"We're about to destroy the environment in the name of saving it."
Lamar Alexander, (R) Tennesee Senator

Energy "Sprawl" - A Valid Concern?

by Deb Powers

In the Wall Street Journal opinion pages, Lamar Alexander tries to make the case for nuclear energy as the greenest form of energy. While he overreaches hugely in making his argument based on the amount of land required to produce energy, he does make some cogent points about the possible effects of large-scale solar and wind farms. Are we in danger of destroying the planet in the name of saving it?
Read more: Energy sprawl and the green economy

More renewable energy news...

• Reuters: ASX to launch futures for green energy
  
• Bizjournals: NYPA pushes toward 45 by '15
  
• Mother Nature Network: HI leads in green energy
  
• The Financial: Italy: 200M Euros for green energy
  
• People&Planet: Greenpeace report on oil sands out
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Green Inc: Protectionism and Green Energy
  
• Energy Refuge: New green energy report
  
• Renewable Energy: Wind energy myths
  

Five Renewable Energy Sources

by Deb Powers

The more you know about renewable energy, the better you'll understand projects that harness renewable energy in your own neighborhood. This is important, because not all projects that are touted as "renewable energy" are necessarily green or good for your community. While I fully believe that we need to move quickly toward using alternative sources of energy, I also fully support examining proposals in your community carefully and understanding the effects that they may have on your life and the environment around you.

More on types of renewable energy.

"I would not be surprised if the program is ridiculously successful and spurs a huge amount of development."
Liz Salerno, American Wind Energy Assoc.

Wall Street Likes Wind

by Deb Powers

Now that the rules on renewable energy grants and loans are clear, investment in green energy production and infrastructure is taking off. The big winners look to be wind farms, where the mature technology and proven production provide a big advantage.
Read more: Wind Farms Set Wall Street Aflutter

More renewable energy news...

• Reuters: ICP Solar introduces solar chargers
  
• RE World: Utilities propose feed-in tariff
  
• RE World: Spectrolab hits 41.6% solar efficiency
  
• Penki News: Nepal hosts renewable conference
  
• Rus Business News: Sun Bathing Silicon
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Earth Talk: Energy incentives for homeowners
  
• GovMonitor: ADB to help renewable energy
  
• Wind Watch: Renewable energy has a price
  

"[Sheep are] better able to get around the panels and equipment and[there are] fewer emissions.
Allison Lane, SAS

Why Solar Needs Sheep

by Deb Powers

Sheep and solar energy are a natural fit, says a short article over at Treehugger.com. Apparently, many solar installations graze sheep on their lands to keep sun-blocking weeds down. Not a baa-aa-aad idea at all.
Read more: Grazing Sheep on Solar a "Best Practice"

More renewable energy news...

• NYT: Illuminating the future of renewable energy
  
• Newswire: Green power products offset carbon
  
• REVE: Study of wind energy effect on Spain econ
  
• Natural Resources Report: Ethanol challenges
  
• Tampabay.com: Solar prices spur deals
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Green Inc.: Reverse auction market for Calif RE
  
• PluggdIn: The Great Indian Potential
  
• Green Energy: LEDs could replace light bulbs
  

The United States could find itself addicted to a new fossil fuel, delaying the much-needed switch to renewable energy.
BC Upham, Triple Pundit

Natural Gas - Bridge or Addiction?

by Deb Powers

Leave it to 3P to make you think a little early in the morning. Over at Triple Pundit, BC Upham's talking about whether natural gas is a legitimate bridge bridge between coal-fired plants and renewable energy or whether it's just another (domestic) addiction.
Read more: Natural Gas: Bridge Fuel or Renewable Energy Killer?

More renewable energy news...

• Colorado.com: Salazar speaks in Colorado
  
• NYT: Japan election could strengthen climate policy
  
• Stock & Land: Ag offers something to RE targets
  
• Beyond Zero: High speed rail transport presser
  
• Low Carbon Economy: Europe leads EfW market
  

Around the Green Blogs...

• Radio World: Stations go green, stay in black
  
• The Green Blawg: You can be a solar mogul
  
• Environmental Capital: Expensive oil vs. green energy