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• Herbaceous Energy Crops — These include grasses such as switchgrass, miscanthus (Elephant grass), bamboo, sweet sorghum, tall fescue, kochia, wheatgrass, and others. These crops are generally grown for fuel production.  These energy crops are perennials.  Perennials generally take two to three years to reach full productivity.
   

• Biomass is grown from several plants, including miscanthus, switchgrass, hemp, corn, and trees.

  Industrial Crops — Industrial crops are being developed and grown to produce specific industrial chemicals or materials. Examples include kenaf and straws for fiber, and castor for ricinoleic acid.

  Agricultural Crops — These feedstocks include the currently available commodity products such as cornstarch and corn oil; soybean oil and meal; wheat starch, other vegetable oils, and any newly developed component of future commodity crops.

  Aquatic Crops — A wide variety of aquatic biomass resources exist such as algae, giant kelp, other seaweed, and marine microflora.

• Pulp and paper operation residues. These residues are the byproducts of logging and processing operations such as sawdust, bark, branches and leaves/needles.  In general, paper mills use their pulp residue to create energy for the paper mill.

• Forest residues.  Forest residues include wood from forest thinning operations, materials not harvested or removed from logging sites in commercial hardwood and softwood stands and  dead/dying trees.

• Agricultural or Crop Residues. These residues are the leftovers of crop harvesting. Agriculture crop residues include corn stalks and leaves, wheat straw, rice straw and nut hulls, to name a few.

• Animal waste, such as cattle, chicken and pig manure, can be converted to gas or burned directly for heat and power generation. These wastes can be used to make many products and generate electricity through methane recovery methods and anaerobic digestion

• Urban wood waste. Urban wood waste generally consists of lawn and tree trimmings, whole tree trunks, wood pallets and any other construction and demolition wastes made from lumber. This rejected material can easily be collected after a construction or demolition project and turned into mulch, or compost.

• Municipal Solid Waste. Waste paper, cardboard, wood waste and yard wastes are examples of biomass resources in municipal wastes.

• Landfill gas. The natural byproduct of bacterial digestion of organic garbage contains vast amounts of methane which can be captured, converted and used to create energy.

• A biomass fuel based power plant converts an existing waste stream to useful electrical energy. 
• A biomass fuel based power plant uses a completely renewable fuel.  Craven’s energy output displaces generation from non-renewable fossil fuels that have limited reserves and are being rapidly depleted. 
• A biomass fuel based power plant provides a completely domestic energy supply, reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  Craven’s annual production of 350,000 MWH is the equivalent of approximately one half million barrels of foreign oil. 
• A biomass fuel based power plant utilizes a local fuel source, resulting in a boost to the local economy.  Fossil fuels are not indigenous to North Carolina and result in a drain on the state’s economy. 
• A biomass fuel based power plant is completely dispatchable, i.e. output can be varied and matched with customer demand.  Unlike other sources of renewable energy that are instantaneously dependent on natural forces. 
• A biomass fuel based power plant diverts material from landfills, prolonging the life of these landfills.  North Carolina is rapidly running out of landfill capacity, and much of the material being land filled is wood waste.
• A biomass fuel based power plant has extremely low air emissions.
  • Sulfur dioxide emissions are insignificant since there is virtually no sulfur in wood.  Due to the moisture content, biomass combust at a cooler temperature than fossil fuels, resulting in inherently lower nitrous oxide emissions.  Although all combustion processes release carbon dioxide, biomass combustion has a neutral "carbon balance," since trees convert carbon dioxide to oxygen.  In addition, decomposing wood emits carbon dioxide, as well as methane – a greenhouse gas 22 times worse than carbon dioxide.
• A biomass fuel based power plant can recycle the fly ash produced.  At CCWE, it is recycled as an agricultural liming agent, providing a benefit to local farmers.

Biogas is generated when bacteria degrade biological material in the absence of oxygen, in a process known as anaerobic digestion. Since biogas is a mixture of methane (also known as marsh gas or natural gas, CH4) and carbon dioxide it is a renewable fuel produced from waste treatment. Anaerobic digestion is basically a simple process carried out in a number of steps that can use almost any organic material as a substrate – it occurs in digestive systems, marshes, rubbish dumps, septic tanks and the Arctic Tundra. Humans tend to make the process as complicated as possible by trying to improve on nature in complex machines but a simple approach is still possible, as I hope you see in some of the links below. As methane is very hard to compress I see its best use as for stationary fuel, rather than mobile fuel. It takes a lot of energy to compress the gas (this energy is usually just wasted), plus you have the hazard of high pressure. A variable volume storage (flexible bag or floating drum are the two main variants) is much easier and cheaper to arrange than high pressure cylinders, regulators and compressors.

Biofuel can be broadly defined as solid, liquid, or gas fuel consisting of, or derived from biomass.  Biofuels help meet transportation fuel needs. Biofuels can be used in cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, and trains.

The most common types of biofuels are biodiesel, ethanol and methanol.

• Biodiesel is made by combining alcohol, like methanol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking greases.  As an additive to gasoline (typically 20%), biodiesel has successfully reduced vehicle emissions. In its pure form, it can be used in diesel engines.
   
• Ethanol  (CH3CH2OH) is made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates (starches, sugars, or celluloses). So, ethanol is an alcohol, the same as in beer and wine.  Just to let you know that the ethanol used as a fuel is modified to make it undrinkable.

  Ethanol is mostly used as blending agent with gasoline to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions.  A new class of vehicles that can run on a mixture of gasoline and up to 85% ethanol are commercially available.

  Ethanol made from cellulosic biomass materials instead of traditional feedstocks (starch crops) is called bioethanol.
   

• Hydrogen (H2) is the simplest and lightest fuel. Hydrogen is in a gaseous state at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperatures. Hydrogen may contain low levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, depending on the source.
   
• Methanol (CH3OH) also known as wood alcohol, is produced from biomass. Biomass is converted to methanol through gasification.
   
• Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for approximately 9-15 years. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period and is emitted from a variety of natural and human-influenced sources. Human-influenced sources include landfills, natural gas and petroleum systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial process.

  Methane is also a primary constituent of natural gas and an important energy source. As a result, efforts to prevent or utilize methane emissions can provide significant energy, economic and environmental benefits. In the United States, many companies are working with EPA in voluntary efforts to reduce emissions by implementing cost-effective management methods and technologies.

• Biodiesel is a vegetable oil-based fuel that runs in diesel engines – cars, buses, trucks, construction equipment, boats, generators, and oil home heating units.
   

• It’s usually made from soy or canola oil, and can also be made from recycled fryer oil (yes, from McDonalds or your local Chinese restaurant). You can blend it with regular diesel or run 100% biodiesel.
   

• Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. Four million gallons of used cooking oil is thrown away each year in the US. There are some used cooking oil recyclers that pay for used cooking oil.
   
• Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, and reduces serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics.
   
• Blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel (B20) can generally be used in unmodified diesel engines; however, users should consult their OEM and engine warranty statement.
   
• Salt is ten times more toxic than biodiesel. 
   
• Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without major modifications, and may increase engine life.
   
• Biodiesel is a solvent which will clean out the petrol diesel deposits in the fuel tank and fuel lines. It will also soften some rubber compounds.

PetroSun moves into final stage of testing for algae-based biofuel – PetroSun moves into final stage of testing for algae-based biofuel … The testing is carried out by Algae BioFuels, a wholly owned subsidiary of PetroSun. …

Alan Alda narrates this video. An algae photobioreactor on the roof of MIT university.

It removes upto 86% of the NOx and 40% of the CO2 of the smokestack emissions that are bubbled through it. The algae are feeding on exhaust with 13% CO2 content….

For more information:
Biodiesel Plant in Mookgopong, South Africa
 

There is a lot of talk now about renewable (alternate) energy sources, but the concept is not new.  In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, discovered the photovoltaic effect of converting light into electricity.  In the 1950s remote homeowners used photovoltaic solar cells to provide electricity to these locations that were not served by “the grid.”  Even before “the grid” was in use, farmers have relied on wind and water for power.  Most are aware that wood and other combustibles were the first energy source. In fact, burning wood was the dominant energy source until sometime in the 19th century when coal began to replace wood.

In 1857 Edwin Drake drilled the first commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania.  Spindletop Hill, the first Texas gusher hit in 1901, signaled the birth of the petroleum age.  Today we primarily use fossil fuels for heat and power.

Even though is it convenient to use coal, oil, and natural gas, fossil fuels present several disadvantages.  For one, we have a limited supply of these fuels.  Using fossil fuels damages the environment.  As a result, many people advocate the benefits of developing alternate energy sources.

As definitions, renewable or alternate energy derive their power by harnessing the energy from natural processes which are continually replenished and are environmentally friendly.  These natural process: the sun, the wind, water, the Earth’s heat, and plants, can all be converted into usable energy in the forms of solar, wind, ocean thermal, geothermal, hydropower and biomass. Most renewable forms of energy, other than geothermal and tidal power, ultimately come from the sun. All these renewable energy sources are also sustainable.  By being self-sustaining these energy sources are in essence limitless.  Often "clean" or "green" are used to describe renewable energy technologies because they produce few if any pollutants.  Renewable energy technologies are rapidly improving.

More Alternate Energy Links    

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) :  A nonprofit organization that promotes wind power. Excellent source of news on projects and growth of wind energy in the USA as well as the world. Joining their mailing list discussion group for small wind energy systems is a must if you are considering putting up a wind turbine.

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA):  Since 1974, AWEA has advocated the development of wind energy as a reliable, environmentally superior energy alternative in the United States and around the world. AWEA’s Green Power Factsheets provide answers to basic questions about Green Power, including what it is, the rationale for purchasing it, and procedures for buying it.

Ampair, UK:  We hope you can spare some time to look through our pages.
Our products give you your own independent electricity source, whether for work, home or leisure.
The Energy is Natural, Clean, Quiet, Non-Polluting and it’s FREE.

Atlantic Orient, Canada:  Our focus is production of the worlds most reliable industrial-sized wind turbine. We believe that using simple, robust technology is the key to successful installation of wind turbines in remote locations.

AWEA Wind Turorial:  An AWEA website offering a comprehensive overview of all aspects of wind power including: Wind Basics, Offshore Wind,Costs, Industry Statistics, Small Wind Systems, Wind Energy and the Economy, Policy Issues, and the Environment.

BayWinds, USA:  Bay Winds is a wind energy company that markets the Jacobs line of small wind turbines. There are five models represented here–from 10 to 20 kw. This site explains the grid interconnect wind machine and now the stand alone/hybrid design.

Bergey, USA:  Bergey Windpower is the world’s leading supplier of small wind turbines. With installations in all 50 U.S. States and more than 90 countries, and an international network of ~ 600 dealers, we have the products and experience to put the wind to work for you.

Bornay, Spain:  Spain’s largest wind energy dealer.

CanWEA :  is the Canadian Wind Energy Association, and has good resources about wind systems.

Cape Wind:  The Cape Wind Website explains the details, challenges, successes, and news updates of America’s first proposed off-shore wind project on the Nantucket Sound.

CYCLONE, China/Canada:  The Cyclone is our exclusive line of wind turbines with a low wind speed rated output.

Endless Energy:  Endless Energy is a Maine wind farm development company dedicated to developing clean, renewable wind energy, promoting economic development, and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

EnergyRefuge:  EnergyRefuge.com provides alternative energy news, environmental articles, and energy saving tips.

ENTEGRITY WIND SYSTEMS, Canada:  Welcome to Entegrity Wind Systems Inc. (EWSI), manufacturers and distributors of the EW15 wind turbine.

Eoltec, France:  Eoltec is an experienced engineer owned, Wind Energy Systems designer and manufacturer Cie, focused on the development and production of medium size wind turbines (6 to 300kW). Started early 2001 with location in Nice/France, Eoltec’s target is to provide to customers an up-to-date and cost effective solution to bring maximum power out of wind.

EPRI’s Wind Energy Program:  The Electric Power Research Institute’s Renewable Technology Options & Green Power Marketing Highlights.

Flowtrack, Australia:  The Flowtrack Wind Turbine is a 5KW, up wind, horizontal axis, two bladed machine. Completely designed and manufactured in Australia, the Flowtrack combines the computerised aerofoil design of the blades from Newcastle University, with extremely robust inductive generation.

GUAL INDUSTRIE, France/Spain:  The totally silent mechanism of the StatoEolian, combined with its compact and robust structure allows an integration in all terrains and environments. This is why its now possible to integrate it into an urban surrounding. Everyone will be able to have their own source of 100% renewable energy within the comfort of their own home.

IWEA:   is the Irish Wind Energy Association, and provides news and wind resources.

KESTREL, South Africa:  Kestrel Wind Turbines is a fully black empowered South African company that actively supports equal opportunity. The factory is situated in the industrial area of Jet Park near to Johannesburg International Airport, Gauteng.

LVM, UK:  Formed in 1973 LVM specialises in products for use with low voltage DC power supplies. Our guiding philosophy has been to ensure that a UK company can design, manufacture and distribute products both in home and world markets. It is of prime importance that we respond to the changing needs of our customers, ensuring that the quality of our products meets the most exacting standards, offering technical help and advice whenever it is required.

Marlec, UK:  Marlec was formed in 1979 by our founder John Fawkes who subsequently received a wind energy pioneer award from the British Wind Energy Association. As an engineer he was asked to investigate methods of keeping batteries topped up on farms to operate electric fence units.

Michael Klemen’s Small Wind Website:  Michael Klemen conducts research on 4 small wind turbines and posts performance data on line, as well as audio and video information. Research papers, articles, and data acquistion information give thorough detail on wind resources and power production.

MIKE’s WINDMILL SHOP, USA:  Welcome to Mike’s Windmill Shop! We strive to bring you high quality products at a great price! We pride ourselves in our friendly and prompt customer service. We offer wind generators, charge regulators, tower plans, blades, permanent magnet alternators. We are always adding something new so check back often to see what we have.

Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ME3) :  Provides many pages of wind energy information, including a wealth of links research and other organizations, wind industry companies, federal government resources and wind energy publications and miscellaneous information.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory:  DOE’s laboratory for renewable energy research located near Golden, Colorado

National Wind Coordinating Committee (NWCC):  A U.S. consensus-based collaborative formed in 1994, NWCC identifies issues that affect the use of wind power, establishes dialogue among key stakeholders, and catalyzes appropriate activities to support the development of an environmentally, economically, and politically sustainable commercial market for wind power. NWCC members include representatives from electric utilities and support organizations, state legislatures, state utility commissions, consumer advocacy offices, wind equipment suppliers and developers, green power marketers, environmental organizations, and state and federal agencies.

National Wind Coordinating Committee:  The NWCC website including publications, member listings, working groups, and wind events.

National Wind Technology Center :  is a US government program that supports wind research and development.

National Wind Technology Center  :  is operated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. The National Wind Technology Center’s focus is on research and technology transfer. It is designed not only to be a center for research, but a technology magnet for a new industry.

North Carolina Solar Center Wind Programs:  The North Carolina Solar Center offers research, reports, and various wind programs focused in Eastern North Carolina, including an Anemometer Loan Program.

North Carolina State Energy Office:  The State Energy Office is North Carolina’s lead agency for energy programs and services and is the official source for energy information and assistance for consumers, businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools and policy-mak

North East Wind Energy, USA:  Unique tower designs…

NRG Systems, Inc.:  NRG Systems, Inc. has been providing wind monitoring equipment since 1982. Their website gives an overview of their product line as well as basic wind energy information.

OTHERPOWER.COM, USA:  We are a group of alternative energy enthusiasts who want to spread the message that It’s EASY to make your own power FROM SCRATCH! Otherpower.com’s headquarters is located in a remote part of the Northern Colorado mountains, 15 miles past the nearest power pole or phone line. All of our houses and shops run on only solar, wind, water and generator power…not because we are trying to make some sort of political or environmental statement, but because these are the only options available. And we refuse to move to town.

Paul Gipe’s Archive of Artices on Small Wind: 

Proven, Scotland:  Proven Energy Ltd is a family owned business based in Stewarton in south-west Scotland which manufactures and installs wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (electric) panels. Established in 1980 with expertise in mechanical, electrical and control engineering, Proven has been manufacturing renewable energy machinery since 1991.

RENEWABLE DEVICES/SWIFT TURBINES, Scotland:  Renewable Devices have developed the Swift Rooftop Wind Energy System™, the worlds first silent, building-mountable wind turbine.

RENEWABLE DEVICES/SWIFT TURBINES, Scotland:  Renewable Devices have developed the Swift Rooftop Wind Energy System™, the worlds first silent, building-mountable wind turbine.

Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC):  Provides information on several types of renewable energy resources in the United States, in the form of publications, data, and maps. An extensive dictionary of renewable energy related terms is also provided. The News section announces new products on the RReDC, which is supported by the U. S. Department of Energy’s Resource Assessment Program and managed by the Photovoltaics Technology Division of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

ROPATEC, Italy:  Vertical axis machines.

SAMREY, UK: As concern over Global Warming increases, the cost of fuel increases and the natural resources of the world diminish, many people are turning to small scale power generation using energy from the wind, sun and water.

Scoraig Wind Electric, Scotland:  A fantastic Scotish website devoted to helping you build your own turbine.

Small Wind In North Carolina:  American Wind Energy Association website for small wind information specific to N.C.

Synergy, Hong Kong:  Synergy is an integrated renewable energy resources company which engineers the most economical and sustainable power solutions for remote areas all over the world. SPC has designed systems for villages, schools, clinics, telecommunications sub-stations, over flight beacons, religious buildings, demonstration sites, grid boosting, water pumping, grid peak shaving, grid interactive systems, and many other applications.

The Alternative Windmill :  site offers sketches of a Savonius windmill water pumper that is in use in Australia.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA):  AWEA is a national trade association that represents wind power plant developers, wind turbine manufacturers, utilities, consultants, insurers, financiers, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry.

The American Wind Energy Association :  is a national trade association that advocates the development of wind energy as a environmentally-friendly renewable energy source.  Their website contains a wide variety of information on wind energy, publications and events.

The American Wind Power Center:  located in Lubbock, TX, is dedicated to the preservation of American-style windmills.   Currently, there are 50 rare, unusual and beautiful windmills in the indoor exhibit and additional windmills covering the 28 acres of the Windmill Park.

True Winds:  True Winds offers services including wind resource modeling, site identification, permitting, wind resource assessment, wind turbine layouts, energy production forecasts, transmission screening analysis, interconnection engineering, photo simulations, noi

U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy :  page includes publications databases, information on wind turbines and wind-related inventions and more. 

US Department of Energy Wind Power Program:  The DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program.

WCOM Community Radio, home of the Home Power Hour:  WCOM is grassroots community radio. Listen online. Check out the Home Power Hour.

WESTWIND, Australia:  Westwind is an internationally renowned manufacturer of high quality and robust 3kW, 5kW, 10kW and 20kW wind turbines. Westwind have supplied turbines, towers and turbine controllers for use in many different applications around the world since 1984.

Wind and Agriculture: USDA Farm Bill Section 9006:  The USDA Farm Security and Rural Investment Act to provide grants and low-interest loans for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to implement wind and other renewable energy technologies.

Wind Energy Basics:  Provides information about wind, including how wind turbines work, advantages and disadvantages of its use, wind energy use throughout history, U.S. wind energy resource potential, and current research and development.

Wind Energy Finance Website :  Operated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this website allows users to calculate online the cost of electricity generated by a wind system. The website lets users create a new project on screen (or modify an existing project) by entering values for numerous assumptions step-by-step until enough information has been entered to calculate the project cost. Projects added or modified are stored convenience and are available the next time a user logs in.

Wind Energy Technology:  Extensive listing of new releases and publications of the DOE’s Information Bridge.

Wind Power for Electricity Providers:  NREL’s resources of information pertinent to Utility Providers including introduction, markets, interconnection, and state-of-the-art wind technology.

Wind Power Monthly Magazine :  is published in New Zealand but has back issue article abstracts searchable online. Good place to find worldwide news items about wind power.

Wind Powering America :  The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America site provides state-by-state wind project information, including validated wind maps, anemometer loan programs, small wind guides, legislative briefings, wind working groups, and state-specific news.

Wind Powering America:  The US Department of Energy’s Wind Power Program to increase the use of wind energy in the United States, with emphasis on establishing new sources of income for American farmers, Native Americans, and other rural landowners, and meet the growing dem

WINDMISSION, Denmark:  Windmission is a small Danish family owned company. Over the years specialized in turbines equipped with Windflower rotors, quiet multi bladed super wind roses with a high efficiency.

WINDSAVE, Scotland:  Windsave Ltd. was formed in January 2002 to develop a Commercial and Domestic small wind turbine generator system using low wind speeds to create electricity, avoiding the use of batteries. The Windsave System can be roof or wall mounted and feeds electricity directly into the property on the consumer side of the meter, reducing the consumption and cost of electricity from the Grid.

Windustry :  working to create an understanding of wind energy opportunities for rural economic benefit. Windustry promotes wind energy through outreach, educational materials, and technical assistance to rural landowners, local communities and utilities, and state, regional, and nonprofit collaborations.

Windustry:  A non-profit organization"working to create an understanding of wind energy opportunities for rural economic benefit. Windustry promotes wind energy through outreach, educational materials, and technical assistance to rural landowners, local communities and utilities, and state, regional, and nonprofit collaborations." Website provides a host of useful information on wind energy, including tecchnology information, examples of community wind energy projects, wind energy curriculum, wind energy calculator, resource library, and more.

Windustry: Leasing Land for Wind Power:  The Windustry Site offers information on land leasing and easement options for wind power installations.