Energy: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
What is Fracking Sand?
Definition of fracking sand and proppants used in shale gas production.
Definition of fracking sand and proppants used in shale gas production.
5 Types of Natural Gas Pipelines
5 Types of Natural Gas Pipelines - Flowlines, gathering lines, transmission lines, distribution lines, service lines.
5 Types of Natural Gas Pipelines - Flowlines, gathering lines, transmission lines, distribution lines, service lines.
Pros and Cons of Smart Meters
Smart electric meters have advantages and disadvantages for utilities, customers, and the environment.
Smart electric meters have advantages and disadvantages for utilities, customers, and the environment.
6 Sources of Electric Energy
Electricity is energy that has been harnessed and refined from a wide range of sources and is suitable for diverse uses. Here are six of those sources.
Electricity is energy that has been harnessed and refined from a wide range of sources and is suitable for diverse uses. Here are six of those sources.
Bituminous Coal
Characteristics of bituminous coal.
Characteristics of bituminous coal.
Crude Oil Basics
Liquid petroleum that is pumped out of an oil well is called âcrude oilâ or âcrude.â Composed predominantly
Liquid petroleum that is pumped out of an oil well is called âcrude oilâ or âcrude.â Composed predominantly
Pros and Cons of Solar Power for Home Use
Pros and cons of photovoltaics and solar power for home use
Pros and cons of photovoltaics and solar power for home use
Anthracite Coal
Characteristics of anthracite coal, the highest ranked coal for heat content.
Characteristics of anthracite coal, the highest ranked coal for heat content.
Coal Ranked by Energy Content and Carbon Content
The fossil fuel coal is ranked by its energy and carbon content.
The fossil fuel coal is ranked by its energy and carbon content.
All Coal is Not Created Equal
Types of coal are ranked by energy, carbon content, and usage.
Types of coal are ranked by energy, carbon content, and usage.
Compare light bulbs for energy efficiency
Compare light bulbs for energy efficiency - incandescents, halogen, fluorescent, and LED
Compare light bulbs for energy efficiency - incandescents, halogen, fluorescent, and LED
Photovoltaics 101
Photovoltaics 101 - Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity
Photovoltaics 101 - Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity
Do Smart Meters Pose Problems?
Do smart meters pose problems?
Do smart meters pose problems?
Lignite
Characteristics of lignite, also known as brown coal.
Characteristics of lignite, also known as brown coal.
Wind Farm Development
Follow 7 basic steps for developing and building a wind farm. Consider site selection, wildlife impact assessment, financing, legal requirements, equipment selection, securing transmission capacity, and installation.
Follow 7 basic steps for developing and building a wind farm. Consider site selection, wildlife impact assessment, financing, legal requirements, equipment selection, securing transmission capacity, and installation.
Introduction to Nuclear Power
Introduction to nuclear power and nuclear reactors.
Introduction to nuclear power and nuclear reactors.
Sub-Bituminous Coal
Characteristics of Sub-Bituminous Coal.
Characteristics of Sub-Bituminous Coal.
Options for Solar Power at Home
A brief overview of ways you can use solar power at home.
A brief overview of ways you can use solar power at home.
What is a saltwater disposal well?
What is a saltwater disposal well?
What is a saltwater disposal well?
Agencies That Regulate Energy
Federal Agencies That Regulate the Energy Industry and Electricity Industry in the U.S.
Federal Agencies That Regulate the Energy Industry and Electricity Industry in the U.S.
Rise of U.S. Shale Gas Production
An introduction to the Rise of U.S. shale gas production
An introduction to the Rise of U.S. shale gas production
Woody Biomass Energy Pros and Cons
Pros and cons of woody biomass energy - wood burning stoves, pellet stoves, and wood fired boilers.
Pros and cons of woody biomass energy - wood burning stoves, pellet stoves, and wood fired boilers.
How to Build a Wind Farm
Thinking About Building a Wind Farm
Thinking About Building a Wind Farm
Comparison Gen 2 and 3 Nuclear Plants
Gen 2 and Gen 3 Nuclear Power Plants Compared
Gen 2 and Gen 3 Nuclear Power Plants Compared
Waste Water Byproducts of Shale Gas Drilling
Hazardous flowback and produced water are byproducts of hydraulic fracturing.
Hazardous flowback and produced water are byproducts of hydraulic fracturing.
What is Criticality?
When the atom-splitting reactor of a nuclear power plant is operating normally it is said to be âcriticalâ
When the atom-splitting reactor of a nuclear power plant is operating normally it is said to be âcriticalâ
Hydraulic Fracturing
Natural gas drillers use hydraulic fracturing techniques.
Natural gas drillers use hydraulic fracturing techniques.
Digital Smart Meters and Public Safety
Advanced digital electric meters, commonly called âsmart meters,â gather data about electricity usage
Advanced digital electric meters, commonly called âsmart meters,â gather data about electricity usage
Introduction to Biodiesel
Guest author Dr. Amit Sarin provides a brief introduction to biodiesel.
Guest author Dr. Amit Sarin provides a brief introduction to biodiesel.
Nuclear Fuel Processing
The steps for preparing uranium to become nuclear reactor fuel.
The steps for preparing uranium to become nuclear reactor fuel.
3 Top Energy Audit Certifications
When hiring a qualified energy auditor, look for one with a reputable certification.
When hiring a qualified energy auditor, look for one with a reputable certification.
Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) for Residential Use
An introduction to geothermal heat pumps for homeowners who are considering using geothermal in their own house.
An introduction to geothermal heat pumps for homeowners who are considering using geothermal in their own house.
6 Energy Integration Pilot Programs
6 energy projects that received government grant funding: energy integration pilot programs by Western Governor's Association, Southern California Edison, Maui Smart Grid, Distributed Utility Associates, and Minnesota.
6 energy projects that received government grant funding: energy integration pilot programs by Western Governor's Association, Southern California Edison, Maui Smart Grid, Distributed Utility Associates, and Minnesota.
Generations of Nuclear Power Plants
Three generations of nuclear power plants in the U.S.
Three generations of nuclear power plants in the U.S.
Hazardous Emissions from Coal Combustion
Burning coal releases a variety of pollutants.
Burning coal releases a variety of pollutants.
Best Management Practices for Shale Gas Industry - Air & Water
Best Management Practices for Shale Gas Industry - Air & Water
Best Management Practices for Shale Gas Industry - Air & Water
CANDU heavy water nuclear reactor
CANDU nuclear reactor is cooled with heavy water.
CANDU nuclear reactor is cooled with heavy water.
5 Smart Grid Pilot Programs
A sampling of pilot studies: 5 smart electric grid test programs are underway by Consolidated Edison Company in New York,Excel Energy in Colorado, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan, downtown Chicago, and Yello Strom in Germany.
A sampling of pilot studies: 5 smart electric grid test programs are underway by Consolidated Edison Company in New York,Excel Energy in Colorado, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan, downtown Chicago, and Yello Strom in Germany.
What is Produced Water?
A definition of produced water.
A definition of produced water.
Best Management Practices for Shale Gas Industry - Land, Workers, & Community
Best Management Practices for Shale Gas Industry - Land, Workers, & Community
Best Management Practices for Shale Gas Industry - Land, Workers, & Community
Three ways to reduce community energy usage
Three effective ways to reduce community electricity use.
Three effective ways to reduce community electricity use.
Pressurized Water Reactors by State
A listing of pressurized water reactors used in commercial nuclear power plants, by state.
A listing of pressurized water reactors used in commercial nuclear power plants, by state.
Solar Water Heating Systems for Homes
An introduction to solar water heating systems for residential (domestic) use.
An introduction to solar water heating systems for residential (domestic) use.
12 Wind Energy Research Programs
A dozen research groups are focused on improving wind energy, many funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
A dozen research groups are focused on improving wind energy, many funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
5 Energy Laws That Govern Federal Agencies
Five U.S. energy laws, including executive orders, laws, statutes, and regulations, set goals for fuels used and energy consumption by federal agencies.
Five U.S. energy laws, including executive orders, laws, statutes, and regulations, set goals for fuels used and energy consumption by federal agencies.
Four Types of Geothermal Subsystems
Four Types of Geothermal Subsystems - Closed-loop and open-loop Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems
Four Types of Geothermal Subsystems - Closed-loop and open-loop Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Systems
Energy Law Timeline
Timeline of U.S. Energy Law 1954-1980 - Milestones in Energy Regulation, and Energy Legislation
Timeline of U.S. Energy Law 1954-1980 - Milestones in Energy Regulation, and Energy Legislation
12 Nuclear Reactors That Had Meltdowns
How safe is nuclear energy? Scientist identifies 12 nuclear reactors that had meltdowns.
How safe is nuclear energy? Scientist identifies 12 nuclear reactors that had meltdowns.
Energy Abbreviations
Abbreviations that express the amount of energy contained in fuel.
Abbreviations that express the amount of energy contained in fuel.
Benefits of Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHPs) for Residential Use
Advantages to Geothermal heat pumps (GHP) include saving energy and environmental benefits.
Advantages to Geothermal heat pumps (GHP) include saving energy and environmental benefits.
Installing Renewable Energy Systems
PV solar systems and other renewable systems should follow guidelines from National Electrical Code (NEC).
PV solar systems and other renewable systems should follow guidelines from National Electrical Code (NEC).
Solar Electric Vehicles for High School DIYers
Members of the Electric Auto Association encouraged school students from Bonham, Texas, to convert internal combustion vehicles to electric power with solar charging.
Members of the Electric Auto Association encouraged school students from Bonham, Texas, to convert internal combustion vehicles to electric power with solar charging.
Where Can I Get Electricity?
U.S. homeowners may consume electricity from four general sources, depending on where and how they live.
U.S. homeowners may consume electricity from four general sources, depending on where and how they live.
Energy Integration
Wind and solar power are clean and renewable energy sources, but they are fickle. Energy integration allows distributed resources to work together.
Wind and solar power are clean and renewable energy sources, but they are fickle. Energy integration allows distributed resources to work together.
Energy Conferences July 2011
Energy Conference Round-Up: July 2011 - Energy events in July 2011
Energy Conference Round-Up: July 2011 - Energy events in July 2011
Boiling Water Reactors Location by State
List of boiling water reactors (BWRs) at commercial nuclear power plants by state.
List of boiling water reactors (BWRs) at commercial nuclear power plants by state.
2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Hydraulic fracturing operations and equipment at natural gas drill site
Fracking operations and equipment at natural gas drill site in Barnett Shale
Fracking operations and equipment at natural gas drill site in Barnett Shale
Best Practices for Wind Energy Integration
DOE-sponsored study suggests best practices for wind power integration into the electric grid.
DOE-sponsored study suggests best practices for wind power integration into the electric grid.
Five Electric Cooperatives
Profiles of 5 electric cooperatives that provide electricity to communities across the country.
Profiles of 5 electric cooperatives that provide electricity to communities across the country.
Natural gas pipeline warning
Natural gas pipeline warning on fence around valve
Natural gas pipeline warning on fence around valve
Charging Levels for Plug-in Electric Cars
Charging levels for plug-in electric cars.
Charging levels for plug-in electric cars.
Renewable Energy: The Facts, by Seifried and Witzel
Book review of Renewable Energy: The Facts, by Seifried and Witzel
Book review of Renewable Energy: The Facts, by Seifried and Witzel
Four Grasses Not Approved for RFS2
Introduction to four grasses with potential as biofuels but currently unapproved for ethanol-gasoline blend production.
Introduction to four grasses with potential as biofuels but currently unapproved for ethanol-gasoline blend production.
1990 Clean Air Act Amendments
Description of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
Description of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
What is sour gas?
: "Sour gas" is a type of natural gas that comes out of the well carrying a high level of sulfur and
: "Sour gas" is a type of natural gas that comes out of the well carrying a high level of sulfur and
How Electric Cooperatives Differ
A look at the development of electric cooperatives and how they differ from commercial utilities.
A look at the development of electric cooperatives and how they differ from commercial utilities.
RESNET HERS Rating System
RESNET HERS Rating - A system that rates energy efficiency
RESNET HERS Rating - A system that rates energy efficiency
Gas shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing
Images from gas shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing in North Texas.
Images from gas shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing in North Texas.
2005 Energy Policy Act
The Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005
Natural gas pipeline construction underway
Natural gas pipeline construction underway
Natural gas pipeline construction underway
Synchrophasors
Synchrophasor technology provides time-stamped energy measurements to optimize electric power grid operation.
Synchrophasor technology provides time-stamped energy measurements to optimize electric power grid operation.
Pipes await gas pipeline construction
Pipes stacked and awaiting gas pipeline construction
Pipes stacked and awaiting gas pipeline construction
What is wet gas?
Does wet natural gas have water in it?
Does wet natural gas have water in it?
Advanced Metering Infrastructure - AMI
Advanced metering infrastructures (AMI) allow 2-way communication between smart meters and energy management systems.
Advanced metering infrastructures (AMI) allow 2-way communication between smart meters and energy management systems.
Natural gas pipeline valve
Natural gas pipeline valve
Natural gas pipeline valve
Energy Auditor
An energy auditor is a professional who has been trained to test and rate the energy efficiency of a building and its systems.
An energy auditor is a professional who has been trained to test and rate the energy efficiency of a building and its systems.
Natural gas pipeline being constructed
Natural gas pipeline being constructed along electric transmission corridor
Natural gas pipeline being constructed along electric transmission corridor
Six Emerging Green Energy Careers
Job opportunities for mid-level professionals in the green energy sector.
Job opportunities for mid-level professionals in the green energy sector.
Introduction to Boiling Water Reactors
Introduction to Boiling Water Reactors in Commercial Nuclear Power Plants
Introduction to Boiling Water Reactors in Commercial Nuclear Power Plants
Blower Door Test
What is a blower door test?
What is a blower door test?
Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing allows electric prices to vary on a continual basis.
Dynamic pricing allows electric prices to vary on a continual basis.
Gas drilling rig in Texas
Photo of gas shale drilling rig in the Barnett Shale in Texas
Photo of gas shale drilling rig in the Barnett Shale in Texas
Sound barriers at gas drilling site
Temporary sound barriers surround the entrance to a natural gas drilling site in the Barnett Shale.
Temporary sound barriers surround the entrance to a natural gas drilling site in the Barnett Shale.
September 2012 Energy Conferences
Listing of energy conferences scheduled for September 2012.
Listing of energy conferences scheduled for September 2012.
3 Big Changes for Bulk Electric Transmission
Industry insiders say big changes are coming to the bulk electric transmission system.
Industry insiders say big changes are coming to the bulk electric transmission system.
How do I report an oil spill emergency?
Report an oil spill through the National Response Center
Report an oil spill through the National Response Center
Frack pond and natural gas well site
Frack pond and natural gas well site in the Barnett Shale adjacent to a residential suburb.
Frack pond and natural gas well site in the Barnett Shale adjacent to a residential suburb.
Aging Workforce Creates Job Opportunities
Retiring energy workers will need to be replaced; labor shortages expected.
Retiring energy workers will need to be replaced; labor shortages expected.
What role do states play?
A brief look at states' role in regulating power, electricity, and related activities.
A brief look at states' role in regulating power, electricity, and related activities.
U.S. Military Supports Renewable Energy
U.S. Military Supports Renewable Energy
U.S. Military Supports Renewable Energy
US Military Relies on Solar Power
US Department of Defense Relies on Solar Power
US Department of Defense Relies on Solar Power
What is Dilbit?
Brief explanation of dilbit
Brief explanation of dilbit
Toxic Air Pollution From Electric Power
When coal and other fossil fuels are burned to create electricity, toxic pollutants such as mercury are released into the atmosphere. This pollution is regulated by NESHAP under the Clean Air Act.
When coal and other fossil fuels are burned to create electricity, toxic pollutants such as mercury are released into the atmosphere. This pollution is regulated by NESHAP under the Clean Air Act.
Getting Involved with Energy Regulation
Getting Involved with Energy Regulation - Public Participation - Emergency Response.
Getting Involved with Energy Regulation - Public Participation - Emergency Response.
Online Job Listings in the Energy Industry
Web resources that list jobs and career opportunities in the energy industry.
Web resources that list jobs and career opportunities in the energy industry.
Smart Grid
Explanation of smart grids.
Explanation of smart grids.
Gas pipeline signs in neighborhood
Gas pipeline warning signs in residential Texas neighborhood
Gas pipeline warning signs in residential Texas neighborhood
FERC 2nd Ed. by McGrew (ABA)
FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 2nd Ed., by James H. McGrew - American Bar Association
FERC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 2nd Ed., by James H. McGrew - American Bar Association
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
A description of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
A description of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Solar Collectors for Residential Hot Water
Solar Collectors for Residential Hot Water
Solar Collectors for Residential Hot Water
Energy Conferences for January 2012
Energy Conferences for January 2012
Energy Conferences for January 2012
Shale Gas Production Recommendations from SEAB
Summary of recommendations for responsible shale gas production from the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board
Summary of recommendations for responsible shale gas production from the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is an international, non-government organization authorized to standardize bulk generation and transmission of electricity.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is an international, non-government organization authorized to standardize bulk generation and transmission of electricity.
9 Technologies That Enable Smart Electric Grids
9 technologies that enable smart electric grids: batteries, semiconductor switching, synchrophasors, smart meters, wireless communications, meter data management systems, cloud computing, automated demand response, and interoperability standards.
9 technologies that enable smart electric grids: batteries, semiconductor switching, synchrophasors, smart meters, wireless communications, meter data management systems, cloud computing, automated demand response, and interoperability standards.
Federal Energy Tax Credits - How Can I Benefit?
How Consumers Can Benefit from Federal Energy Tax Credits - Energy Efficiency Incentives from the U.S. Government
How Consumers Can Benefit from Federal Energy Tax Credits - Energy Efficiency Incentives from the U.S. Government
How do I report an environmental violation?
Report an oil spill or environmental hazard to U.S. government officials.
Report an oil spill or environmental hazard to U.S. government officials.
July 2012 Energy Conferences
Listings of energy conferences for July 2012
Listings of energy conferences for July 2012
Entrance to a completed gas well site
Entrance to a completed gas well site in the Barnett Shale area of Texas.
Entrance to a completed gas well site in the Barnett Shale area of Texas.
Natural gas pipeline work zone behind fence
Natural gas pipeline work zone behind fence
Natural gas pipeline work zone behind fence
Welded natural gas pipelines along road
Welded natural gas pipelines laid out along road
Welded natural gas pipelines laid out along road
Electric Power Research Institute
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Tres Amigas SuperStation
Three regional electric grids will connect at the Tres Amigas SuperStation in Clovis, New Mexico.
Three regional electric grids will connect at the Tres Amigas SuperStation in Clovis, New Mexico.
2007 Energy Independence and Security Act
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Energy Conferences for March 2012
Energy Conferences for March 2012
Energy Conferences for March 2012
Five Geothermal-Powered Facilities
Five Geothermal-Powered Facilities
Five Geothermal-Powered Facilities
US Government Pursues Responsible Shale Gas
U.S. Government Pursues Responsible Shale Gas Production and Hydraulic Fracturing.
U.S. Government Pursues Responsible Shale Gas Production and Hydraulic Fracturing.
Oil Barrel
Answers the question: How big is a barrel of oil?
Answers the question: How big is a barrel of oil?
Natural gas pipelines in Texas Barnett Shale
Natural gas pipelines in Texas Barnett Shale
Natural gas pipelines in Texas Barnett Shale
Energy Conferences for June 2012
Energy conferences for June 2012
Energy conferences for June 2012
1992 Energy Policy Act (EPAct 1992)
Description of the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992).
Description of the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992).
1990 Oil Pollution Act
Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act of 1990
Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act of 1990
Guest author Roger Witherspoon
Guest author Roger Witherspoon
Guest author Roger Witherspoon
Energy Conferences April - June 2011
Energy Conference Round-Up: Q2 2011 - Energy events April to June 2011
Energy Conference Round-Up: Q2 2011 - Energy events April to June 2011
Purchasing Choices Promote Energy Conservation
Federal program mandates and promotes energy efficient procurement.
Federal program mandates and promotes energy efficient procurement.
Locate Federal Energy Funding Opportunities
How to locate federal energy funding opportunities offered through U.S. DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
How to locate federal energy funding opportunities offered through U.S. DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
A brief description of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
A brief description of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Energy Conferences for May 2012
Energy Conferences for May 2012
Energy Conferences for May 2012
1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act
Description of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).
Description of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration