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Solar Steam Train project announcement |
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Written by Tim Castleman
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Building on the Solar Steam Train concept, we are raising support for a
demonstration project in Sacramento, California. Proposed is to use the
existing rail yards to support a fireless locomotive that would be used
in rotation on the tourist line in Old Sacramento .  Sacramento Rail Yards
Once again the region will lead the world in developing a system for
mass transportation using simple, well proven technology to provide
high quality, clean, renewable energy more efficiently than any other
by taking the shortest path from the sun to the drive wheels.
Thermal solar energy collectors will be erected over portions of the
site having deed restrictions for industrial use only, thus converting
a toxic problem into a renewable energy production facility. This
energy will be used to charge and recharge the fireless
locomotive,which then has a very short distance to service on the
popular tourist train.As part of a District Energy System , the PG&E
steam plant on Jibboom Street can be re-used to support not only the
Solar Train - it will also provide energy security for development of
the River-front & Rail-yards area.
 1940 Heisler fireless locomotive |
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PUC CREATES GROUNDBREAKING SOLAR ENERGY PROGRAM |
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Written by CPUC
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SAN FRANCISCO, January 12,
2006 - The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today created
the largest solar program of its kind in any state in the country - the
California Solar Initiative, a 10-year, $2.9 billion program designed
to help California move toward a cleaner energy future and help bring
the costs of solar electricity down for California consumers. The goal
of the program is to increase the amount of installed solar capacity on
rooftops in the state by 3,000 MW by 2017.
"California
has long been a leader on environmentally-sound approaches to the
provision of energy. We adopted formalized policies on renewable power
and energy efficiency in our Energy Action Plans," said PUC President
Michael R. Peevey. "The California Solar Initiative continues that
tradition with an aggressive new program to promote solar development."
"The
California Solar Initiative is the largest solar program in the country
and I hope it will be a model for other states," said Commissioner Dian
M. Grueneich. "The program will be a major source of dependable and
environmentally friendly electricity, and is a major tool in the
State's promise to address climate change and meet the Governor's goals
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." "Today's decision signals
California's vote for a cleaner, more reliable energy future,"
commented Commissioner Rachelle Chong. "Now it's up to
Californians to make this a reality by stepping up to the plate to go
solar."
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