GLG News by Utilities and Power Generation Experts (US)

Mark BurgerPrincipal ConsultantKestrel Development Company

Big Company Looks at Small Wind

April 7, 2009

Analysis of:GE invests in Southwest Windpower for small wind | news.cnet.com

The solar and wind power industries are suffering the headwinds of financial freeze with production delays and cutbacks and increasing layoffs.  Optimism and present government support are keeping much of the industries alive.  Some businesses insist on looking ahead in new areas, like GE's interest in the small wind turbine maker, Southwest Windpower.

Mark BurgerPrincipal ConsultantKestrel Development Company

Chinese Tonic for the Global Photovoltaic Industry

April 2, 2009

Analysis of:China's Finance Ministry Unveils US $2.93 Solar PV Incentive | www.renewableenergyworld.com

The promise of the photovoltaic industry has been diluted by the present economic malaise and hesitancy in government policy.  Industry and policy eyes turn to what should be the biggest green energy markets, the US and China will do.  The US has shown significant policy and incentive leadership, and now it's China turn.

Thomas ShewskiOwnerHigh Energy Services

Key Features of Draft Climate Bill

March 31, 2009

Analysis of:Democrats Unveil Climate Bill | www.nytimes.com

    House Democrats issued a draft climate bill titled “The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” on March 31, 2009 which proposes to reduce CO2 emissions and require the development of renewable energy on a nationwide scale.  The section that follows highlights important provisions contained in this 648 page draft bill.

Thomas ShewskiOwnerHigh Energy Services

Potential Setback for Central Appalachia Mine Permits

March 24, 2009

Analysis of:EPA Halts Hundreds of Mountaintop Mining Permits | www.miamiherald.com

    EPA sent two letters to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expressing serious concerns about the need to reduce the potential harmful impacts on water quality caused by certain types of coal mining practices, such as mountaintop mining. The letters specifically addressed two new surface coal mining operations in West Virginia and Kentucky. EPA also intends to review other requests for mining permits.     This EPA action follows shortly after the Court’s favorable ruling on the mining practice in February 2009.  This EPA action may negatively affect the producers.

Thomas ShewskiOwnerHigh Energy Services

SO2 Allowances Comments

March 24, 2009

Analysis of:2009 EPA Allowance Auction Results | www.epa.gov

    SO2 allowances are traded daily in the broker and private party markets.  The value of these credits are down substantially, affecting both the cost to generate electricity on coal and the realized sales price received by coal suppliers.

Thomas ShewskiOwnerHigh Energy Services

Potential Consequences of EPA’s Proposal Regarding Global Warming on Infrastructure Projects

March 23, 2009

Analysis of:EPA: Global Warming Endangers Health. Finding Could Have Far-Reaching Implications for Economy and Environment | www.washingtonpost.com

    Back in Spring 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.  It appears the EPA in the new Presidential Administration may be moving forward in declaring global warming endangering health, requiring regulation on CO2 emissions.   The analysis section below discusses how this could have an effect on infrastructure projects.

Thomas ShewskiOwnerHigh Energy Services

Carbon Cap and Trade Program – Structure and Cost on Fossil Fuel-Fired Electricity

March 23, 2009

Analysis of:Obama Proposal Angers Coal Industry, Including Southern Indiana’s Duke Energy | www.newsandtribune.com

    The proposals by the Administration in Congress for a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions include what is called a “Cap and Trade” program.  Under a Cap and Trade program, the amount of annual CO2 emissions would be capped and an entity would have to have a CO2 allowance for each ton (or metric ton depending on the final wording of the law) emitted during the year. 

Thomas ShewskiOwnerHigh Energy Services

U.S Coal Demand

March 23, 2009

Analysis of:U.S. Power Plants to Burn Less Coal in 2009: EIA | uk.reuters.com

U.S. domestic  demand coal demand is down due to lower electricity usage, less industrial demand, fuel switching to natural gas as a result of low natural gas prices and high NOx emissions costs on coal-fired generation, and high inventories at many coal plants.   U.S metallurgical coal demand is down due to steel demand being off.  Exports of metallurgical and steam coal will also be down from 2008’s robust export volumes.

Mark BurgerPrincipal ConsultantKestrel Development Company

A Needed Gateway to an Expanded US Wind Market

February 11, 2009

Analysis of:Study: Billions Of Dollars Needed to Deliver Wind Power To Eastern Interconnection | www.nawindpower.com

The US Department of Energy's Joint Coordinated System Plan is an ambitious undertaking to expand and modernize the high voltage transmission grid in the Northern Great Plains to serve the Midwest and Eastern part of the country.  Its undertaking will trigger a surge of new wind power construction in states like North and South Dakota and Montana.  A variety of political, regulatory, technology and market factors are converging to make this proposal a realty.

Mark BurgerPrincipal ConsultantKestrel Development Company

Ambitious and Expensive PV Program in New Jersey

February 11, 2009

Analysis of:New Jersey Utility Proposes 120 MW Solar Power Program | www.solarindustrymag.com

The announcement by New Jersey electric utility PSE&G for an ambitious expansion of the state photovoltaic program is welcome.  But the installed target price is too high in this rapidly cost cutting industry.  The result may mean more wasted incentive money and a too costly PV market that will be difficult to transition to more market oriented conditions.

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