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Putting a stop to job exports to Mexico

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Sen. Juan Vargas (San Diego-40th) will have a resolution on the California Senate floor next week that is an attempt to stop Sempra Generation from tipping the renewable energy scales towards Mexico, and away from the Imperial County construction and renewable energy workers in his district. the Imperial Valley Jobs Preservation Resolution calls on Energy Secretary Steven Chu to reject Sempra’s application for a permit that would allow the San Diego based company to build a cross-border transmission line from a Mexican wind energy facility to the Powerlink in San Diego.

The claims on rights to jobs partly depends on geography. the Energia Sierra Juarez wind energy site in Mexico owned by Sempra that can handle up to 1,250 megawatts is 70 miles east of San Diego, and just a few miles south of the border, in La Rumorosa, Baja California. Very near the southwest corner of Imperial County. a connection to the local energy supply system in San Diego, called a “gen-tie”, will take a 2 mile line from the Mexican site to the border and a 1 mile line that connects to an East County Substation SDG&E plans on building near Jacumba.  

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An official Senate Energy Committee estimate on lost jobs that the project will produce in the U. S. totals 15,000. Imperial County, already holding near 27 percent in unemployment, would take 90 percent of the direct job losses.

Convinced a permit approval would be a serious mistake, after introducing the resolution on August 16, Vargas said, “I’m urging the federal government to invest in our local workforce.” He supports plans to build up the renewable energy production in the Imperial Valley, a part of the Mohave and Colorado desert areas the State of California have as a top priority for renewable energy projects.

President Obama’s policy against dependence on foreign energy sources, to Vargas, stands in clear opposition to the Sempra project. In May, 2010, Obama made an agreement with Mexican President Felipe Calderon to create a cross border electricity task force, continuing the U. S.’s work on advancing trade in renewable energies. a cross border wind energy connection in San Diego has not raised an alarm at the Energy Department.   

But, an opening for Mexican workers to move in to take American jobs on building transmission lines has been judged inconsistent with good international relations in San Diego. Any motivation to use low cost Mexican labor and escape the more strict U. S. environmental laws rubs Vargas the wrong way.

At the bottom of the committee’s resolution analysis, labor groups have added their names to support the resolution that Sen. Kevin DeLeon, a Los Angeles low wage workers advocate that was raised in Logan Heights in San Diego, helped pass the committee on a 6 to 2 vote on Thursday, August 25, and Sen. Tom Berryhill, a fourth generation farmer that represents San Joaquin County, tried to vote down in the committee.  Two AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Councils, the one in San Diego County and the one in Imperial County, support Vargas’s effort to stop the jobs spoils from going to Mexican workers on the other side of the border.

The California Labor Federation also took their position against letting jobs decline during the harsh times of the recession. Vocal spokesman Art Pulaski, a supporter of Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s jobs creation plan for the state, like Vargas, single handedly fights against the failures of the middle class that have happened when high wage jobs have left local job markets. the jobs that make comfortable living a lock are his main solution.

The Imperial Irrigation District board has voted to support the resolution.

If all the Sempra project pieces fit together, construction will start on Energia Sierra Juarez in 2012. CPUC has to give two approvals. one will go to SDG&E’s mid-April agreement with Sempra to supply San Diego residents with 156 megawatts of wind energy from the Mexican producer. the Jacumba substation project needs the other pending approval before work can move ahead.

In the 12 months before the April agreement, the SDG&E utility company signed 12 agreements for generation of a total 1,000 megawatts in Southern California.

Secretary Chu will make the decision on the Sempra permit later this year. Next week In San Diego, attentions will be on the senators in Sacramento.

This is an on the Watch Take.

Putting a stop to job exports to Mexico

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Wind Power Generator: Starting Points


Before purchasing a wind power generator, there is much to contemplate. the most important issue to consider is the amount of energy required. for small power needs like battery charging, there are portable wind generators that work in most areas i.e. construction sites, campgrounds, and other areas where minimal amounts of energy are required. for greater energy requirements, larger wind turbines and location become determining factors.

Classes are used to rate and measure the amount of wind and power an area can produce. each turbine has an area class requirement. Class 1 locations are sufficient for most applications. the US Department of Energy’s Wind Map can help identify an area’s class rating. Once an area is determined to be efficient for a turbine, the legal ramifications must be identified in order to institute a wind power generator.

Rules can be put into effect that the turbine must be placed above most buildings, which implies that it will stand out. most H.O.a.’s and cities have codes for and or against usage, which need to be verified. the local utility company should also be contacted so as to avoid violating rules they may have against wind-powered energy. after all these issues have been exhausted, a suitable generator must be sited.

There are several reputable companies that supply a great wind power generator. most deliver reliable product but many are very expensive. Understanding the cost savings over time is key to choosing the right generator. an Alternative to actually purchasing an electricity producing wind turbine is to purchase power through renewable energy certificates produced by wind farms in green markets.

The wind produces kinetic energy to move a turbine, which in turn produces electricity. there is no exhaust, pollution is not produced and the source of energy in constant, renewable and without waste. there is no fuel to acquire just wind to drive a turbine.

Depending on their size, wind power generators can produce up to 4,000 watts and are perfect for remote areas, where power lines do not exist. Wind power generators may be more difficult to find than fuel-powered generators however they have more far-reaching applications when applied in rural areas, farmlands and desert highways. Some ranches and electrical facilities utilize wind farms to harness power in areas with higher-class wind rates.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider when investigating wind power generation. the disadvantages include but are not limited to the following: Wind is a natural occurrence that cannot be controlled. Therefore, the amount of wind and energy produced will vary from day-to-day. when there is no wind an alternative energy source must be deployed. Wind turbines are considered by many to be pastoral eyesores when positioned by the hundreds on highly visible wind farms.

Some wind generator’s cause unpleasant noise and disrupted television reception. Wind Turbine Syndrome, a turbine induced state of sickness including headaches and other related illnesses due to the vibration and low-frequency noise, sometimes originates near wind farms. Wind turbines can also have a negative effect on the habitats of and even the loss of animal life including birds and bats that get caught in the blades while passing through.

More numerous, however, are the advantages. They include but are not limited to the following: the preservation of our natural world. a wind power generator is eco-friendly. it does not create pollution, which poisons the environment. Wind energy is free. and governments provide incentives to purchase and install generators such as tax breaks and rebates. Wind power is source of renewable energy unlike coal, oil, and wood. with the knowledge discovered in this article we should all be using some amount of wind power generation or at least purchasing power from green providers.

Wind Power Generator: Starting Points

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Spire Expands its Solar Representation to South Korea


“The Korean solar industry has been on the rise for many years,” said Roger G. little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “Our Vice President of Business Development in Asia, mr. Jae-Bok Young, has worked very hard to identify the company that best fits Spire’s needs in Korea and has successfully secured the representation of JEIS.”

Mr. little continued, “The Korean Government has implemented one of the largest stimulus programs to encourage the use of green energies. It has also created substantial Solar Feed-in Tariff programs. with JEIS located in Korea, Spire can better address these opportunities and provide direct service to its customers throughout the nation.”

About JEIS

JEIS is a Factory Automation Total Solutions Provider and Spire Solar’s sole Korean Agent. For over ten years, JEIS has represented the semiconductor and LCD industries and now has emerged into the renewable energy sector to supply solar factory automation equipment for Spire.

  • Website:

www.JEISHoldings.com

  • Address:

#716-1, Wonsi-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si,

Gyeonggi-do, Korea, 425-851

  • Phone Number:

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a solar company providing capital equipment and turn-key production lines to manufacture PV modules and is a full-service provider of large-scale commercial and federal solar systems. To learn more, visit www.SpireCorp.com or email PR@SpireCorp.com.

Spire Expands its Solar Representation to South Korea

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Consumers Energy Expands Options for Customers Interested in Installing Renewable Energy Generators


Press Release Source: Consumers Energy On Tuesday August 16, 2011, 6:30 am EDT

JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers Energy is expanding options for customers interested in developing their own renewable energy sources.

The utility is significantly increasing its Experimental Advanced Renewable Program.  That program provides for the long-term purchase of renewable energy generated by solar energy systems owned by the Company’s electric customers.  

The program is adding an additional 3 megawatts following recent approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission.  The original phases of the program are now completed and added 2 megawatts of solar panels on roofs and yards across Michigan.

“We’re pleased to offer this opportunity to our customers and look forward to cost-effective innovation in advancing solar technology in Michigan,” said David Ronk, Consumers Energy’s director of transactions and resource planning.  ”The additional solar generation through this expansion will add to Consumers Energy’s renewable energy portfolio.”  

Customer installations under this program were recently completed at 102 locations throughout Michigan’s lower Peninsula.  

Customer applications for the new expanded phase of the program will be accepted near the end of August.  More information on the Experimental Advanced Renewable Program is available at:  www.consumersenergy.com/EARP.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE:CMSNews), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

Consumers Energy Expands Options for Customers Interested in Installing Renewable Energy Generators

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Young Harvard Women Release Alternative Energy Soccer Ball, Revolutionize Sport for Development


Two Harvard Women Redefine Soccer in the Developing World With the Official Release and Auction of sOccket, The Alternative Energy Soccer Ball SOURCE: Uncharted Play, inc.

New York, NY (PRWEB) August 17, 2011

For the first time ever on September 15, the makers of sOccket will be auctioning off a limited number of their energy-efficient soccer balls to benefit resource-poor children around the world.

Invented by an all-female group of Harvard undergraduates in 2008, the award-winning sOccket is a soccer ball that harnesses energy generated during play to power small electrical appliances that are critical in the developing world. made with 95 percent recyclable materials to ensure a product lifespan of 3-15 years, only 1,500 sOcckets will be available for purchase globally before the winter holidays, via a “buy one, Give Many” auction. For every $50 increment bid on one of the sOcckets, another sOccket is donated to a child in need.

“The auction allows us to share the sOccket passion with our fans while still focusing on our ultimate mission of getting as many sOcckets as possible out to the people who need them most” said Uncharted Play CEO, Jessica O. Matthews. “our first prototypes suggested a viable concept that we felt compelled to turn into a sustainable innovation. though we’re constantly working on the next model, we’re excited to see how this version affects the status quo.”

In may of 2011, two of the original inventors, Jessica O. Matthews (23) and Julia C. Silverman (22), founded Uncharted Play, a zero-profit, social enterprise that develops fun toys for addressing real-world issues. Taking on sOccket as Uncharted Play’s flagship product, Matthews and Silverman invested thousands of dollars from their personal savings in the redesign and development of the ball that can now power functional tools like an LED lamp and a water purifier.

“Keeping the realities of the resource-poor child in mind, we worked very hard to develop a ball we feel can make a difference in the lives of people around the world,” said Uncharted Play Chief Social Officer and non-profit head, Julia Silverman.

Following the auction launch, the new sOccket will be unveiled to the public at an Open House Gallery exhibit in new York City on September 23, 2011. Visitors to the space can expect to play with the ball on the indoor grass field with players from Freestyle Soccer inc., and see the ball powering different electrical appliances. A select number of sOcckets will be available for pre-sale at the exhibit as well.

For more information about the new sOccket or Unchartered Play, please contact Zena Hanna at press(at)soccket(dot)com. For more information on the auction, please visit http://www.soccket.com/blog/limited-edition-auction.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebsoccket/launch/prweb8723813.htm

Young Harvard Women Release Alternative Energy Soccer Ball, Revolutionize Sport for Development

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Windmill Blades – Make them or Buy Them?


So you’ve decided to build your own windmill. Possibly you took the right steps and purchased one of the top guides that teach the subject. Or maybe you’re more daring and trying to do it without professionally written instruction. in either case one area where many people get stuck is when it comes time to create their windmill blades.

Really when you get to this step you have two separate options:

1. Build them yourself – Obviously this is the least expensive route2. buy Premade Windmill Blades – Costs more but is a lot less work

From that I wanted to take some time to talk about the advantages/disadvantages of going either way. in reality if you put a value to your time, by the time you finish building the wind turbine blades yourself, the cost is close to equal. On the other hand, if you’re cheap like me, it might be that you’d rather do it yourself and save the money. in either case there are advantages to going either way.

Buying Your Windmill Blades

First let’s cover the advantages of buying your blades. in this case they are really quite obvious.

1. the blades are professionally made2. More varieties of materials you can buy your blades in3. Less concern about getting the correct shape to catch the wind.

Of course there are also disadvantages to buying windmill blades instead of making them yourself. First, it becomes more difficult to tailor your blades to the generator you selected/created for your DIY windmill. and then, of course, there is the cost involved.Machined blades can run you as much as $1,000 or more. To offset that cost, you may want to check eBay. often you can find premade blades there, in diameters of 4’ to 6’, for around $100.making Your own Windmill Blades

While there are advantages to buying your windmill blades, there are also some big advantages to building them yourself.

1. the blades are created with your actual windmill design in mind.2. You save your money, and your home power system will cost less.3. You get to choose the style of turbine blade to fit your area. Especially in low wind speed areas, this is important.4. You get the satisfaction of telling everyone – you did it!

If you do choose to build your own windmill blades, I suggest you take the time to learn about the top three wind power conversion guides. with our top pick specifically, they recently added a video that teaches that exact topic.in any case, be sure to take the time to design your blades to fit your application. taking the time to do so will ensure your wind mill operates trouble-free for years to come!

<Insert Link to Your Review Site, or your Affiliate Link, Here>

Windmill Blades – Make them or Buy Them?

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What electric generators can i buy for my home?


i would like to get the machine that is at least 2000 0r 3000 kw

I'll assume you have a typo in there and you really need only 2 kW!

Are you looking for something with 120/240VAC or 120VAC only?
Do you plan to install a transfer panel or connect with extension cords as needed?

I have generator information on my web page which could help with your research.

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/gener…

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/Choos…
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/Genfa…
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/Engin…

What electric generators can i buy for my home?

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What is the difference between a gas driven generator and a wind driven generator?


I am looking to make a wind driven generator. my thoughts are that if I buy a gas driven generator it has all the converters and such so I can just plug in and go.I can adapt it to wind. I can buy a gas generator without a motor. or does the gas driven one have to much torque compared to a wind generator?
I hope this makes some sense.

Buy a fan it is cheaper, but you need a motor that turns very easily.

A fan blows air and it can be turned by air to generate electricity. it also has the windmill blades attached. it will generate AC power not DC power.

Without the motor the gas generator will NOT generate any electricity, you need the electric motor to act as a generator. there might be decent electric conversion equipment on the gas generator. You need a way to prevent the electricity from flowing back into your fan to turn it into a motor instead of a fan.

No, it makes no sense.
That gas driven generator has to be speed controlled at the motor to
generate the proper voltage and frequency.
Your windmill can't do that without some rather complex sensors and variable
pitch vanes which are well beyond your 'do it yourself' territory.
Your best choice for a 'home project' is an automotive alternator,/voltage regulator,
batteries, and an inverter.
All shelf hardware designed to work in a fairly wide speed range, and all the hard
engineering has already been done, tested, and reliable.

buy yourself an automobile alternator from the junk yard and you have a generator that can produce power no matter what makes it turn, either gas of wind. you control the field current of the alternator to extract as much power as the wind source is able to supply. if the load is too high and the windmill slows down you reduce the field current and thus the power output of the generator and the windmill keeps rotating at its optimal speed to extract as much power as it can from the wind.

The first point is that a wind generator only produces electricity when the wind blows. So some means of storage such as batteries would be required.

What is the difference between a gas driven generator and a wind driven generator?

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Hopefuls Skirt Nuclear-Power Issue


BY CHESTER DAWSON

TOKYO—Six months after Japan suffered the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 25 years, a race is on to succeed Prime Minister Naoto Kan. but the widespread fallout from the crisis in Fukushima is barely on the lips of most of the contenders.

to the extent they have hinted at a policy, the top three contenders—two current cabinet members and a former foreign minister—have said they favor reducing Japan’s dependence on nuclear energy over the long-term, but they also support keeping current plants until at least 2030. that signals a more pro-nuclear stance than that of Mr. Kan, a former nuclear-industry …

BY CHESTER DAWSON

TOKYO—Six months after Japan suffered the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 25 years, a race is on to succeed Prime Minister Naoto Kan. but the widespread fallout from the crisis in Fukushima is barely on the lips of most of the contenders.

to the extent they have hinted at a policy, the top three contenders—two current cabinet members and a former foreign minister—have said they favor reducing Japan’s dependence on nuclear energy over the long-term, but they also support keeping current plants until at least 2030. that signals a more pro-nuclear stance than that of Mr. Kan, a former nuclear-industry …

Hopefuls Skirt Nuclear-Power Issue

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(Click to enlarge)Please note that the cumulative price change referred to in the last column of the Table above is used here as a measure of volatility to determine big movers in the group. it equals the sum of the absolute value of the change in daily prices. So, for example, if a security had price moves of 2%, -3%, 4%, -6% and 1% during the five days of the week, the cumulative price change during the week would be the sum of the absolute values of the daily price changes, which in this case would be 16%.Credit: Historical fundamentals including operating metrics and stock ownership information were derived using SEC filings data, I-Metrix® by Edgar Online®, Zacks Investment Research, Thomson Reuters and Briefing.com. The information and data is believed to be accurate, but no guarantees or representations are made.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.

Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as a solicitation to purchase or sell securities. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. Further, these are our ‘opinions’ and we may be wrong. We may have positions in securities mentioned in this article. you should take this into consideration before acting on any advice given in this article. If this makes you uncomfortable, then do not listen to our thoughts and opinions. The contents of this article do not take into consideration your individual investment objectives so consult with your own financial adviser before making an investment decision. Investing includes certain risks including loss of principal.

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