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Today's Wind Headlines

All of these articles are covering the wind energy and the recent stimulus package, but they each offer good information. Check them out:

Wobbly wind sector sets sights on stimulus

Renewable Energy Industry Looks to Capitalize on Momentum in Washington


Getting Serious About Clean-Energy Stimulus

WIND FACT
"An operating modern wind farm at a distance of 750 to 1000 feet is no noisier than a kitchen refrigerator or a moderately quiet room." The sounds turbines produce is similar to a light whooshing or swishing sound, and much more quiet than other types of modern-day equipment."
Source: AWEA, Wind Power Myths vs. Facts

Today's Wind Headlines

AWEA's latest blog post:
Wind Advocates and Blue Dogs Can Work Together

If you would like to receive email updates from various groups involved in wind energy education check out these links to register:

AWEA Wind Energy Mailing Lists

Renewable Energy World Free Weekly e-Newsletter

Wind Today F.Y.I. Wind E-News

North American Windpower Online Products Opt-in



Check out this link to register for a Webinar to be held April 14th:
Four Primary Ways the Stimulus Bill will Impact the U.S. Wind and Biofuels Industries

WIND FACT
"There are two basic designs of wind electric turbines: vertical-axis, or "egg-beater" style, and horizontal-axis (propeller-style) machines. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are most common today, constituting nearly all of the "utility-scale" (100 kilowatts, kW, capacity and larger) turbines in the global market."


Source: AWEA

Today's Wind Headlines

FYI, click on the links below

Texas PUC seeks to free up congested lines for wind power

BTM Forecasts 340-GW of Wind Energy by 2013

A U.S. Federal Renewable Portfolio Standard: Potential and Pitfalls

WIND FACT

"The output of a wind turbine depends on the turbine's size and the wind's speed through the rotor. Wind turbines being manufactured now have power ratings ranging from 250 watts to 5 megawatts (MW)."
Source: AWEA

Caprock Newsletter

Click on the link below to view our most recent newsletter.

CPWEA March 2009 Newsletter

You can find previous newsletters on our Website on the News/Links page.

If you are currently a member of Caprock you should be receiving a newsletter by email or U.S. mail in the next couple of days. Please feel free to leave comments and ask questions about the current newsletter or make suggestions about topics for future newsletters.

Today's Wind Headlines

Some articles to read for today:

AWEA Joins 220+ Signatories on Letter to Congress Supporting National Renewable Electricity Standard

Building a Better Grid

Denise Bode Reflects on Wind's International Role - AWEA Blog


WIND FACT

"Wind energy could supply about 20% of the nation's electricity, according to Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, a federal research lab. Wind energy resources useful for generating electricity can be found in nearly every state."
Source: AWEA

Today's Wind Headlines

Headlines for today:

Study on the Impact of RES is Bullish on Jobs - AWEA Blog

U.S. Interior Chief touts renewable energy zones

Green Bank Act of 2009 Introduced in US House

WIND FACT

"For every megawatt (MW) of wind energy produced, $1 million in economic development is generated. This includes revenue from planning, construction, etc."
Source: AWEA

Today's Wind Headlines

A couple of recent headlines worth checking out:

Wind Energy Advocates to Meet at Texas Capitol


A Current Bonus: Wind Power helps W. Texas enjoy lower electric rates, for now

USDA Will Fund Rural Energy Grants

WIND FACT

"In reality, wind energy is a converted form of solar energy. The sun's radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates-most notably during the day and night, but also when different surfaces (for example, water and land) absorb or reflect at different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth's surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. The result is wind."
-Source: AWEA

Landowner Wind Associations

Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association isn't the first of its kind and its very encouraging to look at some of the successes that other landowner groups have had in getting their land developed. I thought that I would share some of those stories.

Click on the links below to read some landowner wind associations' success stories and learn more about the benefits of being a part of a landowner association.

Wind Farms Could Bring Wyoming Ranchers Windfall

Wind capital of Nebraska

Wind power association formed

Lassoing Wyoming's Wind

A National RES

Many states have had success in renewable energy development because of requirements set forth in their own renewable energy standards (RES) sometimes called renewable portfolio standards (RPS). Texas for example set a standard that they have had to go back and increase because of the overwhelming development seen recently. Texas' original RES called for 5880 MW of renewable energy to be produced by 2015; currently Texas has over 8000MW of renewable capacity.

This afternoon AWEA presented a Webinar looking at the benefits of a National RES, which would help to reach the nation's goal of 25% renewable electricity by 2025. You can find their recent publication Wind Energy for a New Era at www.newwindagenda.org. The document provides recommendations for political leaders concerning legislative priorities developed by the wind industry.

Some of those priorities have already been accomplished. Identified as an immediate impact priority, restructuring of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) can be checked off the do to list. Another priority that can be checked off is one the wind industry identified as a short term impact; legislation has been passed allowing a multi year PTC extension. Those priorities which have yet to be "checked off the list" are separated into two categories: mid-term and long-term impacts. A National RES and transmission legislation are listed under the mid-term impacts and effective carbon regulation is listed under long term.

So why is a National RES so important? Some of the benefits that were outlined in the Webinar included that it would: save consumers money and protect against fuel price spikes, spur economic development, and reduce carbon emissions. Looking more closely at each of these benefits, a National RES would save American consumers up to $100 billion in lower energy bills. In relation to economic development, 20% renewable energy by 2020 would support 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the wind industry. And, CO2 emissions would be cut down by 12% by 2020 if the 25% by 2025 were met.

A National RES would also help to provide assurance to those looking to invest in renewables as this type of legislation would send a strong signal that as a nation we are committed to this endeavor. There is currently legislation in both the Senate and House that address renewables and their contribution to the future of energy production.

The general idea presented is that a National RES would keep our nation on track with meeting our current renewable energy goals.

Today's Wind Headlines

Recent headlines:
ITC Great Plains Receives Rate, Incentive Approvals

Energy regulator backs new wind power lines

Report: Alternative energy quest endangering birds

The article below is an interesting look at the industry; you have to get a ways into the article before it starts making many direct references to wind, but you will find them about halfway through:
The Rooftop Revolution

And if you have some free time and want a good refresher on whats going on in the renewable energy industry across the board check out this podcast: The Next Four Years for Renewable Energy. It's about an hour long, but is very informative.


WIND FACT

"Electricity generation is the nation's largest consumer of water, but wind power technology uses minimal amounts, making it a promising means of reducing water use. Every megawatt-hour of electricity generated by wind can save up to 600 gallons of water that would otherwise be used in operations at conventional power plants. By providing 20% of our electricity by 2030, wind power could avoid the consumption of 4 trillion gallons of water - a 40-year supply for the city of Phoenix - reducing electric sector water consumption by 17%. This water savings is especially significant in the Western U.S., where water is scarce."
-Fact source: AWEA 2009 Calendar

Today's Wind Headlines

Here's a recent headline worth reading:

Battle brewing over clean-energy delivery grids

And don't forget to check out AWEA's blog for daily updates. You can find it at: http://www.awea.org/blog/


Check back in the next couple of days for an overview of AWEA's latest Webinar, Renewable Electricity Standard: 25% Renewable Electricity by 2025.

Today's Wind Headlines

A couple of headlines worth checking out concerning transmission:

LPPC: Congress should clear transmission development obstacles

Reid's green power line proposal hits resistance


US Congress urged to overrule power line gripes


The 3 Ps

AWEA representatives outlined three major roadblocks (referred to as the three Ps) to building transmission during their March 9th Webinar entitled "Green Power Super Highways: Building a path to America's clean energy future."

It's no new discussion. Transmission is a problem, especially when you are involved in the renewable energy industry. During the Webinar, presenters stated that transmission is the largest obstacle to wind growth, but they are optimistic that President Obama's future plans for renewable energy will help to get around that obstacle. By improving our electricity grid we can essentially allow for more growth for renewable projects like wind.

Why are renewables being effected so heavily by the current grid? There are many reasons. First of all, many renewable energy projects can't connect to the grid because there just isn't enough capacity. Then there are curtailment issues; those projects that are connected to the grid are being forced to cut down on their production because the grid can handle it. To go along with all of that, there is geography issues as well. Most renewable energy projects are located far from major cities, therefore the energy produced can't be sent to where it is needed most. The best wind and solar resources are most often found where not many people live. Webinar presenters stated that there are currently some 280,000 MW in wind projects held up because of transmission interconnection backlog.

There are many scenarios out there about this new "Green Power Superhighway." Both Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-NM, and Majority Leader Harry Reid have both submitted legislation concerning transmission.

So now to the three Ps...

AWEA representatives noted three issues that need to be address in order for the upgrade to the grid to be successful. Planning, paying and permitting were the issues they addressed.

  • Planning
Basically, the planning issue has to do with the chicken and the egg issue (who goes first?). Without transmission developers don't want to build their projects and with no one wants to build transmission where energy isn't already being generated. So, what did AWEA suggest as a solution? Pro-active planning. Studies need to be done that identify areas that have renewable energy potential and transmission need to planned for that area. The Texas CREZ process was given as a example of how this could be done. One other topic that was discussed was the use of high voltage transmission lines. With proactive planning transmission lines could be more efficient and use less land. Not to mention that building higher voltage lines in the first place would essentially decrease the cost of construction in the long run.
  • Paying
Once you get everything planned someone has to pay for all of this. The classic public goods issue often causes a problem because most are enticed to simply free-ride on lines. The solution that AWEA offers is "broad, regional cost allocation." The basis behind this plan is simple: everyone benefits from transmission so everyone should pay for transmission. Users throughout a broad region would be assigned the costs associated with transmission upgrades. It is important to note though that transmission costs account for less than 10% of your electric bill, therefore the increase wouldn't be much per individual. It was also noted that the consumer would eventually benefit from reduced electric costs which would make up the difference.

  • Permitting
The final step after planning and paying for the upgrades to the grid would be building it. Several things come into play at this point. First you have the typical Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) mentality along with siting policies that can all hold up a project. Currently, one state could hold up an entire process if they aren't happy with the siting of the lines. The solution offered: coordinated and streamlined siting. Federal siting, similar to something like that of natural gas pipelines, would help to facilitate the process. Currently there is a lot going on in legislation to help make the permitting of lines easier.

In closing, it is important to note that the "Green Power Superhighway" is not the same as the "Smart Grid." AWEA representatives noted that they are separate efforts and while the "Smart Grid" efforts are going to help renewables to some extent, the real focus should be on getting the infrastructure built.

Click to read the "Green Power Superhighways" white paper in its entirety.

Today's Wind Headlines

Some news worth reading:

High-voltage lines wouldn't need state action under Senate plan

AWEA Welcomes Sen. Reid's Transmission Legislation

Getting Wind Energy to Consumers to Require Miles of Expensive New Power Lines

Also be sure to check out AWEA's "Into the Wind Blog" for their latest news.

Today's Wind Headlines

Check out these links for related wind news:

IN-DEPTH: Using meteorological info to select sites with best wind generating potential

Invisible, Underground HVDC Power Costs No More Than Ugly Towers


The following article was written by Stayton Bonner a graduate assistant at Texas Tech University. Stayton spent a day at the wind farm in Roscoe, Texas and wrote about his experience there. In addition to an inside look at just what goes on behind the scenes at wind farms, the article also gives a good background about the wind industry in our region. Check it out if you have a chance.

In search of a Panhandle Windfall

Today's Wind Headlines

Here are a couple of interesting links. The first is a rundown of some important people in the wind industry. The second is an article that serves as a example to just what Caprock is trying to accomplish as a landowner association.

A Look at Wind's Key Players: What's Next in Wind...

Ranchers band together to work wind farm deals

Today's Wind Headlines

Here are some links to recent headlines:

Verizon, Ambient Offer Smart Grid Communications Solutions

Senate Leader For Grid Overhaul

Reid introduces federal renewable energy transmission bill

And if you have a little time check out these articles, they are both a little long but definitely worth reading:

Tough Times Ahead: Will the US Industry Need a New Story?


Transmission 2.0

Brief Overview of Webinar

Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. presented a short Webinar yesterday concerning how the stimulus package or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 supports alternative energy.

One of the main focuses was on what is being called the "smart grid," a term many of us have probably heard a lot here lately. Basically, an upgrade from our current grid system (referred to in the Webinar as the dumb grid) would allow us to use energy more effeciently and effectively.

The North American Electric Reliability Coporation (NERC) provides the diagram below to show how an electirc grid works. Visit NERC's Web site to learn more about exactly how an electric grid works.

Source: NERC

The two reasons given as to why the current grid is "dumb" has to do with engineering and parochial interests. As far as engineering goes, the current grid was invented by Thomas Edison who favored the direct current(DC); the current grid relies on siting and dispatching generators. Another problem is that the U.S. is divided into 3 areas which seem to have limited interest in working with each other. As you can see in the graphic below most of Texas doesn't connect with the rest of the country, avoiding some federal jurisdiction.

Source: U.S. DOE

The smart grid would offer increased electricity use efficiency. Siting is one of the most important factors concerning the new grid system. This is very critical for alternative power. We would want the grid to be sited where it makes the most sense. But, siting can be the hardest part because even if money can be spread among stakeholders evenly you will still encounter not in my backyard (NIMBY) issues.

What we would do with a smart grid is to look more closely at transmission, more specifically utilization, capacity and routing. Also, we would be able to monitor and control distribution based on demand.

In relation to the stimulus package the smart grid is set to receive 4.5 billion in direct support along with support through loan guarantees to entities such as the Bonneville Power Administration. There will also be a shift in funds being used from research to construction. One change the stimulus package makes is that grants will be available for up to 50%, up from 20% and these grants will now be payable in advance.

One must keep in mind though that siting transmission is a lengthy process and therefore new transmission from the package will be a long term process.

A quote by Thomas Jefferson provided in the Webinar yesterday afternoon sums up the issue rather well. Jefferson said, "I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

For more information about the electric grid and how it works please visit the DOE's technology page on their Electric Delivery & Energy Reliability Web site.

Today's Wind Headlines

Recent wind headlines:

Moderate Dems present challenge for renewable energy plan

Wind farm proposed for Texas City

Obama energy plan concern some Dem lawmakers

President's Budget Draws Clean Energy Funds from Climate Measure

Today's Wind Headlines

Check out today's headlines:

Wind Forecasting Key for More Efficient Turbines

Obama overrides Bush rule on Endangered Species Act

Mesa slows its agenda; Wind farm's first phase still slated

Podcast with Girard Miller, Co-chair of Alternative Energy Practice Group and Partner at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP on the $787 Billion Economic Stimulus Package and Its Impact on the Wind Industry

Don't forget - If you find a headline relevant to the wind energy or the association please post it as a comment!

Today's Wind Headlines

Check out these links for some of today's most relevant wind news:

Mesa Power Terminates Many Leases

AWEA Statement on NERC, FERC Focus on Integrating Renewables




Make sure to visit AWEA's Legislative Action Web site to find issues affecting the wind industry. The most recent alert asks you to take action by contacting your members of congress to ask them to cosponsor Renewable Electricity Standard legislation. AWEA provides you with the opportunity to take action on these types of issues. Just click take action link and AWEA provides you with an editable form letter that you can send to senators and representatives.

Today's Wind Headlines

Check out the links below for current wind industry news:

Clean Energy Aspects of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act


2008 Southwest Power Pool Transmission Expansion Plan Approved

Transmission lines needed, firms say; Construction to begin 2010

Federal regulators allow transmission lines funded by wind developers


Don't miss the upcoming Webinar: How the 2009 Economic Stimulus Package Supports Alternative Energy Through Tax Incentives and the Smart Grid presented by Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP. The Webinar is scheduled to take place on Wednesday March, 4th at 11 am (CT). Click here to see more information on registering for the event.

Check out Caprock Plains Wind Energy Association's February newsletter. You can always find a link to our most recent newsletters on our Web site (www.caprockplainswind.com).

If you are a member and did not receive a copy of the newsletter in the mail, please let us know so we can update your mailing address.

Contact us at the office by phone (806) 983-2793 or send an email to info@caprockplainswind.com if you have questions.