Adobe Systems Incorporated and Bloom Energy Corporation today announced completion of the largest commercial Bloom Energy fuel cell installation to date, designed to supply approximately one-third of the electricity required by Adobe’s downtown San Jose headquarters.
A total of 12 Bloom Energy Servers – also known as Bloom boxes – have been installed on the 5th floor of Adobe’s West Tower at the company’s headquarters campus, which is composed of three high-rise towers and a parking structure. Each server is the size of an average parking space and contains thousands of Bloom fuel cells – flat, solid ceramic squares made from a sand-like powder – which will convert air and biogas into electricity via a clean electrochemical process, producing zero net carbon emissions. Typically, one server generates enough power to meet the needs of approximately 100 average U.S. homes or one small office building.
Adobe is a recognized leader for its green building efforts, having earned distinction as the world’s first commercial enterprise to achieve four platinum certifications under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED® program. The Bloom fuel cell installation is Adobe’s second major renewable energy installation; in December 2009, Adobe installed 20 Windspire® wind turbines. Now, as a Bloom Energy customer, Adobe can efficiently generate its own electricity on site, further reducing the company’s carbon footprint, lowering energy costs and mitigating power outage risks. Adobe expects to reduce its carbon footprint by approximately 121.5 million pounds over 10 years, which is the equivalent to taking 1,810 compact cars off the road annually.
“Installing Bloom Energy fuel cells supports Adobe’s efforts to remain at the forefront of utilizing impactful, clean technologies to reduce our environmental footprint,” said Randall H. Knox, III, senior director, Global Workplace Solutions, Adobe. “We hope to be an example to other companies considering cleaner, more affordable energy sources for their operations.”
“Adobe has long been a leader in setting the bar for environmental sustainability in Silicon Valley,” said Stu Aaron, vice president of marketing and product management, Bloom Energy. “With its significant installation of Bloom Energy Servers, the company can now enjoy a smarter, localized energy source that will both reduce its carbon impact and its electricity costs. We’re fortunate to work with companies that embrace responsible power consumption and make energy innovation a critical part of their business strategy.”
Source : Press Release
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Progress Energy adds landfill gas to growing renewable energy portfolio
A new, greener future is taking shape for the Wayne County Landfill as it becomes a source for renewable energy. Progress Energy Carolinas and Methane Power, Inc., have signed an agreement under which Methane Power will build and operate a 3-megawatt (MW) landfill gas-to-energy facility on the Wayne County Landfill. The utility will purchase the generated electricity and use it to serve the needs of its customers.The Wayne County facility will begin operation by the end of 2010 and is expected to produce roughly 25,000 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the annual energy demand of about 1,800 average residential customers. The facility will capture methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, that is emitted from the Wayne County Landfill and use that gas to fuel three internal combustion engines to generate electricity.
Methane Power has made a $5 million investment in Wayne County to construct the new facility. According to Lewis Gay, vice president of Methane Power, landfill gas is one of the most economical renewable options available in North Carolina and it uses proven technology.
“Methane Power is pleased to be a part of this project working with the innovative leadership of Wayne County and Progress Energy Carolinas,” said Gay. “We are dedicated to providing North Carolina with as much renewable energy as possible from landfill gas.”
This project adds to Progress Energy Carolinas’ rapidly growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. The utility has three other landfill gas-to-energy projects in North Carolina: a 1-MW plant in Buncombe County, a 4-MW plant in Craven County and a 6.4-MW plant in Sampson County.
“We are committed to partnering with our communities to invest in cost-effective and reliable alternative energy resources, such as landfill gas,” said Lloyd Yates, president and CEO of Progress Energy Carolinas. “Projects such as this one are helping to address the challenges of growing energy demand and global climate change.”
Source : Press Release
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
NSWMA Comments on Biogenic Sources of Greenhouse Gases
The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) recently submitted comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biogenic sources should be treated under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule (generally referred to as the “Tailoring Rule”). NSWMA argued that the GHG produced from biomass should not be regulated in the same manner as anthropogenic GHG (i.e., fossil fuel use) under the Tailoring Rule.
In addition, NSWMA’s comments urged EPA to remain consistent with international, federal, and state protocols involving greenhouse gases and exclude biogenic emissions from the rule. For example, some 33 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have either adopted Renewable Portfolio Standards (20 states and DC) or have voluntary goals (5 states) for adopting renewable energy standards that include landfill gas, biomass, municipal solid waste, and/or anaerobic digestion. NSWMA believes that if biogenic sources and their emissions are not excluded from the Tailoring Rule, it will jeopardize the investment in biogenic energy sources.
Regarding these proposed rules, NSWMA President and CEO Bruce J. Parker stated, “NSWMA believes that EPA should remain consistent with its often repeated policy in regard to the fundamental distinction between biogenic and anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, exclude biogenic sources from the Tailoring Rule. To do otherwise, simply invites irrational and inconsistent policies and implementations.”
Parker continued, “NSWMA believes that if the Tailoring Rule includes the carbon dioxide produced by biomass, it will overly burden local government and private entities that have invested resources into the development of renewable energy and organics management infrastructure. Imposing the Tailoring Rule permitting requirements to renewable energy projects will discourage future investment in proven technologies for reducing GHGs that utilize waste materials, biomass, and biogas.”
Source : Press Release
In addition, NSWMA’s comments urged EPA to remain consistent with international, federal, and state protocols involving greenhouse gases and exclude biogenic emissions from the rule. For example, some 33 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have either adopted Renewable Portfolio Standards (20 states and DC) or have voluntary goals (5 states) for adopting renewable energy standards that include landfill gas, biomass, municipal solid waste, and/or anaerobic digestion. NSWMA believes that if biogenic sources and their emissions are not excluded from the Tailoring Rule, it will jeopardize the investment in biogenic energy sources.
Regarding these proposed rules, NSWMA President and CEO Bruce J. Parker stated, “NSWMA believes that EPA should remain consistent with its often repeated policy in regard to the fundamental distinction between biogenic and anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, exclude biogenic sources from the Tailoring Rule. To do otherwise, simply invites irrational and inconsistent policies and implementations.”
Parker continued, “NSWMA believes that if the Tailoring Rule includes the carbon dioxide produced by biomass, it will overly burden local government and private entities that have invested resources into the development of renewable energy and organics management infrastructure. Imposing the Tailoring Rule permitting requirements to renewable energy projects will discourage future investment in proven technologies for reducing GHGs that utilize waste materials, biomass, and biogas.”
Source : Press Release
Friday, September 17, 2010
California Dairy Digester Workshop
Workshop and Farm Tours: October 15, 2010
Registration closes at noon (PST) on October 11, 2010.
The EPA AgSTAR program estimates that manure digester systems could be a viable technology at more than 900 dairy farms in California. There are currently less than 15 operating in the state. In order to reach the potential available, policy, management and technology advancements must be made. Management of odors, water quality, air emissions, and nutrients are major issues facing dairy farmers and the citizens in the region. Manure digester systems not only address many of the environmental concerns surrounding manure management, but also create opportunities for revenue from energy generation, nutrient value, fiber recovery, and carbon credits. Come hear from producers, project developers and other stakeholders who are leading the charge for change in California. The day will include both classroom presentations and discussion as well as a tour of the operating digester systems at Cal-Denier and Tollenaar dairies.
Workshop Details
Registration closes at noon (PST) on October 11, 2010.
The EPA AgSTAR program estimates that manure digester systems could be a viable technology at more than 900 dairy farms in California. There are currently less than 15 operating in the state. In order to reach the potential available, policy, management and technology advancements must be made. Management of odors, water quality, air emissions, and nutrients are major issues facing dairy farmers and the citizens in the region. Manure digester systems not only address many of the environmental concerns surrounding manure management, but also create opportunities for revenue from energy generation, nutrient value, fiber recovery, and carbon credits. Come hear from producers, project developers and other stakeholders who are leading the charge for change in California. The day will include both classroom presentations and discussion as well as a tour of the operating digester systems at Cal-Denier and Tollenaar dairies.
Workshop Details
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
BioStar Systems awarded $3 million in grants to develop biofuel production plants in California and Missouri
BioStar Systems, LLC has been awarded grants totaling over $3 million to develop production plants for alternative energy and organic agri-waste management facilities in two states. BioStar’s processes for converting waste to energy are earning the company a reputation as an emerging leader in the biotechnology industry. The firm focuses on renewable energy, organic waste management and organic fertilizers. The California Energy Commission and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded the grants. “We are pleased to have two state authorities validate two different BioStar projects and provide financial assistance moving them forward,” said Bill Love, BioStar systems principal and CEO in announcing the grants.
The California Energy Commission awarded the Kansas City-based biotechnology firm a $2,632,480 grant to develop a biomethane production plant in Sonoma County to produce transportation fuel. The grant was awarded under the commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The program is designed “to provide funding and financial assistance for the development of new, California-based biofuel production plants and enhance the operation of existing ethanol production plants to increase statewide biofuel production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded BioStar a $450,000 sub-grant to assist in the installation of anaerobic digesters for biogas production on Johnson County Egg Farm in Johnson County. The sub-grant was made available by the department through funding received from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. BioStar’s project is one of five in Missouri supported by the funds designed to “support agricultural and industrial projects that use anaerobic digestion-to-energy systems and landfill biogas-to-energy projects to produce biopower, bioheat or other forms of bioenergy.” “Developing Missouri ’s bioenergy potential when it offers energy and environmental benefits offers us a host of advantages,” said Department Director Mark N. Templeton in a release by the department. “Using these Missouri-based renewable resources to generate heat and electricity creates jobs, boosts local economies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and bolsters our energy security.”
Source : Press Release
The California Energy Commission awarded the Kansas City-based biotechnology firm a $2,632,480 grant to develop a biomethane production plant in Sonoma County to produce transportation fuel. The grant was awarded under the commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The program is designed “to provide funding and financial assistance for the development of new, California-based biofuel production plants and enhance the operation of existing ethanol production plants to increase statewide biofuel production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded BioStar a $450,000 sub-grant to assist in the installation of anaerobic digesters for biogas production on Johnson County Egg Farm in Johnson County. The sub-grant was made available by the department through funding received from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. BioStar’s project is one of five in Missouri supported by the funds designed to “support agricultural and industrial projects that use anaerobic digestion-to-energy systems and landfill biogas-to-energy projects to produce biopower, bioheat or other forms of bioenergy.” “Developing Missouri ’s bioenergy potential when it offers energy and environmental benefits offers us a host of advantages,” said Department Director Mark N. Templeton in a release by the department. “Using these Missouri-based renewable resources to generate heat and electricity creates jobs, boosts local economies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and bolsters our energy security.”
Source : Press Release