Monthly Archives: June 2012
Posted in Alternative Energy | Current Events | Innovative Solutions | Marcellus Shale | Natural Gas by Aron Lantz, PE (Innovation Engineer) on June 22, 2012
Pennsylvania sits atop an abundant supply of natural gas that, according to a study from Penn State University, could be producing more than 17 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day by 2020. The safe and responsible development of this abundant resource can power our transportation sector for generations to come with a cleaner, more affordable source of fuel.
Last week, I participated in an event at Penn State Lehigh Valley titled, “Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs): The Road Ahead in Pennsylvania” that discussed policies to encourage infrastructure development for greater use of natural gas for transportation. This Penn State Extension-sponsored forum showcased how natural gas vehicles can benefit Pennsylvanians. Various experts on NGVs and natural gas vehicle fueling stations discussed the technical and economic aspects of NGVs and supporting infrastructure.
For fleets who consume large quantities of fuel, NGVs are a smart economic alternative. With gas prices remaining unpredictable, the greater use of vehicles powered by natural gas would provide substantial savings for fleets. One recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration found natural gas currently costs 42 percent less on average than traditional gasoline, and is expected to cost 50 percent less than traditional fuels by 2035.
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Posted in Alternative Energy | Communities | Energy Conservation | Innovative Solutions | Site Design & Land Development | Sustainable Design by Jillian Ibbs (Marketing) on June 12, 2012
The Laurel Hill Wind Energy Project is a Duke Energy Corporation initiative, located along Laurel Hill Ridge in Jackson and McIntyre Townships in northern Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Upon completion, the facility will consist of thirty individual wind turbines within a seven-mile long lease corridor. Altogether, the turbines will produce 69 megawatts of electricity.
Larson Design Group handled the land development design for the project, including boundary and topographic survey, Geographic Information System (GIS) base mapping, zoning application preparation, construction observation, erosion control plans, post-construction stormwater management plans, water/wastewater design, permitting, site re-vegetation plans, and alignment studies. LDG is also assisting Duke Energy with full-time construction management tasks.
The turbines are impressive structures. Manufactured by Siemens, they measure 424 feet tall at their highest point and run at any wind speed between approximately 8 and 55 miles per hour. A new two-mile long, 34.5-kilovolt overhead electric transmission line will convey electricity from the turbine corridor to a new switchyard and substation, which was designed and is being constructed in accordance with PenElec’s specifications. The switchyard will be turned over to PenElec for operation and maintenance after project completion. The turbine blades, which are 163 feet long, are fitted with serrated edging to aid in noise reduction. Each rotor blade automatically pivots in its socket to ensure it will catch maximum wind power from any direction.
The wind farm is expected to be completed in October of 2012. The electricity they will produce has been sold to Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, which serves over 100,000 residents and businesses.
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