Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: modeling, project management, risk, Risk management, stochastic analysis
Projects are done based on assumptions. Whether the assumptions are on performance, or cost, or benefits, they are still “assumptions”. How good are they? Can you make them better?
When a typical spreadsheet analysis is done, it is done with ‘deterministic” values. We expect the value to be “6”. Yet, we know that the number could be as low as 4 and as high as 9. We expect 6, but there is a belief that the value could vary. What effect could that variance have on your project?
What happens in a complex project when you have a lot of variables. What happens if all of your assumptions are too high? Too low? Rudd Asset Management (RAM) can help you find out.
RAM can help you model your projects with “stochastic” analysis. We can work with you to understand your assumptions and model them to allow for variance. What happens if everything goes wrong? If you do experience a “big bad outcome”, how “bad” is it? RAM can help you allow for it.
Risk is part of all projects. But, you do not have to ignore it. You can allow for it. You can make better projections. Let RAM show you how!
Rudd Asset Management (RAM) specializes in energy efficient power plant designs that are fueled by green renewable fuels. Let us show you how to put biomass fuels to work for your energy needs. Contact us at (219) 476-6911.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Biomass, Green power. Renewable power, retail power prices, solar, wholesale electric prices, wind power
Today there is a lot of focus on green renewable power. The Federal government has made green renewable power a priority. But, what makes a good green power project? Some states are better than others for various reasons. How do you differentiate them? How do you evaluate them?
Where are the “greenest” pastures? Rudd Asset Management (RAM) can help.
RAM has developed proprietary software that can quickly identify the best green projects for you. We can tell you what states have the highest wholesale power prices, the highest retail power prices, what the green power premiums are in each state, what biomass fuels exist in each state and how much reliable supply is there. We have the data you need.
RAM can help you identify the best state for your type of green power project, whether they are solar, wind or biomass. RAM can help you understand your options and can advise you on how to maximize your project’s value. Sound interesting? Contact RAM to see how we can help you get your projects going forward today.
Rudd Asset Management (RAM) specializes in energy efficient power plant designs that are fueled by green renewable fuels. Let us show you how to put biomass fuels to work for your energy needs. Contact us at (219) 476-6911.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Biomass, Demand Side Management, DSM, Green Power, Renewable Power, Smart Grid, solar power, wind power
Another popular topic that has value in America’s effort to use energy more efficiently is Demand Side Management (DSM). But, what is that anyway.
Simply stated, it attacks the problem from the “demand” side of the economics puzzle. When we build plants to meet America’s energy needs, we are working on the “supply” side. There is a need for both in a good solution for America.
Utilities often like Demand Side Management when it allows them to delay building a new electric generation plant. These plants are very expensive. If the load can be “managed” such that the new plant can be delayed, everyone wins.
I worked for a utility for a long time. I helped design Demand Side Management systems. They are diverse. Some work better than others. But, a well designed DSM program can be a win for everyone.
The ability to reduce load demand when power is in tight supply, the conversion to high energy efficiency lighting, motors, appliances, …. The list is pretty big. The development of a “smart grid” that will allow us to use these tools is coming.
America has a lot of good tools to use to improve our energy supply and independence. DSM is one of our good tools.
If you have interest in DSM, let RAM show you how you can put the power of DSM to work for you.
Rudd Asset Management (RAM) specializes in energy efficient power plant designs that are fueled by green renewable fuels. Let us show you how to put biomass fuels to work for your energy needs. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Renewable Power, Green Power, distributed generation, cogen, CHP, Biomass, opportunity fuels, DG, energy efficiency
Some of you that read my site regularly might take a “double take” on this title. You might remember in August of 2008 I said “Pickens got it right”. Have I changed my mind? Nope! Read on.
T. Boone Pickens got it right in the sense that America needs to free itself of its dependence on foreign energy sources. The reliance on people who “don’t really like us” is dangerous for America.
I am in complete agreement that we need to develop renewable energy sources. Wind and solar all have their place in the mix. But, let’s not forget biomass.
Take a moment and close your eyes and imagine the area that you live in. Imagine the buildings are gone for a moment. What do you see; probably a “sea of green”. You are surrounded by biomass fuel sources.
My company focuses on the generation of green renewable power using biomass sources of fuel. Since it is an annual renewable fuel source, it is “carbon neutral”. We do not add to the CO2 level in the atmosphere.
The difference in my generation is that I build power plants using Combined Heat and Power designs that result in getting my plant efficiency up from a typical power plant’s efficiency of 35 – 40 % to over 90 %! I use Distributed Generation designs to keep the generation plant size smaller and place it closer to the electric power user. This avoids the need for hundreds of miles of transmission lines and needless line losses that occur as the power travels along the wires.
Pickens almost got it right. America can do it right!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in energy efficient power plant designs and in the development and operation of green renewable power. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Biomass, Carbon Neutral, cogen, distributed generation, Green Power, opportunity fuels, Renewable Power, waste fuels
Occasionally you may read the term “carbon neutral”. This is often mentioned as a value of biomass fuels. But, what is it and what does it mean?
The simple answer it is part of a repeating cycle. It does not increase the amount of carbon released to the atmosphere. It simply cycles over and over again.
In fact, coal and natural gas could be thought of as carbon neutral. Both of these fuels are formed when plants grow, taking CO2 out of the air. Then, the plants may become trapped in a swamp or at the bottom of the sea and slowly, over millions of years, the coal and natural gas is formed. But, note the time frame, millions of years! Because the carbon being released into the air from burning coal or natural gas has not been in the atmosphere for millions of years, it is effectively “adding” to the carbon accumulation.
Biomass is different! Its “cycle” time can be months! Selected plants are grown as “energy crops”. They are grown to be used for energy. An example might we switch grass. As the crop grows, it removes CO2 from the air through normal photosynthesis. The carbon does not go away. It stays in the plant. The oxygen is given off as the plant cleans the air.
Once the plant is harvested and burned for its energy, it gives the carbon off again. But, the cycle is quickly repeated, so the amount of carbon remains fixed. It is carbon neutral. Depending on the length of growing season of the energy crop, the cycle may be less than a year in a nice warm, southern, climate!
So, we say biomass can be “carbon neutral”. It is yet another advantage of the abundant energy source that is all around us!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in energy efficient power plant designs and in the development and operation of green renewable power. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Biomass, Green Power, Power, Renewable Power, cogen, distributed generation, methane, opportunity fuels, solar power, waste fuels, wind power | Tags: Biomass, cogen, distributed generation, methane, opportunity fuels, Power, Renewable Power, solar power, waste fuels, wind power
Those of you who read my blogs have heard us talk about green renewable fuels. RAM is focused on green renewable power development using biomass fuels, opportunity fuels and waste fuels. Today, people are very interested in green renewable power sources. America has an addiction to oil and it has to stop! But, how?
Waste fuels can be a part of the solution! We at RAM are discovering ways to use things that others view as waste and making them a positive contribution to America!
It can be manures from animals, animal carcasses, sewage sanitation plant materials, landfill gases, old discarded food stocks, tires, ……… Yuk! The list is long and the energy content can be quite high. This is precisely the “energy” that America can use to break our dependence on imported oil!
RAM looks for ways to use efficient plant designs to take a “waste” and to make it a “resource”. By building efficient generation close to energy demands using waste fuels, we get a “two fer”! We rid our country of a “waste”. We create a fuel source!
Lets help America break its dependence on imported oil! Lets clean up our environment. Let’s secure our energy future! Perhaps your site can use a waste to fuel energy supply! Give Rudd Asset Management a call to find out!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in energy efficient power plant designs and in the development and operation of green renewable power. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Biomass, Green Power, Landfill Gas, Renewable Power, distributed generation
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is touted by some as an important way for America to assure itself of energy in the future. Currently, LNG supplies about 2.8 % of the nation’s natural gas supply (EnergyBiz Insider newsletter, 12/7/07, www.energycentral.com). That percentage is expected to grow to 16 % by 2030. But, is that a solution or a short term band aid?
LNG has its values. But, it has its problems as well. Concerns about terrorism, price volatility, reliability, … But, it is a source of natural gas. It has to be considered. But, is it to be counted on?
Development of reliable green renewable power sources offer a better option. It is a domestic fuel source. It can be a solution for the local communities to utilize a waste product, and it helps the environment!
Does green renewable power fit your needs? Will it provide the energy advantage that you need for your business to grow? To survive? Give Rudd Asset Management a call to find out. We are in the options business; your options!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in the development and operation of green renewable power and green fuel supply. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Biomass, Green Power, Renewable Power, cogen, distributed generation, opportunity fuels
Some of you have seen my articles and my reference to “opportunity fuels”. Perhaps you have wondered, “What is that?”. Don’t feel embarrassed. If it was well known, the fuel would probably not be an opportunity fuel! It is often an unknown resource!
Opportunity fuels are called that because they are fuels that are currently unused. They are the unpopular types of fuel that we see all around us! Perhaps they are a little harder to plant, to grow, to harvest, … Perhaps they were a little more expensive than coal or natural gas. Perhaps ………
Whatever the reason, things have changed! America needs clean renewable fuel sources. Opportunity fuels present us a golden opportunity!
There are fuels that we can grow locally on land that is unsuitable for growing edible foods. Instead of diverting food stocks, we can put idle land in service to help us break the threat of imported oil!
What are some “opportunity fuels? Start reading and listening for new plants and technologies. New fuels are announced all the time. The times are changing! Opportunity fuels will be a part of the new American energy scene!
Want some examples of opportunity fuels? Call or send us an Email. We can tell you what RAM is doing to help America develop a sustainable energy program!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in energy efficient power plant designs and in the development and operation of green renewable power. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Biomass, Green Power, cogen, distributed generation, methane, opportunity fuels, solar power, wind power
In a word. Yes! You bet! America is betting on it!
We hear about the explosive growth in wind power. We hear about the future of solar energy. But, biomass is already an important resource for America and it will become even more so!
Today, biomass, waste fuels, and opportunity fuels are making great progress to becoming part of America’s energies of the future. Fuels like this exist in every State! Wherever you go, they grow something. Why not put it to work! Rudd Asset Management is developing mid size power plants that can be powered by these fuels. Because they are renewable, the supply is potentially unlimited.
Because you are taking CO2 out of the air as you grow the plant and then returning it to the environment when you “burn” it, you do not increase the CO2 levels in the environment. You keep them the same! You are “carbon neutral”. Fuels like coal, oil and natural gas cannot say that! Their CO2 was put in the ground millions of years ago, so it is a new addition of CO2 to our already troubled environment.
The potential of biomass energy uses is growing quickly! Watch the news! Look out wind and solar! The competition is picking up! America is going to be better because of it! It is a dispatchable form of electric energy that can fill the gaps that wind and solar create when the wind does not blow or the sun is not shining! Biomass can be part of the “go to” energy source that America needs!
Are you interested in a renewable energy source for your business? Perhaps we can develop a biomass plant on your site. Is biomass right for you? Contact Rudd Asset Management to find out!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in energy efficient power plant designs and in the development and operation of green renewable power. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Filed under: Biomass, Green Power, Renewable Power, cogen, distributed generation, methane, opportunity fuels, solar power, wind power
In a word. Yes! You bet! America is betting on it!
We hear about the explosive growth in wind power. We hear about the future of solar energy. But, biomass is already an important resource for America and it will become even more so!
Today, biomass, waste fuels, and opportunity fuels are making great progress to becoming part of America’s energies of the future. Fuels like this exist in every State! Wherever you go, they grow something. Why not put it to work!
Rudd Asset Management is developing mid size power plants that can be powered by these fuels. Because they are renewable, the supply is potentially unlimited.
Because you are taking CO2 out of the air as you grow the plant and then returning it to the environment when you “burn” it, you do not increase the CO2 levels in the environment. You keep them the same! You are “carbon neutral”. Fuels like coal, oil and natural gas cannot say that! Their CO2 was put in the ground millions of years ago, so it is a new addition of CO2 to our already troubled environment.
The potential of biomass energy uses is growing quickly! Watch the news! Look out wind and solar! The competition is picking up! America is going to be better because of it! It is a dispatchable form of electric energy that can fill the gaps that wind and solar create when the wind does not blow or the sun is not shining! Biomass can be part of the “go to” energy source that America needs!
Are you interested in a renewable energy source for your business? Perhaps we can develop a biomass plant on your site. Is biomass right for you? Contact Rudd Asset Management to find out!
Rudd Asset Management specializes in energy efficient power plant designs and in the development and operation of green renewable power. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.
Tags and Categories: Green Power, Biomass, Renewable Power, cogen, distributed generation, opportunity fuels, wind power, solar power, methane.
