Advanced Energy Perspectives

Utility Xcel Energy has submitted plans to buy solar and wind energy, not due to any mandate or even to bolster its public image, but because it costs less. Xcel Energy’s filing with the Colorado Public Utility Commission listed 170 megawatts of solar and 450 megawatts of wind as the cheapest energy sources available.

When we talk about energy efficiency, generally we think of efficient lighting, appliances, HVAC systems, insulation, etc. While advanced energy encompasses these demand side measures, it also includes innovations in energy generation, management, and delivery. There is mounting evidence that the massive amount of energy that is wasted, before it reaches the end user as well as after, is a drag on the economy – and the potential for boosting economic productivity by reducing that waste is enormous.

This week was full of big deals for advanced energy businesses from coast-to-coast, as well as one new state-level battle over our energy future. Here are the top five news stories of the week.

Congress fails again to act on bipartisan energy legislation and puts a promising White House nominee in limbo. Meanwhile, the Administration takes a big step toward greenhouse gas emissions limits for the power sector.

As electric vehicles (EVs) start to take hold in the marketplace, one obstacle to wider acceptance remains: range anxiety. That’s the concern that your electric car might run out of juice before reaching your destination – or the nearest charging station. To compete on par with gasoline-powered vehicles, whose drivers’ range anxiety is relieved by gas stations located on street corners, in service areas, and by highway exits, EVs will need a similar infrastructure of charging stations – at home, on the road, and at workplaces.