Harvesting Clean Energy eNews Bulletin
Working with Northwest farmers, ranchers and rural communities to foster economic development through clean energy production

May 2005 – Newsletter #11

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Feature Story

Regional Biodiesel Production Comes On-Line

Three Washington firms have joined Missoula-based Sustainable Systems as pioneer biodiesel producers in the Northwest – Sound Biodiesel of Port Townsend, Whole Energy of Bellingham and Seattle Biodiesel are all providing ASTM-certified fuel to a variety of public and private fleets, as well as retail consumers.

Long-time retailer Sound Biodiesel began producing their own fuel this past winter using waste vegetable oil gathered from around the north Olympic Peninsula community. Whole Energy, which is also using waste vegetable oil as their primary feedstock, is now providing the biodiesel used in a B20 blend by all 60 trucks in Sanitary Service Company’s fleet. SSC is Whatcom County’s largest full-service recycling and waste collection company. Meanwhile, Seattle Biodiesel is in the process of ramping up production to 200,000 gallons/month by July.

After pulling out of a brief alliance with Chinese industrial conglomerate YaSheng Group, Sustainable has refocused their efforts on possible regional and national expansion. Sustainable is considering the purchase of Montola Growers, an oilseed processing plant in Culbertson. It’s now anticipated the sale would close in August. The company is looking to process safflower, canola and flaxseed and is actively contracting for safflower acres in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota.

Sustainable currently supplies federal state and local governments as well as transit authorities in the region with two branded fuels – PacBio for fuel made from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon grown oilseed crops, and Montana Biodiesel for fuel derived from Montana crops. In mid-April, the transit authority for the Missoula area, Mountain Line, said they will expand a three-year pilot program begun with Sustainable and start using B20 in all their buses.

Northwest Legislative Roundup

Corrections & Additions
State legislatures in Montana, Idaho and Washington have now adjourned for the session, with a few changes from the summaries provided in recent editions of the eNews Bulletin.

…Washington…

• Thanks to two bills recently signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire, what’s being called “the most progressive state renewable energy legislation ever passed” is now a reality. The first, SB 5101, establishes a renewable energy “feed-in” production incentive, the first state-level application of this approach. Homes and businesses with PV and wind power systems will earn a credit of 15¢/kWh up to $2000 annually – roughly the yearly market output of a typical 3.5 kW PV system. The bill features economic multipliers that increase the credit if project components are manufactured in Washington. This can raise the credit to as much as 54¢/kWh for a 10-year period beginning July 1. The second bill, SB 5111, nurtures new, high-tech manufacturing by providing tax breaks for renewable energy businesses currently in the state or relocating there. Even higher tax breaks are available to companies that locate in economically depressed areas.

• On a less positive note, hopes for a package of three biofuels bills faded when efforts to roll them into the final budgeting process failed.

…Montana…

• Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed the region’s first biofuels requirement on May 6 during a ceremony in Great Falls. He noted the stipulation for a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline by 2006 is, “going to add value to grain and create jobs in the state.” The bill was one of a number of energy measures that reached his desk this session.

• Two biofuels tax incentive bills designed to spur biofuels production, HB756 and HB776, only allow a credit up to 15% of the investment, not 25% as previously reported.

• Whether the property tax incentive cited in SB 213 applies to reclaimed material for energy production is still a matter of discussion. The Montana Department of Revenue will have the final say on the matter.

…Idaho…

• In the final version of House Bill 110, the threshold for exempting renewable energy hardware purchases from use and sales tax was lowered to 25 kW capacity projects from the 5 MW mentioned earlier. The bill is aimed primarily at creating a bonding authority that would work with utilities to develop new electric generation and transmission projects.

• Senate Bill 1192, which we had not reported on earlier, allows independent developers of renewable energy projects to request financing from the Idaho Energy Resources Authority created by HB 106.

Oregon Clean Energy Proposals Still in Play

The final version of Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (PDF 244KB) has been released, but the state legislature is still debating many of its biofuels recommendations. The central focus continues to be a package of biofuels bills which have seen rough sailing of late.

While the proposals continue to receive support for bringing together a broad political and geographic coalition, numerous concerns were raised during three hearings in mid-April before the House Environment Committee. Some of the most vocal opposition continues to come from the specialty seed industry.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s April 29 forum on draft changes to canola control districts focused on three issues: 1) high-acreage areas creating reservoirs for insects and disease; 2) genetically modified seed producing difficult to control wild plants; and 3) seed producers losing access to Asian markets due to cross-pollination. After sorting through the input, ODA has issued a revised draft plan for canola control districts, which were originally established to separate edible canola from industrial canola, or rapeseed. Public hearings and formation of an advisory committee are likely next steps. ODA is also concerned about the drain increased monitoring and compliance responsibilities would have on limited staff resources.

Meanwhile, the House Environment Committee Chair Gordon Anderson (R-Grants Pass) is working on rolling the biofuels proposals into an omnibus bill that would probably go to Ways & Means before receiving consideration by the full House. However, the first draft of the omnibus bill excludes three important components of the original package: the renewable fuels standard, a state fuel use mandate which encourages state government vehicles to use renewable fuels, and tax incentives for private users to switch to renewable fuels.

Oregon Rep. Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), a prime sponsor of biofuels legislation this session, is scheduled to speak about her perspectives on the pending legislation on May 24 at Albina Community Bank in Portland, beginning at 7pm. She will then be joined by representatives of SeQuential Biofuels and GoBiodiesel for a more wide-ranging discussion on biodiesel.

Other Oregon Bills Advance
With the exception of HB 2646 and HB 2647, the clean energy measures mentioned in the previous edition of the eNews Bulletin have all moved forward in the state’s legislative process. Three new bills have also surfaced in recent weeks:

• HB 3001 – Authorizes 1% of appropriations for construction, reconstruction or major renovation of public buildings to include solar energy design and technology.

• HB 3040 – Establishes a “carbon tax” on fuel suppliers and utilities based on CO2 emissions, and creates the Renewable Energy Resources Account to continuously appropriate funds to the State Department of Energy to support development of renewable energy resources.

• HB 3455 – Expands the business energy tax credit to include renewable energy equipment manufacturing facilities, increases the percentage of cost allowed as tax credit, and increases the allowable size of solar electric systems.

Federal Update

Energy Bill Continues to Evolve

On April 21, the House passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (HR 6) (PDF 1.6MB) by a vote of 249-183. Four House Committees – Energy and Commerce, Resources, Science and Ways and Means – each reported energy legislation that was brought together into the final bill. EESI provides a comprehensive summary (PDF 24KB) of which amendments made the final bill, and which ones didn’t.

Missing from the House Energy Bill is any extension or modification to the Production Tax Credit, or provision for Renewable Portfolio Standards. Both issues are likely to surface in the Senate Energy Committee, which began deliberations on May 17 with approval of the first three, non-controversial titles. The committee will next address already agreed-upon sections covering coal, research and development, hydrogen, and vehicles and fuels. More complex issues involving electricity and energy efficiency, and the most contentious matters, including renewable energy, nuclear power, and oil and gas incentives, will be tackled in the weeks ahead.

The Senate Finance Committee is beginning their own mark up on the tax portion of the energy bill. Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has signaled his intention to add a provision that provides tax-exempt electric power cooperatives and public power systems the ability to take advantage of renewable energy production tax credits. The plan, backed by ranking member Max Baucus (D-MT), is to allow wind, biomass and solar energy systems already eligible for the production tax credit to benefit from interest-free loans.

House Appropriations Subcommittee Restores Full Sec. 9006 Funding
On May 16, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture marked up the FY06 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, and fully restored funding for Section 9006, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant Program. The Administration’s FY06 request slashed the program’s authorized level of $23 million down to $10 million. The full Appropriations Committee is expected to review the budget within the next two weeks. The Senate is scheduled to act on Agriculture Appropriations in about two months.

House Members Call for Increased Funding of Renewables, Efficiency
Sixty-seven members of the House are calling upon congressional appropriators to significantly increase funding for DOE energy efficiency and renewable energy programs above the FY06 levels proposed by the Administration. Citing the rising costs for gasoline as well as oil and natural gas, plus corresponding increases in energy imports, the members wrote that “we believe cutbacks in DOE’s core EE/RE programs are short-sighted.”

Federal Production Tax Credit Adjusted for Inflation
Due to an inflation adjustment, the federal production tax credit on the sale of electricity produced by wind, closed-loop biomass, geothermal energy and solar energy has increased from 1.8¢/kWh to 1.9¢/kWh. The credit for electricity generated by open-loop biomass facilities, small irrigation-power facilities, landfill-gas facilities and trash-combustion facilities remains at 0.9¢/kWh. Unless Congress renews the production tax credit it will expire at the end of the year.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants
The USDA is requesting proposals for the Rural Business Opportunity Grants Program, which promotes sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs by supporting economic planning for rural communities, technical assistance for rural businesses, or training for rural entrepreneurs or economic development officials. A little over $3 million is expected to be available, with awards ranging from $50,000-150,000. Responses are due May 27.

Biofuels

Biodiesel Retail Outlets Expand
While the future of biofuels production in Oregon is being actively discussed, the marketplace for biodiesel continues to expand. Thanks to increased public attention, rising petroleum costs, and implementation of the federal Production Tax Credit, distributors and retailers throughout the region are seeing increased demand and new business opportunities. Portland-based SeQuential Biofuels continues to explore production and distribution options, while in Washington new retail outlets have opened with considerable fanfare in Tacoma and Seattle’s University District. At Acme Fuel in Olympia, the price of B99 has dropped to below that of petrodiesel, benefiting more than 100 local card-lock customers.

Montana Ethanol Plants Considered
With passage of Montana’s new ethanol fuel requirement, potential production plants are being explored throughout the state. As mentioned in the previous edition of the eNews Bulletin, Agri-Technology in Great Falls and Rocky Mountain Ethanol in Hardin both hope to break ground this year on 60 mgy and 100 mgy facilities, respectively. Great Falls is such a promising site that a second, yet-to-be-named firm has also been prospecting in the area. Montana Feed and Fuel in Miles City, and the Chippewa Cree Tribe near Havre, have both completed preliminary feasibility studies for 40 mgy plants. Tribal leaders are hopeful that developing an ethanol refinery will be a big boost to the struggling reservation economy.

OSU Hosts Field Day on Cereal Grains and Seed Crops, May 25, Corvallis
Oregon State University and USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists will present their findings on cereal grain and seed crop research at the annual Hyslop Farm Field Day. Presentations include grain quality as it relates to ethanol production, field trials of grains for ethanol or biomass projects, and growing canola for biodiesel in the Willamette Valley.

Biofuels Production and the New West, June 2, Boise
Nationally recognized researchers, industry representatives, members of Congress, state legislators, and others will lead discussions on the economics and potential of biofuels production, the challenges and successes of biofuels production projects, and public policy development at the local, state and national levels. This free event is cosponsored by the Center for the New West and the National Commission on Energy Policy.

Environmental Fleet Management, June 24, Portland
Presented by the University of Oregon’s Sustainability Leadership Academy, this all-day seminar focuses on the principles and practices of environmental fleet management, including alternative fuels and vehicles. The early registration fee before June 10 is $175.

EPA Grant to Fund Cross-Border Biodiesel Project
The Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative was recently awarded $70,000 to implement a bi-national biodiesel demonstration project between BC Hydro and Puget Sound Energy called BIO-49'. Four biodiesel processors purchased from a start-up biodiesel processor manufacturer based in Bellingham will be placed at colleges on both sides of the border and incorporated into existing fuel/auto programs. The biodiesel will be used by the utilities in a variety of blends to prove it can be used in mission critical business lines.

Should Renders Take the Biodiesel Plunge? (PDF 252KB)
This extensive article from Render Magazine explores the basics of the biodiesel industry, potential risks and benefits, and the pros and cons of rendering businesses entering the biodiesel production arena. One conclusion, “The positive fundamentals of the biodiesel industry are numerous, and many are likely to get stronger over time.”

Home Heating with Biodiesel
The most recent edition of Mother Earth News profiles real-world experiences of using biodiesel to heat homes. The author provides numerous helpful tips for prospective home users to take into account before making the switch. A Brookhaven National Lab study (PDF 672KB) in 2001 found that biodiesel blends at or below B30 can replace fuel oil with no noticeable changes in performance.

Creating Cellulosic Ethanol: Spinning Straw into Fuel
While chemically identical to ethanol produced from corn or soybeans, cellulosic ethanol exhibits a net energy content three times higher than corn ethanol and emits a low net level of greenhouse gases. Learn how recent technological developments are not only improving yields but also driving down production costs in this extensive review from BioCycle magazine.

Oil Industry Scolded Over Ethanol
In a new report (PDF 44KB), “Over a Barrel: Why Aren’t Oil Companies Using Ethanol to Lower Gasoline Prices,” the Consumer Federation of America chastised the oil industry for not using ethanol to stretch out the supply of fuel. The CFA concluded a 10% ethanol blend would cut average gas prices by some 8 cents.

Biomass Could Displace Petroleum Use
A new Oak Ridge National Lab report, “Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply,” outlines a national strategy in which 1 billion dry tons of biomass would displace 30% of the nation’s petroleum consumption for transportation. Sponsored by DOE’s Office of Biomass Program, the report cites such benefits as less dependency on foreign oil, a potential 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and an improved rural economic picture.

Biopower

Threemile Canyon Farms Moving Ahead with Digester Plans
The 20,000 or so dairy cows at Threemile Canyon Farms near Boardman, OR produce roughly 700 tons of manure every day, but very little stink thanks to an extensive composting operation. A new clarifier designed to separate water from the manure slurry will hopefully serve as the initial step towards a 6 MW methane digester. The farm will use the power produced during peak demand periods, such as when fields are being irrigated, and net meter the surplus into the grid during off-hours.

Lakeview Biomass Project Produces Energy, Aids Forests
OSU’s College of Forestry at Oregon State University has joined with Lake County commissioners and others to develop a CHP project in Fremont National Forest near Lakeview. Fueled by biomass from thinning operations in the nearby national forests, as well as sawmill wood byproducts, it could serve as a model for other localities in the state and region.

Warm Springs CHP Project Seeks Federal Feedstock
The sawmill at Warm Springs Forest Products Industries may soon see a $30 million, 20 MW biomass power plant, but first an agreement is needed between the Warm Springs tribes, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for a 10-year supply of small trees thinned from 10,000 acres per year from surrounding national forests and other federal lands.

Energy Trust Soliciting Biomass Energy Projects
Energy Trust of Oregon opened a solicitation for biomass-fueled energy projects on May 16. Up to $4.7 million is available for projects capable of initial operation in 2006 or shortly thereafter. Eligible projects must produce electric power from wood waste, sewage treatment gas, landfill gas or other eligible sources of biomass, and must operate for the benefit of Oregon customers of PGE and PacifiCorp.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Project Taps Farm’s Anaerobic Digester
A Minnesota dairy farm has become the first demonstration project in the world to run a hydrogen fuel cell on biogas captured from dairy cows. University of Minnesota researchers have been able to run a 5 kW PEM fuel cell on biogas intermittently and are working towards continual operation. Cleaning the gas is one of the greatest challenges since hydrogen sulfide can damage the fuel cell. Researchers are experimenting with a number of low-cost solutions.

Recycling Wood Chips: Protecting Forests and Supporting Renewable Energy
A Colorado utility has become the first in the country to sell Renewable Energy Certificates based on forest biomass power. Using wood chips from a thinning project at the US Air Force Academy, Aquila is currently offered their RECs for $23/MWh. Based on the net environmental benefits of the project, the Environmental Resources Trust issued EcoPower certification for up to 1,395 MWh of production.

Forest Products “Industry of the Future” Proposals Sought
DOE is requesting R&D proposals for technologies that will increase energy efficiency, enhance economic competitiveness, and reduce environmental impacts of the domestic forest products industry. Some $2-4 million is expected to be available for 6-12 awards. Responses are due August 2.

Industrial Cogeneration in Canada
COGENCanada was founded in 2004 to encourage cogeneration and recycling of industrial plant waste through a networking process that informs plants when their wastes are needed by other plants in the network. A new report reviews how energy has been supplied to Canadians in the recent past, gives a rundown of cogeneration activity, and discusses the potential in eight of Canada’s ten provinces.

Biomass Education Looks to Forest Residues
Texas Cooperative Extension, with Texas A&M University and a USDA grant, plans to develop educational modules on forest residue harvest and utilization for the production of biofuels. In addition to explaining how to harvest and utilize forest residues for biofuels, biopower, and bioproducts, the modules will explore the socio-economic, community development, and environmental issues involved with the use of forest residues as biomass feedstock.

Biomass: Which Road to Take? (PDF 112KB)
A strategic report on developing a sustainable biomass policy, prepared for a foundation in 2001, offers a vision still relevant today. “Biomass: Which Road to Take” offers a seven-point strategy developed by David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Wind

Invenergy Busy with Projects in Idaho, Montana
Chicago-based Invenergy LLC is preparing to build the largest wind plants to date in both Idaho and Montana. PacifiCorp recently announced it has signed a power purchase agreement for the 64.5 MW Wolverine Creek project southeast of Idaho Falls. One of many proposed to PacifiCorp in response to its February 2004 solicitation, it is the first to actually generate a power purchase agreement. In March, Invenergy won approval from state regulators to build the Judith Gap Energy Center between Judith Gap and Harlowtown. With construction slated to begin later this month, the 150 MW wind farm hopes to be transmitting electricity to NorthWestern Energy by the end of the year. Built mostly on state land, the project is expected to bring a dozen permanent jobs to Wheatland County.

Idaho PUC Approves New Wind Projects
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved an Idaho Power Company proposal to buy up to 40 MW in wind energy from four wind projects in the Hagerman area. Each of the projects – Thousand Springs Wind Park, Pilgrim Stage Station Wind Park, Oregon Trail Wind Park and Tuana Gulch Wind Park – consists of seven 1.5 MW turbines. They are all owned by Montana-based Exergy Development Group.

Wind Power Changes Everything for Farmer
Idaho wind pioneer Leroy Jarolimek’s journey from row crop farmer to wind farmer is profiled in this article. “Wind power has become my passion,” says Jarolimek. “I’ve had to quit farming because I ended up having too many meetings to go to.”

How Klickitat County Handled Wind Farms
Klickitat County’s unique energy overlay zone and wind farm ordinance encompass more than 1,100 square miles – two-thirds of this south-central Washington county. To develop the zone, the county completed nearly $500,000 worth of environmental, engineering, wind resource and bird studies and asked the public for their opinion. These economic development and planning tools have been a boon to wind farm developers and area landowners. “It’s not often that economic development efforts can help farmers, but this can really help our rural folks,” said Klickitat County Economic Development Director Dana Peck.

US Wind Industry Eyes Record Growth, Job Creation
The domestic wind energy industry appears set this year to shatter the previous record for installation of new projects. In its quarterly market outlook estimate, AWEA nudged its 2005 forecast for the expanding industry from “over 2,000 MW” of new capacity upward to “up to 2,500 MW,” based on a private survey of wind turbine manufacturer plans.

New Guide to Economic Benefits of Small Wind Projects (PDF 932KB)
Prepared by ECONorthwest, “A Guidebook for Estimating the Local Economic Benefits of Small Wind Power Projects for Rural Counties in Washington State” will prove useful to state and local government agencies, economic development groups, and non-profit organizations. The guide received substantial review and comment from small wind advocates and economic specialists throughout the region.

Community Wind Energy Fact Sheet (PDF 280KB)
Six community wind projects in Minnesota are highlighted in this new publication from Windustry. Included are descriptions of community benefits and ownership structures.

AWEA Publishes Fact Sheets on Siting Issues
The American Wind Energy Association has six new fact sheets on siting issues. The fact sheets will serve as a foundation for AWEA’s planned micro-website on siting and wildlife issues to be launched this spring or summer.

3TIER Provides Wind Forecasting Expertise to BPA
3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, an independent renewable energy forecasting and assessment provider, and BPA recently signed a two-year contract for 3TIER to provide advanced wind energy forecasting services for BPA’s growing facilitation role in support of wind energy projects in the region. This wind/hydro optimization project is the first of its kind in the United States and aims to increase the accuracy and quality of wind generation forecasts for BPA’s hydro optimization effort, reducing operating impacts and consequent costs to support wind energy development.

Remote Solar

Solar Water Pumping, Aug 6-7, Carbondale, CO
This two-day workshop will cover pumping terminologies, PV modules, system sizing, and component selection. Included are pump descriptions and comparisons with information on trackers, linear current boosters, and associated equipment. The workshop will include laboratory exercises on pressure, storage, drip and spray irrigation systems.

Geothermal

Idaho’s Raft River Project Moves Ahead
On April 7, the Cassia County Planning and Zoning Commission approved (PDF 92KB) a Conditional Use Permit for US Geothermal’s Raft River Geothermal Power Project. The permit covers the first two plant sites planned for 20 MW of power generation. BPA has also concluded that transmission capacity is available to meet the company’s request. On May 5, US Geothermal entered (PDF 92KB) into two additional 10 MW power purchase agreements with Idaho Power for the projected second phase of the project.

Idaho Geothermal Energy Working Group Report
The strong turnout at an April 14 state working group meeting in Boise showed interest in direct use and power generation is still growing. Topics such as power generation in south-central and eastern Idaho, and supplying geothermal heat to Boise State University were among items discussed. A “Geothermal Power Generation Workshop” the day before drew over 50 people to hear a variety of technical presentations. To learn more about geothermal activities in Idaho, contact Ken Neely or Dayna Ball.

Geo-Heat Center Quarterly Bulletin (PDF 104KB)
The March 2005 issue contains such articles as: Greenhouse Heating with Geothermal Heat Pump Systems, Aquaculture and Geothermal Heat Pump Systems, Fish Rearing Ponds Cascaded from Binary Power Generation, Design and Installation of a New Downhole Heat Exchanger for Direct-Use Space Heating, and Geothermal Websites.

Guide Explores Geothermal Energy and the Environment (PDF 1.1MB)
A new guide prepared by the Geothermal Energy Association will help the public understand how geothermal energy can contribute to a better future. The guide provides updates on geothermal energy, particularly electric power production, and offers pictures, graphs and charts that help place the benefits in perspective.

Events

First Annual Breitenbush Renewable Energy Conference, June 23-26, Detroit OR
Enjoy the beautiful setting and cuisine at Breitenbush Hot Springs while learning about renewable energy options, assessments, and the basics of energy generation, transmission and distribution with experts from Lane Community College’s Energy Management Program. The agenda (PDF 71KB) includes a variety of workshops, site visits and tours. Early registration prior to June 6 is $75, $100 thereafter.

Second Annual Renewable Energy Fair, June 4, Shoreline WA
This year’s fair includes dozens of exhibitors and workshops on alternative fuel vehicles, photovoltaics, solar hot water, green building and energy efficiency. A newly-created “Kids Zone” provides hands-on fun learning activities.

Third Annual Tribal Energy Conference, June 16 & 17, Seattle
“Tribal Energy in the Northwest” looks at new and emerging issues involved in developing energy projects on tribal lands. Tribal leaders, governmental and industry representatives, lawyers and consultants will explore transmission, easements, rights of way, business structures, renewables, environmental regulation, BPA’s role in tribal energy projects, and financing issues. Recent court decisions and the impacts of litigation will be covered in depth.

Corporation for the Northern Rockies Sustainability Fair, July 9, Livingston MT
Worried about rising gas and energy prices? Want to learn how to get off the grid? Whether you’re ready to go solar or are just looking for ways to reduce your ecological footprint, you’ll find plenty to ponder from workshops, speakers, and over 60 regional vendors offering goods and services.

Interstate RE Council & Million Solar Roofs Meeting, July 10, Portland
Four panels will focus on current themes impacting the deployment and market readiness of solar and other renewable energy resources at this joint meeting. MSR Partnerships, IREC States, and ASES Chapters will address key issues, discuss on-the-ground experiences, and talk about strategies that show results.

Seventh Annual SolWest Renewable Energy Fair, July 29-31, John Day OR
SolWest is an occasion for learning, networking, and supporting all types of renewable energy. This three-day event offers engaging activities for all ages and knowledge levels, including the SolWest Electrathon rally. Participants from around the region come and learn about energy efficiency, solar and wind energy, alternatively fueled vehicles, and more.

Policy & Resources

FERC Approves Small Generator Interconnection Standard
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued standard procedures (PDF 705KB) for interconnection of small power generating equipment to power grids. The procedures are meant to reduce the uncertainty, time, and costs associated with systems generating 20 MW or less. The rule directs public utilities to offer non-discriminatory, standardized interconnection services, technical procedures, and an agreement that spells out contractual provisions. The rule allows simpler systems of 2 MW or less, and even simpler procedures for systems of 10 kW or less that use inverters.

Idaho PUC Approves PacifiCorp Green Power Program
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has approved an application by PacifiCorp to allow its larger customers an opportunity to buy renewable energy in bulk at a reduced rate. PacifiCorp already has a renewable purchase option called Blue Sky for primarily residential customers. Under the bulk option, customers who enroll for at least a year and purchase more than 100 1-MWh blocks of renewable energy will pay 70¢ for every block, versus $1.95 for Blue Sky participants.

RRI Issues Venture-Capital Report for Energy Industry
Research Reports International has issued the 5th edition of its “Venture Capital in the Energy Industry” report. This 190-page publication examines venture-capital funding of emerging energy technologies through December 2004, and profiles 50 major venture-capital firms and 41 portfolio companies. The report is available as a PDF file, on CD or in hard copy for $499.