Wind power an over-blown investment?

Has wind lost its power?

Earlier this morning CNBC was covering unemployment by region. While the Midwest has been hit hard, North Dakota has been a bright spot with under 5 percent unemployment.

Aside from a strong labor market, the one sector getting hit hard - a sector that North Dakota has invested into heavily - was the wind industry, a sector where job losses are increasing.

Hexcel: A Chinese way to play wind power?

A materials play?

An analyst on CNBC today called out Hexcel (HXL) an interesting green investment. Hexcel is the top material's provider for wind turbines. Still, investors have been skeptical on Hexcel because of liquidity issues. However, those issues have been resolved in the last few weeks.

GE makes gains in wind power

However, wind power sector is slowing

General Electric grew its wind power market share from 16.6 percent to 18.6 percent in 2008, thanks to a number of wind power projects in the US. If the US increases its wind power projects under Obama, GE could be a big winner and a sneaky way to play the green investor. (more)

Can batteries store solar and wind power?

Same technology as car batteries?

Read an interesting story this morning on wind turbines and using batteries to store excess power, as well as some other technologies. One company, A123Systems, is considering making batteries for wind turbines directly for this purpose.

Currently, A123Systems makes lithium batteries for plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric cars, and I cannot help but wonder if A123, and others, are contemplating lithium for this purpose.

If so, could it help cause a shortage of lithium quicker than expected?

Wind power project in decline

Wall Street crisis has many casualties

Until a few months ago, wind power was roaring as new project after new project broke ground in the Nation's wind corridor, not to mention a number of off-shore plans. However, many of those companies funding the wind power boom have been crushed by the Wall Street crisis according to the AP.

Green: Sixth Technology Revolution

Solar has a bright future

"Energy concerns will not disappear despite the falling price of oil, so investors can expect significant long-term opportunities in the cleantech space, according to a new thematic report published by Steven Milunovich, Merrill Lynch cleantech strategist."

Particularly in focus are energy efficiency-increasing technologies, electric cars, solar and wind power, distributed energy and microgrids, as well as biofuels and geothermal power.

Today, many alternative energy stocks have been hammered. However, strong alternative energy companies should rebound if green technology is the future. In fact, green investments might be the only growth story heading into the future, and with stock prices so low, there might never be a better buying opportunity.

Windspire: Low cost and attractive wind power

Neighborhood friendly wind power?

Traditional wind turbines are an eye sore in most neighborhoods. Yet, at 30 feet high, but only 2 feet in radius, the Windspire by Mariah Power offers an attractive low cost, plug-n-produce product that requires only a few minutes of maintenance per year. And, if you live in area with the right wind conditions, a Windspire wind appliance can recoup your investment in less than 10 years.

Infrastructure - Cramer's green picks today

Broken stock, but not a broken company

Quanta Services is a company with great fundamentals, but it's a broken stock thanks to hedge fund redemption. Nonetheless, it's a great wind power play, especially with Obama in the White House.

Still, don't rush into this stock, Cramer warns. Hedge funds need to first work through their redemptions. Thus, this is a stock to watch, as it has great potential, but wait until the selling ends.

Shaw Group (SGR) is another Cramer fave - if you consider nuclear green. Still, this play will depend on action outside of the US with Obama in the White House, and Shaw has a lot of projects in China. Likewise, its non-nuclear business is also doing well. Since Shaw's stock price is so low, according to Cramer, it seems a great buy.

PPG Industries Inc. as a green investment

Although not a pure play

PPG Industries, according to Jim Cramer via Mad Money, is a stock worth investigating. For green investors, PPG Industries is growing its business in solar and wind power. For instance, its fiber glass business is doing really well thanks to large wind turbines, an area of huge upside potential, and Cramer thinks an Obama Presidency will be good for PPG.

Additionally, PPG is a great way to play China. Cramer also notes that PPG is a broken stock, but not a broken company, with a great dividend.

On a side note, during the Lightning Round, Cramer advised against FirstSolar and solar power in general until oil prices start going up.

BP sees 15 GW's of wind potential in the US

Wind focus solely on the US

A deal gone bad in China has pushed BP to focus its entire wind business on America. "We will not be pursuing opportunities in wind outside the US, and if we have ongoing ventures in other countries, we will review them." He stressed that the move did not represent a change in BP's level of investment in wind "at all".

According to Clean Edge, BP is focused on further developing its onshore wind investments in the US to tap into the 15 GW's of onshore wind potential.

Catch the Wind makes wind powermore efficient

Laser system could blow new power into wind

CatchtheWind has developed a new fiber optic laser system that can increase turbine output by 10 percent, and it can also reduce maintenance costs by 10 percent according to MIT's Technology Review.

"Catch the Wind claims that its laser system can boost turbine power output by 10 percent by improving orientation accuracy. The pitch of the blades can also be adjusted in advance of the wind to reduce wear and tear on turbine gearbox components and blades, lowering repair and maintenance costs by up to 10 percent and extending the operating life of a wind farm, the company says."

Great Lakes wind could power 1/3 of America

Will we ever get serious about alternative energy

According to some research being reported by MSNBC 100,000 wind turbines in the Great Lakes area could provide enough electricity to power 1/3 of America.

Add the 20 percent that could be produced in the wind belt, and it's obvious that wind power can cost-effectively provide clean and green electricity for more than 50 percent of America within just the next decade. Add in solar power and alternative energy can provide the majority of America's electricity needs.

So, what are we waiting for?

If the next President has vision, America can completely change its energy paradigm in a way that develops jobs, cleans the environment and makes America stronger. Will our next leader be strong enough?

Alternative energy recession

Great potential, but can it survive the economic downturn?

When oil prices surged over $100.00 per barrel, investment in alternative technologies started to skyrocket. Solar and wind stocks, for instance, saw huge gains. The financial crisis, however, has brought those stocks down to reality.

So, will the recession stymie alternative energy?

Today, on CNBC, the feelings are mixed. Some, such as Jim Cramer, believe that with cheap oil, alternative energy can't compete without serious government intervention. Unfortunately, with the government bailing out banks, insurance companies, Fannie Freddie, the auto industry, etc., Cramer believes that military and alternative energy spending is going to decline.

Others, however, claim that many contracts have already been inked. Thus, solar and wind can survive another year without much new investment. Of course, if this recession hits deeper and harder than most seem to be expecting, then alternative energy could gravely suffer.

Cheap, effective wind power for everyone

Thinking outside of the box

Imagine a series of interconnected plastic propellers and turbines, worth about a $100, combined to form a micro wind turbine that can power a small apartment, or about 50 percent of the average home's electrical costs.

No, that doesn't include the battery costs, but it demonstrates the amazing potential of wind power. Check out the video

Wind power isn't just for corn fields

Suitable for any commercial building?

Wind power is becoming a very cost-effective long term investment in places like Nebraska and Texas where wide open plains offer expansive landscapes for huge wind turbines.

But what about harnessing the wind that blows through windy cities, such as Chicago or New York?

Marquiss Turbines, Inc. believes they have an answer.

Marquiss Turbines are much smaller than conventional wind turbines and can be placed on top of typical commercial and residential structures. Moreover, payback is typically achieved in just 4 to 7 years.

Soon, you'll see many such installations in New York City, and it seems only a matter of time before other 'green' cities follow suit.

New Jersey ready to be the windy state - turbines that is

Finally, New Jersey can clean up its chemical image

By 2020 a new plan being advocated by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine could result in almost 1 million New Jersey homes being powered by offshore wind power.

"We want to create this generation's race to the moon, but this time, a race to the sea, to harness this potential wind source off of our coasts, and bring economic development, environmental benefits, and new, green jobs to the Garden State," Corzine said Monday.

Can green jobs power a new America?

Can it power America's 'new' economy

According to a study released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, by 2038 America could create 4.2 million new green jobs if American makes a bold commitment to green power, such as solar, wind, and biofuels.

Others, such as Barack Obama claim we could create 5 million new green jobs in just 10 years if we committed to green technology to power our economy.

While the later is probably just political hype to be expected in an election year, it does demonstrate the potential of the alternative energy sector.

Can America commit to the future and embrace alternative energy, even if it means some extra taxes and costs up front?

Warming a little to Pickens Plan

Not just selling his book?

Boone Pickens is an oil man that has made a lot of money off investing in oil. Lately, he's put a lot of money in natural gas. At the same time, Pickens is trying to lobby America to offset some of its foreign oil dependency with natural gas.

So, is he just trying to sell his book?

Now, I have to admit, I haven't thoroughly researched the Pickens plan on my own, but I now intend to do just that, particularly after hearing Mr. Pickens talk on CNBC today.

Today, Pickens implied that natural gas isn't the solution to America's foreign oil dependence, but it can be part of the mix. In particular and especially, Pickens believes that natural gas would be great for heavy duty vehicles, such as buses and the large trucks carrying goods from our ports all throughout the country. These commercial transport vehicles account for about 30 percent of America's fuel consumption, and Pickens believes that natural gas infrastructure could be developed for such vehicles within just five years.

This isn't about converting all of America's cars to natural gas, but heavy duty trucks - vehicles that are light years away from the electrification of the automobile.

Combined with his ideas for wind and solar power, the Pickens plan does seem to have some merits, simply because it is realistic. It's not pie in the sky. It's a mix of today's technology and tomorrow's technology. Most important, it achieves results in a realistic time frame.

Anyway, I'll be talking more about the Pickens Plan, after I do some more thorough research. Until then, I'm not saying I support the Pickens Plan, but, without doubt, I support the call for a comprehensive energy plan.

Kudos to Pickens for lighting a fire on this issue. Can America get real? Or is it purely about drill, drill versus solar and wind and no compromises?

Is wind power ready for the average home?

Would you like it if your neighbor had one?

So the first President Bush has installed a wind turbine on his property to generate electricity for his home. Thus, he and Jay Leno are teaming up to promote wind turbines for home energy.

Obviously, wind turbines can be eyesores and create noise issues amongst neighbors. Still, it is clean and green energy.

What do you think about wind energy for the average home? Is it every home owner's right? Do more architecturally and aesthetic wind turbines first need to be developed?

NYC's plan for wind power on skycrapers and bridges

Worth a New York City skyline facelift?

New York City's Mayor, Michael Bloomberg is proposing windmills for the city's buildings and bridges, turbines for local rivers, and solar power to make New York City the nation's cleanest and greenest cities. Already the plan is attracting dissent from those worried about harming New York's famous skyline.

I say its a great idea and a great way to embrace new architecturally beautiful wind power.

Nature studies perfecting wind power?

It's all about wales?

Serious gains in wind power efficiency might be just around the corner and it might all come down to tubercles. According to MSNBC, " prominent bumps called tubercles modify the flow of water" around a humpback's flipper and "keep it from stalling." Reduced drag, increased lift and maximum stall angles mean that replicating whale tubercles could offer the potential for significant increases in windmill efficiency.

Currently, Canada's WhalePower is testing the humpback tubercles on windmills on Prince Edward Island.

Texas ramps up wind power

Texas ready to lead the US on wind power

Great story on MSNBC on a just approved Texas plan to significantly increase wind power production. But what's really interesting is that Texas electric consumers will help brunt the costs of this renewable project. The average Texan will pay about $4.00 more per month on their electric bills.

Would you pay a few dollars more per month in your utility bills to help power a green power project?

Boone Pickens tries to push US energy policy

A Honda natural gas vehicle

How should America reduce foreign oil dependence?

Wind power and natural gas vehicles according to Boone Pickens, the famous energy trader, whom not-so-coincidentally happens to have billions already invested in his plan (Check CNBC later for video segments).

While I'm a fan of wind power, I'm not so supportive of natural gas. Inevitably, natural gas requires billions in new pipelines and infrastructure to be effective. More important, however, natural gas cannot replace oil without having to resort to foreign natural gas. While natural gas can no doubt help fight foreign oil dependence, is it a better path than plug-in hybrid vehicles, EVs, or cellulosic ethanol?

It's important that the US realize a new energy policy and it's great that Boone Pickens is helping to push the debate, but in terms of comprehensive energy policy, the Pickens plan seems to fall short.

First Wind ETF launched today

Trading now

First Trust has launched the First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy Index Fund (NYSE Arca: FAN), the very first pure wind ETF. According to a manager of FAN, he believes that wind power has a lot of potential in the next five years, even if oil prices go down. More on green investing.

Fast Money: What's next for alternative energy

Wind is still the best play

The Fast Money guys focused on new ways to play alternative energy yesterday, and they were still focused very much on wind. One of their favorite companies in this space is American Superconductor. Currently, however, American stock has been pretty run up. Thus, the team focused on Hexcel and FPL Group as similar ways to play wind. Nonetheless, American is still a focus, especially since there will be two major announcements upcoming for American, according to Pete Najarian, that will probably drive the stock even higher.

My takeaway was, buy on pullbacks. Good things are still ahead.

Will 2009 be the year of wind power?

Wind power: The green hedge against oil prices?

Earlier I wrote the Jim Cramer sees $120 oil as the threshold for solar investments. As long as oil stays above $120, solar power is a strong investment. As oil drops below $120, however, its time to start taking money off the table, at least according to Cramer.

Now, some don't like Jim Cramer, and I think they are missing the point. Don't think of Cramer as a stock picker, but simply another analyst and source of knowledge.

Anyway, not long ago Cramer called 2009 "the year of wind". Since there will be a big need for wind turbines, Cramer liked Trinity and KDN, which Cramer called a great stealth play on wind, as the they make bearings for wind turbines. Additionally, Cramer really liked Owens Corning as an emerging wind play. And, in previous shows, Jim has also liked GE as a green investment play on wind power.

Oil nearing solar investment threshold?

Time to take some solar profits?

Mad Money's Jim Cramer has been hot at picking a few solar stocks this past year, but it hasn't been hard to win big in solar with oil prices skyrocketing higher. For now, however, it seems the high has been hit, and until a hurricane builds in the Gulf, prices will probably hedge lower. Lately, Cramer has put the solar/oil threshold at $120. With oil above $120, solar will still be a great investment. Below $120, watch out. I'll be talking more about this later, but wind power, Cramer believes, will still be a great green investment, even with oil well below $120.

Architecturally-driven wind power looks interesting

Can buildings be designed to harness wind power?

"Taking architecture, and wind power, to new heights, developers of the Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain, flipped the switch to start three huge turbines set between two towers — a first glimpse of technology that they hope will power up to 15 percent of the center."

Unfortunately, the cost of adding wind power to this building project has not been provided, but it would be interesting to know how long it will take this project to recover its wind power development costs. Because these buildings can act as a wind funnel, the design of the building increases the efficiency of this system, of wind power.

Still, is it cost effective?

Source: MSNBC

Can wind power Britain?

Turbine shortage is a problem

Wow! By 2020, Britain is hoping to produce enough power from offshore wind farms to power every home in Britain. Now, that's visionary. Yes, there are some questions in Britain over the costs of the program, and the costs of wind-produced electricity, but the plan seems to have the legs to succeed.

So, where are America's big energy plans? It's certainly not found in the current energy bill (more).

Can Google make renewable energy affordable?

Plug-in hybrids, renewable energy and the X-Prize

Google is quite an interesting company. First the company created a project to fund plug-in hybrid vehicles, then it joined the X-Prize and the private space race. Now Google wants to make renewable energy sources, especially solar, wind and geothermal, as cost-effective as coal as soon as possible.

Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced a new strategic initiative to develop electricity from renewable energy sources that will be cheaper than electricity produced from coal. The newly created initiative, known as RE-C, will focus initially on advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, enhanced geothermal systems and other potential breakthrough technologies. RE-C is hiring engineers and energy experts to lead its research and development work, which will begin with a significant effort on solar thermal technology, and will also investigate enhanced geothermal systems and other areas. In 2008, Google expects to spend tens of millions on research and development and related investments in renewable energy. As part of its capital planning process, the company also anticipates investing hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough renewable energy projects which generate positive returns.

Surf's Up: Ireland ready to harness wave power

Unlimited potential?

"A prototype wave energy converter has begun harnessing electricity from Atlantic waves off the west coast of Ireland, the Wavebob company said on Tuesday," states the AFP.

A" "Wavebob" floating buoy device that automatically adjusts to the size of the waves to maximise the amount of power it produces is undergoing trials off Spiddal, County Galway."

Wave power seems like a pretty cool idea, it would be even cooler if they could combine wave and wind power into one unit.

Wind turbines for home roofs no good?

No good for your roof?

Does it make sense to put a wind turbine on your roof?

Experts don't agree.

"Small wind doesn't make economic sense," says Paul Gipe, who has written several books and commentaries on wind energy," because of reliability for example

On the other hand, "Mick Sagrillo, a small-windmill expert for AWEA, agrees with Gipe that some turbines have proven unreliable, but he says that well-built ones can last 20 years or more. "

"It's like you are prepaying your electricity bill for two decades," Sagrillo said.

Wind power isn't for the birds

Wind power kills 30,000 to 60,000 birds per year

The amount of birds killed by wind power is minuscule compared to the amount of birds killed by transportation, yet so much attention is focused on wind power and bird deaths.
Even more ironic, how many more deaths are caused by the pollution from the fossil fuel energy that wind power is replacing?

Perspective.

Of course deaths from wind power should be minimized, but shouldn't we keep things in perspective?

Anyway, for more on the issue of bird deaths and wind power, checkout this Reuter's article.

The Great Texas Wind Rush

Texas to increase its wind power dominance?

Texas leased 4 tracts of coastline for windpower yesterday, and the state will be leasing more next year. Already, Texas is the largest producer of wind energy in the United States.

"If you're in the wind business, whether it's onshore or offshore, Texas is the place to be," said Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson. "The Texas Wind Rush is on, and the pioneers are staking their claims," Patterson said in a statement. "And wherever there are pioneers, the settlers soon follow."

Wind power: Saviour for family farmers?

Going green to save green

Is the way to save a family farm a wind turbine?

"Going green isn't a panacea for every struggling farmer," writes a recent MSNBC article. "The Weisshaars' turbine, for example, cost about $140,000, of which $29,000 was covered by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. The family expects the energy savings to pay off the investment in 10 to 15 years, although that timeframe could shrink if energy costs continue to balloon."

Still, for family farms that might pass on from generation to generation, then such a long term investment could make perfect sense.

Ted Turner Talks Green on CNBC

Man, he looked stoned

I've never been a huge fan of Ted Turner - he seems a bit of an egomaniac. Anyway, he was one of the most powerful men in media and he seems to be a pretty good businessman. So, I don't mind hearing his opinions, hence I watched him today on CNBC.

Wow, did he act stoned. Maybe he's really green - bud and all, but back to green energy.

Turner told CNBC that it was imperative that America get off fossil fuels, especially coal. Thus, Turner has invested in a solar power company, Dome Tech Solar. He also was bullish on wind power and he even suggested nuclear power should be investigated.

In the short term, he stated that Americans should embrace conservation, buy hybrid cars and use fluorescent light bulbs.

Wind power: It's all about the altitude?

A Flying Electric Generator (FEG) 15,000 ft above the Earth?

Is the key to America's energy independence FEG's - basically flying windmills? That's what SkyWindPower believes.

"Our calculations show that by reserving less than one four-hundredth of U.S. air space, located at relatively remote locations not on airway routes, all of America's electrical energy needs could be met. That is considerably less airspace than is already restricted for other purposes, primarily military," reports CNN.

U.S. - A world leader in green technologies?

The U.S. is a green leader?

"The United States, which rejected the Kyoto agreement, has never adopted a federal system of controls for carbon-dioxide emissions, although California has binding targets to cut CO2 emissions and other states are expected to follow.

The United States, however, has emerged as the world leader in developing clean energy technologies.

It involves a wide range of sectors, including wind, solar, biofuels, biomass (organic material to produce power and heat), energy efficiency technology, hydrogen and fuel cells, and tidal power.

"General Electric has been a leader in the campaign to develop new clean technologies that allows one to save energy and make money at the same time," said Dr. Andrew Dlugolecki, head of Andlug Consulting, a strategic consultancy on climate change and the financial sector based in Perth, Scotland.

He said oil companies, carmakers and power generators are increasing their investments in renewables and biofuels." More from Investors, big businesses see green in being green

Well, we should be the green leader, we're the biggest polluter and energy guzzler. Still, at least there is some positive momentum.

Oregon community lives off the electric grid

Oregon town says we don't need your stinking electric grid

"Owners of about 250 homes in the Three Rivers community near this central Oregon lake are far from homesteading or camping out. But they are among a growing number of Americans who shun power lines, choosing to live "off the grid," without commercial power."

Thinking about going off the grid? Interested in adding solar power or wind power to your home? Read more of 'Off-grid' community runs on solar, wind

Plug-in hybrids: The batteries of alternative energy?

The key to alternative energies, such as wind and solar power?

While some have worried about the environmental effect that plug-in hybrid vehicles might have because of their electricity consumption, others see plug-in hybrids as an integral part of alternative energy production.

"One of the things holding back power from wind is that it's hard to store," says Lester Brown, president of the Earth Policy Institute in Washington "Basically plug-in batteries could become storage for wind power."

Interestingly, Brown made these statements while discussing how plug-in hybrids could help food prices. As ethanol use increases, so too will food prices. Since plug-in hybrids limit the need for liquid fuel, Brown asserts that less ethanol would be needed.

As I regularly state, the best of hybrid cars is yet to come.

Minnesota tops California's clean energy moves

The state of California recently announced that it would require that 20 percent of its energy come from renewable sources by 2010. Now, Minnesota will require that 25 percent of its energy will come from renewable energy sources by 2025. While California's goals are more aggressive and meaningful, it is great to see this type of action by more and more states.

According to Reuters, "The state will rely on wind power to meet most of the requirement, with solar power and cellulosic ethanol from prairie grass also potential sources."

It will be interesting to see how different states use different types of renewable energy. For example, it seems that solar power probably makes more sense in California than in Minnesota. Whereas ethanol might make more sense in Minnesota.

I guess the next question is, Will Minnesota, like California, try to ban the lightbulb?

Dirty LA trying to become green leader

"The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is seeking proposals for 2,200 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy per year--worth approximately $176 million annually--from "green power" resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power," states a press release from LADWP.

As a resident of the smoggiest city in America, I'm very happy to see the city take such action. Moreover, it's not just the city of Los Angeles, but the state of California which is making significant plans to move towards renewable energy. These investments should provide renewable energy providers a significant amount of capital to make further investments.

Technologies, such as solar-thermal energy, are very nearly becoming cost-effective without tax incentives, and these investments might just push these technologies over the cost-to-value hump.

California's gold is green?

In the U.S., California is leading the fight against global warming emissions. As a result the Los Angeles Auto Show is quickly becoming the place to demonstrate fuel efficient technologies. More important, California cities are beginning to require that significant portions of their future electricity be made via clean technologies, such as solar power or wind power.

Some cities in the Los Angeles area have discontinued contracts which provide up to 65 percent of their electricity. "The moves could put the region in the forefront nationally of the commercial use of alternative energy in coming years, but researching and building the infrastructure to replace coal-fired power will be a costly, risky business." (more)

Yet, if these cities are successful, they will have funded a huge new industry based on clean technology. Clean energy, great jobs and a bright future. Now that's California gold.

New 1200 Megawatt wind farm blowing into California

A Canadian Company, Western Wind Energy, is planning to build a 1200 megawatt wind farm in California. "With California's demand for electricity growing by 500 to 1,000 megawatts per year and the state requiring utilities to have 20 percent of power generated by renewable sources by 2010, Western Wind says the state is a good place to expand."

(Source: Reuters)

Wind turbines catching on in Britain

Around 80,000 homes are now using wind power in England where users are covering about one-third of their electrical costs by attaching wind turbines to their homes. Plus, government grants can help with turbine costs and installation. "Speaking to some of the producers, they are saying they are getting more enquiries now than they can cope with. They are having to increase production to meet demand, and this will bring prices down, which will in turn increase demand." One such producer, Futurenergy, offers turbines for about 695 pounds or $1200.00 and sells about 100 wind turbines per week.

(Source: Reuters via Yahoo)

How green is Senator Ted Kennedy

A wind farm in Massachusetts has made one small gain. "Key lawmakers have agreed to drop the idea of giving Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney veto power over a proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm, adopting a compromise that could boost the project's prospects." Moreover, many are questioning the motives of Senator Ted Kennedy, one of the leading opponents of the projects. "Kennedy is an avid sailor who owns an oceanfront home at his family's Hyannis Port, Mass., compound. He has denied allegations by some environmental groups that he opposes the wind farm because it would spoil the view from his coastal home." So, how green is Senator Ted Kennedy really?

New Alternative Energy Fund

Do you want to invest in alternative energy sources?

Guinness Atkinson Asset Management Inc. is going to start a new fund on March 31 that will invest in companies that produce, distribute or store alternative energy, such as fuel cells, wind power, and solar power.

"Increasing global energy demands, coupled with limiting supplies, will continue to force prices for energy higher and, in turn, accelerate the development of alternative energy sources," Tim Guinness, chief investment officer at Woodland Hills said in a statement, adding that Guinness Atkinson believes the shift to alternative energy "provides a new opportunity for investors." (more)

Is wind power underestimated?

Wind power is blowing into the future

According to a Reuter's article, wind power could become China's second largest source of energy in just a few decades, and in just 20 or 30 years, wind power could produce more energy for China than does nuclear power.

"China has the potential to install up to 100 gigawatts of wind power, equivalent to nearly one fifth of its total current generating capacity," said Wang Weicheng, an energy professor at Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University.

Another article notes that the world's wind energy capacity is going to triple by 2014 (more).

That's a lot of energy from a source that barely receives any attention. Why is wind power so underestimated?

Dare to dream: Flex fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles

"Advocates for diesel -- a less refined fuel than gasoline that burns more completely in the engine, delivering more power -- say it can cut oil use, perhaps more quickly and cost effectively than alternatives such as hybrids and ethanol." (CNNMoney)

Wow, diesel can cut oil use. Holy cow, somebody call up the Nobel committee!! We're ready to end foreign oil dependence!!

O.K., maybe not. While clean diesel is an excellent technology, it will never go far enough.

Diesel advocate Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler, "estimated that if 30 per cent of the vehicle fleet were powered by diesels, the United States could reduce fuel consumption enough to cut oil imports by the equivalent of what it buys each year from Saudi Arabia." (MotorTrend)

But what about Iran, Nigeria, and Venezuela, etc.? Why are we so content with such insignificant results and small goals?

Additionally, I disagree with the fuel efficiency of diesels. Advocates claim that clean diesel is 30% more fuel efficient - on the highway at least.

Yet new studies claim, "The worst traffic in the U.S. is getting even worse. It pollutes as the vehicles idle. It wastes the time of trucks and passenger cars. The annual delay per driver is in excess of 47 hours per year. It creates delayed shipments. It wastes more than 2.3 billion gallons of fuel each year." (Fortune)

In reality, diesel gas is going to have little effect on reducing fuel consumption in these conditions. Since census data suggests that the far majority of Americans are going to live around just a few large cities in the future, shouldn't congestion be the new standard for testing fuel efficiency?

In congestion - or the driving conditions of the future - full hybrid technology, such as that powering Toyota and Ford hybrid cars, is the best.

Then there is the cost of diesel fuel, and even if those costs are eventually reduced, Americans will simply drive more and then we'll need that Saudi Arabian oil anyway. So, where is the gain?

Dare to Dream

Why are we so afraid to shoot for the moon? Why do we accept such complacency from governments, oil barons, and automotive corporations? Why don't we demand the best, most innovative fuel efficient technology available? Why don't we demand choice?

For example, instead of diesel, why not diesel hybrids? Even better, flex-fuel diesel plug-in hybrids or flex-fuel gasoline plug-in hybrids blow every competitor away.

The only technology that can compare to or surpass flex plug-in hybrid technology is fuel cell technology, but the costs are just to high at this time, and fuel cell vehicles will probably be hybrid vehicles anyway.. Flex-fuel plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, can already achieve well over 100 mpg, while offering numerous fuel choices, such bio-diesel, diesel, gasoline, ethanol, electricity, solar-electricity, wind-electricity, etc.

More important, as hybrid battery technology advances, the fuel efficiency of hybrid batteries will increase significantly while reducing costs - think notebook computers and their batteries.

Besides isn't capitalism supposed to be about competition? Where is the competition in today's energy paradigm?

Don't question the lack of competition because energy is cheap?

How many trillions will oil politics and oil-driven pollution end up costing the world? Has cheap oil really been such a bargain?

Obviously, cheap oil has been great for oil companies. Entire countries are driven by oil profits alone, and oil conglomerates set unbelievable records for profits, yet continually ask for tax incentives as if they have somehow lost money over the history of oil.

We the People

Ultimately, most American simply haven't demanded more. Instead we complain about high gas prices, about Bush's oil connections, about Haliburton, about Iraq, about Iran, and then we go buy a gas-guzzler.

Americans should Dare to Dream for energy independence just as we dared to dream for the moon. If America could become energy independent, then any country could become energy independent, and what would be so wrong with that? Bankrupt oil companies?

I say let's start judging our politicians, corporations, and other capitalists by their ability make our dreams reality, not by their ability to maintain the status quo.

Let's DARE TO DREAM!!!

Solar thermal energy the key to solar power?

Solar roof panels are an excellent technology. When the cost of pollution is factored into the expense of solar technology, it's clear that solar technology is for real and worth the costs. Unfortunately, especially in America, upfront costs are all that matters, and on the face of it standard electricity or even wind power and bio-mass appear much cheaper.

Solar thermal energy could help change those up front costs; however. Rather than just collecting solar power via solar panels, solar thermal energy uses the sun to create steam that powers turbines.

Fred Mayes, an alternative energy expert at the U.S. Energy Information Administration, said that solar thermal is pricey compared with wind energy and fuel from biomass. But it does have advantages, he said. Power from the desert sun is more reliable than wind power during the day -- the time of peak prices. And unlike biomass fuels, it emits no greenhouse gases. (MSNBC)

In the long run, the benefits of clean energy simply cannot be over-stated and those benefits justify the investment in solar energy.

Investing in wind power

According to Jim Cramer possibly the best play on wind power is Zoltek Co (ZOLT). Zoltek makes carbon fibers used to make windmill blades, as well as materials for aerospace. Zoltek practically has a monopoly on this business and has solid contracts for the next two years, so they will be expanding. Jim begs you to use limit orders.

More Mad Money Picks

Wind powered fuel cell vehicles

Researchers at the University of North Dakota State University will be creating hydrogen fuel from wind power that could be used to power fuel cell vehicles. "The electrolyzer process, powered by the wind, puts electricity into water and splits it into hydrogen and oxygen," Hydrogenics spokeswoman Jane Dalziel said. "The hydrogen then can be used for fuel".

To start the program will probably create the fuel for farm vehicles. (more)

Does the U.S. position on global warming make economic sense

This weekend I wrote an article, Syriana, Kyoto and Hybrid Cars in which I questioned the Bush Administration and its stance on Kyoto as well as its actions at the Montreal Climate Conference. While I don't necessarily care that the U.S. might be isolated for disagreeing with the consensus at Montreal, I do have to question Bush's vision.

In a nutshell, Bush is against Kyoto because he fears it could damage the economy, thus he is looking to technology to solve the problem of pollution and global warming, and I can understand this premise. My problem with Bush is that he isn't taking nearly enough action.

In my Syriana article, I wrote that the government should offer more tax incentives to American automakers to enable technologies like hybrid vehicles to dominate the market place immediately. We simply cannot make fuel efficiency a part of the U.S. conscience and marketplace fast enough.

But is this just about foreign oil dependency and global warming?

No, its actually just pure economics.

For example, Portugal is seeking to elevate its share of electricity produced by renewable energy from 30 to 39 percent, 39 percent. That is an amazing number that really should embarrass the U.S.

Why? Because the U.S. isn't the greenest country in the world?

No. Because we aren't the world's leading technological innovator and producer of the world's future technologies.

Whether the U.S. wants to believe in global warming or not is really irrelevant - the rest of the world does. This means that the products of the future and the technologies of the future are going to require environmental friendliness. Yet, when it comes to the leading suppliers of alternative energy products, the U.S. is not the world's leader.

Ultimately, the U.S. should be striving for renewable energy technological dominance not just to end foreign oil dependency, nor to fight pollution or global warming - which are good enough reasons - but to create the jobs and economy that will dominate the future.

Of course ending foreign oil dependency while fighting pollution and global warming along the way doesn't hurt either.

Need energy, ride the wave, dude

Researchers at Oregon State University are experimenting with wave power to generate energy. Annette von Jouanne and Alan K. Wallace believe a simple buoy could be far more efficient and clean at producing energy than solar power or wind power. Surfs up dude. (More from OSU)

Opportunities in Wind and Solar Power

That is the idea behind Banking on the Wind and The Sun, a new article in Business 2.0 that discusses new energy opportunities as oil prices rise higher. Writer, Jonathan Weber focuses on wind, solar and fuel cells.

Fuel cells are the most volatile, long term investment, according to Weber, but he likes Ballard and PlugPower.

Wind power, he feels, offers the most opportunity right now, especially with turbine makers, and the article mentions Vestas Wind Systems and Gamesa. The FPL Group is another mentioned company, but the U.S. market is dependent on tax incentives for probability, Weber hints.

Solar is still a bit of a darkhorse, but a lot of potential exists. Evergreen Solar and Sharp are Weber's favorite picks

Wind energy park off Long Island?

EarthEcho International, a Washington, D.C.-based marine science and environmental preservation group, is trying to develop a Wind Energy Park about 4 miles off the coast of Long Island. The grandson of marine scientist Jacques Cousteau, who is leading the development, told attendees of a press conference, "We owe it to ourselves and especially our children to vigorously develop renewable energy sources such as offshore wind in the interest of national security, continued economic viability, public health and the environment." (AP)

Wind to Power China?

China is investigating whether sea-based wind farms could help power China's fast-growing east coast. Stationed as much as 30 miles off shore, in waters up to 120 feet, wind turbines, China believes, could generate about 750 gigawatts of power.

MOM's Green Powered Organic Store supports hybrids

My Organic Markets (MOM's), with locations in Maryland and Virginia, offers employees a $3000.00 rebate for buying a hybrid vehicle, as part of its "Green Benefits". Read more from a press release about MOM's use of wind power or visit their website, http://www.myorganicmarket.com/

Almost 24 million homes powered by wind

Wind power production capacity increased 20 percent in 2004 according to the AFP. The U.S. was the third largest producer of wind power, followed by Germany and Spain.

What's better than a hybrid car? A plug-in hybrid car of course!

Imagine coming home from work in your Toyota Prius or Ford Escape hybrid and plugging it into a solar panel that produces enough free energy to get you to work and back tomorrow.

Don't believe it?

Last week, Ford reluctantly agreed to let Dave Bernikoff-Raboy, a California rancher, buy an all-electric pickup truck that he had been leasing. Mr. Bernikoff-Raboy essentially forced Ford to sell him the vehicle he loves so much because he can recharge it using a solar panel.

Gasoline electric hybrids are not just a good powertrain to help advance fuel cells, but solar and wind power as well. While Mr. Bernikoff-Raboy's truck is not a hybrid, hybrids offer much of the same potential as electric vehicles with relatively minor adjustments.

Of course, just plugging your car battery into one of your home's sockets does not result in much of a benefit to the environment, because coal typically is the ultimate source of most electricity. Plugging your vehicle into a solar powered socket, on the other hand, produces completely clean energy.

And it's free.

It's not that you have to plug it in, rather it's that you can plug it in.

University of California at Davis Professor Andrew Frank has spent the last decade turning production vehicles into plug-in hybrids using off-the-shelf parts. "We just built a high-performance plug-in hybrid Ford Explorer," he says. "It's 325 horsepower - 200 of that horsepower is electric and 125 is gasoline. This car goes like a rocket, but still gets double the fuel economy of a regular hybrid. And for the first 50 miles it is all electric - zero emissions.(Read More on this)

According to Frank, who flew his Explorer to Toyota's research facilities in Japan so engineers could pore over the vehicle, "There's no question in my mind that Toyota has plans for a plug-in hybrid right now, but they aren't talking about it," he says.

Perhaps in the future, automobile manufacturers could even incorporate solar panels into the roofs of hybrids to provide constant battery charging. Until then, home-owners, solar-roofed parking structures, and portable solar panels could still offer consumers news possibilities and very futuristic accessories.

So, why not give consumers of hybrids as many fuel choices as possible?

The innovativeness of the hybrids, particularly the Toyota Prius, is what inspires so many consumers. Moreover, professor Frank's research demonstrates that the potential of hybrid car technology is only just emerging.

Allowing consumers of such revolutionary technology to help explore that potential would not only increase hybrid car value, but inspire millions of environmentalists, no-blood-for-oil-activists, and back yard scientists.

That would truly be an automotive revolution.

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Putin signs Kyoto Protocol

President Vladimir Putin approved Russia's backing of the Kyoto Protocol, opening the way for the U.N. environment pact "aimed at curbing global warming to come into force early next year," according to a Reuters story on Yahoo.

"The 1997 Kyoto Protocol obliges rich nations to cut overall emissions of heat-trapping carbon dioxide by 5.2 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-12 by curbing use of coal, oil and natural gas and shifting to cleaner energies like solar or wind power."

Many world leaders are hoping Russia's backing will put pressure on the U.S., which is sure to criticize the cost of meeting the Protocol's requirements - requirements that should have voluntarily been carried out by American corporations as part of their customer relationship program.

Today's Moab story, and yesterday's solar stories, prove the Kyoto Protocol could be cost-effective, good for American citizens, and provide much needed investment in the energy technologies of the future.

The U.S. should be absolutely committed to clean energy simply because the technologies that provide clean energy today will fuel the world tomorrow.

Yet, much like the auto industry, which has refused to take air quality seriously while endangering America behind corrupt Middle East oil policies, other American corporations are also selling out America.

The Prius hybrid proved that many Americans care about these issues, and are willing to help foot the bill for providing a clean America. Citizens are taking the lead on such an important issue and corporations better take the hint.

With the Honda Accord hybrid set to hit showrooms this December to be followed by several new models from Toyota, it has become clear that American automakers and American corporations, in general, are failing the American people.

As these corporations most important customer segment, we the people must let them know we are not happy by exercising our purchasing power away from such corporations.

Moab Area Community honored by EPA as Nation's First Green Power Community

The EPA released a press release today honoring the Moab Area Community as a Green Power Community. By obtaining 4% of their electricity from wind power the community became the first community in the Nation to obtain the award.

According to the EPA "By having 4 percent of the Moab Area Community's electricity offset by green power, EPA estimates the environmental benefit is equivalent to avoiding the generation of 4 million pounds of carbon dioxide or planting roughly 750 acres of trees." (Full Press Release)

Solar and Wind Power Coming on

Earlier today I posted a story about a small solar implementation in California.

Covering just a carport, a couple hundred solar panels prove that businesses can cost-effectively have an impact on the environment using solar and wind power.

So, why don't more businesses do it?

Well, some are, and so are some local governments.

Earlier this month the Las Vegas Valley Water District approved more than $20 million to construct a 3.1 megawatt solar energy project - one of the biggest ever by a public agency in the United States.

Around the same time, Horizon Organic and White Wave - organic food manufactures - announced they would use wind power for its operations, replacing all electrical power.

Company President, Steve Demos stated, "Our goal is to lead the industry in environmental stewardship as we conduct business in a way that sustains and improves our environment."

So the next time you are in the grocery store, look for products by Horizon Organic, or White Wave, and truly feel good about the food you are consuming.

Check out their website for more information, www.horizonorganic.com.