News Roundup
News Roundup for May 21
BATTLE OF THE BEASTS
NREL’s wind turbine challenge
The latest generation of Samsung wind turbines appears to be ready for the long haul, according to a recent test at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. A dynamometer at the lab blasted 12.6 million inch-pounds of torque against the wind turbine drive train to simulate 25 years of adverse conditions in two months. The event marked the largest such test ever in the United States, and the behemoth machines battled to a standoff, which satisfied company officials. Planned next are extensive tests for offshore wind turbines.
WISCONSIN LEGISLATION
Over the objection of environmentalists, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill May 19 to broaden the definition of renewable power in the state. Doyle said the bill will create jobs at Orion Energy Systems in Manitowoc, which makes solar pipes that reflect daylight and cut energy use. Wind developers questioned the bill, which brings garbage-to-energy projects under the definition of renewables so they can be applied to the state’s renewable energy requirements.
RAIL PROFITS
As Congress debates railroad reform legislation, it might consider casting an eye toward the first quarter financial report from BNSF Railway Corp. Now a subsidiary of investment giant Berkshire Hathaway, BNSF reported a 73 percent increase in profits, about $506 million, compared with one year ago. Revenues jumped by 13 percent to almost $3.9 billion. Although its freight traffic actually declined, it made more on a per-car basis, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Company data are no longer as detailed as when BNSF was traded publicly.
SALES HIKE
The economy is starting to sign shows of recovery, as measured by electricity sales, according to the Energy Information Administration. The agency’s analysis of February data, released May 10, said residential electricity sales jumped by 6.8 percent, compared with February 2009, with industrial sector sales up by 4.1 percent. The industrial numbers showed what EIA called “a sustained recovery.” For the month, total retail sales increased by 4.2 percent, or 11.8 billion kilowatt-hours, from February 2009.
―Based on news and wire reports
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