| Masonry Heater Association: formed to promote the bioenergy industry and to develop this potentially important sector in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. |
| Massachusetts Division Of Energy Resources: METI has wide-ranging responsibilities, including protection of the environment, global environment issues, the prevention of industrial pollution, and recycling of industrial wastes. |
| Materials Research Society: |
| Michael Fields Agricultural Institution: |
| Midwest Organic And Sustainable Food Service: |
| Motiva : Provides information on programs, resources and consumer tips. |
| Murmansk Oblast (Regional) Energy Efficiency Centre: / (added 09/2005) |
| National Alliance To End Homelessness: Sustainable agriculture, organic gardening and related books |
| National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium: |
| National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (Naftc): Promoting sustainable and organic agriculture |
| National Association Of Energy Service Companies (Naesco) : Responsible to the French Prime Minister, MIES is in charge of the elaboration of France’s official position at national, European and international level. It provides information on greenhouse gas emissions in France. |
| National Hydrogen Association Of Australia: |
| National Institute Of Advanced Industrial Science And Technology (Aist): Murmansk Oblast (Regional) Energy Efficiency Centre. Technology transfer and other issues for Murmansk Region. |
| National Science Foundation: AIST is an agency of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) that superintends 15 research institutes, which carry out R&D to develop wide-ranging industrial technology for the future. |
| National Solar Power Research Institute Inc : |
| National Wind Coordinating Committee (Nwcc): CENBIO is Brazil’s national centre for the exchange of R&D experience in the use of biomass as a source of energy. |
| National Wind Power: The Council is the operating agency of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. |
| National Wind Technology Center : Studies methods of improving wind turbine technology to make energy from the wind competitive with conventional energy sources. Part of NREL. |
| Natural Gas Vehicle Institute: The Natural Gas Vehicle Institute is North America’s leading provider of training and consulting services on subjects related to natural gas as an alternative vehicle fuel. / (added 09/2005) |
| Natural Resources Canada (Nrcan) : NRCan is a federal government department specialising in energy, minerals and metals, forests and earth sciences. |
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Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| Oao Gazprom: OAO Gazprom which is one of the biggest energy corporations and is responsible for heat supply in the Russian Federation |
| Oceanor Asa : The oceanographic company of Norway, OCEANOR, is a hi-tech company specialising in monitoring and information systems for oceans, rivers and lakes. It has carried out wave energy resource studies around the world. |
| Office Of Energy Efficiency (Oee) : Natural Resources Canada’s OEE promotes energy efficiency and the use of alternative transportation fuels through various programmes and initiatives aimed at the residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and transportation sectors. / (added 09/2005) |
| Office Of Scientific And Technical Information (Osti) : OSTI is responsible for co-coordinating the dissemination of scientific and technical information resulting from the US Department of Energy’s R&D and environmental programmes. |
| Organic Consumers Association: Deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, corporate accountability and environmental sustainability |
| Ornl Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy Program: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) conducts basic and applied R&D across a wide range of science and technology. This programme covers the area of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change activities. / (added 09/2005) |
| Pee – Plataforma Empresarial Eólica (Es): |
| Permaculture Institute Of Australia: About permaculture and PRI’s hands-on permaculture courses in ecological design, environmental restoration, appropriate technology and sustainable |
| Pew Center On Global Climate Change: The Pew Center on Global Climate Change is a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization dedicated to providing credible information and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change. |
| Planetary Engineering Group Earth: Know how to solve current environment problems and to advance to the age of solar energy / (added 09/2005) |
| Platform Bio-Energie:: The Platform Bio-Energie is the Dutch society, which promotes the interests of all the Dutch business involved in the biomass for energy chain. Members of the society represent the entire chain. |
| Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences: |
| Projects Of Undp Programme: Projects of UNDP Programme in Russia, including global climate abatement problems, e.g. energy save, small educational projects and renewable energy development tasks. / (added 09/2005) |
| Propane Gas Association Of Canada: |
| Propane Vehicle Council: |
Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| Nebraska Ethanol Board: |
| Nesa Group: NESA is a transmission system operator, supplying electricity and heat within Denmark. Its grid covers the area of Northern Zealand, Roskilde and most of Greater Copenhagen. |
| Netherlands Ministry Of Housing, Spatial Planning, And The Environment : The Ministry is responsible for the areas of housing (including government housing), physical planning and environmental matters. / (added 09/2005) |
| New Energy And Industrial Technology Development Organization (Nedo) : NEDO activities include the development of a range of coal technologies through its Clean Coal Technology Center. |
| New Energy Foundation : Japan’s New Energy Foundation was set up for the development and use of new energy sources, including renewable energy sources and clean coal technology. |
| New England Water Environment Association: for CT, NH, ME, MA, RI and VT states |
| New Mexico Solar Energy Association : Renewable Technologies & Sustainable Living since 1972. [Northern New Mexico]. |
| New York State Energy Research And Development Authority (Nyserda) : NYSERDA develops innovative solutions to energy and environmental problems via research and development projects. |
| Nobel Foundation: |
| Norsk Hydro : An industrial company based on the use of natural resources, working in the areas of food, energy and materials. It is involved in the use of natural gas for power production. / (added 09/2005) |
| North Carolina Propane Gas Association: |
| North Dakota Propane Gas Association: |
| Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium: |
| Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships: NEEP is a regional non-profit, that increases and coordinates energy efficiency and market transformation efforts in the US Northeast. |
| Northern California Solar Energy Association : All volunteer membership organization and a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society created to activate community support for solar energy. |
| Northern Territories Water & Wastewater Association: Northern Territories, Canada |
| Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance: Non-profit consortium in the U.S. Pacific Northwest working to transform markets for energy-efficient products and services. Online reports on products and technologies for industry, agriculture, homes, and other applications. |
| Northwest Energy Efficiency Council: Located in Seattle, Washington / (added 09/2005) |
| Norwegian Trade Council : The national resource centre for private enterprises and authorities in the fields of exports and internationalisation. The Council has information on Norwegian companies with expertise in GHG mitigation technologies. |
| Norwegian Water Resources And Energy Directorate (Nve) : NVE administers Norway’s water and energy resources, including the areas of hydrology, energy and international co-operation. |
| Nserc : |
| Nw Energy Coalition: An alliance of organizations promoting renewable energy and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. |
Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| Apec Center For Environmental Technology Exchange: |
| Ases (American Solar Energy Society): National organization building coalitions and providing technical support to strengthen local and regional river conservation efforts. |
| Association For Conservation Of Energy: The American Solar Energy Society promotes the use of all forms of solar energy. |
| Association Of Energy Engineers (Aee): national grassroots organization focused on the promotion of clean energy technologies. Mission is to protect and enhance federal and state government budgets devoted to clean energy technologies. |
| Association Of European Storage Battery Manufacturers: Asia-Pacific members set up this site to promote the dissemination of information and technology concerning environmental issues in their region. / (added 09/2005) |
| Association Of Metropolitan Water Agencies: Belgian association for the promotion of Renewable Energy |
| Associazione Nazionale Energia Del Vento (Anev): The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment. ASES promotes the widespread near-term and long-term use of solar energy. |
| Athena Sustainable Materials Institute: |
| Australian Electric Vehicle Association (Aeva): The Association of Energy Services Professionals International is a non-profit organization of utility executives, consultants, manufacturers, researchers, government regulators, and others concerned with providing value through energy services and efficiency. The AESP website has information on their services of conducting training courses, topical conferences, and workshops. Also published here are reports, books and a quarterly newsletter, Strategies. |
| Australian Wind Energy Association (Auswea): Primary objective is to be the unified and definitive voice for the largest publicly owned drinking water systems on regulatory, legislative and security issues. / (added 09/2005) |
| Austrian Biomass Association: The Italian Association of Wind Energy operators |
| Austrian Council On Climate Change (Accc): Not for profit institute – a world-leading source of data, expertise and tools for designing buildings with the environment in mind. |
| Austrian Wind Energy Association (A): ABARE is an independent applied economic research agency, which provides analyses and forecasts for Australia’s agricultural, minerals, energy, and fishing and forestry industries and on the quality of the environment. |
| Auswea (Australian Wind Energy Association): The Department addresses issues affecting industry, business, science and technology, research, resources, sport, recreation and tourism. |
Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| Recycling Association Of Minnesota: Located in Minnesota, United States |
| Refrigeration Service Engineers Society : |
| Regional Institute Of Environmental Technology (Riet) : RIET is a non-profit company set up to enhance environmental management and technology awareness, understanding and capability in Asia. It also promotes international environmental business partnerships and environmentally compatible flow of trade and investment with Asia. / (added 09/2005) |
| Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership: The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) is a coalition of progressive governments, businesses and organisations committed to accelerating the development of renewable and energy efficiency systems (REES). |
| Renewable Energy Policy Project (Repp) : Organization supports the advancement of renewable energy through policy research. |
| Research Council Of Norway: The Council develops the country’s research strategy and provides funding in the field of energy and climate research. |
| Rocky Mountain Institute: Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life sustaining. We do this by inspiring business, civil society, and government to design integrative solutions that create true wealth. Located in Snowmass, Colorado |
| Russian Natural Gas Vehicle Association: |
| Sacramento Area Water Works Association: Sacramento, CA / (added 09/2005) |
| Sage (Sustainability Action Group Exchange): A UK organisation set-up to disseminate information about sustainability. |
| Save Our Unique Lands: |
| Scientific And Technical Information Centre Of Russia (Vntic) : VNTIC is a leading information centre supported by the Ministry of Science and Technologies of the Russian Federation. It contains dissertations and reports on federally supported R&D programmes in science and technology, including the fields of energy and the environment. |
| Sierra Club Of Canada: The climate change campaign of the Sierra Club. |
| Smart Growth Bc: Smart Growth BC is a non-governmental organization devoted to fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible land use and development. |
| Society For Industrial Microbiology: |
| Solar Electric Power Association: collaboration of utilities, energy service providers, and the photovoltaic industry working together to create and encourage commercial use of new solar electric power business models. |
| Solar Energy Association Of Oregon : Located in Portland, Oregon. Public interest group dedicated to a permanently sustainable energy future through solar energy, renewable resources and other means. / (added 09/2005) |
| Solar Harvest Advocates : expanding the use of alternative energy and sustainable lifestyles in Montana and the mountain west. / (added 09/2005) |
| Solar Oven Society: Restoration of water pumping windmills. Water system design and consultation |
| South African Wind Energy Association (Za): |
| South Carolina Energy Office: Develops, implements energy efficiency and conservation projects throughout the state; provides SC-specific energy data, information. |
| South Carolina Hydrogen (Site Under Construction): |
| Southeast Energy Assistance (Sea): Nonprofit organization provides energy related repairs to low-income families in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Also provides minor plumbing repairs and water conservation devices. Services free to low-income households. |
| Southeastern Regional Biomass Energy Program (Serbep): encourages economic development through public/private partnerships that demonstrate bioenergy technology applications. |
| Straw Bale Association Of Texas: |
Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| BC Pellet Fuel Manufacturers Association: |
| Belgian Federation Of Water Services: |
| Bellona Foundation : Representing the Australian Wind Energy Community. Promotes wind energy as a valuable and viable energy resource providing news and information. |
| Biodiesel Association Of Australia: |
| Biomass Info Centre: Austrian Council on Climate Change / (added 09/2005) |
| Brazilian Association For Natural Gas Vehicles : all about wood pellets as an energy source. |
| British Association For Biofuels And Oils: Brussels, BE / (added 09/2005) |
| British Cryoengineering Society : An independent science-based foundation which aims to combat problems of environmental degradation, pollution-induced dangers to human health and the ecological impacts of economic development strategies. It presents feasible solutions and provides unbiased information on, for example, GHG mitigation topics. / (added 09/2005) |
| British Wind Energy Association (Bwea): Part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy outreach activities. |
| Buildings Technology Center (Btc) : Wind energy development, environmental benefits, contact information and media room. Commercial site with some technical content of a wind energy system provider company based in Australia. |
| Business Environmental Partnership (Bep): |
| Bwe – Bundesverband Wind Energie Ev German Wind Energy Association (D): Associação Brasileira do Gás Natural Veicula |
| Caddet Renewable Energy Programme : BABFO is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of transport fuels and oils from renewable sources. Biodiesel and Ethanol are the two key fuels. Membership of BABFO is drawn from a wide range of industry, including engineers, fuel companies, fuel users, farmers, agricultural merchants and environmentalists. |
| California Biomass Energy Alliance: |
| California Fuel Cell Partnership: Information on the wind energy industry in the UK, with news, FAQ, overview of UK wind farms, reports, and studies. The BWEA is the professional and trade body for all those involved in the wind energy industry in UK. |
| California Fuel Cell Partnership : This Department at Chalmers University of Technology carries out scientific research in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting, electric and control systems in buildings. |
| California Fuel Cell Partnersip : BTC at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a research facility devoted to the development of technologies that improve the energy efficiency and environmental compatibility of residential and commercial buildings. |
| California Hydropower Reform Coalition: Specializing in information to businesses throughout Scotland, offering advice and planning to identify cost savings through waste minimization, improved energy efficiency, and reduced water use. |
| California Institute For Energy Efficiency: |
| California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (CNGVC): The International Energy Agency’s CADDET Programme maintains a comprehensive site, which includes a database of renewable energy commercial-scale international projects, a range of brochures and other publications. |
| California Solar Energy Industries Association (Calseia): / (added 09/2005) |
| California Straw Building Association (CASBA): |
Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| Texas Rural Water Association: Austin, TX |
| The American Bamboo Society: has a great wealth of bamboo knowledge. Bamboo is a material that is sometimes used in construction of straw bale structures |
| The Association For The Conservation Of Energy: UK industry-supported organization that aims to encourage a positive national awareness of the need for and benefits of energy conservation. Site has several reports on these topics. |
| The Center For Maximum Potential Building Systems: / (added 09/2005) |
| The Development Center For Appropriate Technology: / (added 09/2005) |
| The European Commission (Ec) Directorate For Environment: The European Commission (EC) Directorate for Environment is responsible for policy relating to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development of the environment. |
| The French Natural Gas Vehicle Association: Association Française du Gaz Naturel pour Vehicules |
| The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Institute: |
| The International Energy Agency (Iea): The IEA is the energy forum for 26 Member countries. IEA Member governments are committed to taking joint measures to meet oil supply emergencies. They have also agreed to share energy information, to co-ordinate their energy policies and to co-operate in the development of rational energy programmes. / (added 09/2005) |
| The International Society For Optical Engineering (Spie): Organization dedicated to advancing engineering, scientific and commercial applications of optical, photonic, imaging, electronic, and optoelectronic technologies. |
| The Masonry Heater Association: Masonry heaters store heat and are the cleanest way to burn cordwood by far. Trade association. / (added 09/2005) |
| The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium: / (added 09/2005) |
| The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (Naftc): / (added 09/2005) |
| The National Hydrogen Association Of Australia: |
| The Nongovernmental Ecological Vernadsky Foundation: The Foundation financially supports some projects too. |
| The Regional Innovation Centre Energy Saving: The Regional Innovation Centre Energy Saving, dealt with energy efficiency in Nizhniy Novgorod Region. Nizhniy Novgorod State Technical University as an innovation basis. Is also committed to developing pilot projects of joint implementation within the Kyoto Protocol. |
| The Renewable Energy Certification System. : The RECS Group is a pan-European organisation representing industry, and supported by governments, which has the objective of fostering green certificate trading across Europe. Members are drawn from most European countries, and interest has been express |
| The Usda Fs Forest Products Laboratory: |
| The World Wind Energy Association: WWEA represents more than 140 members in more than 50 countries, mainly national associations, scientific institutes and companies. WWEA promotes wind energy on the global level by being a communication platform, providing technology transfer and influencing national and international policies. / (added 09/2005) |
| Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary: The Cyberlibrary is an electronic information service covering global warming, climate change, sea-level rise and related issues. |
| Toolbox Project: The Toolbox Project is an organisation, which promotes energy savings in Danish trade and industry. The Project is financed by the Danish Energy Agency. |
| Transportation Research Board (Trb) : TRB is a unit of the National Research Council, which promotes innovation and progress in transportation through conducting research, dissemination and encouraging implementation of the results. |
| Txses (Texas Solar Energy Society): Educational organization formed to promote solar and other renewable energy applications. / (added 09/2005) |
| U S Fuel Cell Council: industry association dedicated to fostering the commercialization of fuel cells in the United States. Members include international fuel cell developers, manufacturers, suppliers, and customers. |
| Uk Energy Systems Trade Association: Giving a useful overview of the industry, and specific business addresses, ESTA is the primary trade association for UK "energy conservation" service providers (also known as demand-side management or energy management). |
| Uk Landfill Gas Association: The UK Landfill Gas Website. / (added 09/2005) |
| Uk Permaculture Association: Provides information about the association, courses, UK links and general permaculture information. / (added 09/2005) |
| Unesco Water Portal: Oakland, CA |
| United States Forest Service: |
| Universities Council On Water Resources: Universities united to advance education and research in water resources. |
| US Country Studies Program : This Program provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries for climate change studies. Fifty-six countries currently participate in the Program. / (added 09/2005) |
| US Wind Energy Development Programmatic Eis Information Center : / (added 09/2005) |
| Usda Fs Forest Products Laboratory: |
| Usepa Landfill Methane Outreach Program: |
| Utility Wind Interest Group (Uwig): Nonprofit corporation established to accelerate the appropriate integration of wind power for utility applications. |
| Uwig (Utility Wind Interest Group): Nonprofit corporation established to accelerate the appropriate integration of wind power for utility applications. |
Links to Renewable (Alternative) Organizations
| Canada Centre For Mineral And Energy Technology (Canmet) Energy Technology Center (Cetc): A collaboration among auto manufacturers, oil companies, fuel cell companies and state government working to advance fuel cell technology. |
| Canadian Agricultural Energy End-Use Data And Analysis Centre (Caeedac) : A partnership of auto, oil and fuel cell companies and the State of California to demonstrate and advance fuel cell transportation technologies. |
| Canadian Agricultural New Uses Council (Canuc): Conservation and community organizations working to reduce the impacts of FERC licensed hydropower projects on the rivers of California. Contains relicensing resources. |
| Canadian Climate Action Network: An innovative University of California partnership of energy agencies, utilities, building industry, non-profits, and research entities designed to advance energy efficiency science and technology for the benefit of California and other energy consumers environment. |
| Canadian District Energy Association (CDEA): |
| Canadian Forest Service (CFS) : The California Straw Building Association probably has the highest concentration of big giant bale heads of any regional SB organization. I sat in on one of their meetings (in Angel’s Camp, where Mark Twain started writing his story about that Celebrated Jumping Frog), and was blown away. And they know how to party. |
| Canadian Gas Association (CGA: CETC is a research arm of Natural Resources Canada, working with the private and public sectors to develop the use of clean, energy-efficient technologies for buildings, industry, transportation and power production. |
| Canadian Hydrogen Association: |
| Canadian Natural Gas Vehicles Alliance: The Canadian Climate Action Network (CANet) is made up of more than 100 organizations across Canada working to protect the environment from harmful human interference of the atmosphere resulting in climate change. |
| Canadian Renewable Fuels Association: |
| Canadian Solar Association: CEA is the national forum and voice for the evolving electricity business in Canada. The site also includes international data. |
| Canadian Wind Energy Association (Canwea): CFS promotes the sustainable development of Canada’s forests. |
| Canmet Energy Technology Centre (CETC): CGA provides leadership in the continuing development of Canada’s gas and energy distribution industry. |
| Canwea (Canadian Wind Energy Association): |
| Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center: |
| Casba (California Straw Building Association): dedicated to development and promotion of biomass-based, environmentally beneficial transportation fuels, particularly ethanol and biodiesel. / (added 09/2005) |
| Ceert: For more than 25 years, CanSIA members from all segments of the solar industry have joined together to support, promote and advance all forms of solar energy for the benefit of Canadians and the environment. |
| Center For Electric Vehicle Experimentation In Quebec (Ceveq): Association established to promote use of wind energy in Canada. / (added 09/2005) |
| Center For Maximum Potential Building Systems: CETC is a research arm of Natural Resources Canada, working with the private and public sectors to develop the use of clean, energy-efficient technologies for buildings, industry, transportation and power production. |
| Centre For International Climate And Environmental Research – Oslo (Cicero) : Canadian Wind Energy Association |
| Centre For Jatropha Promotion: This site provides information about the consequences of carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere. / (added 09/2005) |
| Centre For Preparation And Implementation Of International Projects: The California Straw Building Association probably has the highest concentration of big giant bale heads of any regional SB organization. I sat in on one of their meetings (in Angel’s Camp, where Mark Twain started writing his story about that Celebrated Jumping Frog), and was blown away. And they know how to party. |
| Centre For The Analysis And Dissemination Of Demonstrated Energy Technologies – Renewable Energy Centre : |
| Centre Interprofessionnel Technique D’etudes De Le Pollution Atmosphérique (Citepa): |
| Childrens Health Environmental Coalition : This non-profit organisation uses a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle those problems, which damage the environment and affect the Earth’s climate. / (added 09/2005) |
DSE Energy Glossary
| M100 | 100 percent (neat) methanol used as a motor fuel in dedicated methanol vehicles, such as some heavy-duty truck engines. |
| M85 | a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent unleaded regular gasoline, used as a motor fuel. |
| Magma | hot, thick, molten (liquid) rock found beneath the Earth’s surface; formed mainly in the mantle. |
| Magnet | A piece of material that has the natural ability to attract iron. |
| Magnetic Declination | The number of degrees east or west of true south from magnetic south. |
| Magnetic Field | A detected force that exists around a magnet or electrical field. |
| Magneto Hydro Dynamics (Mhd) | A means of producing electricity directly by moving liquids or gases through a magnetic field. |
| Maintenance Free Battery | A sealed battery to which water cannot be added to maintain the level of the electrolyte solution. |
| Maintenance-Free Battery | A sealed battery to which water cannot be added to maintain electrolyte level. |
| Major Natural Gas Producer | any person who produces natural gas in amounts determined by the commission as having a major effect on energy supplies. MAJOR MARKETER |
| Majority Carrier | Current carriers (either free electrons or holes) that are in excess in a specific layer of a semiconductor material (electrons in the n-layer, holes in the p-layer) of a cell. |
| Mantle | the semi-molten interior of the Earth that lies between the core and the crust making up nearly 80% of the Earth’s total volume; extends down to a depth of about 1800 miles (2,900 kilometers) from the surface. |
| Marginal Cost | In the utility context, the cost to the utility of providing the next (marginal)kilowatt-hour of electricity, irrespective of sunk costs. |
| Market Clearing Price | The price at which supply equals demand. The Day Ahead and Hour Ahead Markets. |
| Market Participant | An entity, including a Scheduling Coordinator, who participates in the energy marketplace through the buying, selling, transmission, or distribution of energy or ancillary services into, out of, or through the ISO-controlled grid. |
| Market-Based Price | A price set by the mutual decisions of many buyers and sellers in a competitive market. |
| Marketer | An agent for generation projects who markets power on behalf of the generator.The marketer may also arrange transmission, firming or other ancillary services as needed. Though a marketer may perform many of the same functions as a broker, the difference is that a marketer represents the generator while a broker acts as a middleman. |
| Marsh Gas | A common term for gas that bubbles to the surface of the water in a marsh or swamp. It is colorless, odorless and can be explosive. |
| Master File | A file maintained by the PX for use in bidding and bid evaluation protocol that contains information on generating units, loads, and other resources eligible to bid into the PX. |
| Maximum Power Point | The point on a PV module’s voltage/amperage curve where the product of current and voltage is a maximum (measured in watts). |
| Maximum Power Point (MPP) | Operating a PV array at that voltage will produce maximum power. The point on the current-voltage (I-V) curve of a module under illumination, where the product of current and voltage is maximum. [UL 1703] This corresponds to the point on an I-V curve that represents the largest area rectangle that can be drawn under the curve. For a typical silicon cell panel, this is about 17 volts for a 36 cell configuration. |
| Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) | A power conditioning unit that automatically operates the PV generator at its MPP under all conditions. An MPPT will typically increase power delivered to the system by 10% to 40%, depending on climate conditions and battery state of charge. |
| Maximum Power Point Tracking (Mppt) | Electronically tracking the maximum power point of a PV module to achieve the highest possible output, by (in simplest terms) using surplus voltage to boost amperage. |
| Maximum Power Tracking | Operating a photovoltaic array at the peak power point of the array’s I-V curve where maximum power is obtained. Also called peak power tracking. |
| MCF | One thousand cubic feet or natural gas, having an energy value of one million Btu. A typical home might use six MCF in a month. |
| Mean Power Output (Of A Wind Turbine) | The average power output of a wind energy conversion system at any given mean wind speed. |
| Mean Wind Speed | The average wind speed over a specified time period and height above the ground. |
| Mechanical Energy | the energy an object has because of its motion or position and the forces acting on it. |
| Mechanical System | See HVAC system. |
| Median Wind Speed | The wind speed with 50% probability of occurring. |
| Megawatt | 1,000,000 watts of power or 1,000 kilowatts. |
| Megawatt (MW) | 1,000 kilowatts, or 1 million watts; standard measure of electric power plant generating capacity. |
| Megawatt Hour (MwH) | One thousand kilowatt-hours, or an amount of electricity that would supply the monthly power needs of 1,000 typical homes in the Western U.S. (This is a rounding up to 8,760 kWh/year per home based on an average of 8,549 kWh used per household per year [U.S. DOE EIA, 1997 annual per capita electricity consumtpion figures]). |
| Megawatt-Hour | 1,000 kilowatt-hours or 1 million watt-hours. |
| Megawatt-Hour (MwH) | 1,000 kilowatt-hours or 1 million watt-hours. |
| Met Tower | Meteorological towers erected to verify the wind resource found within a certain area of land. |
| Meter | A device which measures and records the production or consumption of electrical energy. |
| Methane | A light hydrocarbon that is the main component of natural gas and marsh gas. It is the product of the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, enteric fermentation in animals and is one of the greenhouse gases. Chemical formula is CH4. |
| Methane (Ch4) | the simplest of hydrocarbons and the principal constituent of natural gas. Pure methane has a heating value of 1,1012 Btu per standard cubic foot. |
| Methane Gas | A chemical compound that is a major part of natural gas. |
| Methanol (Also Known As Methyl Alcohol, Wood Alcohol, Ch3oh) |
a liquid formed by catalytically combining carbon monoxide (CO) with hydrogen (H2) in a 1:2 ratio, under high temperature and pressure. Commercially it is typically made by steam reforming natural gas. Also formed in the destructive distillation of wood. |
| Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) | an ether manufactured by reacting methanol and isobutylene. The resulting ether has a high octane and low volatility. MTBE is a fuel oxygenate and is permitted in unleaded gasoline up to a level of 15 percent. It is one of the primary ingredients in reformulated gasolines. |
| Microburst | A strong localized downdraft from a thunderstorm. Also called a downburst. |
| Microgroove | A small groove scribed into the surface of a cell which may be filled with metal for contacts. |
| Microhydro | Hydro-electric plants producing more than 100 watts and less than 2,000 watts. |
| Micrometer | One millionth of a meter. |
| Microwave | Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of a few centimeters. It falls between infrared and radio wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. The radio wave beam can deliver electrical energy over long distances. |
| Mil | One-tenth of one cent $0.001. |
| Milliamps | One Thousandth of an amp. |
| Mineralized | containing minerals; for example, mineralized geothermal water contains dissolved minerals from inside the Earth. |
| Minimum Generation | Generally, the required minimum generation level of a utility systemós thermal units. Specifically, the lowest level of operation of oil-fired and gas-fired units at which they can be currently available to meet peak load needs. |
| Minority Carrier | A current carrier, either an electron or a hole, that is in the minority in a specific layer of a semiconductor material; the diffusion of minority carriers under the action of the cell junction voltage is the current in a photovoltaic device. |
| Minority Carrier Lifetime | The average time a minority carrier exists before recombination. |
| Mistral | A penetrating, stormy, dry and cold wind that blows through the Rhone Valley of France toward the Mediterranean coast. |
| Modified Sine Wave | A waveform that has at least three states (i.e., positive, off, and negative). Has less harmonic content than a square wave. |
| Modularity | The use of complete sub-assemblies to produce a larger system. Also the use of multiple inverters connected in parallel to service different loads. |
| Module | An encapsulated panel containing a number of electrically connected PV cells. |
| Module Derate Factor | A factor that lowers the photovoltaic module current to account for field operating conditions such as dirt accumulation on the module. |
| Module De-Rating Factor | A factor that lowers the power output of a module to account for field operating conditions e.g. Dirt build-up on the module. |
| Molecule | The smallest group of atoms held together by electrostatic forces. |
| Molecules | extremely tiny particles of which all materials are made . |
| Monocrystalline Solar Cell | A form of solar cell made from a thin slice of a single large crystal of silicon. |
| Monolithic | Fabricated as a single structure, as used to describe thin film series interconnected PV cells on a single sheet substrate. |
| Monopoly | The only seller with control over market sales. |
| Monopsony | The only buyer with control over market purchases. |
| Monsoon | Any seasonal wind that blows toward a continent in summer and away from it in winter. |
| Motor | A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. |
| Movistor | Metal Oxide Varistor. Used to protect electronic circuits from surge currents such as those produced by lightning. |
| MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether) | A clean- burning oxygenate with high octane and low volatility added to unleaded gasoline to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. |
| Mud Pot (Paint Pot) | thermal surface feature which occurs where there is not enough water to support a geyser or hot spring even though there may be some hot water below. Steam and gas vapors bubble up through mud formed by the interaction of gases with rock. |
| Multi-Bladed | More than two blades. |
| Multicrystalline | A material that has solidified at a rate such that many small crystals (crystallites) form. The atoms within a single crystallite are symmetrically arranged with a particular orientation, whereas the crystallites themselves are differently oriented. The multitude of grain boundaries in the material (between the crystallites) reduce the cell efficiency. Multicrystalline is also referred to as polycrystalline. |
| Multicrystalline Cell | See POLYCRYSTALLINE CELL |
| Multijunction Device | A high-efficiency photovoltaic device containing two or more cell junctions, each of which is optimized for a particular part of the solar spectrum. |
| Multi-Junction Device | A PV device containing two or more cell junctions each of which may be different in nature and optimized to absorb a particular part of the solar spectrum in order to achieve higher overall cell efficiency. |
| Multi-Stage Controller | A charge controller that allows different charging currents as the battery approaches full state of charge. |
| Municipal Electric Utility | A power utility system owned and operated by a local jurisdiction. |
| Municipal Solid Waste | Locally collected garbage, which can be processed and burned to produce energy. |
| Municipal Utility | A provider of utility services owned and operated by a municipal government. |
| Municipalization | The process by which a municipal entity assumes responsibility for supplying utility service to its constituents. In supplying electricity, the municipality may generate and distribute the power or purchase wholesale power from other generators and distribute it. |
DSE Energy Glossary
| Landfill Gas | Gas generated by the natural degrading and decomposition of municipal solid waste by anaerobic microorganisms in sanitary landfills. The gases produced, carbon dioxide and methane, can be collected by a series of low-level pressure wells and can be processed into a medium Btu gas that can be burned to generate steam or electricity. |
| Landman | An in-house or independent land management consultant who negotiates terms of land leases with land owners. |
| Landscaping | Features and vegetation on a section of ground for decoration and/or energy conservation. |
| Langley | Unit of solar irradiance, one calorie per square centimeter. 1 L = 41.84 kj/m2. |
| Langley (L) | Unit of solar irradiance. One gram calorie per square centimeter. 1 L = 85.93 kwh/m2. |
| Laser | The light energy amplified by electrical impulses. |
| Latent Heat | A change in the heat content that occurs without a corresponding change in temperature, usually accompanied by a change of state (as from liquid to vapor during evaporation). |
| Latent Load | The cooling load caused by moisture in the air. |
| Latitude | A location’s distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees. |
| Lattice | The regular periodic arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystal of semiconductor material. |
| Lava | molten magma that has reached the Earth’s surface. |
| Lay Up | Lay up is another term for cold storage and describes the status of equipment (such as a power plant) that has been placed in storage ("mothballed") for latter use. |
| Layoff (Electric Utility) | Excess capacity of a generating unit, available for a limited time under the terms of a power sales agreement. |
| Lead Acid Battery | A battery that consists of lead based plates surrounded by a sulfuric acid electrolyte. |
| Lead-Acid Battery | A general category that includes batteries with plates made of pure lead, lead-antimony, or lead-calcium immersed in an acid electrolyte. |
| Leaded Gasoline | Gasoline containing tetraethyl lead, an important constituent in antiknock gasoline. Leaded gasoline is no longer sold in the United States. |
| Leading Edge | The blade edge that faces toward the direction of rotation. |
| Levanter | Wind that blows through the Straits of Gibraltar, funneled through the gap between the high plateau of Spain and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. |
| Life | The period during which a system can operate above a specified performance level. |
| Life Extension | A term used to describe capital expenses which reduce operating and maintenance costs associated with continued operation of electric utility boilers. Such boilers usually have a 40 year operating life under normal circumstances. |
| Life-Cycle Cost | The estimated cost of owning and operating a photovoltaic system for the period of its useful life. |
| Lifeline Rates | Rates charged by a utility company for the low income, the disadvantaged and senior citizens. The rates provide a discount for minimum necessary utilities, such as electricity requirements of typically 300 to 400 kilowatt/hours per month. |
| Lift | The force that pulls a wind turbine blade. |
| Light Emitting Diode | A semi conductor device composed of a p-n junction designed such that electrons emit visible light during their migration across the junction. |
| Light Emitting Diode (Led) | A semiconductor device composed of a PN junction designed such that electrons cause visible light during their migration across the junction. |
| Light Trapping | The trapping of light inside a semiconductor material by refracting and reflecting the light at critical angles; trapped light will travel further in the material, greatly increasing the probability of absorption and hence of producing charge carriers. |
| Light Water Reactor (Lwr) | A nuclear power unit that uses ordinary water to cool its core. The LWR may be a boiling water reactor or a pressurized water reactor. |
| Light-Induced Defects | Defects, such as dangling bonds, induced in an amorphous silicon semiconductor upon initial exposure to light. |
| Lightning | A static electrical discharge beween two clouds or between a cloud and the earth accompanied by a flash of light. |
| Lightning Arrestor | Devices that protect electronics from lightning-induced surges by carrying the charge to ground. |
| Lignite | Brownish black coal having qualities in between those of bituminous coal and peat. The texture of the original wood often is visible in lignite. |
| Line Loss | Voltage drop over a length or wire. You are at risk to this if your wire is too small for the load going through it or the voltage is too low for the distance it must travel. |
| Line Wire Loss | refers to the voltage or power lost due to the resistance of any wire or wires in any electrical circuit. |
| Line/Wire Loss | The voltage drop or energy loss due to the resistance of wire in an electrical circuit. See VOLTAGE DROP |
| Linear Current Booster | an electronic circuit that matches PV output directly to a motor. Used in array direct water pumping. |
| Linear Current Booster (Lcb) | An electronic circuit that matches PV output directly to a motor by converting unneeded voltage to higher usable current. Used in array-direct water pumping. |
| Line-Commutated Inverter | An inverter that is tied to a power grid or line. The commutation of power (conversion from direct current to alternating current) is controlled by the power line, so that, if there is a failure in the power grid, the photovoltaic system cannot feed power into the line. |
| Liquefaction | The process of making synthetic liquid fuel from coal. The term also is used to mean a method for making large amounts of gasoline and heating oil from petroleum. |
| Liquefied Gases | Gases that have been or can be changed into liquid form. These include butane, butylene, ethane, ethylene, propane and propylene. |
| Liquid Brine | A type of geothermal energy resource that depends on naturally occurring hot water solution found within the earth. Technology for this novel energy source is being developed in the Salton Sea area in Southern California. |
| Liquid Electrolyte Battery | A battery containing a liquid solution of an electrolyte in a solvent. Can be called a flooded battery too. |
| Liquid Petroleum Gas | See LPG. |
| Lng (Liquefied Natural Gas) | Natural gas that has been condensed to a liquid, typically by cryogenically cooling the gas to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (below zero). |
| Load | Anything that draws power from an electric circuit. |
| Load Centers | A geographical area where large amounts of power are drawn by end-users. |
| Load Circuit | The wire, switches, fuses, etc. That connect the load to the power source. |
| Load Current | The current required to power the electrical device. |
| Load Current (A) | The current required by the electrical device. |
| Load Diversity | The condition that exists when the peak demands of a variety of electric customers occur at different times. This is the objective of "load molding" strategies, ultimately curbing the total capacity requirements of a utility. |
| Load Factor | A percent telling the difference between the amount of electricity a consumer used during a given time span and the amount that would have been used if the usage had stayed at the consumer’s highest demand level during the whole time. The term also is used to mean the percentage of capacity of an energy facility |
| Load Management | Steps taken to reduce power demand at peak load times or to shift some of it to off-peak times. This may be with reference to peak hours, peak days or peak seasons. The main thing affecting electric peaks is air-conditioning usage, which is therefore a prime target for load management efforts. Load management may be pursued by persuading consumers to modify behavior or by using equipment that regulates some electric consumption. |
| Load Resistance | The electrical resistance of the load. |
| Loop Flow | The difference between scheduled and actual power flows on electric transmission lines. |
| Losses (Electric Utility) | Electric energy or capacity that is wasted in the normal operation of a power system. Some kilowatt-hours are lost in the form of waste heat in electrical apparatus such as substation conductors. LINE LOSSES are kilowatts or kilowatt-hours lost in transmission and distribution lines under certain conditions. |
| Low Voltage Cut-Off | The voltage at which a controller will disconnect the load from the battery. |
| Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) | The voltage level at which a charge controller will disconnect the load from the battery. |
| Low Voltage Disconnect | The voltage at which a charge controller will disconnect the load from the batteries to prevent over-discharging. |
| Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) | The voltage at which the charge controller will disconnect the load from the batteries to prevent over-discharging. |
| Low Voltage Disconnect Hysteresis | The voltage difference between the low voltage disconnect set point and the voltage at which the load will be reconnected. |
| Low Voltage Warning | A warning buzzer or light that indicates the low battery voltage set-point has been reached. |
| Low-E | A special coating that reduces the emissivity of a window assembly, thereby reducing the heat transfer through the assembly. |
| Low-E Glass | Glass coated with layers of metal or metal oxide. The coating emits very little radiation in the long-wave (infrared) spectrum, which diminishes heat loss from the building interior, and reduces heat gain in hot weather. |
| Low-Sulfur Oil | Oil having one percent or less of sulfur by weight. |
| LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) | A mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, mainly propane and butane that change into liquid form under moderate pressure. LPG or propane is commonly used as a fuel for rural homes for space and water heating, as a fuel for barbecues and recreational vehicles, and as a transportation fuel. It is normally created as a by-product of petroleum refining and from natural gas production. |
| Lumen | A unit of measurement quantifying the amount of light emitted from a light source. |
| Lumen Maintenance Control | An electrical control device designed to vary the electrical consumption of a lighting system in order to maintain a specified illumination level. |
| Lumens/Watt | A measure of the efficacy of a light fixture; the number of lumens output per watt of power consumed. |
| Luminaire | A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power supply. |
| Lux | A unit of illumination equal to the direct illumination on a surface that is everywhere one meter from a uniform point source of one candle; a unit of illumination that is equal to one lumen per square meter. Also see footcandle. |