|
Harvesting
Clean Energy eNews Bulletin
Working with Northwest farmers, ranchers and rural communities to
foster economic development through clean energy production
December 2004 – Newsletter #8
Now that next
year’s federal allocations have been set, attention is turning
to upcoming legislative sessions in all four Northwest states. Look
for a number of exciting policy proposals, and new business announcements
in the months ahead. Until then, be sure to get your registration
in for the Fifth Harvesting
Clean Energy Conference, January 20-21 in Great Falls. Register
by January 9 to take advantage of early registration
rates!
If you’re
not already receiving the Harvesting
Clean Energy eNews Bulletin,
click here
and let us know you’d like to subscribe.
Federal Update
Renewable
Energy Appropriations Set for FY 2005
The $388 billion omnibus budget bill signed by President Bush on
December 8 finally determined appropriations for a variety of federal
energy programs. The measure provides $23.3 billion for DOE, with
renewable energy resource programs getting $389 million (including
$82 million for biomass and biofuels, $26 million for geothermal,
$86 million for solar energy, and $42 million for wind). Funding
levels are generally similar to last year’s appropriations. Allocations
to the USDA for 2002 Farm Bill Energy Title programs were also set:
• Value-Added Producer Grants
(Sec 6401) – $15.5 million (amount requested
by House, slightly above funding recommended by Administration and
Senate but still far below $40 million authorized by Farm Bill,
program amended to allow renewable energy systems to qualify for
grants)
• Federal Procurement of Biobased Products (Sec 9002) –
$1.5 million (slightly above Administration and Senate $1 million
requests, House had appropriated $3 million)
• Biodiesel Fuel Education (Sec 9004) – $1 million (same
as previous requests and level set by Farm Bill)
• Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency (Sec 9006) –
$23 million (fully funded thanks to House leadership, Administration
had requested $10.77 million and Senate $20 million, new language
requires all funds go to awards and not USDA program administration)
• Biomass Research & Development (Sec 9008) – $14
million (same as previous requests)
• CCC Bioenergy Program (Sec 9010) – $100 million (same
as previous requests, but still less than $150 million authorized
by Farm Bill)
Biofuels
Federal
Spending Bill Fuels Northwest Research Efforts
Research into diverse uses for regional oilseed crops received a
boost under the recent omnibus appropriations bill. University of
Idaho will receive $1.2 million to continue canola research activities,
and Oregon State University’s meadowfoam project will have
$262,000 to support their efforts to increase the supply of renewable
industrial oils.
One of the region’s
most extensive programs, Montana State University’s Institute
for Biobased Products & Food Science was allocated $567,000,
much of it to support ongoing biofuels research into:
• Biodiesel: Eight crops at six locations are being
evaluated to determine the most cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel
production. Research into Camelina, an under-exploited oilseed
crop native to Europe, has revealed a production cost half that
of canola-based biodiesel.
• Ethanol: Ongoing research into ethanol from annual
grasses is expected to half production costs of ethanol made from
grain. Researchers are also looking into manufacture of long chain
alcohols as a byproduct of biodiesel production. The longer chain
alcohols should overcome the relatively poor energy values of methanol
and ethanol.
• Biolubricants: A wide variety of biobased lubricants
are being developed from canola and safflower, including hydraulic,
motor, two-cycle and bar-chain oils. Canola-based motor oils have
shown durability comparable to conventional oils, a modest increase
in horsepower, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions.
Ethanol
On the Move in Idaho
Even though Simplot has now closed
the last of their ethanol plants due to changes in the potato processing
industry, the future of ethanol production in the Gem State is looking
up. In September, the Idaho Farm Bureau co-sponsored a tour of Minnesota
ethanol plants and wind farms for five state legislators and several
county commissioners. They heard local elected officials and farmers
speak at length about the benefits of clean energy development,
and the importance of that state’s 10% ethanol fuel standard.
A subsequent seminar
in Twin Falls brought together US Rep. Mike Simpson, agricultural
groups, and other business and civic leaders. Simpson noted ethanol
production could provide local dairies with high protein feed, with
manure then loaded into anaerobic digesters to produce methane to
power the ethanol plant.
Following up on their extensive legwork, the Farm Bureau is now
advocating for Idaho to become the third state in the nation with
an ethanol
requirement, a 10% fuel standard by 2010. A legislative
panel studying public transportation and air quality issues
supported the Farm Bureau’s plan, but the Idaho Statesman
voiced concerns about proponents’ claims. Jim Glancey of Wyoming
Ethanol, who plans to reopen a small former Simplot plant in Burley
next year to make ethanol from dairy whey, offered this
response to their concerns.
Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has signaled his support by filling
up his flex-fuel SUV at the state’s first E85 pump in
Boise. The pump is one of several “Treasure the Valley’s
Air” programs promoted by public and private interests, including
the Idaho Farm Bureau and Idaho Grain Producers Association, to
improve air quality in the Treasure Valley region. At one time,
17% of all gas sold in Idaho was ethanol. The level is now down
to less than 5%.
New
Montana Governor Signals Support for Clean Energy
Within days of his November election, Gov.-elect Brian Schweitzer
declared support for clean energy development. While announcing
his transition team, Schweitzer took time to point out he’ll
be pushing a bill to encourage ethanol production as a central part
of his economic development plans. “And you can count on more
ideas on value-added agriculture,” he told reporters. Key sponsorship
for a 10% ethanol requirement is expected from State Sen. Jerry
Black, who drafted a similar bill in 2003.
Schweitzer’s interest in clean energy can also be seen in
his agency appointments. Montana agricultural groups are praising
the selection
of Nancy Peterson as the next state Department of Agriculture director.
According to Chris Christiaens of the Montana Farmers Union, “My
understanding is Nancy is interested in pursuing ... wind energy,
biodiesel and ethanol.” Richard Owen of the Montana Grain Growers
Association adds, “She has lots of experience in understanding
grain issues, farm programs ... we think Nancy’s a solid choice.”
Schweitzer’s appointment of Richard Opper to head the Department
of Environmental Quality has also excited clean energy advocates.
Opper launched his career in Billings in the 1980s as an environmental
consultant for several projects, including an effort to turn an
idled sugar beet refinery in Hardin into an ethanol plant.
Can
Oregon Agriculture “Fuel” Alternative Energy Movement?
Bruce Pokarney, Communications Director for Oregon’s Department
of Agriculture, explores answers provided by a panel of biofuel
and agriculture experts at a recent Board of Agriculture meeting.
Bottom line – a processing infrastructure is needed before
growers will commit to growing crops, but growing interest and legislative
proposals are expected during the 2005 session. “We have a
profound, unique opportunity to get things going,” said State
Rep. Jeff Kropf. “People from agriculture and people outside
of agriculture, who often have issues of disagreement with each
other, can come together on this.”
Indeed, a diverse group of business and agriculture leaders, agency
staff, utility representatives and clean energy advocates have been
exploring economic development opportunities through the Renewable
Energy Cluster Analysis Project. Coordinated by the Oregon Business
Association, Oregon Environmental Council, and Oregon Economic &
Community Development Department, participants have drafted an extensive
set of action steps to further clean energy projects.
To be seen is how well the final Cluster Analysis report, due in
mid-January, lines up with the state’s Renewable
Energy Plan. The final draft of the Plan, currently sitting
in the Governor’s office, proposes that all diesel sold in
Oregon contain at least 2% biodiesel by 2006. Support for any legislative
initiatives may come from the Oregon Farm Bureau, which adopted
a policy supporting renewable energy standards at their recent convention.
OSU
Biodiesel Initiative Receives EPA Grant
A student-led team from OSU was one of four in the nation recently
awarded a biodiesel-related P3 grant by the EPA. The $10,000 award
will help demonstrate the engineering and economic feasibility of
biodiesel, and identify technical and social factors critical to
full-scale implementation of sustainable biodiesel production and
use in the Willamette Valley. The team will eventually present their
findings to a National Academies panel in Washington DC in hopes
of securing additional development funds.
Sustainable
Systems Acquired by Chinese Firm
The YaSheng Group has announced plans to acquire 80% of Missoula-based
biofuels developer Sustainable Systems LLC. As a subsidiary, Sustainable
will continue to research, develop and commercialize bio-based fuels,
lubricants, specialty chemicals and other bio-based products. The
company anticipates developing and building a scalable bio-refinery
in Washington State in the near future. A diversified industrial
conglomerate incorporated in Redwood City CA, YaSheng Group has
received numerous national “Green Awards” in China.
Capital
Press: Time is Now for Biofuels
In a November 19 editorial, Capital Press publisher Elaine
Shein and managing editor Carl Sampson pointed out how states like
Minnesota have benefited by taking the lead in encouraging ethanol
production, noted the importance of reducing foreign fuel consumption
and air pollution, and explored the value of co-products. “By
working together, farmers, government officials, entrepreneurs –
and even environmentalists – can make biofuel plants a reality.
Done correctly and prudently, the results will benefit our farmers,
our ranchers, our environment and our nation.”
Company
Looks to Oregon Straw for Ethanol
Straw production
in the Willamette Valley has attracted the interest of Montana Microbial
Products, which is planning a pilot plant for converting grass straw
to ethanol. The firm has been working with the Oregon Department
of Energy on a lower temperature process that can use plastic tanks
instead of more expensive stainless steel vats. Even if Oregon maintains
existing export levels it is estimated the state has close to 500,000
tons of excess straw each year, enough to support a 20 mgy ethanol
plant.
Portland
Retains Winter Oxygenation Requirement
Gasoline retailers in four Portland-area counties will still need
to provide a 10% ethanol mix during three months each winter. The
Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted unanimously on December
10 to keep the rule in effect until October 2007. Commissioners
characterized their decision as a compromise intended to satisfy
concerns about air quality, foster the use of alternative fuels,
and support the state’s budding ethanol industry. More than 200
individuals, farm groups, and state lawmakers lobbied the Commission
to keep the winter fuel rule.
Biotech
Boost for Ethanol Production (PDF 69KB)
Broin Companies, in cooperation with biotech leader Novozymes, has
announced a new patent-pending ethanol production process that reportedly
eliminates a costly energy-consuming step while increasing the conversion
efficiency. “Broin Project X” releases additional starch
content and increases protein content and quality of byproducts,
potentially increasing plant throughput while significantly decreasing
plant emissions. The firm has already implemented the process in
three of its 19 plants, and will license the BPX process to the
industry.
Biofuels
Groups Praise New Ag Secretary Nominee
President Bush’s nomination of Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns for Agriculture
Secretary brought quick praise from national biofuels and commodity
groups. Johanns was an early supporter of renewable fuels, including
a state tax incentive for farmer-produced ethanol programs and a
ban on MTBE that helped spur demand for corn-based ethanol.
“Governor
Johanns clearly understands the vital role expanding ethanol production
plays in improving the rural economy and increasing farm income,
reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and improving our air quality
by reducing vehicle emissions.” – Renewable Fuels Association
“During
his tenure as Nebraska governor, Johanns established incentives
for business growth and job creation in rural areas of Nebraska,
placing an emphasis on value-added agriculture, especially ethanol.”
– National Corn Growers Association
“Governor
Johanns ... has been a tireless proponent of biofuels in Nebraska.
... With enactment of a new tax incentive, we have a golden opportunity
to build a vibrant biodiesel industry in the U.S.” – American
Soybean Association
“During
his tenure as Nebraska’s governor, Mr. Johanns consistently demonstrated
his commitment to promoting rural economic development by providing
incentives for business growth and job creation in rural and urban
areas of Nebraska, with an emphasis on value-added agriculture.”
– American Farm Bureau Federation
Production
Tax Credit Implementation Moves Forward
The National Biodiesel Board, American Soybean Association and Renewable
Fuels Association have been meeting with the IRS’ Excise Tax
Enforcement team to discuss implementation of the recently adopted
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit. As the first federal tax incentive
to include biodiesel, working with the IRS to assure effective regulation
and implementation is considered critical. To date, the IRS’ strongest
interest has been enforcement, including registration and reporting
necessary to track biodiesel from producers to brokers or other
middlemen and on to blenders.
Council
of State Governments Releases Biofuels Study (PDF
243KB)
According to a new TrendsAlert from CSG, rapid growth in
the ethanol and biodiesel industries can help the US meet increasing
fuel demands, stimulate state economies, and bolster domestic energy
security. The report discusses major issues surrounding biofuels
development, explores a wide range of policy options available to
state policy-makers, and highlights current state measures. There
are now 43 states using production and/or application-based incentives
to promote the production, distribution and adoption of biofuels.
Biofuels
Can Reduce Foreign Oil Dependence (PDF 746KB)
A new report, “Growing Energy: How Biofuels Can Help End America’s
Oil Dependence,” has been published by a diverse group of agricultural,
engineering and environmental experts exploring the security, economic
and environmental benefits of biofuels. Two years in the making,
their analysis is the first to focus on the impacts of bioenergy
technologies when they are commercially mature and operating on
a large scale. One key finding – an aggressive plan to develop cellulosic
biofuels between now and 2015 could, by 2050, produce more than
three times the oil currently imported from the Persian Gulf.
Biopower
Idaho’s
First Digester Begins Operation
Intrepid Technology & Resources has announced completion of
the first stage of their Whitesides Biogas plant. Two anaerobic
digester tanks are being loaded, and are expected to eventually
produce 32,000 cubic feet per day of 80% methane biogas.
Washington’s
First Commercial Digester On-Line
The state’s first commercial anaerobic digester, located at
Vander Haak Dairy near Lynden, will use manure from up to 1,500
cows at three dairies. Some 70% of the $1.2 million project cost
will be covered by the dairy, with the balance coming from grants
and other resources. Payback is expected within five to seven years.
Puget Sound Energy will purchase the digester’s electric output
for the utility’s Green Power program.
Tulalip
Recovery Efforts Fueled by Dairy Farms
Tulalip Tribes, Sno/Sky Agricultural Alliance, Northwest Chinook
Recovery, and the Washington State Dairy Federation are developing
a biogas facility in Snohomish County to benefit both salmon stocks
and local dairy farmers, many of whom are faced with selling out
to housing developers. Manure from more than 2,000 cows and 30,000
pounds of food waste will be processed daily. With a feasibility
study recently completed, construction of the $2.5 million facility
is planned for next year.
Feds
Earmark $1.5 million for Montana “Fuels for Schools” Program
Thanks to the new federal budget, the US Forest Service and Montana
DEQ will soon be requesting development proposals from a dozen communities
that have already completed feasibility studies. The program’s
funding, roughly equal to what they received last year, will also
cover administration costs and new feasibility studies for schools
looking to install biomass boilers. The Darby and Victor school
districts have already installed
boilers, and Phillipsburg’s is under construction. Feasibility
studies have been completed for schools in Troy, Libby, Bonner and
Seeley Lake, and a study underway at University of Montana Western
in Dillon is just wrapping up.
Idaho
School Bond to Fund First Biomass Boiler
The first “Fuels for Schools” program in Idaho is underway
thanks to passage of a school bond in the community of Council.
Construction will probably start in May. The system should be operating
by October. The school district expects to attract both regional
and national attention due to their leadership in biomass energy.
Great
Lakes Biogas Casebook Updated (PDF 2.3MB)
This update of the original 2002 casebook contains brief profiles
of on-farm biogas systems with information gathered last spring
from owners, operators, designers, servicing utilities and published
reports. These projects and others across the country are routinely
tracked by the Wisconsin Biogas Development Group, currently hosted
by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Contact Roger Kasper
to be added to their distribution list.
Study
Profiles Digester Technologies and Opportunities (PDF
61KB)
At the 10th World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion held in Montreal
in September, Peter Wright with Cornell University’s Biological
and Environmental Engineering Department provided a paper, “Overview
of US Experiences with Farm Scale Biogas Plants.” Although
the emphasis is on dairy farm systems in the Northeast, he provides
an excellent summary of five digester technologies, economic results,
treatment parameters, energy production, and barriers and opportunities
for adoption.
New
Gasification Process Runs Diesel Engine
The University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research
Center has successfully generated electricity from biomass sources
such as forest residues, wood chips, sawdust, and agricultural by-products
using a cost-effective new gasification technology. EERC and its
commercial partners are seeking partnerships with industries interested
in biomass management and demonstrating the technology at forest
product sites around the country. “This provides many exciting
opportunities for enhancing national energy independence and could
significantly reduce the use of landfills,” said EERC Director
Gerald Groenewold.
Waste-to-Energy
Research and Technology Council
This organization of industry, government and university researchers
seeks to advance the economic and environmental performance of waste-to-energy
technologies. Their website offers answers to frequently asked questions,
links to industry contacts, and research publications. Included are
papers from the 12th national WTE conference exploring “Is
WTE a Renewable Energy Source?” and “Combining Anaerobic
Digestion and Waste-To-Energy.”
Wind
Puget
Sound Energy Adds 150 MW to Wind Portfolio
PSE has announced plans to acquire the proposed Hopkins Ridge Wind
Project from Blue Sky Wind LLC. Still in permitting, the wind farm
is situated on 11,000 acres 15 miles northeast of Dayton in Columbia
County. As proposed, some eighty 1.8 MW turbines would be delivering
power via BPA’s North Lewiston-Walla Walla line sometime between
late 2005 and mid-2006. The acquisition, PSE’s second wind project,
follows their purchase of the proposed 230 MW Wild Horse Wind Project
in Kittitas County. Interest in Hopkins Ridge stems from the utility’s
request for proposals issued last February. PSE reviewed more than
40 proposals from 10 wind developers in the region that together
represented roughly 1,800 MW of renewable energy.
Klondike
Wind Farm Study, Expansion Announced
A new study
(PDF 135KB) by Renewable Northwest Project,
“Windfall from the Wind Farm: Sherman County, Oregon,”
tallies the economic benefits enjoyed by local and regional businesses
during planning and construction, and the positive effect of increased
property tax revenues on county services. The county expects to
collect some $250,000 in property taxes annually during the 24 MW
farm’s 20-30 year lifetime. Economic
development benefits are poised to grow substantially thanks to
PPM Energy’s recent announcement
that it will expand the project by 75 MW. Portland General Electric
has agreed
to purchase the power when it begins flowing by December 2005. The
purchase agreement marks a major step toward the renewable power
supply goals outlined in the company’s 2002 Integrated Resource
Plan.
Permitting
Decision Nears for Desert Claim Wind Project
This proposed 180 MW, 120-turbine wind farm on 5,200 acres north
of Ellensburg could be the first approved in the area, but it still
faces stiff local resistance. Developer enXco chose to seek Kittitas
County approval and not go through the Washington Energy Facility
Site Evaluation Council, as Zilkha Renewable Energy has for its
two large proposed Kittitas County wind farms. In late October,
the Kittitas County Planning Commission unanimously recommended
disapproval of Desert Claim, finding it locally detrimental in scale,
noise and property valuation, incompatible with nearby land uses
and not essential for electricity needs. On December 8, the Kittitas
County Board of Commissioners asked
EnXco to address shortfalls in its draft development agreement.
The commissioners will meet again December 27 to review the revised
application.
Umatillas
to Join in Wind Energy Project
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla will join with Columbia
Energy Partners to build a 104 MW wind farm near Arlington. The
tribes will invest in the project and participate in a development
loan with the Oregon Department of Energy in exchange for partial
ownership. The partners have worked with the National Renewable
Energy Lab the last two years to analyze wind data at the site.
It showed average wind speeds of 14-15 mph over a 15-month period.
“The tribes have long been advocates for diversifying the Northwest’s
energy portfolio and developing cost effective renewables such as
wind,” said tribal Executive Director Don Sampson.
Idaho
PUC Approves State’s Largest Wind Plant
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has given the go-ahead to
a 20-year power purchase agreement between Idaho Power and developers
of the 10.5 MW Fossil Gulch Wind Park 30 miles northwest of Twin
Falls. Idaho Power’s interest in wind power has been on the
increase since April, when the commission approved the company’s
first wind power agreement to purchase 9 MW from United Materials
of Great Falls. Other Idaho projects in the works include PowerWorks’
proposed 171 MW farm near Mountain Home, and Windland’s proposed
200 MW project near Albion. Both developers plan to complete their
projects in 2006.
Idaho
Power Seeks More Wind Power
A draft request for proposals for up to 200 MW of wind-powered generation
by the end of 2007 has been released for comment. Half of the power
must be available no later than year-end 2006, and individual respondents
need to offer a minimum of 30 MW. If details in the draft hold up,
proposals will be due March 10. Idaho Power estimates wind will
make up about 5% of their power generation capacity (some 350 MW)
by 2013. Email your
formal comments on the draft RFP by January 3.
Montana
Farm Bureau Supports Wind Development
Voting delegates from across the state came together at the Farm
Bureau’s convention in November to adopt policies that included
support for wind power development. “Because of the increase
in energy prices, it’s essential to look at how we can best
and most wisely use Montana’s resources to provide energy
to everyone in the state,” said MFBF President Dave McClure.
Portland
Heads to Hills for Power
The Portland City Council is considering a proposal to become the
first large city in the world to use wind power to meet 100% of
its facility energy needs. The initiative would help the city meet
goals to reduce global warming, provide economic benefits for rural
Eastern Oregon, and realize stable utility prices over the course
of a 15- to 20-year investment. The city has issued a request for
information as it analyzes ownership options. Proponents are hopeful
a formal request for proposals can be out by April, with wind power
delivered by early 2007.
Fort
Lewis Buys Wind Energy
BPA will supply the US Army with green power to meet about 5% of
the electricity needs at Fort Lewis. Under an agreement with Tacoma
Power, the Fort will buy about 12 million kWh of wind energy certificates
from BPA sourced from wind farms located in eastern Washington and
Oregon. Fort Lewis serves more than 25,000 soldiers and civilian
workers and uses about the same amount of electricity as a city
the size of Olympia.
Solar
Local
Oregon High School Launches New Solar Power System
On November 18, Summit High School in Bend held a “Flip the
Switch” ceremony to celebrate the launch of the school’s
new 5,344-watt, 32-panel solar power system. Funded through a grant
from the Energy Trust of Oregon, the new solar project is expected
to provide 7,315 kilowatt-hours of annual electricity savings and
revenue of 10¢/kWh through Green Tag sales.
Geothermal
Experts
See Potential for Idaho Geothermal Resources
Experts believe power from subterranean hot water deposits around
the state could play a major role in meeting future electricity
demands. “It will be interesting to see what happens in Idaho
in the next few years,” said Karl Gawell, executive director
of the Geothermal Energy Association. Idaho Power has included 100
MW of geothermal in its long-range energy plan, in part due to constraints
on hydropower resources that have been hit hard by five straight
years of drought.
One proposed source of geothermal power, US Geothermal’s Raft
River project, recently completed a well test
program (PDF 24KB) that found four of the
existing production wells have an initial capacity of 13.8 MW. The
study confirmed the project’s commercial viability and will
be used in the final design of a 10 MW net power plant, the first
phase of a staged expansion of the Raft River geothermal field.
A long-term power purchase agreement with Idaho Power is pending
approval before the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. It is believed
the extended area could host an energy generation potential in excess
of 200 MW.
Idatherm is
also hoping to respond to Idaho Power’s needs. The firm is actively
looking for financing for six or more wells in southern Bonneville
and northern Bingham counties to produce 100 MW. The resource has
gone undeveloped since a company drilling for oil in the area 30
years ago discovered the geothermal deposit.
Production
Tax Credit Benefits Delayed for Geothermal
Though geothermal power now qualifies for the recently expanded
federal production tax credit, the financial boost won’t directly
benefit any Northwest geothermal prospects as none are planning
to be operational before the year-end 2005 eligibility deadline.
Industry leaders remain optimistic, however, that the PTC will eventually
be extended. “The biggest difficulty was just getting on the
list,” commented Doug Glaspey of US Geothermal.
Policy
OR
Dept of Ag Director Cites Clean Energy Benefits
Speaking at a Strategic Economic Development Corporation luncheon
in Salem on November 18, Oregon Department of Agriculture Director
Katy Coba noted the ways farmers could realize extra income through
clean energy development. Coby cited capturing methane from cow
manure to fire electric power plants, selling electricity generated
by wind-powered turbines, and biodiesel processing facilities.
Idaho
PUC Settles Small-Power Producer Issues
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission has issued an order defining
the parameters of contracts between Idaho Power and developers of
small-power wind and geothermal projects. Operators in the state
had filed complaints earlier this year alleging Idaho Power is requiring
contract terms contrary to federal PURPA provisions. The order addresses
compensation and penalties when power levels vary from projected
output, criteria for determining whether a project qualifies under
the 10 MW PURPA threshold, and consequences of deregulation.
Climate
Friendly Farming Moves Into Energy Recovery
WSU’s Climate Friendly Farming Research and Demonstration
Project is profiled in this article from the November edition of
BioCycle. The five-year effort is investigating how agricultural
systems contribute to, and can help mitigate climate change by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering carbon, and reducing use
of fossil fuels.
Use
Local Green Tags to Spur Bioenergy Projects
Chad Kruger, director of outreach for WSU’s Climate Friendly
Farming Project, explores how clean energy attributes could be marketed
to promote rural bioenergy efforts in the December edition of Sustainable
Industries Journal. “A local green tag for bioenergy could
be a new mechanism that enables farmers to turn the environmental
liabilities of modern farming into assets for their community,”
argues Kruger. “Small energy producers and communities don’t
usually have access to the same types of capital that large utilities
do. They could benefit from the use of local green tags as a capital
pool for the development of distributed, renewable energy generation.”
Northwest
Power and Conservation Plan: Fulfilling the Promise
With adoption
of the Fifth Northwest Power and Conservation Plan, the Northwest
Power and Conservation Council has committed to meeting half of
the expected growth in electricity demand in the BPA service territory
over the next 20 years through energy efficiency, and most of the
rest with new wind power. Clean energy advocates are now asking,
“How do we turn the Plan’s potential into reality?”
A group of energy leaders offered their thoughts
at the Northwest Energy Coalition’s recent fall conference
in Portland.
Effects
of Climate Change on Agriculture (PDF 1.5MB)
An article in WSU’s alumni magazine, Connections, explores
how climate change may result in new pest problems, the need for
crops adapted to different growing seasons, and ways on-farm energy
uses contribute to climate-changing emissions.
Colorado
Voters Approve Renewable Energy on Ballot
Colorado voters are the first in the nation to pass a renewable
energy standard on a statewide ballot. Colorado now joins 17 states
with minimum clean energy standards. Three other states (New York,
Maryland and Rhode Island) adopted renewable energy standards this
year, and still more (including Arizona, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin)
are exploring similar renewable energy measures. Amendment 37 requires
Colorado’s top electric utility companies to provide an increasing
percentage of retail electricity sales from renewable sources; starting
at 3% in 2007, 6% by 2011 and increasing to 10% by 2015.
Advocates
Call for Strategy to Commercialize Existing Technology (PDF
252KB)
Renewable energy advocates are launching a major effort to steer
federal and state policies toward far greater utilization of renewable
technologies, arguing that decades of research and development have
generated mature technologies poised for wider adoption. The American
Council on Renewable Energy recently hosted a conference designed
to foster policy proposals for both renewable electricity and biofuels.
Examples of potential policies include direct federal funding for
state renewable energy programs, and elimination of sunset clauses
in renewable energy tax incentives.
Bioenergy
Report Highlights Energy from Agriculture
On November 8, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
released “Bioenergy: Pointing to the Future,” a collection
of five stand-alone pieces highlighting the current science, processes,
potentials and future research needs for energy production through
agriculture. According to Don Erbach, co-chair of the task force
which prepared the report, “The development and expansion of
a biofuel industry founded on a strong agricultural sector can play
a role in enhancing energy security, cleaning our environment, and
promoting farm and rural economic growth.”
Looking
Towards a Carbon-Constrained World
Speakers at the Oregon Environmental Council’s most recent
“Forum for Business and Environment” addressed the potential
financial benefits available to farmers through production of carbon-restricting
biomass crops and leasing of land for renewable energy resources
like wind. “Farmers could be one of the main sources of carbon
offsets or carbon credits,” noted Joel Swisher of the Rocky
Mountain Institute. Producing biomass energy through a number of
emerging technologies could also provide an economic return. “You
would get a payment for your fuel, which would have as part of its
other revenue stream the value of the carbon credits as well, because
you are replacing fossil fuels,” Swisher said.
Events
Harvesting
Clean Energy V, Jan 20-21, Great Falls
Don’t miss the region’s premiere event bringing agriculture and
energy together to share resources and ideas on how to profit from
clean energy sources. Now in its fifth year, the conference will
feature experts and farmers with direct experience in successful
clean energy projects. Speakers will walk through renewable energy
feasibility and economic assessments, technical and financial resources,
and finding markets.
Biofuels
Lobby Day & Bioenergy Forum, Mar 2, Salem
A busy day for Oregon renewable energy advocates begins with a forum
on “Bioenergy: A Boost for Oregon’s Economy.” Speakers
will detail action steps stemming from a recent biofuels industry
cluster analysis, discuss the state’s potential for biodiesel production,
and explore Minnesota’s successful biofuels industry. Afterwards,
Biofuels Lobby Day will provide an opportunity for legislators and
citizens to learn more about biofuels and discuss legislative initiatives.
Biofuel-powered vehicles and equipment will be on display, and biofuel
co-ops, producers, distributors and advocates will have exhibits.
|