Hydroelectricity on the rise, and pumping!

Pumped storage hydroelectricity is a type of hydroelectric power generation used by some power plants for load balancing. The first use of pumped storage was in the 1890’s in Italy and Switzerland. In the 1930’s reversible hydroelectric turbines became available. These turbines could operate as both turbine generators and in reverse as electric motor driven pumps.

The method stores energy in the form of water, pumped from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation. Low-cost off-peak electric power is used to runt he pumps involved during the process. During periods of high electrical demand, the stored water is released through turbines. Although the losses of the pumping process make the plant a net consumer of energy overall, the system increases its revenue by selling more electricity during periods of peak demand, when electricity prices are highest.
There is over 90 GW of pumped storage in operation world wide, which is about 3 % of global generation capacity. Pumped storage plants are characterized by long construction times and high capital expenditure. Pumped storage is the most widespread energy storage system in use on power networks. Its main applications are for energy management, frequency control and provision of reserve.

Pon 2112 Announced: Financial Incentives to Follow

The Pon 2112 programs was recently announced to the public as a way to receive financial support for registered installers. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides cash incentives for the installation by Eligible Installers of new grid-connected Solar Electric or Photovoltaic (PV) systems that are 7kW or less for residential and 50 kW or less for commercial sites. Funding for the Solar Electric Incentive Program has been allocated by the New York State Renewable Portfolio Standard. The goal of the program is to install 82 MW or 93,806 MWhs of Solar Electric Power systems. Incentives will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and PV incentive applications will be accepted through December 31, 2015, or until funds are fully committed. This program is expected to be a huge catalyst in the green movement, specifically in the installation of renwable energy systems in New York

Local Train Station Looking To Go Green

A recent article published in the Norwalk Hour explains the Saugatuck train station’s recent decision to push forward and build a solar powered car charging terminal. The structure would be ideal for commuters who leave their electric cars at the station while they go back and forth from work each day. This development has pushed the town of Westport into the frontline of the green movement and it is our hope that neighboring towns will do the same.
Customers would lease out the spaces just like a normal space at a train station and pay a specified monthly fee. This fee would in-turn cover the cost to charge their car leaving them without the burden of doing so on their own. Not only would this breakthrough idea provide benefits for current solar powered vehicle owners, it could also act as the catalyst to increase the number of solar powered cars on the road in our area.

If the Saugatuck train station can receive up their desired eighty percent funding for the project that is estimated to cost $330,000, they are confident that they can rake in the rest from private donations. All the town has left to do to proceed with their plans is to clear the project with the state department of transportation who owns the building. This major step in the green movement is exactly what we like to see in our community!

To read more about this story and other local news stories please visit

http://www.thehour.com/story/485102