Alternative Power Blog

Michels is a Top 10 utility contractor in North America that draws on its vast experience constructing major utility projects to manage and execute all construction operations on wind farms, including: Access roads and crane pads, foundations and rock excavation, collection systems, turbine erection and wiring, and substations and transmission lines.

Combining Power Resources and Partnerships to Maximize Energy Generation

Looking to add even more renewable energy to its portfolio, Southern California Edison has launched a proactive effort to increase solar power production for its customers. With more than 45 million sq ft of rooftop space in its service area, SCE is seeking out ways to capitalize on the available area and lease these structures to generate clean energy. With that, SCE has recently reached an agreement with ProLogis to provide approximately 100 MW of generated power to the utility through its rooftop solar program (check out our news for more information). Through the agreement, ProLogis (the site host of the project) will receive roof rental income and construction management fees, while SCE customers can benefit from clean energy. The utility is also in negotiations with other area businesses.

As our renewable energy industry progresses, seeing proactive business models come into practice is the most exciting part of the ever-changing power market. It’s important to give props to companies like SCE for recognizing an opportunity, moving forward with it and continuing to promote this developing industry.

With different resources available, sometimes it’s easy to wonder if there is too much fragmentation in the power generation market. While some people may argue that wind is the best energy source, other utilities and decision makers look to solar, geothermal, biomass and other avenues for their power needs.

In the reality of renewable energy, power sources are often region specific. For example, utility-scale solar can thrive in the desert, where wind applications may be best suited for a rural area in the Midwest. And let’s not forget wave technology on the coast. As these applications continue to develop, new technology will rapidly emerge. Federal money is being invested to further develop these resources — providing states the ability to capitalize on this funding to meet their energy requirements. There is power in numbers and combined solutions will greatly enhance the alternative power market.

Natural Gas Depletion May Drive the Use of Alternative Power Resources

Recently, it has been uncovered that the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has underestimated the amount of natural gas available based on the current production facilities. With this new information, it leaves many questions on how natural gas will play a role in energy use, as well as in the development of alternative power facilities. Natural gas is often perceived as a modern day solution to supplementing our energy needs, from LNG to new power facilities utilizing natural gas. Although natural gas is a depleting resource, we currently have an abundant amount available and new technologies are being developed to increase its efficiency. If the price of natural gas goes up, will it drive the demand for new alternative power facilities?  Or, will it drive the demand for more drilling and exploration — a definite boost to today’s economy? As natural gas supply becomes more of an issue, will we see a substantial amount of federal support? Or, will this force states to address their own energy concerns (just take a look at Texas)?

Don’t you find it strange that the Democrats are now trying to block clean power plans? A recent proposal by President Obama is focusing on closing down the planned Yucca Mountain nuclear waste vault has Democrats upset (check out last Friday’s Wall Street Journal). Back in the late 1970s, President Carter placed solar panels on the White House and then President Regan had them torn off after taking over in office. The disparity between the former presidents was spurred primarily by an oil crisis during that time. Now, we are faced with a supposed climate crisis, but it appears that the Republicans are leading the way for alternative power options.

Why the shift in party opinions? While there are a number of answers, the simplest one is that alternative power production facilities are a huge opportunity for small and large businesses. As the consumer demand swells, more power providers will be forced to adapt to the changing technology of power production. Sure, we now have groups and organizations arguing against wind farms and solar farms based on ecological and economical impacts, such as lost jobs due to the closure of mines and coal facilities. Fortunately, they cannot stop the current power evolution. Alternative power facilities must be built and constantly improved — much like coal facilities were in the 19th century.

Will 2010 be the Year for Solar Power?

Over the past few weeks, renewable energy sources — particularly solar — have been making headlines across the country. Just this week the Wall Street Journal published a special energy section, “The Long Road to an Alternative-Energy Future,” dealing with various renewable energy projects, the power they generate and why it will take a long time to develop these projects.  

Whatever the roadblocks in a project may be, solar, in particular, is projected to be a slow growth power source. Basically, the article states that solar carries a higher rate per installation than other sources. However, new concentrating solar plants and solar thermal technology are beginning to generate more interest. With more utilities taking a look at solar and the options available, does this mean the sun will shine on large-scale solar power production in 2010? Whatever the roadblocks in a project may be, solar, in particular, is projected to be a slow growth power source. Although solar carries a higher rate per installation than other sources, new concentrating solar plants and solar thermal technology are beginning to generate interest.

With more utilities taking a look at solar and the options available, does this mean the sun will shine on large-scale solar power production in 2010?

John Deere Offers Financial Investment in Building Tomorrow’s Energy Resources

With more than 600 megawatts of production underway, John Deere has played an active financial role in supporting a number of wind energy projects. With 10 projects completed and more in the works, John Deere is quickly becoming a leader in wind investment.

John Deere and wind power may seem like an odd combination, but after looking deeper into the relationship, it certainly makes sense. The company is a true American symbol and is encouraging capital investment in an emerging marketplace. As a private investor, John Deere is ultimately creating jobs for Americans and lowering the cost of power — promoting responsible energy generation and economic growth. For more information about John Deere and its commitment to renewable energy, check out http://www.deere.com/en_US/renewable_energy/newsroom/index.html#video.

Transmission Lines Pose a Design Challenge for Alternative Power Construction

As more alternative power facilities are built, access to the grid will become an increasing concern for owners — especially in the design of transmission lines. Overhead lines are the tried and true method of moving power, but underground lines are the latest trend in keeping the power market “green.”  While underground lines may pose obstacles for owners, proper planning, engineering and equipment can make this a feasible transmission option for owners.

To learn about underground installations, check out an article from our sister publication Trenchless Technology at: http://www.trenchlessonline.com/index/webapp-stories-action?id=1025. Or head on over to http://www.ditchwitch.com/press-room/job-related/Something-In-The-Wind and take a look at the tools Ditch Witch offers for site support and cable installation.

Alternative Power Facilities Consume Land, Provide Valuable Resources  

The alternative power facility footprint is becoming an increasing concern in regards to utility-scale installations. Acres of solar panels and wind turbines are being labeled as excessive in comparison to traditional coal or natural gas facilities. Comparatively speaking, the total energy source and its benefits should be looked at rather than the visible structures. A large facility that consumes a vast amount of land can sometimes overshadow the true value of the resources it captures. Taking into consideration land usage vs. cleaner energy — Which power source really has the bigger footprint?

Although the push to use renewable energy sources is increasing, more people don’t want the facilities near them. The idea of using a cleaner energy source is intriguing, until a towering wind turbine ends up in someone’s backyard.

One way to counteract this public disturbance is the use of offshore energy. For example, I saw an interesting video on floating solar panels yesterday. With technology like this, the water actually acts as a coolant and helps generate even more power than traditional panels. There are even floating platforms for wind turbines and offshore farms. The panels and turbines end up in the distant waters, rather than positioned near neighborhoods.

Since new technology is becoming available and constantly developing, why not utilize the wide open water sources? Offshore power facilities can someday become the answer to tomorrow’s utility-scale producers, as well as create a reliable solution on where these plants should go.