Welcome to the Arkansas Renewable Energy e-newsletter! This newsletter is a bi-monthly feature of the Arkansas Renewable Energy website. Visit the website at www.arkansasrenewableenergy.org for more information on solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable energy resources!
Arkansas Renewable Energy News
July/August 2007
"We simply must balance our demand for energy with our rapidly shrinking resources. By acting now we can control our future instead of letting the future control us." — Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President
In This Issue...
News...
- New Arkansas Commission Gearing Up for Global Warming Work
- Biodiesel Plant Announced for Chicot County
- University of Arkansas Wins Big in 2007 Solar Splash
- G8 Leaders Agree to Set New Global Greenhouse Gas Goals
- Report: U.S. Leads in Wind Power Growth
- New Search Tool Identifies Farm Energy Resources
- Growing Number of Americans Think Solar Electricity Should Be Offered on All New Homes
- GE Unveils Hybrid Locomotive for Freight Trains
- EPA Proposes Criteria to Allow Clean Vehicles in HOV Lanes
Funding Opportunities
Website Spotlight
Mark Your Calendars!
Tip of the Month
News
New Arkansas Commission Gearing Up for Global Warming Work
A new commission created by the 2007 Arkansas Legislature hopes to soon be very busy with its work to address global warming issues. According to this report from the Arkansas News Bureau, Act 696 creates a 21-member commission to study issues related to global warming and devise a comprehensive plan to address the problem. Seventeen members will be appointed by the governor, two each by the House speaker and two are appointed by the Senate president pro tem. Those appointments are currently underway. Among the appointees is State Rep. Kathy Webb, D-Little Rock, the bill’s sponsor. www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2007/07/08/News/342638.html
Biodiesel Plant Announced for Chicot County
International Bio Fuels Corp. and Consolidated Biofuels, Inc. have contracted with Chicot County , Arkansas , to build and operate a unique combination biodiesel production and soybean oil crush facility located at the Port of Yellow Bend in Arkansas . The planned production facility, when fully operational in 2008, will have a designed capacity of 150 million gallons of biodiesel and 70 million bushels of soybean oil crush annually. The facility will be located on 65 acres of optioned acreage immediately within the Port of Yellow Bend ’s facilities. The Port of Yellow Bend is strategically located on the Mississippi River , in the heart of the Soybean Belt in the Mississippi Valley Corridor, just east of McGehee, Arkansas. home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070627005262&newsLang=en
University of Arkansas Wins Big in 2007 Solar Splash
The University of Arkansas won second place overall in this year’s Solar Splash competition. The team also placed well in several other categories: first place for Sprint and Solar Endurance, and second place in Solar Slalom. In addition, the team won awards in Hottest Looking Boat, Outstanding Workmanship, and Outstanding Hull Design categories. The annual competition was held in Fayetteville June 13-17. www.solarsplash.com/
G8 Leaders Agree to Set New Global Greenhouse Gas Goals
The world's eight leading industrialized nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—have agreed to set a 
global goal for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. During the annual summit for the Group of Eight (G8) in Germany , the leaders agreed to take "strong and early action to tackle climate change in order to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-caused) interference with the climate system." The leaders will also "consider seriously" the commitment by the European Union, Canada , and Japan to cut global GHG emissions in half by 2050.
The G8 agreement calls on all parties to actively and constructively participate in the United Nations' Climate Change Conference in Indonesia in December to develop a comprehensive agreement that includes all major GHG emitters and would take effect after 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol expires. It also calls for all major emitters to agree on a new global framework for GHG reductions by the end of 2008, which would lead to a global agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) by 2009. The plan was welcomed by the executive secretary of the UNFCCC and was endorsed by the Group of Five countries with emerging economies, namely Brazil , China , India , Mexico , and South Africa .
www.g-8.de/Webs/G8/EN/Homepage/home.html
Report: U.S. Leads in Wind Power Growth
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released its first Annual Report on U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006 , which provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of development and trends in the U.S. wind power market. Most notably, the report concludes that U.S. wind power capacity increased by 27 percent in 2006; and that the U.S. had the fastest growing wind power capacity in the world in 2005 and 2006. More than 61 percent of the U.S. 's total wind capacity - over 7,300 Megawatts (MW) - has been installed since President Bush took office in 2001. www.energy.gov/news/5091.htm
New Search Tool Identifies Farm Energy Resources
Responding to an explosion of interest in biofuels and other energy opportunities for agriculture, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has created a handy “one-stop shopping” search tool for farmers and ranchers interested in funding and building renewable energy projects, reducing energy costs, and becoming more energy self-sufficient. The online tool can be found at www.attra.ncat.org/farmenergysearchtool.
NCAT created this tool with the practical needs of agricultural producers in mind. Partnering with about a dozen leading renewable energy trade organizations and agencies, NCAT has gathered in one location up-to-date listings in all major energy-related topic areas. Using clickable maps and a few simple drop-down menus, growers can quickly find technical assistance, financial assistance, and sources of equipment in their own state for making energy saving improvements and building anaerobic digesters, biodiesel, ethanol, wind, and solar energy projects. Read the full press release at www.arkansasrenewableenergy.org/NCATsearchtool.pdf
Growing Number of Americans Think Solar Electricity Should Be Offered on All New Homes
According to a recent Roper survey commissioned by Sharp Electronics Corporation, nearly 90 percent of Americans think that solar electricity should be an option for all new home construction, up significantly from one year ago (79 percent). Three-quarters of survey respondents perceive solar power to be more important than ever, evidence that Americans recognize the value of solar as a clean, renewable form of energy.
82 percent say that a decrease in monthly energy bills is their primary motivation for installing solar power; other respondents indicated it was to reduce overall energy usage (79 percent), reduce oil dependence (77 percent) or because it is a secure source of energy (75 percent).
The survey was conducted in May of this year among 1,004 adults to measure their perceptions of solar power. "More and more, consumers are interested in solar energy, as the results of this survey clearly show. The message from consumers to homebuilders is clear—builders can differentiate themselves while satisfying customer needs by offering solar electricity on any home they build," said Ron Kenedi, vice president, Solar Energy Solutions Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/partner/story?id=48736
GE Unveils Hybrid Locomotive for Freight Trains 
General Electric Company (GE) unveiled a prototype hybrid locomotive for freight trains last week in Los Angeles , California , reports DOE's EERE Network News. Like its automotive cousins, the 4,400-horsepower Evolution Hybrid prototype features a series of batteries that capture and store the locomotive's braking energy and use it to help accelerate the train from a stop. According to the company, the hybrid system will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 10 percent compared to most of the freight locomotives in use today. GE isn't disclosing the type of batteries used in the locomotive, describing them only as innovative, lead-free, and rechargeable.
The company estimates that the energy dissipated in braking a 207-ton locomotive over the course of a year is enough to power 160 households for a year. And if every locomotive today were as efficient as GE's hybrid, the North American rail industry could save $425 million in fuel costs each year. www.getransportation.com/na/en/hybrid.html
GE's Evolution Hybrid prototype isn't the first hybrid locomotive, but it's the first to be designed for long-distance travel (a "road" locomotive). RailPower Technologies Corporation currently produces a hybrid locomotive for use in moving railroad cars around within a rail yard. This yard switcher, called the "Green Goat," runs entirely on battery power and employs a small diesel engine to maintain the charge in its lead-acid batteries. The company is also developing a "road switcher," a locomotive designed to move railroad cars outside of a rail yard.
www.railpower.com/products_gg.html
EPA Proposes Criteria to Allow Clean Vehicles in HOV Lanes
EPA recently proposed criteria for hybrid and alternative-fueled vehicles that states might allow to travel in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, even when the driver is alone in the vehicle. The 2005 transportation act authorized such occupancy exemptions for HOV lanes to encourage the purchase and use of clean vehicles. The act also required EPA to set the criteria for such clean vehicles. According to DOE's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), some type of HOV exemption is currently offered in eight states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Utah, and Virginia—and the District of Columbia. yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8822edaadaba0243852572a000656841/649ef12b8763f5e4852572de0050f59d!OpenDocument
Funding Opportunities
Zero Energy Homes
The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Building America Energy Efficient Housing Partnerships. Through this initiative, DOE seeks building science research projects focused on finding energy-efficient solutions for new and existing housing that can be implemented on a production basis, with the goal of developing cost-effective Net Zero Energy Homes by 2020. Zero Energy Homes combine state of the art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems such as solar water heating and solar electricity, and can be designed and constructed to produce as much energy as they consume annually. Responses are due July 31, 2007 . Get the full details at e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/UNID/E3797DD9D93EECF2852572F90054BD2B?OpenDocument
Website Spotlight
Apollo Alliance
The Apollo Alliance focuses on rejuvenating America ’s economy by creating the next generation of American industrial jobs and treating clean energy as an economic and security mandate to rebuild America .
The mission of the Alliance is to build a broad-based constituency in support of a sustainable and clean energy economy that will create millions of good jobs for the nation, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create cleaner and healthier communities. Through policy alternatives, organizing, and on-the-ground results in states and cities across the nation, the Alliance is successfully demonstrating that a social, just, environmentally balanced and economically prosperous future is attainable.
Check out the Apollo Alliance website, where you’ll find many useful resources in support of these goals. home.apolloalliance.org/home2.html
Mark Your Calendars!
Here's a sample of the many upcoming events focusing on energy issues. For a more complete list, see our Events Calendar!
GovEnergy
August 5-8, 2007
New Orleans , LA
This is the premiere annual federal workshop, featuring top energy professionals from around the nation. The goal of this annual event is to help Federal agencies reduce their energy use and costs and meet Federal energy mandates as outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other Federal guidance. www.govenergy.com/
Overview of Biodiesel
August 8-9, 2007
Morgantown, WV
This two-day course, designed for those seriously interested in learning about biodiesel fuel, will describe engine systems, biodiesel blends, and biodiesel production. The ASTM D6751 standards will be discussed in great detail, as will the benefits and drawbacks of biodiesel technology. www.naftc.wvu.edu/
Solar Hot Water Workshop
August 23-25, 2007
Albuquerque , NM
this popular workshop explore the theory, design considerations, and installation techniques necessary to install and maintain a solar domestic hot water system. Passive solar water heaters, drainback systems, antifreeze systems, photovoltaic powered systems, pool heating systems, and an introduction to space heating systems are all discussed in depth. Also included are safety considerations, code compliance, system sizing, and understanding solar collector performance in a variety of climates and applications. www.solarenergy.org/workshops/workshop.php?id=19
Tip of the Month:
Have a Home Energy Audit
(source: U.S. Department of Energy)
A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. During the audit, you can pinpoint where your house is losing energy. Audits also determine the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling systems. An audit may also show you ways to conserve hot water and electricity.
You can easily conduct a home energy audit yourself. With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any type of house. When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. For more information on areas to check and how to do it, see Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11170
A professional auditor can carry out a more thorough audit, using a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of a structure. Thorough audits often use equipment such as blower doors, which measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope, and infrared cameras, which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation.
There are several places where you can locate professional energy auditing services. Your state or local government energy or weatherization office may help you identify a local company or organization that performs audits. They may also have information on how to do your own audit. Your electric or gas utility may conduct residential energy audits or recommend local auditors. Also check your telephone directory under headings beginning with the word "Energy" for companies that perform residential energy audits.
RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network, certifies energy raters who can conduct an energy rating and qualify a home for ENERGY STAR certification or federal energy credits. For a list of RESNET certified raters in your state, visit www.resnet.us/directory/raters.aspx
For more information, visit these links:
- Home Energy Saver
hes.lbl.gov/ - A Home Energy Audit
www.ase.org/uploaded_files/educatorlessonplans/audit.pdf - Home Energy Audits: ENERGY STAR
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_audits
You have received this e-mail because you visited the Arkansas Renewable Energy website or expressed an interest in receiving information about renewable energy in Arkansas.
If you have renewable energy News or an Energy Tip for posting on the website, please send it to info@arkansasrenewableenergy.org. Please forward the newsletter to others who may be interested in renewable energy issues in Arkansas.
If you want to remove yourself from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to < Majordomo@lists.ncat.org> with the following command in the body of your email message:
unsubscribe arkansasrenewableenergy
If you ever need to contact the owner of the list, if you have trouble unsubscribing or if you have questions about the list itself, send email to:
owner-arkansasrenewableenergy@lists.ncat.org
