Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2009
CAPP NEWS ROUNDUP
October 26, 2009 through November 2, 2009
Industry News
Obama connects smart grid with renewables, oddly
By Elizabeth Souder
Dallas Morning News
October 27, 2009
I've heard power executives promise that a so-called "smart grid" can cut electricity usage by some double-digit percentage. But I've never heard anyone promise that the smart grid will boost renewable energy. Until now.
Report Argues for a Decentralized System of Renewable Power Generation
By Jim Witkin
New York Times
October 30, 2009
Most states could meet their demand for electricity with renewable energy sources inside their own borders, according to a new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit group in Washington that advocates for local sustainability solutions. The report, called Energy Self-Reliant States, examined the commercial potential for wind, rooftop solar, geothermal and small-scale hydro projects.
Green movement gaining speed in Dallas-Fort Worth
By Randy Lee Loftis
Dallas Morning News
November 1, 2009
North Texas may be in the early stages of a green awakening. Local businesses selling Earth-friendly products and services say they're doing well despite the general downturn. City governments are boosting purchases of clean, renewable power. Planners and developers are working to limit suburban sprawl.
Natural gas producers continue push for incentives in climate bill
By Dave Michaels
Dallas Morning News
October 28, 2009
While the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee tackles day two of its hearings on the Kerry-Boxer climate-change bill, another Senate committee addressed a piece of the debate that has big implications for Texas: whether to create new incentives for natural gas.
Stimulus powers up ‘smart grid’
By Tom Fowler
Houston Chronicle
October 28, 2009
Two Houston companies landed nearly $220 million in federal stimulus funds to bolster “smart grid” projects aimed at improving power system reliability and helping consumers use less electricity.
Chinese Involvement in Proposed Texas Wind Farm Stirs Passions
By Tom Zeller Jr.
New York Times
November 1, 2009
NEW YORK — News last week of the first major influx of Chinese capital and wind turbine manufacturing expertise into the renewable energy market in the United States — a 600-megawatt wind farm planned for the plains of west Texas — had many readers of the Green Inc. blog in a state of agitation.
Wind investment in Texas shows China’s clout in field
By Dirk Lammers, Associated Press
Houston Chronicle
October 31, 2009
Last week shows how much China's own wind industry has burgeoned. China put up $1.5 billion for a 36,000-acre wind farm in Texas with the power to light up 180,000 homes. The project is a joint venture with U.S. Renewable Energy Group, a private equity firm, Austin-based Cielo Wind Power and Shenyang Power Group of China.
CPS leak makes case for openness
By Scott Stroud
San Antonio Express-News
October 30, 2009
In the aftermath of this week's news that the cost of building two new nuclear plants in South Texas could rise by as much as $4 billion, CPS Energy interim general manager Steve Bartley was in a contemplative mood. But if Bartley wants to be the force bringing light to darkness, he needs to realize — and soon — that CPS has a long way to go. This isn't the first time they've been caught being less than candid.