SBI Energy report: Stimulus allowed U.S. renewable energy to grow during the recession

On January 1^st, 2011 SBI Energy (Rockville, Maryland, U.S.) released a new report examining clean energy investments through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA or “stimulus act”) and their impact on markets within the power, transportation and building sectors. The company states that its report: “ARRA Report Card: Two Years Later”, creates a time-capsule analysis of the impact of ARRA investments, which it says include allowing U.S. renewable energy markets to grow during the recession.

“ARRA energy-related funding not only presents potential near-term economic benefits, but also long-term economic and strategic investment and a transformative opportunity for the energy sector,” states the report’s introduction. “Without ARRA investments, it is likely that the pace of renewable energy project construction and manufacturing growth would have otherwise slowed dramatically due the sharp economic and financial downturn over this period.”

SBI Energy says smart grid investments were strategic for renewables

The report notes that at USD$94.8 billion, clean energy investments account for 30% of total ARRA appropriations for innovative infrastructure improvements. The Power Sector received USD$21 billion of that funding, let by almost USD$11 billion in investments in smart grids.

The report notes the strategic significance smart grid investments, stating that the successful implementation of increasing renewable energy generation and other ARRA energy initiatives hinges on successful grid modernization.

The report also examines funding for renewable energy research projects, including solar thin-films and new wind turbine designs. SBI Energy cites data from the U.S. Council of Economic Advisors which states that innovations in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology could drive down the cost of PV modules over the next five years as much as 50%.

Among the data presented, the report identifies and profiles 20 private sector companies that have received ARRA awards under clean energy programs.

SBI Energy is a division of MarketResearch.com Inc. (Rockville, Maryland, U.S.).

2011-02-03| Courtesy: SBI Energy | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

(Source: sbireports.com)

Expanding Military Interest in Microgrid Technology Fuels $4 Billion Industry

New York, January 26, 2011 —The world microgrid market reached $4 billion last year with North America claiming 74% of 2010’s total industry share, finds market research publisher SBI Energy. Fueled by rapidly growing solar, renewable energy and smart grid markets, the microgrid has become a viable solution to supply energy to local communities. Microgrid installations around the world include everything from diesel generator-based rural electrification projects that supply electricity to small rural communities to large, futuristic cities and theme parks using the newest microgrid technologies. Photo: Slendidaparna.com

SBI Energy’s latest market study, The World Market for Microgrids, has identified a unique opportunity for marketers at U.S. military bases seeking reliable and secure energy. The majority of U.S. military bases are powered by public electrical grids, which in some instances lead to as many as 300 power outages per year. These interruptions weaken military readiness and security. In the face of a terrorist attack or natural disaster, reliance on conventional energy supplies may be inefficient and may even be detrimental to military functions. Microgrid advantages in this case are clear: in the face of a massive power outage, the microgrid is able to separate from the main utility grid—if it is not already islanded —and keep vital facilities and operations powered.

As U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich of the 1st Congressional District of Mexico says, “Microgrids provide a more secure infrastructure for our military–both here and abroad. Growth in the military microgrid segment will rise by 375% from 2010 to 2020. Total market value in this segment is projected at $1.6 billion in 2020, up from $.33 billion in 2010 and electrical output will increase from .13 GW in 2010 to .60 GW in 2020.

As the microgrid expands its realm of operations in commercial, military and industrial segments, the costs associated with implementation are decreasing. Installation price can vary wildly depending on a number of factors–including the size, scope and technological advancement of a specific project. From solar–hybrid implementations in small remote villages to giant undertakings such as the $4 billion Crystal Island project, the future will become less individualized and more mass, factory built–greatly reducing costs associated with implementing a microgrid.

The World Market for Microgrids provides an in–depth analysis of the economic drivers and challenges and key social and political factors facing the microgrid industry. The market study also reports historical market and growth in dollars (2006 – 2010), broken down into five market segments, as well as future forecast data through 2020. Furthermore, a new chapter segment featured in all 2011 reports examines the current and upcoming employment opportunities that will be created as microgrid manufacturing and installations ramp up. Microgrid activity around the world, including information on the overall electricity situation and specific microgrid projects, is examined, as are the company strategies of 15 leading industry manufactures and new technologies. For more information, please visit: http://www.sbireports.com/Microgrids-2835891/.

About SBI Energy
SBI Energy, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building/construction, and automotive/transportation markets. SBI Energy also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit www.sbireports.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grows Renewable Energy Markets and Drives Domestic Energy Independence

New York, January 31, 2011 — The U.S. is making significant progress toward attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity over the next two years, due in large part to support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) introduced in 2009.

ARRA investments are funding research projects to develop next generation renewable energy technologies, such as solar thin films and new wind turbine designs that will create a cost competitive alternative to electricity currently generated from coal or natural gas power plants while simultaneously creating long-term economic market growth.

ARRA Report Card: Two Years Later, the latest industry study from market research publisher SBI Energy provides a time-capsule analysis of the impact of ARRA investments. The report features framework to the new energy economy:

Aided by ARRA investments, The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) reports that domestic manufacturing capacity for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is forecasted to grow from <1 GW per year in 2008 to nearly 4 GW per year in 2012.
ARRA investments are accelerating the rate of innovation in solar photovoltaics and according to the CEA, the new technology will drive down the costs of solar panels over the next five years; possibly by 50%.
U.S. wind power capacity grew 40% in 2009 over the prior year, despite weak economic and investment conditions. In July 2010, the CEA reported that ARRA was responsible for approximately 6 GW of wind capacity installation that might not otherwise have occurred in 2009.
U.S. manufacturing capacity for components such as gearboxes, generators, and large casted steel parts, has lagged behind actual demand. The 48C Manufacturing Tax Credit program awarded $346 million in tax credits to 52 wind manufacturing projects to facilitate additional U.S. manufacturing capacity to ensure the U.S. is able to supply a growing domestic market through domestic production.
An April 2010 U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) survey indicated a 26% increase in new projects under development in 2009 and concludes that the stimulus funding played an important role in propelling geothermal growth amidst recessionary economic conditions.

Overall, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that U.S. renewable generation capacity will increase 32% more than without ARRA support–reaching 155 GW in 2015. Two years after the enactment of ARRA, indications are strong that the Recovery Act is aiding the U.S. in attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity in the next two years.

ARRA Energy Report Card: Two Years Later examines the ARRA clean energy investments and their impact on the various clean energy markets within the power, transportation, and building sectors. The report presents the ARRA direct investments, segmented by sector and clean energy market, and provides details with regard to cross-sector energy-related ARRA investments and tax incentives. A summary of the clean energy markets within each sector likely to be impacted by ARRA energy investments is presented, along with obligations to date, and potential impact and estimated market size to 2015.

ARRA direct investments made in the power, transportation, and buildings sectors are discussed in detail. The report includes specific program details, appropriations amounts, awardees, and intent. Further, the markets expected to benefit from ARRA provisions are highlighted by sector. Discussion of these markets includes products and technologies and estimated market size to 2015.

Identification and profiling of twenty private-sector companies that have received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awards under clean energy programs are provided in the report. These companies represent some of the largest total ARRA clean energy awards made to private sector companies to date. Recipient awards in the categories of renewable generation, grid modernization, carbon capture and sequestration, transportation, and energy efficiency are represented. Key profile information, brief descriptions of company activities, and discussion of company ARRA clean energy award activities are provided.

For more information, please visit: https://www.sbireports.com/ARRA-Energy-Card-2849576/.

About SBI Energy
SBI Energy, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building/construction, and automotive/transportation markets. SBI Energy also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit www.sbireports.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

Media Contact:
Jenn Tekin
(240) 747- 3015
jtekin@sbireports.com

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Two Years Later, the Positive Influence of ARRA Investments Cannot Be Debated

Two years after the enactment of ARRA, indications are strong that the Recovery Act is aiding the U.S. in attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity over the next two years.

Photo: treehugger.com

Renewable energy has taken hold in the U.S. with installations of new wind turbines and solar panels occurring regularly. The U.S. is making significant progress toward attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity over the next two years, due in large part to support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) introduced in 2009.

ARRA investments are funding research projects to develop next generation renewable energy technologies, such as solar thin films and new wind turbine designs that will create a cost competitive alternative to electricity currently generated from coal or natural gas power plants while simultaneously creating long-term economic market growth. Consider the following examples:

· Aided by ARRA investments, The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) reports that domestic manufacturing capacity for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is forecasted to grow from <1 GW per year in 2008 to nearly 4 GW per year in 2012.

· ARRA investments are accelerating the rate of innovation in solar photovoltaics and according to the CEA, the new technology will drive down the costs of solar panels over the next five years; possibly by 50%.

· U.S. wind power capacity grew 40% in 2009 over the prior year, despite weak economic and investment conditions. In July 2010, the CEA reported that ARRA was responsible for approximately 6 GW of wind capacity installation that might not otherwise have occurred in 2009.

· U.S. manufacturing capacity for components such as gearboxes, generators, and large casted steel parts, has lagged behind actual demand. The 48C Manufacturing Tax Credit program awarded $346 million in tax credits to 52 wind manufacturing projects to facilitate additional U.S. manufacturing capacity to ensure the U.S. is able to supply a growing domestic market through domestic production.

· An April 2010 U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) survey indicated a 26% increase in new projects under development in 2009 and concludes that the stimulus funding played an important role in propelling geothermal growth amidst recessionary economic conditions.

Overall, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that U.S. renewable generation capacity will increase 32% more than without ARRA support – reaching 155 GW in 2015. Two years after the enactment of ARRA, indications are strong that the Recovery Act is aiding the U.S. in attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity in the next two years.

-SBI Energy

(Source: sbienergy.com)

Distributed Generation--When Customers are Generators - POWERGRID International/Electric Light & Power

By Louis Szablya, R. W. Beck, an SAIC company

Historically, electric utility customers have been unaware of local energy source options mostly because practical alternatives have been nonexistent. That is changing.

A few customers are installing generation at their homes and are receiving great satisfaction. In Florida and other parts of the eastern seaboard, it’s common to find backup generators that provide power for extended periods after hurricanes and other severe weather.

Future of Global Solar Energy Market Bright after Tumultuous 2009

While growth has been spectacular since 2002, solar power continues to hold just a fractional share—under 1%—of U.S. energy production. Nevertheless, the U.S. has the greatest potential to increase its position in the solar market. The U.S. photovoltaic market was up an estimated 6% in 2009 to almost $4 billion and photovoltaic installations rose to 469 megawatts, according to SBI Energy. An extension of the solar tax credit and new recovery act funding helped keep the U.S. photovoltaic market on its continuing upward trajectory despite the turmoil that affected other solar market sectors globally. By 2014, photovoltaic installations are forecast to reach 7,600 megawatts by building on renewed interest in solar from utilities and the extension of the solar tax credit.

Solar in Space and Beyond, Wirelessly

“Japan is experiencing a resurging interest in household PV installations due to a change in government policy that came into effect in 2009. The incentive provides a generous subsidy to households that install PV systems, replacing the previous incentive scheme which was removed in 2007. As a result of the new subsidies, PV installations grew an SBI Energy estimated 106% in 2009 to 464 MW installed for the year,” Deschamps comments. Considering the lackluster 201 MW and 225 MW installed in 2007 and 2008, the new subsidies are a clear example of how appropriate incentives can radically spur PV installations. Furthermore, the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association reported sales of solar panels increased 21% in 2009 to 1.4 gigawatts – the highest since 1981, when the group started releasing data.

Smart Meter Manufacturers and Utilities Reap Benefits of U.S. Stimulus Package

“Trilliant and competitors such as Itron Inc., the largest U.S. maker of utility meters, are beginning to benefit from the $4.5 billion in stimulus funds the Obama administration directed toward smart grids to improve efficiency and accommodate electric vehicles and rooftop solar panels, reports the Washington Post in a July 15th article. Trilliant Chief Executive Officer Andrew White told the Washington Post, “There’s been an avalanche of requests from utilities; we’re getting about one a week.”