Wednesdays 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., Building 260-113

February 7
Professor Nick Jenkins, University of Manchester, UK, Electrical Energy and Power Systems
Large-scale Generation of Electricity from Renewable Energy

February 14
J.B. Straubel, Tesla Motors, Chief Technical Officer
Title probably along the lines of status of electric vehicle technology
February 21

Amory Lovins, CEO & Co-founder, Rocky Mountain Institute
Stanford MAP/Ming Professor for Spring quarter '07
Title: "Profitable Business-led Solutions to the Climate, Oil and Proliferation Problems."
(Stay tuned for an announcement on a larger room for this one)

Arthur Rosenfeld
Commissioner, California Energy Commission
http://www.energy.ca.gov/commission/commissioners/rosenfeld.html

(Art is arguably the most influential and articulate energy-efficiency spokesperson on the planet! gil)

Date: Monday, Feb. 5, 2007
Time: refreshments at 4:00 pm, talk begins at 4:15 pm
Location: Panofsky Auditorium, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.

Maps, directions, etc., available from this page: http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/colloquium/

Marguerite shuttle schedule to SLAC: http://transportation.stanford.edu/marguerite/schedules/SLAC_9-5-2006.htm

GRID Alternatives empowers communities in need by providing renewable energy services, equipment and training. For more information on our programs, you can visit our website, gridalternatives.org.

VOLUNTEERING

If you are interested in learning about solar energy and want to give back to your community, come join GRID Alternatives as we make the benefits of solar power accessible to low-income families. All of our work benefits low-income families and is accomplished through a community effort using volunteers like you. You do not need to have any prior experience or special skills in order to volunteer. All you need to do is complete a volunteer application , attend one of our mandatory training sessions, and RSVP to reserve a spot on a workday(s). Training and workday dates are listed below.

The training will cover the basics of electricity and solar power, solar design, financial analysis of solar, as well as the actual nuts and bolts of the installation process, with a focus on safety. Once you have been trained, you can volunteer as often as you like without attending additional training sessions.

We can only accommodate a limited number of volunteers on the installation days, so please RSVP promptly to this email if you want to be guaranteed a spot on the installation. Additionally, if you know someone else who might be interested in participating, feel free to forward this email on. To be added to our volunteer distribution list, email info@gridalternatives.org with subscribe in the subject heading.

MANDATORY VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSIONS

You only need to attend one session
Thursday, February 8 - 6pm to 9pm - GRID Alternatives - 995 Market Street, 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 (1 block from Powell BART)
Monday, February 19 - 6pm to 9pm - Literacy for Environmental Justice - 800 Innes Ave., #11, San Francisco, CA 94124
Tuesday, February 27 - 6pm to 9pm - GRID Alternatives - 995 Market Street, 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 (1 block from Powell BART)

SOLAR INSTALLATION WORK DAYS

Volunteer for one or more days, your choice, you do not need to volunteer for consecutive days. All workdays begin at 8:30am and finish up around 4:30pm.
Saturday and Sunday, February 10-11 - San Francisco
Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18 - San Francisco
Wednesday, February 21 - San Francisco
Saturday and Sunday, February 24-25 - San Francisco

Political Economy of Energy in India Course number(s):
ES 188/288; MS&E and Public Policy cross listing pending
Professor David G. Victor

This seminar will focus on the political economy of energy policy in India. It will focus on how the central, state and local governments in India balance the competing goals of alleviating poverty, protecting the environment, and assuring the financial viability of India's energy companies. The course will track 4-5 case studies that allow in-depth examination of these tradeoffs. It will include a two week field trip to India from June 18-July 4, 2007.

Applications due 5:00pm February 21st, 2007.

For questions about the class or application, please contact:
Mike Jackson, Encina Hall E413
mjacks@stanford.edu
(650) 725-7191

or visit the PESD website at http://pesd.stanford.edu/courses/political_economy_of_energy_in_india_2007/

Two (2) Events on Feb. 15, 2007 In San Francisco (afternoon):

SOLAR POLICY LEADERSHIP: TOWARDS ENERGY AUTONOMY

Co-sponsored by: Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Solar electric power generation has exceeded 5 gigawatts installed capacity globally. Progressive public policy has spurred this global growth in solar, particularly in Germany, which is currently solar's largest market. At this event, we will hear from the architect of Germany's solar policy, Herman Scheer what is needed to further this progress. In the US, California is set to rival Germany's market due to the passage of SB-1 by the state assembly. On this topic, we will hear from CPUC President Michael Peevey. The questions our distinguished speakers will address include:

What form should government subsidies take to spur solar markets?
What is the long term role of solar power?
How should countries address the issue of energy autonomy?
Speakers:

Hermann Scheer - Member of German Bundestag, author of 'Energy Autonomy'
Michael Peevey - President, California Public Utilities Commission
Fong Wan (Moderator) - Vice President, Energy Procurement, PG&E
Registration: Click to register on-line
Date: February 15, 2007

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00pm
Location: PG&E Conference Center, Conference Room A, 245 Market Street, San Francisco
Price: $5 online. No onsite registration. Deadline Feb 14, 2007.
Questions: renewable.energy@runbox.com

Open to the general public. Seating is limited - we recommend registering early.

On the Peninsula (evening):

ENERGY AUTONOMY: NEW POLITICS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Co-sponsored by: K&L Gates

The German feed-in-tariff law (EEG) masterminded by Hermann Scheer has become the recognized model for successful policy making for different segments of the renewable energy industry globally. This is also the topic of Hermann Scheer's latest book, which will be published in the English speaking world in January 2007. Hermann Scheer will discuss how policy models fostering renewable energy can pave the way for energy autonomy. He will also discuss the current trends regarding the upcoming review of the German EEG (feed-in-tariff) which is due by the end of 2007 / beginning 2008 and which has created the largest solar energy market in the world. Don't miss this opportunity to share invaluable knowledge, learn to make most of current renewable energy policy trends for success, and enjoy a unique networking experience.

Speaker:

Hermann Scheer - Member of German Bundestag, author of 'Energy Autonomy'

Registration: Click here to register on-line
Date: February 15, 2007

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00pm
Location: Google HQ, in Mountain View, CA (details pending)
Price: GABA Members/Students: $10, Non-Members: $15, At the Door: $20.

RSVP: Please RSVP to blautenschlaeger@gaba-network.org

Open to the general public.

About Your Hosts
The Clean Technology Program is part of the MIT Club of Northern California's Entrepreneurship Program. We seek to promote local entrepreneurship in the full range of clean technologies such as renewable energy, clean fuels, green building, clean manufacturing, and more. For more information: http://www.mitcnc.org/CleanTech.htm

http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/article_abstract_visitor.aspx?ar=1911&l2=3&l3=41&srid=17&gp=0#registerNow

• A study of the relative economics of different approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions offers surprising insights for policy makers and business leaders.
• For starters, in a 25-year perspective, power generation and manufacturing industry offer less than half of the potential for reducing emissions.
• Almost a quarter of possible emission reductions would result from measures (such as better insulation in buildings) that carry no net life cycle cost-in effect, they come free of charge.
• The study finds that a substantial share of the overall opportunities, including a large potential to reduce emissions by protecting and replanting forests, lies in developing economies.

This article contains the following exhibits:

• Exhibit 1: A simplified global cost curve illustrates the estimated size and cost of feasible approaches to abatement by 2030.
• Exhibit 2: Three abatement scenarios would require reductions beyond business as usual.
• Exhibit 3: Power and manufacturing industry account for less than half of the overall potential to reduce emissions at a cost of 40 euros a ton or less.
• Exhibit 4: Developing economies may account for more than half of the total abatement potential at a cost less than or equal to 40 euros a ton.
• Exhibit 5: Five abatement measures hold the potential to reduce the power sector's total emissions to 7.2 gigatons by 2030, from 9.4 in 2002.

Only by measuring a community's greenhouse gas footprint can we appreciate the impact of our changes. Each community makes a different contribution to global warming, a contribution that varies by climate, income, density, and power mix. In this beta, the United States' 30,000 cities are compared using familiar Google Maps or Google Earth, and employing a database reflecting the diversity of a community's greenhouse gas footprint. Each city is represented by an icon showing whether their global warming contribution is greater or less.

Begin searching by either completing the form, or starting a Google Earth session using the network link. Clicking the city icon will begin to show what a community can do. We show the mix that generates a community's global greenhouse footprint, and introduce an early version of a calculator to show impacts of household choices. We welcome your feedback.

www.terradex.com

German auto website, Autobild, is reporting that Volvo is working on a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid with a similar powertrain design to the Chevy Volt concept unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in early January. Like GM's E-Flex platform, the C30 will be driven by electric motors which run off a battery pack with a range of 50 to 60 kilometres. Once the batteries run down, a diesel engine fires up to run a generator which in turn recharges the batteries. Additionally, the C30 will have plug-in capabilities for overnight charging.

Currently under development in Volvo's California development centre, the hybrid C30 is to be presented Autumn this year at the Challenge Bibendum international sustainable mobility event in Shanghai.

Diesel is renowned for its fuel efficiency when running at a constant rate, hence diesel vehicle's great fuel economy on the highway. Utilising a diesel engine as a range-extended for the on-board battery pack should yield exceptional diesel fuel efficiency as well as near-zero emissions for shorter trips which utilise the batteries only.

Analysis: This development appears to encompass all the excitement of the innovative E-Flex plug-in electric platform, matched with the practicality of a highly efficient diesel engine. Plus, while the C30 is still a concept car, it looks closer to production than the radical Volt. Volvo and Ford might steal GM's thunder yet.

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/02/01/volvo-c30-plug-in-hybrid-concept/

http://www.winrock.org/people/jobs.asp.

Innovation Program Officer/Biomass Energy

Winrock International is recruiting applicants for the position of Innovation Program Officer for the Environment Group. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications are described in the attached position description.

GENERAL:

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

SALARY:

The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should e-mail a cover letter and resume with HRM / IPO in the subject line by February 6, 2007 to: jobs@winrock.org.

The Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Drexel University invites applicants for a tenure-track position in the area of sustainable engineering. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong externally funded research program, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in curriculum development in sustainable engineering. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in civil, arch. or environmental engineering or a related field at the time of appointment. Review of applications will begin on Jan. 15, 2007 and continue until the position is filled.

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/jobs/jobdetail.cfm?JobID=3042110

Green Building Services, Inc., a progressive, employee-owned professional services firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon is seeking a talented and experienced design simulation professional to join our team. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of relevant experience with design simulation and consulting, have hands-on experience with eQuest and will enjoy the opportunity to work with and support project design teams. The ideal candidate will also be well versed with the USGBC LEED Rating System and will have worked on projects which are pursuing LEED Certification. Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have had experience with EnergyPlus, daylighting simulation, lifecycle cost analysis, CFD or lifecycle assessment. Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Green Building Services, Inc. is one of the leading green building resources in the country working on well over 100 diverse projects across the United States and internationally. GBS provides our employees with a fast-paced and enjoyable work environment and opportunities for professional and personal development. We have an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and stock ownership. Salary for this position will be dependent upon experience. The position will be based in our downtown Portland office located just two blocks off the waterfront. All applicants should provide a cover letter and resume emailed to info@greenbuildingservices.com. No phone calls please.

Background

Our wasteful dependence on dirty fossil fuels like oil, coal and nuclear energy is causing a host of environmental problems, including air and water pollution, the destruction of pristine wild places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, global warming, and more. The U.S. PIRG Federal Clean Energy Advocate will work to advance policies that will move America towards a new energy future by increasing our use of clean, renewable sources like wind and solar and energy efficiency.

U.S. PIRG is a state-based, nation-wide multi-issue public interest advocacy organization that works on behalf of citizens to uncover and fight threats to the environment, public health, consumer well-being and democratic government. We employ the time-tested tools of investigative research, media attention, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation to deliver consistent, results-oriented public interest activism and to achieve concrete and lasting political change on the state level.

Our national lobbying office in Washington, DC represents U.S. PIRG in federal policy matters. Our organization's roots at the state level gives U.S. PIRG a unique "outside the beltway" perspective on the issues, while our state staff, membership, campus chapters, and national field organizing team provides the grassroots power necessary to enact change at the federal level.

Job Description

The Clean Energy Advocate will be responsible for the following:

• Advocacy: Bringing problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers-including members of Congress, the White House, and executive branch agency staff.
• Campaign Strategy: Creating a plan to win on clean energy campaigns; strategizing how to gain political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements, and message development.
• Media Outreach: Serving as the public spokesperson for our clean energy campaigns through media events, news releases, editorial board meetings and other media tactics.
• Fundraising: Writing grant proposals and meeting with large donors to bring more resources to our efforts to move America towards a new energy future.

Qualifications
Passion. Persistence. We're looking for a goal-driven and results-oriented individual with a strong commitment to protecting the public's interest on environmental issues, someone with leadership skills and initiative, and the verbal and written skills necessary to make the case that protecting the environment must be a top priority. Candidates should have 3 to 8 years of relevant professional experience, post-college, including (but not limited to) work in political, policy, legal, journalistic or government settings.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. A competitive benefits package includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, a retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick days. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.

Location

Washington, DC

Application

Send a compelling cover letter and resume by February 28 to Alison Cassady at acassady@pirg.org. Please specify which position you are applying for in the subject line of the e-mail, and be sure to mention where you saw our job advertised.

The Energy Center of Wisconsin - is thinking of responding to a research opportunity notice put out by the California Energy Commission, and we wonder if there are any researchers at Stanford who might be good local partners. See below for more details, and please let me know if anyone comes to mind. I can also send you more information about us, if you'd like.

The research opportunity notice is for customer motivations and behavior related to demand response efforts. They are looking for more depth than our field usually provides in typical market research and evaluation work, which is right up our alley and interest. My colleagues and I at the Energy Center of Wisconsin know the energy markets and demand response technology, but could use researchers in California who can help with some of the research design and implementation.

There is more information about this opportunity at http://drrc.lbl.gov

Ingo Bensch
Sr Project Manager - Evaluation & Market Research
Energy Center of Wisconsin
455 Science Drive #200
Madison, WI 53711
608.238.8276 x145
ibensch@ecw.org