Texas Quietly Gains a Place in the Sun

Source: Houston Chronicle, Ronnie Crocker (11/8/10)

"There are two things Texas has plenty of: hot air and hot sun."

Surely some wiseacre is on record observing that there are two things Texas has plenty of: Hot air and hot sun.

But Texas may eventually have the last laugh. The state, which already leads the nation in turning wind into electricity, has quietly begun to harvest sunlight on a large scale.

Its first solar farm, an array of 215,000 photovoltaic panels that capture sun rays and turn them into power, went on line Thursday in San Antonio. Statewide, at least six more projects are in earlier stages of development.

"We have some of the best solar radiation in the country," said a hopeful Luke Metzger of Environment Texas, "just a ton of sun." If all seven Texas projects come on line, they would have the combined capacity to produce 194.4 megawatts of electricity.

Until the big plants are up and adding electricity to the consumer grid, however, that power remains hypothetical. Tapping it will be controversial as long as solar is expensive relative to sources, like coal and natural gas.

Yet proponents insist solar power has a bright future here, with economic as well as environmental benefits.

State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, is working on a new package of legislation for the 2011 session, but it could face an even tougher test in the face of a budget crunch and a presumably more fiscally conservative Legislature.

Others warn that without government support, Texas is at risk of losing the next generation of energy jobs to other states, despite Texas' deep roots in energy and its aggressive development of wind.

Texas' first solar farm commenced commercial operations Thursday on approximately 140 acres off Interstate 37 in southeastern San Antonio, said Raul Cardenas, renewable/emissions program manager for the city-owned CPS Energy.

Announcing Streetwise Live! Events
Source: Streetwise Reports (07/13/2020)

Streetwise Reports is offering 100 investors—at no charge—the opportunity to meet via Zoom with executives of precious metals companies as they discuss recent developments at their companies and upcoming catalysts.

"China's export quota could be opportunity for Canadian miners"

Latin America: Six Gold Juniors Amass 100M+ Ounces
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (05/25/2010)

Latin America, the world's last great mineral frontier for prolific gold discoveries, is proving a godsend for some lucky investors.

Mexico: Gold's Next Powerhouse Player
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (11/03/2009)

As the world's key gold producing nations struggle mostly in vain to replenish dwindling below-ground supplies, Mexico is bucking the trend in a big way.

Where Have All the Gold Mines Gone?
Source: Brent Cook, Exploration Insights (04/14/2009)

Given the declining global gold production, mining companies’ demand for reserve replacement and the acute dearth of new gold discoveries, there is no doubt that real economic discoveries will be exceptionally valuable. . .the opportunity for stellar profits is the best it has probably ever been. Identifying the few successes, however, will require vigilant and constant technical assessment of geology and drill results, always with an eye to mine economics.

Congo Completes Mining Review, Says Majors Quit Talks
Source: Reuters (12/20/2008)

"Review process is extended an additional 45 days to allow six companies to return to the negotiating table for direct talks with government ministers."

I haven’t spoken to my old mining stock friend, noted and universally respected gold stock guru, Bob Bishop, about Rare Element in a year, but I hear he is still a supporter and very large shareholder. I don’t believe he will hold it against me to remind you that this was one of his favorite holdings when he left the newsletter writing business. . .

It's Only the Beginning for Uranium
Source: www.financialinsights.com (06/03/2005)

Dr. Richard S. Appel, author of Financial Insights, first became bullish on uranium in mid-2003, when it appeared obvious that its supply versus demand equation was fated to seriously drive higher its price. Since then, a series of events in the uranium industry has led Appel to believe that uranium prices will reach never before seen levels.

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