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Alternative energy preview: Nuclear energy

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Greater Baltimore Committee article on alternative energy ahead of GBC’s 2007 Business Outlook Conference

Nuclear energy is one of the most efficient ways to generate electricity in the United States, according to its advocates. Nuclear power emits no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases and has the potential to produce expanded supplies of clean electricity on a global scale.

The natural resource for nuclear energy, uranium, is found in large quantities throughout the world, and has the ability to produce sustainable electricity at a fraction of the cost of fossil fuels, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA). A recent Stanford University study found that the fission of an atom of uranium produces 10 million times the energy created by the combustion of an atom of carbon from coal.

Nearly 20 percent of energy consumed in the U.S. is nuclear, and that number is expected to grow, the WNA reported. There are 104 commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S., and according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Peter B. Lyons, U.S. utilities will seek to build 17 new nuclear reactors at 11 sites.

The dangers associated with nuclear power generation and its waste disposal has declined significantly since the introduction of the technology in 1951. According to the WNA, more than 20,000 containers of spent fuel and high-level waste have been shipped safely, and with no harmful radioactive release.

However, opponents to nuclear power are concerned about the inherent risks associated with waste disposal. Nuclear waste remains radioactive for thousands of years, requiring safe disposal away from society until it loses significant radiation values. Many also fear the potential for a nuclear reactor meltdown similar to the 1986 Chernobyl accident, when 56 people died as a result of a flawed reactor design.

High construction costs are also a major concern. According to the independent research firm, Resources for the Future (RFF), based on estimates from vendors in the United States, a new 1,000 megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant would cost approximately $2 billion and take five years to build.

Maryland has two active nuclear reactor units located at the Calvert Cliffs site in Lusby, Md. In July 2007, Constellation Energy Group of Baltimore filed a partial application with the NRC, asking the commission to review environmental plans for the addition of a 1,600-megawatt reactor, the Washington Post reported. Nuclear power accounts for 14 percent of Maryland’s electricity output.

For more information about nuclear energy and power plants, visit the World Nuclear Association’s website.

Alternative energy preview: Wind power

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Greater Baltimore Committee article on alternative energy ahead of GBC’s 2008 Business Outlook Conference

Wind power is one of the cleanest ways to generate electricity, according to its advocates. Wind emits no pollution or toxins and is one of Earth’s most abundant resources, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

A recent study by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) found that state-of-the-art wind power plants can generate electricity for less than 5 cents/kWh; a price that is competitive with new coal and gas power plants. Supporters suggest that using modern wind farms in Maryland would also reduce smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions.

Wind turbines are also one of the safest forms of renewable energy. AWEA studies show, to date, no member of the public has ever been injured during the normal operation of a wind turbine, with more than 25 years operating experience and with more than 70,000 machines worldwide.

Popularity with wind power is also increasing, according to the AWEA study. Wind power serves more than 1.6 million U.S. households and has been the fastest growing renewable energy source over the past ten years, with an average annual growth rate of more than 20 percent.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, several areas of Maryland are estimated to have good-to-excellent wind resources. These include the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast, the southeastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and ridge crests west of Cumberland.

Nevertheless, wind power as an alternative energy source has drawn opposition in Maryland from residents in areas where wind farms have been proposed.  Detractors cite environmental concerns and the technology’s perceived inability to produce reliable power in consistent quantities.

Opponents to wind farms have raised concern over the noise produced by the rotor blades, aesthetics of the machinery, and inherent danger to surrounding wildlife.

Another drawback to wind energy is instability. Turbines rely on the wind, which can be intermittent and unpredictable. With the current technology, wind must blow at least 16 mph for power generation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In many cases traditional power plants are still required to generate enough energy to provide constant power to a particular area.

For more information about wind power and wind turbine technology, visit the American Wind Energy Association’s website.

A day in the life of our Tiffany Award winner

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American Red Cross quarterly employee newsletter feature article

It starts with a look in the mirror. She places a little make-up here and there; checks her hair; even fixes the slight bend in her wire-frame glasses. Finally, she glances down toward the bottom of the mirror and reads a simple quote: ‘Remember: the customer can hear your smile.’

“That’s something I live by,” explains Renee Wilson-Coleman, Customer Service Tech. II, and winner of this year’s Level II Tiffany Award. And it’s no mystery why she has been given such a prestigious award. According to her co-workers, her attitude is reflected in her work, and her energy and personality are contagious. It is her mission in the morning to speak to everyone. “I say good morning to everyone, and if I don’t get a response, I holler good morning — that usually gets their attention,” Renee says, laughing.

But, Renee — along with her co-workers in the Hospital Customer Service Department — takes her work very seriously. As the ‘go-to’ people for the Region’s hospitals, Customer Service ensures hospitals have all of the blood components they need to save lives. “It’s a lot more day-to-day than people realize,” says Sue Ellen Malone, Manager of Customer Services. “Hospitals don’t have the large storage capacity; therefore, they constantly need to be re-supplied.” Additionally, the apheresis platelet products, which Renee specializes in, only have a shelf-life of five days, creating further inventory management complexity.

Renee also works with hospitals and customers that require specifically matched apheresis donations for their patients. This multifaceted process requires technical knowledge, along with follow-through, to ensure the uniquely matched products reach the patients in a timely fashion, even if the product must come from another Region. “On the other end of it all is a patient,” says Renee. “And, because of that, I want to provide the best quality product and service to my customer.”

From cups to coolers: The Depot

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American Red Cross quarterly employee newsletter article

There’s a lot more that goes into a blood drive than most of us see. Without all of the materials we sometimes take for granted, our blood collecting abilities would come to a screeching halt.

But, before we can explain exactly what the Depot does, we will need to dispel one of the Region’s most common myths. Many believe the Depot and the warehouse are one and the same; however this is incorrect.

The warehouse is only a location — the same location housing both the Depot and Materials Management. Materials Management and Depot operations, although working in the same environment, have vastly different functions. Materials Management receives and holds all of our materials. But, someone needs to take those materials and actively move them to destinations. That’s where the behind-the-scenes staff come in: the Depot.

“You name it and we probably deliver it,” said Steve Skazis, Mobile Operations Manager. “Everything from equipment and supplies for collecting the blood, to the refreshments at the canteen – we move it all.” The department is also an essential link even before the drives are booked. They manage the distribution of all promotional items and materials to every mobile and donor center.

The Depot operates 24 hours a day, five days a week, plus additional weekend hours to assure all equipment and supplies are packed and ready for future drives. On average, the crew of 12 packs about 15,000 pieces of equipment and supplies, daily. The Depot is an essential operation in the long, difficult process of collecting and distributing blood and blood products. Without Depot operations, the Region would have a very difficult time meeting the community need.

Capacity and conservation pivotal to solving Maryland’s energy crisis

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Greater Baltimore Committee feature website story

Maryland faces a growing energy crisis, GBC leaders warned at the organization’s annual meeting on May 7.

The state’s power infrastructure is aging and demand for electricity in Maryland is increasing eight times faster than its generating capacity. Maryland currently imports more than 25 percent of electricity sold to customers in the state, according to Maryland Public Service Commission data.

Meanwhile, stricter federal and state regulations are causing energy providers to consider closing some of the state’s older, coal-fired plants. The Healthy Air Act passed during Maryland’s 2006 legislative session establishes more stringent rules on greenhouse gas emissions.

If the owners decide to keep the older facilities running, the Maryland Public Service Commission estimates it would require more than $2 billion in capital improvements. Unfortunately, most or all of these costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers in the generation price of electricity.

However, the PSC predicts owners of at least two Maryland coal-fired power plants will weigh whether it is possible – or worthwhile – to install the necessary equipment needed to comply with the new regulations. Currently, coal plants in Maryland generate approximately 4,958 megawatts – nearly half of the state’s total energy generation, PSC data shows.

Solving Maryland’s energy crisis begins with decreasing consumption and increasing the supply of electricity throughout the state.

There needs to be more aggressive public awareness to educate consumers and businesses about using energy efficiently. The state must work with the business community to pursue practical and effective energy conservation strategies and develop more incentives to encourage residents to use energy during off-peak hours.

Maryland also needs to enact policies that promote upgrading the electricity infrastructure for generation, transmission, distribution and environmental compliance. The state must add new transmission infrastructure by 2011 to increase its electricity importing capacity, as well as adopt a strategic plan that includes construction of new efficient, environmentally compliant power plants.

Maryland faces a growing energy crisis, GBC leaders warned at the organization’s annual meeting on May 7.

The state’s power infrastructure is aging and demand for electricity in Maryland is increasing eight times faster than its generating capacity. Maryland currently imports more than 25 percent of electricity sold to customers in the state, according to Maryland Public Service Commission data.

Meanwhile, stricter federal and state regulations are causing energy providers to consider closing some of the state’s older, coal-fired plants. The Healthy Air Act passed during Maryland’s 2006 legislative session establishes more stringent rules on greenhouse gas emissions.

If the owners decide to keep the older facilities running, the Maryland Public Service Commission estimates it would require more than $2 billion in capital improvements. Unfortunately, most or all of these costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers in the generation price of electricity.

However, the PSC predicts owners of at least two Maryland coal-fired power plants will weigh whether it is possible – or worthwhile – to install the necessary equipment needed to comply with the new regulations. Currently, coal plants in Maryland generate approximately 4,958 megawatts – nearly half of the state’s total energy generation, PSC data shows.

Solving Maryland’s energy crisis begins with decreasing consumption and increasing the supply of electricity throughout the state.

There needs to be more aggressive public awareness to educate consumers and businesses about using energy efficiently. The state must work with the business community to pursue practical and effective energy conservation strategies and develop more incentives to encourage residents to use energy during off-peak hours.

Maryland also needs to enact policies that promote upgrading the electricity infrastructure for generation, transmission, distribution and environmental compliance. The state must add new transmission infrastructure by 2011 to increase its electricity importing capacity, as well as adopt a strategic plan that includes construction of new efficient, environmentally compliant power plants.