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.