Search: Climate Change
Results
Watching the Watershed: Wireless sensor networks uncover the real water cycle
Submitted by admin on May 14, 2008 - 10:46am.
The Health Implications of Climate Change and Society's Response
Submitted by admin on May 13, 2008 - 9:13am.Senior International Fellow** *Pew Center on Global Climate Change
Submitted by admin on May 13, 2008 - 8:55am.Low-Carbon Energy System Modeling Summer Student Interns
Submitted by sprowles on May 6, 2008 - 1:54pm.Job Description:
We are looking for chemical or mechanical graduate or undergraduate
engineering students with backgrounds in chemical engineering process
simulation, heat transfer, thermodynamics, stationary or mobile power plant
design, and/or energy conversion device design. Ideal candidates have
* knowledge of chemical engineering process simulation software, such
as Chemcad and/or ASPEN,
* knowledge of fuel cell systems, and/or
* knowledge of stationary cogenerative power plant design.
Some knowledge of economics and optimization is also helpful.
The core body of this work is in developing models of stationary
cogenerative fuel cell systems and related energy conversion or storage
devices. These energy device models will be connected to each other to
simulate a distributed energy grid composed of many such devices. This
macro-distributed grid model will be tested against electricity and thermal
demands in buildings. The design of these energy devices, their installed
capacity, and their installation design and control will be optimized in the
context of energy demands.
Successful candidates will help evaluate avant-garde designs of cogeneration
stationary fuel cell power plants, and building energy demands. Assessment
criteria for these energy systems and supply chains will include 1) their
impact on the environment including a) greenhouse gas emissions, b) criteria
air pollutants, c) solid waste production, d) human health and e) energy
efficiency; 2) their implications for national security including a) the
security of the fuel and energy supplied, b) the diversity of the fuel
supply, and c) the dependence of foreign oil; and 3) their costs to
consumers, governments, and incumbent energy suppliers.
Required / Desired Criteria:
Required General Student Internship Program (SIP) Criteria:
Must be at least 16 years of age
Must have full-time enrollment status at a college or university
Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2/4.0 (or 4.0/5.0)
Must be a U.S. citizen
Graduate or undergraduate student status
Knowledge of chemical engineering process simulation software (Chemcad
and/or ASPEN)
Desired Criteria:
We are also looking for chemical or mechanical engineers with backgrounds in
chemical engineering process simulation, heat transfer, thermodynamics,
stationary or mobile power plant design, and/or energy conversion device
design. Ideal candidates have
* Knowledge of chemical engineering process simulation software, such
as Chemcad and/or ASPEN.
* Knowledge of fuel cell systems.
* Knowledge of stationary cogenerative power plant design.
Some knowledge of economics and optimization is also helpful.
We are looking for both undergraduate and graduate students.
To Apply:
* Please feel free to contact Dr. Whitney Colella directly
(wgcolel@sandia.gov or phone (505) 844-8534).
Whitney Colella , PhD, MBA
Truman Research Fellow
Sandia National Laboratories
MS 0734, PO Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87185
Phone: (505) 844-8534; Voice Mail (only): (925) 294-2612
Fax: (505) 844-7786; Email: wgcolel@sandia.gov
* Please submit your resume via the Sandia employment website.
External Job Posting Website: http://tinyurl.com/ry722
* To learn more about the summer intern programs at Sandia, please
check
Graduate Summer Internships:
http://tinyurl.com/5km54o
Undergraduate Summer Internships:
http://tinyurl.com/4o2c7v
Department Description: Department 6330 - Energy & Infrastructure Future
Our nation depends on secure, reliable, sustainable, and cost effective
supplies of energy to support economic development and to maintain a high
standard of living. The present energy infrastructure was designed to meet
these needs with fossil fuels because their inherent high energy and power
densities enable the creation of flexible, adaptive mobile and fixed power
supplies with intrinsic storage and dispatchability. These benefits have
come at a cost of high carbon emissions, dependence on foreign petroleum,
and low energy source diversification investment. In order to move beyond
the present state of an insatiable appetite for fossil fuels and the
resulting infrastructure, new concepts, ideas, and technologies will be
needed to support the DOE's National Energy Policy goals to:
. Diversify our energy mix and reduce dependence on foreign petroleum,
. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts,
. Create a more flexible, more reliable and higher capacity U.S. energy
infrastructure, and
. Improve energy efficiency and productivity.
Sandia's approach to addressing these goals under the present constraints of
our existing infrastructure and shortterm, market-based mentality is an
iterative top-down, bottom-up optimization process called Energy Surety.
Energy surety is a collection of features of an "ideal" energy system,
which, when satisfied, enable the system to function properly while at the
same time allow it to resist stresses that could result in unacceptable
losses. The attributes (metrics) of the energy surety model include safety,
security, reliability, recoverability and sustainability. The collective
goal of the Energy and Infrastructures Futures Group is to design, develop,
and implement safe, secure, reliable, sustainable, and cost effective energy
and transportation infrastructures. This goal is being accomplished through
hardware and software development integrated with testing, evaluation, and
verification based upon energy systems analyses. The energy systems analyses
define potential energy and infrastructure futures through thermodynamics,
physics, and engineering which are evaluated through economic analyses.
Sandia has taken a leadership role in a number of areas across the spectrum
of programs in the DOE Offices of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Fossil Energy, and Nuclear Energy, as well as the Office of Science. We also
have developed a substantial effort of corporately funded activities through
Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research & Development Program. We also conduct
research in direct support of U.S. industry partners through Sandia's Work
for Others Program. These activities are carried out by multidisciplinary
scientists and engineers located at Sandia's sites in Livermore, Calif., and
Albuquerque, N.M. The work is done in close partnership with other industry,
government, and university research institutions worldwide.
Berkeley Lab Researchers Propose a New Breed of Supercomputers for Improving Global Climate Predictions
Submitted by sprowles on May 6, 2008 - 1:42pm.
Senior Principal Engineer for Bloom Energy
Submitted by sprowles on April 29, 2008 - 2:54pm.Bloom Energy will make clean, reliable energy affordable for everyone in the world.
Our technology, first developed for NASA's Mars Program, will dramatically change
the way that the world's energy is produced, distributed and consumed. Bloom's
unique on-site power generation systems are among the most efficient on the planet,
providing significantly reduced operating costs and producing dramatically lower
greenhouse gas emissions. Pioneering a new class of stationary fuel cells, Bloom is
not just creating a new product or company; it is driving a whole new industry.
As one of Silicon Valley's most promising startups, Bloom was the first clean energy
technology investment for Kleiner Perkins and NEA, two of Silicon Valley's most
revered venture capital firms. The company has assembled a super-star board,
experienced management team, and top-notch technical staff. Bloom Energy is growing
quickly and is looking to add to its dynamic team.
Principal Engineer/ Architect (hands on engineer with product development from
conception to release to the market)
-12+ years of experience in software development
-Extensive background in developing 1.0 products from conception to release successfully
-Highly versatile with significant experience in all tiers of the architecture with emphasis on middleware and systems software essential
-Skills in superb integration of products and highly skilled in utilizing creative instinct to solve difficult development problems
-Successful individual should be very strong C/C++, object orientated programming concepts and multi-platform skills
-Strong self starter with track record of success
Bloom Energy is a leader in the booming industry of energy supply and storage. We
offer an outstanding compensation package with valuable equity in our firm. Please
send your information to Herbnj@gmail.com
Utility Industry Energy Efficiency Professional for Bass and Company Management Consultants
Submitted by sprowles on April 29, 2008 - 2:41pm.In 2007 a new generation of U.S. utility industry executives engaged their companies
in an unprecedented fashion to join the fight to reduce the impacts of global
warming. This critical engagement is driving billions of dollars of investment in
renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and demand response. This new
paradigm is supported by legislation and regulation in most states, which enable
utilities to develop new profitable ventures. Bass & Company Management Consultants
is positioned to be a leading player in this arena for utilities within the Energy
Efficiency (EE) space.
We are seeking Utility Industry Energy Efficiency professionals that can facilitate
the assessment of EE growth strategies. We have been helping clients to build the
organizations and supporting infrastructure to support these strategies. Our focus
is to assist clients in developing optimal products and services portfolios, and the
appropriate business and regulatory models to build profitable product lines. We
seek highly motivated and innovative individuals with the following experience:
* Proven ability to develop project proposals that assist clients in moving their energy efficiency initiatives forward.
* Strong communication skills combined with the ability to work closely with
client organization to develop and understand client requirements. Experience
leading assessments of energy efficiency programs, product portfolios,
organizational structures, operational performance, market potentials, supporting
infrastructures and overall strategies.
* Experience consulting with clients to ensure that proposals and all aspects of project plans meet or exceed customer requirements.
Significant direct operational experience in utilities or consulting to utilities
for energy efficiency programs is preferred. Knowledge and experience in several or
many of the following areas:
* EE regulatory plans
* EE technologies and efficiency standards
* EE program design
* EE cost effectiveness tests
* Marketing EE programs and customer incentive structures
* Program evaluation methods
* Market potential studies
* State and federal regulatory and legislative initiatives impacting energy efficiency
We are seeking individuals with a commitment to producing consistently high quality
results for our clients, who have experience leading multi-disciplinary teams to
create effective client outcomes, and who have excellent speaking and presentation
skills
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Economics, Marketing or Information Technology.
MBA preferred.
For more information or to forward your resume, please contact Carmen Calabro
724-746-5810, or email carmencalabro@bass-us.com
Coal Program Officer for the Energy Foundation
Submitted by sprowles on April 29, 2008 - 2:26pm.The Energy Foundation is growing. We are seeking a Program Officer to lead the
Foundation' s coal plant resistance program.
Energy Foundation Overview:
Founded in 1991, the Energy Foundation is a grantmaking foundation whose mission is
to assist in a national and global transition to a sustainable energy future by
advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Foundation's work is largely
focused on mitigating global climate change. Its geographic focus is on the United
States and China, the largest and fastest growing energy
markets in the world.
The Energy Foundation believes a sustainable energy future is one in which the
supply and use of energy help promote and maintain high living standards. Key
elements of such a future are: (1) more efficient energy use and a successful
transition from conventional to renewable energy; (2) maintenance of the earth's
ecological systems and the life-supporting services they provide; (3) provision of
energy at reasonable cost; and, (4) equitable distribution of energy services to
different members of the population, both internationally and within nations.
The following overarching strategic premise drives the Energy Foundation to focus
its grantmaking on public policy:
1. New technologies can grow the economy with far less pollution.
2. Policy shapes energy markets, determining which technologies are developed and ultimately thrive.
3. Intelligent philanthropy can influence energy policy, thus leveraging billions
of dollars of investment in the energy sector and stimulating dramatic reductions
in global warming pollution.
The Foundation is headquartered in San Francisco and also has an office located in
Beijing, China. The Foundation has 44 staff members (23 in the San Francisco office)
and a 2007 budget of approximately $60 million. For more information about the
programs of the Energy Foundation please review the website:
www.ef.org
Coal Resistance Program Overview:
The Energy Foundation began funding work to resist construction of new coal-fired
power plants late in 2003. The objective has been to avoid a 60-year lock-in of
carbon emissions from the 120 new coal-fired power plants proposed in the U.S. This
work began in the Intermountain West states, expanded to the Upper Midwest and Texas
in 2005, and to Florida, the Carolinas and the Lower Plains states in 2007. Today
our grantees are resisting about 45 plants that are in active permitting, while
making the case that clean alternatives can meet customer demand at competitive
costs. Since 2003, our grantees have helped block more than 38 proposed coal power
plants, including recent dramatic wins in Kansas, Texas, and Florida.
Program Officer:
The Program Officer will be based in San Francisco and report to David Wooley, Vice
President for Domestic Policy Initiatives and Program Director for the Power
Utilities Program. The Program Officer will take charge of grantmaking to resist
new coal-fired power plants, managing a $7-10 million grant portfolio and budget.
He or she will also:
* help develop and refine program strategies and campaign tactics;
* conduct targeted research;
* solicit and review proposals;
* write dockets for board consideration;
* evaluate the impact of individual grants;
* maintain relationships with grantees, other funders, and other experts in the field;
* initiate strategy calls and meetings;
* engage directly in the field as needed; and
* help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the Energy Foundation's funding partners.
The Program Officer may also help liaison with related efforts in China and Europe.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes
The Program Officer should ideally embody the following professional qualifications
and personal attributes:
* A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Energy Foundation.
* A strong understanding of regulation of air pollution and electric utilities.
* Experience with sophisticated advocacy campaigns.
* Comfort with qualitative and quantitative policy analysis and assessment of energy and pollution impacts.
* Incisive, independent, analytic mind.
* A track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex situations.
* Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
* Experience creating collaboration among a network of organizations or companies.
* Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
* Ability to work well in a team; enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
* Willingness to travel.
Desirable attributes, but not required: (1) a background in project finance, (2)
professional experience and relationships in the Midwest or Southeast. Masters or
other advanced degree preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Energy Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is
commensurate with experience.
Start Date: Immediate
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter explaining how their skills and
background fit this position and a resume to Craig Appel, Director of Partner
Relations, The Energy Foundation, 1012 Torney Ave. #1, San Francisco, CA 94129.
FAX 415-561-6709 EMAIL: craig@ef.org
Climate Program Officer for Energy Foundation
Submitted by sprowles on April 29, 2008 - 2:22pm.The Energy Foundation is growing. We are seeking a Program Officer for the Climate
Program.
Energy Foundation Overview:
Founded in 1991, the Energy Foundation is a grantmaking foundation whose mission is
to assist in a national and global transition to a sustainable energy future by
advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Foundation's work is largely
focused on mitigating global climate change. Its geographic focus is on the United
States and China, the largest and fastest growing energy
markets in the world.
The Energy Foundation believes a sustainable energy future is one in which the
supply and use of energy help promote and maintain high living standards. Key
elements of such a future are: (1) more efficient energy use and a successful
transition from conventional to renewable energy; (2) maintenance of the earth's
ecological systems and the life-supporting services they provide; (3) provision of
energy at reasonable cost; and, (4) equitable distribution of energy services to
different members of the population, both internationally and within nations.
The following overarching strategic premise drives the Energy Foundation to focus
its grantmaking on public policy:
1. New technologies can grow the economy with far less pollution.
2. Policy shapes energy markets, determining which technologies are developed and ultimately thrive.
3. Intelligent philanthropy can influence energy policy, thus leveraging billions
of dollars of investment in the energy sector and stimulating dramatic reductions
in global warming pollution.
The Foundation is headquartered in San Francisco and also has an office located in
Beijing, China. The Foundation has 44 staff members (23 in the San Francisco office)
and a 2007 budget of approximately $60 million. For more information about the
programs of the Energy Foundation please review the website: www.ef.org
Climate Program Overview:
Halting global warming at 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures-the threshold
supported by an increasing number of scientists and analysts-means that U.S. and
global carbon emissions must peak before 2015 and decline steeply after that. A
recent analysis sponsored by six major foundations ("Design to Win," California
Environmental Associates, August 2007) finds that global CO2 savings of 30 gigatons
will be needed by 2030 to meet the 2°C goal.
If we are to succeed in meeting this daunting challenge, the U.S. must establish
national policy in the next few years that sets an immediate firm limit on
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drives emissions down over time. More
specifically, the Energy Foundation's Climate Program seeks to achieve national
carbon policy that puts a price on carbon, immediately reverses the growth in GHG
emissions and sets the U.S. on a trajectory of 60 to 80 percent reductions by 2050,
prevents additional investment in new high-carbon infrastructure, works in tandem
with sector-specific and state-level policies, and promotes U.S. re-engagement in
international negotiations over a climate treaty. Achieving such a policy in the
next few years is at the outside edge of what is politically conceivable today.
The Climate Program's task is to accelerate work on policy design questions (such as
allocation of carbon permits, cost containment, and linkages to state policies) and
build political support for a strong policy. Our strategies to build political
support include continuing the progress on precedent-setting policies at the state
and regional levels, earning media attention, supporting economic analysis, engaging
non-environmental constituencies, and organizing in states and districts.
The Energy Foundation's Climate Program has a strong history of helping to build
momentum for U.S. climate policy at the state level. The Climate Program has been
the largest funder behind the successful efforts to get governors from both parties
all across the country to step out on global warming, and to establish state and
regional climate policy precedents. Twenty-four states are now working on
cap-and-trade and an additional seven states are preparing comprehensive climate
plans. The Climate Program will continue to support these efforts, while it also
expands to fund more work aimed directly at national policy.
Program Officer:
The Program Officer will be based in San Francisco and report to Marcus Schneider,
Climate Program Director. The Program Officer, Program Director, and Program
Associate Jane Bloch will work as a team to achieve the Climate Program objectives.
The Program Officer will work with the Program Director to develop and refine
program goals, strategies, and priorities. The Program Officer will also:
* manage a grants portfolio and budget (approximately $4 million to start) aimed at winning specific policy objectives;
* solicit, review, and recommend proposals for funding;
* write dockets for board consideration;
* evaluate the impact of individual grants;
* maintain relationships with grantees, other funders, and other experts and leaders in the field;
* initiate strategy calls and meetings as needed;
* engage directly in the field as needed; and,
* help prepare compelling proposals and reports for the Energy Foundation's funding partners.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes:
The Program Officer should ideally embody the following professional qualifications
and personal attributes:
* A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Energy Foundation.
* At least five to seven years' experience in the fields of energy or climate policy, either in policy development, policy execution, or campaigning.
* Comfort with qualitative and quantitative energy and climate policy analysis.
* An insightful, independent analytic mind.
* A strong track record of applying sound political and strategic judgment in complex situations.
* Experience negotiating with government officials or business leaders.
* Experience creating collaboration among networks of organizations or companies.
* Proven ability to initiate and manage projects.
* Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
* Ability to work well in a team; enthusiastic personality; sense of humor.
* Willingness to travel.
We are especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following
attributes, though these are not required: (1) a background in economic analysis,
(2) professional experience and relationships in either the Midwest or Southeast,
(3) professional background in and relationships with non-environmental
constituencies important to the climate debate (e.g., labor unions, Latino
organizations), (4) grantmaking experience. Masters or other advanced degree
preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Energy Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a salary that is
commensurate with experience.
Start Date: Immediate
How to Apply
Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter explaining how their skills and
background fit this position and a resume to Craig Appel, Director of Partner
Relations, The Energy Foundation, 1012 Torney Ave. #1, San Francisco, CA 94129.
FAX 415-561-6709 EMAIL: craig@ef.org
Risk Analyst for the Clean Energy Program with the Union of Concerned Scientists
Submitted by sprowles on April 29, 2008 - 2:12pm.The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Risk Analyst to use
risk-analysis methods to evaluate energy resource and global warming mitigation
options. We seek to better evaluate, document and communicate the benefits of
efficiency and renewable energy strategies to hedge against future risks associated
with emissions, fuel prices, and other factors. Evaluate costs, benefits and risks
of decisions to invest in or delay decisions on new power plants, from perspective
of utilities, regulators, investors, and large corporate energy consumers. The
candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team in our Clean Energy and Climate
Change Programs to advance strong clean energy and climate policies and regulations.
Candidates must have a solid background in risk-analysis and valuation
methodologies, with knowledge of energy technologies and decision-making preferred.
UCS is a leading science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy planet
and a safer world. UCS was founded in 1969 and currently has a membership and
activist base of more than 100,000, a staff of over 100, and offices in Cambridge
(MA), Washington (DC), and Berkeley (CA).
Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Clean Energy Program Research
Director, the Risk Analyst will:
* use risk-analysis and decision analysis methods to quantify the costs, benefits
and risks of energy alternatives in a world of uncertain fuel prices, emission
constraints and other variables;
* evaluate energy portfolios consisting of mix of demand-side management and
energy supply options; quantify and communicate benefits of demand-side and
supply-side options, especially renewable energy technologies, as hedges against
risk;
* critique planning methodologies of utilities, regulators, and independent analyses of energy scenarios;
* analyze the risks of future regulations on carbon dioxide emissions, increasing
financing and capital costs, higher fuel and transportation costs, natural gas
price volatility, and other potential risk factors;
* help upgrade the treatment of risk in UCS economic and environmental analyses;
* provide comments and testimony in utility long-term planning and procurement proceedings for new generation,;
* incorporate the information into reports, facts sheets, and white papers;
* write testimony for coal plant proceedings;
* develop and deliver presentations to the financial community, businesses, policymakers, and the media; and
* train other advocates and grassroots groups for use in coal plant campaigns.
Qualifications: Knowledge of options and decision analysis and other risk analysis
methods, and ability to apply to analyzing the risks of energy alternatives.
Applicants should possess an advanced degree in business, finance, economics,
mathematics, engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience. Strong
quantitative, research, and communication skills are required. Proficiency with
computer models, spreadsheets, word processing, and powerpoint is necessary.
Knowledge of energy technologies and economics is a major plus.
Experience: Position requires at least 1-3 years of experience conducting and
understanding risk analysis. Experience working with the financial community is
highly desirable.
Position Details: This position will be based at UCS's Cambridge office. Salary
commensurate with experience and training. Excellent benefits. UCS is an equal
opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
To Apply: Please submit cover letter referencing where you learned of this job
opening, resume, and 1-3 page writing sample by Friday, May 9, 2008 via email to
cleanenergy@ucsusa.org with a subject line of "Risk Analyst."