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TMCnet GreenTech Week in Review
Green Technology Featured Articles
July 13, 2013

TMCnet GreenTech Week in Review

By Cheryl Kaften
TMCnet Contributor

In green technology developments this week, the international community commemorated World Population Day on July 11—and made some carefully considered plans to protect the Earth’s current 7.2 billion denizens, as well as the 9.6 billion people expected to inhabit the planet by 2050, from the effects of global warming.


In the United States, the Department of Energy released what amounted to a “survival plan” for the U.S. power infrastructure, in order to safeguard “the nation’s ability to produce, deliver, and store energy.” While the agency’s research indicates that the impact of global warming will vary regionally, analysts expect that vulnerabilities in one part of the country may have broader implications, due to the interconnected nature of energy systems—resulting in cascading, serious consequences. For example, thermoelectric power plants (coal, natural gas, and nuclear) will be at higher risk of temporary partial or full shutdowns, due to decreased water availability for cooling and higher ambient air and water temperatures.

In addition, the energy infrastructure located along the coast will be at risk from sea level rise, growing intensity of storms, and higher storm surge and flooding —potentially disrupting oil and gas production, refining, and distribution, as well as electricity generation and distribution.  Power lines, transformers and electricity distribution systems may fall victim to hurricanes, storms and wildfires that are becoming more intense and more frequent. Fuel transport by rail and barge could be disrupted and delayed by inland flooding conditions and droughts that affect water levels in rivers and ports. Not a pretty scenario? The report, “U.S. Energy Sector Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Extreme Weather,” does provide possible future mitigation opportunities, including the development of water-efficient technologies for fuel production; the improvement of grid equipment and operations to manage changing load conditions, and increase reliability; and the fortification of energy infrastructure to withstand wildfires, storms, floods, and sea level rise.

With severe weather expected at just about any time, anywhere,  the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has introduced an interactive map that combines real-time data feeds from the National Hurricane Center—with more than 20 map layers showing the nation's energy infrastructure and resources (pipelines, underground storage facilities, oil platforms in federal waters, refineries, power plants, and more). This new tool, available 24/7 on the EIA website, will help the utility industry, energy analysts, government decision makers and the American public better see and understand the potential impact of a storm. This new mapping capability combines detailed energy infrastructure information with real-time tropical storm information from the National Hurricane Center," said EIA Administrator Adam Sieminski. "This is a great example of technology providing better service to the American public."

And, in another move toward fossil fuel independence, job creation, and distributed power, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this week announced that $54 million has been awarded under his NY-Sun initiative for 79 large-scale solar energy projects across the state. The new projects will add 64 megawatts (MW) to the state’s solar capacity—for a total of 299 MW of photovoltaic generation installed or under development as part of the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program. “With these major investments through the NY-Sun initiative, New York State is leading the nation in solar energy generation, addressing climate change and growing our clean energy economy,” Cuomo said. “Not only will these projects benefit our environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and using renewable energy, but they are also creating well-paying jobs for New Yorkers. These are necessary investments for a bright future in our state.”

Finally, two recent actions demonstrated a grassroots commitment to a cleaner environment. First, the membership of the Washington, DC-based U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has voted 86 percent in favor to adopt LEED v4, the next update to the widely respected and adopted green building rating system. Second, Los Angeles has become the largest city in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags. The new law will go into effect on January 1, 2014 at large stores that sell perishable foods and make more than $2 million per year—or that occupy retail space measuring more than 10,000 square feet. For smaller stores, the ban will be effective on July 1, 2014. Shoppers will have to pay 10 cents for the privilege of using a paper bag instead.





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