The plant has been in operation since 1987 and consists of 4, 1.2MW binary units and a cooling tower arrangement. The average output of the plant has been in the 3MW range for sometime with the plant producing approximately 35,000 MWh gross and selling ~25,000 MWh in 2006. The difference in the gross and net loads are accounted for in the operation of the binary plant (pumping of fluids primarily for cooling and reinjection.)
The land in question consists of the San Emidio Desert (22k acres plus the plant) and Granite Creek near Gerlach, Nevada. USG estimates they can boost the output of the Empire plant to 10MW with the new technology available since 1987 and potentially develop up to a 40 MW plant across the other prospects.
Honestly, I couldn’t wait to post some new content to push that photo of Bush down the page from my lame April Fools prank. When I wrote the thing, I threw up a little – let’s face it, Bush’s legacy is secure and it’s not good. Setting that aside for the moment, here is the best April Fools prank I saw on the net yesterday (thanks for the tip Connie.)
And the worst came from Jonathan Schwartz over at Sun regarding Sun’s new stance on Open Source. It had potential, but simply didn’t make it. Here’s an excerpt:
We want you to give it all back. You couldn’t possibly believe we’d let you keep it, did you?
We specifically request that all free software originally distributed by Sun Microsystems, related to software or microprocessors, including but not limited to source files, binaries, derivatives, extensions, applications, patents, patent applications, copyrights, ideas, thoughts, and derivative thoughts, along with any and all mirrors thereof, be returned immediately.
04.02.08 |Permalink|Comments Off on Enertia Electric Motorcycle
Photo Credit: Enertia
Another electric motorcycle that has come to our attention is the Enertia, a 280lb vehicle with a range of 45 miles on a single charge. It’s estimated to cost around $0.01 per mile to operate in electric cost and if used 100% for commuting can reduce green house gas emission by an order of magnitude over an average CAFE emission vehicle.
The top speed of the bike is 50mph and the performance is decent accelerating from 0 to 30mph in 3.8 seconds. The battery storage system is an array of lithium phosphate batteries designed to resist thermal stress. The system is designed to operate for 35,000 miles of operation.
Here’s the rub, the base model is available for $11,995 starting at the end of this year and with options the price can accelerate to nearly $15,000. It’s certainly an interesting option, but with a high cost of acquisition.
After all the grief I’ve given President Bush in this blog, you might be surprised at this post. I think Bush will be remembered as a great President, his legacy is secure.
From his record vacation days, to his immediate response in the face of the terror attacks on September 11th, to his carrier landing and orchestrated Iraq victory speech in 2003, to his proactive management of the economy, healthcare, immigration, and national security. His Administration has cut a bold path.
One of the most innovative aspects of his Administration has been in the area of finances. What other President has ever been able to increase the size of the government and concurrent spending while reducing taxes? It’s the realization of “new math” – where the rules we’ve all learned have been suspended and replaced by a whole new approach.
Another distinguishing characteristic of his Administration has been the ability to orchestrate rendition and aggressive interrogation of evildoers around the globe. Not only has he been successful in protecting us with these measures, he’s been able to extend this security into the private lives of all Americans.
There is no doubt that Bush will be remembered fondly and judged fairly for his actions and innovations while in office. We’ll miss the President sure to be remembered as the Decider when he leaves office in 2009.
APRIL FOOLS!
No, I didn’t really lose my mind…hope you chuckled a little at that.
04.01.08 |Permalink|Comments Off on PGE Secures up to 900MW Solar Thermal
Image Credit: BrightSource Energy
Today, BrightSource Energy and PG&E signed an agreement for the utility to take delivery of and distribute 500MWe of electricity from 3 proposed solar thermal plants in California. Power delivery could begin as early as 2011 and when fully online, the project is anticipated to deliver up to 1.2GWh of power per year into the grid.
Options for 400MW more power exist in the contract and that could push generation to over 2GWh per year from the aggregated projects.
