Category Archives: OpEd

Mainstream CEO Eddie O’Connor appointed as Global Wind Energy Council Global Ambassador

Mainstream Renewable Power, the global renewable energy developer, is proud to announce that its CEO, Eddie O’Connor has been appointed as the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) new Global Ambassador.       In his new role, Dr. O’Connor will work with GWEC to ensure that the wind sector’s distinctive voice is heard, and that … Continue reading Mainstream CEO Eddie O’Connor appointed as Global Wind Energy Council Global Ambassador

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WindEurope CEO at Africa-EU Energy Forum

A stable regulatory environment is essential in reducing capital costs for renewable energy investments in Africa, WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson told an Africa-EU Summit in Milan today. Dickson said: “The cost of capital is the largest share of total costs when investing in renewable energy projects in Africa. With long-term visions for the wind energy … Continue reading WindEurope CEO at Africa-EU Energy Forum

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Renewable energy may power Vietnam by 2050

The “Sustainable Scenario for the Vietnamese power sector until 2050” report offers an overview of the country’s power sector within the global energy framework and suggests various scenarios from which the country could choose its energy sector development strategy. There are numerous renewable energy sources available in Vi?t Nam like solar, wind, water, geothermal, bio-mass … Continue reading Renewable energy may power Vietnam by 2050

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The corporate call for renewable energy just got louder

Customers are lining up to buy wind energy because it’s low-cost and clean, and major corporations like Microsoft and Facebook are at the front of the line. A new coalition, the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance (REBA), has formed to clear the way for more renewable energy. Their goal? Facilitate and deploy 60 gigawatts (GW) of … Continue reading The corporate call for renewable energy just got louder

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Who are the next generation’s leaders?

Last Friday was Earth Day, and we reflected on how our industry is creating a cleaner future by reducing carbon and other pollutants, conserving water and maintaining a small environmental footprint.   However, to continue this positive trend well into the future, we need to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. That’s a big focus at this … Continue reading Who are the next generation’s leaders?

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Energy bill offers opportunity to attract new investment, deliver greater consumer savings

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) CEO Tom Kiernan issued the following statement today on the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 (S. 2012), also known as the Energy Bill. Numerous amendments have been proposed to the Energy Bill. Of these amendments, Amendment 3311, introduced by Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), would hinder upgrades strengthening the nation’s … Continue reading Energy bill offers opportunity to attract new investment, deliver greater consumer savings

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Costa Rica generated 97.14% from renewable energy sources

Costa Rica has been able to generate 97.14% of it electricity from renewable sources in the first quarter of the year, according to the Central Nacional de Control de Energia (National Energy Control Centre). Hydro electric (water) is at the top of the generation source, with 65.2%; followed by wind with 15.6%; geothermal with 13.7%; … Continue reading Costa Rica generated 97.14% from renewable energy sources

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2015 sets record for renewable energy

Renewable generation capacity increased by 152 gigawatts (GW) or 8.3% during 2015, the highest annual growth rate on record, according to  new data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable Capacity Statistics 2016 finds that as of the end of 2015, 1,985 GW of renewable generation capacity existed globally. “Renewable energy deployment continues … Continue reading 2015 sets record for renewable energy

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Renewable energy capacity up by 152GW

The renewable energy generation capacity increased by 152 gigawatts (GW), which is equivalent to 8.3% last year, the highest annual growth rate on record, according to new data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2016 found that as of the end of 2015, 1,985 GW of renewable generation capacity … Continue reading Renewable energy capacity up by 152GW

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New York Times calls for more wind power and transmission to carry it

  The New York Times editorial board called for more renewable energy in a pair of editorials this week. Monday’s commentary was globally-focused, examining the growth of renewables worldwide and the role they can play in helping countries achieve their Paris agreement promises. The New York Times says growing renewable energy is a key part … Continue reading New York Times calls for more wind power and transmission to carry it

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U.S. and China decision to sign climate change accord

The United States and China issued a joint statement today announcing the two nations will sign the Paris Agreement, last year’s international agreement to lower greenhouse gas emissions, on Friday, April 22 (this Earth Day). AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan reacted with the following statement: “This historic announcement shows the U.S. is in the market for … Continue reading U.S. and China decision to sign climate change accord

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Christina Calabrese receives Andrew Linehan Award for Environmental Excellence

Christina Calabrese, Director of Permitting and Environmental Affairs at EDP Renewables North America, is this year’s Andrew Linehan Award for Environmental Excellence recipient. The award is presented to leaders in the siting community who strive to improve U.S. wind industry siting practices, an endeavor that in turn helps preserve the collective reputation of wind power … Continue reading Christina Calabrese receives Andrew Linehan Award for Environmental Excellence

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Developing nations top investors in renewables in 2015

Wind energy added 62GW, and photovoltaics 56 GW, with more modest contributions coming from biomass, geothermal, solar thermal and “waste-to-power”, in which waste products are recycled. Investment in renewable energy hit a record USD 286 billion in 2015, more than half of which came from developing countries for the first time, according to a UN … Continue reading Developing nations top investors in renewables in 2015

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Meeting the people who live and work with wind power

Five months into my tenure at AWEA, I have a head full of facts about wind power. I can tell you about jobs, electric bills savings and clean air benefits. I can explain the policy mechanisms and incentives that help grow wind energy, and which companies are investing in a clean energy future for America. … Continue reading Meeting the people who live and work with wind power

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1.2 mln Brazilian homes to be self-powered by 2024

Nearly 1.2 million homes in Brazil will have to generate their own energy from renewable energy sources by 2024.  A study by the National Electric Energy Agency predicts that homes equipped with solar panels or mini wind turbines will be able to generate electricity for household consumption, and transfer any surplus to a local distribution … Continue reading 1.2 mln Brazilian homes to be self-powered by 2024

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The Inexorable Shift of the U.S. Power Sector

David Littell served as a commissioner of the Maine Public Utilities Commission from 2010 to 2015, participating in the resolution of more than 2,000 cases involving energy efficiency, distributed generation, ratemaking, rate design, and consumer protection issues. He’s now a Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project. This blog originally appeared on the Regulatory Assistance Project’s … Continue reading The Inexorable Shift of the U.S. Power Sector

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Major utility: Cutting carbon with wind, solar “a good business plan”

Beth Soholt is the Executive Director of Wind on the Wires, AWEA’s Midwest regional partner. Wind on the Wires concentrates on the technical aspects of connecting wind farms to the transmission grid, and delivering wind energy to cities and towns in nine states from Illinois to North Dakota.  Xcel Energy recently said it plans to … Continue reading Major utility: Cutting carbon with wind, solar “a good business plan”

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Support mounting for Oregon plan to eliminate coal, increase renewables

The Oregon state legislature is currently considering a bill that would eliminate coal from the state’s energy mix while increasing its Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50 percent by 2040. The initiative, called the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan (House Bill4036), has wide variety of supporters, ranging from the Sierra Club to utilities Pacific Power … Continue reading Support mounting for Oregon plan to eliminate coal, increase renewables

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Billions in benefits from adding more electric power transmission

Savings on producing electricity are just the start of the benefits to regions that expand their electrical transmission, according to an impressive new study issued today in Little Rock, Ark., by the Southwest Power Pool, which supplies 14 states across the central U.S. Fuel cost savings alone totaled $240 million in the first year, from … Continue reading Billions in benefits from adding more electric power transmission

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