July 30, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

US Nuclear Projects Tied Up Awaiting Federal Loan Guarantees http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/u-s-nuclear-projects-await-delayed-decisions-on-federal-loan-guarantees.html

Safety Concerns Have Delayed Approval of New Nuclear Reactors http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=slow-reactor-safety

Private Mineral Owners in Wyoming To Auction Drilling Rights http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5htBedFdY0kKKB0mhn-soBDX37JpQD9H8TQJ80

Wyoming Landowners Get Tips as Drilling Interest Grows http://www.billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_1b836e00-9b8a-11df-89a1-001cc4c03286.html

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Carbon County Wyoming Mulls New Rules for Wind Farms http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewswy/Carbon.County.one.2.1831643.html

Nevada’s Bet on Geothermal Power http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/nevadas-big-bet-on-geothermal/

COMPANY NEWS

Improved Market, New Mine Boost Arch Coal Results http://www.stltoday.com/business/energy/article_0101293a-9be1-11df-8bc4-00127992bc8b.html

First Solar Second Quarter Profit Fell Due to Hold Back of Panels for Company-Owned Projects http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-29/first-solar-quarterly-profit-drops-as-own-project-development-increases.html

Sundrop Fuels: Solar Biomass Gasification http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/07/sundrop-fuels-solar-biomass-gasification/

July 29, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Uranium Forum on August 4th at University of Wyoming http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/articles/2010/07/28/news/today/news04.txt

Wyoming Governor Freudenthal Urges Pelosi to Stall Proposed Federal Drilling Regulations http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/market_news/article.jsp?content=D9H84TJG3

House Drops Regulations on Hydraulic Fracturing http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/541496.html?nav=5010

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Pickens and Home Depot Beat Wind Turbine Makers in Revised Energy Measure http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-28/pickens-home-depot-beat-wind-turbine-makers-in-u-s-energy-legislation.html

ENERGY POLICY

Energy Subsidies—Good and Bad http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/29/opinion/29thu3.html?_r=1

No National RES in Reid Energy Bill http://solar.calfinder.com/blog/solar-politics/national-res-dies/

COMPANY NEWS

Alternative Energy Holdings Announces Purchase Agreement for a Backup Site for Its Proposed Nuclear Power Plant http://www.marketwatch.com/story/alternate-energy-holdings-inc-signs-agreement-on-new-backup-nuclear-site-in-idaho-2010-07-28?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Pacific Northern Gas Reports Second Quarter Results http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pacific-northern-gas-reports-second-quarter-results-and-declares-third-quarter-dividends-2010-07-27?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Nextraction Announces Reserve Update for North Pinedale Project http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nextraction-announces-update-to-ni-51-101-reserve-report-for-north-pinedale-project-2010-07-28-9290?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Xcel Energy Reports Second Quarter Earnings http://www.marketwatch.com/story/xcel-energy-second-quarter-2010-earnings-2010-07-29?reflink=MW_news_stmp

July 28, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Failure to Build Yucca Mountain Could Delay New Nuclear Power Plants http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/27/1749226/stalled-waste-site-could-delay.html

US Nuclear Plants: Old and Incontinent http://inthesetimes.com/article/6181/u.s._nuclear_plants_old_and_incontinent/

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Experts Warn of Battery Bust if Consumers Don't Buy Electric Cars http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2010/07/experts_warn_battery_bubble_co.html

Nissan Says It Needs 5 Years of Subsidies to Build EV Market http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N27109147.htm

ENERGY POLICY

How Will The Smart Grid Handle Heat Waves? http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smart-grid-heat-wave

COMPANY NEWS

First Wind Wins $117 Million DOE Loan Guarantee for Hawaiian Wind Project http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2010/07/26/daily25-First-Wind-wins-117M-fed-loan-backing-for-Hawaii-project.html

Southern California Edison Signs 60MW in Roof Top Solar Deals http://www.getsolar.com/blog/southern-california-edison-signs-60mw-in-rooftop-solar-deals/9755/

Xtreme Power Closes $29.5 Million Series C Round http://www.marketwatch.com/story/energy-storage-pioneer-xtreme-power-closes-295m-series-c-round-2010-07-27?reflink=MW_news_stmp

BC Hydro Looks at Expansion of Hydro on Columbia River System http://www.vancouversun.com/news/looks+hydro+expansion+Columbia+River+system/3326977/story.html

July 27, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Is the Metropolis Plant Closure Responsible for a Rise in Uranium Prices? http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/07/26/uranium-price-spike-ahead.aspx

Judge's Ruling May Boost Nuclear Storage in Utah http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/49997613-76/interior-project-ebel-nuclear.html.csp

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Biofuels Mandate is Costly and Ineffective? http://reason.com/blog/2010/07/26/biofuels-mandate-greenhouse-ga

House Democrats Propose $25 Billion in Tax Breaks for Green Energy http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=201007261818dowjonesdjonline000324&title=us-house-democrats-propose-green-energy-tax-breaks

ENERGY POLICY

Dems Press Reid to Include a Renewable Energy Standard in the Energy Bill http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/110921-twenty-seven-dems-press-reid-to-put-renewable-power-standard-in-energy-bill

Grid Monitor Urges Utilities to Go Slow on Smart Grid Renovations http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/07/27/27climatewire-monitor-urges-utilities-to-go-slow-on-smart-85097.html

COMPANY NEWS

UPS Releases Sustainability Report, Plans to Increase Fleet Fuel Efficiency by 20% http://www.fastcompany.com/1674484/ups-releases-sustainability-report-plans-to-increase-auto-fuel-efficiency-by-20

Luca Technologies Withdraws Application to "Grow" Methane in Wyoming PRB http://www.buffalobulletin.com/articles/2010/07/26/news/local_news/doc4c4731759c2e6290032327.txt

Portland General Electric Completes Largest Rooftop Solar Project in Northwest http://www.marketwatch.com/story/largest-rooftop-solar-project-in-northwest-now-online-for-portland-general-electric-customers-2010-07-26?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Uranium Energy Corp Issues Mid Year Report http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uranium-energy-corp-issues-mid-year-shareholder-report-99306979.html

July 26, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Nuclear Loses Cost Advantage Over Solar at $10 Billion Cost Per Plant http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/business/global/27iht-renuke.html?src=busln

In the Wake of Failed Energy Bill, EPA to Crack Down On Coal http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/business/global/26green.html?_r=1&src=busln

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Exploring Algae as Fuel http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/business/energy-environment/26algae.html?src=busln

DOE Calls for Cool Roof Technology on DOE Buildings http://energyportal.eu/latest-energy-savings-news/8935-secretary-chu-announces-steps-to-implement-cool-roofs-across-the-us-government.html

Berkeley Lab and CIT Receive $122 Million to Study Light to Energy http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15591360?nclick_check=1

ENERGY POLICY

Draft Los Angeles Resource Plan Estimates Electricity Rates Up by 25% Before Inflation by 2030 http://sunpluggers.com/news/draft-los-angeles-report-examines-transition-toward-renewable-energy-0740

Beyond Carbon Legislation: Energy Transition http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-nelder/beyond-carbon-legislation_b_657495.html

COMPANY NEWS

BC Hydro to Being Smart Meter Program http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/Hydro+starts+move+smart+meters/3317833/story.html

Enbridge Reports Second Quarter and Raises Distribution http://www.marketwatch.com/story/enbridge-energy-partners-increases-distribution-and-reports-record-earnings-for-second-quarter-2010-2010-07-23?reflink=MW_news_stmp

July 23, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

BLM Delays Release of Gateway West Power Line EIS To Fourth Quarter 2010 http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewswy/BLM.delays.releasing.2.1820707.html

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Solar Trade Groups Push for Feed In Tariffs in the US http://sunpluggers.com/news/solar-trade-groups-issue-call-for-broad-adoption-of-feed-in-tariffs-0731

Xcel Joins Project Testing Solar Based Heat and Power System http://www.brighterenergy.org/14063/news/heat-efficiency/xcel-energy-joins-project-testing-solar-fuelled-chp-system/

Electric Vehicle Wars: “Dude, Where's My Warranty?” http://www.investmentu.com/2010/July/electric-vehicle-warranty-wars.html

ENERGY POLICY

Hope Fades for Senate Energy Bill http://www.brighterenergy.org/14087/news/legislation/hopes-fade-for-senate-energy-bill-as-limited-version-is-drafted/

Senate Appropriations Approves $10 Billion for DOE Loan Guarantees, No Money For Yucca Mountain http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/Nuclear/3880519.xml

July 22, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

The New T. Boone Pickens Plan Excludes Wind Power http://www.businessinsider.com/t-boone-pickens-gives-up-on-wind-power-2010-7

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

The World's First Molten Salt Concentrating Solar Power Plant http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/22/first-molten-salt-solar-power

COMPANY NEWS

Applied Materials Pulls Plug on SunFab Thin Film Equipment http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/end-of-the-line-applied-materials-pulls-plug-on-its-thin-film-s/19563172/

Juwi Wind Moving US Headquarters to Boulder, CO http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-business/ci_15570559

Vestas' Colorado Plant to Provide 190 Turbine Units for Alta Wind Energy Center http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/vwsyf_vestas-to-supply-570-mw-wind-turbines-to-california-1058567.html

Akeena Solar Reports Second Quarter Results and Announces Name Change http://www.marketwatch.com/story/akeena-solar-announces-second-quarter-2010-results-2010-07-22?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Biodiversity, Climate Change and Marmots

Most of the global warming hand-wringing to date has focused on adverse impacts--pine beetles killing off forests, polar bears losing ice caps. Finally, today, an article on ninemsn.com puts a positive spin on an animal population--the marmot. Apparently in Colorado, the marmot average weight is increasing and its population is expanding as longer summers give the animals enough time to put on weight, repopulate and then go back to hibernate. Score one point for global warming.

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Hydropower Industry Lobbies Congress on Murkowski Bill http://www.brighterenergy.org/13929/news/marine-hydro/support-hydropower-to-create-1-4m-jobs-congress-urged/

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

INL Recognized for Waste to Biodiesel Process http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=4300

ENERGY POLICY

Time Running Out for Energy Bill http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/07/21/21climatewire-while-reid-ponders-some-democrats-see-time-ru-3776.html

Global Warming Helping Colorado Marmot Populations http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/7933170/global-warming-brings-more-sex-food

COMPANY NEWS

Interview with Geordie Mark on Uranium Stocks http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/36996/20100720/uranium-uranium-investing-uranium-miners-uranium-stocks.htm

NextEra Signs PPA with Google Energy for 114 MW Wind Power from Iowa http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nextera-energy-resources-signs-ppa-with-google-energy-to-supply-wind-power-2010-07-20?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Solexant's New Thin Film Solar Plant to be Built in Oregon http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/new-solar-panel-factory-is-destined-for-oregon/19562247/

July 20, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Nuclear Energy—We’re Not Ready http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/opinion/20herbert.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

ENERGY POLICY

Ethanol Producers Vary on Growth Energy’s Call for the Elimination of VEETC http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/07/19/corn-growers-renewable-fuels-group-put-heads-in-sand-over-ethanol-subsidy/

In the West, Climate and Energy Policy is Water Policy http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-grossman/in-the-west-climate-and-e_b_651186.html

COMPANY NEWS

Honda to Sell Plug In Hybrids http://www.marketwatch.com/story/honda-will-sell-plug-in-hybrids-electric-vehicles-2010-07-20

Nova Chemicals Buy 100% of Ethane Production at Hess Corp’s Tioga ND Plant http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gyR5DDObVHSjPuHHWPdEWBNo4w6QD9H25OT00

Imperium Renewables Calls CBO Report on Biofuels Tax Fatally Flawed http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/tax-incentives-ldquofatally-flawedrdquo,1390244.html

July 19, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Why Uranium Prices Will Rise http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article21157.html

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Five Reasons Green Tech Has Such a Tough Time in America http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/07/why-green-has-such-a-tough-time-in-america/

REN21 Global Trends in Sustainable Energy Investment 2010 Report Available Here http://sefi.unep.org/english/globaltrends2010.html

COMPANY NEWS

Toyota and Tesla Plan to Build Electric RAV4 http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-0717-autos-tesla-20100717,0,7510119.story

Uranium Energy Corp Reports Historical Resource of 1.5 Million Pounds Uranium at Salvo Project http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uranium-energy-corp-announces-historical-resource-of-15-million-pounds-eu3o8-at-the-companys-salvo-project-in-south-texas-98737169.html

US Geothermal Selects TAS For Power Plant Technology http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4319692

Brown Dogs and Lithium Batteries

I used to have a brown dog--a chocolate labrador retriever, but that is not what I am talking about today. Now "Brown Dog" refers to about a dozen Democratic Senators who are balking at a climate bill before the November elections--in particular what a carbon cap would do to utility costs for their low-income residents. Today's Politico article notes that none of the Democratic "fence sitters" are even up for election this year, but have grave concerns about what impact an emissions cap or carbon tax might have on their local economies. Harry Reid, as described in the Washington Post article that follows, is looking to broker some sort of compromise with an alternative bill the week after next.

Interesting spin also in the in the CNN and Christian Science Monitor articles on the US EV battery business. Is the US government over-investing in too many battery plants such that when they all come on line, they will flood the market with batteries? By that time, will there still be federal money available to keep them all alive? Another set of unintended consequences when the government tries to tinker with business. I am also amused that Obama made a visit to a battery plant that received over $150 million in federal grant money, but is owned by LG Chem, a Korean company. Yes, there will be US jobs created in Michigan, but in this case, any profits will be headed out of the country. Do we really "catch up" in the battery technology race when we are only subsidizing our Asian competitors?

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Natural Gas Outlook: Storage is 10.7% Above Five Year Average http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Natural-Gas-Outlook--Working-Gas-Storage-10-7--Above-5-Year-Average/2010-07-15/article_babycalfhealth.aspx?oid=1160536&fid=VAN_Tronix_Reports

BLM to Begin Decisions on Backlogged Wyoming Oil and Gas Leases http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5js1V3ivAl-XHNGURo5IfIVXBf2qgD9GVPTVG0

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Obama Sees EV Battery Prices Down by 70%: LG Chem Forecasts 50% Decrease by 2015 http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1521310320100715

EV Project Expands to Texas http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-ev-project-expands-to-texas-2010-07-15?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Is the US Battery Business for Real? http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/15/news/economy/obama_batteries/

Why is Obama Putting so Much Stock in Battery Technology? http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0715/Why-Obama-is-putting-so-much-stock-in-battery-technology

ENERGY POLICY

Ethanol Group Backs Phase Out of Subsidies if Money is Used to Install Blender Pumps for E85 http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1521158720100715

"Brown Dogs" Complicate Climate Plan http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0710/39830.html

Reid to Offer an Energy Bill the Week of July 26 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071505891.html

COMPANY NEWS

Salares and Talison Announce Merger and CAD$40 Million Private Placement http://www.marketwire.com/press-release-canada/Salares-Lithium-Talison-Announce-Merger-Create-Worlds-Largest-Lithium-Production-Company-TSX-VENTURE-LIT-1290982.htm

BP Buying out Verenium Biofuels Business for $98 Million http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/07/15/bp-verenium-biofuel-ethanol/

July 15, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Range Fire Burning Near INL Materials and Fuels Complex http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=12801461

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Battery Boosted Hawaiian Wind Project Breaks Ground http://www.brighterenergy.org/13714/news/wind/battery-boosted-hawaii-wind-project-breaks-ground/

Clean Energy Builds Slowly, Despite Federal Cash http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128517333

ENERGY POLICY

California AG Sues Feds Over Fannie and Freddie Blocks on PACE Programs for Renewable Energy http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/market_news/article.jsp?content=D9GV3V1O0

US Utility First Climate Bill Sparks Opposition http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1416013920100714

COMPANY NEWS

Black Hills Corp. Selling 23% Stake in Wygen III to City of Gillette for $62 Million http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewswy/Black.Hills.Corp.2.1805094.html

GM To Offer 100,000 Mile 8 Year Battery Warranty on the Volt http://www.detnews.com/article/20100715/AUTO01/7150418/1148/GM-touts-Volt-s-long-battery-warranty

Titan Uranium Completes Drill Program at Sheep Mountain Project, Wyoming http://www.marketwatch.com/story/titan-uranium-completes-successful-drill-program-at-sheep-mountain-project-wyoming-2010-07-15-82560?reflink=MW_news_stmp

July, 14, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Superconductor Technology Makes Hydropower Debut http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ge-introduces-smart-grid-compatible-electric-vehicle-charger-2010-07-13?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Senator Murkowski Introduces Hydropower Bills http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/rwed_sen-murkowski-introduces-bills-to-increase-hydropower-generation-1039902.html

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

NREL Releases Offshore Wind Assessment Report http://nrelpubs.nrel.gov/Webtop/ws/nich/www/public/Record?rpp=25&upp=0&m=4&w=NATIVE%28%27AUTHOR+ph+words+%27%27schwartz%27%27+and+PUBYEAR+%3D+2010%27%29&order=native%28%27pubyear%2FDescend%27%29

Solar Wells Displacing Windmills on Western Range http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gj4MWwW6R15_E-sQqIvMCNllEb4gD9GUMFGG1

ENERGY POLICY

EPA Slashes 2011 Cellulosic Biofuels Estimates http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=3944

COMPANY NEWS

Sempra San Diego Transmission Line Gets USFS Approval on a 19 Mile Segment http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=15718

GE Introduces an Electric Vehicle Charger http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ge-introduces-smart-grid-compatible-electric-vehicle-charger-2010-07-13?reflink=MW_news_stmp

El Paso Receives BLM Right of Way Grant for New Gas Pipeline http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/market_news/article.jsp?content=D9GUEVLO0

Arch to Aggressively Pursue Development of Otter Creek Property in Montana http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_f55b329c-8efc-11df-b64a-001cc4c03286.html

Raser May Sell Stake in Thermo 1 to Finance Turbine Upgrades http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-14/raser-may-sell-stake-in-utah-geothermal-plant-to-finance-larger-turbines.html

Two Companies Lead the Pure Play Biofuels Market http://www.energyboom.com/yes/eboom-capital-two-companies-lead-pure-play-biofuels

Bechtel to Partner with Babcock and Wilcox on Modular Reactors http://www.powergenworldwide.com/index/display/articledisplay/5095256638/articles/powergenworldwide/nuclear/reactors/2010/07/modular-nuclear_reactor.html

A Little Humor, Please, Along with the News July 13, 2010

I got a chuckle out of this Graphic on The Onion, of highlights on the New Energy Bill. It helped break up another serious news day for alternative and traditional energy.

The last article in the Energy Policy section is the most interesting to me. Why isn't the Department of Energy using any resources to improve the basic technology of electricity production? Having read Natural Capitalism, by Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins and L. Hunter Lovins, I understand that re-engineering of processes lead to the highest return, typically at much lower cost.

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Environmental Groups Sue BLM and Dept of Interior Over Wyoming Coal Lease Policies http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/Coal/6175857.xml

DOE Testing Carbon Sequestration in Coal Bed Methane Wells http://www.wyomingbusinessreport.com/article.asp?id=52491

Eastern Governors Protest Midwest Wind Transmission Line http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/07/13/eastern-governors-protest-midwest-wind-transmission-line/

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

DOE Issues $92 Million in Grants for 43 Energy Research Projects http://www.pennenergy.com/index/articles/display/0424582258/articles/pennenergy/power/operations-reliability/2010/07/u_s_-doe_grants__92mm.html

ENERGY POLICY

EPA To Require 800 Million Gallons of Biodiesel Use in 2011 http://www.hoosieragtoday.com/wire/news/01057_BDB_184356.php

Senator Kerry Says Election Year Pressures Could Sink Carbon Caps http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-13/u-s-election-year-pressures-might-sink-carbon-caps-kerry-says.html

New Study Indicates that Colorado’s Required Conversion of Coal to Gas for Electricity will Cost Consumers More http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/article_9e04f898-8e3e-11df-bac8-001cc4c03286.html

Why Isn’t the US Doing More to Support Combined Heat and Power? http://agmetalminer.com/2010/07/13/why-isnt-the-us-doing-more-to-support-chp/

COMPANY NEWS

SEC Probes Accounting Policies at Solar Companies http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50056220100712\

Interview with CEO of Better Place http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/12/news/companies/electric_vehicle_lithium_shortage.fortune/

Arch's Dugout Canyon Coal Mine Reopening to Take Longer than Expected http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/49914495-79/mine-coal-canyon-arch.html.csp

American Electric Technologies Announces First Inverter for Utility Grade Solar Power http://www.marketwatch.com/story/american-electric-technologies-introduces-the-industrys-first-integrated-solar-inversion-station-for-utility-grade-solar-power-generation-2010-07-13?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Trouble Meeting RPS Standards and Other News

Recently there have been calls to allow California utilities buy more renewable power from outside the state and to buy renewable credits to meet RPS standards. The reasons are clear in an article today, from the LA Times, which reports that California utilities are having a hard time meeting the current 20% RPS goal by year end. The reasons are many and are described in the article. California is such an interesting case, as a large economy reliant on power imported from neighboring states, but its situation is not unique. States in the Northeast are also finding it a challenge to meet RPS standards on in-state generated alternative power. Will these RPS standards force California to abandon its ban on new nuclear power to achieve its goals, or will it continue to rely on other states for its energy destiny?


TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Uranium Bottoming as China Stockpiles 10,000 Tons from Cameco http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-11/uranium-bottoming-as-china-stockpiles-10-000-tons-from-cameco.html

Interview with T. Boone Pickens http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/12/pf/pickens_energy_stocks.fortune/


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

California Utilities Struggle to Meet RPS Requirement http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-clean-power-20100710,0,3083534.story

ENERGY POLICY

Group Proposes North Dakota Energy Policy http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=601226

Squandering the Stimulus http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/07/squandering_the_stimulus.html

New Rules in Massachusetts Set Bad Precedent for Biomass http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/business/energy-environment/10biomass.html?_r=1&src=busln

Climate Bill Would Not Add to Deficit As Long as Carbon Credits Are Sold to Utilities to Raise Money http://www.brighterenergy.org/13504/news/legislation/climate-and-energy-bill-would-not-add-to-deficit/

COMPANY NEWS

Idaho Power Signs First Large Solar Agreement http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/idhoo_idaho-power-signs-first-large-solar-energy-agreement-1033116.html


Southern Cal Edison Won Approval to Buy 500 MW Renewable Power http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0823039820100708

Local Alternative Generation vs. Imported Power

Today, we have articles that clarify important points about renewable energy standards. What will states do to generate their RPS in-state rather than importing their clean energy from other markets, and who bears the cost? It is terrific to take every parking lot and every rooftop and put solar panels on them and generate power locally. Those nearest to it benefit--the local utility and its customers. But when wind farms in North and South Dakota are generating wind for Chicago or Indiana, who bears the burden of the transmission of that power? The Hoosier story today outlines that FERC has already approved one plan to have utility customers bear 100% of the cost of tranmission, and now the Midwest ISO is asking for the same. Equity is hard to parse in these long distance renewable power deals.

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

New Mexico Creates Task Force to Plan Power Line Expansion http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12774669

DOE Looks for Short Term Storage Options for Depleted Uranium http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/07/09/DOE-seeks-home-for-depleted-uranium/UPI-93851278652154/

US Appeals Court Rejected Stay on Lower Court Lift on Drilling Moratorium http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65O5TA20100708

Natural Gas Industry Criticized for Lack of Successful Lobby http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_15472282

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

DOE to Use Nevada Nuclear Test Site to Study New Solar Technologies http://sunpluggers.com/news/us-planning-solar-power-plants-at-former-nuclear-test-site-in-nevada-0683

Turning Parking Lots into Solar Farms http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/07/turning-parking-lots-into-vast-urban-solar-farms/1

ENERGY POLICY

Hoosiers May Bear $16 Billion Cost of Wind Turbines http://www.indystar.com/article/20100709/BUSINESS/7090328/For-Hoosier-consumers-bigger-bills-are-in-the-wind

Obama Pushes for Extension of $5 Billion Clean Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2266239/obama-puts-clean-economy-heart


COMPANY NEWS

PurpleEnergy Seeks $5 Million DOE Grant to Study Cool Geothermal http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700046269/Utah-company-researching-cool-geothermal-power.html

Areva's Loan Guarantee and Pavillion's EPA Wells

In today's news, Areva's acceptance of the DOE loan guarantee on its proposed Idaho Falls enrichment facility is the biggest story. As many in the nuclear fuel cycle business know, the 2013 expiration of the Megatons to Megawatts agreement with the Russians means that the US nuclear industry will need to find alternate sources of uranium fuel stock. Urenco's New Mexico enrichment facility, Areva's plant and USEC's facility will all be coming on line to meet the industry needs for fuel. Timing is everything, and we will be watching to see if the NRC construction permit tracks its timeline so that Areva can begin building in 2011 and delivering product by 2014.

The article on the Pavillion test wells is very relevant, as this community was one of the first in the United States to claim its water wells had been contaminated by fracking fluid. The alternate view point is that the wells had been contaminated by chemicals that had been dumped on the surface or buried over many years and had only now reached the water table. The EPA plans to hold a community meeting later in the year to provide the test results.

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

EPA Drills Test Wells In Pavillion, Wyoming http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/articles/2010/07/07/news/state_news/news19.txt

ENERGY POLICY

NSA Program Targets Domestic Cyber Attacks http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/07/07/program-plans-detect-cyber-attacks-utilities-companies/

COMPANY NEWS

Recurrent Energy to Sell Sacramento 60MW of Solar Power over 20 Years http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/07/BUOQ1EB1B0.DTL

OriginOil Announces New Hydrogen Harvester Invention http://www.marketwatch.com/story/originoil-announces-breakthrough-hydrogen-harvester-invention-2010-07-08?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Areva Accepts $2 Billion DOE Loan Guarantee on Enrichment Facility http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews.aspx?xmlpath=RSSFeed/HeadlineNews/Nuclear/8885273.xml

Ram Power and Sierra Geothermal Enter into a Definitive Agreement http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ram-power-and-sierra-geothermal-power-enter-into-a-definitive-agreement-2010-07-08?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Powertech Uranium Receives Preliminary Economic Assessment on its South Dakota Property http://www.marketwatch.com/story/powertech-receives-positive-results-from-independent-preliminary-economic-assessment-on-dewey-burdock-project-2010-07-08?reflink=MW_news_stmp

July 6, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Uranium Spot Prices on the Rise On Growing Demand and DOE Final Lot Sale http://uraniuminvestingnews.com/4077/spot-uranium-prices-on-the-rise.html

Record Heat Stresses Northeast Power Grid http://247wallst.com/2010/07/07/record-heat-stresses-northeast-power-grid/

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Geothermal Slow to Take off In Wyoming and Colorado http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kunc/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1671935/Regional/Geothermal.Slow.to.Take.Off.in.Wyoming..Colorado

ENERGY POLICY

EPA to Cut Pollution from Power Plants in 31 Eastern States http://solar.coolerplanet.com/News/19876968-epa-takes-aim-at-power-plant-pollution.aspx

COMPANY NEWS

Nevada Geothermal Power Provides Operational Update http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/nglpf_nevada-geothermal-power-provides-update-on-activities-1025256.html

Energy Fuels Completes Private Placement to Fund Pinon Ridge Mill Permit http://www.marketwatch.com/story/energy-fuels-announces-non-brokered-private-placement-with-dundee-resources-limited-2010-07-07?reflink=MW_news_stmp

July 6, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Using Natural Gas as a Transitional Fuel to Renewable Future http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/using-natural-gas-transitional-fuel-renewable-energy-future

Wyoming State Cars may Convert to Natural Gas http://www.sheridanmedia.com/news/wyoming-eyes-alternative-energy11257

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Why Smart Meters are Dumb http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2010/07/05/SmartMeters/

ENERGY POLICY

NREL Completes Zero Energy Office Building http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/for-a-premier-lab-a-zero-energy-showcase/

COMPANY NEWS

Phycal LLC Plans 34 Acre Algae Farm In Hawaii http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2010/07/05/story3.html?b=1278302400^3600101

Cameco Eyes India for Long Term Supply Agreement http://www.hindustantimes.com/World-s-top-uranium-firm-Cameco-eyes-India-for-long-haul/Article1-568230.aspx

Strathmore to Review Alternatives At Church Rock, New Mexico http://www.marketwatch.com/story/strathmore-to-review-alternatives-at-church-rock-new-mexico-2010-07-06?reflink=MW_news_stmp

July 5, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

US Nuclear Loan Guarantees To Go to Foreign Companies http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0702/US-backed-loans-to-expand-nuclear-power-a-boon-for-overseas-jobs

NREL Develops Better Air Conditioner http://green.blorge.com/2010/07/nrel-comes-up-with-a-better-air-conditioner/

Xcel Study Envisions $20 Billion in New Transmission by 2029 http://www.finance-commerce.com/article.cfm/2010/07/03/Xcel-study-envisions-20B-in-electric-lines-by-2029

Nuclear Energy Version 3.0 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2012267467_guest04lawrence.html

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Proposed North Dakota Plant to be First Large Scale Biomass Facility http://www.farmandranchguide.com/articles/2010/07/02/ag_news/regional_news/news1.txt

Solana Solar Plant in Arizona Receives $1.45 Billion Loan Guarantee http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/070310_solana

ENERGY POLICY

Regulators Assess the Ultimate Blackout Threat in New Study http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/07/02/02climatewire-regulators-assess-the-ultimate-blackout-thre-82657.html

COMPANY NEWS

Atlantic Power Buys 27% Stake in Idaho Wind Partners http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/life/article/568909--atlantic-power-buys-stake-in-wind-power-firm

Cypress Semiconductor Headquarters to be Grid Independent by 2015 http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cypresss-ceo-issues-declaration-of-energy-independence-planning-100-percent-self-generation-by-2015-2010-07-02?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Abound Solar Receives $400 Million Loan Guarantee http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_15431141?source=most_emailed

Tesla Vs. the New Government Motors http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=561&fArticleId=4076052

July 2, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

Global Carbon Emissions Steady For First Time Since 1992 http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/01/emissions-recession

Hoyer Says Calvert Cliffs Now First in Line for DOE Nuclear Loan Guarantee http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-calvert-cliffs-loan-20100701,0,773855.story

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Solar Thermal Developers Make Their Case http://blogs.forbes.com/energysource/2010/07/01/solar-thermal-csp-pv-bright-source/

Venture Investments in Cleantech Totaled $2 Billion in Second Quarter http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15420326?nclick_check=1

Wyoming Wind is Cheap, But Transporting it to the West Coast is Not http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewswy/Study.finds.Wyoming.2.1784074.html

ENERGY POLICY

Utah Utility Review Board Approves Tooele Power Line Despite Resident Protests http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/49862826-79/tooele-power-county-board.html.csp

US Can Reach Grid Parity By 2014 http://www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/smart-takes/us-states-can-reach-grid-parity-by-2014-energy-experts-say/8551/

Kyl's Report on Concentrated Solar Raises Controversy in Arizona http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/1215444988.html

Idaho Officials Applaud the NRC Denial of Request to Shut Down Yucca Mountain http://www.magicvalley.com/news/local/article_aaa9c7b4-fdba-5855-b730-8e0171fdabc3.html

COMPANY NEWS

Fiat to Add Solar Panels to Car Roofs http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20009471-48.html

July 1, 2010 News

TRADITIONAL ENERGY

CO2 Storage Method Wins High Marks in DOE Test http://www.greeningofoil.com/post/CO2-storage-EOR-method-wins-high-marks-in-DOE-test.aspx

Oil Companies Question CO2 Sequestration When They Need It In Oil Production http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_5094335c-84c6-11df-98cf-001cc4c03286.html

BP Says Accounting Error Led To $5 Million Fine in Shorting Gas Royalties http://coloradoindependent.com/56720/bp-says-accounting-error-led-to-5-2-million-fine-for-work-in-colorado

Western Canadian Coking Coal Prices Expected to Rise http://www.miningweekly.com/article/western-canadian-coking-coal-prices-seen-rising-2010-07-01

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Lithium Update http://resourceinvestingnews.com/5888-lithium-world-class-deposit.html

COMPANY NEWS

Rex Energy Announces Niobrara Shale Acquisition http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rex-energy-corporation-announces-agreement-to-acquire-niobrara-shale-acreage-2010-06-30?reflink=MW_news_stmp

NiMin Energy Closes $36 Million Credit Facility http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nimin-energy-closes-long-term-credit-facility-and-provides-an-operations-update-2010-06-30?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Two New Mexico Companies Get Grants to Study Woody Biomass http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GLM8980.htm

Albertsons Activates Solar Systems on Three California Store Rooftops http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/06/30/albertsons-activates-solar-panels-on-three-stores/

Blue Castle Gets $30 Million in Private Equity Financing for its Proposed UT Nuclear Plant http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/49855590-76/blue-castle-company-nuclear.html.csp

Xcel Activates New Hybrid Coal-Solar Plant in Colorado http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2010/06/28/daily29.html