9/30/2010
by Bruce Goodman
On August 31, The Detroit Edison Company filed Case No. U-16356 with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to reconcile its renewable energy costs with its approved plan. The filing consists of the testimony and exhibits of six witnesses. This annual proceeding is required by 2008 PA 295, the Michigan Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act. The filing seeks findings: • that the renewable cost reconciliation revenue recovery mechanism does not exceed the maximum retail rate impacts under the law; and • on the per mWh price for both renewable and advanced cleaner energy and capacity. The company reports it has a renewable energy capacity portfolio of 14 MW and that it has generated and/or purchased renewable energy, advanced cleaner energy, Renewable Energy Credits, Incentive Renewable Energy Credits and Advanced Cleaner Energy Credits in 2009 of 1,094,930. This includes generation from renewable and advanced cleaner energy fuels such as biodiesel, tall oil, wood chips and coke oven gas at Detroit Edison’s existing fossil-fueled plants.
9/27/2010
by Bruce Goodman
I have increased my focus on Michigan’s efforts relating to batteries and electric vehicles. This reflects my growing awareness that Michigan’s fledgling lithium ion automotive battery R&D/manufacturing efforts will inevitably blossom into other types of energy opportunities. Right now many are thinking only about electric cars, charging stations and utility tariffs. We forget that this battery technology has already been in use for some time—think cell phones and computers. The R&D will shrink the size and increase the power (improved energy density) for electric vehicles and ultimately have wide-ranging impacts in the energy arena. Already there is talk of battery backup opportunities for wind turbines and solar generation. NASA and DOD are working on electric planes. Light-weight and compact batteries (the politically correct term is “advanced energy storage systems”) will find multiple applications in homes, businesses, and the electric grid. Advanced battery capital of the world? Go Michigan! Charge!!
9/21/2010
by Bruce Goodman
The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved a three option experimental electric vehicle residential tariff for Consumers Energy:
• Whole house time-of-use rates which recognize summer/winter off-peak, mid-peak, and on-peak pricing;
• Separately metered plug-in electric vehicle service with time of use rates; or
• Separately metered plug-in electric vehicle service with a fixed monthly fee of $35 for the first 300 kwh
The company will also reimburse the first 2500 customers up to $2500 for Level 2 residential charging stations.
9/17/2010
by Bruce Goodman
Ford Motor Company’s Wayne Assembly Plant will soon have a 500 KW solar photovoltaic panel system and ten electric-vehicle charging stations. There will also be a 750 KW energy-storage facility capable of storing two million watt-hours of energy using batteries. Xtreme Power will provide the integrated power-management system for the micro-grid at the site. The stations will be used to recharge the electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. This will be the location for Ford’s production of the Focus 2012 plug-in hybrid vehicle.
9/14/2010
by Bruce Goodman
Eaton Rapids gained the newest Center of Energy Excellence when the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a $3.5 million grant to URV USA, a subsidiary of a Finnish supplier, to manufacture wind turbine hub and bedplate castings. Collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the foundry’s new technology will reduce from five days to five hours the time it takes to produce a casting. Michigan Technological University will assist with alloy development, casting grating system design, and solidification simulation. Already URV has sold out its initial capacity and will need to expand operations. With this award the Center Of Energy Excellence program has reached its maximum $10 million funding limit for the current year.
9/9/2010
by Bruce Goodman
The Lansing Board of Water & Light has proposed a natural gas-fired combined-cycle cogeneration plant for the city’s Reo Town business district. The project will produce electricity, as well as steam for the city’s 225 steam-loop customers. Replacing the coal-fired Moores Park Steam plant will reduce GHG emissions by 50 percent. The cogeneration electrical output will be 100 MW, and will be augmented by a solar panel array and wind turbines at the site.
9/2/2010
by Bruce Goodman
In recognition of Michigan’s 16 advanced battery companies and projects, the DOE, National Academy of Sciences and Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently held a two day “progress, challenges and opportunities” conference in Livonia. Governor Granholm called for comprehensive federal energy legislation that would include increased support for electric vehicle technologies, manufacturing, and consumer purchasing until the cost of manufacturing lithium-ion batteries (currently $16,000 per vehicle) is comparable to the costs for internal combustion engines. She cited Michigan’s encouragement of electric vehicles through its centers of energy excellence and advanced battery tax credits to accelerate research and development. With nearly 70 percent of the nation’s oil consumption used for transportation, she asserted the nation would be more secure if it reduced its dependence on foreign oil.
