Power Generation
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
UK Report on Potential Impact of EVs and PHEVs on GHG Reduction Concludes That EVs Could Cut Emissions by 40% Per Vehicle Even with Current Grid Mix
November 07, 2008
A new report, jointly produced by Arup and Cenex for the UK’s Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Transport (DfT) concludes that electric vehicles have the potential to produce significant greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to conventional vehicles over the full life-cycle.
Even based on the current UK electricity grid mix, the authors expect an emissions reduction on a per vehicle basis of 40%. With further decarbonization of the UK power mix, reductions from the use of EVs would increase.
More... | Comments (40) | TrackBack (0)
US DOE to Provide Up to $43.1M Over 4 Years for Enhanced Geothermal Systems Research, Development and Demonstration
October 06, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) will provide up to $43.1 million over four years (subject to annual appropriations) to 21 awardees, including a 13 awards to first-time recipients, for research, development and demonstration of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) for next-generation geothermal energy technologies. Combined with the minimum industry cost-share of 20%, up to $78 million is slated for public-private investment in these 21 projects over the next four years.
The DOE solicited applications in two topic areas: component technologies research and development, and system demonstrations. (Earlier post.) DOE announced 17 awards in component technologies research and development that will address aspects of engineered reservoir creation, management and utilization at high temperatures up to 300°C and depths as great as 10,000 meters, including 12 awards to first-time recipients.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
McKinsey Report Concludes CCS Could Be Economic at New Power Plants by 2030
September 29, 2008
 |
| While many CCS component technologies are relatively mature, to date there are no fully integrated, commercial-scale CCS projects in operation. Click to enlarge. Source: McKinsey |
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) at new power plants could become economic by 2030, according to a new report by management consultancy McKinsey & Co. The report, which focuses on the European power generation market, projects CCS costs in the reference case scenario down to around €30-45 (US$43-65) per tonne of CO2 abated by then—costs which are in line with expected carbon prices in that period.
Early CCS demonstration projects will have a significantly higher cost of €60-90 per tonne, according to the report. Early full commercial-scale CCS projects—potentially to be built soon after 2020—are estimated to cost €35-50/tonne CO2 abated.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Entergy Submits Application for Louisiana Nuclear Plant; Third NRC Application This Month with GE Hitachi ESBWR Reactor
September 27, 2008
|
| The GE Hitachi ESBWR Reactor. Click to enlarge. |
New Orleans-based Entergy Corp. has submitted a combined construction and operating license (COL) application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), selecting GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s (GEH) next-generation ESBWR (Economic Simplified Boiling-Water Reactor) reactor design.
The nation’s second-largest nuclear plant operator, Entergy is seeking to reserve the option to build a potential new reactor at its River Bend Nuclear Generating Station in Louisiana, located along the Mississippi River in St. Francisville, about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge.
More... | Comments (116) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Provide Up to $7.3M for Advanced Water Power Projects
September 19, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 14 projects for negotiation of awards of up to a total of $7.3 million, with a cost-shared value of more than $18 million, for Advanced Water Power Projects R&D. The projects will advance commercial viability, cost-competitiveness, and market acceptance of new technologies that can harness renewable energy from oceans and rivers.
The DOE will make awards in three topic areas. In the first topic area, awards will be for industry-led partnerships to develop and/or field test advanced water power technologies. Successful applicants are required to develop collaborative project teams involving at least one other industrial, university, or national laboratory partner.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
US MMS Moves Forward With Alternative Energy Leases on the Outer Continental Shelf
July 26, 2008
The US Minerals Management Service (MMS) is proceeding with the consultation and analyses necessary to move toward the issuance of limited leases under its interim policy for authorizing alternative energy data collection and technology testing activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
MMS announced its interim policy in November 2007 to jumpstart basic information gathering efforts relating to development of OCS alternative energy resources such as wind, waves, and ocean currents as authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). The limited leases envisioned under the interim policy will be for a term of five years and will not convey any right or priority for commercial development.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Gore’s Challenge to the US: 100% Zero-Carbon Electricity in 10 Years
July 17, 2008
In a major speech given today at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington DC, former Vice President Al Gore challenged the US to end its reliance on carbon-based fuels and to “commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years.”
While the primary focus of his speech was on power generation, Gore noted that the value and efficiency of an advanced, unified national power grid could be further increased by helping the auto industry switch to the manufacture of plug-in electric cars. “An electric vehicle fleet would sharply reduce the cost of driving a car, reduce pollution, and increase the flexibility of our electricity grid.”
More... | Comments (116) | TrackBack (0)
Simple New Energy Converter Could Address Cost Issues for Wave Power
July 03, 2008
 |
| Simulation of an Anaconda device in the sea. Click to enlarge. |
Engineers at the University of Southampton (UK) are embarking on a program of large-scale laboratory experiments and mathematical studies to try to advance the development of a simple wave energy converter concept that promises wave-generated electricity at lower cost. The project is supported with more than £430,232 (US$852,233) in funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and is in collaboration with the inventors and the developer of the device.
Called the Anaconda, the device is a large distensible rubber tube that is closed at both ends and filled with water. It is designed to be anchored just below the sea’s surface, with one end facing the oncoming waves.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Invest Approximately $1.3B to Commercialize CCS Technology in Revamped FutureGen Program
June 25, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to invest in multiple commercial-scale Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) or other advanced coal power plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology under the Department’s restructured FutureGen program. (Earlier post.)
The solicitation is seeking multiple cost-shared projects to advance coal-based power generation technologies that capture and store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). The Department anticipates $290 million will be available for funding of selected projects through fiscal year (FY) 2009 and an additional $1.01 billion is expected to be available in subsequent years, subject to appropriations by Congress.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
RAND Study Concludes Major Progress in Technology Needed for 25% Renewable Energy Use to Be Affordable
June 24, 2008
 |
| Sample incremental cost of renewables substitution curve under one set of assumptions. Click to enlarge. |
Major progress in renewable energy technology is needed if the United States desires to produce 25% of its electricity and motor vehicle fuel from renewable sources by 2025 without significantly increasing consumer costs, according to a new RAND Corporation study. Currently, renewable energy provides 9.5% of total US electricity supply, mostly hydroelectric power, and 1.6% of motor vehicle fuel.
Produced by the RAND Environment, Energy and Economic Development Program, the study provides a snapshot of the nation’s potential energy expenditures if a requirement was imposed that 25% of electricity and motor vehicle fuels used in the United States by 2025 would come from renewable resources (a described as “25 x ’25”, earlier post).
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
StatoilHydro to Build First Full-Scale Floating Wind Turbine
May 23, 2008
 |
| The HyWind floating turbine. Click to enlarge. |
StatoilHydro will build the world’s first full-scale floating wind turbine, Hywind, and test it over a two-year period offshore Karmøy, Norway. (Earlier post.) The company is investing approximately 400 million NOK (US$80 million) in the project, and plans to have the floating turbine in operation in autumn 2009.
Wind is strongest and most consistent far out to sea, making deepwater placement of wind turbines attractive for power generation. StatoilHydro has developed HyWind based on floating concrete constructions familiar from North Sea oil installations—HyWind consists of a 2.3 MW wind turbine attached to the top of a Spar-buoy.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
Ontario Funding C$2.2M River Energy Project
April 12, 2008
 |
| A Verdant turbine being lowered into New York’s East River as part of the RITE project. |
The Canadian province of Ontario is investing C$2.2 million in the Cornwall Ontario River Energy (CORE) Project in the St. Lawrence River. The goal of the two-phase CORE Project is to develop 15MW of power as a demonstration of the feasibility and commercial viability of Verdant Power Canada’s river-powered Free Flow Turbine.
CORE is Verdant’s second major project; the company began installing turbines for the Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy (RITE) Project in New York City’s East River, along the eastern shore of Roosevelt Island, in 2006. At full capacity, the three-phase RITE project could generate up to 10 MW.
More... | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)
Study: Meaningful GHG Benefit from PHEVs Requires Low-Carbon Electricity
April 07, 2008
 |
| Modeled GHG emissions from conventional vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids using current US average GHG intensity of electricity. Click to enlarge. |
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can displace a large fraction of gasoline use and the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with its combustion. However, total lifecycle GHG reductions from PHEVs depend heavily on the carbon intensity of the electricity used to grid-charge the PHEV battery pack.
A new study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University concludes that—given US average GHG intensity of electricity (670 g CO2-eq/kWh)—PHEVs can reduce total lifecycle GHG emissions by 32% compared to conventional vehicles (CVs), but offer only a small reduction compared to conventional charge-sustaining hybrids (HEVs). A paper on their work appears in the 7 April edition of the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
More... | Comments (54) | TrackBack (0)
HEC and Startech Enter Strategic Alliance for Hydrogen-Fueled Power Generation
March 19, 2008
Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. (HEC) and Startech Environmental Corp. have entered a strategic alliance to develop commercial projects that combine HEC’s hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) generators with Startech’s proprietary Plasma Converter technology for waste destruction, processing and remediation. HEC’s engines will generate power using the hydrogen produced by Startech’s Plasma Converter.
HEC plans to deliver a hydrogen-powered generator system to Startech in May 2008. The combined HEC and Startech waste remediation and power generation package will be made available globally for a wide variety of applications.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
ORNL Study Explores PHEVs’ Impact on Power Generation Requirements
March 13, 2008
 |
| Sum for all 13 regions of projected 2030 generating capacity (top left), base generation (top right), and new generation dispatched (bottom) to meet demand for each PHEV recharging scenario. Click to enlarge. |
A recent Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) study examines how an expected increase in ownership of plug-in hybrid electric cars and trucks could affect regional power generation requirements depending on what time of day or night the vehicles are charged. The researchers concluded that supporting a 25% market share of light-duty (cars and SUVs) PHEVs in 2030 could require either major new power generation resources or no new resources at all, depending on when people recharge.
The ORNL study also factors in the impact of the different options for connecting vehicles to the grid. As Dr. Mark Duvall at EPRI has outlined, at 120 volts AC, a 15 amp circuit would be about a 1.4 kW load, while a 20 amp circuit would be about 2 kW. Using a 208/240 volt and 30 amp circuit instead, the load could be as much as 6 kW.
More... | Comments (45) | TrackBack (0)
Study Suggests Planning for Grid-Based Light-Duty Vehicles (PHEVs or EVs) Should Factor in Impacts on Regional Water Resources
March 10, 2008
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has concluded that converting light-duty transportation from full gasoline power to electric power by using either plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to increase demand for water resources—primarily due to increased water cooling of thermoelectric power plants to accommodate increased electricity generation. The study assumes continuation of the current electricity generation mix, for methodological ease, even while recognizing that “changes will happen.”
The potential increase in usage, assuming wide-spread adoption of PHEVs and EVs, represents a significant potential impact on regional water resources and should be considered when planning for a plugged-in automotive economy, according to the study by Carey King and Michael Webber, published online in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
More... | Comments (38) | TrackBack (0)
Researchers Find Mechanism for Bacterial Production of Electricity
March 04, 2008
 |
| Combined electron shuttling and chelator (shelator) activity by FMN or riboflavin (abbreviated as vitamin B2). |
Researchers at the University of Minnesota that are studying bacteria that are able to transfer electrons to metals have discovered that riboflavin (commonly known as vitamin B2) is responsible for much of the energy produced by these organisms.
The bacteria, Shewanella, are commonly found in water and soil and are of interest because they can convert simple organic compounds such as lactic acid into electricity, according to Daniel Bond and Jeffrey Gralnick of the University of Minnesota’s BioTechnology Institute and department of microbiology, who led the research effort.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Proposed Department of Energy Budget for 2009 Boosts Coal, Nuclear, Science and Biomass Programs; Reduces H2, Solar and Vehicle Technology Funding
February 04, 2008
The proposed budget for the US Department of Energy (DOE) in the President’s 2009 Budget outlines discretionary program spending of about $26 billion, up 3.2% from the estimated spending for FY 2008.
The proposed budget significantly boosts spending on coal and nuclear technologies and the DOE Science program, with a smaller increase for biomass and biorefinery R&D. However, funding within the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) program is cut by 28%, down to $1.256 billion, with the reductions coming mainly from funding for hydrogen technology, solar energy, vehicle technologies, facilities and infrastructure, and the weatherization program.
More... | Comments (30) | TrackBack (0)
DOE Restructures Its Approach to FutureGen
January 30, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) is restructuring its commitment and approach to the planned $1.5-billion FutureGen project, which would have resulted in the construction and operation of a prototype 275 MW plant that would co-produce electricity and hydrogen from coal with essentially zero emissions, including carbon dioxide emissions, which would be captured and sequestered. (Earlier post.)
The restructured approach will focus on separating carbon dioxide for CCS in multiple future IGCC plants. DOE will support industry in building IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) plants by providing funding for the addition of CCS technology to multiple plants. The new approach does not include support for hydrogen production.
More... | Comments (29) | TrackBack (0)
US DOE and State of Hawaii Sign Agreement to Increase Renewable Energy Technologies in Hawaii; 72% Reduction in Current Oil Consumption by 2030
January 29, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of Hawaii signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), a long-term partnership designed to transform Hawaii’s energy system to one that utilizes renewable energy and energy efficient technologies for a significant portion of its energy needs.
The partnership aims to put Hawaii on a path to supply 70% of its energy needs using clean energy by 2030, which could reduce 72% of Hawaii’s current crude oil consumption.
More... | Comments (51) | TrackBack (0)
Aker Reorganizes CO2 Capture Business; Building Capture Unit at Kårstø with Biomass-Fueling Under Development
January 24, 2008
 |
| Just Catch is a post-combustion amine scrubbing technology. Click to enlarge. |
Aker Kvaerner is transferring its Just Catch amine absorption technology for post-combustion CO2 capture to the company Aker Clean Carbon, which will focus on developing CO2 capture projects. Aqueous amine solutions function as an absorbent that binds CO2 for removal from exhaust gasses.
Aker Kvaerner will own 30% of the shares in Aker Clean Carbon, while Aker ASA will own 70%. Aker Kvaerner will also be responsible for supplying engineering and construction for future CO2 capture facilities.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
European Commission Proposes Plans for “20 20 by 2020”: 20% Cut in GHG Emissions and 20% Use of Renewable Power by 2020
January 23, 2008
The European Commission (EC) has proposed a detailed set of plans to implement the vision put forward in 2007 of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels and being ready to step up to 30% with an international agreement; and to produce 20% of power from renewable sources, all by 2020.
The package of proposed measures is the most far-reaching set of legislative proposals to be made by the EC for many years, José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the EC, said in his speech to the European Parliament today.
More... | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)
New Nanostructured Thin Film Shows Promise for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion; Potential Application in Hydrogen Production and CO2 Conversion to Hydrocarbon Fuels
January 09, 2008
A team of researchers from California, Mexico and China have combined two nanotech methods for engineering solar cell materials to create a material that performs better than expected.
Two methods for engineering solar cell materials that have shown particular promise are the use of thin films of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), doped with other elements, such as nitrogen; and the use of quantum dots that strongly absorb visible light. These tiny semiconductors inject electrons into a metal oxide film, or sensitize it, to increase solar energy conversion. Both doping and quantum dot sensitization extend the visible light absorption of the metal oxide materials.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
PG&E and Finavera Renewables Enter Into US’ First Commercial Wave Energy Power Purchase Agreement
December 18, 2007
 |
| Operating principle of the Finavera AquaBuOY. Click to enlarge. |
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has entered into a long-term, two megawatt (MW) commercial wave energy power purchasing agreement (PPA) with Finavera Renewables Inc., the developer of the AquaBuOY wave energy converter. (Earlier post.) This marks the first commercial wave energy power purchasing agreement in the US.
Finavera Renewables has initiated development plans for the two megawatt wave energy project to be constructed approximately 2.5 miles off the coast of Humboldt County, California for electricity delivery to PG&E's customers throughout its northern and central California service territory.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
FutureGen Plant to Be Sited in Mattoon, Illinois
 |
| Overview of technologies and process for the FutureGen coal plant. Click to enlarge. |
The FutureGen Alliance has selected Mattoon, Illinois as the site to host the FutureGen power plant. FutureGen is a prototype coal-based plant intended to establish the technical feasibility and economic viability of co-producing electricity and hydrogen from coal with essentially zero emissions, including carbon dioxide (via capture and sequestration). (Earlier post.)
The $1.2-billion (2006 dollars) FutureGen plant will be nominally rated at 275 MWe—roughly equivalent to a medium-size coal-fired power plant and sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 275,000 average US households. Carbon dioxide sequestration will be in the range of 1 to 2 million metric tons annually.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Google Launches Initiative to Develop Renewable Energy “Cheaper than Coal”
November 28, 2007
Google has launched a new strategic initiative to develop electricity from renewable energy sources. The newly created initiative, known as RE<C, will focus initially on advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, enhanced geothermal systems and other potential breakthrough technologies with the goal of producing one gigawatt of renewable energy capacity that is cheaper than coal.
“We are optimistic this can be done in years, not decades,” said Larry Page, Google co-founder and President of Products.
More... | Comments (44) | TrackBack (0)
CSIRO Invests in Hybrid Energy Storage System Start-Up
November 26, 2007
 |
| Depiction of hybrid energy storage system (UltraBattery) applied in renewable power generation. Click to enlarge. |
Australia’s CSIRO and Cleantech Ventures have invested in technology start-up Smart Storage Pty Ltd to develop and commercialize energy storage systems based on a hybrid battery which combines an asymmetric supercapacitor and a lead-acid battery in a single unit cell. Advanced materials used for the electrodes and current management absorb and release charge rapidly and at efficiencies well above conventional battery types.
Director of the CSIRO Energy Transformed National Research Flagship Dr John Wright said the Smart Storage battery technology aims to deliver a low cost, high performance, high power stationary energy storage solution suitable for grid-connected and remote applications.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
EU Research Project on Pre-Combustion Carbon Capture for Coal- and Gas-Fired Plants
November 21, 2007
 |
| Simplified process diagram of pre-combustion concept. Click to enlarge. Source: ENCAP |
Norway’s SINTEF will lead a European research project on advanced pre-combustion CO2 capture for coal- and gas-fired power stations. The DECARBit project, which will be coordinated by SINTEF Energy Research, will last for four years, with a total budget of NOK 120 million (US$22 million) , of which NOK 45 million will go to research at SINTEF and NTNU.
Pre-combustion capture is one of the three primary approaches to decarbonizing power generation from fossil fuels, the other two being oxy-fuel combustion and post-combustion capture. Pre-combustion technology is based on the separation of CO2 from a high H2 content gas mixture resulting from either coal gasification or the steam reforming of natural gas under high pressure.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
China and UK Launch Near Zero Emissions Coal Phase 1 Study
November 20, 2007
The governments of China and the UK formally launched the Near Zero Emissions Coal (NZEC) Phase 1 study in Beijing, China. The aim of the Phase 1 appraisal study is to look at the feasibility of building coal-fired power plants in China fitted with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). NZEC implements the vision of realizing a large scale Near Zero Emissions Coal demonstration in China as agreed at the EU-China Summit in September 2005.
Phase 2 of the NZEC project will define and design a demonstration project, and Phase 3 will build and operate that project. Outputs from Phase 1 will be important in determining further activities in Phases 2 and 3.
