USDA Rural Development's Energy Financing Opportunities Seminar

America’s 21st century energy landscape presents needs that are greater than ever before. We face new challenges to reduce dependence on imported oil; to improve the environment; and to make clean, sustainable and affordable energy alternatives available to businesses. USDA Rural Development is helping to lead the way in the agriculture sector – finding energy solutions in our fields and helping rural residents and communities access renewable energy systems and use energy more efficiently. USDA Rural Development provides funding for the development and commercialization of renewable energy sources – including wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean waves, hydroelectric, biomass, and biofuel (ethanol, biodiesel, etc.) – to change the way people power their cars, homes, businesses, and industries. By making renewable energy sources commercially viable, USDA Rural Development is also creating sustainable opportunities for wealth, new jobs, and increased economic activity in rural America.

Become an EDIN-USVI VIenergize Partner

Is promoting clean energy in the USVI a passion of yours? Does it align with the mission of your business or organization? If so, consider joining the EDIN-USVI Clean Energy Action Team as a VIenergize Partner.

Our partners are dedicated to actively pursuing solutions the territory's energy challenges by working collaboratively to help reduce petroleum-based energy use 60% by 2025.

VIenergize Partners play a critical role in helping achieve the territory's clean energy goals. As such, they are formally recognized as being in alliance with the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO), the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), and the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands in their combined effort to mitigate the USVI's dependence on petroleum and the high cost of energy in the islands.

In becoming a VIenergize Partner, your organization will gain access to a wide array of tools. You will also be able to use the VIenergize Partner label (shown above) and name in your communications efforts related to the EDIN-USVI goals.

Becoming a VIenergize Partner is simple! All you need to do is 1) commit to participating in one of the five EDIN-USVI working groups, and 2) qualify for inclusion in the USVI Greeen Resource Directory (GRD), if applicable. The GRD is an online guide to reputable green and clean energy product and service vendors in the territory, which is being developed by the Energy Efficiency working group.

To learn more about becoming and EDIN-USVI VIenergize Partner, contact Karen Petersen or Cassandra Dunn, co-chairs of the Education and Workforce Development working group.

To learn more about the EDIN-USVI energy revolution, visit www.edinenergy.org/usvi.

Department of Energy to Invest $60 Million to Develop Innovative Concentrating Solar Power Technologies

October 25, 2011
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a $60 million investment over 3 years for applied scientific research to advance cutting-edge Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies. CSP technologies use mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which can then be used to produce electricity. Funded through DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, this research supports
DOE's SunShot Initiative, a collaborative national effort to reduce the cost of solar energy 75% to make it cost competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the decade. DOE's SunShot investments in solar energy research will encourage rapid, widespread adoption of solar energy systems across the country, help the solar power industry overcome technical barriers and reduce
costs, boost U.S. competitiveness in the worldwide market for solar technologies, and provide support for clean energy jobs for years to come.
Full story

Renewable Energy-Grid/Transmission Working Group Meeting

AGENDA for the Renewable Energy-Grid/Transmission EDIN Working Group Meeting

Meeting 12 - October 25, 2011 - 6:00 PM
Locations: WAPA Teleconference Facilities on St. Croix (Sunny Isle) and St. Thomas (Sub Base)
Conference Call in Number: 877-996-4844 pin 5621014

1) Minutes
2) WTE: Pros and Cons:
6:15 PM Susan Parten
6:25 PM Scott Haase
6:35 PM Questions/Discussion
3) Puerto Rico Interconnection Study: Report on Washington DC meetings on grid and status update. Hugo or Juanita; Vahan
4) Solar RFP update. Allyson
5) Wind metering update. Karl & Carl
6) Interconnection Standards and Solar Leasing: Karl and Eric
7) Other Matters

You Are Cordially Invited

Who: USVI lighting professionals, electricians and architects
What: In-store training on Lutron’s LCP 128 and XPS lighting control systems
Where: Quality Electric Supply Inc, 6703 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix
When: October 25, 2011
Time: 9 AM -12 PM

LCP 128™
Easily configured lighting management system that offers automated presets and simple end-user control of all dimming and switching in a facility. LCP 128 is easy to design, install, and program and is perfect for restaurants, lobbies, retail stores, places of worship, auditoriums, spas, community centers, and more. http://www.lutron.com/Products/WholeBuildingSystems/LCP128/Pages/Overview.aspx

XPS
Offering occupancy, scheduled, and manual control, XPS systems provide flexible switched lighting control. XPS integrates with building management and security systems to enhance facility appearance, day and night.

For more information call 340.773.4630 x 322
www.QualityElectricVI.com

Green Drive Saves Hilton $74m in Two Years

October 21, 2011
LightStay, the sustainability measurement system used by Hilton Worldwide and its portfolio of 10 hotel brands, has saved the company more than $74 million since its launch in 2009.According to 2010 results released this week, the LightStay strategy has so far reduced the hotel chain’s energy use by 6.6 percent and cut its carbon output by 7.8 percent, against a 2008 baseline.The strategy also cut water use by 3.8 percent and waste output by 19 percent, the hotel chain says.To date, Hilton Worldwide’s efforts are equivalent to the removal of more than 50,000 cars from the road, water savings that could fill more than 1,000 swimming pools and energy conservation that could provide power to nearly 20,000 homes a year, the company says.By 2014 Hilton plans to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and waste output by 20 percent and reduce water consumption by 10 percent from direct operations within the company’s properties, against a 2008 baseline.Earlier this month it emerged that Hilton Worldwide received ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications at 2,750 properties in 85 countries.The chain is one of 12 international hotel companies including Hyatt, Fairmont and Marriott, that are trying to create a single methodology for calculating carbon footprints and emissions.

Quality Electric Supply to Hold 2011 National Electric Code Training

Understanding NEC Requirements For Solar Photovoltaic Systems
November 3, 2011

CHRISTIANSTED, St. Croix—Quality Electric Supply Inc. is presenting a comprehensive review for electrical contractors, electricians, PV installers and project managers on Article 690 & 705: Solar Photovoltaic Systems of the 2011 National Electric Code which will be adopted for all PV installations across the USVI. This class will take place on November 3, 2011 at the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital, VI Cardiac Care Center conference room from 8 AM to 5 PM with a half hour for lunch at 1 PM. Participants may bring their own lunch or purchase lunch at the hospital cafeteria.

The presenter Steve Garner, chief engineer of Quality Electric's Special Projects Group, will use Mike Holt’s Guide to Understanding NEC Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic Systems, as the course text which will be provided for all participants. Pre-paid cost is $99. The deadline for registration is October 21, 2011. To make your reservation today, contact Michaelene Parham at 340.773.4630 ext. 321.

Main Street Businesses interested in reducing their WAPA bills and receptive to the USVI-WISE Energy Efficiency Program.

After talking to more than 30 of the business owners, sales clerks, and store managers I was glad to see that most were receptive to my proposals. They attentively listened when I suggested the installation of air curtains, more efficient lighting, and specially interested in air conditioners. The reality is that for some businesses utility bills are their number one expense and that can be managed if the business plan has taken that into consideration, for many it seems counter intuitive.

The USVI-WISE program, which offers incentives for assessments, equipment purchases and installations, and quality control could help mitigate the burden of the high utility bills. This was just the first visit, a second visit will be scheduled this week to visit the businesses that were missed the first time and hopefully businesses will take advantage of the opportunity.

USVI-WISE Main Street St Thomas 9am-12pm/October 6th

We are updating the USVI EDIN EEWG calendar regularly; here is a highlight for this week.  If you have any questions contact Miguel Quinones with VIEO at Miguel.Quinones@eo.vi.gov.

WAPA Receives 27 Proposals for Solar Power Project

More than two-dozen companies responded to a request for proposals (RFP) by the V.I. Water and Power Authority to purchase solar photovoltaic generation from independent power producers, the utility announced.

WAPA's bid process for the project closed Tuesday, and Executive Director Hugo Hodge Jr. said the utility received 27 bids.

“We are excited about the large number of respondents who have made submissions and are looking forward to diversifying our generating portfolio by adding renewables to the mix,” he said.

Solar Decathlon Kicks off in DC

University Teams to Showcase Affordable, Energy Efficient Living in U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011

September 22, 2011

Collegiate teams featuring over 4,000 students from around the world have descended on the National Mall's West Potomac Park to showcase the highly energy efficient solar-powered houses they created for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011. Today's opening ceremony kicks off the biennial competition that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate houses powered by the sun that are affordable, energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in.

"The Solar Decathlon collegiate teams are showing how clean energy products and efficient building design can help families and businesses reduce energy use and save money," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "The event challenges talented students to become pioneers of clean energy technology and helps ensure that our nation remains competitive in the workforce of tomorrow."

In addition to educating the public about how to save energy and save money, the Solar Decathlon also provides unique training to the next generation of engineers and architects. Over the last decade, the competition has prepared approximately 15,000 students to become future innovators and entrepreneurs in clean energy technology and efficient building design.

"This award-winning competition engages students from across the nation, and around the world, to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the clean energy workforce," said Arun Majumdar, Senior Advisor to Secretary Chu, while surrounded by hundreds of students and VIPs at the event's opening ceremony. "These collegiate teams are demonstrating the talent and ingenuity required to expand our nation's clean energy economy and keep America competitive in the race to solve our global energy challenges."

Student teams in the 2011 competition hail from five countries across four continents, including the United States, Belgium, Canada, China, and New Zealand. The competition involves 10 contests during 10 days that gauge each house's performance, livability and affordability. New this year, an affordability contest rewards teams that build houses with estimated costs at or below $250,000. The teams will have to perform everyday tasks, including cooking, laundry, and washing dishes to test the energy efficiency of their houses. The winner of the overall competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

Thousands are expected to visit the houses, which will be open to the public free of charge from Friday, September 23, through Sunday, October 2. The houses are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends, and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. Visitors are able to tour the houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today. The overall winner will be announced on Saturday, October 1. This Solar Decathlon is the fifth such competition since 2002.

This year's university-led teams were chosen nearly two years ago through a competitive process. The selected teams and their projects represent a diverse range of design approaches, building technologies, and geographic locations, climates and regions – including urban, suburban and rural settings. They also aim to reach a broad range of target housing markets, including lower-income, disaster relief, retirement, and single family. Teams have gathered their combined interdisciplinary talents to design and build the houses as well as to raise funds, furnish and decorate the houses, and optimize the houses' performance.

Media interested in covering the Solar Decathlon 2011 may visit the Solar Decathlon Press Room online for more information, to arrange an interview, or to schedule a personalized tour of the solar village. For full event information, current standings, high-resolution photos, videos, an event schedule and daily results, visit the Solar Decathlon website. You may also follow the competition in real time on Facebook and Twitter.

More about the Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 is an award-winning program that challenges collegiate students from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in. The competition shows consumers how to save money and energy with affordable clean energy products that are available today. The nearly two-year projects culminate in an unprecedented display of affordable green living and design on the National Mall's West Potomac Park from September 23 – October 2, 2011. The Solar Decathlon also provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter our nation's clean energy workforce, supporting the Obama Administration's goal of transitioning to a clean energy economy while saving families and businesses money.

Walking the Talk

Since Governor de Jongh announced his aggressive goal to reduce the U.S. Virgin Islands' fossil fuel-based energy use 60% by 2025, there have been skeptics who have rolled their eyes and dismissed it as so much more empty talk. But there has been a great deal of work going on behind the scenes of the Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN) project in the USVI, and the comprehensive EDIN-USVI Energy Road Map published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) last week offers tangible evidence of that. Founded on in-depth analysis performed by the NREL team over the past year, the Road Map outlines in detail the path for achieving the territory's clean energy goals.

Now that there is a road map to follow, it will be imperative that the VI government and founding EDIN partners the VI Energy Office (VIEO) and the VI Water and Power Authority (WAPA) lead the way by "walking the talk." One way to do this is by adopting aggressive energy efficiency policies, programs, and projects that demonstrate leadership by example. When they do, they will be the first to reap the benefits of such action, and when they can demonstrate those benefits in real and tangible ways, the community will follow enthusiastically.

Not everyone has the means to install wind turbines and solar panels, but every individual, business, government agency, and community organization can make simple changes that reduce their energy use, lower their utility bill, and help preserve the islands' precious natural resources -- with little to no up-front investment. There are many things people can't control, but their own energy footprint is not one of them.

While end-use efficiency represents a relatively small percentage of the overall USVI goal, the USVI Energy Road Map demonstrates that tactics for increasing government, residential, and commercial energy efficiency are by far the most cost effective. Energy efficiency is the low-hanging fruit. In leading by example, government agencies, the utility, and forward-thinking businesses like Quality Electric Supply, Luis Huertas architectural design, Horizon Energy Systems VI, Asencios Construction, and Silva Energy have an opportunity to demonstrate how lots of little behavioral changes can add up to a big impact on the economy and the environment. What is required in the USVI is a cultural shift, and such shifts don't happen without bold and decisive action by visionary leaders.

No one understands this better than NREL. As the only national laboratory dedicated exclusively to energy efficiency and renewable energy research and deployment, it is essential that we walk the talk. That means living and breathing energy efficiency in every aspect of our work in a sincere and committed collective effort to make the laboratory a global model for sustainability.

Through the Sustainable NREL program, we strive to exemplify sustainability by maximizing efficient use of all resources, minimizing waste, preventing pollution, and serving as a positive force in economic, environmental, and community responsibility. Our leadership team takes the vision seriously, and we see and experience evidence of that every day. Sustainablility is literally infused into our organizational culture, and that means everyone, from the top down, is committed to walking the talk.

The Sustainable NREL site on NREL's intranet provides employees with a wealth of information on ways to walk the walk at work and at home, including tips on alternative commuting, alternative work schedules and telecommuting, parking, reducing energy and waste through recycling and composting, and reusing office supplies, as well as training on how to help NREL achieve near-zero waste. We live those tips at work, and we end up taking them home with us and sharing them with our families and friends. Amazingly, it doesn't take long before we see evidence that they too are "drinking the kool-aid."

Over the course of the past year, the EDIN-USVI partners have already implemented energy efficiency programs and projects that have made a significant impact in the territory. Some of those projects are highlighted in the latest issue of the EDIN-USVI Clean Energy Quarterly. But much more bold and decisive action will be required to engender the community buy-in, support, and participation that are needed to solve the USVI's energy crisis.

By adopting high-visibility internal programs that demonstrate organizational accountability, sincere commitment, and leadership by example, the VI government, WAPA, and visionary business leaders in the territory have an opportunity to create a ripple effect that will move the territory ever closer to reaching its agressive clean energy goal.

Tuesday Webcast for Industry: Unveiling of the Implementation Guide

Join us for a Webinar on October 11
Space is limited.
Reserve your webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/588884192
This webcast will provide a high-level overview of a new resource from the Industrial Technologies Program, Guiding Principles for Successfully Implementing Industrial Energy Assessment Recommendations. This guidebook provides industry with guidance on how to successfully implement the recommendations identified during energy assessments. The webcast will address critical aspects of preparation and implementation before, during, and after an assessment and will focus on key strategies for ensuring not only implementation of recommendations but continuous energy efficiency improvement.
Title: Tuesday Webcast for Industry: Unveiling of the Implementation Guide
Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Conducting an energy performance comparison, known as benchmarking, can boost energy efficiency and lower building operating costs.

Imagine trying to get directions without knowing the starting address. Or assembling a competitive sports team without holding tryouts to rank and compare athletes. Or even attempting to lose weight without stepping on a scale to figure out how much you weigh now. You end up lost, unaware of how your competition is doing, and oblivious to how to achieve your goal. To get to where you want to go, you have to know where you are now. Benchmarking a building’s energy performance is placing your building on the map.

As energy prices increase and building operating costs climb, property managers and owners are seeking out sustainable options—not only to lower their environmental impact, but also to improve their bottom line and gain a competitive edge over their peers. City and state governments are addressing the vast amount of energy consumed by the building sector by requiring benchmarking and disclosure of energy performance. This seems to be a growing trend as there are several legislative bodies that have similar mandates on the table.

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings: Solutions to Achieve 50% Energy Savings in Office Buildings

The 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) series follows six volumes of award winning 30% guides. The AEDGs are the result of a partnership between DOE, ASHRAE, AIA, IESNA and USGBC, and the next group of publications will provide guidance on achieving 50% savings over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004. The first guide in the new series, 50% AEDG for Small to Medium Office Buildings, is currently available for free download. This no-cost webinar provides an overview of the 50% series and outlines recommendations for energy savings in both small and medium office buildings.

Guidelines for Home Energy Upgrade Professionals—Project Overview

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Guidelines for Home Energy Upgrade Professionals project (hereafter the Guidelines) fosters the growth of a high quality residential energy upgrade industry and a skilled and credentialed workforce.

Colombia y Panamá firman acuerdo de interconexión eléctrica

El ministro de Minas y Energía aseguró que el trazado no pasará el Tapón del Darién, una zona selvática entre Colombia y Panamá, considerada como un santuario de biodiversidad, y que a cambio bordeará la costa del océano Atlántico.

En el pasado grupos ambientalistas criticaron el proyecto por el posible paso de la línea por estas reservas naturales en donde habitan comunidades indígenas.

ISA es una compañía de origen colombiano focalizada en los negocios de transporte de energía eléctrica, transporte de telecomunicaciones, concesiones viales, operación y administración de mercados y construcción de proyectos de infraestructura. La empresa tiene presencia en Colombia, Brasil, Perú, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Panamá y América Central.

Tiene un costo de US$420 millones y abre puertas a la venta de energía de generadores colombianos. Así lo reveló este lunes el ministro de Minas y Energía, Carlos Rodado Noriega, luego de firmar el documento con el ministro de Economia y Finanzas de Panamá, Alberto Vallarino, entre ISA de Colombia y la panameña Etesa.

Ford and Toyota Team Up to Put Hybrid Trucks and SUVs in Fast Lane

Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. will bring their research and development forces together to accelerate the creation of a hybrid vehicle system for trucks and SUVs.

The partnership is also likely to help the companies meet U.S. fuel economy standards quicker than operating alone.

Ford and Toyota said they've been working individually on rear-wheel-drive hybrid systems, but the two companies started looking at combining their efforts earlier this tear after initial discussions between Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Toyota President Akio Toyoda in an airport lobby.

"The point of collaborating is to deliver better technology that is more affordable and accessible for our customers," said Nancy Gioia, Ford's global director of electrification. "Both Ford and Toyota have extensive HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) knowledge and capabilities. By collaborating together, we bring the expertise together along with shared investment and scale to develop a customer focused system at the best possible costs.".

This isn't the first time the two companies were involved in hybrids together. In 2004, when Ford was making its first foray into hybrids, it licensed some of Toyota's patents on gasoline-electric hybrid engine systems.

The new partnership still has some kinks to work out, namely who is doing what research, and a formal agreement is planned for next year. The companies expect a hybrid system developed by the partnership to be in vehicles later in the late 2010s.

Fitting Sustainability into the CFO's Job Description

Making sustainability a core aspect of business creates more, and new, work for employees. In the case of chief financial officers (CFOs), it not only leads to new responsibilities, but also offers CFOs the chance to bring their expertise and experience to sustainability.

As investors demand more details of sustainability efforts and companies are expected to understand and talk about climate change-related risks they face, CFOs need to have solid knowledge of all aspects of their companies' sustainability programs, Ernst & Young say in a report on the changing role of CFOs.

Not only should CFOs know what their companies are up to, but they also need to understand broader sustainability issues and trends, and anticipate what investors and others will be asking about.

Department of Energy Joins with Manufacturers, Environmentalists to Announce New Efficiency Standards for Home Refrigerators

The Department of Energy issued final energy efficiency standards for home refrigerators and freezers that will improve their efficiency by about 25% by 2014. These new standards, developed through a consensus process with manufacturers, consumer groups, and environmentalists, are expected to deliver more than $200 in electricity bill savings for the typical consumer over the lifetime of the refrigerator. Nationally, consumers are expected to save more than $21 billion on their energy bills through 2043 as a result of the standards announced today.

"These standards reflect a consensus among manufacturers, consumer groups and environmentalists. The agreement builds on more than three decades of common-sense state and federal refrigerator efficiency standards that have collectively saved American families hundreds of billions of dollars," said Secretary Chu. "What's so remarkable is that even as the size of American refrigerators has increased and more features have been added, the historical purchase prices have come down and we are all saving money on our electricity bills every month."

"DOE's action today, which was required by law, is based on the consensus agreement reached by stakeholders which balances energy savings, consumer choice, and manufacturer impact. We applaud DOE for its work and continue to urge both DOE and EPA to carefully balance implementation of mandatory standards and voluntary programs such as ENERGY STAR," said Joseph M. McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

"This final rule implements a consensus agreement between appliance manufacturers and energy efficiency supporters on new refrigerator and freezer standards," said Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. "This consensus agreement maximized cost-effective energy savings for consumers while keeping impacts on manufacturers to manageable levels. We commend the Department for issuing this rule now and for following the consensus agreement."

These new consensus standards build on previous efficiency standards for refrigerators, which have successfully reduced energy use while promoting design innovation and new features for homeowners. Since the first standards were set in the 1970s, the energy needed to power home refrigerators has decreased by more than two-thirds, while at the same time, costs have come down, storage space has increased, and more features are available than ever before.

The efficiency standards issued today finalize the proposed consensus standards agreed to by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), more than 25 individual refrigerator manufacturers, and some of the nation's leading consumer and environmental advocacy groups. The standards will go into effect three years after publication in the Federal Register.

According to the Department's analysis, the standards announced today will ultimately save enough electricity each year to power 3.4 million homes, about the same number of homes in the entire state of Virginia. The standards will also avoid more than 340 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years.

These standards are part of a broader Department of Energy effort designed to help families save money by saving energy by increasing the efficiency of residential and commercial appliances and products. Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Energy has finalized new efficiency standards for more than thirty household and commercial products, which are estimated to save consumers a total of $300 billion through 2030.

The standards are available on the Department of Energy website.

To see Secretary Chu discuss the broader benefits of appliance efficiency standards, check out this video on the U.S. Department of Energy website.