Energy
JA Solar Plunges On Global Slowdown, Low Prices
August 29, 2012 2:22 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsJA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd.'s second-quarter loss widened from a year earlier, the company said Wednesday, as it became the latest victim of turmoil in the Chinese solar panel industry. The results are another hit for a beleaguered solar industry. China's solar companies grew quickly over the past decade, selling to the U.S. and Europe as they invested in renewable energy.
New Mileage Standards Would Double Fuel Efficiency
August 29, 2012 9:20 am | by Matthew Daly and Tom Krisher, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe Obama administration has finalized regulations that will force automakers to nearly double the average gas mileage of all new cars and trucks they sell by 2025. The rules mean that all new vehicles would have to get an average of 54.5 miles per gallon in 13 years, up from 28.6 mpg at the end of last year. The requirements will be phased in gradually between now and then, and automakers could be fined if they don't comply.
GM To Take Volt Plant Off-Line To Control Supply
August 28, 2012 9:28 am | News | CommentsGeneral Motors will temporarily close the Detroit-area plant that makes the Chevrolet Volt next month to control inventory and prepare to make a new model. Spokesman Bill Grotz says the factory will be off-line to match supply with demand and prepare to build the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. He wouldn't say how long.
Australia To Join EU Emissions Trading Scheme
August 28, 2012 9:15 am | by Rod McGuirk, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe government said Australia's major polluters can start buying European carbon permits now to cover their liabilities from July 2015 when Australia merges with the EU system, where permits to pollute are traded at prices set by free market forces. The linking of the Australian and EU systems will answer business concerns that Australian companies would lose their competitive edge if they are charged more for their emissions.
Cedar Rapids Wind Turbine Plant Plans 76 Job Cuts
August 24, 2012 10:31 am | News | CommentsClipper Windpower has told Iowa Workforce Development that the company plans to eliminate the jobs of 76 people at the company's wind turbine plant in Cedar Rapids. Workforce Development says Clipper Windpower is providing the workers with at least 60 days of pay in lieu of providing 60 days of advance notification of the layoffs.
Debate Over Wind Credit Enters Congressional Races
August 24, 2012 8:28 am | by Ivan Moreno, Associated Press | News | CommentsRepublicans generally don't like subsidies that favor clean energy, which they deride as government picking winners and losers. Mitt Romney opposes the tax credit, and it's not part of the GOP platform for next week's convention. But many Colorado Republicans are joining Democrats in calling on Congress to extend a wind energy production tax credit.
The NEMA Premium Labeling Scheme
August 23, 2012 1:59 pm | by Rob Boteler, Nidec Motor Corporation | Articles | CommentsThe original NEMA Premium labeling scheme was designed to simplify the identification and application of NEMA Premium efficient motors by end users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Since its inception, the NEMA Premium mark has gained wide acceptance with motor buyers, utilities, and other specifying organizations.
Seagate Technology Agrees To Buy Solyndra Plant
August 23, 2012 9:32 am | News | CommentsThe Cupertino-based maker of disc drives has entered into an agreement to purchase the massive building in Fremont, which has been empty since Solyndra filed for bankruptcy protection in September 2011. Court records showed the building was estimated to be worth $150 million, although it had cost $300 million to build.
Vestas To Lay Off 1,400 Workers Amid Wind Slowdown
August 22, 2012 9:44 am | News | CommentsVestas Wind Systems A/S, the world's biggest maker of wind turbines, says it is slashing 7 percent of its workforce in its second round of lay-offs this year. The western Denmark-based group says the job cuts of 1,400 workers will help it reduce fixed costs by more than €250 million ($310 million) as it deals with stiff competition and a market slowdown.
Chinese Solar Industry Faces Weak Sales, Price War
August 22, 2012 2:17 am | by Joe McDonald, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsChinese solar panel makers that grew fast over the past decade are suffering big losses due to slumping global sales and a price war that threaten an industry seen by communist leaders as a role model for hopes to transform China into a technology leader. Another looming challenge: Moves by the United States and Europe toward imposing possible anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese-made solar panels that might further depress sales.
Century Aluminum Ends Electricity, Hints Smelter End
August 21, 2012 1:59 pm | by Bruce Schreiner, Associated Press | News | CommentsAn aluminum company embroiled in a dispute over its electricity costs said Monday it has given notice to terminate its power contract, a move signaling that the future of its large western Kentucky smelter is in deep jeopardy. Century said it is not obligated to continue operating the plant but was looking at options to keep it open.
Carbon Footprint
August 21, 2012 1:19 pm | by Anna Wells, Executive Editor, IMPO | Articles | CommentsChris Wheaton, CFO/COO and co-founder of Seattle-based EnerG2, describes his company’s product as “the least-interesting-looking product” around. “It’s literally just bags of black powder,” Wheaton explains. Despite its rather bland physical characteristics, this black powder has a big job. Designed to optimize the performance of energy storage devices, EnerG2’s carbon processing technique was born in a lab, but had bigger ambitions.
Lights Out: Are You Ready For Lighting Legislation?
August 16, 2012 2:05 pm | Articles | CommentsDid you know that switching out old incandescent exit signs can be a quick and easy way to start saving on energy costs for your facility?
Report: CO2 Emissions In U.S. Drop To 20-Year Low
August 16, 2012 1:54 pm | by Kevin Begos, Associated Press | News | CommentsFederal officials say the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere is falling due to cheap and plentiful natural gas.
Laminating Firm To Expand Va. Operations
August 16, 2012 1:51 pm | News | CommentsCommonwealth Laminating & Coating will invest $5.45 million in its second expansion in less than a year, creating 60 jobs.
Suntech Names New CEO Amid Struggles
August 15, 2012 12:01 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsSuntech, like most of the world's solar panel makers, has seen profits plummet because a glut in solar panels has sent prices tumbling.
Solyndra Agrees To Settle Suit Over Layoffs
August 13, 2012 10:27 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsThe bankrupt solar company will pay $3.5 million to settle accusations that it failed to properly notify employees they would losing their jobs.
Solar Company To Create More Than 300 Jobs In N.C.
August 13, 2012 4:36 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsSolar company Schletter Inc. will create 300 jobs by the end of 2016 and invest more than $27 million in its facility in Shelby, N.C.
Despite Hopes, Renewables Have Rough Ride In Idaho
August 12, 2012 11:14 am | by John Miller, Associated Press | News | CommentsPeter Richardson, a Boise energy lawyer and would-be solar developer, contends his industry faces a "train wreck."
Auto Companies Meet For Natural Gas Plan
August 10, 2012 12:35 pm | by Sean Murphy, Associated Press | News | CommentsWith states looking to add natural gas-powered vehicles to their fleets, it could push the public to follow suit in purchasing autos powered by domestically produced fuel.
Report: Ky., Tenn. Among Worst Pollution States
August 10, 2012 10:43 am | by Lucas L. Johnson II, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe Natural Resources Defense Council investigated air pollution from coal-fired power plants to name its "Toxic Twenty" states.
GM: Nearing 'Game Changer' Electric Car Tech
August 10, 2012 9:22 am | by Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer | News | CommentsCEO Dan Akerson said a small battery company backed by GM has a 50-50 chance of creating a battery that could power an electric car 200 miles.
NY Senator Defends U.S. Light Bulb Standards
August 9, 2012 1:02 pm | News | CommentsSen. Kirsten Gillibrand says a rollback of energy-efficiency standards would hurt U.S. manufacturers and help Chinese companies bring inferior products here.
Residents Flood Bay Area Hospitals After Refinery Fire
August 7, 2012 9:15 am | by John S. Marshall, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe blaze at Chevron's plant in Richmond, Calif. spewed thick black smoke possibly containing gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel and lubricants.
U.S. To Offer $2B On Clean Energy Loans To S. Africa
August 6, 2012 3:07 pm | by Jon Gambrell, Associated Press | News | CommentsThe 18-year loans will aim to help American companies in the solar, wind and thermal power industries make headway in Africa.
