As we bat around the potential of all electric, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen battery and other possible automotive technologies, its worth noting that once upon a time, almost all of the vehicles on the road ran on…water.

Those were the days of the Stanley Steamer, and automotive technology is – in some ways – just coming back to complete the circle.

Electric transmission might be taking the same trip back in time. NYT linked through to a Climate Wire story that highlights the resurgence of direct current (DC) transmission line construction. The vast majority of transmission is on alternating current (AC), but the story recounts that DC was Edison’s preference: “…it’s all I’ll fool with.”

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One of the more interesting subtexts in the ongoing Waxman-Markey negotiations is the irony that as the bill gets closer to garnering the support it needs for passage — through horse trading, earmarking, compromise and watering down — it looks less and less like a positive step for renewable energy advocates to have a federal regime at all.

Thanks to preemption doctrine, whatever does emerge from Congress will likely trump much of what already exists at the state level for energy-environment regulation. Sure, the bill may hold out state autonomy to set higher renewable standards or more ambitious target dates than those federally prescribed, and that kind of dual sovereignty — especially where expressly permitted by Congress — has long been held constitutional. But, for a “progressive” energy state like Massachusetts, there are likely to be direct conflicts with the federal law, and in those cases the state standard (in many cases the more aggressive one) will be preempted.

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As the world celebrates Global Wind Day on June 15th, we are reminded of the economic, political, and legal issues that must be addressed to further advance wind technology.  With regard to the legal issues, consideration must always be given to the patent landscape.  In the past twenty years, nearly 500 U.S. patents have issued with the words “wind turbine” in the claims; 123 patents issuing in 2008 alone.  The technologies covered vary from improvements in blade design to methods for detecting ice on a wind turbine.  Patents are government validated assets.  For those who do not own the assets, patents become economic roadblocks.  Companies in the wind-energy industry must face the reality:  You either own the assets, or are subject to the roadblocks.

Before bringing a new product to market, every wind energy company should ask itself two important questions:

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The New York Times’ Kate Galbraith had an interesting piece on the internecine warfare in the green movement that pits renewable advocates and environmental groups against hydro dams — right now the country’s predominate renewable technology. This piece follows on several in the past few weeks talking about a nuclear resurgence and what that may mean in the green power and environmental advocacy communities.

Long story short, in spite of the fact that it is cost competitive, non-GHG emitting, renewable and technologically deployable, there is A LOT of resentment against hydro dams. (more…)

Worldwide demand for energy will increase by 44 percent in the next 20 years, with developing economies – particularly those in China, India, Brazil, and Russia – accounting for nearly 75 percent of the demand growth, according to a forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The agency predicts that oil will supply about 32 percent of the world’s energy needs by 2030 – down from about 36 percent today – and that wind and solar power will account for 11 percent of global energy supplies.

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…to build? NO! To permit!

This report from SoCal on Newshour last night (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june09/grid_06-09.html) is worth a look.

I deal with public opposition to transmission upgrades and build outs a lot in my professional life, and this piece focuses on how the difficulties in siting lines are now posing problems to deployment of renewables located remotely.

Do yourself a favor by visiting NPR.org and downloading the first hour of the last Science Friday. A really intelligent discussion of the future of nuclear energy in the US ranged from the waste storage issue to microreactor technology to financing.

Even the geekiest of Green Nerds probably needs some time away from green tech talk a few minutes a day, especially with all the slop that is bombarding us these days at checkout counters, in brand campaigns and on the nightly news. So, I know the last thing you want to do is head out for that morning run, pop in the ear buds and have a clean tech podcast as your accompaniment; but, the conversation here – which included an MIT Prof and former DOE Under Secretary (Moniz), a NRDC egghead (Cochran) and a scientist – is worth your time.

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Please join The New Leaders Council, with hosts Phil Angelides, Chairman of the Apollo Alliance and Fiona Ma, California State Assemblywoman, in honoring four San Franciscans influencing progressive energy policy from the public and private sector this coming Monday at 6:30 PM at 111 Minna St in San Francisco.

CleanTechies is proud to support the New Leaders Council as it promotes these local energy leaders that are making a difference in their communities: (more…)

Metrolight Ltd., a leading provider of electronic ballast solutions for energy efficient lighting, announced today [June 4, 2009] that it has raised $3 million and appointed Zvi Segal as a Chief Executive Officer.

Zvi Segal, a veteran of Orbotech Group, Applied Materials and Teledata Communication, will lead Metrolight’s growth phase driven by what Metrolight says is strong demand for its energy saving products and services from commercial, industrial and municipal customers across Europe and the US. Metrolight’s High Intensity Discharge (HID) eBallast reduces up to 60% of energy consumed and doubles the life of a lamp. (more…)

Policy wonks and green energy gurus finally have a number to put to their obsession: the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) is now H.R. 2454, and as reported on ClimateWire at the NYT last week, the committee mark-up now gets to make its way through the full House and Senate. Oh, did I forget to mention that they want that done by July 4?

What is the hurry? The question applies here for reasons expanded upon below, but generally, where do Obama and the Dems think the fire is? Obama wants GM to be in and out of their BK in 60-90 days. Obama wants Sotomayor confirmed in time to sit with the court as they pick next term’s caseload. And, as you’ll recall, Obama wanted ACES through committee by Memorial Day.

Not only am I convinced that it is no coincidence that the climate change bill has been tied to two of our most patriotic holidays – after all, like higher taxes, saving energy is patriotic, right Veep? – but, I have to wonder what Obama thinks he gains from pushing this bill through at breakneck speed. (more…)