Fracking’s secret sauce

New York state released a document detailing the components of “fracking fluid”, the mixture that is injected down wells to fracture the rock of shale gas fields to break up the rock and allow more of the gas to fow into the wells and be pumped to the surface. Story here, with link to the PDF mentioed above.

Recently there has been a lot of press about possible dangers to groundwater from these fluids.  Drilling companies do not want to divulge the constituent chemicals – they claim it would be revelaing trade secrets.  They probably want to avoid any environmental scrutiny as well.  It looks like the drilling companies will get it, especially if they are drilling anywhere near groundwater supplies.

SEIA chief talks tough about money

The head of the Solar Energy Industries Association talked tough at the Solar Power International conference about solar needing to throw money around to have the same sort of visibility and clout in Washngton as the Oil and Coal industries.  I like it.

“In 2008, the oil industry contributed $22 million to political candidates, the utility industry $21 million,” said Mr. Resch. “The solar industry: $138,000. We cannot compete with the entrenched energy interests unless we step up our game.”

Robert Rapier opening up about his new company

I found Robert Rapier’s blog from reading The Oil Drum site.  His analysis of biofuels impressed me.  Recently he relocated to Hawaii and is beginning to discuss the details of his new company.  Probably worth watching.  A quick first look is here:

Rapier told us in an exclusive interview last week that he has taken a position as the chief technology officer of Merica International, a company that is building out a vertically integrated approach to sustainable and localized biofuels. Merica, headquartered on the Big Island of Hawaii, will act as a holding company for a variety of companies, Rapier told us, including Forest Solutions, a forest management group, SunFuels Hawaii, a synthetic biodiesel provider, a yet-to-be-named company that will develop a biomass trading platform, and a company that will concentrate on acquiring and developing biomass conversion technologies. In addition, Merica owns parts of several other clean energy companies that will contribute to the company’s vision, like Choren Industries, a German company that makes waste to fuel gasification technology.

Sacto puts brakes on Nestle

A Nestle botled water plant that is under construction has been put on hold in Sacramento.  Apparently, the city council is going to vote on adding planning requirements to bottled water plants, and so they are idling construction at this plant while the issue is decided.  While I am in favor of adding scrutiny to bottled water plants, this seems to be going back on an agreement that had been approved.  Details here (may not be a permalink).

City officials have said the Nestlé plant could draw an estimated 80 million gallons of water a year – or about two-tenths of a percent of the city’s total water consumption.

Fisker to use old GM site

Fisker Automotive announced that they will use an old GM site in Wilmington, Deleware to make their plug in hybrids.

Officials from Fisker did not respond to a request for comment, but two people directly familiar with the deal confirmed that Fisker was planning to reopen the plant, which spans about 3.2 million square feet.

Florida in the lead

President Obama is in Arcadia, Florida today to visit the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center.  It will officially become the largest solar PV site in the U.S. at 25MW, passing Nellis Air Force base at 14MW.

Don’t know how long this site will hold the record, but it is nice to see Florida getting into the solar game beyond water heating.

Here is the article that mentions it, also discussing the announced $3.4 billion for 100 smart-grid projects.

Chevron going solar!

Ok, only sort of.  Actually, not much at all.  But it is interesting to read about.  They are going to use solar thermal to generate steam instead of natural gas – but have the gas generators for nights and backup.  And they are going to use the steam to produce oil.  But hey, every little bit helps, right?  Link.

Chevron Corp is building a solar plant to create the steam that boosts production at an aging California oilfield, in a pioneering project the company aims to replicate elsewhere if it works.

Cantarell falling fast

The output from Mexico’s supergiant is really going down.  A quick check of the last few months of production:

In that month (Nov 08), Cantarell produced 862 kb/day. In addition, Cantarell had started 2008 with January production of 1243 kb/day. Now let’s look at Cantarell’s production numbers for the most recent month of 2009, in July: 588 kb/day. As someone remarked on The Oil Drum, this looks to be a linear, rather than an exponential decline. Interesting observation. If Cantarell is indeed losing a steady 35 kb/day a month in production, then by Christmas of next year we’ll be close to zero.

Drought effects in Africa

I found this interesting tidbit in an article about the ongoing destruction of the Mau forest in Kenya:

The disaster is already present in Lake Nakuru, renowned for its spectacular flamingoes. The two rivers that feed the lake have dried up and the KWS is having to pump water from deep underground to keep the animals alive. Kenya’s vital tourist industry would buckle, he warns, as already the spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration has been ruined by the historically low levels of the Mara river. World-famous parks, like Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti would also be at risk.

It would be a shame if the forest is ravaged.  The current destruction is causing problems for power generation, leading to blackouts in Nairobi.  However, if the amazing natural spectacles (and the revenue they generate) are devasted by drought and man, then the future of Africa is truly bleak.

Fisker Karma hits the track

The Karma took a lap around Laguna Seca.  Looks like it will beat the Volt to market – but be much more expensive (unless the Volt goes way up).  Hopefully more plug in hybrids will follow, but I am eager for the Tesla Model S.  Details from the article:

A 22-kilowatt-hour lithium-manganese Enerdel battery provides power to a pair of electric motors that deliver a total of 403 horsepower — and a stunning 959 pound-feet of torque — to the rear wheels. Fisker claims the car has a range of 50 miles on electric power. As the battery winds down, a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection GM Ecotec engine will power a 175-kilowatt generator to keep the electric motors turning. The company says the car will deliver 100 mpg in combined city and highway driving.