Green news harvest: New Jersey utility to go solar
New Jersey utility PSG&E proposes investing millions in solar power to help meet its renewable energy mandate, while President Obama defends energy efficiency in stimulus package.
A sampling of green-tech news with quick commentary.
- PSE&G Proposes $773 Million Solar Energy Program - Press Release
There's a trend forming with utilities investing directly in solar power installations, with New Jersey the latest to jump. - Obama Champions Efficiency in Stimulus - The New York Times
Obama counters after being criticized for proposed programs to weatherize homes of low-income people and make federal buildings energy efficient. - Nissan seeks government loans for electric cars - Reuters
Financial woes could delay its electric car plans past its original target of 2010. - Cutting Coal Use with Sunshine - Technology Review
You've heard of hybrid cars. Here's a hybrid power plant test that uses both solar thermal and coal to make steam. - Less Demand, Same Great Revenue - The Wall Street Journal
Welcome to the arcane world of utilities deregulation, where this notion of decoupling--or creating incentives for utilities to promote energy efficiency--is gaining steam. - Commission gives its approval to feed-in tariff for solar power - The Gainesville Sun
Although this is a very limited case, this municipality in Florida is said to be the first feed-in solar tariff in the U.S., a policy that many people believe is a better incentive than those based on tax credits. - Bob Lutz, GM's colorful product czar, to retire - Reuters
The vice chairman who drives out flashy cars like the Chevy Volt at auto shows will leave GM at the end of the year. - Something in the wind as mystery illnesses rise - Asahi Shimbun
Concerns over health problems from the low-frequency sounds that wind turbines give off has prompted the Japanese Ministry of Environment to look into possible links. - Renewable energy forum sparks debate on Carissa Plains solar farm project - KSBY-TV
Just a glimpse of the conflicts over building one large solar project in California. Adding transmissions lines, potentially through protected land, is another big hurdle.
Utility-scale solar: headed for New Jersey?
(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET Networks)