Mary Ann Wright, Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Controls-Saft Advanced Power Solutions
There's an interesting race going on these days between rising gas prices and battery technology, and it's easy to see who we're hoping will win: If the technology dominates, we'll be seeing cars that get up to 100 miles per gallon.
Right now gas prices appeared to be taking the lead at more than $4 a gallon. But two recent major developments are providing a boost for lithium-ion batteries, the technology being developed by Johnson Controls-Saft that's the odds-on favorite for the next generation of electrified powertrain cars.
First, a test fleet of Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) was announced by the Department of Energy. Powered by lithium-ion batteries from Johnson Controls-Saft, the demonstration fleet will initially roll out in Southern California. The project will examine the value proposition of PHEVs as part of a complete vehicle, home and grid energy system. The fleet test is part of an ongoing collaboration among Ford, Johnson Controls-Saft, Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Electric Power Research Institute.
The 20-vehicle fleet will be tested first in California by SCE and later by other utilities in the New York/ New Jersey area, to help determine regional differences in vehicle usage and performance, as well as how PHEVs will affect the electric grid system and associated infrastructure requirements.
PHEVs have the ability to drive an extended range on electric-only power, can significantly reduce emissions and can improve fuel economy. The first unit was delivered to California in December 2007; additional units will be on the road this summer.
Also, recently Johnson Controls-Saft was awarded an $ 8.2 million dollar, two-year contract by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium to develop Li-Ion battery system technology for both 10-mile and 40-mile range PHEVs. The contract technology efforts will focus on tailoring the cell design, thermal management performance and system cost for the differing demands of 10- and 40-mile range applications. External funding for this 50 percent cost-shared program is provided by the U. S. Department of Energy.
We're excited to be advancing the technology, which provides so many positive elements, including a cleaner environment, green collar jobs and best of all - hope for people who don't want to be left home because of high gas prices.
Energy Efficiency Forum Looks to a Post-Partisan Future June 16, 2008 Posted by: johnsoncontrols 09:02 PM
By Barry Worthington, Executive Director, U.S. Energy Association
The National Press Club ballroom was packed with not only a who’s who in energy policy, but also with the people around the country who are responsible for leading energy decisions in their businesses, school districts, hospitals, colleges and local governments. Indeed, the mayors of Seattle, Trenton, N.J., and York, Penn. had earlier participated in a rousing panel talking about the need for local action as the country awaits a national climate change policy. The audience’s engagement at that point was tremendous, but it’s not the moment I’m referring to.
Nor was it immediately after the speeches by the Obama and McCain surrogates – Jason Grumet of the National Commission on Energy Policy and former Senator and Governor George Allen, respectively. Both did an outstanding job of providing a glimpse of what we can expect with a new administration, no matter who is at the helm.
The moment didn’t occur during U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman’s keynote address, which touched on some of the Bush Administration’s advances in energy policy over the past eight years. His strong assertion that the American people are calling for action and taking action themselves said a great deal about the changing landscape of public opinion.
No, the moment took place during an amazing presentation by author and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. It started with his reading – for the first time in the United States, he noted – from his forthcoming book, "Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How It Can Renew America." He then described a world with a burgeoning middle class that increasingly is looking for the same material comforts that Americans and Europeans enjoy. The energy it will take to enable those comforts combined with the growing impact of climate change creates some very tangible economic, social and environmental threats to our own existence
I briefly turned my head from my place near the front of the audience and looked around. At that moment, every single person in the room – the Democrats, the Republicans, the hospital administrators, the environmentalists – was leaning forward in his or her chair, actively listening to each word.
They all understood that energy demands will affect them in profound ways, and sooner than they ever thought. It didn’t matter what their political persuasion was, or what business they were in, or where they lived. It dawned on them, as it is beginning to become understood by many, that something has to be done.
Then I turned back to Mr. Friedman. He continued speaking in subdued tones with powerful messages about how Americans can benefit by working together to find solutions that will strengthen us as a country. It’s clear that energy efficiency will play a significant role in this post-partisan approach to solving problems.
I’m pleased that the Energy Efficiency Forum has contributed to the ongoing discussion. I’m looking forward to our 20th anniversary in 2009, when we can see how the next administration, Congress and all the local players will have in impact.
Barry Worthington is the Executive Director of the U.S. Energy Association, an association of public and private energy-related organizations, corporations, and government agencies. USEA represents the broad interests of the U.S. energy sector by increasing the understanding of energy issues, both domestically and internationally.
Energy Efficiency Adds to State Coffers June 09, 2008 Posted by: johnsoncontrols 08:57 PM
By Thomas F. Walther, Johnson Controls
Watch for state leaders and U.S. presidential candidates to turn to energy efficiency initiatives as a means to stimulating economic growth. A new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) concludes that energy efficiency can contribute to the growth of state economies, helping to reverse decreasing state tax coffers. The report, “Positive Returns: State Energy-Efficiency Analyses Can Inform U.S. Energy Policy Assessments,” includes a review of 48 state- and regional-level studies on energy efficiency performed over the last 15 years.
The authors determine that “energy efficiency will result in a small but net positive benefit for the American economy as a result of policies that emphasize investment-led energy efficiency improvements. These studies can inform the direction the United States must take to ensure viable energy security and climate change solutions.”
One especially interesting finding is that “a 20 percent efficiency gain by 2030 could provide an estimated 800,000 net jobs, while a 30 percent efficiency improvement might generate as many as 1.3 million net jobs.”
We’ve found that to be true as we work with many states to reduce energy use and the resulting carbon footprint in state-owned and –operated buildings.For instance, in the state of Indiana, where Johnson Controls is working on a project with the Indiana Department of Corrections, we’ve hired dozens of local contractors for work in replacing outdated boilers and lights, and upgrading energy systems.These “green collar jobs” are exactly what every state – indeed, the entire country – needs to face the challenges of not just the future, but the realities of today.By implementing energy efficiency programs, state and national leaders can have a huge impact.
Tom Walther is Johnson Controls Regional Sales Manager for State Government Solutions for the Eastern United States.
A Simple Approach to Solar Energy: Introducing SunKits to Wisconsin June 02, 2008 Posted by: johnsoncontrols 08:14 PM
By Judith Mouton
In May, Johnson Controls held the first Renewable Energy Non-Profit Summit in Milwaukee to help some 130 Wisconsin public sector and non-profit organizations learn about renewable energy options. These groups had an opportunity to hear about installing on- site renewable energy at their facilities, one of the best ways to move closer to energy independence and achieve environmental goals.
At the summit, Johnson Controls announced the availability of SunKits® in Wisconsin.These pre-engineered solar photovoltaic packages are manufactured in the United States by SolarWorld AG and are designed to help businesses and organizations overcome their apprehension of incorporating solar energy into their efficiency portfolio by making solar energy a hands-on, no-risk opportunity. We Energies and Wisconsin Focus on Energy are providing grants and incentives to ensure the installations are cost-effective.
Power produced from solar panels, wind turbines and biomass is helping schools, colleges and universities, state and local governments, businesses and other organizations stabilize their energy costs while showcasing leadership within the community. Renewable energy also illustrates environmental stewardship to employees, the community, and investors. By improving the reliability of energy supplies, offsetting the rising cost of fuel, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and meeting state renewable energy goals, Wisconsin’s public sector will directly contribute to a stronger local economy.
The Renewable Energy Non-Profit Summit helped Wisconsin’s public sector to participate in this ever expanding renewable energy market. We’ll be sponsoring another Summit in the fall with our partners in sustainability, We Energies and Focus on Energy.
Judith Mouton is the Renewable Energy Solutions Education manager for Johnson Controls, Inc.
Judy collaborates with colleges, universities, and national associations in the development of renewable energy education curricula and seminars. In addition, sheeducates public sector customers on potential grant funding sources for renewable energy projects.
