February 2013 Archives
Commentary:
Those who want to keep solar plants off prime farmland get more respect than their counterparts in the desert. Why is that?
Concentrating Solar:
It looks like the possible impact on habitat for the Mojave fringe-toed lizard will loom large in CEC's decision to approve BrightSource's Palen solar project.
Transportation:
The California Energy Commission has awarded $17,223,593 in grants intended to promote cleaner-fueled vehicles in the state of California.
Utilities:
The California Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to devote proceeds from closing a polluting desert coal-fired power plant to promote renewable projects to benefit the Hopi and Navajo nations.
Photovoltaic (PV):
Even though the L.A. Department of Water And Power's new solar incentive program has taken some heat, the new Feed-in Tariff already has more applicants for its first round than were planned for in the whole program.
Government:
In his 2013 State Of The Union, President Obama covered new ground on renewables only when talking about one of the least-sexy facets of the overall issue: energy conservation.
Technology:
Fast-charging, high-capacity lithium ion batteries could be available in two or three years, if a breakthrough made by USC engineers turns out to be commercially viable.
Solar PEIS:
The groups charge that the Bureau of Land Management should have examined alternatives that concentrate development on disturbed lands and in the urban environment, not public lands.
The Grid:
A new smartphone app allows you to track California's power grid and renewables in real time.
Commentary:
It was once lauded as the "nation's largest solar project." That was before the developer went bankrupt. Now, the site stands seemingly abandoned, a drift of blowing dust and invasive grass where once there was thriving desert.
News and analysis about renewable energy in California. Blog host Chris Clarke is an environmental writer of two decades standing. He currently lives in Joshua Tree and can be contacted at: rewire@kcet.org.
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