Green Power

College Presidents Sign up to Fight Global Warming

America's colleges entered the fight against global warming this summer after more than 280 college and university presidents pledged to neutralize campus greenhouse gas emissions.  The presidents of 284 higher-education institutions signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment at a leadership summit in Washington that was organized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and environmental advocacy groups, ecoAmerica and Second Nature.

AASHE is a membership-based association of colleges and universities that advocates for sustainability in higher education in the United States and Canada. In addition to neutralizing the greenhouse gas emissions of higher education institutions, the climate commitment seeks to accelerate the research and educational efforts to help society address global warming and restabilize the global climate patterns. The group plans to expand the climate commitment campaign and aims to persuade at least 1,000 higher-education institutions to enter the fight against global warming by joining the climate neutral initiative by 2009, officials say. There are more than 4,000 higher education institutions in the United States. The group surpassed its initial development goal, which set a target of generating commitments from 200 school presidents prior to the public launch of the ACUPCC at the Washington leadership summit. To date, 325 institutions have endorsed the climate commitment program, according to the ACOPCC website.

Presidents from some of the United States most prestigious universities, including Cornell University in New York and the 10 campuses forming the University of California, have already signed the climate commitment. Launched in June, the commitment calls for the colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive plan oriented to climate neutrality. Signatory schools are required to complete a full inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions within one year. Within two years, participating institutions hope to develop a roadmap for becoming climate neutral, including target dates and specific actions that will achieve emissions benchmarks and goals. In the interim, while the comprehensive action plan is being developed, schools are expected to enact at least two of seven initiatives that will achieve tangible reductions in emissions.

• Adopt USGBC LEED Silver (or equivalent) standards for all new campus construction and renovation projects.
• Adopt an appliance purchasing policy requiring Energy Star-certified products.
• Offset all emissions generated by air travel for institutional business purposes.
• Provide access to public transportation and encourage its use by faculty, staff, students and visitors.
• Produce or purchase at least 15 percent of electricity consumption from renewable sources, within one year of becoming signatory.
• Support sustainability shareholder proposals at companies in which the institution's endowment is invested.
• Adopt at least three waste minimization measures specified under the national RecycleMania campaign.

Signatory institutions are required to make their emissions inventory, action plan and periodic progress reports publicly available through AASHE. Source: Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education; AmericanCollege & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

Tiny Alta Honored for Green Energy

The resort town of Alta has been named a Green Power Community by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

 It is only the 10th municipality in the nation and the third in Utah - with Park City and Moab - to earn the distinction. To qualify, Alta's government, businesses and residents collectively had to buy at least 3 percent of their power from a renewable-energy source. In Alta (population 365), 9 percent of all electricity consumed is bought as wind power through Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky program, which adds renewable energy to the grid instead of conventional coal-fired power if customers volunteer to cover the additional cost. "We survive by having a good snowpack" for skiing and for the Salt Lake Valley's water supply, said Alta's assistant town administrator, Laura McIndoe. "We'd like to limit our use of fossil fuels and other types of energy that not only pollute the air but also contribute to global climate change."  Alta's green-power purchases prevent 1,045 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere each year. That's the equivalent of keeping 179 cars off the road. Only 14 of Rocky Mountain Power's 226 residential customers in Alta participate in Blue Sky. The bulk of the community's green power is bought by Alta Ski Area, which purchases 75,000 kilowatt hours per month - or 23 percent of its electricity usage. The town of Alta buys 5,700 kilowatt hours of Blue Sky energy per month, representing 30 percent of the government's needs. Source: By Rosemary Winters, The Salt LakeTribune, 08/07/2007.

School's Solar Panels Will Empower Student Learning

The sun is giving a boost to Southwest Junior High School. A crew on Monday finished installing a 1.2-kilowatt solar module on the roof of the main entrance to the school, 2511 Inverness Drive. Solar power will provide a portion of Southwest's energy needs, but school leaders say the educational component will be the greatest benefit. "The important thing is that our students and the community will see that an installation of this nature looks good," said Southwest Principal Trish Bransky. "We'll be generating data 24-7, and we'll be able to see how much energy we are offsetting."

The project was mostly financed by the the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, based in Portland, Ore., which develops and manages Solar 4 R Schools.The Bonneville foundation allows area businesses to purchase renewable energy credits, known as "green tags" through Zephyr Energy, and proceeds from those sales will fund the solar project at Southwest. No taxpayer funds were used on the project, as Lawrence resident Sarah Hill-Nelson and school leaders also applied for a $7,000 grant from the Douglas County Community Foundation's Elizabeth Schultz Environmental Fund to cover half of the installation costs.

Jordan House, director of sustainable energy for Cromwell Environmental, started installing the solar module Friday. Typically, a 4-kilowatt solar module system is put on the roof of a house, and that helps offset a home's summer electric costs, House said. But the Bonneville foundation wanted to install smaller solar module systems so the projects could involve more schools and students, he said. "The teaching that goes with that, that's the real value that comes with this," House said.

About 20 schools across the country have similar solar modules. A kiosk will be installed in a couple weeks at Southwest. The Bonneville foundation also provides a curriculum. Southwest physical science teachers Dwight Lassen and Jim Frink will take the lead in using the data in their classes, but other teachers and students will be involved, Bransky said. Hill-Nelson said she hoped Southwest could be a pilot project for the area. "This is really an opportunity for students to think about their energy and how it's getting to them and how they are using it," said Hill-Nelson, of Zephyr Energy and a representative of the Bonneville foundation. Source: By George Diepenbrock, 08/07/2007.

Pepsi Tops Green Power List

The company that produces the Pepsi soft drink is the largest buyer of green power in the United States.  PepsiCo will buy 1,105,045,154 kWh this year, according to the latest rankings from the 'Green Power Partnership' of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The top 25 companies in the partnership account for more than 6 billion kWh a year, equivalent to taking 700,000 vehicles off the road. "America is shifting to a 'green culture' with more and more businesses understanding that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility," explains Marcus Peacock of EPA. While PepsiCo is in top spot, two of its three independent bottlers are ranked in fourth and thirteen spots. Kohl's Department Stores increased its green power purchases to raise its ranking to eighth and Mohawk Fine Papers places 22nd on the list.

EPA launched its Green Power Partnership in 2001 and works with 750 partner organizations which voluntarily buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity and to promote development of new renewable generation resources in the U.S. Green Power Partners are buying 10 billion kWh of green power a year, up 163 percent since January 2006. Green power is generated from eligible renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and biogas, as well as low-impact hydropower. PepsiCo purchases its green power from Sterling Planet and comprises various sources to meet 100 percent of its demand, while Wells Fargo purchases wind power from 3Degrees to meet 42 percent of its demand. Whole Foods Market buys solar, wind and biogas from Austin Energy, Community Energy, on-site generation, PNM and Renewable Choice Energy for 100 percent of its demand.

Among the top companies, PepsiCo is ahead of Wells Fargo at 550,000,000 kWh, Whole Foods Market at 509,104,786, Pepsi Bottling Group at 457,851,838, U.S. Air Force at 457,500,000, Johnson & Johnson at 400,702,978, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 329,880,513, Kohl's Department Stores at 201,396,000, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts at 196,003,000 and Starbucks at 185,000,000 kWh.

Other companies in the top 25 include DuPont (180,000,000), U.S. Department of Energy (157,964,000) PepsiAmericas (157,062,875), Vail Resorts (152,000,000), Cisco Systems (128,204,000), HSBC North America (124,544,000), Staples (121,800,000), New York University (118,616,000), The World Bank Group (114,735,000), University of Pennsylvania (112,000,000), IBM (110,103,000), Mohawk Fine Papers (100,200,000), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (90,000,000), NatureWorks (89,000,000) and Sprint Nextel at 87,600,000 kWh. Source: The Refocus Weekly Newsletter, 08/08/2007. 

Chocolate Company Goes Green With Wind Power Credits

Terra Nostra Organic, a Vancouver, British Columbia-headquartered chocolate producer, has become Green-e certified for its U.S.-manufactured chocolate bars through the purchase of renewable energy credits from community-based wind farms. These credits offset all 248,000 kWh of Terra Nostra's annual usage. In addition, the chocolate plant that is used to process its Ricemilk Choco bars is designed for sustainable chocolate production and is based on an energy system that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, according to the company. A heat-exchange process results in energy efficiency of up to 82 percent. Source: NAW Staff, 08/08/2007.

Actress Cate Blanchett is a Green Activist and is Economising on the Use of Water in Her Home, to the Extent of Not Even Washing Her Hair

Cate Blanchett is doing her bit to save the environment and be a green example to her kids by not washing her hair. The actress recently admitted that she has cluttered her home with timers to ensure she isn't tempted to waste water. The Aussie beauty has even opted for driving 20 km less a week, switching her household power supply to green power and installing a water-efficient shower head. "I only need to have a two minute shower. I went to a website and my husband was laughing at me because a box arrived with 30 timers, and I thought, 'Excellent, stocking fillers!'" a website quoted her, as saying. The Elizabethstar has decided to do as much as she can to save energy after a recent visit to drought-ravaged Lake Samonsvale, north of Brisbane, Australia.

Blanchett, who was promoting the Australian Conservation Foundation's new online campaign, said that it's important her sons, Dashiell, 4, and Roman, 2, understand the dramatic effects of climate change. "I'm extremely concerned about climate change as a mother, because I want to ensure for my children a very safe and sustainable future," she said. "It's great to see my children engaged in these things, like when you put the water on when you put the toothbrush under the tap, you turn it off the minute you take it out and you don't let the water run," she added.

Renewable Energy Technologies

U.S. Wind Power Industry Looks at Record Year, Supply Chain Constraints

The U.S. wind energy industry is on track to add well over 3,000 megawatts (MW) to the nation's power generating capacity in 2007, thereby topping last year's record of 2,454 MW, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said today in its second quarter market report. Some 935 MW were completed during this second quarter, the trade group said, bringing the total installed during the first half of the year to 1,059 MW. One megawatt of wind power produces enough electricity on average to serve 250 to 300 homes.

This bullish performance by the industry is tempered, however, by supply chain shortages and policy uncertainty--two barriers that are related. Wind power developers report that turbine availability is a limiting factor--in other words, there is demand for even more wind energy but companies can't build more projects because there aren't enough new wind turbines to buy. And, in turn, there aren't enough manufacturing facilities for turbines and turbine parts in the country because the U.S. government's intermittent policy toward renewables has discouraged companies from investing in manufacturing facilities.

"We're seeing many new wind farms come on line, and very exciting new investment in wind turbine manufacturing, but it's only the tip of the iceberg compared to what needs to happen to meet the increasing demand for wind power," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. "What is critical at this juncture is for the U.S. government to put in place a full-value, long-term extension of the production tax credit (PTC) and a national renewable energy portfolio standard (RES) requiring that utilities generate more electricity from renewable sources. These policies will give the clear, big picture signal of support for renewable energy that this country urgently needs."

The new projects completed this quarter are located in Texas (603 MW), Illinois (198 MW), Colorado (75 MW), Iowa (36 MW), New York (20 MW), Minnesota (3 MW).

Texas now has over 3,000 MW installed, strengthening its position as the state with the most wind power capacity. The ranking for the top five states remains Texas (3,352 MW), California (2,376 MW), Iowa (967 MW), Minnesota (897 MW), and Washington (818 MW). One of the new wind projects is the first-ever to be located on an industrial "brownfield": the 20-MW Steel Winds project, which consists of eight sleek, high-tech turbines along the rustbelt waterfront in Lackawanna, N. Y., along Lake Erie. The turbines stand above what was once a Bethlehem Steel site where industrial wastes accumulated over the years. Several wind farms in the Eastern U.S. are located on former mine sites or near wastewater treatment plants. This is the first wind farm in the country to operate on a former Superfund site, demonstrating wind power's potential to revitalize industrial as well as rural communities.

Manufacturing plants announced or opened this year include:

• DMI: planning a tower production facility in Tulsa, Okla.;
• Knight & Carver: opened a blade manufacturing facility in Howard, S.D;
• LM Glasfiber: will open a blade manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Ark.;
• PPG Industries: adapting a facility to produce high-tech fiberglass for blades near Shelby, N.C.;
• Trinity Structural Towers: opening a facility in Clinton, Ill.;
• Vestas: opening a wind turbine facility in Windsor, Colo.

 
"As these examples show, wind power creates business opportunities and jobs across the country, often in areas that have lost manufacturing jobs over the past years," said Swisher. Source: American Wind Energy Association, 8/7/2007.

Meritage Homes' 'Zero Energy' New Home Community Combines Solar Power and Energy Efficiency

Meritage Homes has opened a new home community in Vacaville, Calif. that features solar electric power systems from SunPower Corporation as a standard feature. The homes are also built to exceed State and Federal energy efficiency standards by 35 percent or more. Meritage expects that the solar power systems, combined with the energy efficient features, will save homeowners up to 70 percent on their electric utility bills.

Each of the 45 homes in the new Encore Community will be equipped with a 2.3-kilowatt SunPower SunTile system, which blends seamlessly into the roof and features the most efficient solar technology available on the market. "Recent builder sales data has indicated that new homes equipped with the SunPower SunTiles system are selling at approximately twice the rate as comparable homes in the same neighborhoods," said Bill Kelly, general manager of the New Homes Division at SunPower, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems. "Energy prices have risen dramatically over the years. Meritage has recognized that combining high quality, energy-efficient features with solar power systems will result in substantial savings for homeowners."

To maximize energy efficiency in their homes, Meritage has included energy-saving windows and insulation, high-efficiency appliances, attic radiant barriers, low-leakage duct work, and tankless water heaters, among other features. Meritage's Encore homes meet or exceed the energy efficiency requirements of several state and federal initiatives, including:

• California Energy Commissions' New Homes Solar Partnership,
• US Environmental Protection Agency's and US Department of Energy's Energy Star program, and
• Building America's Zero-Energy Homes program, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy.

"We're very pleased to be offering these zero-energy homes in the Vacaville area," said Jeff Jacobs, vice president of Meritage Homes' Northern California/Bay Area Division. "Encore homeowners will benefit from both substantially reduced utility bills and the satisfaction that they are helping to improve the environment by using clean, renewable energy." Source: CNN Money.com, 8/7/2007.

AEP Completes First Wind Energy Purchases in its Eastern States for Customers of Appalachian Power, Indiana Michigan Power Utility Units

Two American Electric Power subsidiaries have signed long-term power purchase agreements with Fowler Ridge Wind Farm LLC, an indirect subsidiary of BP Alternative Energy North America Inc., for a total of 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable wind energy. AEP's Appalachian Power and Indiana Michigan Power utility units each signed a 20-year agreement to purchase 100 MW (nameplate capacity) of wind energy from the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm that is being developed in Benton County (and part of Tippecanoe County), Ind. The Fowler Ridge Wind Farm is expected to be online by the end of 2008. Pricing terms of both agreements are confidential. The agreements are subject to approvals from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.

"Although we've long had significant wind resources in our western generation portfolio, these two contracts represent the first commercial use of wind energy to serve the electricity demands of customers in our eastern seven-state footprint. Using wind energy to help satisfy our need for additional generation improves the fuel diversity of our eastern fleet and supports progressive state initiatives to expand renewable energy resources," said Michael G. Morris, chairman, president and chief executive officer of American Electric Power. AEP currently owns two wind farms in Texas with a total capacity of 310 MW and has long-term contracts to purchase 467 MW of output from wind farms in Oklahoma and Texas owned by third parties. AEP issued requests for proposals April 2 for up to 260 MW of wind energy for Appalachian Power and up to 100 MW of wind energy for Indiana Michigan Power. AEP anticipates entering into additional power purchase agreements for wind energy for Appalachian Power.

The power purchase agreements with Fowler Ridge Wind Farm are part of AEP's voluntary plans to add 1,000 MW of new wind energy by 2011 as part of the company's comprehensive strategy to address greenhouse gas emissions. The addition of wind capacity to AEP's energy portfolio avoids an increase in greenhouse gas emissions that would occur if AEP used traditional fossil generation to meet growing customer demand.

"We strongly support development of renewable energy resources where they are viable and economically feasible. These two contracts clearly demonstrate that a one-size-fits-all government mandate is not necessary to encourage the development of renewable energy where it makes sense," Morris said. "The Fowler Ridge Wind Farm represents the right approach to renewable energy development. The Benton County area is considered the windiest documented area in Indiana, and therefore, is one of the most viable locations in the state for wind development. Additionally, robust, high-voltage transmission already exists near the project to transport energy generated by the project to customers."  The Fowler Ridge Wind Farm will be electrically interconnected to AEP's transmission system, and the PJM Interconnection, at AEP's 345-kilovolt Dequine Station near West Layfayette, Ind.

American Electric Power is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. AEP ranks among the nation's largest generators of electricity, owning more than 38,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the U.S. AEP also owns the nation's largest electricity transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile network that includes more 765 kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission lines than all other U.S. transmission systems combined. AEP's transmission system directly or indirectly serves about 10 percent of the electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection, the interconnected transmission system that covers 38 eastern and central U.S. states and eastern Canada, and approximately 11 percent of the electricity demand in ERCOT, the transmission system that covers much of Texas. AEP's utility units operate as AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP's headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio. Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall, 08-08-2007.

Cleco Power Signs Deal With U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Geothermal Study in Louisiana (G&C)

Cleco Power LLC, a subsidiary of Cleco Corp. has entered into a Cooperative R&D Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to study the potential for geothermal energy in Louisiana. Cleco Power will fund the study to pursue renewable energy supplies, and the ERDC will provide expertise to determine where potential resources suitable for power generation are located.  Cleco Corp. is a regional energy company headquartered in Pineville, La. operating a regulated electric utility company serving 268,000 customers. Contact: Ryan Hunter, Investor Relations, Cleco Corp., 318-484-7724. Source: Market Wire, 08/09/2007.

Invenergy and Clipper Windpower plan Wind Projects in Iowa (Ind Report)

Chicago based Invenergy LLC plans to construct a 500 MW wind farm in Adair and Cass counties in Iowa. Invenergy Development Manager Ben Hach says the company already has easements from landowners near Casey and will begin by paying a minimum of $5,000 US per turbine for the first year, compounded by two-percent each year, along with a construction bonus of $2,000 US per turbine. The power generated by the turbines would be fed into lines owned by MidAmerican Energy.  

Clipper Windpower is also announcing plans to create a 300 MW wind farm near the town of Adair, Iowa and has secured more than two-thousand acres for the project. (Source: Radio Iowa, Aug. 08, '07)

Contact: Invenergy Wind North America, 312-224-1400, Clipper Windpower Inc., 805-690-3275. Source: EP Overview, 8/13/2007.

Outreach, Education, Reports & Studies

The 2007 UWIG Technical Workshop and Annual Meeting Presentations Now Online

The 2007 UWIG Technical Workshop and Annual Meeting presentations are now online from the UWIG meeting in Anchorage last month. A collection of the presentations from the meeting and workshop have been posted to the UWIG web site for you to download. These presentations will be taken down on Thursday, August 30. Source: Sandy Smith, Communications Coordinator, Utility Wind Integration Group, 8/6/2007.

Wind Integration Short Course Details Finalized

UWIG, along with AWEA and Energynautics, is co-sponsoring a presentation of the comprehensive short course, Wind Generation in Power Systems: A Short Course on the Integration and Interconnection of Wind Power Plants into Electric Power Systems, September 11-13, 2007 at the offices of the Midwest Independent System Operator in St. Paul, Minn.

This course addresses issues related to interconnecting wind generation to electric utility power systems. Covered topics include wind turbine generator technology, modeling for power system analysis, and conducting planning and operating studies.

Specific highlights include:

• Costs and benefits of large scale integration of wind power
• Wind turbine design concepts
• Capacity value and cost of ancillary services
• US and European experiences with wind power integration
• Evaluation and management of the uncertainty of short-term power variations
• Wind forecasting
• Voltage control, power quality and protection issues
• Grid codes and recent US and European experiences
• High penetration issues
• Introduction to wind turbine modeling and simulation
• Wind turbine control issues
• Dynamic simulation studies related to wind power

The core course curriculum will be supplemented by an optional program on September 14 focusing on computer simulation of wind turbines and wind plants and a tour of the FPL Energy Mower County Wind Energy Facility.

For more information, including details on agenda, registration and accommodations, contact Sandy Smith, 865-691-5540, ext. 141. The advance registration deadline is September 5 and registration is limited to the first 35 attendees. A block of rooms has been made available at The Saint Paul Hotel at a rate of $169 a night plus taxes. The block expires August 13. Source: UWIG, 8/7/2007.

National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Update - August 1, 2007

The National Wind Coordinating Collaborative Update dated August 1, 2007, is now available online. Source: NWCC, 8/7/2007.

Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Course Taught at IowaLakesCommunity College in Estherville, IA

Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA, is now offering an AA degree on Wind Energy and Turbine Technology. The course is taught at the Iowa Lakes Community College and is designed as an entry level wind turbine technician course. This is a two year course that will award an AA degree upon completion of all course curriculum. The program fees are approx $10,000 for the two year program (there are other costs/housing etc). The program managers indicated they are working with several of the industry leaders on content and material and are currently in the process of obtaining full curriculum accreditation.

Course content includes, electrical theory, high voltage transmission (although they stressed this is not a lineman course), mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, control systems, logic systems as well as overall safety. The program accepts approx 48 students per year and has a summer intern program between the first and second year. Interns this summer are spread out across the United States as well as Ireland. Source: Mike Radecki, WAPA, 8/7/2007.

The Solar Electric Power Association introduces Solar planning tool (New Prod. & Tech.)

The Solar Electric Power Association has released a free online Solar Programs Options Tool (SPOT) for electric utilities interested in developing solar projects or programs. SPOT combines quantitative data with a user survey to recommend and prioritize types of solar activities for further utility investigation. Recommendations are divided into utility owned projects, customer project partnerships and other program ideas, such as residential or commercial customer incentives, green pricing programs, educational programs and research projects. SPOT is also integrated with the recently released Peer Match tool, a searchable database , which matches users with other utilities with solar program experience. For more information, contact Julia Judd, Exec. Dir., Solar Electric Power Association; 202-857-0898 ext. 4. Source: EP Overviews, 8/9/2007.

Geothermal conference offers much for utilities

Geothermal energy, the underground renewable resource, finally seems to be getting its moment in the sun. If Western customers don't get the idea from two new geothermal guides and a two-day geothermal heat pump workshop in Bismarck, N.D., maybe the Geothermal Resources Council's 2007 Annual Meeting will send the message: geothermal energy can be a part of every utility's portfolio.

The meeting, taking place Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 in Reno, Nev., telegraphs that message in its theme--"Renewable Base-load Energy: Geothermal Heat Pumps to Engineered Reservoirs." Western Renewable Resource Manager Randy Manion shares some credit for an agenda that includes many sessions to attract utilities. He joined the GRC annual meeting planning committee three years ago with that goal in mind. "The conference initially targeted a highly specialized, technical audience," Manion recalled. "But it didn't offer much for the audience that makes up the market for the technology--power providers."

That won't be a problem at the 2007 GRC annual meeting, where the agenda shows plenty of diversity. All three forms of geothermal power--generation, direct use and heat pumps--are represented. The technical sessions have attracted 110 technical papers on a broad range of geothermal resource, exploration, characterization and development topics.

Manion recommends three events for utilities weighing the addition of geothermal resources. On Oct. 1, the GeoPowering the West Utilities session looks at different geothermal options particularly suited to utility-scale implementation. Presentations include Low-Temperature Geothermal Power Generation with HVAC Hardware, The Sacramento Municipal Utility District: Looking for Geothermal and Geothermal Heat Pumps: Best Practices from Utility Programs. Also, Utility Geothermal Working Group Team Leader Guy Nelson will provide an update on the group's activities.

Transmission access, a utility concern for so many types of renewable energy, is the subject of a special panel session on Oct. 2. Transmission Challenges in the Western United States will cover electric transmission corridors, policy drivers, integration and management of renewable energy resources with traditional generation and much more. The panel will include speakers from Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Center for Energy Efficiency and California Energy Commission.       

The Heat Pump session on Oct. 2 presents case studies of projects around the world. Geothermal heat pumps are the easiest way for utilities to tap into geothermal power, and the application is suitable for all parts of the country. "A utility doesn't have to be located near hot springs to take advantage of heat pump technology," said Nelson. "Heat pumps are a great business opportunity for utilities. That's a central message UGWG wants to communicate," he added.

Nelson believes that the annual meeting will also prepare utilities to face development hurdles. "Sessions on exploration, drilling and powerplants will help professionals from the utility industry get a clear idea of the development process and timetables," he said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to thoroughly educate themselves at the 2007 poster session featuring more than 30 presentations. The Geothermal Energy Association Trade Show, running concurrently with the GRC meeting, will bring together 40 exhibitors to answer questions about geothermal projects, equipment, supplies and services.

Several planned field trips will allow conference-goers to see geothermal technology in action. An overnight field trip to the Long Valley Caldera geothermal and magmatic systems will highlight the volcanic history of the area and stop at new production wells, including the ultra-deep DOE magma drilling project site within the caldera's resurgent dome.

A half-day tour of the Upper Steamboat Hills power complex will take visitors through the recently-completed 10-MW Galena II binary plant. Guides will discuss the geologic setting and distribution of generation units within a geothermal field that must operate in an increasingly urban setting.

A third trip will bring visitors to the Blue Mountain geothermal field, site of a successful well drilled last year with an estimated 7-MW net capacity. Participants will learn about the local and regional structural controls that determine the location and sizes of these geothermal fields.

With so much happening in such a short time, participants may wish to be in two or three places at once. GRC is easing that dilemma by providing all three-day registrants with a copy of the conference proceedings on CD. The CD will be a useful reference for utilities that decide to move forward with some form of geothermal acquisition, as Manion believes many will. "The GRC annual meeting is a good starting point for utilities to get acquainted with a base-load renewable resource that has lots of potential in the West and beyond," he said.  

Register by telephone with a credit card, or download the form. On-site registration is also available for an additional $50 fee. Rooms are available at John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel and Resort for a special conference rate through Sept. 6.

Analytic Insights into Carbon Policy Design and the Implications for Renewable Energy, November 27-28, 2007

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is sponsoring its fifth Energy Analysis Forum, "Analytic Insights into Carbon Policy Design and the Implications for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy," which will be held in Golden, Colorado, on November 27-28.

Participants at this two-day event, sponsored by NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis and Applications Center (SEAAC), will discuss critical analysis needs in the carbon-regulation arena and how they relate to energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). These discussions will help participants identify what analysis, models, and analytic capabilities are necessary to better inform effective decision making in this sector. The forum sessions will be a combination of presentations and group discussions, covering topics related to carbon policy -- highlights include regulations and their implications, electric-sector technologies, and transportation and fuel production issues. On the second day, smaller working groups will discuss carbon regulations and policies -- and identify analytic needs. The final session includes a full group discussion on new analytic insights, as well as recommendations for next steps.  NREL also will provide a tour of some of the laboratory's research facilities following the sessions on the second day. Registration information will be posted to NREL's Energy Analysis Web site later this month -- we will send a notice providing more background on the event, as well as information on lodging at that time. Source: Energy Analysis at NREL - August 2007.

Western Area Power Administration and Partners Produce New Guides on Geothermal Power

Clean, reliable, homegrown and largely neglected, geothermal energy was the third largest source of renewable energy in the United States in 2003. Yet, if you asked someone, even in the utility industry, to name different types of renewable energy, chances are that geothermal would be further down the list. Western Area Power Administration hopes to raise awareness about this base-load renewable resource with two new guides, developed in cooperation with American Public Power Association and several other organizations.

All About Geothermal Power, a CD modeled on Western's popular Wind Workshop in a Box, provides a comprehensive overview of geothermal power, while the Geothermal Heat Pump Report focuses on a non-electric application. "The scope of these tools shows the versatility of the resource," said Randy Manion, Western Renewable Resources Program manager. "Almost any utility can incorporate some form of geothermal power into its portfolio."

Western cooperated with APPA's Demonstration of Energy Efficient Developments Program, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and U.S. DOE's GeoPowering the West program to produce All About Geothermal Power.

The CD collects some of the best resources available to help state and municipal government agencies, community groups, utilities and consumers understand and evaluate geothermal energy. In addition to interactive materials, the CD includes Web links, reports, case studies and calculation tools. Along with general information about geothermal energy, users will learn about power generation technology, financing, permitting, tax policies and much more. There is also a section on non-electric applications, including geothermal heat pumps and direct use of heat.

The resources on the CD were compiled by the Geothermal Education Office, which works to promote public understanding about geothermal resources and their place in a sustainable power portfolio. "Our goal was to offer something for all levels of experience with geothermal energy," said GEO Executive Director Marilyn Nemzer. "Some utilities have experience with generation, some with direct use for heating and others don't have any type geothermal experience. Everyone can learn something from All About Geothermal Power."

APPA and GeoPowering the West were also partners in bringing the Geothermal Heat Pump Report to Western customers and other utilities. Authored by Utility Programs Specialist Katherine Johnson of Market Development Group, the report was first released in 2001. "The industry needed a collection of best practices, vendors and strategies for marketing the benefits to customers," explained Johnson.

She subsequently updated the report for a manufacturer who wanted to get more insight into the market. Changes in the third, current edition reflect the continuing evolution of the market and the technology.
The report, available on CD, covers basic information about the equipment and costs and examines successful utility heat pump marketing programs. Profiles of system manufacturers, architects, engineers and non-profit associations dedicated to promoting the technology describe history, products, markets served and competitive strengths and weakness of each organization.

In addition to the Geothermal Heat Pump Report, the CD also includes two Excel-based spreadsheet calculators. One helps utilities calculate the effects of residential geothermal heat pump installations in their territory. The other helps residential customers compare geothermal heat pumps to a variety of alternative heating and cooling systems. "The spreadsheets will help utilities explain and quantify the benefits of geothermal heat pumps to customers," explained Johnson. "They will be an indispensable marketing tool for utilities and a great educational tool for consumers. The spreadsheets are a valuable addition to the report."
 
The Geothermal Heat Pump Report forms the core of a workshop Western and Basin Electric Power Cooperative will present Sept. 11-12 in Bismarck, N.D. APPA and NRECA are co-sponsoring the event.

Participants will learn how to use the Geothermal Heat Pump Report and spreadsheet calculateors, and hear about the latest efforts by USDA's Rural Utility Services to help co-ops install heat pumps. Utilities will provide case studies on developing and implementing heat pump programs. "A Tale of Two Buildings" will compare building energy use of one facility using a geothermal heat pump with another using conventional HVAC.

For more information about the workshop, contact Guy Nelson. Utility Geothermal Working Group, at 541-994-4670. Source: Western Area Power Administration, Energy Services, 08/09/2007.

Verde Energy Unveils Video Buyer's Guide to Solar Electric Systems

One of the key challenges to widespread solar adoption lies in educating customers about their choices, and the viability of their particular site. Since its inception, Verde Energy has focused on providing educational tools, concise information, and personalized consultations to help customers address this challenge and make the right choice to meet their renewable energy needs.

The online video buyer's guide is the latest in Verde Energy's effort to introduce residential and commercial electricity customers to the economics, site requirements, design options, and financing sources for solar electric systems. The fourteen-minute video titled "Buying A Solar Electric System" was produced by The Sustainable Media Network.

"Solar electric systems are an economically viable energy source for millions of Americans. The objective of this video is to help our customers understand their options, and quickly evaluate the feasibility of solar energy for their particular situation," said Rob Powell, chief executive for Verde Energy. "Our friends at The Sustainable Media Network did an outstanding job producing this video and we are grateful for their efforts."

The video production addresses the economics of photovoltaic technology, available financing sources, major factors in sizing and designing a system, the impact of weather and location on performance, and the environmental benefits of going solar.

Rising electricity prices and the growing availability of state and federal rebates continue to drive the adoption of renewable energy. Several states currently offer financial incentives for renewable energy and energy conservation projects, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, and New York, among others. Source: Press Releases from Verde Energy, 08/13/2007.

Learn more about educational resources.

News from Washington

House of Representatives Passes New Alternative Energy Spending Bill

In a last-minute effort to take action on global warming before the August recess, the House of Representatives passed a measure that lengthens and increases spending on several alternative energy projects, most notably solar energy and biofuel production; in addition the bill requires private power utilities to produce up to 15 percent of their output through renewable sources. The bill also rescinds $16 billion in tax deductions granted to oil companies designed to encourage domestic oil production. Missing from the bill are the increased MPG requirements in the Senate version of the bill, as well as the creation of a nation-wide carbon trading scheme. Source: EMA Tips Week of August 6-10 2007.

Learn more about legislative activities.

State Activities, Marketing & Market Research

Illinois General Assembly Passes Strong Renewable Energy Standard and Energy Efficiency Performance Standard, Among the Best in the Nation

ELPC victory! On July 26th, the Illinois General Assembly passed new Renewable Energy Standard and Energy Efficiency Performance Standard legislation. This victory is the result of seven years of dedicated ELPC public advocacy leadership and hard work, along with our environmental, public health and clean energy business allies.  Once signed by the governor, this legislation will make Illinois a national clean energy leader with one of the very best renewable energy standards (ramp up to 25 percent by 2025) and one of the very best energy efficiency standards (2 percent net reduction in energy demand by 2015) in the country. This clean energy should replace significant coal plant generation and reduce global warming pollution significantly in Illinois. Click here to read ELPC's press release. Source: July/August ELPC ENews, 8/9/2007.

Western Officials Meet to Prepare Emissions Goals

Government officials from six states and two Canadian provinces attended a meeting this week to iron out differences and formulate GHG goals to be announced next month. The officials met as a part of the Western Climate Initiative which is attempting to establish a GHG emissions market for the reduction of the gases that contribute to global warming. Attending the meeting were representatives from California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Ontario, Canada's most populous province is also observing the proceedings. Source: EMA Tips Week of August 6 - 10 2007.

Oregon Gov. signs Climate Legislation (Reg. & Leg.)

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed H.B. 3543, the state's first Climate legislation passed by the 2007 Oregon Legislature. The measure aims to cut the state's emissions 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 and earmarks $180,000 US for an Oregon Climate Change Research Institute within the Department of Higher Education and creates an Oregon Global Warming Commission. The Global Warming Commission will be charged with spearheading the greenhouse gas reduction efforts. (Source: Argus Observer, Aug. 08, '07), Contact: Ted Kulongoski, Governor, Oregon, telephone: (503) 378-4582. Source: EP Overviews, 8/9/2007.

Seattle: Power Utilities Race for Renewable Energy Sources

Faced with a voter-imposed mandate, some of the Puget Sound region's large power utilities are on the hunt for new sources of renewable energy, a recent article reports. On July 24, Snohomish County Public Utility District issued a request for proposals from developers on projects that will generate electricity from sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and others, for a purchase that will help the utility meet the first benchmark of Initiative 937 by obtaining more than 3 percent of its power from non-hydro renewable sources. Initiative 937, passed last November, requires large utilities to obtain 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources -- excluding existing hydroelectric dams -- by 2020. The initiative sets interim targets of 3 percent by 2012 and 9 percent by 2016. It also requires large utilities to take as many cost-effective energy efficiency steps as possible. Power utilities race for renewable energy sources.

Snohomish County PUD is looking for a total of 100 average megawatts, or enough electricity to power 60,000 to 70,000 homes, to come online in 2008-2012. That power will help the utility meet demand in rapidly growing Snohomish County as well as the I-937 requirements. Snohomish County PUD will need an additional 100 average megawatts by 2012 just to meet demand growth, said Dana Toulson, assistant general manager, power rates and transmission management. But the utility decided it made sense to seek renewable sources that meet the state's renewable energy requirements. Source: Geothermal Energy Association, 8/6/2007.

Aldermen OK Plan for Renewable Energy

Springfield aldermen voted unanimously Wednesday to pave the way for City Water, Light and Power customers to connect their own renewable-energy sources to their homes and get credit on their bills.

Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which put forward five voluntary standards to be considered by agencies that regulate utilities. The Springfield City Council adopted CWLP's recommended versions of all five:

• Each electric utility shall develop a plan to minimize its dependence on one fuel source and to ensure that the electric energy it sells to consumers is generated using a diverse range of fuels and technologies, including renewable technologies. 

• Each electric utility shall develop and implement a 10-year plan to increase the efficiency of its power generation from fossil fuels.
  
  Aldermen adopted CWLP's recommended version of the standard where it "will continue to research efficiency improvements and economical projects."
  
  The utility says its new electric generator that is in the process of being built will be more efficient and burn less coal for every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced. The city's agreement with the Sierra Club also requires conservation measures in the existing power-generation units.

• Each electric utility shall make available upon request "interconnection" service to any consumer. Interconnection means that if CWLP customers have the ability to generate their own power, the customers can be connected to the utility and send excess power to it.
  
  The council adopted CWLP's modified version limiting the amount of power any one customer can generate. Also, CWLP is not obligated to purchase power from a customer, and customers' systems must comply with certain interconnection standards and tests.

• Each utility will make "net metering" service available to customers, meaning customer-generated electricity offsets power provided by the utility on their bills.
  
  CWLP's modified version is that the standard will be implemented when and if 10 customers are capable of generating their own power, with units limited to generating 25 kilowatts or less.

• Utilities shall vary rates based on the time of day electricity is used to better reflect the actual cost of generating or buying the electricity. Advanced time-based or "smart" meters would allow electric customers to manage energy use and costs.

CWLP's recommendation is that the standard not be adopted for residential customers at the present time, but to allow "time of use pricing" for commercial customers if at least 10 sign up and agree to an engineering analysis.
An amendment by Ward 5 Ald. Sam Cahnman asking CWLP to revisit smart metering for residential customers in two years was approved. (c) 2007 State Journal Register. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.  Source: State Journal Register By CHRIS WETTERICH STAFF WRITER, 08/10/2007. 

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Grants, RFPs & Other Funding News

California Energy Commission PIER Energy Innovations Small Grant Program

The California Energy Commission PIER Energy Innovations Small Grant Program - Program Solicitation Notice
07-02 (Electricity Program) Is now online. Source: California Energy Commission, 8/6/2007.

Learn more about funding solicitations.