Inside Renewable Energy

January 1, 2009 - 2008: A Benchmark for Renewable Energy - Inside Renewable Energy

12/29/2008 4:43:33 PM

The end of the year offers us an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and setbacks over the previous twelve months. It also gives us the chance to think about what the coming twelve months will bring. In this episode, we're featuring a roundtable conversation on the status of renewables from last month's Power-Gen International Conference. The panel discussion is a good overview of where the wind, solar and hydro industries are today, and serves as an important benchmark as we evaluate the progress of renewables over 2009. Thank you very much to our faithful listeners for giving us so much feedback over the last year. We will continue to bring you the most engaging, comprehensive news and information on renewable energy in the coming year!

December 22, 2008 - Exploring the German Renewable Energy Market - Inside Renewable Energy

12/21/2008 7:54:59 PM

This week, we're podcasting from Germany to get a better sense for how one of the world's leading renewable energy markets is fairing during these tough economic times. Despite the projected global slowdown throughout the renewable energy industries next year, Germany is preparing for an increase in installed wind capacity and only a slight drop in solar PV installations. We're traveling throughout Germany to get a sense for how the country is moving forward and remaining a leader in development of renewable energies. We'll talk to investors, manufacturers, scientists and teachers about where the market is today and where it will go tomorrow. Thanks very much to the non-profit organization Inwent for setting up the trip and arranging the interviews. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

December 11, 2008 - Energy Businesses Recognizing the Need to Diversify - Inside Renewable Energy

12/5/2008 1:04:17 PM

This week, we're podcasting from the Power-Gen International conference in Orlando, Florida. This event is mostly geared toward traditional power companies; however, renewables are starting to play a bigger role at Power-Gen as businesses and investors in the space recognize the major changes taking place in the energy landscape. We'll speak to some company executives about how this shift is impacting the way companies operate. John Adams, vice president of new projects at Mitsubishi Power Systems describes the company's new 2.4-MW wind turbine as well as the reasons behind Mitsubishi's involvement in a wide range of energy sectors. Perry Fontana, vice president of projects at Ausra explains the elegance and simplicity of concentrating solar power. Alan Champagne, vice president of business development at CH2M HILL tells us about the need for traditional energy companies to diversify in order to succeed. And Joe Treshler of Covanta Energy talks about turning environmental problems into business opportunities. Make sure to check out the video interviews from Power-Gen International at our video section. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

December 4, 2008 - A Rough Patch for the U.S. PV Market; Building Relationships to Build Greener -

12/1/2008 12:13:34 PM

With the recent eight-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit for solar, many professionals are predicting rapid growth in the solar industry. However, because of problems in the tax equity market and other issues with state solar programs around the country, those predictions many not bear out in the short-term.

In this podcast, we'll look at some trends playing out in the U.S. solar market and how they may impact demand for PV over the coming year.

Then, we'll have some interviews from the Greenbuild Conference and Expo on building-integrated wind and PV systems, living roofs, and how renewable energy companies and traditional contractors are working together to increase the deployment of cleaner building materials, sustainable design techniques and renewable energies.

Also, be sure to check out the video feature published by RenewableEnergyWorld.com from the Greenbuild Conference and Expo.

Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

November 20, 2008 - Exploring the Icelandic Geothermal Experience - Inside Renewable Energy

11/19/2008 5:48:20 PM

This week, we're podcasting to you from Iceland. The country has been getting a lot of attention lately -- and not just because of its severe economic problems. Iceland gets 78 percent of its primary energy from renewable resources, with 62 percent coming from geothermal. Now that more countries around the world are starting to get serious about deploying renewables on a meaningful scale, policy makers, business leaders and journalists are flocking to the country in greater numbers to learn from the Icelandic experience. In this podcast, we're traveling around the country to speak with some of the leaders in the geothermal industry. Iceland's President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson describes the uniquely intimate relationship that Icelanders have with geothermal energy. Reykjavic Energy's Audur Björg shows us around the Hellsheidi Power Plant and gives us her view on the history of Iceland's use of geothermal. Albert Albertsson of Hitaveita Sudurnesja shows us around the Svartsengi Power Plant and talks about the company's goal of making geothermal projects both a personal and utilitarian experience. Steinar Gudlaugsson of Geysir Green Energy gives us an overview of the intense geologic activity occurring on and around the island. Ingvar Birgir Fridleifsson of the United Nations University Geothermal Training Program talks about the importance of spreading the country's geothermal experience to professionals in developing countries. And Hannes Pálsson gives us a sense for how the average Icelander views the progress that the country has made in renewable energy over the years. Make sure to visit the podcast page at RenewableEnergyWorld.com for pictures and links. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

November 13, 2008 - Gauging the Impact of the Credit Crisis on Renewable Energy - Inside Renewable Energy

11/7/2008 3:20:08 PM

The gears of the global economy are moving very slowly these days; yet, the renewable energy industry is still performing better than many other industries. The path out of the global credit crisis will be long and steep, however, making it more difficult for developers and financiers in the renewable energy industry to do business over the next six months to a year. In this podcast, Angus McCrone, chief editor at New Energy Finance talks about the broad global impact in the public and private markets; Gordon Edge, director of economics and finance at the British Wind Energy Association discusses the coming year for wind in the UK; and Louis Schwartz, president of China Strategies, LLC, describes the problems for PV companies in China. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

November 6, 2008 - A Shake-up in Project Finance; Bucking the Downward Housing Trend with BIPV; PV Concentrator Balloons - Inside Renewable Energy

11/5/2008 4:09:40 PM

With the credit crisis and resulting economic woes making their way into the renewable energy industry, project financing all over the world is getting more difficult. In the U.S., many people are concerned about the health of the tax equity financing sector, which drives much of the growth in the solar, wind and bioenergy markets. Edwin Feo, a tax lawyer with Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McLoy's Global Power, Energy and Utilities Group, joins us to talk about how a shake-up in tax equity financing will impact the industry in the coming years. Then, David Field, president of Open Energy, talks about the company's building-integrated PV products and its relationships with roofers and construction firms. Field discusses the importance of building partnerships between solar companies and traditional contractors to move the residential and small commercial solar markets forward. Finally, Rob Lamkin, CEO of Cool Earth Solar, describes the company's new concentrating PV balloon. We'll talk about Cool Earth's efforts to scale up production in the coming year and make the device a household name in the industry. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

October 30, 2008 - Innovation and Politics in this Hot, Flat and Crowded World - Inside Renewable Energy

10/30/2008 8:06:56 AM

New York Times Columnist Thomas Friedman's latest book, "Hot, Flat and Crowded," looks at the imminent need to formulate a national strategy to combat climate change, stimulate technological innovation and grow America's economy. In this program, Tom talks to the New Yorker Magazine's Elizabeth Kolbert about the need to transform America's approach to energy and politics. The interview was initially published at Yale Environment 360. We'll also talk to Dave Unger of the Renewable Energy program at Waste Management about the need to expand landfill gas to energy projects around the U.S. With 1,200 MW of potential electrical generation capacity at landfills nation-wide, the company plans to expand its energy operations dramatically in the coming years. Finally, we'll have a special guest who's celebrating Halloween by educating the neighborhood about renewable energy. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

October 23, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Touring the Steamboat Geothermal Plant

10/22/2008 12:49:01 PM

This week, we've got some extras from the Geothermal Conference and Expo held earlier this month. Before leaving Nevada, Stephen Lacey met up with some folks from Ormat Technologies, who gave him a tour of the company's 100-MW capacity Steamboat facility in Reno. We'll speak with Paul Thomsen, Public Policy Manager for Ormat about some broader market trends. Then we'll walk around the grounds with John Bernardi, Environmental Compliance Specialist at the Steamboat facility, who will give us a sense for how the plant operates. Finally, we'll have some more interviews from the conference floor. Kenneth McLeod, President and CEO of Western GeoPower talks about the impact of the credit crunch; and Barry Andrews, Head of Geothermal and Power at Chevron tells us about the company's operations in Indonesia. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

October 16, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Solar Perspectives Roundtable

10/16/2008 10:09:51 AM

This week, we're podcasting from Solar Power International in San Diego, California. Stephen Lacey rounded up some influential industry executives who represent different areas of the supply chain and asked them about what they're seeing in the industry today. The conversation provides an inside look at what companies are dealing with during these times of rapid and tumultuous growth. Jonathan Pickering, Vice President of Marketing at Applied Materials talks about the equipment supply side of the industry; Ron Kenedi, Vice President of the Solar Energy Solutions Group at Sharp talks about the manufacturing space; and Aaron Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar, talks about business for installers in the U.S. This roundtable was initially recorded at the REW.com studio on the floor of Solar Power International. Stay tuned for the video version of this roundtable next week. In the meantime, you can watch all kinds of video from the conference at our Solar Power Blog. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

October 9, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - The Beginning of a Geothermal Renaissance

10/8/2008 2:32:46 PM

This week, we're podcasting from the Geothermal Conference and Expo in Reno, Nevada. Most professionals at the conference would say that the geothermal industry is experiencing a renaissance. Indeed, as development of conventional resources has increased over the last few years and new technologies have grabbed the attention of financiers and the mainstream press, the industry is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves. We'll talk with Alexander Richter, Director of Global Research at Glitnir Bank, about some development trends in the U.S. and Iceland. Dan Reicher, Director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives at Google.org, tells us about the web-giant's interest in stimulating the market for large-scale Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS). Jared Potter, Co-founder and CEO of Potter Drilling and Mark Hankowski, VP of Business Development at Potter, describe how the company's advanced drilling technology will eventually allow for cost-effective EGS development. And lastly, Mike Hayter, Director of Geothermal Development at Raser Technologies, talks about the company's plan to construct smaller-scale, modular geothermal plants that utilize lower temperature resources. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

October 2, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Rapid Growth in the Algae Market; Managing Risk in the Renewables Space

10/1/2008 10:40:02 AM

With over US $180 million in venture capital invested in Algae companies already this year, the market looks ready to explode. That explosion couldn't come soon enough for biodiesel producers who are having trouble getting enough feedstock to meet global demand. Joseph Muscat, Americas Director of Cleantech and Venture Capital at Ernst and Young, tells us about the high amounts of capital that companies have raised so far in 2008. Will Thurmond, Founder of Emerging Markets Online and Director of Research and Development at the National Algae Association, talks about the overwhelming need for algae in the biodiesel market. Finally, Harrison Dillon, President and Chief Technology Officer with the algae company Solazyme, describes the company's method for growing and harvesting algae. Also in the podcast: Richard Homlich, CEO of Advantage for Analysts, highlights the need for good risk management practices in the renewable energy industry. He'll draw some parallels between the ongoing problems in the mortgage industry. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

September 25, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Smarter Grids, Smarter Cities and Common-Sense Planning

9/24/2008 12:27:05 PM

Many solutions to the world's problems take nothing more than a common-sense approach. No one pretends that the environmental and social challenges ahead will be easy to solve, but sometimes the solutions simply require a different way of thinking. This week, we've got more interviews from the Cleantech Forum in Washington, DC on some of those common-sense solutions. We'll look at the evolution of electricity demand response with EnerNOC CEO Timothy Healy. There are certainly many technological hurdles in front of the development of a smart grid, but the concept of better electricity management is an easy one for utilities and their customers to understand. Healy will describe how the U.S. smart-grid market may grow and EnerNoc's role in that growth. We'll talk about the aggressive carbon reduction goals of Stockholm, Sweden with the city's CEO Irene Svenonius. She'll describe the role of government and individuals in making common-sense choices to create an environmentally-friendly, economically-vibrant community. Then we'll explore the future role of cities in creating a more sustainable world with Chris Luebkeman, Director of Global Foresight and Innovation at the engineering firm Arup. He'll talk about the importance of looking at sustainability through more than just an economic lens. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

September 18, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Cleantech Forum: An Insider's Look at Cleantech Investing

9/17/2008 9:22:06 PM

This week, we're podcasting to you from the Cleantech Forum in Washington, DC. This forum is a gathering place for early-stage investors who are pouring capital into renewable energy, smart-grid technologies and advanced materials. We'll talk with some analysts and investors who will give us an inside look at the evolution and current status of the market. Brian Fan, Senior Director of Research at the Cleantech Network, talks about what makes a sustainable cleantech company and lays out where most investments have taking place so far in 2008. Scott MacDonald, a Partner with Emerald Technology Ventures, tells us about the history of the sector and about how venture capitalists strategically space their investments in this very capital-intensive industry. Scott Faris, CEO of Planar Energy Devices, describes his company's new solid-state lithium-ion battery and talks about how he's using his experience in the venture capital space to grow his company during its early stages. Finally, Ted Howes, leader of the Business and Sustainability Program at IDEO, gives us the broader perspective on what all the growth in the cleantech space means for corporations and their customers. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

September 11, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Energy Equity: Diversifying the Market with New Incentives

9/11/2008 7:33:15 AM

The U.S. renewable energy market is growing at an impressive rate. But as more wind, solar and biofuel facilities get developed, there are fewer people or organizations that own those facilities. That is primarily due to the exclusive nature of the federal tax credits. Because of the shrinking diversity in the marketplace, a growing number of people are calling for changes to U.S. renewable energy incentives. In this podcast, we explore the issues with the federal tax credits as they relate to ownership of renewable energy systems. John Farrell of the Institute for Local Self Reliance talks about the problems with “diseconomies of scale” in the U.S. wind and solar markets; Wind Expert Paul Gipe describes the ideal incentive framework to diversify energy equity; Dan Juhl, CEO of Juhl Wind, gives us an idea of how small-wind developers navigate the tax credit environment; and Lisa Daniels, Founder of the educational organization Windustry, talks about Minnesota's commitment to community wind. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

September 4, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Crunch Time for Renewable Energy Tax Credits

9/3/2008 1:08:05 PM

Congress comes back to Washington next week and in the tradition of election-year politics, there's a good chance that much won't get done before November. That means there are very few chances left to extend the Production and Investment Tax credits before they expire at the end of the year. This week, our Washington Analyst Scott Sklar updates us on the tax credit situation and gives us his take on the presidential candidates. Then, we'll finish up our California ballot initiative series by looking at the arguments in support of Proposition 10. There's a growing debate about whether or not the measure will favor natural gas vehicles over other battery-based options. Proposition 10 supporter Patrick Dorinson tells us why the initiative will benefit all forms of transportation in the state. Finally, we'll have a look at what the city of Greensburg, Kansas is doing to rebuild in a sustainable way. Greensburg was devastated in May of 2007 when a Tornado ripped through the city, demolishing 95% of the buildings. Contributor Mark Braly talks with Tim Schmidt, CEO of Xtreme Homes, a company working to bring green modular homes and a sustainable employment base to Greensburg. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

August 28, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Questioning America's Most Ambitious Renewable Energy Law

8/28/2008 8:17:35 AM

This November, Californians will be voting on a ballot initiative that could require the state's utilities to generate half their power from renewables by 2025. Sounds good, right? Not according to some of nation's most influential renewable energy companies, associations and advocacy groups. This group of opponents says the legal language of the proposed law is so flawed, it could severely hurt the state's renewable energy market. Proponents say the legal language is tight and that opponents are being controlled by the state's utilities, which don't want to meet the targets. As the voting day approaches, the debate over the language in the initiative is heating up and both sides are pushing their messages aggressively. We'll have a feature report on the different interpretations of the proposed law and its potential impact on the industry. Also, we'll explore the reasons for China's emergence as one of the top renewable energy markets for investors. Jonathan Johns, head of renewable energy at the advisory firm Ernst and Young, joins us to discuss the promise of China and the difficulties for renewables in the UK. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

August 21, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Pickens' Plan and California's Proposition 10; Auctioning Environmental Commodities

8/21/2008 8:10:17 AM

T. Boone Pickens has a plan -- but is it the correct plan for the nation? This November, Californians will have the opportunity to vote on an initiative that could be the first step down Pickens' path toward greater reliance on natural gas for transportation fuel. But this week's guest says that the initiative, known as Proposition 10, is flawed and could negatively impact renewable energy in California. We'll speak with Tony Rubenstein, a Los Angeles-based consultant on clean technologies and corporate social responsibility, about why Proposition 10 is not good for the state's budget or its burgeoning renewable energy market. Then we'll talk to Phil Adams, CEO of World Energy, about the role of online auctioning of allowances in greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs. He'll tell us why he believes the auctioning platform allows for more efficient and transparent transactions over bid-ask exchanges and broker-based models. Finally, correspondent Mark Braly has some interviews on the promotion of mustard-seed biodiesel for city and regional vehicle fleets in California. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

August 14, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Keeping the Industry in Check

8/14/2008 3:22:03 PM

With all the money from investors, attention from the mainstream media and interest from consumers pouring into clean technologies, the situation is looking good for renewable energy. But as the financial opportunities grow, so too does the potential to oversell the benefits of some technologies. In this podcast, we'll explore some problems that over-exuberance and lack of quality information can create for the industry. Sue Kateley of the California Solar Energy Industries Association, tells us about some sketchy solar companies in the Golden State. Small-Wind Expert Mick Sagrillo talks about the sham companies that have emerged over the years in the residential wind market. Brad Smith of Renewzle.com explains the need for online intermediary companies in the solar space to give consumers a simplified and trustworthy experience. Dr. Barry Butler of Butler Sun Solutions warns about the potential for overstating the abilities of Dish/Stirling Systems, potentially creating negative perceptions about the promising technology. Finally, independent environmental reporter Peter Fairley gives us his take on the role of journalism in this increasingly popular-yet-complex energy landscape. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.

August 7, 2008 - Inside Renewable Energy - Debating the Brazilian Ethanol Tariff; The Weak Dollar and Foreign Investment

8/7/2008 7:17:40 AM

As American politicians try to prove to their constituents that they are addressing high gasoline prices this summer, the debate over increasing Brazilian ethanol imports has gotten more traction in Washington. The Brazilians say that lifting the 54-cent tariff on imported ethanol will help bring down the price of all ethanol, thus bringing down the price of gasoline. The domestic ethanol industry says there's already an oversupply of renewable fuels and that more imported ethanol from Brazil will oversaturate the market. In this podcast, we'll address some of the arguments for and against lifting the tariff on Brazilian sugarcane ethanol. We’ll talk with Joel Velasco, chief U.S. representative of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association about why he believes more Brazilian ethanol will be good for both U.S. ethanol producers and American consumers. Then, we’ll speak with Nathan Schock, director of public relations at POET, the nation’s largest ethanol producer. He’ll talk about why more imported ethanol may flood the market and make it more difficult for cellulosic ethanol to compete down the road. Also in the podcast: Jay Tannon, partner at the law firm DLA Piper, will talk about the impact that the low dollar is having on foreign direct investment in the U.S. and around the world. Inside Renewable Energy offers the latest in renewable energy news and information.