by jboullion | Nov 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Steve Sharp in the Watertown Daily Times:
JOHNSON CREEK – The operator of the massive Deer Track Park Landfill in the town of Farmington is continuing its exploration and implementation of new technologies to recover energy from waste stored at the site, as well as at others.
According to representatives of Waste Management, which operates the Deer Track Park Landfill, gas from a California landfill is being transformed into liquefied natural gas to power recycling and waste collection vehicles. This is a project a Waste Management of Wisconsin official said signals a growing national interest in harvesting renewable energy from everyday waste.
Waste Management, Inc., North America’s largest waste services company, and Linde North America, a leading global gases and engineering company, announced this week that their joint venture company has begun producing clean, renewable vehicle fuel from gas recovered at Waste Management’s Altamont Landfill near Livermore, Calif. The facility is North America’s largest one converting landfill gas to liquefied natural gas.
In Wisconsin, Waste Management generates electricity from gas it collects at landfills it owns in Jefferson, Green Lake, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Rusk, Washington and Waukesha counties.
“The California project is a great example of how we can recover resources in waste, protect the environment and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” Todd Hartman, director of disposal operations overseeing Waste Management’s landfills in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula said. “The demand for green energy is leading us to innovative technologies for capturing the renewable energy that’s as close as your kitchen trash can.”
by jboullion | Nov 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
A workshop announcement from The Energy Center of Wisconsin:
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Holiday Inn Campus Area
2703 Craig Road
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715.835.2211
Agenda
Half-day training
8:00 am—Registration & Continental breakfast
8:30 am–12:00 pm—Program (breaks provided)
Learn about the renewable energy technologies you can use in your business, new building or commercial-scale development.
This program provides a solid background in renewable energy technologies for commercial-scale applications. Get an overview of renewable energy, from an exploration of the benefits, to a view of technologies that work well in Wisconsin’s northern climate. Learn how renewable energy technologies fit into the LEED™ design process and the software tools used for assessing renewable energy potential. Find out about design considerations, potential system performance, and the economics of installing a system in today’s solar market.
Participants will also be introduced to renewable energy systems that generate heat for space and process heating. Technologies covered include solar heating of water and makeup air, heating systems that use wood and other biomass as fuel, and ground source heat pumps.
by jboullion | Nov 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (November 2, 2009) — Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced new staffing grants today to help businesses, manufacturers, schools and government facilities throughout the state complete energy efficiency projects during the next calendar year.
“Businesses don’t need to let staffing issues become a barrier to energy savings,” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “Focus on Energy is committed to helping companies overcome barriers that prevent them from completing energy efficiency projects.”
The grants will fund up to $100,000 for a full- or part-time employee or consultant to work onsite and manage energy efficiency projects that otherwise would not be completed due to a lack of human resources. Grant funding will go toward the salary and benefits of project staff who will oversee and engineer energy saving projects.
“The staffing grant is an excellent means to fund energy efficiency projects. It’s made the difference for us to pursue projects and make progress,” said Steve Keith, P.E., sustainability and environmental engineer at the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and Public Works.
Keith’s organization received a staffing grant in 2009. “The grant helps take the edge off project costs when every dollar counts. Focus has been very responsive to help get us what we need to get our projects done.”
The grant is designed to help businesses hire new staff or retain existing employees who might otherwise be at risk of lay-off. Partnering or neighboring companies are encouraged to submit a joint application and share an employee or consultant between businesses.
Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by December 4, 2009.
Completed energy efficiency projects are also eligible for Focus on Energy
financial incentives that can be found at focusonenergy.com/incentives/business.
by jboullion | Nov 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (November 2, 2009) — Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced new staffing grants today to help businesses, manufacturers, schools and government facilities throughout the state complete energy efficiency projects during the next calendar year.
“Businesses don’t need to let staffing issues become a barrier to energy savings,” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “Focus on Energy is committed to helping companies overcome barriers that prevent them from completing energy efficiency projects.”
The grants will fund up to $100,000 for a full- or part-time employee or consultant to work onsite and manage energy efficiency projects that otherwise would not be completed due to a lack of human resources. Grant funding will go toward the salary and benefits of project staff who will oversee and engineer energy saving projects.
“The staffing grant is an excellent means to fund energy efficiency projects. It’s made the difference for us to pursue projects and make progress,” said Steve Keith, P.E., sustainability and environmental engineer at the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and Public Works.
Keith’s organization received a staffing grant in 2009. “The grant helps take the edge off project costs when every dollar counts. Focus has been very responsive to help get us what we need to get our projects done.”
The grant is designed to help businesses hire new staff or retain existing employees who might otherwise be at risk of lay-off. Partnering or neighboring companies are encouraged to submit a joint application and share an employee or consultant between businesses.
Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by December 4, 2009.
Completed energy efficiency projects are also eligible for Focus on Energy
financial incentives that can be found at focusonenergy.com/incentives/business.
by jboullion | Nov 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (November 2, 2009) — Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced new staffing grants today to help businesses, manufacturers, schools and government facilities throughout the state complete energy efficiency projects during the next calendar year.
“Businesses don’t need to let staffing issues become a barrier to energy savings,” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “Focus on Energy is committed to helping companies overcome barriers that prevent them from completing energy efficiency projects.”
The grants will fund up to $100,000 for a full- or part-time employee or consultant to work onsite and manage energy efficiency projects that otherwise would not be completed due to a lack of human resources. Grant funding will go toward the salary and benefits of project staff who will oversee and engineer energy saving projects.
“The staffing grant is an excellent means to fund energy efficiency projects. It’s made the difference for us to pursue projects and make progress,” said Steve Keith, P.E., sustainability and environmental engineer at the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and Public Works.
Keith’s organization received a staffing grant in 2009. “The grant helps take the edge off project costs when every dollar counts. Focus has been very responsive to help get us what we need to get our projects done.”
The grant is designed to help businesses hire new staff or retain existing employees who might otherwise be at risk of lay-off. Partnering or neighboring companies are encouraged to submit a joint application and share an employee or consultant between businesses.
Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by December 4, 2009.
Completed energy efficiency projects are also eligible for Focus on Energy
financial incentives that can be found at focusonenergy.com/incentives/business.
by jboullion | Nov 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Alliant Energy:
MADISON, WI – November 3, 2009 – Fall is the peak time for detecting natural gas leaks because homeowners are closing their windows and turning on their furnaces for the first time in months. Natural gas is an environmentally friendly and efficient energy source that many Alliant Energy customers use to cook food and heat their homes. Although natural gas leaks are extremely uncommon, remember to use your eyes, ears and nose to recognize a natural gas leak in order to keep your family safe and protect your home.
While rare, natural gas line leaks can be extremely dangerous. The most telling sign of a natural gas line leak is the odor the natural gas coming into the home has. Alliant Energy adds a chemical that smells similar to rotten eggs to make even the smallest leak easy to detect.
It’s also important to be able to identify a natural gas leak outside your home. If you hear an unusual hissing or whistling sound, or if you see unexplained dead or dying grass in an otherwise green area, dirt or debris blowing into the air or water bubbling in a puddle, river, pond or creek, it may be a natural gas leak.
Customers should take the following precautions if they notice any of these warning signs:
+ Everyone should vacate the home immediately, and DO NOT stop to open windows, vents or doors.
+ Avoid touching anything that may create a spark, such as a light switch, telephone, cell phone or a garage door opener. If possible, stay away from carpeted areas to avoid sparks of static electricity.
+ DO NOT try to find the source of the leak yourself. Call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268) from a neighbor’s house or outside your house from your cell phone as soon as possible.
+ If natural gas is blowing in your home or outdoors, call 911.
by jboullion | Nov 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (November 2, 2009) — Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced new staffing grants today to help businesses, manufacturers, schools and government facilities throughout the state complete energy efficiency projects during the next calendar year.
“Businesses don’t need to let staffing issues become a barrier to energy savings,” said Ken Williams, Focus on Energy’s business programs director. “Focus on Energy is committed to helping companies overcome barriers that prevent them from completing energy efficiency projects.”
The grants will fund up to $100,000 for a full- or part-time employee or consultant to work onsite and manage energy efficiency projects that otherwise would not be completed due to a lack of human resources. Grant funding will go toward the salary and benefits of project staff who will oversee and engineer energy saving projects.
“The staffing grant is an excellent means to fund energy efficiency projects. It’s made the difference for us to pursue projects and make progress,” said Steve Keith, P.E., sustainability and environmental engineer at the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and Public Works.
Keith’s organization received a staffing grant in 2009. “The grant helps take the edge off project costs when every dollar counts. Focus has been very responsive to help get us what we need to get our projects done.”
The grant is designed to help businesses hire new staff or retain existing employees who might otherwise be at risk of lay-off. Partnering or neighboring companies are encouraged to submit a joint application and share an employee or consultant between businesses.
Interested businesses should visit focusonenergy.com/competitive_incentives for more information. Applications must include a list of potential projects as funding is based on the energy savings from those projects and is paid when projects are completed. Applications must be received by December 4, 2009.
Completed energy efficiency projects are also eligible for Focus on Energy
financial incentives that can be found at focusonenergy.com/incentives/business.
by jboullion | Nov 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Nathaniel Shuda in the Wausau Daily Herald:
Officials hope efforts to market central Wisconsin as the state’s premier renewable and sustainable energy region will boost the number of middle-level jobs.
City leaders in Wisconsin Rapids released details for the first time Thursday of an agreement with Energy Composites Corp., which plans to build a $43 million manufacturing plant, creating about 600 local jobs. The plant will produce 40- to 55-meter-long industrial wind mill blades.
“What it allows us to do is to diversify further the industries we already have here,” Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Mary Jo Carson said. “ECC gives us the opportunity to bring in ‘green’ jobs and gives us another leg for our economic stool.”
In addition, officials in Port Edwards continue to work with Ballard Power Systems, a Vancouver-based fuel cell producer that, together in a proposed project with ERCO Worldwide, could turn the chemical producer’s excess hydrogen waste into power, making the site the first location in the state and one of only a few in the country to be home to such technology.
by jboullion | Nov 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
AMERY, Wis. (Nov. 2, 2009) — Mobile home residents in the Polk County area who
purchase their gas or electric heating from utilities who participate in the Focus on Energy Program, including Xcel, We Energies, Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company, Centuria Utilities and New Richmond Utilities, have the opportunity for a free home energy evaluation and possible free energy efficiency improvements. This initiative, called the Mobile Home Duct Sealing Pilot, is part of Focus on Energy’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program, and is designed to create cost effective energy savings in mobile homes by testing for and correcting a certain set of inefficiencies, primarily leaky duct work. All testing and work is free
to the mobile home owner.
The Mobile Home Duct Sealing Pilot, like Home Performance energy evaluations, uses
the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to test homes, identify problems and implement recommended improvements. Duct sealing and other improvements are then tested to ensure the work is done to program standards. Partnering consultants and contractors delivering the Pilot were selected through a competitive bidding process. All the services are free to the homeowner, and the entire process can be completed in one day. . . .
To find out more about the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program, visit
focusonenergy.com. For details on scheduling a mobile home energy evaluation call Aaron Riendeau of St. Croix Energy Solutions at (715) 220-4818.
by jboullion | Nov 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
A news release issued by Wisconsin Farmers Union:
Chippewa Falls, Wis. (October 30, 2009) – The Wisconsin Farmers Union and other Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign partners will host a bus tour on Nov. 13 to highlight the benefits of four homegrown renewable energy policies promoted by the campaign and the opportunities for clean energy jobs in Wisconsin.
The four signature partners of the activities are Wisconsin Farmers Union, the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, Clean Wisconsin and RENEW Wisconsin. The Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection and the Office of Energy Independence are co-sponsors of the event.
The bus tour will begin at 9 a.m. at the Montfort Wind Farm, 254 Highway 18, Montfort, Wis. The wind farm is an example of one way to reduce carbon emissions and emphasizes the campaign’s advocacy for a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard. A LCFS calls for a reduction in carbon emissions from transportation fuels, based on the carbon content of all fuels, and the transformation of the market.
The Fuels for Schools and Communities Program and the Biomass Crop Reserve Program will be addressed at the second stop on the tour – at the Meister Cheese Plant, 1160 Industrial Drive, Muscoda, Wis. The cheese plant uses a wood-chip heating system. Research at the University of Wisconsin will also be highlighted demonstrate the prospects for Wisconsin farmers to grow biomass crops.
Providing funding for schools and communities to install renewable energy projects that use biomass crops will create demand for renewable energy. The Biomass Crop Reserve Program provides incentives for farmers to meet that demand by growing biomass crops.
The third stop will be at the Cardinal Glass factory in Mazomanie, Wis. Cardinal Glass is one of the leading suppliers of glass for solar panels. The stop is an example of how homegrown renewable energy can provide jobs for Wisconsin.
Renewable energy buyback rates, the fourth component of the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign, will set utility payments for small renewable energy producers who want to feed energy into the electric grid. The tour will stop at a residential home in Ridgeway, Wis. using solar panels to feed electricity into the grid.
The bus will return to the Montfort Wind Farm at 5 p.m.
To register for the Homegrown Renewable Energy Campaign Bus Tour, contact Mike Stranz, WFU Government Relations Specialist, by Nov. 9 at 608-256-6661 or email mstranz@wisconsinfarmersunion.com. A $10 registration fee, payable by cash or check the day of the event, covers the cost of the tour, lunch and snacks.
CLICK HERE for more information on the Homegrown Renewable Energy Bus Tour.
