A recent study released by the Tennessee Solar Institute (TSI) highlights the state’s growing solar value chain as one of the bright spots in Tennessee’s economy, but warns that Tennessee must remain diligent to avoid losing solar-related jobs and business opportunities to neighboring states. The study details a well-diversified solar value chain, with installers, manufacturers, [...]
As Grist’s David Roberts might remind us, Bob Inglis’ recent climate change commentaries are a throwback to an era when policy and appeals to self interest had a role in national politics. A year after reasoned debate abruptly surrendered to unhinged anti-environmental sentiment, Bob Inglis’ perspective is barely heard by the most vocal members of [...]
The story of David and Goliath is one that should bring courage to advanced biofuels innovators. So should a new round of grants from the Biofuels Center of North Carolina.
Senator Bob Corker recently held a forum at UT Chattanooga’s campus to discuss the state’s electricity issues and what that means for job creation in this area. Unfortunately, the roundtable was more of a half-circle as it did not include a single representative from the state’s multi-billion dollar (and growing) renewable energy and energy efficiency [...]
While the failure of Solyndra is unfortunate, it does not, as some have claimed, represent the dimming of the solar industry’s bright future or make the case that using public funds to attract private investment is a bad idea. Especially here in Tennessee. Tennessee has seen dramatic growth all along the states solar supply chain [...]
This week, Simon Mahan is attending the American Wind Energy Association/Offshore Wind Development Coalition’s conference on offshore wind energy in Baltimore, Md. This is the first of a series of three blogs from the conference. I’m attending the American Wind Energy Association/Offshore Wind Development Coalition’s Offshore Wind Expo this week. As you may recall, I [...]
Imagine you were head of an agency charged with providing affordable energy, stewarding the environment and supporting economic development and technological innovation. Now imagine that the agency operated a program that fostered the development of 100% clean and renewable energy from emerging technologies, created local jobs and attracted private investments in local communities, and cost [...]
Recently, it seems that every politician has the exact same top three priorities: Jobs, Jobs and Jobs. Some of those jobs can come in the form of green jobs. Green jobs vary from manufacturing and construction to sales and consulting. Apollo Alliance, a coalition of business, labor and environmental groups championing green employment defines a green [...]
Bracken and Mason counties in Northeastern Kentucky (not far from Cincinnati, Ohio) could become home to Kentucky’s first wind farm. Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources is studying the location for a possible 100 MW wind farm. The company has meteorological towers at the site to measure the wind resource and will be undergoing a year-long environmental [...]
This week the city of Knoxville unveiled its first public charging station for electric vehicles (EVs). The EV project, a joint venture between the U.S. Department of Transportation and ECOtality North America will bring a total of 12 EV charging stations to Knoxville by the end of the year. The 240-volt chargers installed at the [...]