Smart Grid Blog

dystrick design, Inc. (www.dystrick.com), a creative design and communications agency, has announced the launch of CURRENT’s new digital brand at www.currentgroup.com

Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, CURRENT provides SmartGrid technology solutions for electric utilities around the world. CURRENT’s scalable solutions combine advanced sensing, enterprise analysis software and other value-added services to provide real-time actionable information to improve the efficiency of the electrical grid. With the new global push and investments to address climate change around the world, CURRENT’s solutions are primed to reduce environmental impact of energy usage and increase overall efficiency and reliability.

Sean Sinatra, dystrick’s Managing Director: “CURRENT’s SmartGrid technology solutions are part of the revitalization of the energy industry and their technology is being used by utilities around the world including in several of the largest Smart Grid deployments. They needed a trusted and thorough creative agency to deploy a new digital brand that would convey and educate the market succinctly and vibrantly.”

via Smart Energy Meets Smart Design: dystrick Launches New Digital Brand for CURRENT – PR.com.

As a follow-up to last week’s greenhouse gas reduction initiative, the Paterson administration has unveiled its draft energy plan. As summarized in the news release, here are the objectives and strategies identified.

The draft Plan is built around five overarching strategies that will help the State meet multiple public policy objectives. The strategies are to:

* Produce, deliver and use energy more efficiently;

* Support the development of in-State energy supplies;

* Invest in energy and transportation infrastructure to support policy objectives;

* Stimulate innovation in energy technologies to support the transition to a clean energy economy; and

* Engage communities, local governments, neighboring states, and the federal government in energy-related activities.

The draft Plan identifies a number of specific policy initiatives that set forth a vision for a robust and innovative clean energy economy that will stimulate investment, create jobs and meet the energy needs of residents and businesses over the next ten years. Some examples include:

* Implement Governor Paterson’s “45 by 15” initiative to both reduce electricity use by 15 percent below 2015 forecasts and increase the proportion of renewable generation to 30 percent of electricity demand by 2015.

* Develop a Climate Action Plan in accordance with Executive Order No. 24 to identify strategies, actions and infrastructure needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

* Foster collaboration among academia, research and development organizations, national laboratories, and private businesses and industry to accelerate the commercialization of emerging clean energy technologies by New York-based firms.

* Ensure energy efficiency programs reach low income customers who are particularly vulnerable to rising energy prices.

* Increase the efficiency of New York’s electric system through expanded demand response programs, deployment of “smart grid” technologies and real time pricing rate structures.

* Encourage development and use of sustainably produced biomass as a source for liquid fuels to displace heating oil and gasoline.

* Provide and enhance mechanisms for early, fair and meaningful public involvement in energy-related decisions.

* Encourage development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation with environmental safeguards that are protective of water supplies and natural resources.

via Paterson unveils draft energy plan – Capitol Confidential – New York Politics – timesunion.com – Albany NY.

By - Cleantechnica

Could the next war be powered by potatoes? The U.S. military is exploring bio-batteries and fuel cells as part of its overall commitment to transformational energy, particularly portable power.

To help kick-start the effort, the Department of Defense is soliciting bids for cutting edge bio-battery and fuel cell development through its Small Business Innovation Research grant program. That could mean just about anything for a fuel source, from sugar to potatoes, vodka or beer. Stay tuned for more: the deadline for submitting SBIR proposals is June 17.

U.S. Military Transforming Its Energy Strategy From solar installations at army bases to high efficiency LED lighting systems for the Navy, the U.S. military has been hopscotching over the civilian world when it comes to investing in sustainability. It is fully committed to a long term transformational energy strategy. Alternative energy is just one piece of the puzzle. Another piece is the development of high-efficiency, lightweight portable power systems that will replace conventional batteries.

The U.S. Military Needs New BatteriesAs the Defense Reduction Threat Agency describes it, the logistical footprint of portable power is in lockstep with the U.S. military’s carbon bootprint. Conventional batteries are unsustainable from both points of view. They’re an operational dead end for the dismounted soldier of the future, who is increasingly reliant on power-hungry communications and surveillance equipment in addition to armor and weaponry. Transporting heavy batteries to and around the field is just the beginning of the problem for DRTA, which states that the “acquisition, storage, distribution, and disposal of over a hundred different battery types poses an enormous logistical challenge.”

via U.S. Military Transforming Its Energy Strategy

Nissan electric cars will provide zero-emission mobility while delivering 100 miles on a single battery charge.

Everyone has probably seen the Nissan EV prototype that will be used to develop new electric cars in 2010. The automaker has recently formed a partnership with Progress Energy, a nonprofit agency in Raleign, N.C., to further study and help develop electric vehicles. The automobiles will have a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

“Our partners in Raleigh share our goals of working together towards making the region plug-in ready for the introduction of electric vehicles next year. This partnership is an important step in making zero-emissions mobility a reality,” Nissan North America Senior vice president Dominique Thormann said in a statement.

Nissan has been quiet in recent years in its effort to provide cars with electric alternatives. Critics have claimed that the automaker is back peddling on its new EV prototype. However, this isn’t true, since there are signs that progress is being made and that the vehicle will be released in 2010.

The Nissan prototype is using lithium-ion batteries with a zero-emission electric motor. The body and type design does not represent future vehicles made by the automaker. However, the electric technology that will power the automobile will be included in the new post-production model next year.

The partnership also supports the City of Raleigh’s mission and environmental goals. Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said they are delighted to be working with Nissan and Progress Energy on the project. “We take a great deal of pride in being a leader in the region in preparing for the plug-in electric car era. The City of Raleigh is a founding member of the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition. By providing the infrastructure and encouragement for the use of alternative- fuel vehicles, we’re in complete concert with both the mission statement of the City and our goal of reducing emissions for a cleaner environment,” Meeker said.

Nissan and its partners will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, as well as the deployment, operation and maintenance of a charging network. The partners also will work to coordinate the establishment of policies and help streamline the deployment of an EV infrastructure. Nissan also has agreed to make available a supply a number of EVs to Progress Energy.

Advanced Energy plans to facilitate working teams. The teams will be made up of governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as private partners. They will work towards achieving the common goals as well as provide testing and validation of related charging infrastructure and charge management technologies.

The Nissan electric car will compete against GM’s Chevy Volt. Toyota and Honda also have plans to release new electric vehicles next year. These automobiles will soon achieve 100 miles on a single battery charge.

via Nissan Electric Cars Adopt EV Charging Network

Mitsubishi “i MiEV” electric cars are based on the gasoline 660cc “i” minicar and can offer up to 100 miles per gallon.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is doing something remarkable with its new plug-in electric cars. The new cars are called the “i MiEV” which is based on the gasoline 660cc “i” minicar, and can drive up to 100 miles on a single battery charge. Electric vehicles are coming fast from various automakers.

The Mitsubishi electric car produces zero-emissions and approximately 30 percent of the Co2 of a gasoline mini car. In a nutshell, the “i MiEV” replaces the conventional engine, transmission and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, motor, inverter and other EV components. The installation of the batteries is located under the floor which makes the automobile’s center of gravity low in an effort to provide more stability during drives. It also enables the motor and inverter to be installed in the space that used to house the conventional engine and transmission.

The “i MiEV” electric minicar has a long wheelbase and seats up to four passengers. There is also a reasonable cargo space for luggage in the rear. While this minicar appears small on the outside, it does provide plenty of cabin space.

Electric vehicles are rapidly advancing and this Mitsubishi EV is no exception. The car will be available in April 2010 with a price tag of $45,000. Critics and most auto reviewers claim the price is too high. However, we feel that its reasonable since the vehicle can offset the price as a gas-free solution.

New cars that run on electricity also have a cost per kilometer to drive. The i MiEV is one third that of a comparable gasoline car. Depending on the cost of electricity, cost per kilometer can drop as low as one ninth that of gasoline. For example, you can save more money on electricity by charging the EV during off-peak or night-time hours.

Drivers will notice that this car has good acceleration and runs very quiet. Stronger acceleration is achieved through a compact and highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor that generates high torque from a low speed. The Mitsubishi car uses an electric motor free of the vertical vibration associated with gasoline engines, it runs extremely quiet.

Using the on-board charger, the vehicle can be charged with a 100V or 200V power source in the home. In addition, if quick-chargers currently being developed by power companies are used, it will be possible to charge the vehicle in a short time. The battery can be charged from household outlets in about 12-14 hours, while a quick-charger will only take 30 minutes.

In addition to the standard Drive range, i MiEV electric car features an Eco (Economy) range, which limits excessive power going to the motor, and a Brake range which applies the regenerative brake more aggressively during incline descents. The regenerative brake is a mechanism that reduces automobile speed by converting the kinetic energy into battery energy. New cars which are EV are perfect for city travel and can bypass traffic congestion to get you from point A to point B while reducing carbon emissions.

Via Mitsubishi Plug-in Electric Cars Replace Conventional With EV Components

By Qi Hui

The standby power consumption of such LCD TVs adopting the new light perception and frequency conversion technology can be decreased below 0.1W; the wear rate of a washing machine with the function of “stop as soon as cleaning is over” can be reduced about 25 percent than that of common washing machines, and can save 30 percent water and electricity respectively; the multi-door frequency conversion refrigerator adopting the advanced dual refrigerating cycle system can realize refrigeration directly through a refrigerating evaporators or a freezing evaporator, effectively reducing the power consumption and realizing super energy conservation…

In the household appliance zone in various supermarkets and shopping mall, we can see these energy-conservation household appliances with various types. Nowadays, people’s living standard is increasingly improved, and household appliances have been the necessities in people’s daily life. As people have experienced such energy crises as “switch off to restrict electricity use”, “gas oil shortage” and “soaring petroleum gas price”, energy conservation and environmental protection has become people’s first demand on the function of household appliances.

In August 2004, National Development and Reform Commission and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of P.R.C. issued Regulation on Energy Efficiency Mark Management to conduct unified energy efficiency mark system on such energy consumption products with a large energy consumption potential and wide use. Starting from March 1st, 2005, the government began to implement compulsive energy efficiency mark system on such two products as refrigerators and air conditioners. In September 2006, the second batch product content about energy efficiency mark implementation was issued, where the electric washing machine and unitary air conditioners are listed. Starting from June 1st, 2008, the new energy conservation standards on such five-type house appliances as gas water heaters, electrical storage water heaters, induction cookers, multi-connected air conditioning (heat pump) units and frequency conversion air conditioners had been implemented successively.

However, the fundamental key to solve the energy conservation issue of household appliances is to innovate and make breakthrough on the energy conservation technology of household appliances. With the extruding problem of product homogeneity and increasingly fierce market competition, many household appliance manufacturers realized that only to establish the core competitiveness based on the investment and development of new technologies and new products, can they find the market breakthrough and realize enterprises’ sustainable development. Consumers realize that to purchase such energy conservation household appliances with new technologies cannot only generate economic benefit, but also nurture a healthy and environment-friendly living style.

In order to put household appliance energy conservation into place, manufacturers invest more energy and scientific research on developing such products with energy conservation, power saving and low consumption, and turn their eyes on the new technology application to improve energy conservation effect. Through technology innovation, they can find a new market on the layer a little higher than the current market, innovate in the market-demanded products, culture and create such a potential future market, and increasingly develop such forward-looking products with high-tech content. For the moment, the energy conservation products have made new breakthroughs in various fields of the household appliance industry. In terms of air conditioners, such a type with direct current and frequency conversion is becoming the mainstream in the market step by step; in terms of refrigerators, consumers do not only require frequency conversion, their requirements on the compressor efficiency has also been enhanced rapidly; in terms of washing machines, with the performance of energy conservation and water saving, rolling washing machines have caught higher and higher market shares; in terms of water heaters, some products with new technologies, such as solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters, are being favored by consumers increasingly.

Through persistent technological innovation, various large household appliance manufacturers developed novel products with higher energy efficiency continuously. It has not only made profits for these manufacturers, but also helped consumers save energy expenditure and reduce the energy consumption of the household appliances. The hot selling of energy conservation household appliances has created a new development space and injected new vigor into household appliance industry after the over-10-year rapid development of the industry.

via Energy-efficient appliances have huge market potential

By Al Greenwood

HOUSTON (ICIS news)–A US programme to develop lithium-ion batteries and other types of energy storage could open a $11bn-13bn market to chemical companies, an automobile executive said on Friday.

The nation’s $780bn (€554bn) stimulus bill includes roughly $2bn to develop energy storage, said Ted Miller, senior manager of energy-storage strategy and research at US automaker Ford.

Miller is also Ford’s representative at the US Advanced Battery Consortium, an industrial cooperative research group that falls under the US Council for Automotive Research.

The $2bn from the government will join venture-capitalist money that is already funding research and development (R&D), Miller said. “There seems to be a fairly bullish outlook for these energy-storage technologies.”

The nation seems more committed to developing the technology than previous efforts – such as a 2003 push to develop fuel cells, Miller said. “We are in a little different climate both literally and figuratively.”

Climate change, greenhouse gases and air quality are growing concerns, Miller said. The political climate has changed, with a new party controlling the US Congress and the presidency.

Also, demand already exists for batteries, Miller said. Hybrid automobiles have maintained a 3-4% market share in the US, although nearly all of those vehicles feature nickel-metal hydride batteries.

By the end of this year, Daimler should introduce Mercedes S-Class hybrid, the first mainstream automobile that will have a lithium-ion battery, Miller said. General Motors (GM) and Ford will introduce vehicles in 2010 that will feature the technology.

From then on, automakers could consistently release more vehicles with lithium-ion batteries, Miller said. By 2015, demand from US automobiles could create a $11bn-13bn market for lithium-ion batteries.

Another source of battery demand could come from electrical utilities, Miller said. Regulators are encouraging power companies to generate more electricity from such renewable sources as wind and solar power.

Both sources generate power sporadically, regardless of when electricity is most needed, Miller said. “The wind isn’t always blowing when you need it.”

Lithium-ion batteries could store the electricity until it is needed, he said.

The batteries have three high-cost components that chemical companies could produce, Miller said.

The material (a lithium compound) used to make the battery’s cathodes could see noticeable growth, he said.

“The cost of those materials can be relatively high,” he said. “Those are probably big opportunities.”

The second material is the battery’s electrolyte salt, lithium hexafluoride, he said.

The third is the separator film, Miller said. “They represent a pretty significant percentage of the pie.”

Although the separators are made of commodity plastics, the engineering requirements make them a high-dollar item, Miller said. The batteries require thin, uniform sheets that are microporous.

ExxonMobil already is developing separators. BASF may build a US plant that makes battery materials. A Dow Chemical joint venture has plans to build battery plant.

Via US lithium-ion batteries open $13bn market to chemicals

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oncor, the largest transmission and distribution business in Texas, has placed into service leading-edge power delivery equipment that will support environmental improvements in the North Texas area, while allowing for the continued reliable operation of the power grid.

“This investment will accommodate future integration of wind power and other forms of remote generation to support future growth in the Metroplex,” Oncor Chairman and CEO Bob Shapard said. “At the same time, it also addresses the present needs in North Texas for system reliability by allowing the operation of older, local generating plants – which are typically among the least efficient units – to be minimized.”

Historically, local generating plants helped moderate voltage fluctuations in electricity. With much of the generation in the urban areas of North Texas shut down in order to address environmental concerns, new voltage control is needed.

In response, Oncor has invested $50 million in smart grid technology Static VAr Compensators (SVCs) in Dallas, which are emissions-free solutions to the problem. As the largest and fastest acting installation of its kind in the world, the SVC technology provides the needed voltage control without the need for generation so close to population centers.

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (“Oncor”) is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to approximately 3 million homes and businesses and operating approximately 117,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

via World’s Largest Concentration of Smart Grid Voltage Compensation Equipment Placed in Service by Oncor

Larry Kuhl, Henry Marcy to discuss innovation in the utility-customer relationship

BURLINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Microsoft and Whirlpool Corporation executives will participate in discussions at the KEMA second annual Utility of the Future executive conference June 17-19, 2009 in Washington DC.

Microsoft and Whirlpool Corporation are each developing advanced consumer-based technologies and applications that will change the way customers interact with their electric utilities. Microsoft has been working with its partner ecosystem to develop and deploy online software applications that will provide near real-time energy consumption information and enhance customer contact experiences. Whirlpool Corporation is innovating smart appliances that will connect with SmartGrid technology to better manage home energy use by making energy consumption visible to customers. Combined with emerging Home Area Networking (HAN) technologies, these information technology (IT) innovations will empower utility customers of the future to make more informed, efficient energy-use decisions.

Microsoft’s Larry Kuhl, manager of Worldwide Utilities business development and alliances, and Whirlpool’s Henry Marcy, vice president of technology, will join other innovators as part of the Utility of the Future conference “Customer Focus” panel. They will discuss what the smart grid and the utility of the future mean in terms of product and service innovations for utilities and their customers.

“At Microsoft, our goal is to make every customer touch point matter,” says Kuhl. “We do this by helping utilities create valuable customer relationships by improving their experiences across multiple interaction channels – phone, e-mail, chat and web – combining disparate information from different applications into one view to optimize each customer interaction.”

“We recently announced that all electronically controlled appliances made by Whirlpool Corporation anywhere in the world will be SmartGrid compatible by 2015,” says Dr. Henry Marcy, vice president of technology for Whirlpool Corporation. “This is a critical step forward in creating a demand response environment in which energy reduction is systematically controlled across 10,000’s of homes at a time, providing automatic energy reduction without any inconvenience to consumers. In addition, overall energy generation would be made more effective as utilities could run at optimum output and avoid purchasing spinning reserves which lowers costs and significantly reduces carbon emissions.”

The KEMA Utility of the Future executive conference, “Navigating sustainability,” will gather senior executives from across the energy and utility industry to discuss the changing rules and relationships underlying the transformation of the energy future. Discussions will cover regulatory and policy directions, operating a smart grid infrastructure, developments in generation, energy storage, plug-in vehicles, and implications for utility products and customers.

via Microsoft, Whirlpool Execs to Be Featured Panelists at KEMA Utility of the Future Executive Conference

By: Andy Hodges

Published: Jun 2, 2009

Hybrid cars are revolutionizing the way we commute and will reduce our dependency for foreign oil. Electric hybrid cars can also use alternative and renewal energy to recharge a NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) hybrid battery. The plug in hybrids usually comes with one of these batteries which power the vehicle at slower speeds.

Conventional gasoline cars get their power from a combustion engine. Unfortunately, these automobiles rely on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment. They produce carbon emissions into the air and can create the greenhouse effect on Earth.

Rising gas prices are also making the electric plug in hybrids more suitable for daily commuters who drive about 40 miles per day. A battery-powered car can meet those demands by running on alternative and renewable energy, which comes from electricity. Power plants are converting to solar and wind technologies as a renewable source of energy.

There is a hybrid tax credit for those that own one of these automobiles. Ford Motor Company still offers the $1,700 tax incentive which officially expires on October 1, 2009. You should consult with your tax consultant or the IRS about these hybrid vehicle tax credits that are still available today.

2010 Hybrid plug in cars are more available now than in previous years. Automakers are determined to compete in the fuel-efficiency market which gives the consumer more options and choices than before. If you have not test-driven a hybrid car, you should visit a local dealer and check it out.

Hybrids are more popular now than ever before. It is a smart decision which can you money at the pump while doing your part to clean the environment. Most of these vehicles are eco-friendly from its emissions to using soybean material for cloth seats.

Electric cars have made rapid advancements in recent years. The Hybrid car technology is saving gas and giving consumers more money back at the pump. No one knows when gas prices will rise again, as it did in 2008, but owning of these electric hybrid cars can save you the headaches and the worry.

via Hybrid Cars Offer Electric Plug In Solutions

Why does a bus stop need to be solar powered, you ask? To power its LED lighting, intercom system and even a wireless router – at least, that’s how it is with these swanky new bus stops being installed in San Fransisco. The stop you see up above is the first of the 1,100 wavy-topped, solar-powered bus stops the city wants to roll out by 2013.

For anyone who relies on public transportation, that dedicated, low power lighting sounds great during a late night commute. For everyone else, a city-wide blanket of Wi-Fi is just awesome. The stops also give whatever energy they don’t use back to the grid, and are built using mostly recycled materials. Check out more of them in the gallery down below.

via San Francisco’s solar powered bus stops spread Wi-Fi all over

Energy is an integral part of everyone’s lives and sometimes people take it for granted, Charles Zeh said during the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation’s recent Energy Summit.

Charles Zeh manages the non-fossil energy work of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory as director of the Project Management Center. He was as one of several guest speakers at the “Energy Opportunities for West Virginia” seminar, held May 27 at the I-79 Technology Park Research Center in Fairmont.

Teaming to Win and the WVHTC Foundation’s Affiliate Leadership Council co-sponsored the event. Jim Estep, president and CEO of the foundation, welcomed the packed audience to the Energy Summit, and Congressman Alan Mollohan provided opening remarks. The distinguished panelists then gave presentations related to energy opportunities in the state and West Virginia’s energy future.

Individuals today live in a society that has an abundant and reliable energy supply, and the world’s reliance on energy will increase, Zeh told the attendees.

via The Times West Virginian – Meeting growing demand.

News 22 May 2009 : New York

The Energy and Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives approved The American Clean Energy and Security Act by a vote of 33 to 25 yesterday.

The bill contains measures to cut global warming pollution by 17% from 2005 levels in 2020, by 42% in 2030, and by 83% in 2050.

Covered entities would be required to keep emissions below a government-mandated level, if the bill is passed into law. Electricity generators, and liquid fuel refiners and importers would be among those covered by the rules from 2012. Industrial sources emitting more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year would be covered from 2014. Local distribution companies that deliver natural gas would come under the rules in 2016.

The legislation allows for the trading of emissions allowances, as well as the offsets that can be used by covered entities to account for emissions over and above the mandated limit.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act also promotes greater use of renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, clean electric vehicles, and the development of a smart grid. The bill contains a plan to boost energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry.

Read more..

ARRA dollars support broad sectors of Kentucky’s economy

FRANKFORT, KY – May 21, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Underscoring his vision to make Kentucky a national leader in energy, Governor Steve Beshear announced today a $52 million blueprint to create nearly 600 jobs by increasing efficiency and renewable energy efforts in schools, farms, homes, government buildings and private sector initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.

The funding for the plan is part of the federal stimulus plan or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Kentucky’s allocation for energy initiatives and planning is $52,533,000 that will be utilized over the next three years, pending approval by the U.S. Department of Energy in the next several months.

“The programs that will receive the funding will have a wide-ranging and positive impact on the Commonwealth both immediately and for years to come,” Gov. Beshear said today in announcing the energy blueprint. “These programs are designed to support Kentucky’s seven-point strategy for energy independence that will position Kentucky as a national leader in production, conservation and efficiency efforts.

The Governor’s comprehensive energy plan, released last year, calls for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while creating some 40,000 jobs tied to energy production and conservation between now and 2025.

Specifics of the state’s proposed stimulus funding plan include:

• Purchasing and installing energy efficiency or renewable energy equipment and materials for the retrofit of a state-of-the-art Advanced Battery Strategic Planning facility and the proposed advanced battery manufacturing facility to be built in Glendale, Ky.
• Dramatically improving energy efficiency in government buildings by installing an Energy Management System and establishing the Kentucky Green Bank, a revolving loan fund for energy efficiency improvements.
• Expanding the Kentucky Energy Efficiency program in public schools, as well as the Green and Healthy Schools program, to help Kentucky schools better manage energy use, while also educating students, faculty and staff on efficiency and conservation efforts.

Read more..

President Barack Obama has emphasized change. For energy policy, change must be based on good science, ethics and management principles. Lessons learned from successes and failures in the United States and other nations support need for the following:

1. A permanent U.S. energy and nuclear technology board consisting of people who understand energy, nuclear and chemical/nuclear science and technology, and good management practice and ethics. This board would direct and provide oversight for national energy and nuclear programs and policies, avoid the adverse consequences of government management and ensure that Americans are fully informed about energy and nuclear technology.

2. A national commitment to full and efficient use of nuclear materials and technology for power, our safest, least polluting and potentially most abundant source of energy.

3. A corporation to produce nuclear materials for important national needs, manage used fuel from nuclear power plants, dispose of nuclear waste and develop advanced nuclear fuel recycle technology.

4. Increased use of high-speed rail for inter- and intra-city travel, powered by nonpolluting electricity produced in emission-free nuclear power plants.

5. Research and development for production of synthetic oil and natural gas from coal.

6. Higher taxes on gas to discourage wasteful use.

via Time for new agency, fresh start on energy | ajc.com.