When it comes the wind industry public perception is a make or break piece of the puzzle. Anti-wind groups are rather vocal and tend to pop up quite quickly. In our situation, it seems to me as if most people in the Texas Panhandle are very open-minded about the idea of having wind turbines in their backyard, but I guess it's best never to assume anything.
Our association is made up of several hundred landowners who see the potential that wind energy development offers them and their communities. Working for these specific landowners gives me the indication that most of our area is pro-wind, but it wouldn't hurt to find out for sure. An opposition free area will only make it easier for wind developers to get through the process of development and I have a feeling that that is exactly what our area is. My feelings though, probably don't count for much; I would really like to be able to make this statement as a fact rather than an opinion.
It seems as if most Americans support renewable energies and wind energy specifically. A National Wind blog entry from earlier this year referenced a survey of Americans wherein 82% favored wind energy developments in their hometown (read the full blog entry here). And of course there is the news that has come out recently about how wind turbines are not affecting property values (read one of the recent news articles here). That can only mean good things when you're discussing public perceptions. All this has got me thinking more deeply on this topic in relation to Hale, Floyd and Motley Counties in Texas.
I spoke at a local church men's group on Sunday and one of the questions I got was whether people in the area supported wind energy development. I could only answer the question based on my experiences and hence my opinion. My answer, of course, was that I believe people are ready for wind development to happen here. Landowners are optimistic about the royalties that they can potentially receive, local communities are excited about the jobs and expanded tax bases the development will bring and local contractors are looking forward to being able to provide their services in constructing the farms. But, the question got me thinking about the people that I hadn't reached or the people that hadn't contacted me about wind development. Could there be people in our area who oppose wind energy development, but just haven't voiced their opinion because the situation hasn't come to fruition?
This led me to think about a series of presentation topics at AWEA's recent fall symposium and specifically one presentation about a research project that concerned public perceptions of wind energy in Wyoming. A group out of Macalester College conducted the study and you can find out more about what they are studying on their Web site: http://www.macalester.edu/windvisual/. It was interesting to hear what concerns local residents had about wind energy, what they thought was the greatest benefits of wind energy, and what mitigation strategies they favored.
My point in referencing this study is to show how beneficial it could be to conduct this type of study in the Panhandle of Texas and to hopefully get the attention of someone who might be looking for at location to conduct a similar study. I contacted researchers at Macalester College and let them know about our area and our interest, but I would be interested in hearing from anyone else who might be interested in working with us on this type of a project as well. Like I said before, my feelings are that we would find most area residents to be pro-wind, but it sure would be nice to have proof!
Until next time...
- Find out what I'm doing, Follow Me :)
Texas Renewables
It's no secret that Texas has become a leader in the renewable energy industry. Texas has the most MWs of installed wind capacity in the nation and industry leaders are working to make Texas a leader in solar development as well. The Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) recently celebrated the state's success at their 25th annual renewables conference, but they did more than celebrate 25 years of statewide progress with renewable energies. Industry professionals gathered to look toward the future for renewables in Texas and discuss how we get there.
There were three topics that stuck out to me at the conference and I just thought this would be the best venue for discussing them. I encourage anyone with comments or any insight into any of these topics to leave comments, please!!
Topic #1: Governor Perry's Keynote
This was my first time to ever hear Governor Perry speak in person and I was intrigued; apparently so much so that I didn't realize the local news station's camera crew that was obviously there. Check out this video posted on KXAN.com; and no you won't see me in the video, I checked!
You can find out more about Gov. Perry's luncheon address here.
Governor Perry was clear in stating that he thought the rest of the nation should look at what Texas has done with renewables as an example. He also noted that should a cap and trade bill make it through congress it would negate the progress that Texas has had, saying that an energy tax would cause all products that use energy to become more expensive. Perry voiced his concern that this new regulation would place our country at an unfair advantage. His suggestion was for the federal government to study the success that Texas has had and encourage entrepreneurs to be innovative.
Check out this article for more information:
Texas Gov. Perry tells renewable energy industry that cap-and-trade would hurt state
Topic #2: Looking at Solar
Now I am sure it is apparent from our association's name, but just in case you didn't notice our association focuses on promoting our area for WIND energy development. Over the past week I believe that I, as well as our board, may have seen the light (excuse the pun) when it comes to solar development and the potential it offers our area.
We all know that the wind resources in the Panhandle of Texas are good, but turns out the solar resources are pretty good as well! Who knew?! The TREIA renewable conference helped me to understand that an integration of both renewable sources is really the ideal situation because (to put it very straight forward) the sun shines when the wind tends not to blow.
I could talk more about the benefits of solar, but I think I will leave it up to the experts as its a fairly new topic to me and I feel like I should do some more research before I try to talk about it intelligently. I recommend this article in Solar Today Magazine ~ Texas: The Next Solar Superpower?
Topic #3: PUCT Docket # 37567
This topic probably wasn't one that got a lot of attention from many attendees at the conference and really there was only a brief mention of it during one of the breakout sessions, but it was directly related to wind development in the Panhandle of Texas so, of course, it got my full blown attention. A representative from the PUCT brought up the recent CREZ proceedings and the new petition that has been filed by the commission which is meant to determine whether or not there is sufficient financial commitment by developers in Panhandle A and Panhandle B CREZs to justify the PUCT's granting of CCN's to transmission service providers. In English, before the new transmission lines in the panhandle area are going to be built the PUCT wants to make sure that developers in the area are serious about going forward with wind developments that merit the build out of transmission to the Panhandle.
After doing a little research on the topic when I got back to the office last week I found that as of the PUCT's latest schedule developers must submit an intent to file collateral by December 4th and then there will be a hearing at the commission on January 21st.
You can find all filings relevant to this particular PUCT proceeding by going to PUC Interchange, clicking on login and entering 37567 as the control number.
Of course they were many more topics discussed at the conference and many great industry contacts available to network with; if you attended the conference and have anything to add about what you learned at the conference please feel free to post your thoughts in a comment.
Until next time...
Events to Attend
I just wanted to share with everyone some upcoming events that I think will be worth attending. Most of them I will be attending myself! And if I miss something please feel free to leave a comment with event details.
This Month:
TREIA - Texas Renewables 2009
November 8th - 10th
OMNI Hotel Austin Southpark
Austin, Texas
Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse
November 12th - Noon
Texas State Technical College
Sweetwater, Texas
Monthly Luncheon - Bureau Veritas
"A refresher course on wind project development"
AWEA Fall Symposium
November 18th - 20th
Orlando, Florida
Coming up Dec - Feb.
Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference
December 2nd - 3rd
Oklahoma City, Ok
Transmission Summit 2010
January 14th - 15th
Sweetwater, Texas
Southwest Energy Summit
February 11th - 12th
Sweetwater, Texas
This Month:
TREIA - Texas Renewables 2009
November 8th - 10th
OMNI Hotel Austin Southpark
Austin, Texas
Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse
November 12th - Noon
Texas State Technical College
Sweetwater, Texas
Monthly Luncheon - Bureau Veritas
"A refresher course on wind project development"
AWEA Fall Symposium
November 18th - 20th
Orlando, Florida
Coming up Dec - Feb.
Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference
December 2nd - 3rd
Oklahoma City, Ok
Transmission Summit 2010
January 14th - 15th
Sweetwater, Texas
Southwest Energy Summit
February 11th - 12th
Sweetwater, Texas
A Proposed West Texas Wind Farm
I recently received this news release and although there are numerous stories concerning the proposed West Texas development that have come out recently I felt it was appropriate to post this release. I do have a couple questions though and if you know the answer I would appreciate it if you left a comment or contacted me directly.
#1 Has the land for this project already been leased?
AND
#2 Where exactly is the location in which the project is being planned?
AND
#2 Where exactly is the location in which the project is being planned?
Here's the release...
U.S. RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP AND SHENYANG POWER GROUP ANNOUNCE LARGEST PRIVATE CHINESE-AMERICAN INVESTMENT EVER IN U.S. RENEWABLE ENERGY
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Renewable Energy Group (US-REG) and Cielo Wind Power LP today announced a partnership with the Shenyang Power Group (SPG) to construct a $1.5 billion, 600 megawatt, wind energy plant across approximately 36,000 acres in west Texas. This is the largest joint investment by American and Chinese companies ever made in the U.S. renewable energy sector, and will be the country’s second largest wind energy plant. In total, the project is expected to produce enough electricity for 180,000 homes, create hundreds of American jobs, and generate millions in revenue for local communities.
At an event held today in Washington, DC, Chinese leaders, U.S. leaders, and top executives from US-REG, SPG, A-Power Group, and Cielo Wind Power, LP gathered for a signing ceremony to finalize the largest private Chinese-American investment ever in renewable energy in the United States. The ceremony included the Vice Mayor of China’s Municipal People’s Government Yang Yazhou, SPG Chief Operating Officer John Lin, US-REG Managing Partner Cappy McGarr, US-REG Managing Partner Ed Cunningham, and Cielo Wind Power, LP Vice President of Finance and Business Development Joe Stark.
The ceremony was hosted by US-REG (www.US-REG.com), a U.S.-based private equity firm that mobilizes and facilitates the participation of international financing and investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects within the United States. US-REG provides American businesses with access to international investment options and works with strategic partners to identify domestic-based clean energy projects.
“US-REG, Shenyang Power Group, and Cielo Wind Power are combining investment, expertise, and resources to bring clean, reliable, and affordable renewable technologies to the marketplace,” said Cappy McGarr, US-REG Managing Partner. “This historic $1.5 billion investment in wind energy will spur tremendous growth in the renewable energy sector and directly create hundreds of high-paying American jobs.”
Shenyang Power Group is based in Shenyang, China, and through its partnership with the A-Power Group, is China’s largest provider of distributed power generation systems focusing on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly projects. SPG’s $1.5 billion investment is China’s largest investment to date in American energy, underscoring the enormous potential and attraction of the U.S. renewable market.
“Today, we demonstrated our commitment to clean, renewable energy with the largest private Chinese-American investment ever made in a U.S. renewable energy project,” said Vice Mayor Yang Yazhou, who oversees all environmental protection and economic growth and development of the city of Shenyang. “We all share the common goal of bringing cost effective and environmentally responsible renewable energy to millions of homes across the world, and this project will greatly benefit both the Chinese and American economies.”
“The Shenyang Power Group is committed to renewable energy and we are excited about the growth potential of American renewable energy,” said John Lin, Chief Operating Office of Shenyang Power Group. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Renewable Energy Group and Cielo Wind Power to make this major investment in American wind energy.”
“Though some will describe this project as a large-scale, U.S.-China venture, it is in fact a cooperation, based on respect and friendship, between the best and brightest women and men from both countries working together for a new energy future, addressing the global climate crisis and creating new high-paying jobs on both sides of the Pacific,” said Ed Cunningham, Managing Partner of US-REG.
Cielo is one of the most successful wind farm developers in the United States, accounting for over 1,100 megawatts of wind energy. Cielo is committed to developing, owning and operating the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible wind power facilities for many load-serving entities throughout the southwestern United States. Texas is the American leader in wind energy and produces over 7,118 megawatts of electricity.
“A $1.5 billion wind energy project that produces 600 megawatts of renewable electricity will be one of the largest undertaking of its kind anywhere in the world,” said Cielo CEO Walt Hornaday. “Cielo is excited to be part of this historic partnership that will not only generate clean, homegrown, renewable energy, but also create a robust economy with new jobs and revenue.”
Earlier this year President Obama and the U.S. Congress created the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to promote innovation and investment in renewable energy. This legislation is clearing the way for increased capital formation and significant clean energy investment. By opening doors to global investment, America is positioning itself as the leader in developing innovative, renewable technologies and bringing clean energy to market.
“It is important to give credit where credit is due,” said Joe Stark, Vice President of Finance and Business Development with Cielo. “Without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this joint venture with SPG would not be possible. Never has there been a more favorable outlook for wind energy investment in the United States.”
US-REG’s mission is to integrate renewable and environmentally sound energy technologies into the American marketplace, while generating tremendous returns with a range of smart and strategic investments in clean energy. US-REG is devoted to strengthening America’s energy independence, environmental quality, and economic vitality through investments in utility-scale projects in wind, hydro, geothermal, solar, and bioenergy.
For More Information Or To Schedule An Interview, Please Contact Bill Riggs at (202) 429-4929 or BillRiggs@Rational360.com.
###
About US-REG: The United States Renewable Energy Group mobilizes and facilitates the participation of international financing and investment in renewable energy projects within the United States. By facilitating the expansion and development of business strategies through managing risks and complexities associated with foreign financing and investment, USREG provides American businesses with access to international investment options, fosters economic development of the U.S. renewable energy industries and generates new high paying jobs for Americans. To learn more about US-REG visit www.US-REG.com.
About Cielo Wind Power, LP: Cielo is a privately held company based in Austin, Texas, that provides services to develop, own and operate wind power facilities in the southwest. Wind RanchTM is a registered trademark licensed to Cielo and represents the ideals the company embraces in taking necessary steps to minimize the impact of wind projects on farming, ranching and natural uses of the land. To learn more about Cielo Wind Power, LP visit www.CieloWind.com.
About Shenyang Power Group: Shenyang Power Group (SPG), through its partnership with the A-Power Group, is the largest provider of distributed power generation systems in China, focusing on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly projects of 25MW to 400MW. In 2008, A-Power entered the wind energy market and has built China's largest wind turbine manufacturing facility, located in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, with technologies licensed from German FUHRLANDER AG and Denmark-based Norwin, and a total annual production capacity of 1,125MW. In March 2009, A-Power entered into an agreement to establish a Joint Venture partnership with GE Drivetrain Technologies to produce wind turbine gearboxes in Shenyang. A-Power also has strategic relationships with Tsinghua University in Beijing and the China Academy of Sciences in Guangzhou to develop and commercialize other renewable energy technologies. To learn more about Shenyang Power Group visit www.APowerEnergy.com.
AWEA's 3rd Quarter Report
This afternoon AWEA held an hour long webinar in which they presented their 3rd Quarter Market Report. The report in its entirety can be found here. Just in case you don't have time to read over the entire report, I thought I would share a couple tidbits of information that I took away from the webinar this afternoon. You can also find a summary of the report in this recent press release.
- Over 1600 MW of wind capacity has been added this quarter with 436 MW of additions in Texas this past quarter. Texas is still number one in total capacity with 8,787 MW.
- The fastest growth in wind development is being seen in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wyoming and New Mexico.
- Manufacturing continues to fall behind 2008 levels. Twenty four manufacturing facilities have been built, announced or expanded to date this year. That is in comparison to 36 at this time last year.
- The grant program that has come out of the ARRA has proved to be a key for unlocking financing for wind developments. Fifteen different projects representing over 1700 MW of wind have received grant money.
- There is over 300,000 MW of wind development in queues throughout the U.S. This represents general interest in wind developments, from developments that are in early planning stages to projects that are close to being fully operational. Over 63,000 MW of that is in Texas.
- There are some new names that will be showing up on the top 20 list of developers in the industry when the list comes out at the end of the year.
- AWEA's focus now is on what they have been referring to as mid-term action (as their immediate action items have been checked off the list); it is to secure the passing of comprehensive legislation that will create a National Renewable Electricity Standard and include national transmission legislation that will upgrade reliability of the grid and also aid in the delivery of more renewable energies from coast to coast.
- Approximately 50% of the value of wind turbines is being manufactured domestically.
- Wind development growth in 2010 really depends on legislation that is currently in the works. Many state policies are helping to spur development currently but these need to be replicated on a national level.
Wind Symposium
Advanced registration for a one-day wind energy symposium to be held in College Station, Texas, on October 27th is only $25. Those interested in learning about wind energy development and the benefits it offers might want to take advantage of this reasonably priced event.
The agenda for the Texas/EU Wind Energy Symposium includes an industry update, a customer perspective to wind energy, regulatory, infrastructure and workforce issues as well as a roundtable on challenges and opportunities in wind. The event will be focused around the experiences with wind development in Spain and the potential for university, industry and community collaborations.
Speakers scheduled for the event include: Susan Williams Sloan, strategic partnerships manager at AWEA; Vaughn Nelson, director of the Alternative Energy Institute at West Texas A&M University; John Hofmeister, retired president of Shell Oil Company and founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy; Emilio Gomez Lazaro, director of the Institute of Renewable Energy at Universidad de Castilla La Mancha; Mark Wilby, Shell Wind Energy; Barry Smitherman, Chairman of the PUCT along with many others.
You can find out more about the symposium click here .
The agenda for the Texas/EU Wind Energy Symposium includes an industry update, a customer perspective to wind energy, regulatory, infrastructure and workforce issues as well as a roundtable on challenges and opportunities in wind. The event will be focused around the experiences with wind development in Spain and the potential for university, industry and community collaborations.
Speakers scheduled for the event include: Susan Williams Sloan, strategic partnerships manager at AWEA; Vaughn Nelson, director of the Alternative Energy Institute at West Texas A&M University; John Hofmeister, retired president of Shell Oil Company and founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy; Emilio Gomez Lazaro, director of the Institute of Renewable Energy at Universidad de Castilla La Mancha; Mark Wilby, Shell Wind Energy; Barry Smitherman, Chairman of the PUCT along with many others.
You can find out more about the symposium click here .
WANTED: Wind Developers
CPWEA's main goal is to connect landowners with wind developers. Currently, we are working on creating a list of interested developers so that we can provide their names to landowners who don't have their land leased for wind development but are interested in doing so.
Its important to note that most of our landowners have really great relationships with their neighbors, making it mighty easy to get large contiguous blocks of land together for development. Our association is made of mostly of landowners in Hale, Floyd and Motley Counties, an area that's ranked as class 4 winds (just in case you were wondering). Our association has maps available for developers to check out; we have our members' land marked and let me just say, there is a lot of interest in wind development.
What we want to do is whatever we can to get developers connected with landowners. Not just any developer though, it is very important to us to connect our landowners with developers who understand their needs and wants, a developer who will be sensitive to landowner concerns and who isn't merely in the business to make a buck, but wants sincerely to help out rural communities.
One thing we have starting doing is to feature developers who we think our landowners would like to work with in our monthly newsletter. We would like to continue doing so, so if you know a developer out there who you think would be a good fit, please contact me or leave a comment on this post.
Many developers seem to be waiting until the new transmission lines are built in the area before they make any significant actions towards developing a wind farm, but getting your name out there with landowners could never hurt. The first step in having a successful development is creating a good relationship with landowners; we can help developers with that step.
We would also like to work on getting a list together of local contractors or other companies who could be involved in the development process when the time comes. Hopefully we can provide developers with this list and bring work to local companies. If you fall into this category, please contact me as well because other than bringing in wind development to our area one of our main goals is to strengthen our local communities!
Until next time...
Its important to note that most of our landowners have really great relationships with their neighbors, making it mighty easy to get large contiguous blocks of land together for development. Our association is made of mostly of landowners in Hale, Floyd and Motley Counties, an area that's ranked as class 4 winds (just in case you were wondering). Our association has maps available for developers to check out; we have our members' land marked and let me just say, there is a lot of interest in wind development.
What we want to do is whatever we can to get developers connected with landowners. Not just any developer though, it is very important to us to connect our landowners with developers who understand their needs and wants, a developer who will be sensitive to landowner concerns and who isn't merely in the business to make a buck, but wants sincerely to help out rural communities.
One thing we have starting doing is to feature developers who we think our landowners would like to work with in our monthly newsletter. We would like to continue doing so, so if you know a developer out there who you think would be a good fit, please contact me or leave a comment on this post.
Many developers seem to be waiting until the new transmission lines are built in the area before they make any significant actions towards developing a wind farm, but getting your name out there with landowners could never hurt. The first step in having a successful development is creating a good relationship with landowners; we can help developers with that step.
We would also like to work on getting a list together of local contractors or other companies who could be involved in the development process when the time comes. Hopefully we can provide developers with this list and bring work to local companies. If you fall into this category, please contact me as well because other than bringing in wind development to our area one of our main goals is to strengthen our local communities!
Until next time...
I've Got a Question?
I received a call yesterday afternoon from a landowner in our association (side note, I love getting calls from landowners; it helps me to keep perspective on what our association is really all about). This particular landowner owns land in Floyd County, Texas and wanted to know several things about how development is progressing in the area. One question he had in particular got my wheels turning. Let me back up and tell you how we got to that question.
The first question I got was one that I get all the time: are developers looking to develop in the area? The simple answer to that one was yes, yes they are. The more complicated answer is that while yes they are looking to develop in the area they are all sort of at a stand still while waiting for the transmission line build-out to come along.
So the next question was a very logical one: what is the status of the transmission lines? Once again, easy answer to this one is they are currently being planned. What's the more detailed answer you ask? Well, transmission companies throughout Texas are currently working on coming up with several different routes in which the lines could be built. They are working with community leaders and landowners to develop a primary and several alternative routes that they will submit to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT will then choose which route they will build. Construction of the entire system is scheduled to be complete by 2013.
The next question was a very straight forward one: so, the lines are going to be built? The answer to this one was simple again. Yes, the lines are going to be built including a line that is planned to cross the Northeast corner of Floyd County.
Here comes the wheel turner. If the developers are interested in the area and they know that the lines will be here eventually why aren't they already out here securing the land? This was one of those moments when I had to stop and say, "well, I am not sure."
Now before I go any further let me stop and give a disclaimer. I know that there are developers in the area who are talking with landowners and even some landowners who have their land leased, but a lot of that type of stuff is done under the radar. Developers don't necessarily want to broadcast the possibility of developing a wind farm until it's pretty set in stone. Even for those landowners who haven't been talking with developers in our area, it is very possible that developers have their eye on your land.
With that said, I was pretty curious about that question myself. I guess you could say I am a little biased though; I would like for all of our landowners to secure their land with wind developers and I would like for it to happen today. Putting aside my biases, I realized that there must be some logical reasons why developers are slow to jump on the opportunity to secure land with great wind potential like what we have here in the Caprock Plains Region of Texas. Who better to answer this question than a developer who is in this exact situation.
After my discussion with a developer interested in development in the area, I found a little clarity. This is what I got out of that discussion:
The first question I got was one that I get all the time: are developers looking to develop in the area? The simple answer to that one was yes, yes they are. The more complicated answer is that while yes they are looking to develop in the area they are all sort of at a stand still while waiting for the transmission line build-out to come along.
So the next question was a very logical one: what is the status of the transmission lines? Once again, easy answer to this one is they are currently being planned. What's the more detailed answer you ask? Well, transmission companies throughout Texas are currently working on coming up with several different routes in which the lines could be built. They are working with community leaders and landowners to develop a primary and several alternative routes that they will submit to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT will then choose which route they will build. Construction of the entire system is scheduled to be complete by 2013.
The next question was a very straight forward one: so, the lines are going to be built? The answer to this one was simple again. Yes, the lines are going to be built including a line that is planned to cross the Northeast corner of Floyd County.
Here comes the wheel turner. If the developers are interested in the area and they know that the lines will be here eventually why aren't they already out here securing the land? This was one of those moments when I had to stop and say, "well, I am not sure."
Now before I go any further let me stop and give a disclaimer. I know that there are developers in the area who are talking with landowners and even some landowners who have their land leased, but a lot of that type of stuff is done under the radar. Developers don't necessarily want to broadcast the possibility of developing a wind farm until it's pretty set in stone. Even for those landowners who haven't been talking with developers in our area, it is very possible that developers have their eye on your land.
With that said, I was pretty curious about that question myself. I guess you could say I am a little biased though; I would like for all of our landowners to secure their land with wind developers and I would like for it to happen today. Putting aside my biases, I realized that there must be some logical reasons why developers are slow to jump on the opportunity to secure land with great wind potential like what we have here in the Caprock Plains Region of Texas. Who better to answer this question than a developer who is in this exact situation.
After my discussion with a developer interested in development in the area, I found a little clarity. This is what I got out of that discussion:
First of all, wind developers want to make sure that lines are up, operating and open before they move forward with a project. When developers build a project in a specific area they have to request an interconnection into that grid for a certain amount of MWs that they think their project will provide. For ERCOT and SPP this process takes time and there are lots of studies that have to take place to find out what kind of power generation will affect the lines it goes into as well as the other lines down the road. Until they get farther along with the CREZ process they aren't exactly sure how it will affect the grid. The CREZ lines will allow for more wind farms to be built but it will also help with congestion problems. As the congestion areas are taken care of and developers are convinced that new lines will continue being built and on schedule then we will be more likely to see development pick back up.
One other issue is money. Developers looking at large scale developments will generally lease about 10,000 acres. When they are paying $3 to $4 an acre it can really add up, especially when they are looking at 2012 and 2013 as a projected completion date for the lines. It turns into quite a bit of money the developer is out way in advance of ever seeing a return. Wind developers are also still a little skeptical of the time frame for the transmission lines and are generally waiting to make sure the build-out continues as scheduled.
One other issue is money. Developers looking at large scale developments will generally lease about 10,000 acres. When they are paying $3 to $4 an acre it can really add up, especially when they are looking at 2012 and 2013 as a projected completion date for the lines. It turns into quite a bit of money the developer is out way in advance of ever seeing a return. Wind developers are also still a little skeptical of the time frame for the transmission lines and are generally waiting to make sure the build-out continues as scheduled.
Needless to say, after my discussion with the developer I feel much more prepared to answer that question next time it comes up. And next time it won't require so many wheels turning!
Until next time...
Until next time...
Windy Landowners Seminar
This seminar put on by the Alternative Energy Institute at WTAMU in Canyon, Texas is targeted at landowners, county officials and economic development representatives. Just from glancing over the agenda I can tell you that this is going to be a beneficial seminar to attend if you are interested in wind energy development.
Some topics for the seminar include: landowner issues, economics of wind farms, the future for ERCOT and SPP and much more. The event will take place on Saturday October 17th from 1:30 to 5pm. Register before October 13th for $30 or on site for $40.
Find out more details about the event here: http://www.windenergy.org/wlo/
Some topics for the seminar include: landowner issues, economics of wind farms, the future for ERCOT and SPP and much more. The event will take place on Saturday October 17th from 1:30 to 5pm. Register before October 13th for $30 or on site for $40.
Find out more details about the event here: http://www.windenergy.org/wlo/
Ports-to-Plains
The Ports-to Plains Trade Corridor Alliance recently held its 12th annual conference in Lubbock, Texas, the very city in which the alliance was formed. The conference brought in experts from all across the nation and a few from Canada and Mexico as well.
The alliance is made up of communities, business leaders, government officials and many experts concerned with energy, agriculture and transportation throughout the corridor. The region covers 2,333 miles stretching from Laredo, Texas into Alberta, Canada; it crosses right through the panhandle of Texas. The purpose of the alliance is to bring awareness and spur build-out of the transportation system in order to bring economic benefits to America's heartland. One of the main focuses is on energy development.
Transportation is key; this phrase became a theme for the conference. That phrase is very true for the wind development throughout the corridor. Transportation is vital for wind energy development in West Texas and the corridor runs right through the wind rich region. In order to deliver the equipment for one wind turbine some eight to ten trucks have to be used. Not to mention the fact that turbines continue to get larger and as they do it will be important to have a transportation infrastructure that can handle the growing wind industry.
You can find out more about the corridor and the alliance formed to support it at www.portstoplains.com.
Also, congratulations goes out to Plainview's John Bertsch who was elected chairman of the Ports to Plains Alliance Board of Directors. Read more in this Plainview Daily Herald article.
Until next time...
The alliance is made up of communities, business leaders, government officials and many experts concerned with energy, agriculture and transportation throughout the corridor. The region covers 2,333 miles stretching from Laredo, Texas into Alberta, Canada; it crosses right through the panhandle of Texas. The purpose of the alliance is to bring awareness and spur build-out of the transportation system in order to bring economic benefits to America's heartland. One of the main focuses is on energy development.
Transportation is key; this phrase became a theme for the conference. That phrase is very true for the wind development throughout the corridor. Transportation is vital for wind energy development in West Texas and the corridor runs right through the wind rich region. In order to deliver the equipment for one wind turbine some eight to ten trucks have to be used. Not to mention the fact that turbines continue to get larger and as they do it will be important to have a transportation infrastructure that can handle the growing wind industry.
You can find out more about the corridor and the alliance formed to support it at www.portstoplains.com.
Also, congratulations goes out to Plainview's John Bertsch who was elected chairman of the Ports to Plains Alliance Board of Directors. Read more in this Plainview Daily Herald article.
Until next time...
Press Release - Transmission Siting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association
Kelly Ayers, Executive Assistant
(806) 983-2793
Kelly.j.ayers@gmail.com
Local Landowners Involved With Transmission Siting Process
FLOYDADA, Texas, September 24, 2009 – Here in the Texas Panhandle landowners are excited about the approaching transmission build-out because it ultimately means more wind farms will come to the area, but what’s even more exciting is that Transmission Service Providers (TSP) building lines in the area are making sure that landowners are involved in the siting process.
Sharyland Utilities, a TSP chosen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to build four collection stations and five transmission line segments which will cover 250-300 miles in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains, recently held an open house at the Floyd County Friends Unity Center in Muncy, Texas. During the open house Sharyland representatives were available to answer questions, address concerns and take suggestions on potential routes for the transmission lines that are meant to bump up transmission capacity in order to harness the wind energy potential in the Texas Panhandle.
Bill Quattlebaum a landowner in Floyd County and board member for Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association (CPWEA), a non-profit landowner association looking to promote wind development in the area, attended the public meeting and was pleased with the interactions he had with Sharyland representatives.
“It seems to me, in all sincerity, that they are very conscientious and landowner friendly,” Quattlebaum noted. “They ask you two or three times if they can help you with anything and they are very knowledgeable. They act like their time is your time and that’s very admirable of them.”
The purpose of these public meetings is for Sharyland to be able to determine what would be the best route for a specific line segment. They will look at using or paralleling existing right-of-ways, while also taking landowner preferences into consideration. Sharyland plans to submit their preferred route as well as several alternative routes to the PUCT for review in the second quarter of 2010. The PUCT is expected to have an approved route by the third or fourth quarter of 2010 and if all goes as planned Sharyland will begin construction of their lines in the first or second quarter of 2011.
The 345kV transmission lines that are going to be built will require a right-of-way that is 175 feet wide. For the most part, the lines will be on steel lattice structures that will stand around 125 feet tall. Sharyland will purchase right-of-way easements from landowners. Fair market value for the easements will be determined by conducting a market study or appraisal of the land. While Sharyland Utilities has the power of eminent domain they are making all efforts possible in order to avoid an eminent domain situation.
Some concerns landowners may have is that having a transmission line on their land will prevent them from having wind turbines. A transmission line may affect the placement of turbines, as general practice calls for a buffer zone between transmission lines and turbines, but Sharyland is committed to working with landowners and wind developers to ensure a proper balance of land use.
Bill Quattlebaum seems excited about the potential that these transmission lines will bring to the area and he also seemed convinced that Sharyland is honestly working to build their lines along a path of least resistance, choosing routes which have the least landowner opposition.
“It’s a given that the transmission lines are coming, and the windmills will follow” Quattlebaum said. “Our vision at CPWEA, ‘windmills as far as the eye can see,’ is going to become a reality.”
You can find more information about the transmission line build-out and answers to frequently asked questions on Sharyland’s Web site (www.sharylandutilities.com).
CPWEA is a non-profit landowner association working to connect landowners with developers in the wind industry. CPWEA’s goal is to recruit wind development to the region and help revitalize rural communities. Go to www.caprockplainswind.com to find out more about the association.
###
Terms You May Hear
Last night at Sharyland Utilities' public meeting held at the Floyd County Friends Unity Center in Muncy, Texas they had a handy little booklet full of all kinds of information available to attendees. I wanted to share the section "Terms You May Hear" because I understand that its a lot to keep up with all the stuff going on with the transmission build out and the wind industry. So, here is a little FYI:
CREZ = Competitive Renewable Energy Zone
Specific area of Texas determined by the PUCT to have superior wind resources, including the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.
PUCT = Public Utility Commission of Texas (www.puc.state.tx)
The Texas regulatory body responsible for protecting customers, fostering competition and promoting high quality infrastructure, including electric transmission lines. The PUCT maintains oversight over Sharyland and all regulated utilities in Texas.
ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas (www.ercot.com)
An independent agency, overseen by the PUCT, that manages the flow of electric power to 22 million Texas customers. ERCOT's system covers approximately 85% of the state's load and 75% of its land area.
SPP = Southwest Power Pool (www.spp.org)
An organization similar to ERCOT that oversees the planning and operation of an interstate transmission grid covering states including parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Most retail customers in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains are connected to the SPP grid.
FERC = Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (www.ferc.gov)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates and oversees energy industries in the economic, environmental, and safety interests of the American public. They effectively perform the same function for the rest of U.S. as the PUCT does for Texas.
NERC = North American Electric Reliability Corporation (www.nerc.com)
NERC is a self-regulating organization, subject to oversight by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and governmental authorities in Canada. They ensure the reliability of the bulk electric system throughout North America by establishing and enforcing technical and operational requirements for all electric utilities.
TDSP = Transmission/Distribution Service Provider
Also referred to as a Transmission Service Provider ("TSP") or a Transmission Owner/Operator ("TO"), a TDSP owns and operates electric transmission lines in ERCOT. Some, like Sharyland, are fully regulated and must follow the guidelines of the PUCT, as well as ERCOT.
CCN = Certificate of Convenience and Necessity
A permit issued by the PUCT that authorizes a TDSP to build a specific transmission line along a defined route.
ROW = Right of Way
Written permission from a landowner to a TDSP that allows the TDSP to build and maintain a transmission line across the landowner's property.
345kV = 345 kilovots = 345,000 volts
This is the nominal voltage of the CREZ transmission lines. By comparison, the voltage supplied to most homes is 120/240 volts.
Collection Station
These are the endpoints to which the 345kV CREZ lines attach. They are also the points to which wind farms will connect to the ERCOT system. They are also referred to as "Stations" or "Substations."
Stakeholder
Any entity (landowner, business, etc.) that could be potentially affected by the location of a transmission line or substation.
CREZ = Competitive Renewable Energy Zone
Specific area of Texas determined by the PUCT to have superior wind resources, including the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.
PUCT = Public Utility Commission of Texas (www.puc.state.tx)
The Texas regulatory body responsible for protecting customers, fostering competition and promoting high quality infrastructure, including electric transmission lines. The PUCT maintains oversight over Sharyland and all regulated utilities in Texas.
ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas (www.ercot.com)
An independent agency, overseen by the PUCT, that manages the flow of electric power to 22 million Texas customers. ERCOT's system covers approximately 85% of the state's load and 75% of its land area.
SPP = Southwest Power Pool (www.spp.org)
An organization similar to ERCOT that oversees the planning and operation of an interstate transmission grid covering states including parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Most retail customers in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains are connected to the SPP grid.
FERC = Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (www.ferc.gov)
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates and oversees energy industries in the economic, environmental, and safety interests of the American public. They effectively perform the same function for the rest of U.S. as the PUCT does for Texas.
NERC = North American Electric Reliability Corporation (www.nerc.com)
NERC is a self-regulating organization, subject to oversight by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and governmental authorities in Canada. They ensure the reliability of the bulk electric system throughout North America by establishing and enforcing technical and operational requirements for all electric utilities.
TDSP = Transmission/Distribution Service Provider
Also referred to as a Transmission Service Provider ("TSP") or a Transmission Owner/Operator ("TO"), a TDSP owns and operates electric transmission lines in ERCOT. Some, like Sharyland, are fully regulated and must follow the guidelines of the PUCT, as well as ERCOT.
CCN = Certificate of Convenience and Necessity
A permit issued by the PUCT that authorizes a TDSP to build a specific transmission line along a defined route.
ROW = Right of Way
Written permission from a landowner to a TDSP that allows the TDSP to build and maintain a transmission line across the landowner's property.
345kV = 345 kilovots = 345,000 volts
This is the nominal voltage of the CREZ transmission lines. By comparison, the voltage supplied to most homes is 120/240 volts.
Collection Station
These are the endpoints to which the 345kV CREZ lines attach. They are also the points to which wind farms will connect to the ERCOT system. They are also referred to as "Stations" or "Substations."
Stakeholder
Any entity (landowner, business, etc.) that could be potentially affected by the location of a transmission line or substation.
Moving along with the CREZ
We are all waiting on something. Whether patiently or impatiently, people in the Panhandle of Texas are waiting for transmission lines to be built so that they can move forward with wind development in the area. First of all, I want to reiterate that things are moving along. Transmission Service Providers chosen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) are working diligently to get these lines under construction.
If you are a landowner in the area where these TSPs are going to be building new lines as a part of the CREZ process then it is important that you be involved with them as much as possible. I have had nothing but positive experiences with the companies who are going to be building in our immediate area. Representatives from Sharyland Utilities and Cross Texas Transmission have been speakers at our recent meetings and I have no doubt that their utmost concern is making decisions that will best serve landowners and local communities. So take the time to meet with them and have your voice heard.
Sharyland is hosting several open house type public meetings coming up soon. Public meetings will be held on September 21st, 22nd and 24th in Silverton, Muncy and Dickens, respectively. The meetings will all be come and go events where you can ask questions of Sharyland reps and see detailed project maps. You can stop by at any of the meetings between 5 and 8pm. Find out more about the meetings here.
You can also find a copy of the map which shows preliminary routes for the Sharyland's line that will be crossing Motley, Floyd, Briscoe and Dickens Counties here. If you are a landowner in these areas, these public meetings are a chance to get your voice heard on which line you would prefer. The best thing to do might be to work with your neighbors; if a group of you go to Sharyland with a concern you just might have more pull.
In case you are wondering how this entire process is going to pan out, basically what will happen is that Sharyland, taking the suggestions they receive at public meetings and through other interactions with community members, will create several line proposals that they will submit to the PUCT. Included in this proposal, more formally called a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, will be an outline of a primary route (which Sharyland believes to be the best route) as well as several other alternative routes. The PUCT then has 6 months to choose the route they believe is best. Once the PUCT decides then Sharyland can begin construction. The entire CREZ system is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2013.
You can find another map Sharyland had available at recent public meetings for the line that crosses Potter, Randall, Carson, Armstrong and Deaf Smith Counties here.
If you are a landowner in the area where these TSPs are going to be building new lines as a part of the CREZ process then it is important that you be involved with them as much as possible. I have had nothing but positive experiences with the companies who are going to be building in our immediate area. Representatives from Sharyland Utilities and Cross Texas Transmission have been speakers at our recent meetings and I have no doubt that their utmost concern is making decisions that will best serve landowners and local communities. So take the time to meet with them and have your voice heard.
Sharyland is hosting several open house type public meetings coming up soon. Public meetings will be held on September 21st, 22nd and 24th in Silverton, Muncy and Dickens, respectively. The meetings will all be come and go events where you can ask questions of Sharyland reps and see detailed project maps. You can stop by at any of the meetings between 5 and 8pm. Find out more about the meetings here.
You can also find a copy of the map which shows preliminary routes for the Sharyland's line that will be crossing Motley, Floyd, Briscoe and Dickens Counties here. If you are a landowner in these areas, these public meetings are a chance to get your voice heard on which line you would prefer. The best thing to do might be to work with your neighbors; if a group of you go to Sharyland with a concern you just might have more pull.
In case you are wondering how this entire process is going to pan out, basically what will happen is that Sharyland, taking the suggestions they receive at public meetings and through other interactions with community members, will create several line proposals that they will submit to the PUCT. Included in this proposal, more formally called a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, will be an outline of a primary route (which Sharyland believes to be the best route) as well as several other alternative routes. The PUCT then has 6 months to choose the route they believe is best. Once the PUCT decides then Sharyland can begin construction. The entire CREZ system is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2013.
You can find another map Sharyland had available at recent public meetings for the line that crosses Potter, Randall, Carson, Armstrong and Deaf Smith Counties here.
A Post of Facts
Traditionally, I have tried to post a wind fact within my Wind News blog entries. Well, since I have added a shared news links to our Web site (if you haven't checked it out yet you can find it at on the News/Links page of our site) I don't think its necessary for me to share the same links on our blog. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I missed digging for those little nuggets of information that seem to help give insight into an industry that seemed to be ever changing. So, if you have missed them as much as I have then you should enjoy this post. Here are a few wind industry tidbits, enjoy!
WIND FACTS
In 2007 and 2008 more than 50 new wind industry manufacturing facilities were announced, opened or expanded in the U.S.
Source: AWEA 2009 Calendar
Wind is a fuel-free resource and its capitol costs are offset by major fuel cost savings over time.
Source: AWEA 2009 Calendar
An ERCOT study found that consumers would save money over the cost of investing in new transmission lines when new wind capacity is built in the state.
Source: AWEA 2009 Calendar
AWEA has determined that two-thirds of the predicted growth of wind energy generation in the U.S. will occur in Texas.
Source: State Energy Conservation Office
Wind power development in Texas has more than quadrupled since the renewable portfolio standard was established in 1999.
Source: State Energy Conservation Office
The wind industry is creating thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in royalty income for landowners, for communities and for the Texas Permanent School Fund
Source: State Energy Conservation Office
For landowners with wind turbines on their property, some wind leases provide bonuses and installation payments, but the primary form of payment is in the form of royalties, also called rent, operating fees or monthly production payments, usually paid to the landowner quarterly.
Source: The Energy Report 2008
While wind farms may extend over thousands of acres, the wind turbines themselves occupy only a small percentage of the land – generally 3 to 8 percent (one to two acres per turbine, mostly for the unit itself and associated service roads). This allows farmers and ranchers to use most of the land for other activities
Source: The Energy Report 2008
Most wind turbines currently planned for installation in West Texas wind farms are 1 MW to 2.3 MW units. Again, a 1 MW wind turbine can generate electricity for about 230 Texas households.
Source: The Energy Report 2008
I think that's probably enough to take in for today! Check back for more wind fact posts. I think for a future post I will work on a "what people in the wind industry are saying" post about wind quotes. Submit a quote about wind and I just might include it in the entry. And as always, if you have a suggestions for a blog entry please post it as a comment.
Until next time...
WIND FACTS
In 2007 and 2008 more than 50 new wind industry manufacturing facilities were announced, opened or expanded in the U.S.
Source: AWEA 2009 Calendar
Wind is a fuel-free resource and its capitol costs are offset by major fuel cost savings over time.
Source: AWEA 2009 Calendar
An ERCOT study found that consumers would save money over the cost of investing in new transmission lines when new wind capacity is built in the state.
Source: AWEA 2009 Calendar
AWEA has determined that two-thirds of the predicted growth of wind energy generation in the U.S. will occur in Texas.
Source: State Energy Conservation Office
Wind power development in Texas has more than quadrupled since the renewable portfolio standard was established in 1999.
Source: State Energy Conservation Office
The wind industry is creating thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in royalty income for landowners, for communities and for the Texas Permanent School Fund
Source: State Energy Conservation Office
For landowners with wind turbines on their property, some wind leases provide bonuses and installation payments, but the primary form of payment is in the form of royalties, also called rent, operating fees or monthly production payments, usually paid to the landowner quarterly.
Source: The Energy Report 2008
While wind farms may extend over thousands of acres, the wind turbines themselves occupy only a small percentage of the land – generally 3 to 8 percent (one to two acres per turbine, mostly for the unit itself and associated service roads). This allows farmers and ranchers to use most of the land for other activities
Source: The Energy Report 2008
Most wind turbines currently planned for installation in West Texas wind farms are 1 MW to 2.3 MW units. Again, a 1 MW wind turbine can generate electricity for about 230 Texas households.
Source: The Energy Report 2008
I think that's probably enough to take in for today! Check back for more wind fact posts. I think for a future post I will work on a "what people in the wind industry are saying" post about wind quotes. Submit a quote about wind and I just might include it in the entry. And as always, if you have a suggestions for a blog entry please post it as a comment.
Until next time...
Windflowers
Class 4 Winds has begun hosting a networking luncheon in Amarillo once a month; I have been lucky enough to be able to attend the first two meetings. Both meetings have featured excellent speakers full of wind industry knowledge, not to mention great networking opportunities (hence the name networking luncheon). Last week's speakers were Dr. Vaughn Nelson, director of the alternative energy institute at WTAMU and Brad Christopher, project manager at the Wildorado Wind Ranch.
I wanted to share with you some of the interesting facts I picked up at the luncheon. First of all, if you are looking for a good comprehensive overview of everything wind energy you might consider picking up Dr. Nelson's new book Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment. The book covers everything from the history of wind energy to wind turbine design, and much more.
During the meeting I believe I found my new favorite nickname for the towers that have been springing up across our great state: windflowers. To me the nickname is very forward-looking; it references the 30 story structures as just another part of our landscape. And from hearing Brad Christopher talk about the Wildorado Wind Ranch, that's just what they have become for them and the landowners in that area.
Mr. Christopher talked mainly about the construction of the farm that sits just west of Amarillo. It was interesting for me to hear that construction of this 161 MW (70 2.3 MW turbines) venture took less than a year. Construction of the farm started in June 2006 and the turbines were operational by April of 2007. Once the foundation for a turbine and underground transmission that connects a wind farm has been built, it takes around 8 hours to get a turbine up.
More interesting stuff (well at least I thought so anyway), each turbine has its own weather station on the tip top of the tower. That weather station basically tells the turbine when to start up, shut down, which way to turn, etc. When the blades are turning they are usually spinning at somewhere between 10 - 18 RPMs, the speed can be fixed or variable depending on the turbine. These particular turbines (or windflowers) at the Wildorado farm stand approximately 410 ft. high and the blades are each 150 ft. long.
Dr. Nelson offered up probably one of the most straight forward statements about what you need for wind energy development to happen. The three things were: windy land area, transmission, and someone to sell the energy to. Mr. Christopher added one other necessity: public support. The good news for our area is that we have these things, with the exception of transmission (which is on its way). Most importantly, we have landowners that see the benefits of wind energy development and therefore developers have less "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) issues to deal with. I know our landowner members are ready to see a build out of windflowers on their land.
Until next time...
I wanted to share with you some of the interesting facts I picked up at the luncheon. First of all, if you are looking for a good comprehensive overview of everything wind energy you might consider picking up Dr. Nelson's new book Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment. The book covers everything from the history of wind energy to wind turbine design, and much more.
During the meeting I believe I found my new favorite nickname for the towers that have been springing up across our great state: windflowers. To me the nickname is very forward-looking; it references the 30 story structures as just another part of our landscape. And from hearing Brad Christopher talk about the Wildorado Wind Ranch, that's just what they have become for them and the landowners in that area.
Mr. Christopher talked mainly about the construction of the farm that sits just west of Amarillo. It was interesting for me to hear that construction of this 161 MW (70 2.3 MW turbines) venture took less than a year. Construction of the farm started in June 2006 and the turbines were operational by April of 2007. Once the foundation for a turbine and underground transmission that connects a wind farm has been built, it takes around 8 hours to get a turbine up.
More interesting stuff (well at least I thought so anyway), each turbine has its own weather station on the tip top of the tower. That weather station basically tells the turbine when to start up, shut down, which way to turn, etc. When the blades are turning they are usually spinning at somewhere between 10 - 18 RPMs, the speed can be fixed or variable depending on the turbine. These particular turbines (or windflowers) at the Wildorado farm stand approximately 410 ft. high and the blades are each 150 ft. long.
Dr. Nelson offered up probably one of the most straight forward statements about what you need for wind energy development to happen. The three things were: windy land area, transmission, and someone to sell the energy to. Mr. Christopher added one other necessity: public support. The good news for our area is that we have these things, with the exception of transmission (which is on its way). Most importantly, we have landowners that see the benefits of wind energy development and therefore developers have less "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) issues to deal with. I know our landowner members are ready to see a build out of windflowers on their land.
Until next time...
Today's Wind Headlines
Well it's been a couple days since the last post, so I thought I would share some links to wind in the news and a wind fact of course!
Prairie Chicken's mating dance puts Texas wind power at risk
Landowners meet with utility over power lines
Energy firm to meet with public over lines
A battle between wind and beauty
The science gets it right - AWEA Blog
WIND FACT
"For landowners with wind turbines on their property, some wind leases provide bonuses and installation payments, but the primary form of payment is in the form of royalties, also called rent, operating fees or monthly production payments, usually paid to the landowner quarterly. In 2007, the standard royalty was about 4 percent of gross revenues but the amount a landowner receives can depend on many factors, including the number and size of wind turbines installed; the area’s wind capacity; the turbines’ annual hours of operation; the availability of transmission lines; and the price the electric utility company pays per kWh."
Source: The Energy Report 2008: Chapter 11, Wind Energy
Prairie Chicken's mating dance puts Texas wind power at risk
Landowners meet with utility over power lines
Energy firm to meet with public over lines
A battle between wind and beauty
The science gets it right - AWEA Blog
WIND FACT
"For landowners with wind turbines on their property, some wind leases provide bonuses and installation payments, but the primary form of payment is in the form of royalties, also called rent, operating fees or monthly production payments, usually paid to the landowner quarterly. In 2007, the standard royalty was about 4 percent of gross revenues but the amount a landowner receives can depend on many factors, including the number and size of wind turbines installed; the area’s wind capacity; the turbines’ annual hours of operation; the availability of transmission lines; and the price the electric utility company pays per kWh."
Source: The Energy Report 2008: Chapter 11, Wind Energy
Membership
The majority of membership joined in August of either 2007 or 2008, which for me means I have been up to my ears in membership renewals this month, but I definitely do not mind it! This dues renewal business inspired me to write a blog entry about our dues structure, especially since it was recently amended at our annual membership meeting.
Let me start off by giving you a short (and when I say short I mean short, I promise) history:
When the membership dues structure was set up it was separated into five categories (Foundation, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze). People could join at whichever level most closely described them or their business. I will give you definitions of each in just a second, but for now we will discuss the foundation level of membership. Most of our members joined at the foundation level. A foundation members is a landowner who hopes to see wind development on their land at some point. When the dues structure was originally set up, landowners (or foundation members) could join for a minimum of $100/year, they could volunteer to pay $1/acre with a maximum of $1500/annually. In 2008 the membership voted to change the dues structure to require all foundation members to pay $1/acre. Since then we have seen less renewals as well as less new members at the foundation level, therefore the board of directors decided to bring the issue back before the membership this year. On August 13th the membership voted to change the dues structure back how it was originally set up.
Okay so maybe my history of the dues structure was a little long, but long story short... Landowners may now join our association by paying a minimum of $100/year.
As far as the other membership levels go:
Platinum members are defined as wind development & specialty companies, consultants, utilities, transmission service providers, etc. Platinum members pay $1000/year.
Gold members are defined as counties, cities, school districts, chambers of commerce, economic development corporation, etc. Gold members pay $250/year.
Silver members are defined as individuals and businesses providing services & products or directly involved in wind energy. Silver members pay $100/year.
Bronze members are defined as individuals and businesses supportive but not directly involved with wind energy. Bronze members pay $50/year.
You can find out more about our association and the benefits of membership by checking out our Web site. Be sure to click on the link to our brochure on the about us page.
Let me start off by giving you a short (and when I say short I mean short, I promise) history:
When the membership dues structure was set up it was separated into five categories (Foundation, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze). People could join at whichever level most closely described them or their business. I will give you definitions of each in just a second, but for now we will discuss the foundation level of membership. Most of our members joined at the foundation level. A foundation members is a landowner who hopes to see wind development on their land at some point. When the dues structure was originally set up, landowners (or foundation members) could join for a minimum of $100/year, they could volunteer to pay $1/acre with a maximum of $1500/annually. In 2008 the membership voted to change the dues structure to require all foundation members to pay $1/acre. Since then we have seen less renewals as well as less new members at the foundation level, therefore the board of directors decided to bring the issue back before the membership this year. On August 13th the membership voted to change the dues structure back how it was originally set up.
Okay so maybe my history of the dues structure was a little long, but long story short... Landowners may now join our association by paying a minimum of $100/year.
As far as the other membership levels go:
Platinum members are defined as wind development & specialty companies, consultants, utilities, transmission service providers, etc. Platinum members pay $1000/year.
Gold members are defined as counties, cities, school districts, chambers of commerce, economic development corporation, etc. Gold members pay $250/year.
Silver members are defined as individuals and businesses providing services & products or directly involved in wind energy. Silver members pay $100/year.
Bronze members are defined as individuals and businesses supportive but not directly involved with wind energy. Bronze members pay $50/year.
You can find out more about our association and the benefits of membership by checking out our Web site. Be sure to click on the link to our brochure on the about us page.
Press Release - TX Panhandle Wind
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association
Kelly Ayers, Executive Assistant
(806) 983-2793
Kelly.j.ayers@gmail.com
The Texas Panhandle Has Wind Energy Potential
FLOYDADA, Texas, August 17, 2009 – Landowners in the panhandle of Texas know the wind blows and many of them are starting to question why they haven’t seen more wind energy development in the area. At a recent meeting held in Floyd County, experts reassured landowners that there is still potential for wind energy development.
Richard Amato, president and CEO of Venti Energy and wind subcommittee chair for the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) was the first speaker at Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association’s (CPWEA) annual membership meeting. Amato presented the attendees with a wind industry update, explaining that wind energy development in Texas has come a long way but it still has the potential to grow.
Texas is ranked first in the nation for wind development with 8,361 MW of installed capacity at the end of June. Texas currently creates 3.5 percent of its energy from wind, making it seventh in the nation for percentage of overall wind-generated energy. This year has been a slow year for wind development in comparison to the previous couple of years in which Texas, as well as the entire nation, saw rapid growth throughout the industry, but wind still has a place in the Texas panhandle.
“Even though market conditions are depressed right now there is still a lot of room for potential growth,” Amato commented. “This isn’t a dying industry, there is only room to improve; we have barely scratched the tip of potential for wind.”
The potential for wind energy development in the caprock plains region of Texas is great and offers many benefits, including: job creation, additional income for farmers, and increased tax bases bringing money to school, hospitals, etc. Amato pointed out that the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) process, which will allow the wind-rich panhandle to send energy generated by wind to load centers like Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, is critical so we can continue to develop wind farms and reap the benefits associated with development.
“As a company we are interested in the area,” Amato said. “We are looking for innovative ways to work with landowners to develop wind projects.”
Cameron Fredkin, director of project development for Cross Texas Transmission, also spoke during the recent CPWEA meeting about the CREZ process and their involvement in this expansive build out of the Texas transmission grid.
Cross Texas Transmission is a subsidiary of LS Power Development, LLC and was selected by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to permit, construct, own and operate over 230 miles of 345 kV transmission lines in the Texas Panhandle as a part of the CREZ process.
As a transmission service provider, Cross Texas Transmission is already doing their part to help revitalize communities in the area even though they are only in the preliminary stages of the CREZ process. One of Cross Texas Transmission’s goals is to build a Texas based project development team. Through the transmission build out they want to continue to provide employment in Texas, especially the panhandle.
Currently Cross Texas is working on identifying geographically diverse routes which they will submit to the PUCT sometime next year. It is important for them to be in close contact with landowners throughout the region during the entire process and they have opened a local office in Pampa, Texas, to help facilitate communication with local landowners.
“Cross Texas Transmission is committed to communicating with stakeholders throughout the process,” Fredkin said. “We have an open door policy and encourage interested parties to contact us. We recognize that communication is essential as we develop the transmission expansion plan and we would forward to working with landowners throughout the panhandle region.”
If you would like to find out more about Cross Texas Transmission and their involvement in the transmission build out you can call their local office in Pampa, Texas, at (806) 669-3000.
Tom Edwards, a CPWEA board member from Motley County reassured the group during the meeting that wind energy development is not dead in our area and asked members to stay dedicated to the vision that CPWEA is working toward.
“I urge you to continue your membership and urge your friends to join because the war isn’t over yet,” Edwards said, reminding the members that the potential to utilize wind energy to help strengthen our communities is still there.
CPWEA is a non-profit landowner association working to connect landowners with developers in the wind industry. CPWEA’s goal is to recruit wind development to the region and help revitalize rural communities. Go to www.caprockplainswind.com to find out more about the association and find full presentations from recent CPWEA meetings.
###
Membership Meeting 2009
Last night marked a milestone for our association as we gathered for our third annual membership meeting. Now, I'm not going to lie, I really had hoped for a better turn out but I can't deny that the 50ish people that came out were top quality!! Here is a little blurb about went on at the Floyd County Friend Unity Center in Muncy, Texas last night and yes I am going to use visuals! Enjoy the snap shots.
Look at that group!! Here they are preparing for the meeting to begin and looking over their handouts. If you are interested in getting a copy of the CREZ map we had available please contact me.
Side note: From here on out you can see how much I prefer to take vertical photos!!
Steve Stokes, our board president, started out the night. He took care of all the "business" stuff. During this part of the meeting the membership voted to change the dues structure for foundation (landowner) members back to its original structure. That structure being that landowners can volunteer to pay $1/acre dues, but are only required to pay a $100 minimum.
Tom Edwards, a Motley County board member, took the podium next. Tom reassured the crowd that wind energy development is moving forward and encouraged members to renew their memberships and help recruit others who aren't currently members. He also recognized Pete Laney, who was in attendance and Joe Heflin for their efforts to spur wind development in our area.
Our first guest speaker of the night was Richard Amato. Richard is the President and CEO of Venti Energy, a developer based out of Austin, as well as wind subcommittee chair for the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA). Richard gave the group an overview of the industry as a whole, including topics relevant to transmission infrastructure, policies and incentives, the development timeline and much more. He even gave us a quick overview of acronyms that are regularly used in the industry. Do you know what PPA means? Well, if you didn't, it's power purchase agreement. Thanks Richard!
Our second speaker, Cameron Fredkin had a short video for the group to enjoy. Everyone watched attentively, see below! Let me know if you would like to see the video; I am sure we can find a way to work something out.
Here Cameron is talking about just who Cross Texas Transmission is. Cameron gave us a great overview of how the CREZ process is going to work and how Cross Texas will be involved. The main point I got from his presentation is that their company really does want to know your opinion. Cameron said they really do have an open door policy. If you have suggestions about the routing of lines you shouldn't hesitate to contact them. I would also like to commend Cameron on his fielding of questions. He got a lot of them and he answered them all very thoroughly.
You can find the complete presentations from both of our speakers on our Web site under news/links. Please call, send me an email or leave a comment on this post if you have any questions about the meeting or about Caprock in general. I would be happy to field them!
And I have to leave you with one last thing. I really liked this picture of the group from last night. Sometimes I have to dust off my photoshop skills and black and white looks good on the group. Enjoy...
I greatly appreciated the members that made it out last night; I enjoyed getting to meet and greet members I hadn't met before as well as get to see those I have again. Here are a couple of those members at the sign-in table, signing in and getting their handouts.
Look at that group!! Here they are preparing for the meeting to begin and looking over their handouts. If you are interested in getting a copy of the CREZ map we had available please contact me.
Side note: From here on out you can see how much I prefer to take vertical photos!!Steve Stokes, our board president, started out the night. He took care of all the "business" stuff. During this part of the meeting the membership voted to change the dues structure for foundation (landowner) members back to its original structure. That structure being that landowners can volunteer to pay $1/acre dues, but are only required to pay a $100 minimum.
Tom Edwards, a Motley County board member, took the podium next. Tom reassured the crowd that wind energy development is moving forward and encouraged members to renew their memberships and help recruit others who aren't currently members. He also recognized Pete Laney, who was in attendance and Joe Heflin for their efforts to spur wind development in our area.
Our first guest speaker of the night was Richard Amato. Richard is the President and CEO of Venti Energy, a developer based out of Austin, as well as wind subcommittee chair for the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA). Richard gave the group an overview of the industry as a whole, including topics relevant to transmission infrastructure, policies and incentives, the development timeline and much more. He even gave us a quick overview of acronyms that are regularly used in the industry. Do you know what PPA means? Well, if you didn't, it's power purchase agreement. Thanks Richard!
Our second speaker, Cameron Fredkin had a short video for the group to enjoy. Everyone watched attentively, see below! Let me know if you would like to see the video; I am sure we can find a way to work something out. 
Here Cameron is talking about just who Cross Texas Transmission is. Cameron gave us a great overview of how the CREZ process is going to work and how Cross Texas will be involved. The main point I got from his presentation is that their company really does want to know your opinion. Cameron said they really do have an open door policy. If you have suggestions about the routing of lines you shouldn't hesitate to contact them. I would also like to commend Cameron on his fielding of questions. He got a lot of them and he answered them all very thoroughly. 
You can find the complete presentations from both of our speakers on our Web site under news/links. Please call, send me an email or leave a comment on this post if you have any questions about the meeting or about Caprock in general. I would be happy to field them!
And I have to leave you with one last thing. I really liked this picture of the group from last night. Sometimes I have to dust off my photoshop skills and black and white looks good on the group. Enjoy...
Today's Wind Headlines
I have discovered that there really isn't any fun, intriguing way to say this so I'll just keep it straight forward, here's some links to wind news:
In Texas, electricity costs go down because of wind energy - AWEA Blog
The most inaccurate article ever printed about wind - AWEA Blog
Measuring the worth of wind energy - AWEA Blog
Decision belongs to landowners - a landowner's point of view on wind development
New study sheds light on the growing U.S. wind power market
Oncor towers going up to deliver wind power to North Texas
WIND FACT
"Wind projects bring significant economic development to their host communities through property taxes, new jobs, and work for local contractors."
Source: Windusty FAQs
In Texas, electricity costs go down because of wind energy - AWEA Blog
The most inaccurate article ever printed about wind - AWEA Blog
Measuring the worth of wind energy - AWEA Blog
Decision belongs to landowners - a landowner's point of view on wind development
New study sheds light on the growing U.S. wind power market
Oncor towers going up to deliver wind power to North Texas
WIND FACT
"Wind projects bring significant economic development to their host communities through property taxes, new jobs, and work for local contractors."
Source: Windusty FAQs
Finally Some Answers Cont.
Well here we go again. I have got three more answers for you today, so let’s get after it.
And before I confuse anyone, we are starting with question #3 because questions #1 & 2 were answered in the last entry. Which I ultimately decided had gotten too long, so I made you wait a little longer for the rest. Hope you’re not too upset! Okay enough of that, here goes:
Question #3 ~ How much does it cost per turbine to construct a large wind farm?
And before I confuse anyone, we are starting with question #3 because questions #1 & 2 were answered in the last entry. Which I ultimately decided had gotten too long, so I made you wait a little longer for the rest. Hope you’re not too upset! Okay enough of that, here goes:
Question #3 ~ How much does it cost per turbine to construct a large wind farm?
The most comprehensive answer I could find can be found on Windustry’s Web site. So you can go directly to their Web page and read the answer in its entirety or you can stick with me on this one. I’ll keep it short and sweet for you.
Of course the first statement that Windustry makes on this topic is that the cost of installing a wind turbine depends on a lot of things. These vary from the location of the project, the contracts involved, financing costs, the size of the project, etc. In general they state that in 2007 a commercial scale turbine cost somewhere between $1.2 million to $2.6 million per MW. The example they gave stated that a 2 MW turbine (one of the most common sizes) cost about $3.5 million to install.
Now that you have my short and sweet answer I recommend that you check out Windusty’s Web site if you need more in-depth stuff.
Question #4 ~ Who are the developers, manufacturers that are keeping the wind industry going? Are most of them foreign companies?
So this question gave me a little trouble. I could easily give my opinion on the matter, but I wanted it to be supported by other sources. I will start with my opinion and I encourage anyone who is better versed in the topic to add their thoughts by posting a comment. Here’s what I can make of the situation; suppliers and manufacturing facilities in the United States are growing as is the entire wind industry. It is true that a lot of developers and so on aren’t based in the U.S., but many of them have begun building facilities here. At some point a lot of countries jumped ahead of the United States in wind energy development and therefore we are currently playing catch-up in that sector. I believe the wind industry offers a lot of potential to our country right now, the potential for new businesses and new job opportunities. We have a lot to learn from what other countries have done in wind.
One article I found gave a lot of information on the status of wind turbine manufacturing both worldwide and specific to the United States. It states that most turbines are imported from Europe and Asia, but that turbine parts made in the U.S. grew to 50% in 2008, up from less than 30% in 2005. It also goes into how the recent stimulus act might help the industry. You can read the entire article here: U.S. Wind Turbine Manufacturing Will Increase
Question # 5 ~ How much per mile does the construction of the new transmission lines in our area cost?
This one was easy for me to answer because Tom Gray, AWEA’s Director of Communications was kind enough to leave a comment on one of my previous blog entries. Therefore I will quote him directly, “Hi, the CREZ lines are 2,400 miles in length and will cost $4.9 billion, so the cost per mile is about $2 million.” Thanks Tom!
Alrighty!! Well I finally got that all worked out. Hope that I was thorough enough for your taste and that you made it this far along without having to take a quick nap. Once again, and I can’t say it enough, if you have comments or any input please post it as a comment. Until next time…
Finally Some Answers
Please excuse the late update on the answers to questions I previously posted, but, late or not, here they are:
Question # 1 ~ What is the feasible percentage of electricity in our nation that can come from wind (not all renewables, but just wind)?
I have found a couple different perspectives on this topic and therefore I will provide you with a couple different views (along with links to the corresponding articles) so that you can decide which you think is more feasible.
According to a report put out by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), wind has the potential to provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030. This type of growth in wind energy development would mean that several current hurdles would have to be jumped. Hurdles include reducing the cost of wind technologies, improving transmission infrastructure and developing domestic manufacturing. You can read more about the report here: http://www.energy.gov/news/6253.htm
Another article posted on treehugger.com shows a reveals some more optimistic outlooks for wind and renewables. From the most extreme, Al Gore's vision of 100% U.S. electricity from renewables in the next ten years, to Professor Peter Lund's projection that 40% of electricity could come from renewables by 2050. From that 40%, 25% could be generated wind with 20% of that from offshore wind development. Find out more in the article at www.treehugger.com.
Question #2 ~ What is this we keep hearing about issues with prairie chickens?
Here's how we are going to handle this one. I will give you my opinion and then some links to articles for you to get some more insight into the situation.
In my opinion, and you can determine its worth, we need to make sure we are environmentally responsible with any new technology or foreign object that we introduce into an ecosystem. On the other hand, you really have to make a pros and cons list for this type of thing. From what I can tell, our nation really needs wind energy development for so many reasons. The answer to this dilemma really is responsible planning. This topic just emphasizes the necessity to perform environmental studies and fatal flaw analyzes before the wind farm is sited. Wind energy development of the scale we are seeing today is so new that its also important to continue to do studies on the effects of development so that those effects can be minimized. The answer really is for wind energy developers to work with entities like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to lessen the effects of wind development on the prairie chicken and other affected species and environments.
Here are some links to get some more information:
Wind and Wildlife: Panhandle Power
Prairie Grouse Could Hamper Wind Energy Growth
WHEW! I have just come to the conclusion that answering all five questions in one post is going to make for one long entry. So, I will leave you with this today. Check back in the next couple of days for answers to questions 3-5. And please don't hesitate to post additional questions you have or comments on my answers. I welcome them!
Question # 1 ~ What is the feasible percentage of electricity in our nation that can come from wind (not all renewables, but just wind)?
I have found a couple different perspectives on this topic and therefore I will provide you with a couple different views (along with links to the corresponding articles) so that you can decide which you think is more feasible.
According to a report put out by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), wind has the potential to provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030. This type of growth in wind energy development would mean that several current hurdles would have to be jumped. Hurdles include reducing the cost of wind technologies, improving transmission infrastructure and developing domestic manufacturing. You can read more about the report here: http://www.energy.gov/news/6253.htm
Another article posted on treehugger.com shows a reveals some more optimistic outlooks for wind and renewables. From the most extreme, Al Gore's vision of 100% U.S. electricity from renewables in the next ten years, to Professor Peter Lund's projection that 40% of electricity could come from renewables by 2050. From that 40%, 25% could be generated wind with 20% of that from offshore wind development. Find out more in the article at www.treehugger.com.
Question #2 ~ What is this we keep hearing about issues with prairie chickens?
Here's how we are going to handle this one. I will give you my opinion and then some links to articles for you to get some more insight into the situation.
In my opinion, and you can determine its worth, we need to make sure we are environmentally responsible with any new technology or foreign object that we introduce into an ecosystem. On the other hand, you really have to make a pros and cons list for this type of thing. From what I can tell, our nation really needs wind energy development for so many reasons. The answer to this dilemma really is responsible planning. This topic just emphasizes the necessity to perform environmental studies and fatal flaw analyzes before the wind farm is sited. Wind energy development of the scale we are seeing today is so new that its also important to continue to do studies on the effects of development so that those effects can be minimized. The answer really is for wind energy developers to work with entities like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to lessen the effects of wind development on the prairie chicken and other affected species and environments.
Here are some links to get some more information:
Wind and Wildlife: Panhandle Power
Prairie Grouse Could Hamper Wind Energy Growth
WHEW! I have just come to the conclusion that answering all five questions in one post is going to make for one long entry. So, I will leave you with this today. Check back in the next couple of days for answers to questions 3-5. And please don't hesitate to post additional questions you have or comments on my answers. I welcome them!
Today's Wind Headlines
Current Headlines:
Company working with Tech on new wind farm
U.S. Used Less Energy in 2008 But More Renewable Energy
Wind and wildlife: Panhandle Power
WIND FACT
"Electricity being generated by the nation's existing wind power fleet would require burning more than 29 million tons of coal or 90 million barrels of oil per year."
Source: AWEA's 2009 Calendar
Company working with Tech on new wind farm
U.S. Used Less Energy in 2008 But More Renewable Energy
Wind and wildlife: Panhandle Power
WIND FACT
"Electricity being generated by the nation's existing wind power fleet would require burning more than 29 million tons of coal or 90 million barrels of oil per year."
Source: AWEA's 2009 Calendar
Follow Us/Be A Fan
Online social networks have become all the rage and while they can be overwhelming at times there is no denying that they do have benefits. So it just seems fitting to use our blog to promote our involvement in these networking sites. You can follow CPWEA on twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Either way you can get current updates on news and upcoming events. It's just another way we can help make connections between landowners, developers and others involved in the wind industry.
If you're on twitter:
Follow CPWEA at www.twitter.com/cpwea
If you're on facebook:
Search for Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association and click become a fan.
If you want to find out more about becoming a member of our association. Please visit the membership page on our web site.
If you're on twitter:
Follow CPWEA at www.twitter.com/cpwea
If you're on facebook:
Search for Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association and click become a fan.
If you want to find out more about becoming a member of our association. Please visit the membership page on our web site.
In the Lions Den Once Again
First of all I would like to give this disclaimer: Answers to the previous post's questions will be posted soon; I am working on being thorough. Feel free to post your opinion on any of them as a comment. With that said...
I spent another day in a Lions den this afternoon. The Plainview Lions Club had me as their speaker and I couldn't have been more excited with the turnout. This is my 4th Lions club experience this summer and it was by far the largest. It seems as if before each meeting I get the usual warning about how its summer and the attendance at meetings is always low this time of year. I wouldn't have known the difference looking out on the crowd from the podium at the front of the room today, there weren't many empty seats.
Now when Brent Richburg, Ash Middle School Principal and previous Boss Lion, informed me that there would be around 60 attendees I must admit that my stomach did a little flip. My nerves were quickly put to rest during the "meet and greet" part of the meeting. It was easy to tell these were quality people who were genuinely interested in my presentation topic. The wide array of professions represented at these club meetings always astounds me and while I hope that everyone benefits from my presentation, I know that I always benefit from the conversions had and contacts made afterward.
So to my point of this entry: I would like to add another question to the list presented in the previous entry. I hated that I couldn't answer this question on the spot today in Plainview so I want to do some research and come back to it:
Question #5 - How much per mile does the construction of the new transmission lines in our area cost?
If you have an answer please post it as a comment. I will be coming back to answers questions 1-5 soon, be checking back!
I spent another day in a Lions den this afternoon. The Plainview Lions Club had me as their speaker and I couldn't have been more excited with the turnout. This is my 4th Lions club experience this summer and it was by far the largest. It seems as if before each meeting I get the usual warning about how its summer and the attendance at meetings is always low this time of year. I wouldn't have known the difference looking out on the crowd from the podium at the front of the room today, there weren't many empty seats.
Now when Brent Richburg, Ash Middle School Principal and previous Boss Lion, informed me that there would be around 60 attendees I must admit that my stomach did a little flip. My nerves were quickly put to rest during the "meet and greet" part of the meeting. It was easy to tell these were quality people who were genuinely interested in my presentation topic. The wide array of professions represented at these club meetings always astounds me and while I hope that everyone benefits from my presentation, I know that I always benefit from the conversions had and contacts made afterward.
So to my point of this entry: I would like to add another question to the list presented in the previous entry. I hated that I couldn't answer this question on the spot today in Plainview so I want to do some research and come back to it:
Question #5 - How much per mile does the construction of the new transmission lines in our area cost?
If you have an answer please post it as a comment. I will be coming back to answers questions 1-5 soon, be checking back!
Good Questions
So far I have come to realize two things during my recent stint giving presentations to local clubs: 1. almost everyone in our area is interested in wind energy and 2. members of these clubs have good questions.
My experience with the Abernathy Lions Club on July 28th was just as positive as my previous two experiences with local clubs. Of course the first reoccurring theme that I noticed is the great quality food served up for lunch! But once again this crowd had me on my toes, asking great questions after the conclusion of my formal presentation.
Since this group had such great questions I am came back to the office determined to go get some more in-depth information on the topics that came up.
Here are the questions I not only wanted to post for your benefit, but I wanted to research them in more depth for myself so I can answer these type of questions better next time.
1. What is the feasible percentage of electricity in our nation that can come from wind (not all renewables, but just wind)?
2. What is this we keep hearing about issues with prairie chickens?
3. How much does it cost per turbine to construct a large wind farm?
4. Who are the developers, manufacturing that are keeping the wind industry going? Are most of them foreign companies?
Be looking for my answers after I take a little time to do some more research, but in the meantime post any ideas you have. Please submit any questions or insight as a comment to this blog.
And I don't want to leave out my experience at the Floydada Lions Club on July 30th! The people and food there were just as great; there are several people in that group who are good contacts for our association and I was honored to speak with them. Let's just say I took a membership application out with me that day.
My experience with the Abernathy Lions Club on July 28th was just as positive as my previous two experiences with local clubs. Of course the first reoccurring theme that I noticed is the great quality food served up for lunch! But once again this crowd had me on my toes, asking great questions after the conclusion of my formal presentation.
Since this group had such great questions I am came back to the office determined to go get some more in-depth information on the topics that came up.
Here are the questions I not only wanted to post for your benefit, but I wanted to research them in more depth for myself so I can answer these type of questions better next time.
1. What is the feasible percentage of electricity in our nation that can come from wind (not all renewables, but just wind)?
2. What is this we keep hearing about issues with prairie chickens?
3. How much does it cost per turbine to construct a large wind farm?
4. Who are the developers, manufacturing that are keeping the wind industry going? Are most of them foreign companies?
Be looking for my answers after I take a little time to do some more research, but in the meantime post any ideas you have. Please submit any questions or insight as a comment to this blog.
And I don't want to leave out my experience at the Floydada Lions Club on July 30th! The people and food there were just as great; there are several people in that group who are good contacts for our association and I was honored to speak with them. Let's just say I took a membership application out with me that day.
Today's Wind Headlines
Check out the links below:
Wind Power So Expensive? Not
Fighting Against Impact of Economic Crisis, U.S. Wind Energy Industry Installs 1200 MW in Second Qtr.
West Texas wind power waits for power lines
WIND FACT
What is community wind?
"Locally-owned, commercial-scale wind projects that optimize local benefits. Locally-owned means that one or more members of the local community has a significant direct financial stake in the project other than through land lease payments, tax revenue, or other payments in lieu of taxes. The term "community wind" refers to the method and intention of development rather than the size of the project."
Source: Windustry: Community-Wind
Wind Power So Expensive? Not
Fighting Against Impact of Economic Crisis, U.S. Wind Energy Industry Installs 1200 MW in Second Qtr.
West Texas wind power waits for power lines
WIND FACT
What is community wind?
"Locally-owned, commercial-scale wind projects that optimize local benefits. Locally-owned means that one or more members of the local community has a significant direct financial stake in the project other than through land lease payments, tax revenue, or other payments in lieu of taxes. The term "community wind" refers to the method and intention of development rather than the size of the project."
Source: Windustry: Community-Wind
Talkin' Wind
This afternoon I took a hop, skip and a jump over to Lockney, Texas. A mere 15 minutes from my office here in Floydada, it was well worth it to speak to an interested group who served me some home cooking. Lockney's Rotary Club meets every Friday over lunch and I was more than happy to be their guest speaker! And I felt especially lucky to make it over for the fish fry!
While there were only a select few who were able to make it out to the meeting this particular afternoon, I was happy as the audience was genuinely interested, the discussion and questions that followed my formal presentation proved this to be true. It would be my pleasure to speak to this group again and I hope I am invited again in the very near future. I look forward to meeting those members of the group who missed out on the delicious meal today. Cherry cobbler, need I say more?
Okay so down to business...
Here's a little bit about what I talked with Lockney's Rotary Club about. It's always fun for me to start out with a couple straight up facts about wind development. I tried to find things to present that most landowners are usually curious about, like how many 1.5 MW turbines can you generally fit on a section of land or how much a landowner can typically make in royalties each year. And just in case you are curious, six and between $2500 - $5000 per turbine per year (usually).
And of course its important to talk a little bit about where wind energy has come from. In summary, the wind industry has been on quite a roller coaster for many years now, but the good news is that many of the stars are aligning for wind.
Now we talk a little bit about why Caprock's footprint is ideal for wind development:
1. We are located in close proximity to two grid operators (ERCOT and SPP)
2. We have Class 4 Winds (Sweetwater area has Class 3)
3. The transmission build out in our area has already begun
Wanna know more? Contact me about being a speaker for your next event/meeting.
While there were only a select few who were able to make it out to the meeting this particular afternoon, I was happy as the audience was genuinely interested, the discussion and questions that followed my formal presentation proved this to be true. It would be my pleasure to speak to this group again and I hope I am invited again in the very near future. I look forward to meeting those members of the group who missed out on the delicious meal today. Cherry cobbler, need I say more?
Okay so down to business...
Here's a little bit about what I talked with Lockney's Rotary Club about. It's always fun for me to start out with a couple straight up facts about wind development. I tried to find things to present that most landowners are usually curious about, like how many 1.5 MW turbines can you generally fit on a section of land or how much a landowner can typically make in royalties each year. And just in case you are curious, six and between $2500 - $5000 per turbine per year (usually).
And of course its important to talk a little bit about where wind energy has come from. In summary, the wind industry has been on quite a roller coaster for many years now, but the good news is that many of the stars are aligning for wind.
Now we talk a little bit about why Caprock's footprint is ideal for wind development:
1. We are located in close proximity to two grid operators (ERCOT and SPP)
2. We have Class 4 Winds (Sweetwater area has Class 3)
3. The transmission build out in our area has already begun
Wanna know more? Contact me about being a speaker for your next event/meeting.
Today's Wind Headlines
Just another quick reminder for members: the annual membership meeting will be on August 13th at 7pm (sign-in starting at 6:30). Featured speakers will include representatives from Venti Energy and Cross Texas Transmission. Plus don't forget we are voting on changing the membership dues structure. Contact the office for more information.
Check out links below for some recent wind news:
Saving Rural America, One Small Town at a Time - City of Matador leases land for wind development
Renewable Electricity Standard Won't Create Jobs Unless Strengthened
2008 Wind Technologies Market Report
Myth: Wind Farms Pose High Risk to Birds and Other Wildlife - National Wind Blog
WIND FACT
"The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) would require each company that generates electricity in the U.S., or in a given state, to obtain part of the electricity it supplies from renewable energy sources such as wind. To meet this requirement, the company could either generate electricity from renewables itself or buy credits or electricity from a renewable generator such as a wind farm. This "credit trading" system has been used effectively by the federal Clean Air Act to require utilities to reduce pollutant emissions."
Source: AWEA: Wind Energy Policy Issues
Check out links below for some recent wind news:
Saving Rural America, One Small Town at a Time - City of Matador leases land for wind development
Renewable Electricity Standard Won't Create Jobs Unless Strengthened
2008 Wind Technologies Market Report
Myth: Wind Farms Pose High Risk to Birds and Other Wildlife - National Wind Blog
WIND FACT
"The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) would require each company that generates electricity in the U.S., or in a given state, to obtain part of the electricity it supplies from renewable energy sources such as wind. To meet this requirement, the company could either generate electricity from renewables itself or buy credits or electricity from a renewable generator such as a wind farm. This "credit trading" system has been used effectively by the federal Clean Air Act to require utilities to reduce pollutant emissions."
Source: AWEA: Wind Energy Policy Issues
