Renewable energy plants are no longer the dream of the future, they’re here!  So why can’t consumers plug in?

Two of the biggest clean energy trade organizations, the American Wind Energy Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association, have joined forces on a recent white paper entitled Green Power Superhighways.  Their goal is to address the inability or our energy grid to distribute hundreds of thousands of megawatts all ready to go but remains stagnant.  This will fulfill, they say, 20% of our energy needs right now.

Rob Gramlich, Policy Director for the American Wind Energy Association.

Everybody benefits from a reliable grid.  We saw a few years ago, a tree in Ohio can cause a blackout in New York City so it’s an interstate grid.  I think we need to look at it more with a national interest in energy security.

The production of these clean power producing systems both on the wind farms and for an improved grid means a green-collar job explosion waits for a few strokes of the federal pen.

For the full interview with Rob Gramlich, click here.  And for the latest improvements on our energy grid, check out some of the following links:

Grid power quality improvements using grid-coupled hybrid electric vehicles with a dual energy storage system (Leonardo Energy)

IBM has tech answer for woes of economy (NY Times)

ITC Holdings Corp. unveils green power express (ITC)

Photo by skelastic.

The high price of green energy culls consumers and Clean Air restrictions on big shipping have port workers gasping for air.

The New York Times released a comprehensive evaluation of American green power programs and found that only 2% of households can voluntarily afford electricity powered by renewables.  The study reveals that while green power may be expensive now, resources like wind and sunlight are free and safe from the price jumps found in oil, coal, or natural gas.

Los Angeles, California: The green wave has rolled into port and commercial shipping giants say less cargo will mean less revenue in 2009.  Pollution from big shipping isn’t from the boats but from the 16,000 trucks on land.  Old, dirty trucks are slated to be replaced with cash from municipal bonds but the weak market is preventing California state money from reaching the program.  The port hopes to postpone any further green initiatives based on declining cargo volumes.

For more on the price of green, check out some of the following links:

California study shows high cost of renewable power (Reuters)

Economists caution Oregon on high cost of biofuel (Renewable Energy World)

One-two punch of high cost renewables (ACCF)

Photo by TW Collins.