB" March 2, 2015

Wind Energy Pros And Cons Is It Right For You

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
3 November 2014 at 10:10
Wind Energy Pros And Cons Is It Right For You
It is gravely major to genre in wind energy pros and cons so you can radiate up with a strategy for it's task.For instance of the customarily budding stress for perishable energy resources we as people could do with vent for alternatives. Garland power or energy is a never strict supply that can be created to generate electricity to rely on your wits with our budding needs and stress due to residents increases and other factors. Let's break wind energy pros and cons. Pros of Garland Dash It doesn't flue any harmful toxins or gases as work-related waste does' which is the most major benefit one can return in wind energy. This accordingly drive make it a elder and greener source of electric power. As it is the cheapest mode of energy right away not in, it is consistently used by associates such as dreadful farmers from nation state spaces, as wind energy is determinedly on the list of realistic types of alternative energy that is not in. Garland energy drive not intensify the purpose of any characteristic fuels or perishable sources of energy quadrangle the same as lush gas, coal or oil. This proves that it is an efficient green energy. Garland is an beyond measure resource, for that ponder power cuts and power deficiencies are close to non-existent in spaces that use wind power to develop electrical power. Via the use of overweight electric grids, director amounts of power are consistently generated, which therefore makes electricity unfilled to a overweight put out of households in the home. Cons of Garland Dash What struck by lightning or dog-eared by a rush, wind turbines can get partly disabled or completely wiped out. Garland energy can give out fix the electricity problems to a mechanical knock down, but it won't crack it immediately. Quieten even if wind energy is a good option for energy alternatives we stable need to investigate other means to assure our energy needs. The blades of the turbines sometimes can produce hazards for animals that accidently, and obviously not worldly wise what they are fly hip it. Garland energy drive incessantly be an ideal resource in creating alternative energy at least for people that up and about in areas that suppress exclusive intermediate wind. Regardless of the pros and cons of wind energy,it drive be a margin solution for our energy needs far hip the appearance and drive benefit our family tree and grandchildren importantly.

How Green Is Your Mutual Fund

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
29 October 2014 at 17:08
How Green Is Your Mutual Fund
By Harris
Roen

Not all alternative energy mutual funds are created equal. In a
recent interview with the Wall

Street Journal, a reporter asked me which alternative energy
mutual funds were the most focused on renewables, noting that many
mutual funds hold non-energy related companies such as Apple,
PepsiCo and Google. The answer to this question is not as straight
forward as one might think. This article sorts out which mutual
funds are truly invested in the dynamic and growing green energy
sector, and which ones are more peripheral.

Greener Than Thou-Revealing How Much a Mutual Fund is Focused on
Alternative Energy

Despite the desire of many investors to keep their portfolios
clean of polluting investments, there is no perfectly pure
alternative energy mutual fund. There is, however, a wide range of
how focused the different green mutual funds are on alternative
energy. Finding out which mutual funds have the highest
concentration of alternative energy investments takes a
multipronged approach.

First, the "Roen Financial Report" scrutinizes the
prospectus of each fund to see if its principles align with
alternative energy investment goals. Second, for each company that
the mutual fund holds, the annual report and financial filings are
thoroughly examined to determine exactly how much of a company's
operations are related to the various green sectors that the Roen

Financial Report covers - energy

efficiency, environmental*,
fuel

alternatives, smart

grid, solar
and wind.

Sometimes it is easy to tell whether a mutual fund holds stocks
that are in one or more of the alternative energy sectors, but in
other cases it is not so obvious. Clearly, pure play companies
like First Solar, Inc (FSLR),

Renewable Energy Group Inc (REGI)
and SolarCity Corp (SCTY)
are stocks that alternative energy investors are seeking. There
are other companies, though, that have alternative energy products
and services as part of their business model, but those operations
are not the company's bread-and-butter.

For example, Johnson Controls (JCI)
is a large industrial conglomerate that has two business units
which address alternative energy themes -building efficiency and
renewable power solutions. I estimate that alternative energy
accounts for perhaps half of JCI's revenues. Interestingly, shares
of JCI are owned by 8 out of 12 alternative energy mutual funds,
more than any other single company.

Another example of a company with partial alternative energy
operations is Valmont Industries (VMI). Valmont manufactures
support towers for wind turbines, anemometers, power line
transmission, mass transit poles, lighting and related structures.
This company cannot be ignored-its contribution is critical to the
infrastructure needed to support utility-scale solar, wind and
smart grid projects that will continue to be built over the coming
decades. However, my analysis attributes an estimated 15% of
Valmont's current earnings are a result of alternative energy
projects.

Google is another company that blurs into alternative energy,
though it is obviously not its main business. Google realizes that
it is basically an electricity-based service-no electricity, no
Google. Because of this, Google has made a significant commitment
to moving toward a more clean and sustainable electric supply.
Google has moved on this in no small way, having invested
in over 1.5 billion in wind and solar projects.

In order to simplify the analysis of how much of a company's
business relates to alternative energy, only the stocks needed to
reach at least 50% of a fund's weighted holdings were included (or
at a minimum, the fund's top 10 holdings).

Also, two mutual funds that the "Roen Financial Report"
tracks were left out of the rating system, Allianz RCM Global
Water A (AWTAX) and Calvert Green Bond A (CGAFX).

AWATX invests in stocks and securities engaged in water-related
activities, a sector related to green energy but with more of an
environmental focus. Calvert Green Bond is another good choice for
green investors, but is a different kind of animal than a stock
fund, so it is hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison. Its
prospectus states that investments include:

...securities of companies that develop or provide products or
services that address environmental solutions and/or support
efforts to reduce their own environmental footprint; bonds that
support environmental projects; structured securities that are
collateralized by assets supporting environmental themes; and
securities that, in the opinion of the Fund's Advisor, have no
more than a negligible direct environmental impact, which may
include securities issued by the U.S. government or its
agencies, and U.S. government-sponsored entities."

THE GREENEST ALTERNATIVE ENERGY MUTUAL FUNDS

Three funds clearly top the list of having the greatest
alternative energy focus: Firsthand Alternative Energy (ALTEX),
New Alternatives (NALFX) and Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy
(GAAEX). These funds have a high concentration of alternative
energy investments, and strongly focused investment principles
Firsthand

Alternative Energy (ALTEX)

Five of Firsthand Alternative Energy's top 10 weighted holdings
are pure play companies such as First Solar (FSLR), Sun Power
(SPWR) and Solar City (SCTY). Firsthand Alternative Energy is very
specific in their prospectus, stating that they:

...invest at least 80% of the Fund's assets in alternative energy
and alternative energy technology companies, both U.S. and
international. Alternative energy currently includes energy
generated through solar, hydrogen, wind, geothermal,
hydroelectric, tidal, biofuel, and biomass. Alternative energy
technologies currently include, but are not limited to,
technologies that enable energies to be tapped, stored, or
transported, such as fuel cells; services or technologies that
conserve or enable more efficient utilization of energy; and
technologies that help minimize harmful emissions from existing
energy sources, such as helping reduce carbon emissions."

It is important to note that ALTEX is the smallest of all
alternative energy funds that the "Roen Financial Report"
tracks, and we give this fund a low overall investment rank
New Alternatives
(NALFX)

New Alternatives Fund also has a very good concentration of
alternative energy investments. The top six of its holdings are
100% pure play alternative energy companies. Additionally, the top
50% of its weighted portfolio is estimated to be over 75% involved
in alternative energy. The investment objective of the fund is not
the strongest of all alternative energy funds, but it is very
specific:

At least 25% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in
equity securities of companies in the alternative energy
industry. 'Alternative Energy' means the production and
conservation of energy in a manner that reduces pollution and
harm to the environment, particularly when compared to
conventional coal, oil or nuclear energy... The Advisor also
considers the perceived prospects for the company and its
industry, with concern for economic, political and social
conditions at the time. In addition the Advisor considers its
expectations for the investment based on, among other things,
the company's technological and management strength."

Guinness

Atkinson Alternative Energy (GAAEX)

GAAEX has a very strong concentration of alternative energy
companies in its portfolio. When looking at the top two-thirds of
its holdings, about 90% of those investments are involved in green
energy production. Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy also has
one of the tightest investment principles guiding the fund:

The Alternative Energy Fund invests at least 80% of its net
assets in equity securities of alternative energy companies
(both U.S. and non-U.S.). Alternative energy companies include,
but are not limited to companies that generate power through
solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal wave, geothermal, biomass or
biofuels and the various companies that provide the equipment
and technologies that enable these sources to be tapped, used,
stored or transported, including companies that create,
facilitate or improve technologies that conserve or enable more
efficient use of energy."

MUTUAL FUNDS WITH A LESSER ALTERNATIVE ENERGY FOCUS

Funds that the Roen Financial Report rate as having the least
alternative energy stocks are Gabelli SRI Green AAA (SRIGX),
Portfolio 21 R (PORTX) and Green Century Balanced Fund (GCBLX).

Solar Panels In Collegeville Mn Panels Providing Electricity Near Minnesota

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
23 October 2014 at 17:01
Solar Panels In Collegeville Mn Panels Providing Electricity Near Minnesota
WAYS TO GET 2000 KWH PER MONTH UTILIZING SOLAR PANELS IN COLLEGEVILLE MN MINNESOTA You can determine the size of the solar system and the variety of necessary solar panels in Collegeville MN Minnesota using a not so complicated algorithm. The numbers you need to put in the equation are your regular monthly electrical energy usage, the variety of peak sun hours every day, and the power of a photovoltaic panel.COMPUTING THE SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE FOR A 2000 KWH ENERGY USAGE To exemplify, lets start by assuming you need a photovoltaic panel system in Minnesota that can create 2000 kwh per month. From the beginning, you ought to understand that 2000 kwh per month is a fairly a great deal of energy, and you would require an outstanding solar system to supply it. Although we use this number just for the sake of the exemplification, in case you do eat 2000 kwh per month, our guidance would be to take some energy reduction procedures and to stay connected to the electrical energy grid, simply in case the solar system can not keep up with the demand. Now, you need to find out for how many hours each day your system will certainly be able to produce enough electrical energy for your needs. The panels in COLLEGEVILLE MINNESOTA 56321 produce energy only when the sun is up in the sky, and it shines directly on them. During the night, the panels do not produce anything. In the early morning and at nights, when the sun is weak, the energy manufacturing is also insufficient. Depending upon the location where you live, there might be 4-6 hours of peak sunlight every day, when the system will produce the essential electrical power, and sometimes much more than you need. If you want to have 2000 kwh per month, it indicates you need to produce 2000/30 kwh every day, that is 66.66 kwh daily. Considering there are 4 hours of peak sun every day in your location, the solar system will certainly have to produce 66.66/ 4 = 16.66 kwh per hour, and that implies 16660 in watts. Now, different types of panels in Collegeville Minnesota produce more or less energy watts. If you go with one that produces 150 watts, then you will require about 111 photovoltaic panels. Yes, that is a lot. To approximate the necessary space for such a solar system, you need to understand that, in order to produce 2000 kwh per month, you need a system of 24.8 kwp (kilowatt peak). Every 1 kwp requires about 100 s.f. of area. It is, indeed, a big system, but if you want to save some money on expenses, it is not essential to build a system in "Collegeville Minnesota" that supplies all the energy you make use of. You can stay connected to the electricity grid, and construct a system that provides 30 %, 40 % or 50 % of the energy you require, depending upon your spending plan and offered roof space. For more information on how many solar panels you need, go to solar panel shop at Minnesota.Youll find The truths about solar powerPrecisely how solar energy worksThe cost of installing solar powerSolar power for home and companyThe best ways to construct a solar power systemThe best ways to make a solar oven and lots more! The details is perfect for students learning about solar energy and home owners who are looking into installing photovoltaic panels in their house. If you are thinking about acquiring solar energy panels for your home in Collegeville Minnesota, you will certainly most likely wish to invest just possible. While it is true that solar panels are an useful investment that will certainly save you 80 % -100 % on your electricity expense each month, it will take a while to redeem your costs if you pay full cost upfront.

Reference: renewable-energy-events.blogspot.com

D E Shaw Renewable Investments Acquires 300 Mw Balko Wind From Apex Clean Energy

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
7 October 2014 at 11:01
D E Shaw Renewable Investments Acquires 300 Mw Balko Wind From Apex Clean Energy
BALKO, OKLAHOMA - JANUARY 12, 2015 - D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, L.L.C. (DESRI) and Apex Clean Energy (Apex) today announced the sale of Balko Wind, a wind energy project in Beaver County, Oklahoma. Apex developed the 300 MW project and sold it to an affiliate of DESRI in late 2014. Financing for the acquisition and construction of the project was provided by Santander Bank, N.A., KeyBank, N.A., Citi, and Banco de Sabadell, S.A. Commitments for tax equity financing were provided by affiliates of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, General Electric Capital Corp., Google Inc., and Citi. CohnReznick Capital Markets Securities, LLC acted as advisor to DESRI for the tax equity financing. Financial terms were not disclosed. Apex is an independent renewable energy company with a large pipeline of near-term wind projects in the U.S. and a strong record of success. Apex began developing Balko in 2009 and oversaw the start of the construction by Mortenson Construction, the project's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. DESRI is a member of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm. DESRI will oversee the completion of construction and manage the project once operational, which is expected to be in the late summer of 2015. Once completed, Balko Wind will comprise 162 GE 1.85-87 wind turbines and is expected to produce enough energy to power about 111,000 homes. The project benefits from one of the strongest wind resources in the state of Oklahoma and has signed power purchase agreements with the Public Service Company of Oklahoma and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. Over its lifetime, the project is expected to generate an estimated 33.75 million in new tax revenue for Beaver County and local schools. It is also expected to support about 196 million in local purchasing and 68 million in new payroll regionally, while directly creating a dozen long-term, high-quality local jobs. "Balko Wind will deliver clean, cheap power to Oklahoma utilities, while offering long-term predictable returns for infrastructure investors," said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy President. "This transaction highlights Apex's broad capabilities to deliver attractive clean energy investment opportunities to our financial partners." Bryan Martin, a managing director and head of U.S. Private Equity for the D. E. Shaw group, said, "We are pleased to close on the acquisition of Balko, which we believe will be a valuable addition to DESRI's renewable energy portfolio. We are confident that this project will benefit the community of Beaver County for years to come." "As the Executive Director of the Panhandle Regional Economic Development Coalition (PREDCI), I am excited to welcome the Balko Wind project into our region," said Vicki Ayers-Portman, Executive Director of PREDCI. "Oklahoma is blessed with abundant wind energy resources that can create local jobs, catalyze new local business, and supply taxes to our counties and schools, while helping our farmers and ranchers diversify their income. High-quality facilities like Balko Wind will strengthen our local economies as we help power our nation's way into the future." ### ABOUT D. E. SHAW RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and its affiliates acquire long-term contracted renewable energy assets in North America. DESRI is a member of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm with more than 1,000 employees, approximately 34 billion in investment capital as of October 1, 2014, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. "Please visit www.deshaw.com for more information about the D. E. Shaw group." ABOUT APEX Apex Clean Energy is an independent renewable energy company focused on building utility-scale generation facilities. Apex is building one of the nation's largest, most-diversified portfolios of renewable energy resources, capable of producing over 10,000 MW of clean energy. Apex has announced over 750 MW of power purchase agreements since 2013. In the coming year, Apex will bring five new U.S. wind energy facilities online, comprising over 1,000 MW of capacity. Apex will provide asset management services on three of these facilities, representing over 500 MW of capacity. For Apex media inquiries, please contact:Dahvi Wilson, Communications ManagerTel: 434-220-6351Email: dahvi.wilson@apexcleanenergy.comTags: news

Wind Of Change Sweeps Through Energy Policy In The Caribbean

βœ‡Renewable Energy World
By:Anonymous
30 September 2014 at 00:30
Wind Of Change Sweeps Through Energy Policy In The Caribbean
ARUBA IN THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN HAS 107,000 PEOPLE, A LOT OF WIND AND SUN AND, UNTIL VERY RECENTLY, ONE VERY BIG PROBLEM. DESPITE THE TRADE WINDS AND SUNSHINE, IT WAS SPENDING MORE THAN 16% OF ITS ECONOMY ON IMPORTING 6,500 BARRELS OF DIESEL FUEL A DAY TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY. PEOPLE WERE FURIOUS AT THE TRIPLING OF ENERGYPRICES IN 10 YEARS AND THE RESULTING SPIRALLING COSTS OF IMPORTED WATER AND FOOD. A juice cafe in Tortola BVI That changed at the Rio earth summit in 2012, when the prime minister, Mike Eman, announced that the former oil-producing Dutch island close to Venezuela planned to switch to 100% renewables by 2020. Working with the independent US energy group the Rocky Mountain Institute and the business NGO Carbon War Room, Aruba ditched its old steam turbines for more efficient engines and changed the way it desalinated seawater. Amory Lovins, chief scientist at the Rocky Mountain Institute. It cost 300m (lb183m), says the energy minister and deputy PM Mike D'Emeza, but Aruba immediately halved its fuel consumption and saved itself 85m a year. It then built a 30MW wind farm and cut its diesel consumption a further 50%. Now it is planning another wind farm and a large solar park. By 2020, Aruba will be free from fossil fuels and possibly storing renewable electricity under water or using ice. The move to energy independence has had dramatic results, says De Meza. Electricity prices, which were US 33c/ KwH in 2009, have dropped 25% and are stable; inflation has been reversed; the island has nearly paid off the 300m it cost to switch out of diesel; the price of drinking water has fallen by almost a third; and the number of people unable to pay their bills has declined drastically. "We had been grappling with very high energy costs for 15 years. We realised that our dependency on fossil fuels was leading to political and economic instability. We had to act," De Meza says. Aruba is already enjoying health and economic benefits. More tourists are keen to visit a green island, he adds, and children are fitter because it costs families less to pay for sports, and there is less illness. "It has been very popular. Instead of energy prices being the top of the political agenda, the debate now is about which is the best renewable energy source Aruba should go for next." Many other Caribbean islands are eager to follow Aruba. Some in the region pay more than 42c/ kwh - three or four times the price paid in most of the US and Europe - and up to 25% of their GDP on diesel for electricity. Many are also locked into long-term contracts with monopolistic US or Canadian utility companies which have negotiated 17% or even higher guaranteed profit margins. With many states also having to pay off onerous long-term loans to regional banks, the net effect of high power costs is continual misery, says Nicholas Robson, director of the Cayman Institute think tank. "People are coming to me saying they cannot afford electricity. It costs 42c [US] in the Caymans. It's approaching a crisis point. People are struggling because of energy prices." "We are very concerned about the high cost of energy and how it affects jobs," BVI prime minister Orlando Smith adds. "We pay 38c/ KwH," says James Fletcher, St Lucia's energy and science minister. "The result is that industries like tourism, which are very heavy electricity users, are not competitive, our agriculture cannot move out of being just primary commodity producers, and our people have no money." St Lucia plans over the next 10 years to switch much of its electricity from diesel to renewables, using geothermal, wind and solar power. The government will make it easier for people to generate their own electricity to reduce diesel demand, and changing street lights to LEDs could reduce costs by 11m a year, he explains. "Renewables will provide new jobs, everyone will have more money in their pockets, transport will be cheaper and companies will be able to expand more easily," Fletcher says. "Islands can get prices down to just 12c/ KwH," says Ed Bosage, a wealthy American financier who bought the small island of Over Yonder Cay and who has switched it to 96% renewables with wind, solar and a tidal generator. "The wind blows at an average of 16 knots. The tidal is extremely reliable. We learned that wind trumps sun by 2:1. We now produce electricity for 12c, the cheapest in the Caribbean, and will get it cheaper. It's repeatable everywhere," he says. Caribbean islands share similar problems to thousands of others in the Pacific and elsewhere. Mostly, they are not on national grids, which makes them vulnerable to high energy costs, fuel has to be imported at extra cost, and they are often reliant on just one utility company and most are too small to benefit from economies of scale. While some can attract high-spending tourists and offshore finance companies, small island states are often heavily indebted, with weak economies, pockets of intense poverty and often rundown hospitals and schools. But, says Peter Lilienthal, director of Colorado-based Homer Energy and former US national energy laboratory chief, islands stand to benefit from the renewable revolution more than anyone. "Diesel is now hurting small islands. They are burning money. But the price of solar has plummeted in the last few years. It's now cost-efficient everywhere. Islands now can be the leaders." Jamaica is investing heavily in wind, Barbados in solar power and eight island states - Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St Lucia, Turks and Caicos,and the Colombian islands of Providencia and San Andreas have joined the Carbon War Room's "10 island challenge". This gives them access to technological and funding help from the Rocky Mountain Institute and others. "Renewables have come slowly to the Caribbean and other developing countries but the technology is now cheap enough and diverse enough to make it much easier to install," says Amory Lovins, chief scientist at the Rocky Mountain Institute. "Small islands can move fast if they have coherent policies. They can be the future." More

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