Murkowski will host hearing at energy fair
Published Friday, August 21, 2009
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Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — The fourth annual Chena Renewable Energy Fair will highlight a U.S. Senate energy committee field hearing and the unveiling of a new, mobile geothermal power plant that could have implications for oil fields.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is hosting the field hearing on renewable energy on Saturday. She will hear testimony on the status of renewable technology and on suggestions to expand on-the-ground use of new technology, spokesman Robert Dillon said.
The hearing starts at 10 a.m. at Chena Hot Springs. People scheduled to testify include Alaska Energy Authority Director Steve Haagenson; Renewable Energy Alaska Project Executive Director Chris Rose; Alaska Center for Energy and Power Director Gwen Holdmann; and Barbara Donatelli, vice president of Fire Island Wind Farm. Bernie Karl, president of Chena Geothermal Energy and operator of Chena Hot Springs Resort, is also on the schedule.
At about 1 p.m., Karl will unveil a “revolutionary” mobile geothermal power plant in conjunction with United Technologies Corp.
The organic Rankine cycle power producing unit essentially uses a refrigerant to turn wastewater, a byproduct of oil drilling, into electric power. Once proven in oil fields near Jay, Fla., the units could power oil rigs all across the country and possibly save companies money on other costly power options.
“It’s going to be revolutionary,” said Michael Gomes, a University of Alaska Fairbanks business major who helped plan the fair. “This is the first mobile unit of its kind, in the world. We’re really excited to be debuting that here at Chena. A lot of people said it couldn’t be done.”
New this year, Chena owners Bernie and Connie Karl are partnering on the fair with the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, which has hosted fairs for several years, Gomes said. Kids can hang out in their center for science experiments, a Lego robotics course, face painting and more. Winners of an age-based essay contest — “What I Learned at the Renewable Energy Fair” — could bag a cool prize for their school class. The Karls are offering winners a field trip. Essay contest details are available online.
Fairgoers can munch on regular and vegetarian hot dogs and Alaska blueberry ice cream from Hot Licks while listening to lectures, checking out solar water heater technology or evaluating new electric cars.
Community Discussion
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Well, isn't this interesting. Back in Washington 'Tar Sands' Murkowski has been a busy beaver adding amendments to the Energy Bill that would take Alaska gas for the Alberta tar sands development. The most destructive development anywhere on the North American continent.
But back home Murkowski pretends to be green.
What a kidder.
Except the aboriginal people of Canada aren't laughing very hard as they have to deal with all the cancer and birth defects becasue of their exposure to the toxins released from the tar sand development.
Kind of hard on the migratory waterfowl, too. When they land in the oily goo of the vast tar lakes they sink. And drown.
At least ExxonMobil is happy.
http://www.tarsandswatch.org/
An oil baron like Lisa hosting a renewable energy fair. The fox in the hen house!
Daddy taught her everything she knows, and it isn't about renewable
energy.
SORT OF LIKE A PHOTO OP with Connie and Bernie!
What have you three folks done to improve your air quality,..I think the folks at chena may have advanced alternative energy more than you know.
What have I done?????
I MOVED OUT OF FAIRBANKS.
What have I done?????
I MOVED OUT OF FAIRBANKS.I still lived there longer than most people, and I still vote in Fbk.
Here's an opprotunity for everyone who "has" medical to say no to those who don't.......I have friends that actually think they pay for their medical with that little amount taken out each pay check....to funny state workers........ok, think.........it's part of your package....!
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