News and Events by CCRES November 30, 2011

News and Events November 30, 2011 National Laboratory 'Flips Switch' on East Coast's Largest Solar Array Town Known for First Thanksgiving is Grateful for Energy Savings

News and Events Savings of 18.5% for Buildings that Meet 2010 Energy Standard: DOE NREL's Research Support Facility, which was among the top green buildings in 2011, showcases higher efficiency strategies. Credit: Dennis Schroeder, NREL DOE announced on November 21 that its analysis shows buildings meeting a 2010 energy efficiency standard will use 18.5% less energy than structures using the previous (2007) standard. The latest version of Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will save commercial building owners energy and money, according to DOE's analysis. It will also help them meet their sustainability goals and reduce carbon pollution. When DOE issues a final determination, states are expected to review the new code provisions and update their building code to meet or exceed the energy efficiency of the new standard within two years. Certification statements by the states are due October 18, 2013. The DOE noted that the newer version of the standard contains 19 positive impacts on energy efficiency, including some changes resulting from public comments. Among the modifications are new requirements for daylighting controls under skylights and commissioning of daylighting controls; increased use of heat recovery; cool roofs in hot climates; skylights and daylighting in some building types; reduced ventilation energy; supply air temperature reset for non-peak conditions; efficiency requirements for data centers; lower lighting power densities; control of exterior lighting; and occupancy sensors for many specific applications. DOE analyzed the energy codes published by the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America to determine the potential for energy efficiency improvements in buildings that adhere to the code. For its findings, DOE simulated 16 representative building types in 15 U.S. climate locations. The standard covers a wide spectrum of the energy-related components and systems in buildings ranging from simple storage units to complex hospitals and laboratories. Structures also ranged from those smaller than single-family homes to the largest buildings in the world. See the DOE Progress Alert, the final determination regarding Standard 90.1, the Building Energy Codes Program website, and the ASHRAE press release. Huntsville Launches DOE-Supported Home Energy Upgrade Program DOE on November 15 recognized the launch of the Huntsville WISE Gold Program, one of DOE's Better Buildings Neighborhood projects. The Huntsville WISE Gold Program in Alabama is one of more than 40 Better Buildings Neighborhood projects nationwide bringing the public and private sectors together to provide American homes and businesses with high-quality and accessible energy improvements that save money and create new jobs. The Huntsville program is part of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, which receives funding from DOE's Better Buildings Neighborhood Program and its State Energy Program. The Huntsville WISE Gold Program provides a comprehensive suite of resources for homeowners looking to save money on their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable. The program educates homeowners on potential home energy savings and provides opportunities for them to receive energy assessments to identify which particular home upgrades would most effectively reduce their energy costs. Homeowners who implement efficiency measures that produce energy savings of 20% receive rebates of $350 for the initial energy assessment and up to $400 in additional rebates. See the DOE press release and the Better Buildings website. DOE Highlights Commissioning of Army Fuel Cell System DOE on November 17 recognized the commissioning of an innovative fuel cell system at the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The fuel cell will supply the facility with emergency backup power. The four-stack system is one of the first of 18 fuel cells to be installed and operated at military bases across the country under an interagency partnership between DOE and the Department of Defense. Under the partnership, the departments test how the fuel cells perform in real-world operations, identify technical improvements manufacturers can make to enhance performance, and highlight the benefits of fuel cells for emergency backup power applications. Compared with batteries, fuel cells are a reliable source of backup power because they offer long continuous run times and greater durability in harsh outdoor environments, which makes them ideal power sources for military applications. Unlike traditional electricity generators used for backup power, fuel cells use no petroleum and are quieter. And, they produce fewer pollutants and emissions than traditional generators do. Fuel cells also typically require less maintenance than either batteries or traditional generators do, and they can easily be monitored remotely to reduce maintenance time. Aberdeen Proving Ground will also install three 5-killowatt (kW) fuel cells to provide critical back up power to its Range Control and Coordination Building, and an 8-kW fuel cell to provide backup power to the Snow Emergency building. Seven other military installations will install emergency fuel cell backup power under the memorandum of understanding signed by DOE and Defense in 2010. The Defense Department will manage the $6.6 million project, and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory will collect performance data for the first two years of this five-year demonstration, making the data available to fuel cell developers and commercial and government leaders interested in adopting this technology. See the DOE press release and DOE's Fuel Cells Technology Program website. DOD Picks 2012 Energy Technology Installation Demos The Department of Defense's (DOD) Environmental Security Technology Certification Program on November 18 announced 27 new projects to demonstrate emerging energy technologies on military installations. The Installation Energy Test Bed initiative plays a key role in testing, evaluating, and scaling up innovative new energy technologies to improve DOD's energy security and reduce its facility energy costs. DOD has 300,000 buildings on its installations and spends nearly $4 billion per year on the energy needed to operate them. Demonstrations generate the cost and performance data needed to validate promising technologies, allowing them to be "fielded" and commercialized more rapidly. This latest round of projects was competitively selected from the 575 proposals submitted by private firms, universities, and federal organizations. The fiscal year 2012 awards cover five areas: smart microgrids and energy storage; advanced component technologies to improve building energy efficiency; advanced building energy management and control technologies; tools and processes for design, assessment, and decision-making associated with energy use; and technologies for renewable energy generation on installations. On one project, Soladigm Inc, along with partners including DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, will demonstrate dynamic windows to optimize solar heat gain and daylighting at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California. On another project, DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and partners will develop and apply a fleet management tool to schedule charging of plug-in electric vehicles at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California. See the DOD press release and Installation Energy Test Bed Web page.

National Laboratory 'Flips Switch' on East Coast's Largest Solar Array On November 18, the DOE Brookhaven National Laboratory "flipped the switch" on the largest solar photovoltaic array in the eastern United States. The 164,312 solar panels hosted at the lab in New York state—one of the largest solar farms built on federal property—will produce enough energy to power up to 4,500 homes. The 32-megawatt Long Island Solar Farm Project, a collaborative project between the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and BP Solar International, Inc. (BP Solar), also boasts the smallest carbon footprint of any solar array with its amount of output. The use of a DOE site has helped attract investments from public and private sources, ensuring the economic success of the project and serving the nation's goal to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil. "The result is a significant source of clean energy for Long Island, as well as a positive economic impact for the local workforce and businesses," said Mike Petrucci, CEO of BP Solar, noting that a true "team effort" contributed to the successful development and construction of the project. LIPA chief operating officer Michael D. Hervey said that the project will help New York state meet its goal of 30% renewable resources by 2015, in addition to the "creation of new, high-quality energy jobs." See the Energy Blog post. Town Known for First Thanksgiving is Grateful for Energy Savings The town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is synonymous with Thanksgiving. One year after the 1620 landing of the famous Mayflower, the town was the site for the very first harvest celebration between the Pilgrim settlers from England and the local members of the Wampanoag tribe. As "America's Hometown," Plymouth has embarked on a path to energy efficiency to reduce energy waste in the coming years, while also exploring opportunities to expand use of renewable energy sources. A 2009 energy audit identified the largest uses of municipal energy, as well as where the biggest savings could be realized. To help implement energy efficiency upgrades, the town received $514,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding from DOE as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. One of the most obvious projects on the town's list was to improve the energy efficiency of Memorial Hall, a 1,300 seat civic arena built in 1921 and used for concerts, plays, town assemblies, proms, graduations, and basketball games. See the Energy Blog post. More info at: solarserdar@gmail.com CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)

News and Events by CCRES November 16, 2011

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

News and Events

November 16, 2011

Energy Star National Building Contest Names Winner

The University of Central Florida won the EPA National Building Contest by cutting energy use 63% in one year at a campus parking garage. Credit: EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 2 that the University of Central Florida is the winner of EPA's 2011 Energy Star National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. In its second year, the competition featured teams from across the country, 245 buildings, in a head-to-head battle to save energy, reduce costs, and protect people's health and the environment. The winning building was a main-campus parking garage where energy use was decreased by 63.2% over 12 months from September 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. This year's pool of competitors was nearly 18 times as large as the first field and covered 33 states and the District of Columbia. Energy Star is a joint program of DOE and EPA.

From improvements in operations and maintenance to upgrades in equipment and technology, the competitors saved more than 240 million kBtus of energy and $5.2 million on utility bills annually. Competitors reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by more than 3,600 homes. Buildings ranged from structures more than 100 years old to ones built in the past three years. Competitors tracked their building's monthly energy consumption using EPA's Energy Star online energy tracking tool, Portfolio Manager.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) focused their efforts on improving the quality and efficiency of the garage lighting. Improvements included upgrading the main garage to high performance fluorescent lights, retrofitting the top deck with light emitting diode fixtures, and adding motion sensors in storage areas. In addition to cutting their energy use, UCF reduced their lighting bill for the parking garage by more than half due to improvements made during the competition. UCF is now spreading their successful strategies, as well as savings, to other buildings across the campus. See the EPA press release and the Battle of the Buildings website.

USDA Announces Rural Renewable Energy Assistance

USDA is supporting various renewable energy sources including wind energy. Credit: Todd Spink

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on November 10 that it had funded 67 projects nationwide to provide renewable energy assessments. Those projects focus on helping rural agricultural producers reduce energy consumption, use renewable energy technologies, and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. Funding is made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). And on November 9, the agency announced that it is supporting projects to harness wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power to reduce energy costs for farms and small business across the rural United States.

USDA awarded more than $2.4 million in grants for energy assessments and more than $1.2 million to support feasibility study projects in 28 states and Puerto Rico. For example, USDA picked the West Virginia Division of Energy to receive funding to complete 130 energy assessments for rural small businesses to help them reduce energy use and operating costs. And Boise State University is receiving a grant to offer energy savings information and energy assessments to more than 1,500 manufacturing-related agricultural producers and small business in Idaho. See the USDA press release and the REAP website.

USDA funding for renewable energy projects made through REAP is contingent on the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant or loan agreement. REAP grants can finance up to 25 % of a project's cost, up to $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Projects are in 16 states. For example, USDA will assist Hawkeye Tri-County Electric Cooperative in Cresco, Iowa, to install a geothermal heating and cooling system in its headquarters building. And, Putnam Green Power in Connecticut will get a grant for hydroelectric power. See the USDA press release.

IEA Report: World's Renewables to Rise but Climate Future Challenging

The International Energy Agency (IEA) launched its 2011 edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO) on November 9 with the report projecting a rise in renewables from 13% of the energy mix to 18% worldwide by 2035. However, the agency's flagship publication noted that such growth in renewables would rely on subsidies that rise from $64 billion in 2010 to $250 billion in 2035, a premise that is uncertain in times of tight governmental budgets.

In the WEO's central New Policies Scenario, which assumes that recent government commitments are implemented cautiously, primary energy demand increases by one-third between 2010 and 2035, with 90% of the growth in economies outside of the 34-member Oganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Two of the non-OECD countries, China and India, will account for 50% of the growth. The report projects that China will consolidate its position as the world's largest energy consumer, using nearly 70% more energy than the United States does by 2035. In the New Policies Scenario, cumulative carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 years amount to three-quarters of the total from the past 110 years, which could lead to a long-term average temperature rise of 3.5°C. China's per-capita emissions could match the OECD average in 2035. The authors warned that if new efficiency policies are not implemented, the world could track to an increase of 6°C. See the IEA press release and the World Energy Outlook website.

California Passes 1 Gigawatt Rooftop Solar Milestone: Study

The Environment California Research & Policy Center has released a new report documenting that California has installed more than 1 gigawatt of rooftop solar power. To put that figure in perspective, only five other countries worldwide have achieved that amount of rooftop solar power. The study also notes that the state's Million Solar Roofs initiative is on pace to meet its goal of installing its legislatively mandated 3 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2016.

The 2006 Million Solar Roofs Bill was the first unified state effort to turn solar power into a commonplace and affordable energy resource. The law established a 10-year, statewide interagency effort, now called the Go Solar California campaign, which includes programs that fund solar projects on homes, commercial businesses, farms, as well as government and non-profit buildings. More than 100,000 rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed since the program began. Since the first solar panels under the Million Solar Roofs Initiative were connected to the grid in 2007, California has installed nearly 800 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic power, the equivalent of powering 600,000 single family homes.

The potential for solar power looks bright in the Golden State. According to estimates by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the state could host more than 80,000 MW of rooftop solar capacity, which could generate more than a third as much electricity as California uses in a year. Findings are contained in the first analysis of the state's solar incentive program, "Building a Brighter Future." See the Environment California Research & Policy Center press release and the Building a Brighter Future report .

More info at: solarserdar@gmail.com

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)

News and Events by CCRES November 02, 2011

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

November 02, 2011

News and Events

Interior Releases Updated Roadmap for Solar Energy Development

BLM is refining possible sites for solar power plants in six western states, creating options like this 10-megawatt facility in Boulder City, Nevada. Credit: First Solar

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) made public on October 27 a supplement to the federal plan to facilitate responsible utility-scale solar development on public lands in six western states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The revised plan, the Supplement to the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Solar Energy Development (Solar PEIS), includes 17 solar energy zones totaling about 285,000 acres potentially available for development within the zones. More than 80,000 comments were received on the draft Solar PEIS, which the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) developed with DOE and published on December 17, 2010. After analyzing those comments, gathering additional data, and consulting with cooperating agencies and resource managers, the BLM modified its preferred alternative.

The BLM refined or removed zones that had development constraints or serious resource conflicts. The modified preferred alternative also establishes a variance process that, going forward, will allow development of well-sited projects outside of solar energy zones on an additional 20 million acres of public land. The supplement reinforces and improves upon DOI's work to establish meaningful solar energy zones with transmission solutions and incentives for solar energy development within those zones. The blueprint's early comprehensive analysis is designed to make for faster, better permitting of large-scale solar projects on public lands.

To ensure that proposed solar energy zones are located in appropriate areas, the supplement sets forth a more complete description of the process for identifying zones, including an analysis of transmission availability and potential resource conflicts. It also describes in detail the incentives for developers to site new projects in solar energy zones, and it identifies ongoing regional planning processes that are being used to identify additional solar energy zones.

The Federal Register Notice of Availability for the supplement begins a 90-day public comment period, after which BLM will prepare a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. See the DOI press release, the supplement, and the Solar PEIS website.

U.S. Solar Jobs Census Finds Solar Employment Soars: Report

Employment in solar energy industries increased in 2011, and is projected to grow next year, according to an industry report. Credit: Craig Miller Productions

Numbers of U.S. jobs in the solar energy field continue to rise, according to a report by the Solar Foundation, a nonprofit solar education and research organization, which on October 17 released its second annual review of the solar workforce in the United States. More than 100,000 workers are now employed in the U.S. solar industry, according to the National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the U.S. Solar Workforce report. It details more than 17,198 solar employment sites and 100,237 solar jobs in all 50 states as of August 2011. The survey calculated a 6.8% growth rate in the industry.

California continues to be the national leader in solar employment, with 25,575 workers. Rounding out the top 10 states are Colorado, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Texas, Oregon, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The report also project a 24% increase in the next year, adding some 24,000 jobs by August, 2012. Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Oregon, New Jersey, and Massachusetts showed the strongest growth rates from August 2010. The survey was conducted by The Solar Foundation and BW Research Partnership's Green LMI Consulting division with technical assistance from Cornell University. See the Solar Foundation press release.

USDA Announces $44 million in Advanced Biofuels Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on October 31 payments totaling $44.6 million for 156 advanced biofuel producers in 38 states to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels. The funding is being provided through USDA's Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels program.

Under the program, payments are made to eligible producers to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels. Payments are based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose; crop residue; animal, food, and yard waste material; biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas); and vegetable oil and animal fat. USDA is working to support the research, investment, and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and conserves natural resources.

In Dubuque, Iowa, Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC, received a $487,871 payment. The company's production facility produces 30 million gallons of biodiesel per year using soybean oil, canola oil, and tallow esters as feedstock. The operation is expected to save 18 jobs. It is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 309 million kilowatts. And, in Kinsale, Virginia, the Potomac Supply Corporation received a $36,530 payment for producing two types of advanced biofuels: fuel pellets and dry kiln. Both are made from clean pine chips, sawdust, and shavings feedstock. The payment will help save 10 jobs. See the USDA press release.

University of Minnesota Commissions DOE-Backed Wind Energy Station

DOE celebrated on October 25 the commissioning of a 2.5-megawatt wind turbine at the University of Minnesota's Eolos Wind Energy Research Station. The research station, located 25 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, features a Clipper Liberty wind turbine. The installation, supported by DOE, will allow researchers to conduct tests that could improve wind turbine efficiency. It will also help train the next generation of wind industry technicians and engineers.

The University of Minnesota, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Maine in Orono were selected in October 2009 to each receive $7.9 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to develop university-led consortia for wind energy research. Partners in the Minnesota Consortium include DOE's Sandia National Laboratories and National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The consortium is funded by the DOE through a $7.9 million Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, plus $3.1 million from consortium members. See the DOE press release.

Solar for St. Paul

Recently in St. Paul, Minnesota, I had the opportunity to see another example of how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is helping state and local governments across America meet their goals to save money, reduce pollution, and create new jobs and new business opportunities.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Xcel Energy Regional Vice President Laura McCarten, and I witnessed the unveiling of a new 82-kilowatt solar photovoltaic installation at the RiverCentre convention complex in the heart of downtown St. Paul. The RiverCentre Convention Complex received $1 million through the Solar America Communities program, which was funded through the Recovery Act.

While we were speaking, several construction workers were hard at work installing the final set of photovoltaic modules on the side of the multi-story parking lot. The completed project will have 348 American-made solar photovoltaic panels that will generate 100,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually —enough to power nine homes for a year. The project includes converting more than 1,000 traditional lights in the parking garage into new energy-efficient lamps, saving $50,000 per year simply by saving energy. See the Energy Blog post.

Vehicle Cost Calculator Helps You Add up the Savings

When most people go to the car dealership, they take a hard look at the vehicle's window sticker. But, that initial price doesn't tell the whole story. By showing only the up-front cost, the sticker price leaves out operating costs such as fuel and maintenance, which can add up over time. To help consumers sort through their options, DOE's Clean Cities initiative just introduced the new Vehicle Cost Calculator and its accompanying widget on the Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicles Data Center website.

The cost calculator provides consumers an opportunity to take the long view by providing both a vehicle’s lifetime cost and its cost-per-mile. Users can compare different technologies, including conventional, alternative fuel, and electric drive vehicles. The results aren’t just limited to new vehicles; in fact, the database has data on models all the way back to 1996. To personalize their results, users enter their driving habits, local price of fuel, and available tax credits. By seeing beyond the dealership sticker, consumers can choose the vehicles that best meet their needs today and in the future. See the Energy Blog post.

More info : solarserdar@gmail.com

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)

FUEL PRICES in EU October 14, 2011

October 14, 2011	Unleaded (Superbleifrei, Euro sans plomb, Euro95)								Diesel (Gazole, Gasóleo)
MEMBER STATE	RETAIL PRICE				PRICE EXCLUDING VAT				RETAIL PRICE				PRICE EXCLUDING VAT
Austria	€ 1.390				€ 1.158				€ 1.364				€ 1.137
Belgium	€ 1.568				€ 1.296				€ 1.430				€ 1.182
Bulgaria	€ 1.232	2.41	лв.		€ 1.027	2.01	лв.		€ 1.257	2.46	лв.		€ 1.048	2.05	лв.
Cyprus	€ 1.200				€ 1.043				€ 1.240				€ 1.078
Czech Republic	€ 1.406	34.80	Kč		€ 1.172	29.00	Kč		€ 1.398	34.60	Kč		€ 1.165	28.83	Kč
Denmark	€ 1.679	12.50	kr		€ 1.343	10.00	kr		€ 1.527	11.37	kr		€ 1.222	9.10	kr
Estonia	€ 1.275				€ 1.063				€ 1.285				€ 1.071
Finland	€ 1.558				€ 1.267				€ 1.355				€ 1.102
France	€ 1.560				€ 1.304				€ 1.390				€ 1.162
Germany	€ 1.544				€ 1.297				€ 1.462				€ 1.229
Greece	€ 1.672				€ 1.359				€ 1.478				€ 1.202
Hungary	€ 1.343	394	Ft		€ 1.074	315	Ft		€ 1.332	391	Ft		€ 1.066	313	Ft
Ireland	€ 1.477				€ 1.221				€ 1.398				€ 1.155
Italy	€ 1.587				€ 1.323				€ 1.472				€ 1.227
Latvia	€ 1.259	Ls	0.889		€ 1.032	Ls	0.729		€ 1.257	Ls	0.887		€ 1.030	Ls	0.727
Lithuania	€ 1.318	Lt	4.55		€ 1.089	Lt	3.76		€ 1.231	Lt	4.25		€ 1.017	Lt	3.51
Luxembourg	€ 1.274				€ 1.108				€ 1.176				€ 1.023
Malta	€ 1.410				€ 1.195				€ 1.310				€ 1.110
Netherlands	€ 1.657				€ 1.392				€ 1.358				€ 1.141
Poland	€ 1.194	5.22	zł		€ 0.971	4.24	zł		€ 1.181	5.16	zł		€ 0.960	4.20	zł
Portugal	€ 1.452				€ 1.180				€ 1.272				€ 1.034
Romania	€ 1.261	5.45	lei		€ 1.017	4.40	lei		€ 1.251	5.41	lei		€ 1.009	4.36	lei
Slovakia	€ 1.464				€ 1.220				€ 1.371				€ 1.143
Slovenia	€ 1.313				€ 1.094				€ 1.263				€ 1.053
Spain	€ 1.342				€ 1.137				€ 1.291				€ 1.094
Sweden	€ 1.549	14.08	kr		€ 1.239	11.26	kr		€ 1.544	14.04	kr		€ 1.235	11.23	kr
United Kingdom	€ 1.590	£	1.387		€ 1.325	£	1.156		€ 1.647	£	1.436		€ 1.373	£	1.197
EU AVERAGE	€ 1.455				€ 1.183				€ 1.348				€ 1.121

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)

22nd Annual Energy Fair June 17-19, 2011

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

promotes to you


22nd Annual Energy Fair June 17-19, 2011

Each year the MREA Energy Fair transforms rural Central Wisconsin into the global hot spot for renewable energy education. The Energy Fair brings over 20,000 people from nearly every state in the U.S. and several countries around the world to learn, connect with others and ready them for action at home. The Energy Fair is the nation's longest running energy education event of its kind.

The Energy Fair - 2011 Promotional Video

Watch and learn about this year's keynote speakers: Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power; Chris Paine, writer and director of Who Killed the Electric Car?; and a panel from the Central Wisconsin Resiliency Project. Enjoy lively entertainment provided by Baba Ganooj, VO5, Banned Wagon and other stellar talent. Don’t forget about the great food and local beer!

See who comes to the Fair, why they come, and what you can expect by attending. Enjoy viewing this video and share it with your friends!



The Energy Fair features:

Over 275 exhibitors - featuring sustainable living and clean energy products
Over 200 workshops - including introductory level to advanced hands-on education: solar, wind, green building, local sustainable food, and more
Clean Energy Car Show - featuring demonstration vehicles and exhibitors
Green Home Pavilion - emphasizing building and remodeling in a sustainable way
Green Building Demos - displaying sustainable building techniques in action
Sustainable Tables - including workshops, chef demos, and a farmers' market to bring sustainability to your dinner table
Inspirational keynotes, lively entertainment, great food, and local beer

Join us for the 22nd Annual Energy Fair, June 17-19, 2011

Dates & Times:

Friday, June 17 - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 18 - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 19 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Energy Fair Admission Tickets

All tickets are individually priced:
Adult 1-Day Pass: $15
Adult Weekend Pass: $35
Senior 1-Day Pass: $10
Senior Weekend Pass: $20
Youth 13-18 1-Day Pass: $10
Youth 13-18 Weekend Pass: $20
Kids under 13: Free
MREA Members: Free

Home Tour Tickets
We will make an announcement on the front page when Home Tour Tickets are available.

Energy Fair Receives Travel Green Certification
The Energy Fair has been certified as a green tourist event by Travel Green Wisconsin. Travel Green Wisconsin is a pilot program the Wisconsin Department of Tourism sponsors to recognize tourism-related businesses that are reducing their environmental impact through operational and other improvements. To gain Travel Green certification businesses have to meet several goals including showing how they encourage staff and vendors to be environmentally aware and how they reduce their solid waste generation and energy consumption.

The Energy Fair was recognized for the following best practices:

All food is served on reusable or biodegradable plates and food waste is composted
Shower house for guests is heated by solar water heating system
Organic, local, and fair trade products are purchased

To learn more about Travel Green Wisconsin vist www.travelgreenwisconsin.com

Contact MREA

MREA - Home Office
7558 Deer Rd.
Custer, WI 54423
715-592-6595

MREA - Milwaukee
1845 N. Farwell Avenue
Suite 100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-431-0758

More info about GREEN ENERGY at :
http://solarserdar.blogspot.com

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWALE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)

Best Green Cars, 2011

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
&
MOTHER EARTH NEWS



shares to you

Best Green Cars, 2011




The hybrid car that changed the world • The electric cars that will change the world • $1,000s in rebates and incentives • 40 mpg for the long haul • All-electric daily driving • 38 mpg with smiles • $2.75 to recharge • No range anxiety • 35 mpg with zip



Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/2011-best-green-cars-zm0z11zroc.aspx#ixzz1NddNzjFw

Back in 2000, Toyota released the Prius, a gasoline-electric hybrid, in the United States. That year, the average price of gas was just $1.49, yet here was a quirky little car that touted 40-plus mpg. A 2004 redesign gave the Prius even better mpg and its iconic shape, and it became so popular Toyota couldn’t keep up with demand. Today, the Prius is the most successful hybrid by far and has basically come to define “green car.” It’s no surprise, then, that the Prius is back among the annual MOTHER EARTH NEWS Best Green Cars.

Have you ever wondered what the heck “Prius” actually means? It’s a Latin word meaning “to go before.” Toyota chose it to signify that the car and its hybrid technology would be a precursor of the energy-efficient cars of the future — which has certainly proved true, given the numerous hybrids released by Toyota and others. However, it’s the two all-electric cars on our 2011 list that herald the next revolution in green transportation.

Yes, practical and accessible electric cars from major automakers are finally here. Neither electric car is perfect, but the Prius wasn’t either back in 2000. Of the many features that make the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf compelling, their driving range and cost to own are what may make them most appealing. The Leaf has a range of about 100 miles, depending on driving conditions. The Volt has a shorter all-electric range, but uses a gas engine to power its two electric motors when needed for a total range of about 375 miles.

Sick of paying about $50 to fill the tank of your gas car? How does $2 to $3 sound? Given the national average cost of electricity (11 cents per kilowatt-hour), that’s about what you would pay to “fill up” an electric car by recharging it overnight. And if you’re curious about the environmental costs of gasoline versus fossil fuel electricity, read Why Electric Cars Are Cleaner. In short, while there is regional variability, electric cars are cleaner than gas cars. That said, the ultimate solution is to recharge with renewable energy.

The three other vehicles that make up our 2011 Best Green Cars are revolutionary in their own right: The Ford Fiesta has the best blend of affordability and efficiency; the Honda CR-Z proves that hybrids can be fun to drive; and the Jetta TDI is the best example of clean diesel’s efficiency and workhorse longevity.

Whether you own one of these six cars now, later or never, you’ll benefit from them. They’re making mobility greener, reducing our dependence on oil, and instigating more innovation in the auto industry. In this new era of green car competition, we’re all winners.

Best Green Cars: Keys to the Data and the Experts


Base Price: the manufacturer’s suggested retail price + destination fee

EPA Gas Mileage: official fuel economy estimates (your mileage may vary)

Annual Fuel Cost: assumes $3.75/gallon regular gasoline; $3.95/gallon premium gasoline; $3.97/gallon diesel; $0.11 per kilowatt-hour of electricity; 15,000 miles driven annually at 55% city, 45% highway

Air Pollution Score: from the EPA; zero = most tailpipe emissions, 10 = least

Greenhouse Gas Score: from the EPA; zero = most greenhouse gas emissions, 10 = least

ACEEE Green Score: from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; the higher the score, the better; best 2011 score is 54; see www.GreenerCars.org

Brad Berman: founder and editor, www.HybridCars.com and www.PluginCars.com

Terry Penney: program manager for advanced vehicle technologies at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Ron Cogan: editor and publisher, Green Car Journal

Todd Kaho: executive editor, Green Car Journal and editor of www.FrugalDriver.com

Chelsea Sexton: founder, Lightning Rod Foundation; electric car advocate

James Kliesch: research director for the clean vehicles program at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Jim Motavalli: author of High Voltage: The Fast Track to Plug in the Auto Industry

Chevrolet Volt

(extended-range electric; sedan/hatchback)

Base Price: $41,000

EPA Gas Mileage Equivalent: 95 city, 90 hwy, 93 overall (electric only); 35 city, 40 hwy, 37 overall (with gas only)

Annual Fuel Cost: $594 electric only; $1,601 gas only

Electric Range: 25 to 50 miles; 375 total via the gas engine

Recharge Time: 4 hours on 240-volt; 10 hours on 120-volt

Air Pollution Score: 6

Greenhouse Gas Score: 8

ACEEE Green Score: 48

PROs

Enough electric range to cover the daily driving needs of most people. Easy to recharge. Drives seamlessly, like a conventional car.

No need for “range anxiety” (the fear of losing battery power) thanks to the gas engine “range extender.”

Many Volt drivers will need no more than 9.3 gallons of gas per year (the car uses at least one tank’s worth to keep the engine fresh).

Federal tax credit of $7,500; 2012 model may be eligible for some state-based rebates and tax credits of about $5,000.

Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because it earned top ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash safety evaluations.

Warranty on the lithium-ion batteries: eight years/100,000 miles.

CONs

Sticker price of $41,000 ($33,500 after federal tax credit). Not eligible for California’s $5,000 rebate at this time.

Currently only available in six states (CA, CT, MI, NJ, NY, TX) and Washington, D.C. Nationwide availability will begin in late 2011.

Gasoline-powered range extender requires premium gas, which costs about 20 cents more per gallon than regular unleaded.

EXPERTS SAY

“The Volt is the best of all worlds, hybrid and electric.” — Ron Cogan

“A powerhouse of technology innovation. But the $41,000 price tag is steep.” — Brad Berman

“The Volt is a comfortable car to drive on a daily basis. The great bonus: You can often do so without using a drop of gas.” — Todd Kaho

“The Volt worked wonders for GM’s publicity. It’ll do that for the environment, too, if GM can ramp up sales.” — James Kliesch

“Too much is made of the premium gas requirement. Over the course of a year in a Volt, an urban driver will put more money in parking meters than into the extra cost of premium gas.” — Chelsea Sexton

VERDICT

The Volt may have the most-complicated-to-explain car technology ever, but that technology may also make it the easiest electric car to own and drive, ever. Think of it as a smarter (meaning nearly all-electric) hybrid car, or an electric car with a safety net (the gas engine). The Volt represents a new breed of green car — made in the United States — and that’s something to be proud of, even if you never own one.

Nissan Leaf

(all-electric; sedan/hatchback)

Base Price: $33,630

EPA Gas Mileage Equivalent: 106 city, 92 hwy, 99 overall

Annual Fuel Cost: $561

Electric Range: 62 to 138 miles

Recharge Time: 7 hours on 220-volt; 20 hours on 120-volt

Air Pollution Score: 10

Greenhouse Gas Score: 10

ACEEE Green Score: 54

PROs

Never needs gas! Its range covers most people’s daily driving needs.

The average cost for a “tank” of energy to “refuel” a Leaf: $2.75.

No need for oil changes, etc. According to Automobile magazine, Leaf owners — compared with Prius owners — will save $1,360 on maintenance over three years.

Federal tax credit of $7,500. Six states (CA, CO, GA, HI, IL, MD) have tax credits or rebates of $2,000 to $6,000. If you can combine state and federal incentives, the Leaf can be less expensive than the Prius.

Warranty on the lithium-ion batteries: eight years/100,000 miles.

Vast passenger room (can fit three child seats in the back).

Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because it earned top ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash safety evaluations.

Named the 2011 World Car of the Year by a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America.

If you can recharge your cell phone, you can recharge the Leaf.

Will be built in Tennessee in 2012 to meet nationwide availability.

CONs

Sticker price of $33,630; $26,130 after the federal tax credit.

Limited regional availability now. Nationwide availability in 2012.

Not ideal for those who drive more than 60 miles a day, depending on the driving conditions (unless you can recharge at work).

EXPERTS SAY

“It’s a breakthrough electric car.” — Brad Berman

“Nissan nailed the ride and handling qualities of the Leaf. You’ll never feel compromised for the choice to go electric.” — Todd Kaho

“The Leaf’s one flaw is that its range can be reduced in cold weather because the heater is a big energy user.” — Jim Motavalli

“Don’t get too hung up on the range of the Leaf (or the Volt). Most people drive less than 50 miles a day. Electric cars aren’t meant to replace the family sedan for cross-country trips. Think of them as another tool in the inventory of transportation options.” — Terry Penney

VERDICT

The Leaf is the most exciting thing to happen to cars since, well, the Volt. Like the Volt, the Leaf is the real deal — this isn’t a PR gimmick or science experiment. Unlike the Volt, the Leaf never uses gasoline. The positive of that is obvious. The negative is not having another power source as a backup. Do you have renewable energy at home or through your utility? Drive the Leaf and you can drive energy independence!

Toyota Prius

(gasoline-electric hybrid; sedan/hatchback)

Base Price: $24,280

EPA Gas Mileage: 51 city, 48 hwy, 50 overall

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,125

Air Pollution Score: 7

Greenhouse Gas Score: 10

ACEEE Green Score: 52

PROs

50 mpg with room for five. Enough said?

With more than 1 million Prii (yes, that’s the official plural of Prius) sold in the United States, it’s the most proven and safest bet among green cars.

Consistently earns high marks for safety and mechanical reliability from Consumer Reports, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and J.D. Power and Associates.

Warranty on hybrid battery system: 8 years/100,000 miles.

No need to plug it in to recharge.

CONs

Still using nickel metal hydride batteries instead of the more advanced lithium-ion batteries used by all-electric cars.

Can’t plug in to recharge. That is, until the plug-in version is available in 2012.

If you’re considering a Prius, it may be best to wait because you’ll have more options soon. The Prius V, a station wagon-esque version, goes on sale this summer. For early 2012, Toyota promises the Prius C — a smaller, less expensive and even more fuel-efficient version of the traditional hybrid.

EXPERTS SAY

“By far the leading hybrid — no competitor comes close, or is able to offer the Prius’ level of utility and 50 mpg.” — Jim Motavalli

“The most fuel-efficient car available today from Toyota came out 10 years ago. It’s long past time to start expecting better from Toyota.” — Chelsea Sexton

“The Prius now competes with the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. Those cars use lithium-ion batteries, while the Prius sticks with nickel metal hydride. Yet, by next year, the plug-in Prius will have lithium batteries, which will push its mpg to 70 or higher.” — Brad Berman

VERDICT

After more than a decade of success, the Prius has changed the world. It’s the standard by which all other high-mpg cars are judged, but it has also become much more than just a green car. The Prius is simply a practical, reliable and fuel-efficient family car, period. But with new and unprecedented competition, will the Prius remain the No. 1 green car? Only time will tell, but given the Prius’ history, it’s hard not to have high expectations.

Ford Fiesta

(gasoline; subcompact sedan or hatchback)

Base Price: $15,090 for the sedan S trim; $16,890 for the hatchback SE trim

EPA Gas Mileage: 29 city, 38 hwy, 33 overall

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,705

Air Pollution Score: 6

Greenhouse Gas Score: 8

ACEEE Green Score: 49

PROs

If your drive to work has speed limits between 40 and 60 mph, the Fiesta can consistently deliver about 40 mpg.

While this Fiesta is new to the United States, it’s actually the sixth-generation version of the car, and it has been a best-seller around the world.

Simple but highly useful real-time gas mileage display directly in front of the driver.

Fun, unique and sporty looks that belie its price. Guaranteed to turn heads and produce smiles.

The first minicar to receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It earned top ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash safety evaluations.

CONs

Uncomfortable interior, front and back. Back seat riders may experience claustrophobia.

The “super fuel economy” option (an extra $395 in the hatchback, $695 in the sedan) may sound appealing, but it only adds 2 mpg on the highway.

The Fiesta’s precise handling and tight turning may require some getting used to on turns and high-speed curves.

EXPERTS SAY

“An excellent small car that proves that hybridization isn’t the only route to good fuel economy.” — Jim Motavalli

“A smart design using an improved engine, transmission and aerodynamics cuts the Fiesta’s emissions and saves money at the pump.” — James Kliesch

“The Fiesta is the European-inspired small car from Ford we have been waiting for. It’s the right size for commuting and most missions, yet is quite frugal and fun to drive.” — Todd Kaho

VERDICT

If you’re looking for the best mpg bang for the least bucks, then the Fiesta is your party. Among budget-priced, gas-only cars, the Fiesta beats the competition (the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris) for the best combination of gas mileage and affordable price. If all other things are equal for you, go with the stylish hatchback version over the sedan.

Honda CR-Z

(gasoline-electric hybrid; two-seater)

Base Price: $20,745 (automatic transmission)

EPA Gas Mileage: 35 city, 39 hwy, 37 overall

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,520

Air Pollution Score: 8

Greenhouse Gas Score: 8

ACEEE Green Score: 48

PROs

Nimble, quick and sheer fun to drive. With its cozy interior, electrically assisted acceleration and different driving modes, you’ll feel like a kid in a cockpit.

The three driving modes — economy, normal and sport — give the CR-Z yoga-like flexibility for any driving situation and give the driver significant control over mpg.

The real-time efficiency feedback display is informative and easy to take advantage of without being distracted from driving.

It’s even more fun to drive the version with a six-speed manual transmission. The CR-Z is the only hybrid available with a stick shift.

Has a surprising amount of storage space for such a small car.

CONs

There’s only room for two: a driver and a passenger. That said, credit Honda for not creating a back seat only contortionists could enjoy.

The small and horizontally split rear window offers very limited visibility. Keep your head on a swivel.

The official gas mileage estimates are disappointingly low for a small, hybrid car.

Has an identity crisis between sports car and fuel-efficient hybrid. If you’re expecting a sports car, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re expecting 60 mpg, you’ll be disappointed.

EXPERTS SAY

“Many drivers will do better than the EPA’s estimated mpg while driving in economy and normal modes.” — Ron Cogan

“The CR-Z is a blast to drive when the road throws twists and turns your way.” — Todd Kaho

“The CR-Z brings the idea of the iconic CR-X of the ’80s into the current era. CR-X fans have fond memories of that little, fuel-efficient racer, but by today’s standards it’s small and slow. The CR-Z is more refined and powerful, with one of the best mpg numbers available today.” — Brad Berman

VERDICT

Among hybrids, the Honda CR-Z is the most fun to drive by a mile, at least. It’s ideal for highway commuters or drivers who regularly only need room for themselves and, at most, one other person. Don’t be too bummed by its official mpg estimate. Use the different driving modes wisely and you’ll see 40-plus mpg.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

(diesel; sedan)

Base Price: $24,865

EPA Gas Mileage: 30 city, 42 hwy, 34 overall

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,751

Air Pollution Score: 5

Greenhouse Gas Score: 7

ACEEE Green Score: 48

PROs

The diesel Jetta gets great highway fuel economy and is ideal for road trips given its range (500 miles or more), which Automobile magazine describes as akin to that of a nuclear submarine.

Redesigned to be slightly larger and lighter than the diesel Jetta that won the 2009 Green Car of the Year award from Green Car Journal, but with the same strong mpg rating.

Capable of using B5 biodiesel (5 percent biodiesel, 95 percent petrodiesel), and doing so doesn’t void the warranty.

Diesel engines routinely last longer than gasoline engines. 250,000 to 300,000 miles (or even more) is fair to expect.

Many drivers report better-than-the-rating fuel economy results. You can see real-world examples at TDI Tank Wars.

CONs

Diesel fuel generally costs about 15 to 30 cents more per gallon than regular gasoline. The DOE projects that diesel fuel will average $3.81 in 2011.

Compared with the Prius, the diesel Jetta is more expensive and has lower fuel economy.

The $1,300 tax credit from Uncle Sam for clean diesel cars from Volkswagen has expired.

EXPERTS SAY

“Diesel technology is underappreciated in the United States. The Jetta TDI shows that today’s diesel isn’t smelly, slow or wreathed in black smoke as were the diesels of the 1980s.” — Jim Motavalli

“While cars like the Jetta TDI are a huge improvement over their diesel ancestors, they don’t yet meet the cleanest tailpipe emissions standards regularly met by most hybrids.” — James Kliesch

“Clean diesel is a fuel-saving, carbon-reducing technology that is here today and requires no new infrastructure. The fact that abundant torque makes TDI cars great fun to drive is icing on the cake.” — Todd Kaho

VERDICT

The Jetta TDI is at the top of the new class of diesel cars, and proves that clean diesel deserves a place in the lineup of green car options. If you’re looking for long-term value, high-mpg (especially on the highway) and more oomph than you get with most hybrids, the Jetta may be the right car for you.

By John Rockhold

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/2011-best-green-cars-zm0z11zroc.aspx#ixzz1NdczSYIp
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