Category Archives: OpEd

A new report finds carbon reduction rules create billions in public health benefits

While the Clean Power Plan (CPP) works its way through the court system, researchers continue to look into what it could mean for consumers. The results of a new Harvard study show there’s nothing to fear: using a model that resembles the CPP, researchers found net benefits of $38 billion a year. Because wind power’s … Continue reading A new report finds carbon reduction rules create billions in public health benefits

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New report highlights electric transmission benefits and savings

A recently released white paper shows how improved transmission planning could save American families and businesses up to $47 billion on their electric bills every year and provide “insurance against risks associated with future uncertainties.” Key findings from the report—entitled “Well-Planned Electric Transmission Saves Customer Costs: Improved Transmission Planning Is Key to the Transition to … Continue reading New report highlights electric transmission benefits and savings

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U.S. renewable energy capacity to more than double by 2040

A federal report predicts the amount of renewable energy on the electricity grid will more than double by 2040 to close to 500 gigawatts of capacity.   That presumes the Obama administration’s clean power plan, which would reduce carbon emissions from the power sector by 30 percent, survives a legal challenge. But even without the … Continue reading U.S. renewable energy capacity to more than double by 2040

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Wind energy industry calls on European Commission to scrutinise new Polish wind energy law

The wind energy industry is calling on the European Commission to look closely at Poland’s proposed law to restrict the siting of wind farms. Under the new legislation, which was passed by Poland’s lower house last week, wind farms would have to be built a minimum distance from residential areas of at least 10 times … Continue reading Wind energy industry calls on European Commission to scrutinise new Polish wind energy law

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A Record Breaking Year for Renewable Energy

Today REN21 published the most comprehensiveannual overview of the state of renewable energy. The Renewables 2016 Global Status Report reveals that renewables are now firmly established as competitive, mainstream sources of energy in many countries around the world. 2015 was a record year for renewable energy installations. Renewable power generating capacity saw its largest increase … Continue reading A Record Breaking Year for Renewable Energy

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Despite Trump criticism, wind turbines kill fewer birds than tall buildings

Donald Trump criticized the wind-power industry this past week for killing birds. A far bigger threat is real estate developers and their tall buildings. About 599 million birds are killed annually in the U.S. when they fly into windows, trailing only loss of habitat and cats as the top causes of bird deaths, according to … Continue reading Despite Trump criticism, wind turbines kill fewer birds than tall buildings

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Wind turbines on Galapagos meet 30 percent of energy needs

World’s top utilities hand over project keys, chart path for Ecuador’s famously biodiverse archipelago to meet 70 percent of fast-rising energy needs with renewables.     A global renewable energy project on the Galapagos Islands — one of Earth’s most fragile and important ecological treasures — has helped avoid many tanker loads worth of risky … Continue reading Wind turbines on Galapagos meet 30 percent of energy needs

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Marylanders deserve to get the benefits of renewable energy despite Gov. Hogan’s veto

In a disappointing decision for Maryland consumers, Gov. Larry Hogan today vetoed legislation that would move the Maryland’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to obtain 25 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources within four years. The bill earlier passed with a veto-proof majority in both the state Senate and House, meaning the bill will … Continue reading Marylanders deserve to get the benefits of renewable energy despite Gov. Hogan’s veto

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Trump allows for renewable energy, but cites bad information

AWEA is always glad to hear about support for renewable energy, like this statement today from candidate Donald Trump,  in a press conference and a speech on energy policy to an oil industry group in Bismarck, North Dakota: “So we can pursue all forms of energy. This includes renewable energies and the technologies of the … Continue reading Trump allows for renewable energy, but cites bad information

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Google recognized for outstanding contributions to wind energy

We’re pleased to recognize Google for its outstanding leadership among an innovative cohort of major brands and tech companies who are already on the leading edge of renewable energy procurement. Google is the 2016 Outstanding Contributions to Wind Energy recipient, and its leadership is helping open the market for new wind development and access to … Continue reading Google recognized for outstanding contributions to wind energy

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WINDPOWER 2016: American wind power is ready to leap forward.

If there was a prevailing feeling during the first day of WINDPOWER 2016, it was a sense of optimism. There are a number of reasons for this renewed hope, starting with December’s five-year extension of the Production Tax Credit. With some of the strongest policy certainty U.S. wind has ever known, for the first time … Continue reading WINDPOWER 2016: American wind power is ready to leap forward.

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First-ever look at social media in the wind power industry

Tigercomm is releasing the first-ever study of social media use by major wind companies, showing a nearly 63 percent usage rate of the major social media channels by 14 top wind companies. But with the industry’s rapid growth comes an opportunity for wind companies to use social media strategies to drive sales and secure public … Continue reading First-ever look at social media in the wind power industry

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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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