A solar panel in space is collecting energy that could one day be beamed to anywhere on Earth
Launched in May 2020, a panel attached to an unmanned drone has been looping Earth to harness the sun’s light to convert to electricity. Technology to focus power directly back to Earth has already been studied and proven possible. This prototype could, once scaled up, revolutionize energy generation and distribution around the world. Experimental results point to this being a feasible option to receive energy in the future. Funded by the Pentagon, costs are always of a concern but prices to create the panels have been decreasing. The amount of people this could help in remote areas or during natural disasters is a large incentive to backing this project.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/23/americas/space-solar-energy-pentagon-science-scn-intl/index.html
How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way Americans Use Energy
Among many discussions during Covid-19, energy is a common topic for businesses and households alike. We’ve seen many make the move to home offices and remote school, changing energy consumption and sales. During the 2nd quarter, usage decreased 4% overall in the US. Hospitals increased power consumption 600% while the industrial sector dropped 9% and the commercial sector dropped 11%. Certain areas such as Hawaii showed the biggest decrease in usage due to their large hospitality-based economy. We are constantly learning how to acclimate to changes and come up with innovative ideas. Huge offices empty for months are being converted into lab space as we have an increased need for research and testing. As we continue navigating this pandemic, energy use will continue evolving and adapting in new ways.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2020/10/28/the-coronavirus-uneven-effects-on-energy-use-in-america/#912b36241796
One company’s grand plan to help suppliers club together to buy green energy
What do long-term global or local businesses do when they see a problem? They solve it.
Climate change impacts lives today and is forecasted to accelerate its negative impact through increased storms, draught, fire, and hurricanes. Using the tools and abilities within their disposal, governments and businesses have responded to face this challenge.
Governments around the world agreed collectively to reduce emissions; see the Paris Agreement. The goal is for each country to reduce its emissions over 50 years.
Businesses are moving to reduce their carbon emissions by committing to renewable energy. A large company example is Walmart. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and Walmart committed to sustainable energy. Fast forward to 2020, that commitment has translated to reduced waste and 29% of its electricity coming from renewables. Walmart’s aim is to use its initiative to create an alliance of companies that commit to renewable energy regardless of size called the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance.
Seeing a problem and addressing it provides for opportunities. Walmart is reducing costs to operate its business while reducing waste and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Win-Win-Win.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/23/walmart-wants-suppliers-to-buy-renewable-energy-collectively.html
How Duke’s Unique Energy Landscape Dictates Its Path to Net Zero
Based in North Carolina, Duke Energy’s customer usage is double in comparison to other areas around the country since most rely highly on electric appliances for both cooling and heating. Duke must be able to compensate enough energy for peaks of high loads throughout both winter and summer.
Some unique circumstances must be overcome if they continue planning to reach 50% carbon reduction by 2030. Options are limited, costly, and will require years of planning and building. Solar generation is weak due to low output during winter when there have been weeks on end of only 20% yield. Wind farms aren’t as reliable in the Southeast unless locations are offshore. However, Duke’s major load centers are inland. They would need to invest in transmission lines plus battery installations. Plans are already in motion to upgrade their pumped hydro storage as they are the most reliable long-duration storage system. This will ensure long term needs are met and will help Duke’s journey to reducing carbon.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-duke-energys-southeastern-service-territory-dictates-its-path-to-zero-carbon
TAE Technologies Wins Three INFUSE Awards to Further Fusion Energy Research
The US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded TAE with 3 INFUSE awards for their “pursuit of clean, safe, cost-effective, scalable, fusion energy, and a continued recognition that it is a viable effort worth public funding and collaboration”. Federal support is necessary to help commercial fusion power plants recognize new ways to efficiently provide carbon-free electricity production. TAE will focus on the US’s energy needs while addressing environmental and security requirements “by resolving industrial-scale issues of technology, cost, and safety”. Using the DOE’s resources, we should see an acceleration in fusion energy development to better our environment and economy using renewable energy.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tae-technologies-wins-three-infuse-awards-to-further-fusion-energy-research-300968932.html
This Company Is Converting Energy Efficiency Into Currency
Redaptive works to guide companies to increase energy efficient practices in a cost-effective manner. They assess energy usage then identify and refit less efficient appliances. Old appliances are recycled, preventing more waste and emissions from landfills. Analytics also track and forecast to plan for future needs.
No payment is required up front. Instead, customers compensate them via a share of the energy bill savings through monitored programs and AI validated by utility meter data. Once Redaptive’s contract is up, clients continue to net those funds. Along with saving money, these necessary changes benefit shareholders and the environment.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalieparletta/2019/09/09/this-company-is-converting-energy-efficiency-into-currency/#44c920ee4238
Reversing Emissions-Reducing Lightbulb Energy Efficiency Standards
President George W. Bush’s administration implemented energy standards to phase out high energy usage light bulbs. Obama’s administration was set to finalize that legislation in January 2020 to include specialty bulbs becoming more energy efficient. Trump’s administration wants to undo these regulations. Not only would this encourage consumers to spend more money on bulbs with lower life expectancies, it would increase their bills due to less energy efficient products and increase carbon dioxide emissions. If regulations are reversed, they will be challenged.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.npr.org/2019/09/04/757623821/trump-administration-reverses-standards-for-energy-efficient-light-bulbs
Realgy Energy Services has installed Two New Solar PV systems in Illinois
At the beginning of December 2013, Realgy announced the start of construction on two of its newest solar power projects in the state of Illinois. Once completed, the two new systems in total will produce over 90,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually and offset almost 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide during the initial 25 years of operation.
The first Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system has been installed on the roof of the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, home to the historic Lake County Fair and other year-round events. The second Solar PV system was installed at Seven Oaks Farm, a historic dairy and horse farm in Saint Charles.
Both PV Systems have been installed by Renewable Energy Alternatives of Arlington Heights. “We are excited to be a part of this venture,” said Kacie Peters, Director of Sales and Marketing at Renewable Energy Alternatives. “The array is in a very public space and will be seen by thousands annually. We hope that this array will inspire others to know solar is possible—and practical in Illinois.”
“Realgy made this investment as a part of our sustainable energy commitment with the support of Illinois Department of Commerce Renewable Energy Program and the Illinois Solar Energy Association.” Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy. All of the energy produced by the panels will be used by the companies, and will reduce their reliance on fossil-generated energy produced primarily from coal in Illinois.
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is planning to create an energy saving road map that other cultural institutes can follow
However this task won’t be easy. Keeping 32,500 animals healthy, happy and well-lit takes a lot of energy. Part zoo, part art space, the building is a life-support system for 1,500 species operating under the parameters of just about every time zone on the planet.
John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois
“What we’re talking about is bigger than the Shedd,” said Mark Harris, president and CEO of the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, which led the consortium that developed Shedd’s energy saving plan.
Following a plan developed pro bono by a public-private consortium, Shedd plans to swap out light bulbs, buy solar panels and sell “negawatts” (getting paid to power down). The aquarium plans to participate in a program that pays big energy users to power down on days when the electric grid is strained by demand from air conditioners. But first that means finding out what in the aquarium can be safely powered down.
“The Shedd’s in a unique position. It’s been there for 100 years and it’s going to be there for another 100 more; so, when you look at a 15-year return on investment, that’s not too bad,” Hulsebosch said.
Read the whole story: Citizens Utility Board, “Shedd Aquarium looks to slice energy bill”