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
- Find out what I'm doing, Follow Me :)
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
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.
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
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.
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. DOEThe 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."
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
