A Luncheon Trifecta

I haven't been able to make it down to a luncheon in Sweetwater, TX in quite a while. The Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse holds monthly luncheons and they always offer great information, superb networking opportunities and not to mention a top-notch lunch! While I'd like to go into more detail about the actual meal I feel like you might be more interested in who was there and what we talked about, but just in case you are interested in the lunch menu I just have one thing to say, potatoes au gratin! Now, back to business...

I like sub-headings so let's divide this blog entry up. Up first, a little bit about who I got to network with at the luncheon and then keep reading to find out about the new economic impact study ("Winds of Prosperity") conducted by The Perryman Group.

Networking

There were several familiar faces at the luncheon. I enjoyed catching up with them and wanted to give them and their companies a quick mention. A special thanks to John with Martifer-Hirschfeld Energy Systems for following our blog. John is always sure to remind me, every time I have the pleasure of speaking with him, that he is still following the CPWEA blog. Thanks for reading John! Cliff with Peak Wind was also at the luncheon and we had a great discussion about small wind and how popular it's becoming. I was thrilled when Cliff informed me that the Sweetwater Reporter had picked up our recent press release about a local group that's building small turbines. Finally, it's always refreshing to run into John and Micah with The Shaw Group who made the trip up from Midland. John talked briefly with the group about issues that wind developers are having when working near railroads and it was great information to know. If any of you are reading this, it was great to see you last week!

"Winds of Prosperity"

The luncheon topic was the study recently released study conducted by The Perryman Group. Hold on tight, here's the complete title for the study, "Winds of Prosperity: The Impact of the Competitive Renewable Energy Energy Zone (CREZ) Investment in Transmission Infrastructure and the Potential Effects on Renewable Generation, Electricity Cost Savings, and Economic Development."

The complete report is quite detailed. You can find it at http://www.perrymangroup.com/reports/Winds_of_Prosperity_Final.pdf if you are interested. Here are a couple of highlights discussed at the luncheon last week. According to The Perryman Group investments in wind turbines and CREZ transmission lines will have the following impacts:

• The typical Texas residential consumer is expected to potentially save $160 to $355 annually in electricity bills
• $30 billion in economic gains, employment of thousands and almost $2 billion in additional state and local taxes.
• Help the state annually conserve approximately 17 billion gallons of water, reduce
  carbon dioxide emissions by as much as16 percent and reduce nitrogen oxide
  emissions by up to 13 percent.

Check out the full report for more in-depth details from the study. Thanks again to anyone and everyone that checks out our blog from time to time. I hope we keep you informed and at least a little entertained. Now, go find a place to get some potatoes au gratin.

Until next time...

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.
  

That's all for now, until next time...

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...

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Today's Wind Headlines

Several links today, enjoy:

20% Wind Report Card: B Overall, Transmission lags at C-

Guidelines for Renewable Energy funding Released

U.S. Wind Energy Industry Welcomes Renewable Energy Grant Guidance Issued by Treasury

Transmission Holding Back Not Only Pickens' Plans But All US Wind

USDA Grants Small Wind Turbine Funding for Farmers


WIND FACT

"In 2008, with over 8,500 megawatts (MW) installed, wind power provided 42% of all the new generating capacity added in the U.S., according to initial estimates, up from less than 2% of new capacity added in 2004."
Source: Power of Wind, Fact Sheets

Today's Wind Headlines

Just a couple of headlines that are definitely worth checking out:

Pickens paring down wind farm project

House and Senate Move to address Climate and Energy: Mixed Bag for Clean Energy

WIND FACT

"If your land is wind class 3 or higher, clear of trees and buildings, and higher than surrounding obstructions, then you can confidently look further into your wind project. You will then need to undertake some site-specific meteorological studies which will help you and your banker determine the economic feasibility of the project."

Source: Windustry - Introduction to Wind Development

Today's Wind Headlines

A couple of recent headlines:

If you have land in Briscoe, Carson, Cottle, Childress, Collingsworth, Donley, Gray or Hall County you might be interested in checking this out:
Cross Texas Transmission Public Meetings
Cross Texas will be building transmission lines in the counties mentioned above as a part of the CREZ build out.

AWEA Applauds FERC Decision on Transmission Cost Allocation in Southwest Power Pool

Scandia Wind Southwest Announces Mariah Project - (Parmer County, Texas)

WIND FACT
"The U.S. currently lacks a modern interstate electricity transmission grid to deliver the clean electricity generated in remote locations to customers in heavily populated areas of the country. This is perhaps the biggest obstacle to the long-term growth of wind power and other renewables."
Source: Power of Wind: Current Issues

Today's Wind Headlines

I haven't posted wind news links in the last couple of days as I have been pretty swamped with preparations for our free symposium on wind energy. The first link below has more details about the event.

Free Symposium to Highlight Wind Energy Issues

Area's Potential strong for alternative energy

Parmer County eyed for giant wind farm

National Wind Blog - some interesting blog posts.

WIND FACT

"The most common turbine installed in 2008 was the GE 1.5-MW turbine, which has a 70.5- to 77-meter rotor diameter on a tower with heights ranging from 52.6 to 100 meters."

Source: AWEA: Fact Sheet, Wind Industry Value Chain

Today's Wind Headlines

Wind news links:

Frequently asked questions on wind energy

Show Your Support for Wind Energy on Global Wind Day, June 15

Will wind energy follow ethanol's path?

2009 Texas Legislative Session Summary

WIND FACT

"Diversifying the power supply by developing America’s homegrown renewable energy resources would help shield consumers from spikes in energy prices. According to a major study by a widely respected energy research firm, a national RES would save American consumers as much as $100 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills."
Source: AWEA: RES Factsheet

Today's Wind Headlines

Not as many links so far this week, especially in comparison to last week. Regardless, check these out if you get a chance:

A Call to Action on Peak Oil
* I found this article very enlightening and definitely recommend reading it.

Consultant Sees Wind Energy Rebound in 2010 - AWEA blog entry

WIND FACT
"The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 20% Wind Energy by 2030 Technical Report calculated that obtaining 20% of our electricity from wind energy by 2030 would cut cumulative CO2 emissions by over 7.6 billion tons"
Source: AWEA: Backup Power and Emission Fact Sheet

Today's Wind Headlines

Here are some more links from this week:

RES Still Intact after Senate Energy Committee Action

2010 Wind Energy Surge Predicted

Business Leaders Warn: Current RES Won't Spur Renewable Energy

Argentina-Based EMA Electromecanica S.A. to Locate Manufacturing Facility in Sweetwater

T. Boone Pickens Highlights U.S. Oil Dependence for Sixth Consecutive Month...

WIND FACT
"Wind farms are built in areas where the wind blows most of the time, but because of variations in speed, a wind farm will generate power at full rated capacity about 10% of the time, and on average throughout the year the plant will generate 30% to 35% of its rated capacity. This number is expected to increase by 15% from 2006-2030."
Source: Wind Power Works: Resources

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Today's Wind Headlines

Check out these links:

Enviros Support Climate Change Bill, But What's Missing

Arnett to speak on impacts of wind energy development on wildlife

Wind of change fuel caution; Wind energy associations forming to protect landowners from onerous contracts

Alexander says developers should put up bonds on wind, solar sites

US Small Wind Market Grew 78% in 2008

NRG Poll Finds Transmission Constraints A Barrier for US Wind

WIND FACT
"Modern wind power plants are collectively far less harmful to birds than radio towers, tall buildings, airplanes, vehicles and numerous other manmade objects. Bird deaths due to wind development will always be a very small fraction of those caused by other commonly-accepted human activities, no matter how extensively wind is used in the future."
Source: Wind Energy Works: Resources

Today's Wind Headlines

Lots of links for today, click on anything that interests you:

Possible changes to House climate bill

Ranchers and Environmentalists Unite

Wind power focus of Tech Conference

Wind power could affect critical Texas wetlands

Texas lags as nation shifts to green policies

Nobel Laureate Knocks Wind, Seeks Funding for Solar Project

WIND FACT

"There is no evidence that the presence of a commercial windfarm within sight of a property systematically decreases that property's value. In fact, a nationwide study conducted in 2003 surveyed property near multiple wind farms and found that not only do wind farms not harm property values, but that in some cases the values increased."

Source: If Not Wind.Org: Wind Energy Facts and Myths

Today's Wind Headlines

Check out the links below:

Windustry Tips on Leasing Your Land to a Developer

USDA REAP Energy Grants Available

AEP Issues RFP for Long-Term Purchase Commitments of 1100 Megawatts of Renewable Energy Resources

Ranchers Driving Wind Revolution

An AWEA breakdown of the National RES

WIND FACT

"To generate the same amount of electricity as a single 1-megawatt (MW) wind turbine, a traditional fossil fuel or nuclear power plant requires, on average, withdrawing about 60 million gallons of water per year from a stream or river."
Source: If Not Wind.org: Research Center Facts & Stats

Today's Wind Headlines

Just a couple of links of interest for today, enjoy:

The Money is Blowin' in the Wind

Amarillo College gets money for wind energy

WIND FACT

"...a megawatt of wind generates about as much electricity as 225 to 300 households use."
Source: AWEA, Wind Energy Basics