Can cnidarians teach us how to harvest algae energy?

It is an old idea to use the ability of algae and photosynthetic bacteria to efficiently use the sun energy to produce sugars and oil, to our needs.
The problem is how to do it well enough, so it will be both cheap and easy. most of the attempts to use these creature in the field have failed, mainly because harvesting them, by actually killing them in the process makes the growing procedure to expensive.
I suggest that in order to solve this problem we need to further investigate how some organisms can make a symbiotic connection with algae in nature.
An example for that is the beautiful cnidarian (The family of jellyfish and sea anemones) Green Hydra, that can grow symbiotic green unicellular organisms, and to use their sugar as fuel. in return the Hydra provide protection and good growing environment to the fragile algae.
I think that we should make some effort researching this symbiosis, and learn how the Hydra, and other members of its family can harvest these algae, and copy this technique.

Why wind power will not rule?

In the world of green energy resources, there are many resources to choose from. The goal is to find the best renewable energy resources, to harvest and exploit in a way that will be both efficient and clean. There are three renewable energy sources that are both completely clean (no carbon emmition), and also renewable. these are solar energy (using the sun solar power), wind energy - using the wind to operate wind turbine, and the energy of the earth - using the movement of the sea or the heat from the heart of the earth.
In the battle for the best renewable energy resource, the two that are constantly growing, building new technologies and give more renewable energy information, are the solar power and wind power. many renewable energy companies are straggling to put their technology on top, to gain more influence and more renewable energy credit. who will eventually win?

I think that in spite of the fact that wind power technologies are advanced, and currently wind turbines base power plants are more efficient and cheap than solar panels, It will not turn out to be the leading technology of the future.

The reason for that is the huge difference in terms of energy between the these two resources.
The sun energy is by far more intense, and more reliable than wind energy. The sun is technically the sole provider of energy to the living world, and we only use a minute part of the energy that arrives to earth.
Moreover, wind energy is not always available and require more specifications than solar panels.

Learn About Renewable Energy As A Domestic Energy Assessor

The United States Department of Energy has devoted itself to the cause of renewable energy promotion with its creation of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden Colorado.

This renewable energy program facility offers programs in a wide variety of renewable power topics which span the various green energy resources such as wind, water, sun, biomass and even nuclear. NREL also conducts ongoing research and development in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable power. Each area of research is further enhanced by functions that cut across the various programs and reach out to industries for partnerships. These collaborations on renewable energy could include the transfer of technology, energy analysis and the integration of the various programs of each collaborator.

The 12 program areas of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are wind and hydropower technology intergovernmental projects on weatherization the technology of solar energy industrial power efficient technology the technology of fuel cells, hydrogen and building infrastructures geothermal technology the technology of vehicles and the Freedom Car energy management by the U.S. federal government energy-efficient building systems biomass and analytic studies. Each of these NREL programs is conducted by technology management experts whose capabilities and expertise span the programs wide renewable power technology range.

The Analytic Studies Program at NREL studies a wide variety of renewable energy analysis to support the programs and initiatives in place at the Lab. It also works with the Department of Educations Office for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy EERE as well as the energy analysis community at large. The labs Office of Energy Analysis integrates this analysis and supports its functions and the functions of the various research programs and centres of technology throughout the NREL.

Those who study renewable power analysis do so in five major interest areas. They look at the technologies involved in renewable energy, the benefits of the initiatives, and the markets for renewable energy, the policies that affect its implementation and embracement, and the analysis of the various programs. Many research programs are covered that include assessments of life cycles, vehicular systems, Web-based applications to assess renewable power possibilities and programs. The aim of this analysis is to understand how technology, policy, markets and the various software applications can interactive to the success of expansive and continuing renewable energy programs.

The study of biomass is an important ingredient in the renewable power implementation. Biomass offers a terrific opportunity to make use of sustainable as well as domestic resources for the production of power and fuel and the meeting of chemical needs through plants and t he material derived from them. Biomass starts with grasses, trees, biological material and agriculture. These can be used as renewable energy, either solid or through conversion to liquid or gas. These can produce electricity, chemicals, fuel or heat.

An important part of this NREL program is the development of energy-efficient and cost effective biomass technology that will reduce the U.S. dependence on oil from foreign countries, while it grows rural economies in our own country and improves the quality of our air.

Renewable Energy Reduces Electricity Use For Corporates

South Africa's growing economy has put huge strain on electricity usage. South Africa's electricity demand has been increasing at 15% a year, placing considerable strain on existing infrastructure. "We would like to work together with Eskom's new task team to aid in load reduction. This will ensure that our economy does not suffer loss from unnecessary load-shedding," says Andile Dlamini Toyota spokesperson.

Renewable energy is a reliable alternative to the traditional kind. In 2006, over 18% of global final energy came from renewables. By the end of 2008, Toyota will have installed 270 solar panels into its Durban plant. The company's decision to install solar panels will enable them to operate at full capacity while also reducing demand on Eskom.

Where previously Toyota's Prospecton plant in Durban used electricity and gas to heat water, it will now use energy converted from the sun as a source of heat. Solar panels collect and convert energy from the sun into energy and heat that is then used by nearby buildings.

Toyota's renewable energy project began in 2006 with the installation of 44X2,5m2 panels and the second phase was completed in June 2007 when 150 panels were installed. In the third phase of this project, Toyota will install a further 120 panels. While the project has cost Toyota R3.5 million, the company expects to save R95 000 per month on energy costs when the project is completed in the next few months. "Not only is this a significant financial saving, but it shows that Toyota is supportive of Eskom's energy saving initiative," comments Dlamini.

The car manufacturer will also reduce carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere by approximately 1350 tons per annum. Environmental impact of electricity use in South Africa is a concern which big electricity users like Toyota need to help address. Dlamini confirms, "Our solar power initiative is done with the environment in mind."

Commenting to Business Report, Andrew Atzinger, spokesperson for Eskom highlighted, "Until we have a culture where we pull together for the benefit of the economy...and each other, we would not expect there to be significant savings." Toyota's solar panel initiative will encourage other large companies to tackle the power-shortage in innovative ways.

Mediaweb is South Africa's wide release information service to the SA media, delivering the latest news within specific industry categories. Run by journalists, the service is driven by quality information that links journalists to usable content to help with pressured deadlines. Operating for over 8 years it also acts as a portal for general news, freelance and fulltime employment, and courses. To learn more, go to http://www.mediaweb.co.za

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryony_Whitehead

Renewable Energy: Join the largest growing industry on earth and become an EcoStar Dealer today!

Solar power is the energy of the future. It is clean, environmentally friendly and works everywhere there is sunlight. It can be used for commercial, residential and aerospace projects.

Solar panel power systems use Photovoltaics (PV) panels which convert sunlight to direct current (DC) electricity using semiconductors. You can find solar panels, like EcoStar Electric, that are manufactured from cutting edge materials and are virtually indestructible no matter how delicate they appear to the naked eye.

Residential solar power is easy to use and can save you substantial money on your energy bills. Many homeowners save more then they expect, even more then they are guaranteed. It is easy to convert a home to use solar energy for electricity, heating, and all residential energy needs. A homeowner can install a solar power kit to use solar energy to power their own home. The power created by residential PV panels can be used by standard 120/240 VAC home appliances.

Besides significantly lower energy bills many users find that solar power installations are very affordable. By finding a direct distributor, you can save up to 60% then from other retailers. A solar house also helps create energy independence. As energy process rise up to 15% every year, your solar panel will continue to convert free solar photovoltaic power to real power for you at no extra cost. And, many homeowners benefit from solar panel installations through tax breaks.

If you are excited by solar power and the many benefits of creating energy from the sun then you can be a solar power distributer. Bring this exciting technology to your area and introduce more people to energy independance and lower energy bills. Not only can you do more for the environment you can directly benefit from being an independent business owner. You can set your own hours, create your own environment and make money. A small investment to buy a solar power dealership can net you large profits. Some solar power installations create profits up to 70%. You can earn six figures from a single solar power system sale. In addition, you may be eligible for future green government business incentives.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of solar power for homeowners and commercial needs or start your own solar power dealership then you can learn more by checking our industry leaders like EcoStar Solar Energy.
EcoStar Solar Electric - Solar Electric made Easy. They Ship Worldwide. Toll Free 1-800-519-7693. Unlimited Income Opportunity - Dealer Information - Select zones still available.

Are Alternative Energy Companies the New Wave in industry?

There are strong feelings among the public that alternative energy companies will dominate the future of energy creation. Right now, it appears that the oil companies are reaping all the profits.

The world has been noticing alternative energy companies over the last few years. Why, you may ask.The answer is "for many reasons."

Reason #1: Petroleum products as an energy source create pollution.

Reason #2: Alternative energy companies strive to create pollution free energy.

Reason #3: People fear the danger and instability of nuclear power.

Reason #4: Alternative energy companies strive to use the forces of nature to create energy.

Reason #5: Fossil fuels are a non-renewable source of energy.

Reason #6: Since alternative energy companies use nature to create energy, it is an endlessly renewable source.

Reason #7: The profits from conventional power is cyclicle; they may surge when supplies are short and fall when supplies are great.

Reason #8: Alternative energy companies continue to grow as new technologies are discovered.

There are strong feelings among the public that alternative energy companies will dominate the future of energy creation. Right now, it appears that the oil companies are reaping all the profits.

But the world sees that technological growth is the key to the future. Companies such as Microsoft have set the standard that advances only come through change.

Outdated, inefficient methods must be discarded and new technologies introduced. This is how technology will affect the future. And alternative energy companies will control that technology.

The public is willing to pay for cutting edge discoveries. As the costs of traditional energy continues to sky-rocket, alternative energy companies will be the ones to benefit as they supply alternate technologies to fossil fuel.

Alternative energy companies offer a chance for the world to not only survive, but to grow. For, if things remain the same, we will not be able to continue growing, or, we can grow but burn up all our energy. As we grow using fossil fuels, we are poisoning the earth.

Alternative energy companies can offer a solution that does not require a choice between survival and growth. As we look more and more to nature, we can find better methods to create energy.

Alternative energy companies will use the mechanism of capitalism to create energy through alternate sources.

If each person used nature to create energy, it would take years for the concept to grow. But alternative energy companies rally resources of many to make it happen faster. They are uniting these resources into one whole. They are not only interested in discovering alternative fuel sources, but also in promoting their use. The discovery of these alternates is meaningless if they are not used.

Alternative energy companies inform people of the benefits of alternative energy and try to convince them to use it. If they are able to make a profit in the meantime, all the better. Correct?

Alternative energy companies are striving to have the world recognize that continued use of traditional energy is wrong. They will do this by showing us the "alternate". They supply the solution to the "don't grow or grow and burnout" dilemma.

As in a storm, if you move away from the center, conditions worsen; the closer you stay focused in the center, the safer you will be.

About the Author
MJ Batta writes on various alternative energy related topics and hosts an alternative energy websites at energy.researchthisstuff.com">Alternative Energy

Working With The Power Of Wind

Wind power is growing in popularity as an alternative to fossil fuel and one of the best of the renewable energy sources. The use of wind power requires wind turbines. Wind turbine generators do little to harm the environment and are far preferable in this regard to fossil fuel. The only disadvantage is that they cannot be used everywhere. In order to effectively use turbines to generate wind power you would need an average wind speed of at least 13 miles per hour. Obviously, that is not found everywhere.

Palm Springs California is ideal for wind turbines that generate power and as you pass through there along highway 10 you will see these wind turbines in various sizes. Called a wind farm, This San Bernadino Mountain area has over 4000 windmills in its San Gorgonio Mountain Pass. These turbines provide enough wind power to provide electricity to all of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley area as a whole. Most of the current wind power generation in the U.S. resides in California.

The largest of the wind power windmills is 150 feet in height with blades that stretch halfway across a football field. There are compartments at the windmills top that house its generators, its hub and its gearbox. These weigh at least 30,000 and as much as 45,000 pounds. At this size the turbine for wind power may cost more than 300,000 but will provide 300 kilowatts each hour. This amount of wind power is enough to keep one typical household in electrical power for an entire month.

The American Wind Energy Association AWEA is a U.S. – wide non-profit organization promoting wind power as a clean electrical source for consumers the world over. AWEA represents developers of wind power projects, those who are in the business of supplying wind power equipment, wind power service providers, manufacturers of wind power parts, utilities that provide wind power for electrical power, scientists researching green energy resources that include the use of wind power and others involved in any way in the wind power industry. Hundreds of advocates of wind power are also members of AWEA.

The American Wind Energy Association provides the latest information on the operation of current or potential wind power projects, the ongoing development of new wind power projects, companies who work in the burgeoning industry, the development of new wind energy technology, and government legislation and policies that pertain to the use, production and funding of wind power and other renewable energies.

AWEA acts as a clearing house for the wind power industry, and as such communicates the pertinent statistics, facts and news. From AWEA consumers and others can find out the latest legislative decisions and efforts, including the best information on grants and loans to aid in the implementation of residential, commercial and governmental wind power projects.

AWEA publishes and disseminates the only weekly wind power newsletter that exists anywhere. It also hosts an annual wind power conference, with presentations on the latest technological developments and trends as well as access to businesses offering help in its implementation.

About the Author: James Copper is a writer for http://www.newcareerskills.co.uk/domestic-energy-assessor-training.htm

Save now! - Green Energy Revolution: Energy Saving Devices

World today is experiencing energy revolution. Environmental issues are catching up and with the increased emphasis placed on preserving the environment we all need to play our roles in saving energy. By saving energy, we can definitely take a positive step in fighting the climate change and in preserving non-renewable sources of energy. Let us look at some devices and measures that can help us conserve energy and replace non renewable sources with renewable sources of energy.

Many companies are now providing customer-focused energy equipments like Energy savers, Utility Instruments, Level Controllers, Control Panels and Process Control Equipments etc. Various products that are now placed in the shelves of the store and that help in energy revolution and conservation are:

• Integrated Intelligent Home System:
This provides you with home security, control, automation and communication related features. One can control and monitor their home and office security along with controlling the home appliances and lighting from any telephone, keypad, handheld remote control system, computer or the internet. The products have outstanding remote communication features which can allow you to communicate with visitors when they are still at office doors, you can send them your messages and can also hear their messages. In case there is alarm notification, you can listen to different sounds and the activity present in the surroundings.

• Light and Air -conditioner Energy Saver:
These devices are normally very easy to install and help to save energy directly. They can adjust the temperature by automatically realizing the self-motion adjustment. They do not connect to any circuitry in the AC. They have stable capacities and do not get affected by fluctuations in external temperature. Trouble from these energy saver devices do not harm or affect the functioning of your equipment in any way. The devices are shock proof and help you reduce your power requirement by minimum 20%.

• Green Energy Products
Today, you would find an array of Green products in the market. Green products and appliances include energy saving appliances and devices for your office and home, windows/doors utilizing solar energy and household products built out of eco-friendly materials. Fluorescent light bulbs are another light saving devices utilizing minimum amount of electricity per watt. All these energy saver products positively influence the environment and reduce the energy and electricity costs. They also reduce the emission of pollutants in the long-term.

Other products like energy saving remote control made out of plastic are also available for saving energy in your day to day use.

Benefits of using Energy saving & Intelligent Products:

• Uses 75% to 80% less electricity.
• Cost less and work too well
• Reduce dependence on coal and petroleum
• Help to address concerns of global warming
• Reduce the gasoline and electricity bills
• Reduce the green house gas emission levels

Overall, reduced energy usage means that the need to go for building new transmission lines, infrastructure and other related devices can be delayed and prolonged. Hence, one can defer the environmental concerns and issues, if not have complete removal. All the energy saving programs and devices will reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions made by coal utilizing power plants. Emissions up to an average of around 2.1 billion pounds per year can be saved for around 20 years

So, when we are aware of these things, why not head on the way to conserving energy!


About the Author: Carol Oon writes articles on ai home automation. Other information written by Carol Oon related to ai automation control, ai integrated intelligent control and ai intelligent control can be found on the web.

Upscale Goes Green: Homeowners Focus Increasingly on Sustainable Energy, Renewable Building Materials

by: Aldene Fredenburg

A quiet revolution is going on in the real estate sector. Many successful professionals are putting considerable money into building their own dream homes, and many of those professionals are choosing to build according to green principles.

Perhaps the first decision these new homeowners face is how to heat and cool their homes. Before even considering what sort of heating and cooling system they will choose, they need to decide on a design and materials for the exterior structure. Alternative building methods including rammed earth, straw bale, and flying concrete construction feature thick walls, often over a foot thick, which conserve heat in the winter and keep the home cool in the summer. Some homeowners are even opting for subterranean dwellings, using the natural insulating quality of the earth to lessen their need for additional heating. Even when opting for conventional wood structures, homeowners are choosing the latest insulation materials, which offer optimal heat conservation with little to no outgassing of toxic fumes.

Energy-conserving heating systems, some of which create radiant heat from hot water pumped through pipes beneath the floors, save on energy; passive solar construction - homes with south-facing exposure and large windows - allows the sun to warm the home. Solar panels provide electricity for lights and electrical appliances, and gray water systems recycle used water for additional use in the home. Some homeowners in colder climates opt for wood- or wood-pellet-burning furnaces rather than the conventional oil furnace, installing modern furnaces designed to minimize emissions.

Green-building homeowners and more and more developers opt for natural and sometimes manmade materials created from renewable resources, materials which do not expose residents to health risks. Vinyl, which is infamous for outgassing toxic fumes, is rejected in favor of safer materials; hardwood flooring, much of it harvested from old-growth forests, is replaced with materials like bamboo, and cork, two renewable materials providing two very different, attractive looks in flooring.

Those not in the position to design and build their own home still have the option of "greening" an existing home, using a wealth of safe, nontoxic natural materials. Conventional plywood, which is manufactured using urea formaldehyde, can be replaced with a number of new, safer materials, including "Plyboo," created from bamboo. Kiln-fired clay tiles, wood from sustainable forests, natural, safe interior and exterior paints, and a host of other materials help create a clean, healthy home environment.

Building and renovating green currently costs more than using conventional materials; some green builders estimate the difference at about 15 percent. However, recently wood prices have soared, and increasing transportation costs due to the rising cost of gasoline and diesel has impacted the price of building materials, so the difference in cost between conventional and green building may well even out. As it stands now, increasing numbers of prospective homeowners are willing to pay a premium for a home made of attractive, sustainable, and healthy building materials.


About The Author
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

2008 The Funding of Alternative and Green Energy Innovations

By Lance Winslow


The cost of using fossil fuels to make energy for our nation is getting to be an economic burden on our middle class and country. Using Oil for fuel in our cars is causing significant problems with monetary outflows. Burning coal is polluting the air and that is a challenge to our health and environment. Luckily there is some good news on the way.
Clean Coal technologies are coming forward and this will prevent pollution in our coal-fired power plants. Also high fuel costs are helping us as well. How does that help us you ask? Well, Alternative Energy capitalization is getting to be pretty viable with gasoline on the coasts approaching $4.00 per gallon isn't it?
In fact, I see that we have some Venture Capitalists, and Investment Banking Firms, putting their money where their mouth is, along with some pretty decent initiatives for Government Funding, some of which are from the Bush Administration.
It seems that once Carbon Nano-Tube manufacturing becomes viable, environmentally safe and creates economies of scale to lower costs, we will see Hydrogren Cell technologies for transportation kick off. Why, because the compressed hydrogren leaks from tanks too easily, but carbon nano-tubes can prevent this challenge.
With the high cost of fuel it makes other alternative energies much more viable, it makes hybrid car costs look pretty good on a Return on Investment graph as opposed to the huge operational costs associated with $3.00 per gallon or higher gasoline. All this is ushering in a new age of
technology and alternative energy and that can only be good for America.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

What You Should Know About Green Energy?

James Copper



Green energy refers to the use of power that is not only more efficient than fossil fuel but that is friendly to the environment as well. Green energy is generally defined as energy sources that dont pollute and are renewable.
There are several categories of green energy. They are anaerobic digestion, wind power, geothermal power, hydropower on a small scale, biomass power, solar power and wave power. Waste incineration can even be a source of green energy.
Nuclear power plants claim that they produce green energy as well, though this source is fraught with controversy, as we all know. While nuclear energy may be sustainable, may be considered renewable and does not pollute the atmosphere while it is producing energy, its waste does pollute the biosphere as it is released.
The transport, mining and phases before and after production of nuclear energy does produce and release carbon dioxide and similar destructive greenhouse gases. When we read of green energy, therefore, we rarely see nuclear power included.
Those who support nuclear energy say that nuclear waste is not, in fact, released into our earths biosphere during its normal production cycle. They stress as well that the carbon dioxide that nuclear energy production releases is comparable, in terms of each kilowatt hour of electricity, to such sources of green energy as wind power.
As an example of the green energy production the average wind turbine, such as the one in Reading England, can produce enough energy daily to be the only energy source for 1000 households.
Many countries now offer household and commercial consumers to opt for total use of green energy. They do this one of two ways. Consumers can buy their electricity from a company that only uses renewable green energy technology, or they can buy from their general supplies such as the local utility company who then buys from green energy resources only as much of a supply as consumers pay for.
The latter is generally a more cost - efficient way of supplying a home or office with green energy, as the supplier can reap the economic benefits of a mass purchase. Green energy generally costs more per kilowatt hour than standard fossil fuel energy.
Consumers can also purchase green energy certificates, which are alternately referred to as green tags or green certificates. These are available in both Europe and the United States, and are the most convenient method for the average consumer to support green energy. More than 35 million European households and one million American households now buy these green energy certificates.
While green energy is a great step in the direction of keeping our environment healthy and our air as pollutant free as possible, it must be noted that no matter what the energy, it will negatively impact the environment to some extent.
Every energy source, green or otherwise, requires energy. The production of this energy will create pollution during its manufacture. Green energys impact is minimal, however



About the Author:James Copper owns www.propertycareerskills.co.uk who offer energy training and assessment

What is holding back the adoption of Solar Generated Electricity in the United States?

By: Paul Calhoun

The US currently has about 700 megawatts of installed solar panel electricity generation connected to the grid, according to research by the consulting firm, Navigant. This represents less than 1% of all the electricity generated in the US.Each state controls the speed of solar adoption by heir independent policies. If these policies remain unchanged, generation from solar panels in the US, both commercial and residential generators are expected to grow to 6,000 megawatts by the year 2015.

Three thousand of the 6,000 megawatts will be generated in California. The incentive programs of California are the gold standard among supporters of solar power. Growth in the home solar-power market will not take off until more states adopt favorable net metering rules. The relaxed solar implementation can offset the cost of installing renewable power system and capture electricity that is being loss from the potential solar generation.

The Navigant report estimates that an additional 3,000 megawatts of solar panel electricity could be available in the next eight years if the states with solar implementation limitations lifted their caps.There are eight states that have no net-metering rules. These states are South Dakota, Kansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Arizona and my own state, South Carolina. A list compiled by New Energy Source lists California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland receiving the highest scores for solar adaptation with the remaining states of lower scores because of restrictive laws.

As of September 2007, 39 states had adopted some measures of rules to compensate consumers for sending self-generated renewable power to the grid. There is a lot behind the scenes that the states and power generation companies are willing to wage a serious fight to preclude Federal mandates to push solar renewable energy.In my state of South Carolina, the Santee Electrical Cooperative, which is owned by the state of South Carolina, is proposing a $998 million dollar coal burning generators. The site has been put on hold by the federal government for a deeper study of the environmental impact. Meanwhile, Santee continues the fight with their commissioned study. Their study concludes "$900 million in economic output, $500 million in earnings and 9,300 jobs for South Carolinians" Unfortunately; Santee made no attempt to study the environmental impact or what a combination of renewable/nonrenewable future actions would mean to the state.The federal renewable fuels bill has been stopped in the US Senate. Southern Co., American Electric Power Co. and other coal fired producers hired top Washington lobbyists, including Rudy Giuliani's firm, to help defeat a measure that would force them to boost electricity generated by wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy to 15 percent of the U.S. total by 2020. That's up from less than 2 percent today, and is a move the industry says would cost at least $67 billion. Southern Co. has spent $7.26 million this year lobbying Congress, more than Exxon Mobil Corp. or General Motors Corp., according to the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics. It hired such firms as Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, where Republican presidential front-runner Giuliani is a partner. The bill would require utilities to obtain 2.75 percent of their power from renewable sources starting in 2010, ramping that up to 15 percent by 2020. Almost one-quarter of the mandate could be met by improving efficiency. Companies that fail to meet the standard would have to pay a penalty to the federal government. The cooperative of Southern Co and other generating companies consider this too high of a barrier and appear to have succeeded to remove the renewable fuel section from the bill going to President Bush.The average homeowner does not have a vote in adopting renewable fuels electrical generation standards. The battle is being conducted by the state and federal government and powerful electrical generating companies. The problem is that the average homeowner will be the big loser in this struggle. Our major recourse is to write our state and federal representative to adopt measure that we can utilize the potential cost savings and reduces pollution of solar generated electricity.Our letters to our government representatives should ask for means to:* Encourage greater renewable-energy generation * Promote customer-sited distributed generation (wind and solar fuels) * Reduce demand on an ever increasingly strained grid * Reward investment in renewable technologies * Facilitate energy independence * Improve air quality and public health * Promote in-state economic development.Most states that have revised their interconnection and net-metering policies have done so in pursuit of these same goals.Copyright (c) 2008 Paul Calhoun
I have a BS and MS in Metallurgical Engineering. Thirty six years spent in the development of semiconductors. Business experience in start up business plan. Currently, an oyster farmer and interested in helping the environment by deploying solar energy. Please visit my Web Site

http://www.charlestonenvironmentalhelp.com

Alternative Energy Systems May Create Low Cost Power

Author: Dave Millington


Each time the price of electricity increases, people begin seriously searching for alternative energy systems to reduce their electrical consumption. Many others however, are searching for way to reduce their reliance on energy produced by fossil fuels or nuclear power, looking at the natural and renewable resources such as the sun and the wind. While hydroelectric generators have been used for many years as alternative energy systems, not every area has access to the water power needed for its production.

Different areas of the country offer different options for alternative energy based on their environment. Areas with consistent winds may be ideal for creating power through windmills and places with an abundance of sunshine may supply enough solar energy to reduce the reliance on natural gas, coal and oil. Many of the technologies are available today but remain in limited use making them viable seems unlikely in the near future.

Additionally, the cost of these new forms of power generation is considerably higher than the current methods of gas, coal and oil. While technological advances continue, there remains insufficient support from traditional power suppliers to push thu use of alternative energy systems into the forefront.

Cost, Convenience Weighed Against Conservation

With the tradition of being able to flip a switch and have lights come on imbedded in society's history, the thought of alternative energy is not imperative for many people. However, those who reside in areas of the country where the power grid is too far away to make connection easy, the use of alternative energy systems is already underway. Having a cabin in the woods powered by solar power provides clean, cheap energy for use when traditional methods are not available.

Additionally, they can connect to a hybrid system that uses solar power and generators for the times of little or no sunshine and still have all the available power they require. Those using windmills to generate electricity find the silence of their operation a welcome respite from generators and cost of gasoline or diesel needed for them to run. Combining solar and wind power systems is still under development.

Critics claim the installation costs of alternative energy systems far outweigh the benefits of cheaper power, however proponents insist the initial costs will fall once people understand the benefits of not being dependent on fossil fuels and when the time comes that traditional methods of generating power are not available they will be ready.

About the Author:
For more information on alternative energy systems, please visit http://www.alternativeenergyexplained.com\"> alternativeenergyexplained.com

This Why We Need Alternative Energy Sources

Author: Bryan Wong

The need for alternative energy sources is getting urgent, hence the development of renewable energy is moving fast. Nationally and internationally various individuals and research companies are creating new and exciting energy systems. Some of these apparatus are great works and need improving for massive use. Politician's world-wide are drafting policies and are making agreements to make greater use of these energy sources.
The first problem is that the fossil fuels are depleting in a rapid rate and are harder to retrieve. The consequence is that we can be facing an energy crisis in the future is we are not careful today. The energy prices will sky rocket and not be available for many individuals or countries. To avoid this doom scenario we need to find alternatives and used them to their full potential. Luckily this is already happening.
The second problem is that the fossil fuels that are widely used today are harmful for the environment. In the early seventies and eighties there were people and even scientist who preach otherwise, but today the negative effects are showing. The earth is warming up and climates are changing. There are parts in the world were there be more rain and sunshine and others parts will be come dryer then they already are. Another negative effect is that the ozone layer is getting thinner which also leads to a warming up of the earth. These two effects compliment each other and make it even more crucial to make another step in a different direction. This step will lead us to the use of renewable energy.
Another problem lies in the development of small economies. Because the energy prices for crude oil are going through the roof, these countries suffer even more. Many of these countries need crude oil for their electricity and means of transportation. These high oil prices have their effect on almost everything. The monthly electricity costs for households increase among others like transport cost and prices for basic products. Hence, these high oil prices make it harder for these small countries to grow there economies.
The solution for the above problems can be resolved by renewable energy. Our beautiful planet gives us the opportunity to make proper us of sunlight, flowing water, strong winds, and hot springs and convert these into energy. These energy sources are abundant and free to use. We must be sure that we convert the energy the right way, without causing other problems that can again hurt our environment. Luckily the many efforts by individuals and companies show that this can be done.

About the Author:Bryan Wong is the owner of the renewable-energy information website www.GetEasyInfo.com/renewable-energy > - A great website that shares quality Info, News and TIPS on Renewable energy.

Renewable Energy Resources versus Fossil Fuels

Author: Bryan Wong

In modern western world the demand for energy has increased dramatically in the past century and it will grow even further and harder in the near future than ever before. The need for energy rises with upcoming markets that also need more energy. Energy is needed for cars, buses, and other means of transportation, but also to run our appliances and provides us light. Energy is also important for our safety. At night or in the dark a lot can be stolen without proper lightning. Energy is therefore needed for our development and safety.
The way we use energy today comes from knowledge that has it's foundations in the past century and before. Great men like Newton and Philips have set the path for us today to make proper use of energy. The sources which we use for our energy demand are known as non-renewable energy resources. These sources will be discussed here in the article.
Definition of Non-Renewable Energy Resources
The name really explains it very well. Non-renewable energy resources are natural resources that cannot be recycled or re-grown. These natural resources are fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. It also includes mined resources such as the elements used in the production of electricity (uranium and plutonium, for instance). These resources replenish itself in a quicker rate.
Fossil fuels are very versatile. One of their functions is to generate electricity. In order to generate electricity, fossil fuels are burned through the process of combustion. The energy produced from the combustion process is used to power a turbine. The turbine is responsible for the conversion of energy produced from combusted fossil fuels into electricity.
Coal
Coal is one the most used fossil fuels. It is consider too be the most important energy source to produce electricity. The U.S. produces 50% of its energy supply through the combustion of coal. The coal itself is a brownish-black sedimentary rock which contains carbon and other assorted elements. It is extracted from the ground through underground mining or open-pit mining.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is also used to produce electricity. The electricity is produced through steam turbines and gas turbines. Because the gas contains methane the combustion emits less harmful gasses that have a negative effect on global warming. Thus natural gasses are better for the environment compared to petroleum and coal.
There is also another use for it and that is as fuel for cars. It is much cheaper that gasoline and produces less harmful gasses. The disadvantage of running your car on natural gas is that you need more fuel compared to gasoline and the car needs more maintenance. In countries like Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, Italy, The Netherlands and India it is used as a fuel for cars.
Crude oil
This fuel is the most talk about for the past year(s). The prices for crude oil have gone through the roof and will be rising even more. The demand is increasing while there is less crude oil available. The term black gold is now more applicable than ever before.The oil itself is very think in consistency and has a dark brown or greenish colour characteristic. It is a complex mixture of different hydrocarbons. Crude oil or petroleum has various uses. It can be used as fuel or cars and different industrial machines. It is also used as a raw material for products like plastics, solvents, fertilizers and pesticides. Although the need for crude oil is high and the demand is rising the available crude oil is decreasing. That leaves us no other option than to look for alternatives.
Non-renewable energy plays a very important role in our daily lives. Non-renewable energy will be needed today and in the future. Because this energy source cannot be recycled or re-grown the reserves are limited. The consequences of the shortages of fossil fuels are experienced today and tomorrow. We will need to use these fossil fuels wisely and will need to shift our focus to other renewable energy source. These are the sources that we need to focus on today and years to come.

About the Author:Bryan Wong is the owner of the renewable-energy information website www.GetEasyInfo.com/renewable-energy > - A great website that shares quality Info, News and TIPS on Renewable energy.