Posts by MCEC
Thermal and combined-heat-and-power wood energy facility tours in VT & NH
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) recently hosted a second educational site visit to showcase thermal and combined-heat-and-power (CHP) wood energy, in partnership with the Rural Maryland Council MAERDAF grant, the U.S. Forest Service, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Alliance for Green Heat. Tour attendees in front of National Life Group’s wood…
Read MoreSolar Workforce Development is Having Its Moment in the Sun!
Guest Article Submitted by Solar Landscape Successful workforce development programs benefit underserved communities when they provide trainees a pathway to family-sustaining careers. Recently, Solar Landscape’s Kevin Dunshee spoke at the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s 2023 Legislative Reception. “The only thing worse than no training at all, is training that does not provide a pathway to…
Read MoreMaryland Builds Leading Role in Energy Innovation
From the world’s highest density solid oxide fuel cell to anerobic digestors that produce biofuels to advances in wind turbine blades, air conditioning systems, catalyst materials, battery electrodes and super carbon sequestration technologies, Maryland is the site of numerous, varied and potentially game-changing innovations in energy systems. A report this fall by the National Academy…
Read MoreInflation Reduction Act Sets Stage for Massive Investment in Clean Energy
As the single largest clean energy investment in American history, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is poised to trigger a decade of heightened investment, production and innovation that could transform the energy sector, according to multiple analysts. The IRA includes $370 billion of climate and clean energy investments which are geared to cut U.S. greenhouse…
Read MoreCommission, Activists Aim to Improve Environmental Justice in Maryland
It’s a straightforward concept but covers a long and hefty list of issues. Environmental justice is defined simply as the right of all people – regardless of race, color, national origin or income – to enjoy equal levels of environmental protection. But consider the range of conditions that can undermine that equality: industrial facilities that…
Read MoreNew Smart Energy Investments with Bottom-Line Benefits Program for Rural Maryland Businesses and Farms
A new initiative is aiming to provide farms, forestry operations, manufacturers, Main Street businesses and other rural companies with greater access to energy-saving expertise and related funding in order to improve their bottom lines. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC-MAERDAF) has awarded grant funds for a Capacity Building Project developed by three collaborators: FEWSS Project (Forest…
Read MoreUncommon Partnership and Advocacy Delivers Breakthrough in Pollution Reduction
Production and use of a ‘super pollutant’ commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is about to experience dramatic reductions thanks to a years-long advocacy effort and an uncommon partnership between environmentalists and industrialists. This fall, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that will phase down U.S. production and use of…
Read MoreWhy am I hearing so much about nuclear energy?
Guest Editorial by John Kotek – Senior Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs for the Nuclear Energy Institute I get the same question with increasing regularity. “Why am I hearing so much about nuclear energy?” The answer boils down to two key considerations for a decarbonizing grid – reliability and cost. As Maryland and a…
Read MoreWood Energy Becomes Attractive Option for Growing Number of Large Facilities
As Maryland works toward its decarbonization goals, clean energy advocates – and some foresters – insist wood energy could become a significant clean source of thermal energy in the state and stoke the creation of more clean energy jobs. “This is a really significant opportunity for Maryland. Wood energy could complement other clean energy sources…
Read MoreWays to Realistically Achieve Sustainability Goals
Chances are your company has made commitments to environmental sustainability, but do you truly understand what they are? Do you know how to address them – or even where to start? For organizations, energy sustainability means being able to meet corporate efficiency goals through strategic solutions, including renewable energy options and energy efficiency initiatives. These…
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