Blog 10 - Foreign Wind Farms in Mexican Villages

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, Mexico is a narrow region in the south of the country that is considered one of the windiest places in the world. It is attracting investors from all over the world including Europe, Japan, and Australia.  These foreign energy firms want to build wind turbines on this land but there is controversy over their creating because some of these projects are angering indigenous villages.   Some of these indigenous groups have blocked the routes to two of the projects in Oaxaca, one of which would have been the largest wind farm in Latin America, because they are afraid of how it will affect fishing and farming and their way of life as a whole. The Ikoot and Zapeotco populations specifically have resulted to violent protests in order to keep the projects off their land.

            According to Carlos Beas Torres, head of the Union of Northern Zone Isthmus Communities these projects “have upended the life of villagers in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec by interfering with their daily work.”  He went on to say that “women and men have been pitted against each other, because the Mexican and multinational companies that have invested here have taken advantage of lack of information among natives” to lease their land for very small amounts.

            While there was a community assembly to discuss the projects Beas Torres says that many of the residents were manipulated.  Leaders of these projects insist that they will not harm fishing or the environment in any way and will even plant new trees along the way. 

            Since Oaxaca is surrounded by both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico it has a lot of potential to create wind energy.  According to Mexican Wind Energy Association it had just 2 megawatts capacity in 2006 and now it has grown to 1,400 megawatts and has a goal of reaching 12,000 megawatts by 2020.  This number would represent 15% of the nation’s energy.  There are currently 18 wind farms in operation in Mexico, another 9 under construction, and a dozen more in development.  These projects are a priority for president Filipe Calderon who has been stressing the importance in an effort to combat climate change.

This article shows that the push for renewable energy is trumping cultural traditions in some areas and the need for cheaper sources of energy seem to outweigh the fact that there just isn’t necessarily enough land to use. The article represents another side to things in discussion that while some areas strive to be energy efficient some sources may not be the best choice.  There are several factors that can affect that decision.  I would like for the article to have had more information on the specific effects of these wind farms will have on the well-being of the indigenous people of Oaxaca and if there will be any agreement drawn up between them. 

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/06/foreign-wind-farms-cause-uproar-in-mexican-villages/

Blog 9 - Alternative Energy in Central America

Several Countries in Central America are focusing on switching their energy sources to alternative outlets.  This move was initially brought on by the skyrocketing oil and gas prices that are now at about $5 per gallon.  The region has potential in hydroelectricity, wind power, as well as geothermal energy.  The Central American Electrical Interconnection System (SIEPAC) will be putting up 1,800 kilometers of 230-kilovolt-transmission lines form Guatemala to Panama later this year and it will take the areas energy capacity to three times what it is now.  Many countries see these renewable energies as a much more attractive approach because while their start-up cost may be high their environmental impact and consumer prices are quite low. 

Costa Rica is building the largest hydroelectric dam in the country while Honduras is working on a wind park in Cerro de Hula.  According to Roberto Levia of the Honduras Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD-Honduras) several hydroelectric plants are under construction or in the process of being approved in Honduras.  They also have a wind parks and 2 geothermal facilities in talks.  Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala also have projects for solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power. 

Oswaldo Garcia of Guatemalan Ministry of Energy and Mines says that “the trend is to use more renewable energy” not only because of high gas prices but also because they want to avoid disaster like that of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.  They are also feeling international pressure to become more environmentally friendly to avoid accelerating climate change.

This article was really interesting to read because it shows how much change can come about if countries work together.  Seeing how a majority of Central America is working towards becoming more dependent on renewable energy sources suggests a healthier and more efficient future and even taking climate change into account.  It is also notable that Vazquez expressed that even though it may seem more expensive at first, it is more affordable and environmentally friendly in the long run.  This is a view that is hard to establish in the political leaders in many other areas. People in power coming to this realization, and pushing it, is definitely an important step.  I would like to learn more about the specific plans that these countries are putting into place and if other countries that are lagging will attempt to catch up.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/04/2011421115135889807.html

Blog 8 - Japan Methane Hydrate Extraction

In a world first Japan has extracted gas from methane hydrate off its central coast.  Methane hydrates, or clathrates, are a type of frozen group of molecules of methane and water. There is currently a survey being done of the gas field by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Cooperation (JOGMEC) where engineers are using a depressurization method that turns hydrate into gas.  These tests are scheduled to continue for about another two weeks.

These methane hydrate deposits are located in the Nankai Trough about 50km away from Japan’s main island but can also be extracted from under land ice.  Canada, the US, and China have all also been looking for ways of extracting these deposits for the past several years. This development will possibly allow Japan, who now imports all of its energy needs, to become energy efficient.  Japan aims to establish production technologies for these deposits for practical use within the next five years.

An official from the economy, trade, and industry ministry was quoted saying that this is the “world’s first offshore experiment producing gas from methane hydrate.”  At least 1.1tn cubic meters exist in these offshore deposits, which is equivalent to more than a decade of Japan’s gas consumption.  Japan has few natural resources and since the Fukushima nuclear disaster importing fuels has become increasingly expensive. While this new technology will offer a huge local source of alternative energy it also poses environmental concerns because of the unstable water geology surrounding Japan.

            The most interesting thing about this article is that it goes in a different direction than many of the other alternative energy articles I’ve read in that it has potential environmental dangers. It begs the question of whether or not Japan should be investing more time in finding environmentally friendly approaches to alternative energy.  While it is admirable that Japan is attempting to step away from nuclear energy it will be interesting to find how much these deposits help Japan become energy dependent and whether or not it negatively affects the oceans geology and the wellbeing of Japan as a whole.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21752441

Blog #7 - Tidal Turbines for Jersey

Jersey, an island off the coast of France, is exploring the idea of tidal energy as a new source of energy.  Tidal energy generates electricity by using tides and will create a cheaper form of power for the island in the long run, however Jersey would have to invest in tidal turbines for this project.  The idea came about when the electricity went out last year due to a break in their cable system and they had to rely on France for their electricity needs.  The Environmental Minister wants to completely cut reliance on cables so they are investing in this renewable but “experimental” source.  The Environmental Minister says that with harnessing this new power they could become energy self-sufficient within a decade. 

The plan wants to reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050.  While this is a very admirable goal there are questions of whether or not it is a good idea economically.  Deputy Rob Duhamel believes that while it will be an expensive venture to generate a whole island’s worth of energy, the investment will be worth it in the end.  While the deputy believes this is a step in the right direction some have their doubts.  Fishermen are afraid that these tidal turbines will restrict their fishing but Nic Jouault, a marine biologist with Societe Jersialis says that if the turbines are placed well enough it will not affect fishing too much.  He does however worry that this investment is much too experimental and would like to see Jersey investing in already proven methods such as wind and solar energy. 

While there are questions about financial burdens the potential for tidal energy is being explored more through a commission launched by the Environment Department.  Louise Magris, the director of environmental policy, sees tidal energy as a resource that should be harnessed, especially in Jersey, because they are surrounded by the resource. 

            It is very interesting that many countries and cities are turning to tidal power as an option to generate energy.  While there are many financial questions surrounding this “experimental” step in alternative energy it is working with a resource that is abundant and may very well be a logical option for energy efficiency for the island.  I would like to learn more about the exact plans that are being set in action for these tidal turbines and the locations in which they will go in order to allow the fishing companies to continue to prosper while still providing energy for a whole island. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-21844817

Blog 6 - Ireland Energy Efficiency Fund

Ireland plans to launch an energy efficiency fund in order to help pull themselves out of their current economic recession.  With this fund the government will be investing USD 45 million and will help reduce their energy consumption by 20%.  Irish Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte stated that this fund would “dramatically improve energy efficiency savings in public and commercial buildings across the country.”  He went on to say that there would be a “significant win in terms of jobs and energy savings by placing an increased focus on energy saving in the public and commercial sectors.”  Rabbitte also said that this fund would trigger large investments.  These investments match private sector investments to a minimum Fund value and the lending is set to being this year. 

The biggest aspect of the EFF besides taking strain off of the economy is that it will create an array of jobs, up to 675 for every 10 million euro of expenditure according to the article. Rabbitte went on to say that while taking a 2.4 billion euro energy burden out of the economy that will be felt by the entire country energy suppliers must increase their efforts and play their part in making energy affordable and available in a wider range of services to customers.  Dr. Motherway, CEO of SEAI, also stated that this plan for energy efficiency is meant to stop spending and relying on energy from abroad and focusing on local sources of energy.  He went on to say that this fund is a “great opportunity to create jobs, keep business competitive, and bring social and environmental benefits. “

As stated by Motherway the EFF is attempting to switch focus form international to local productions of energy.  It is emphasized in this article that cooperation from all those involved is a key to the success of this project.  This being the second of Irelands National Energy Efficiency Action Plans shows that Ireland is making a huge effort to create an energy efficient society.  It will be interesting to see how these investments go, what kinds of jobs are developed through the fund, what energy efficient systems are set into place, and how well it pulls the Irish economy out of its recession.

http://theenergycollective.com/claretaylor/194646/ireland-launches-energy-efficiency-fund

Blog 5

Multiple businesses and environmental groups are expressing their objections to a barrage that is in talks of being built between the English coast and the Welsh coast.  This barrage from the Vale of Glamorgan to Somerset would be the full length of the Severn tidal estuary.  The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds with help form industries are searching for a sustainable energy alternative for the estuary that will allow them to harness tidal power.  The society has put together a conference to discuss the matter on April 18. 

Greg Barker, the energy minister, told Hafren Power that the government wont support their plan to build a barrage unless they are provided with more information.  While this was a disappointment to Barker and his committee they sill plan on proceeding with the project and working with the government to resolve any questions and concerns.  While there have been claims that a low will be passed to secure the creation of the barrage Tony Whitehead of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says that now is the time to act on new ideas because the minister stated that the bill will not reach parliament this term.   Sue Turner of Bristol Port says that what they want is to “find the right technology to generate sustainable energy in the Severn”.

This article further suggests that countries in Europe are actively searching for ways to create sustainable energy in place of less environmentally friendly structures.  Tony Whitehead also stated that they want power from the Severn but “no-one’s going to consider proposals that haven’t thought through the environmental and economic impacts.”  This attention to finding and thinking through alternative energy options suggests a growing concern for creating an overall sustainable society. 

One thing I would have liked to get from this article was more about the ideas they have for creating power form the tides of the estuary.  It will be interesting to follow up on this story after the conference of the discussion of how they will harness the power to see if they will proceed with a sustainable route or resort to the barrage. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-21607243

Blog 4: Geothermal Heating in Maine

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In Residential Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems in Maine, a report released by the Governor’s Energy Office it was revealed that approximately 80% of households in Maine are dependent on oil for heating their home.  The report recognized that the escalating price of fuel along with its lessening supply was causing damage not only to the environment, but also the health of its citizens, and the economy.  Knowing this the Governor’s Energy Office has placed its support behind the renewable heating source of geothermal energy.

Geothermal energy can be harvested by a heat pump up to 1000 feet down to where the energy that is stored within the earth, available for use in not only heating but also cooling.  When heating in the wintertime the geothermal pump takes stored solar energy out of the ground and for cooling in the summer it does the reverse of this and pulls and stores above heat underground. According to the GeoExchange Association these pumps can substantially save on bills because it “collects, concentrates, and distributes” instead of converting kilowatts to heat or burning fuel to create heat.

            Maine converting to geothermal energy sources would also cut carbon emissions substantially.  According to GeoExchange with over 750,000 systems installed in the US it is the same as reducing the importation of over 16.1 million barrels of oil per year or taking 971,000 cars off the road.  Geothermal heating has been available since the 70s but in recent years the trend has grown with not only residents, having over 500 residential systems installed in state, but also with companies, high schools, and airports.

            Maine’s push for geothermal energy shows a strong understanding of the economic and health impacts of the increasing dependence on fossil fuels.  States like Maine that place so much emphasis on alternative energy use are attempting to decrease the use of these fuels and emissions in for not only financial purposes but with the interest of the future and well-being of the Earth in mind.  This article was very informative in explaining the several methods in which geothermal energy can be accessed but a downside is that it didn’t provide a prospective date for when they would like moving more geothermal heating systems in homes.  The article also stated that the upfront cost was pretty steep but didn’t provide any figures.  Learning of any incentives for installations in residents and businesses would also be valuable information.

http://freepressonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=52&SubSectionID=78&ArticleID=24352

Blog 3 - Energy/Alternative Energy - Hydropower in Nepal

This article discussed how the Nepal Investment Board (NIB) submitted project proposals during a board of directors meeting to address the passage of several infrastructure projects they hope to get started as soon as possible.  Included in these projects is finalizing project development agreements of four major hydropower plants.  These plants, the 650 MW Tamakoshi III, 900 MW Upper Karnali, 600 MW Upper Marsyangdi and 900 MW Arun III are being developed by major power developers including Sutlej and SN power, a Norwegian power plant.  The NIB is an organization that is only a little over a year old was established to implement mega-projects such as this.   The investment board is also under pressure from government officials to get these projects going.

A downside to this article is that there was not much information provided.  It would have been nice to know whom hydropower plants will serve and how man or why hydropower was their best option.  The article also didn’t go into pricing or location detail.  Learning these aspects of the proposed plants as the process continues would be very interesting. 

            Something that stands out about this article to me is that the government is pushing for these hydropower plants to quickly begin production.  In many other articles I’ve read the government seems to be hesitant to begin alternative energy projects such as this, but with NIB and the pressure form the line ministry it seems that in this specific area alternative energy is high on the agenda.  It will be interesting to learn whether this area invests in other alternative energy projects with as much force as their proposed hydropower plants. 

http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=49546

Energy/Alternative Energy: Mass. Energy Commissioner

In a speech to Berkshire Community College David Cash, the Department of Public Utilities Commissioner in Massachusetts, advocated for government officials to continue pushing for alternative energy.  Cash says that there is still plenty of room for the state to make improvements along with its solar generation projects and over 200 wind projects they are currently working on.  Cash says that new developments in alternative energy would boost the states economy as well as attract more businesses because of its low energy costs.  Massachusetts has many power plants that are built to withstand the states “peaky” use of its short supply of energy and Cash says that developing alternative energy would help reduce the size of these plants.  While this investment has a high start up cost he also warns that the prices will be going up soon so the best time to act is now and the cost will pay off in the end.

There are two major points to this article: the state must act soon to avoid high costs and there is always enough room to develop more alternative energy platforms.  The first main factor has everything to do with the business side of things.  Not only will investing in alternative energy be cost-effective in the long run, but it will also create many jobs and attract new businesses because of low energy costs.  Along with this tax breaks would be offered to companies that utilized alternative energy sources. Cash also stresses that there is still a lot of room for the sate to “improve its energy portfolio.” This outlook is important in creating a future of alternative and renewable energy because its stresses its necessity and quick action.  As stated, Cash believes that if the state does not act soon prices will just continue to go up. 

            This article illustrates the controversies between experts and governments over decisions dealing with alternative energy.  In many cases the government is hesitant to invest in alternative energy sources because of how uncertain the outcome can be.  Businesses are comfortable with their sources of income and the money they are making so it is hard to get them to change.  As experts try to stress the importance of these alternative issues offering incentives for business to make he switch they also continue to try and educate the masses, just as Cash did in his address to Berkshire Community College.  

http://www.iberkshires.com/story/43216/Energy-Commissioner-Pleads-Case-For-Alternative-Energy.html

Energy/Alternative Energy Blog 1: Wind Farms in Cardiff, Wales

Plans are underway in Cardiff, Wales, UK for a wind energy plan that could bring £2.3 billion to their economy.  The wind farm would bring 2,000 jobs to the area, mostly in manufacturing and construction.  This advancement in wind energy was commissioned by RenewableUK and hopes to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity from on shore wind turbines by 2025.  However, the plan is moving slowly due to landscape constraints and complaints from citizens who are worried about the impact on roads, landscapes, and their local communities.

 Citizens aren’t the only ones who are making the process more complicated.  According to Gareth Clubb of Friends of the Earth Cymru, the Welsh government is providing little support for wind farms and investors are likely to move elsewhere, such as Scotland, even though, as stated by David Clubb, it could provide substantial economic benefits and help Wales become a more sustainable nation.

Along with this it seems that those in charge of the wind energy plans aren’t as prepared as they should be as they couldn’t provide accurate figures on how many turbines would be needed or exactly how much each would generate.  However, Llywelyn Rhys, deputy directory of RenwableUK Cymru says that investors must have confidence in the planning stage of creating a wind farm.

Upon reading this article it seemed apparent that alternative energy is still a controversial subject in many areas.  In Wales this is shown through skeptical investors, worried citizens, and governments unwilling to provide support.  While these wind farms will provide substantial employment opportunities that are more than needed in many struggling economies of the area, the need for more jobs seems to be outweighed by the possible effects on landscape and community.  It could be that the problem here is a lack of education in the public.  If the citizens of Wales were more informed on the benefits of alternative energy and how it could help cut down on the negative impacts we are currently creating in our environment they would have a more open mind on the subject. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21248522

Energy/Alternative Energy

I have chosen to cover energy/alternative energy for my current events blog.  I chose this topic because I am an environmental studies minor and I am very interested in learning more about how we can cut down on our energy consumption not only as a society but as individuals.  Taking env100 last semester definitely sparked an interest in the subject and I look forward to learning much more about the situation, as well as possible solutions.