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We Energies Vows to Increase Renewable Energy
We Energies has vowed to increase its share of retail electric energy sales coming from renewable energy resources to 5 percent by 2011, and has committed $6 million annually over the 10 years to reach this target, pending regulatory approval, the company said Monday. "We believe renewable resources must play an expanding role in our generation mix," said Carl Siegrist, senior renewable energy strategist for We Energies, the principal utility subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corp., Milwaukee. "Our five percent commitment exceeds what is required by law and demonstrates that our company is willing to do more than simply talk about renewable energy."
To help it reach its goal, We Energies has formed a Renewable Energy Collaborative to guide the company in achieving its renewable energy commitments. The collaborative's members include: American Wind Energy Association, Citizen's Utility Board, Customers First! Coalition, Midwest Renewable Energy Association, RENEW Wisconsin, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, and the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp. The collaborative is responsible for creating and implementing a plan that includes identifying and developing pricing mechanisms and marketing initiatives to help achieve the five percent renewable electricity sales target while minimizing rate impacts; developing and using, where appropriate, finance-oriented methodologies for evaluating renewable generation projects; and examining the use of tradable renewable energy certificates to account for part of the new renewable energy supply. The collaborative will also work to develop a plan to increase net billing capacity ceilings for customer-owned renewable systems in the We Energies service area. The organizations will also work toward developing a specific set of measures for reducing the costs of renewable generation in Wisconsin and presenting the proposals to the appropriate state and federal legislative bodies and agencies. The collaborative will also be responsible for initiating the relevant feasibility studies and for developing a plan to use volume purchasing of modular renewable generation to lower the cost of We Energies customer-owned renewable systems. These commitments are in addition to the company's Energy for Tomorrow energy program, which gives customers the choice to support electricity production using renewable resources. Source: The American Business Journal 7/10/2002.
Green Energy's Customer Base is Growing: $1.5 Billion Industry
There's no secret switch labeled "green power" in Pat and Renee Crist's Gig Harbor photo shop. No special lever that goes a-ooga, a-ooga to announce their friendly environmentalism as electrons generated by wind and low-impact hydropower light up their business. But you might detect the change from the warmer glow in their hearts. The Crists recycle everything from disposable camera boxes, batteries and lenses, to plastics and paper in their Photo Pro store. Now, through the "green power" program, they cheerfully add about $100 to their electric bills each month to support alternative forms of energy generation like wind and solar power. http://hsweb01.screamingmedia.com/PMA/pma_newsarticle1_national.htm?SMDOCID=bellsuper_2002_06_20_TCMA_0000-1779-KEYWORD.Missing&SMContentSet=0. Source: The News Tribune Tacoma, WA via PowerMarketers.com Daily Power Report for June 21, 2002
Energy Foundation Offsets 100% of its Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In California, the Energy Foundation has offset 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase of green tags from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). The green tag purchase supports wind and solar power from new facilities in the Pacific Northwest, and matches the foundation's goal of promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy in the United States and China. According to the Energy Foundation, its domestic operations create the equivalent of 504 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Air travel is responsible for 80 percent of the Energy Foundation's emissions, natural gas consumption 15 percent, employee commuting 4 percent and electricity consumption 1 percent. The cost of the green tags is approximately $23 per ton of carbon dioxide, or nearly $11,600 per year. See the Energy Foundation press release at: http://www.energyfoundation.org/resources.htm#331. Source: EREN Network News 7/10/2002.
BEF Provides Incentives for Solar Installations
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) recently announced it will pay the owners of new photovoltaic systems 10 cents per kilowatt hour for the environmental attributes -- or Green Tags -- associated with their operation to satisfy the new solar power specified in sales agreements with Xantrex Technology, Inc. and Schott Applied Power. BEF said both companies have signed three-year commitments for Green Tags requiring the installation of 80 kilowatts of solar power. "We made this purchase to help stimulate the demand for renewable energy and to contribute to the growth and development of the solar industry," said Xantrex Distributed Power Market Unit director of sales and marketing Kevin Hagen. BEF said Green Tags represent the offset in emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that occur when renewable energy replaces traditional forms of power generation. BEF Green Tags, which are certified by Green-e and the Climate Neutral Network, are derived from new wind and solar resources, and endorsed by three regional environmental groups. The net revenue from selling BEF Green Tags is invested in new renewable energy projects, said BEF. "We look forward to working with BEF to support an expanding market for green power products, particularly those with a strong solar energy component," said Schott president Tom Starrs. To provide new solar, BEF said it will partner with the Northwest Renewable Energy Cooperative by providing incentives to install approximately 50 new small solar installations on homes and businesses. "Solar energy, while a wonderful renewable source of power, is still somewhat expensive when compared to wind energy or polluting fossil fuels," said BEF vice president and director of renewable energy programs Robert Harmon. "We are looking forward to supporting those individuals who need a little extra revenue to make their solar systems more affordable."
Contact: Pam Field, BEF, phone 503-248-1905. Source: EIN Renewable Energy Today 6/18/2002.
For more information: http://www.eren.doe.gov/greenpower/ or http://www.nwlink.com/~van/greenlnk.html
Canadian Hydro Opens Two Wind Facilities
Calgary, Alberta-based Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. (CHD) recently announced it has opened two wind power facilities near Pincher Creek, Alberta. The Cowley North and Sinnott sites will feature 20 turbines generating 26 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough energy to power 8,000 homes, said CHD.
"Wind power is a zero-emission source of energy and we are excited to see these green power plants become part of the generation mix for this province," said CHD chief executive officer John Keating. "We are proud of what is the largest installation of wind generation in western Canada, demonstrating our commitment to both the environment and economic wind power." The company said the two new sites will more than double Canada's wind generation capacity to 47.4 MW, and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 80,000 metric tons per year. Both sites are "EcoLogo" certified by the Environmental Choice program. Contact: John Keating, CHD, phone 403-298-0251, e-mail john@canhydro.com, website http://www.canhydro.com. Source: CCN Matthews 6/18/2002 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 6/18/2002.
Successful Test of Solar-Grade Silicon Production Process
AstroPower, Inc. announced last week that the initial tests of its proprietary purification process to produce solar-grade silicon were successful. The company has entered into a joint development agreement with Elkem to convert quartz into silicon, providing a dedicated source of silicon at the purity level needed for the production of solar cells. The process should help relieve the solar cell industry of its reliance on scrap silicon from the semiconductor industry, which has constrained the growth of the industry. AstroPower expects the new process to reach full industrial scale in 2005. See the AstroPower press release at: http://www.astropower.com/press_releases.htm. Source: EREN Network News 6/18/2002.
TPI Composites/Mitsubishi Form Manufacturing Joint Venture
On April 29, TPI Composites of Warren, R.I., and Mitsubishi Power Systems announced plans to form a joint venture to manufacture blades for wind turbines. The joint venture, named VienTek, LLC, will begin operations in a 200,000 square foot facility in Juarez, Mexico. It is expected to have an initial capacity of 1,200 blades a year. Another 120,000 square feet of space is available for future expansion. The company intends the new manufacturing facility to serve the major growth areas in North America. VienTek was named by combining viento, the Spanish word for wind, and technology. VienTek will focus on the expanding markets for cost-effective wind power as a supplier/partner to Mitsubishi Power Systems. The first blades to be manufactured in Juarez will range in size from 27 to 30 meters and are designed for Mitsubishi's 1-MW machine. The companies report that the new plant will use TPI's proprietary, patented SCRIMP manufacturing process. "Our SCRIMP process, which is based on a reusable vacuum bag as tooling, ensures the proper infusion of resins and saturation of fabrics, and allows us to manufacture to a very high standard even in the lower cost regions of the world," said Steve Lockard, VienTek President. "This 'error-free' manufacturing system results in blades that are light and yet very strong," he added. The companies said that formation of VienTek is timed to take advantage of the tremendous growth opportunities in the U.S. market. "We are very optimistic about the growth potential for the wind power industry, and we are positioning ourselves to take advantage of these opportunities," said Lockard. For more information, contact Steve Lockard, phone (401) 247-4086. Source: AWEA Wind Energy Weekly 6/14/2002.
PSGA Dedicates New Solar Power System in PA
Johnson and Johnson member company the Pharmaceutical Sourcing Group Americas (PSGA) recently announced it has dedicated a 75-kilowatt solar power system at its Spring House, PA-based research facility. The company said the system will generate more than 78,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The system was installed by solar electric product manufacturer PowerLight, with funding for provided by the Department of Energy, the Virginia Solar Energy Alliance and the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund. "The installation of the solar energy system is another example of our efforts to be responsible to the communities in which we operate," said PSGA vice president Gary Fair. "We're very pleased to be helping our region by using renewable energy that helps lower costs, reduce pollution and conserve natural resources." The company noted that solar power systems have also been installed at two other Johnson and Johnson facilities in California and New Jersey. Contact: Mona Terrell, PSGA, phone 908-218-7302; Susan DeVico, PowerLight, e-mail sdevico@powerlight.com.
Source: Business Wire 6/14/2002 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 6/17/2002.
Council Says Danish Wind Power is Profitable
Denmark's independent Economic Council recently released a report stating that wind power is now profitable after 10 years of losses. Starting in 2004, the Danish government will eliminate guaranteed minimum prices for wind energy, which are more expensive than for conventional energy. In addition, three of a total of five planned offshore wind sites will not be built. "The new offshore wind farms are seen bringing a socioeconomic surplus, even when the economic benefits for the wind power industry are not included," said the Economic Council report. Despite the elimination of price supports, renewable energy is expected to account for 27 percent of Denmark's total power supply by next year, decidedly higher than the target figure of 20 percent. The new government is justifying its wind energy policy in part based on this achievement. "Even though wind turbines have been loss-making during the past years, wind turbines can be profitable today due to the technological development," said the Economic Council report.
Source: Reuters 6/7/2002 via EIN Renewable Energy Today 6/14/2002.
For more information on Renewable Resources go to: http://www.eren.doe.gov/repis/
Energy Analysis Forum Presentations on the Web
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently held its second Energy Analysis Forum in Golden, Colorado, hosting nearly 100 people for the two-day event. The forum, which focused on "Analysis Related to the Role of Renewable Energy Technologies in Air-Quality Improvement," was presented in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NREL was fortunate to have representation from a diverse group of states - as well as various levels of government, business, and private interests - which will make the gleaned information extremely beneficial to our work. They have posted speaker bios and presentations on the Web at http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/presentations_02.html and are currently putting together a full summary of the forum. We will alert you by e-mail when the summary is available. Also, please check out our Web site at http://www.nrel.gov/analysis for updates on our monthly seminars, the latest publications, and more. Also, if you'd like to receive weekly notifications regarding new NREL publications, you can subscribe to NREL's Electronic Outreach Network (NEON) at http://www.nrel.gov/publications/neon/subscribe/. Source: E-mail from Michelle Kubik, NREL, 6/17/2002.
New Publication: The Implications of Regional Transmission Organization Design for Renewables
The Implications of Regional Transmission Organization Design for Renewable Energy Technologies, Porter, K. (2002). NREL/SR-620-32180. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Silver Spring, MD: Exeter Associates, May 2002. http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/32180.pdf (.pdf 1.6 MB). Source: E-mail from Michelle Kubik, NREL, 6/17/2002.
New Publication: An Economic Valuation of a Geothermal Production Tax Credit
"An Economic Valuation of a Geothermal Production Tax Credit" Owens, B. (2002). NREL/TP-620-31969. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, April 2002. http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/31969.pdf. (.pdf 591 KB). Source: E-mail from Michelle Kubik, NREL, 6/17/2002.
New Publication: U.S. On-Grid Photovoltaic Capacity: A Baseline for the National Energy Modeling System
"U.S. On-Grid Photovoltaic Capacity: A Baseline for the National Energy Modeling System" Price, S.; Herig, C.; Goldstein, H.L.; Gillette, L.; Boedecker, E.; Holihan, J. (2002). NREL/CP-620-32104. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, May 2002. http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy02osti/32104.pdf (.pdf 360 KB). Source: E-mail from Michelle Kubik, NREL, 6/17/2002.
WWF: Humans Running an Overdraft with the Earth
A report issued only July 9th by the environmental group WWF predicts that global living standards will fall rapidly from 2030 unless urgent action is taken to address unsustainable consumption patterns. "Significant" efforts to improve resource efficiency could stave off this doomsday scenario and limit the world's huge resource consumption "overdraft," WWF says. For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-09-03.asp. Source: ENS 7/9/2002.
For more information on Educational Resources go to: http://www.thegateway.org
Solar Power Promoted at Annual Conference
The Bush administration is working with the U.S. Congress and the solar energy industry to promote greater use of solar power as an alternative to fossil fuels, a Department of Energy (DOE) official said on Monday, June 18. 2002. David Garman, DOE assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, spoke at the Solar 2002 conference, an annual conference of solar industry representatives. "Our investments in solar energy are paying off," said Garman. "Thanks to the hard work of many of you at this conference and research and development efforts of the Energy Department's Solar Energy Technologies Program, together we are achieving the goal of reducing the cost of advanced solar energy technologies." Garman noted that the Bush administration has proposed a 15 percent tax credit for the purchase of residential solar energy equipment. This tax credit is included in energy legislation passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. Meanwhile, the DOE is working with the industry to reduce manufacturing costs and increase power output of solar cells that convert light into electricity, Garman added. "We at the Department of Energy are committed to working in close partnership with industry to accomplish the goal of reducing direct manufacturing cost of photovoltics (solar cells) modules to $3 per watt by 2010 and to $1.50 per watt by 2020, along with achieving a total manufacturing volume of six gigawatts by 2020, of which 3.2 gigawatts will be installed domestically," said Garman.
The DOE is also promoting the building of "Zero Energy" homes by 2010. These homes will be designed to combine the latest energy efficient building envelopes, appliances, lighting, advanced controls and heating/cooling systems. Source: ENS 6/18/2002.
2002 Farm Bill Signed by President Includes $115 Million for Renewables
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 breaks new ground for Federal farm legislation, with an Energy Title that provides $115 million to help farmers and ranchers develop renewables and make energy efficiency improvements on their properties. The Energy Title earmarks another $290 million for biomass energy research, biodiesel fuel educational programs, and continued subsidies for biodiesel and ethanol. The renewables funding will be administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over five years. Much of it will be used to make low-interest loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers, and rural small business owners who want to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Some of the grants will support feasibility studies and business start-up plans for farmers and ranchers to form cooperatives or joint ventures that own and market clean energy. The USDA funding could be a boost for wind energy. Wind is the least-cost renewable technology in many cases, generates new income for rural landowners, and provides tremendous economic benefits for the whole community. Wind power is proving its economic value in states across the Great Plains, where landowners are increasingly interested in wind as a "second crop" that can provide significant new income. In these and other states, wind power provides a source of permanent, skilled jobs as well. Also, wind plants help keep local energy dollars in the state by providing a "home-grown" source of power and eliminating the need to purchase electricity or fuel from other states. The 250 MW of wind operating in Iowa during 1998 and 1999 created 40 permanent operations and maintenance jobs, generated $2 million in annual tax revenue, and produced $640,000 in direct lease payments to landowners.
Rural landowners can choose from several business structures to develop wind power facilities, depending on the amount of time, effort, and risk they are willing to invest. A contract with a developer or other project owner requires the least amount of time, effort and risk. Developers offer three primary types of agreement: land leases, which usually yield about $2,000 annually for each 750-kW turbine; wind easements, a single, up-front payment for access to a property's wind; or a land sale, where the landowner sells the property for a one-time profit and no future access to its wind resources. Forming a cooperative or joint venture with other landowners in the area eliminates developer costs, but involves more risk and much more time and effort. A number of different mechanisms exist for this option, including pass-through entities, cooperatives, limited liability companies, and partnerships. Landowners who choose to own and manage their own turbine(s) usually consume the electricity generated on-site, rather than selling it to a power marketing entity. In states where net metering is an option, grid-connected landowners can exchange excess electricity with their local utility. Environmental advocates are hailing the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as a victory for farmers, the economy, and the environment. However, landowners must cross a number of hurdles before they are able to take advantage of its provisions. From assessing the wind resource on a property, to understanding wind technology and economics, to selecting a wind power business structure, the average landowner usually has a high learning curve. Many information sources exist to help landowners and consumers with an interest in wind. AWEA's Web site, www.awea.org is a great place to start. AWEA offers publications, links to manufacturers, information about educational events, and discussion boards frequented by experts in wind technology. Source: AWEA June Wind Letter 6/2002.
IRS Adjusts PTC for Inflation, Raises Amount to 1.8 Cents/KW/h
For more information on legislative activities go to: http://thomas.loc.gov
Survey: Adaptability Key to Getting Ahead
An unwillingness to try new things could harm your career prospects, a new survey suggests. More than one-third (35 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled recently said embracing change is a critical success factor for employees. Another 27 percent feel a desire to learn new skills is the most valuable characteristic. "Companies must constantly reinvent themselves to remain competitive in today's business environment, and employees need to respond accordingly," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, the Menlo Park-based firm which developed the survey. "Accounting professionals who can not only adapt to change but also help drive it are well-positioned for long-term success," says Mr. Messmer. To distinguish themselves from the competition, job-seekers should demonstrate their versatility, he says. "In cover letters and during job interviews, cite examples of how you've viewed change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle." The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with more than 20 employees. Source: BizJournals.com 7/9/2002.
Richardson Unveils Renewables Platform in NM
For more information on marketing and research go to: http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/emaa/index.html
Xenergy Wins $2.7M Renewable Energy Contract
Xenergy Inc., a national energy services and consulting company with offices in Oakland, announced Wednesday that it has won a $2.7 million contract from California Energy Commission's Renewable Energy Program. Under the three-year contract, Xenergy will provide technical support services regarding renewable energy development and consumption in the state. Xenergy beat out four applicants for the contract. It was the third time the Renewable Energy Program has put this type of contract out for competitive bidding in its four years of existence. "We look forward to working with the Energy Commission to leverage California's $135 million annual funding for renewable energy," Julie Blunden, vice president at Xenergy, said in a prepared statement. "It is no secret that the California energy market remains uncertain, but there are extraordinary opportunities to build on the Energy Commission's successes to date, and to assist a thriving program that could roughly double California's renewable energy generation." Xenergy, based in Burlington, Mass., with offices in Oakland, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kema Consulting. Source: East Bay Business Times 7/10/2002.
Solar Electric Power Association Awards Funding to Two Solar Projects
The Solar Electric Power Association has announced the recipients of the Solar Power Solutions (SPS) funding awards. SPS is an effort supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, designed to address the barriers to photovoltaic commercialization and market penetration. The initiative consists of two components; a document, entitled Business Case for Capturing Total Value, that recommends a new approach focused on how key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors can collaborate to harness the benefits of solar; and a funding component to support two "showcase" photovoltaic projects.
The two recipients, City of Tucson, in partnership with Tucson Water and Tucson Electric Power, and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, each received funding awards of $75,000 for their projects. These projects were selected because they demonstrate innovative approaches to expand the photovoltaic market.
The Tucson group has teamed to install two 20kW photovoltaic systems at the Hayden/Udall Water Treatment Facility. This facility treats 20% of the drinking water for Tucson and the surrounding areas. The photovoltaic system was designed to be easily replicable and the system layout can be easily adapted to the available landscape. To facilitate the replication of this program, the partners will also develop an outreach program targeting municipalities, utilities, and other cities in Arizona. The City of Tucson and the Greater Tucson Coalition for Solar will partner to use the photovoltaic site for training classes to help develop the local infrastructure. Tucson Electric Power will provide labor and technical expertise for system maintenance.
The Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization received SPS funding to provide a photovoltaic component for EcoVillage Cleveland, an environmentally sustainable 20-unit town home development that is currently under construction. Ten homes in the EcoVillage Cleveland development will have photovoltaic systems on their garages, one model home will have a 4.8-kW system, and nine other homes will have 1.2-kW systems. In addition to the photovoltaic systems, energy efficient and sustainable design practices will be applied to the development. The EcoVillage project is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Cleveland, and a number of community organizations.
The Solar Electric Power Association is a unique organization of energy service providers, the photovoltaic industry, and photovoltaic stakeholders united in their efforts to develop new business strategies and expand the use of photovoltaic technologies. For more information on the Solar Power Solutions initiative please visit the SEPA website at www.SolarElectricPower.org or contact Tara Willey at 202-857-0898. Source: E-mail from SEPA 7/11/2002.
For more information on funding solicitations go to: http://www.eren.doe.gov/solicitations.html
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