Squeezing Energy from A Rock
New geothermal approaches bring massive resources within reach.
Low-temperature closed-loop generators promise huge growth in geothermal power.
Fortnightly Magazine - December 2008
Riding on The Wind
Plug-in hybrids usher a new era for wind power.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) open a new intersection between wind power and transportation.
Back to Gas
Utility turbines bridge the capacity gap.
Utilities are turning to natural gas as a bridge fuel, and to support non-dispatchable renewables.
The New Gas Wisdom
Unconventional gas sources put a ceiling on future prices.
Unconventional gas and LNG are changing the outlook for future gas prices.
Good News for Coal
Resolving the climate debate gives coal a path forward.
I met Congressman Rick Boucher (D-Va.) in November. He was speaking to attendees at EEI’s Finance Conference in Phoenix, and after his speech many people remarked that they wished other members of Congress were even half as well versed about the utility industry’s issues as Boucher seems to be.
People
(December 2008) Arizona Public Service named Daniel Froetscher vice president of energy delivery. Southwest Gas Corp. hired Don Soderberg as vice president of external affairs.Chesapeake Utilities Corp. named Michael P. McMasters as executive vice president and COO. American Gas Association elected Thomas E. Skains chairman. And others...
CEO Roundtable: Debating The Boucher Bill
Utilities consider imposing a retail surcharge to fund clean-tech R&D.
Utility CEOs debate the merits of a retail surcharge to fund clean-tech R&D.
The Capture-Committed Power Plant
Moving coal forward requires a clear path to CCS.
‘Capture readiness’ hasn’t helped coal projects move forward, but a firm commitment might make the difference.
Memo to the President-Elect (Part 2)
A clear and present need for nuclear energy expansion.
Addressing climate change will require extending the life of today’s nuclear fleet and laying the foundation for new plants.
Water Worries
With new plants pending, cooling requires serious thought.
Cooling water shortages might force nuclear project developers to get creative.