CESA News

Clean Energy States Alliance Announces New Members

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) welcomes six new organizations into its membership: District Department of the Environment, Energy Administration (D.C.); New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services; Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD); Long Island Power Authority (LIPA); and State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, & Tourism.

These organizations join the growing list of subnational entities dedicated to deploying public funding for clean energy projects in states. As CESA members, they will benefit from ready access to the knowledge of their peers across the nation through biannual meetings, monthly members-only calls, coordinated projects with other members and with federal government agencies, and consulting services ' highly leveraging their time and investments.

More information about CESA membership is available here.

Governor Cuomo Announces Initiatives to Help New York Dairy Farmers Increase Profitability and Reduce Energy Costs

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Initiative doubles the incentives for renewable bio-energy projects to reduce electricity costs- $450,000 for grants that help dairy farmers in business planning and growth

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced two programs that will help dairy farmers in New York expand their businesses, increase profitability and reduce their energy costs. These initiatives were the result of recommendations advanced at Governor Cuomo’s Yogurt Summit, which convened last summer to hear ideas from industry leaders, farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that the yogurt industry continues to grow and create jobs in New York.

“Last summer, we heard from stakeholders on how the State can help the dairy industry and yogurt producers grow and create jobs in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “As a result of our ongoing dialogue, the State is providing assistance to the industry through these two programs, which will help dairy farmers lower their energy costs and provide opportunities to help expand their production and efficiency. We want to make sure that the dairy and yogurt business stays and flourishes in New York.”

Anaerobic Digester Biogas-to-Electricity Program (ADG)

The Governor announced that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will double the maximum incentive amount from $1 million to up to $2 million per installation for farmers to install equipment on their farms that turns organic waste produced by cows into electricity.

At the Yogurt Summit, the State committed to working with the dairy and yogurt industries to lower energy costs by increasing and incentivizing the construction and use of anaerobic digesters which turn waste produced on the farm into energy that can be used by the farmers. This allows farmers to more easily manage the large amount of waste produced by cows and to also save money on energy costs by turning that waste into a renewable source of energy.

Specifically, the Anaerobic Digester Biogas to Electricity (ADG) program provides incentives for electricity production systems installed at farms and other businesses that treat organic waste. Biogas-to-power technology has several steps, which include pumping dairy manure and other organic wastes into digestion tanks where bacteria break down the waste, creating a methane-based biogas. The gas is burned in engines to produce electricity. By producing electricity onsite, the digesters help offset a farm’s electricity purchases from their utility and reduce their energy costs.

The increased amount in incentive awards to up to $2 million for anaerobic digesters was approved by the Public Service Commission at its monthly meeting earlier this month and is funded through the Renewable Portfolio Standard. To date, the ADG program has supported the development of 18 projects now in operation, and an additional 17 projects in the design stage have applied for incentives. The increased cap will make more proposed anaerobic digester projects viable and spur demand for this important resource.

Garry Brown, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, which authorized the incentive increase, said, “Given current economic conditions and the expiration of federal grant programs, it makes sense to allow NYSERDA to adjust State program incentives, within its defined budget, to maintain momentum in the deployment of renewable energy projects.”

Francis J. Murray, Jr., president and chief executive officer of NYSERDA, said, “We thank the Public Service Commission (PSC) for its decision approving our request to increase the investment cap for anaerobic digester projects. NYSERDA is committed to providing farmers and other businesses with the means to reduce their energy consumption and costs. Governor Cuomo has been very clear in both his commitment to invest in clean energy technologies and to assist dairy farms in remaining economically viable. The decision by the PSC advances both these goals.”

Dairy Acceleration Program (DAP)

Governor Cuomo also announced $450,000 for a Dairy Acceleration Program (DAP) that will provide grants and coordinate funding and technical programs to help farmers interested in expanding their operations or increasing their efficiency.

Modern milk production requires expertise from a number of disciplines, ranging from agronomics, environmental science, animal husbandry, crop science, human resource management, and financial and strategic planning. Through the program, farmers will be able to tap into the expertise of the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) network and other agricultural programs to facilitate and grow their business and in turn increase production on their farms.

DAP will build upon Governor Cuomo’s “one stop shop” approach, by providing a central point of access to technical programs for those dairies looking to expand or improve productivity. CCE Regional Dairy Specialists will identify opportunities for assistance for the farm via programs, such as the AEM program, FarmNet and Pro-Dairy, and help to coordinate the delivery of these on-farm technical support programs.

DAP will also provide grants of up to $5,000 per dairy farm for:inancial analysis,Strategic planning for growth; Executing business plans to expand; or Other operational needs of the farm, such as adoption of Best Management Practices, new techniques/technologies for growth or engineering and design for expansion.

State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said, “Governor Cuomo knows the importance of dairy farmers to the fabric of the Empire State’s economy. This important funding will help our dairy farmers grow, increase their production and reduce the costs of their operations.”

Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau, said, “Governor Cuomo continues to work with dairy farmers to grow responsibly. New York farms have long partnered with the state to be national leaders when it comes to environmental stewardship, and the added incentives to build new anaerobic digesters as well as DAP funding to help with sensible planning will further that important effort. New York Farm Bureau appreciates the Governor's support to allow family dairy farms to supply the prosperous yogurt boom to the benefit of New York's economy and natural resources.”

Last Updated: 02/01/2013

See the sources: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2013-Announcements/2013-2-1-Governor-Cuomo-Announces-Initiatives-to-Help-New-York-Dairy-Farmers.aspx

Mayland Announces Research Grants to Support Offshore Wind Development

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

$2 million in offshore wind energy research will provide critical scientific information regarding Maryland’s offshore wind area.

Annapolis, Maryland (February 4, 2012) — Today, the Maryland Energy Administration, and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, announced a $2 million Request for Application (RFA) to further Maryland‟s role as an offshore wind energy development hub. The RFA, funded from monies committed by Exelon as a condition of its merger with Constellation Energy, requests competitive proposals from Maryland‟s public colleges and universities for research grants between $250,000 and $1,000,000.

“Offshore wind has the potential to be a big „win‟ for our State: a win for jobs, a win for consumers, a win for business, and a win for our energy future—an energy future which is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, Acting Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “The research gathered by these grants will not only help Maryland reap the benefits of offshore wind, but it will also cement Maryland‟s position as a leader in this new energy economy.”

The deployment and manufacturing of offshore wind energy generation is an important investment in reducing Maryland‟s energy consumption, improving grid stability and decreasing the State‟s greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind is an important renewable energy technology that will help Maryland advance its Renewable Portfolio Standard of 20% with in-state generation by 2022. It also provides significant opportunities to create jobs in this emerging market.

“The Maryland Higher Education Commission is pleased to be working with the Maryland Energy Administration and public higher education institutions to develop the next generation of renewable energy for our state” said Danette Howard, Secretary of Higher Education. “This is a great opportunity for higher education institutions to contribute to knowledge discovery and application in Offshore Wind Energy in Maryland.”

Topics for the grant application are not limited to, but include, modeling and analysis, marine environment impact studies, infrastructure, superstructure and operations research and planning. Applicants are encouraged to build upon current research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and other institutions. Applications are due April 15, 2013. There will be a technical assistance meeting held at the

Maryland Association of Community Colleges, 60 West Street, Annapolis, MD at 1:30 p.m. on February 28, 2013.

To RSVP for the technical assistance meeting, or find out more about this grant opportunity, contact Melinda Vann, Director of Outreach and Grants Management at the Maryland Higher Education Commission at 410.767.3269 or mvann@mhec.state.md.us. You may also visit the MHEC grants web site for a copy of the Request for Application at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/Grants/index.asp.

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The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is to promote affordable, reliable, clean energy. MEA’s programs and policies help lower energy bills, fuel the creation of green collar jobs, address environmental and climate impacts, and promote energy independence.

See the source: http://energy.maryland.gov/documents/MEAandMHECAnnounceResearchGrantstoSupportOffshoreWindDevelopment.pdf

Clean Energy States Alliance Announces 2010 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) today announced seven state clean State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) Awards to programs and projects that demonstrate leadership, effectiveness, and innovation in clean energy. The second annual SLICE awards were made today at The Monocle restaurant in Washington, DC, before an audience of state clean energy fund managers, federal energy program managers, renewable energy advocates, congressional staff, and invited press.

The programs and projects awarded this year for their uniquely effective and innovative approaches to deploying clean energy are: California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research Program/Advanced Energy Recovery System, California Energy Commission's Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's Community Scale Wind Initiative, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program's Local Government Energy Audit, Minnesota's Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund's Renewable Energy Kit for Remote Telecom Equipment, Energy Trust of Oregon's Solarize Portland, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District's Feed-In-Tariff Program.

Through the SLICE awards, CESA is recognizing the bold leadership states are providing in moving the clean energy economy forward. 'Today, the states are the major driving force in funding renewable energy projects throughout the U.S.,' said CESA's Executive Director, Mark Sinclair. 'States understand that clean energy has a key role in driving their environmental and economic progress. In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to champion state efforts to invest in the nation's clean energy future."

CESA's SLICE awards recognize the state programs that are most effectively accelerating adoption of clean energy technologies and advancing energy markets. The state programs honored by the SLICE awards have funded and supported innovative programs, established funds that provide critical capital investment for clean energy programs, and have collaborated effectively with industry partners, utility commissions, and local governments.

CESA member organizations from across the U.S. submitted nominations for the SLICE awards. Winners were chosen by a panel of distinguished judges, all experts in clean energy, including: Michael Northrop (Program Director, Rockefeller Brothers Fund), Gilbert Sperling (Director for the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), Glen Andersen (Energy Policy Specialist, National Conference of State Legislatures), Susan Sloan (Director of State Relations at the American Wind Energy Association), Robert Thresher (Senior Fellow at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), and Scott Sklar (President of the Stella Group).

The awards reception was held as part of CESA's biannual conference, at which members have the opportunity to join forces and learn about new programs, tools, and funds available for accelerating clean energy deployment. More information about CESA's annual member meeting is available on its website at www.cleanenergystates.org.

About Clean Energy States Alliance

Clean Energy States Alliance is a national nonprofit organization that works with public funds and state agencies to advance clean energy technologies, projects, and markets. CESA provides information and technical services to its members and shares its knowledge with the federal government and influential policymakers. CESA's member states manage programs that will invest nearly $6 billion in the next ten years to support clean energy. CESA is managed by Clean Energy Group.

www.cleanenergystates.org, www.cleanegroup.org

New Report Finds States Take Clean Energy Lead, Investing Billions, Creating Jobs, and Reducing Carbon Emissions

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A new report from Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) demonstrates how state clean energy funds have emerged as a major driver of renewable energy projects across the U.S. Within the past decade, states from Connecticut to California have funded 52,000 projects using the full range of renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. The 10-year voluntary investment by states of $1.9 billion has leveraged $10.1 billion in additional project investment and added 2.5 new, clean gigawatts (GW) to the grid.

'Today, the states are the major driving force in funding renewable energy projects throughout the U.S.,' said CESA's Executive Director, Mark Sinclair. 'States understand that clean energy has a key role in driving their environmental and economic progress. In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to champion state efforts to invest in the nation's clean energy future."

The report, State Clean Energy Fund Support for Renewable Energy Projects, describes the progress of the fifteen most successful clean energy investment funds across the U.S. in the last decade:

From 1998-2008, CESA-member states supported 52,000 new renewable energy projects.
Over this period, the funds invested over $1.9 billion in state dollars, which in turn has leveraged $10.1 billion in private capital, bringing the total public and private investment to over $12 billion.
2008, the most recent year of complete records, was the most successful year to date, with 12,500 clean energy project installations (a 13% increase over 2007 and 24% of all installations since 1998).
The 12,500 projects installed in 2008 supported the creation of 5,000 jobs and will generate 1.2 million megawatt-hours of electricity per year and avoid 382,500 tons of CO₂ emissions per year ' the equivalent of taking 66,000 cars off the road.

By supporting creative finance, policy, and market initiatives, the states have been serving as laboratories where ideas for implementing clean energy can be tested and proven in the real world, and have been leading the way ' across the nation ' in deploying clean energy, even without a mandate at the federal level. The states are proving that they are key partners and allies in national efforts to secure a clean energy future, and have the right mechanisms in place to grow the green economy from the ground up.

The database and associated report were generously supported by the New York Community Trust.

A copy of the report can be downloaded at: http://www.cleanenergystates.org/Publications/CESA_2008_CEDatabase_Rpt_June2010.pdf.

New Solarize Guidebook: A tool for local governments and communities to pursue energy independence

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A new guidebook that shares best practices from recent volunteer-driven Solarize projects about volume purchasing of solar energy systems aims to help other communities grow clean energy programs and create family-wage jobs. The Solarize Guidebook, developed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the City of Portland, is now available at: www.portlandonline.com/bps/solarizeguide.

Four Solarize Portland projects, plus efforts in Pendleton, Salem and other cities, have been completed since 2009. During each project, neighbors learn together the ins and outs of going solar - from how the technology works and finding a contractor to learning about available financing options such as Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives and state and federal tax credits.

The guidebook features key elements of the Solarize campaigns in Portland, and offers several program variations from projects beyond Portland. The guidebook provides lessons, considerations, and step-by-step plans for project organizers who are looking to replicate a collective purchasing model.

"From green building to urban farming, Portland is proving to be a living laboratory for urban sustainability in America," said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. "With the new first-of-its-kind Solarize guidebook, Portlanders are showing once again their enthusiasm for making sustainability easier, more convenient and more affordable. I hope and am confident that the lessons learned here in Portland will benefit neighborhoods and cities around the nation."

The City of Portland launched its first solar program in 2006 with the help of an award from the DOE Solar America Cities program. This grant provided funding for the creation of The Solarize Guidebook as part of the larger DOE effort to accelerate the adoption of solar energy technologies for a cleaner and more secure energy future.

"We are delighted to share the practical tools from the Solarize campaigns with local governments and community organizers," said Susan Anderson, director of the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. "The City of Portland, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar America Cities program, is intent on continuing to develop creative approaches to increase market demand for solar. In addition, our bureau continues to help connect Portland's businesses and homeowners to resources and local solar contractors outside of the Solarize effort."

About Solar America Cities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has designated 25 major U.S. cities as Solar America Cities committed to accelerating the adoption of solar energy technologies. Best practices and lessons learned from the Solar America Cities are shared across the United States to help other communities replicate successes. Visit Solar America Cities at www.solaramericacommunities.energy.gov.

About National Renewable Energy Lab

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL's mission and strategy are focused on advancing the U.S. Department of Energy's and our nation's energy goals. The laboratory's scientists and researchers support critical market objectives to accelerate research from scientific innovations to market-viable alternative energy solutions. Learn more about NREL at www.nrel.gov.

About Energy Trust of Oregon

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $600 million on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

To create and enhance a vibrant city, the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability combines the disciplines of planning and sustainability to advance Portland's diverse and distinct neighborhoods, promote a prosperous and low-carbon economy, and help ensure that people and the natural environment are healthy and integrated into the cityscape. BPS provides a forum for community engagement and education, and is a catalyst for action. With a city full of partners, BPS develops creative and practical solutions on issues as far ranging as comprehensive, neighborhood and environmental planning, urban design, waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency and solar technologies. This innovative, interdisciplinary approach strengthens Portland's position as an international model of sustainable development practices and commerce. www.portlandonline.com/bps

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DOE Releases Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments - Second Edition

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Energy developed Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments - Second Edition to assist local governments and stakeholders in building sustainable local solar markets. This second edition of the guide was updated to include new market developments and innovations for advancing local solar markets that have emerged since the first edition was released in 2009. January 2011.

A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Nonprofit Project Development

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-profit Project Development is designed by the U.S. DOE to be used as a resource for those who want to develop community solar projects, from community organizers or solar energy advocates to government officials or utility managers. By exploring the range of incentives and policies while providing examples of operational community solar projects, this guide will help communities to plan and implement successful local energy projects. In addition, by highlighting some of the policy best practices, this guide suggests changes in the regulatory landscape that could significantly boost community solar installations across the country.

The Breakthrough Behind a 300% Increase in Photosynthesis Productivity

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A story about a recent breakthrough that will triple the productivity of photosynthesis in plants and algae to generate clean, renewable fuels, is currently posted on the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Blog. The blog entry was added by Fuel Cell Technologies Program Manager Sunita Satyapal.

For more information about the breakthrough, read the Breakthrough Behind a 300% Increase in Photosynthesis Productivity blog entry. You can also sign up for the Energy Blog RSS feed to receive regular updates.

Stop & Shop Steps Up Innovation with Fuel Cell

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company announced today a significant step in retail store innovation: a special dedication of a 400 kilowatt fuel cell ' a first for the supermarket chain ' at its store on Torringford Street in East Torrington, Conn.

The fuel cell, a UTC Power PureCell^® System Model 400, was supported with a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program and is the first fuel cell utilized by the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company. It is expected to generate over 90% of the store's electric energy.

"In our commitment to be a sustainable company, we continually look for new innovations and technologies that help us build more energy efficient stores," said Jihad Rizkallah, vice president of store planning for Stop & Shop. "The fuel cell technology is the latest step we've taken to ensure we're doing everything we can to lower our impact to the environment in each community we serve."

Since the fuel cell was commissioned in June of last year, it has produced over 1.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, accounting for 95% of the store's total electric energy requirements. This, coupled with the use of the thermal energy produced by the fuel cell, has reduced the total electric and natural gas utility bills for the store by roughly 50%.

By generating most of its power on site, Stop & Shop is able to reduce the burden on the local power grid and its impact on the environment. The fuel cell operates without fossil fuel combustion which in turn makes electricity production virtually pollution-free. Highlights:

Stop & Shop anticipates it will prevent the release of more than 523 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually ' the equivalent of planting more than 120 acres of trees.
The annual nitrogen oxide emissions reduction will be equivalent to removing 88 cars from roadways.
Designed to operate in water-balance, with no consumption or discharge of water under normal operations, the fuel cell at the Torrington Stop & Shop store will save 3.5 million gallons of water compared to central utility generated electricity.

'Stop & Shop did an outstanding job integrating this fuel cell into its new, energy-efficient supermarket in Torrington and maximizing the energy attributes of the fuel cell,' said Dale Hedman, acting president of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. 'The store will not only benefit from electricity produced by the fuel cell but will also benefit from the fuel cell's waste heat, which will be used for heating, cooling and refrigeration.'

The fuel cell at Stop & Shop in Torrington, Conn., joins a growing fleet of UTC Power's PureCell^® System Model 400 units. In 2010, UTC Power installed dozens of its stationary fuel cells at locations in California, Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin and South Korea. As UTC Power continues to expand its portfolio of fuel cell partners and implementations, the company recently completed a major upgrade to its production facility in South Windsor, Conn., to accommodate an increase in orders from customers.

November 2001 ' Stop & Shop opens first energy efficient store in Foxboro, Mass., also known as the Low Energy Super Store, or LESS.
August 2007 ' Stop & Shop opens first Energy Star^® store in Southbury, Conn., which utilizes approximately 35 percent less energy than average buildings.
December 2008 ' Stop & Shop installs first photovoltaic (solar panels) system at its Fairfield, Conn., store. The system generates around 8% of the store's electricity needs.
2009 ' Stop & Shop has over 50 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified stores. In the future, all new stores will be designed and built to meet the LEED NC (new construction) design and construction standards for new construction by the U.S. Green Building Council. Energy saving features include:
- White roof to reflect the sunlight and reduce the heat gains in the store, requiring less energy for space cooling in the summertime
- Skylights to harvest daylight to reduce the electricity consumption during peak daylight hours
- LED lighting in many areas of the store, including overhead track lights, spotlights on specialty areas & displays, exterior store signs and in the frozen food cases
May 2010 ' Stop & Shop installs photovoltaic systems in 3 stores in Dedham, Dorchester, and Somerville, Mass. Following in July 2010, the company completes the installation of additional photovoltaic systems in 4 stores in Aberdeen, Franklin Park, Somerset, and Whiting, New Jersey. These systems generate around 8% of stores' electricity needs.
June 2010 ' Through support of a grant from Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program, Stop & Shop installs a UTC Power PureCell^® System Model 400 in its second Torrington, Conn., store. The fuel cell ' a first of its kind for the company ' is expected to generate over 90 percent of the store's energy.
December 2010 ' Stop & Shop opens second store in West Hartford, Conn., that includes refrigeration systems which utilize a natural refrigerant to help reduce the store's carbon footprint by an equivalent of 500 tons of CO₂ per year. The West Hartford Stop & Shop is the first supermarket in the state of Connecticut operating with this technology.

About Stop & Shop
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company employs nearly 62,000 associates and operates more than 390 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer, and promotes general health and wellness ' with emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program; has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 50 of its existing stores; and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit http://www.stopandshop.com/.

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by the electric ratepayers. CCEF's mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut's ratepayers in order to strengthen Connecticut's economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About UTC Power
UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, is a world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. The company, with more than 50 years of experience, is based in South Windsor, Conn. UTC Power is the only fuel cell company in the world to have worked with all five major fuel cell technologies and to produce fuel cells for both stationary and transportation applications. For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Portable Light Tower Lights Up the Golden Globe Awards

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The world's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile light tower lit up the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 16th. The Multiquip portable light tower, developed in collaboration with Altergy Systems, integrates clean, reliable backup fuel cell power technology with filament-free, efficient plasma light technology. The DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Program and Sandia National Laboratories are key stakeholders supporting the development and commercialization of this product.

Designed to be an environmentally friendly and quiet alternative to noisy diesel generators, these portable light towers can be used in the entertainment industry, highway construction sites, and airports. The system is scheduled for use at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, GRAMMY Awards, and the Academy Awards as well as upcoming NASA space shuttle launches.

2010 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Global Commercialization Development Update Report Released

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Program, recently released the 2010 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Global Commercialization Development Update report. This document outlines the role hydrogen and fuel cells can play in a portfolio of technology options available to address the energy-related challenges faced by nations around the world. It offers examples of real-world hydrogen and fuel cell applications and the progress of the technologies, including government policies that increase technology development and commercialization.

The members of IPHE have been coordinating activities since 2003 to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies into the global economy. Four priority focus areas of the IPHE are: 1) accelerating the market penetration and early adoption of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and their supporting infrastructure; 2) policy and regulatory actions to support widespread deployment; 3) raising the profile with policy-makers and the public; and 4) monitoring hydrogen, fuel cell and complementary technology developments.

CESA Executive Director Mark Sinclair Interviewed on New Hampshire Public Radio about NH RPS

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

CESA Executive Director Mark Sinclair was featured on New Hampshire Public Radio, where he discussed ways that New Hampshire can inprove its renewable energy standards law, passed in 2008.

'I think the one area where NH could be more bold on is requiring more local generation and thermal generation, using your resources for heat generation, not just electricity.'

Listen to the full story here.

CCAT to Support the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Through a Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) of East Hartford, CT, today announced the receipt of a grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to expand a growing hydrogen and fuel cell regional cluster centered in the northeast United States. This energy technology cluster is currently driven by a global market and is poised for growth as a US based industry to meet worldwide demand for clean and efficient electric generation.

"Maximizing a region's economic assets is one of the best ways to create long term job growth, and that's what SBA's new Innovative Economies pilot initiative is doing," Karen G. Mills, Administrator of the SBA, said. "Today we are announcing funding support for 10 regional economic clusters. SBA's support will help expand the opportunities and the role small businesses play in these regional collaborations, which are enhancing the ability to create jobs locally and compete on a national and global scale. I'm thrilled to announce the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology's participation. They're creating jobs in the community and making the region an industry leader."

CCAT will work with its partners in New England and New York to undertake activities and provide services to support job growth and enhance the competitiveness of the region's hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain. The Project Team includes CCAT, the Hydrogen Energy Center, the Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition, Clean Energy States Alliance, and the New York Fuel Cell Network.

"This program will significantly enhance the economic growth and job creation for the region by building on the capacity of the diverse supply chain of over 170 companies and organizations in the New England / New York region that support the hydrogen and fuel cell industry," said Elliot Ginsberg, President and CEO of CCAT.

CCAT and the Project Team will seek to support the collective industry through a public-private partnership for business development, workforce training, establishment of strategic market development activities, and increased deployment of fuel cell generation facilities. These activities will lead to increased US based market share and productivity, economic development, and job creation.

"Assistance to expand this technology cluster will lead to lower energy costs, improved environmental performance, and an increase in U.S. based jobs", Joel Rinebold, Director of Energy Programs at CCAT and Chair of the Coalition, said. "This is a great opportunity to invest in an emerging technology made in the region that will serve an expanding global market."

CCAT is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a unique economic development center of excellence for the region, state and nation. CCAT offers a wide range of services to a diverse base of customers that spans manufacturers, high technology firms, small businesses and entrepreneurs, educators and public policy makers. The Energy Program at CCAT administers the Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, which is comprised of representatives from the fuel cell and hydrogen industry, labor, academia, government, and other stakeholders. The Coalition works to advance the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technology and associated fueling systems in Connecticut and abroad.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

ABOUT CCAT

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. is a non-stock, tax exempt corporation that provides services and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses, and through collaboration with industry, academia, and government, helps companies innovate and compete, thereby strengthening our nation in the global market

Interior and FERC Announce Agreement on Offshore Renewable Energy Development

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In a joint statement issued today Secretary of the Interior (DOI), Ken Salazar and Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Jon Wellinghoff announced that the two agencies have confirmed their intent to work together to facilitate the permitting of renewable energy in offshore waters.

'Our renewable energy is too important for bureaucratic turf battles to slow down our progress. I am proud that we have reached an agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding our respective roles in approving offshore renewable energy projects. This agreement will help sweep aside red tape so that our country can capture the great power of wave, tidal, wind and solar power off our coasts,' Secretary Salazar said.

'FERC is pleased to be working with the Department of the Interior and Secretary Salazar on a procedure that will help get renewable energy projects off the drawing board and onto the Outer Continental Shelf,' Acting FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff said.

Below is the joint Statement between DOI and FERC signed by Secretary Salazar and Acting Chairman Wellinghoff:

JOINT STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR AND THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

The United States has significant renewable energy resources in offshore waters, including wind energy, solar energy, and wave and ocean current energy.

Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Minerals Management Service, has the authority to grant leases, easements, and rights-of-way on the outer continental shelf for the development of oil and gas resources. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to provide the Interior Department with parallel permitting authority with regard to the production, transportation, or transmission of energy from additional sources of energy on the outer continental shelf, including renewable energy sources.

The Interior Department's responsibility for the permitting and development of renewable energy resources on the outer continental shelf is broad. In particular, the Department of the Interior has permitting and development authority over wind power projects that use offshore resources beyond state waters.

Interior's authority does not diminish existing responsibilities that other agencies have with regard to the outer continental shelf. In that regard, under the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has the statutory responsibility to oversee the development of hydropower resources in navigable waters of the United States. 'Hydrokinetic' power potentially can be developed offshore through new technologies that seek to convert wave, tidal and ocean current energy to electricity. FERC will have the primary responsibility to manage the licensing of such projects in offshore waters pursuant to the Federal Power Act, using procedures developed for hydropower licenses, and with the active involvement of relevant federal land and resource agencies, including the Department of the Interior.

We have requested our staffs to prepare a short Memorandum of Understanding that sets forth these principles, and which describes the process by which permits and licenses related to renewable energy resources in offshore waters will be developed.

/s/ Secretary of the Interior
Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

OREC Releases Overview of Tax Benefits for MHK Industry

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition (OREC) has prepared an overview of tax benefits for the MHK industry here. As the spreadsheet shows, MHK receives more benefits than it did five years ago, but at the same time, it lacks parity with other renewables: MHK projects do not qualify for 5 year MACRS, and are only eligible for half of the PTC available to other renewables. OREC continues to work to achieve parity.

New LBNL report profiles innovation in "community wind" project finance

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The 'community wind' sector in the United States ' loosely defined here as consisting of relatively small utility-scale wind power projects that sell power on the wholesale market and that are developed and owned primarily by local investors ' has historically served as a 'test bed' or 'proving grounds' not only for up-and-coming wind turbine manufacturers trying to break into the broader U.S. wind market, but also for wind project financing structures. For example, a variation of one of the most common financing arrangements in the U.S. wind market today ' the 'partnership flip' structure ' was first developed by community wind projects in Minnesota more than a decade ago before being adapted by the broader wind

More recently, a handful of community wind projects built over the past year have been financed via new and creative structures that push the envelope of wind project finance in the U.S. These

1) a 4.5 MW project in Maine that combines low-cost government debt with local tax equity,

2) a 25.3 MW project in Minnesota using a sale/leaseback structure,

3) a 10.5 MW project in South Dakota financed by an intrastate offering of both debt and equity,

4) a 6 MW project in Washington state that taps into New Markets Tax Credits using an 'inverted' or 'pass-through' lease structure, and

5) a 9 MW project in Oregon that combines a variety of state and federal incentives and loans with unconventional equity from high-net-worth

In most cases, these are first-of-their-kind structures that could serve as useful examples for other projects ' both community and commercial wind

I am pleased to announce the release of a new Berkeley Lab report that describes each of these innovative new financing structures in some detail, using a case-study approach. The purpose of this report is two-fold: (1) to disseminate useful information on these new financial structures, most of which are widely replicable; and (2) to highlight the recent policy changes ' many of them temporary unless extended ' that have facilitated this

The report begins by briefly summarizing how most community wind projects in the U.S. have been financed historically (i.e., prior to this latest wave of innovation). It then describes the recent federal policy changes, including several implemented as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that have enabled a new wave of financial innovation to occur. Brief case studies of each of the five projects mentioned above follow, describing how each project was financed and noting the financial significance of each. Finally, the report concludes by distilling a number of general observations or pertinent lessons learned from the experiences of these five

The full 28-page report, titled 'Community Wind: Once Again Pushing the Envelope of Project Finance,' can be downloaded at no charge from http://eetd.lbl.gov/EA/EMP/re-pubs.

A PowerPoint slide summary of the report can also be downloaded from the same web site.

Patrick-Murray Administration Celebrates New Wind Measurement Manufacturing Facility and Development of Wind Energy Data Partnership

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles today visited wind measurement company Second Wind to celebrate the company's new manufacturing facility in Newton. Secretary Bowles also announced a partnership between Somerville-based Second Wind, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Arlington-based WindPole Ventures to construct a wind measurement information network that will aggregate real-time, hub height standardized wind speed data, which will be used for future real-time forecasting and assure that Massachusetts' wind farms operate more efficiently.

'This strategic investment in the Commonwealth's wind information infrastructure will help make wind power generation more efficient and cost-effective, and help us further Governor Patrick's goals of installing 2,000 MW of wind energy by 2020,' said Secretary Bowles, who chairs the MassCEC board. 'Second Wind and WindPole are examples of emerging leaders in Massachusetts' wind energy cluster who are creating clean energy jobs and helping lead our clean energy future.'

Secretary Bowles announced that Second Wind, WindPole Ventures, and MassCEC will partner to deploy a regional network of technology to gather wind resource information, which will provide high quality data to help the state make the most of its wind resource. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to deploy this type of regional network.

Second Wind, WindPole and MassCEC will construct a pilot wind measurement network in southeastern Massachusetts that will consist of seven to ten sites in which wind data will be collected on the ground with Second Wind's Triton Sonic Wind Profiler technology or via hub-height-tower based collection methods provided by WindPole. The wind data collection will serve a variety of wind project development needs, and will strengthen Massachusetts's position as a wind energy leader.

In announcing this unique partnership, Secretary Bowles joined Second Wind executives to announce the opening a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newton, where Massachusetts-based workers will manufacture the Triton Sonic Wind Profiler, the global wind power industry's market-leading remote sensing system, and export it to more than 50 countries around the world, including China. In 2008, Second Wind received a $500,000 loan from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust to help develop the Triton. Today, the company employs three times as many as it did in 2008, and expects that the new manufacturing facility will add 115 jobs by 2014.

WindPole Ventures provides 'data as a service' from its network of more than 12,000 hub height towers to top U.S. wind developers and a regional ISO with a high penetration of wind. In December 2008, WindPole raised its first round of capital with support from MassCEC.

'Second Wind has made Massachusetts its home for 30 years. All the ingredients are here for Massachusetts to lead the nation as a wind energy center of excellence,' said Larry Letteney, CEO of Second Wind. 'Despite the economic downturn, wind energy is experiencing global growth. We are especially gratified that our technology, which has been encouraged by our state government, can now play such a vital role in making this vision a reality.'

'In the 1980s, government support and private investment made the Commonwealth a powerhouse in the telecommunications and data sectors and later Internet and Web services. Under Governor Patrick's leadership, I believe the Commonwealth is taking the same steps that will lead to a concentration of jobs in the wind power sector,' said Steve Kropper, CEO of WindPole Ventures. 'Massachusetts is laying the groundwork for value added jobs in wind information services. WindPole believes that information on wind is more profitable than wind power and we are committed to providing hub height, bankable data that will accelerate the wind power sector nationally.'

Wind power in Massachusetts has increased tenfold under Governor Patrick, from 3.1 MW in 2007 to over 30 MW by the end of this year. In addition, the Patrick-Murray administration landed a $25 million federal stimulus grant to construct a Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) in Charlestown. Now under construction, the WTTC will test the next generation of wind turbine blades - further boosting Massachusetts's place as a leader in the industry. Wind energy companies that have already chosen to locate here include Siemens, FloDesign, American Superconductor, TPI Composites and Vestas Power Systems, and developers and installers such as First Wind and Solaya

About WindPole Ventures, LLC

WindPole provides real-time, hub height wind resource data from a portfolio of almost 12,000 very tall towers in 39 states. WindPole Ventures, LLC is based in Arlington, MA. www.windpole.

About Second Wind

Second Wind develops wind measurement systems that make wind power pay off for consumers, investors and the environment. The company's technology provides wind farm developers with the bankable wind data they need to plan, finance and operate highly efficient wind generation facilities. Second Wind's systems are making wind farm development profitable in 50 countries on seven continents. Second Wind's systems include Triton, the wind industry's leading remote sensing system, Nomad 2 wind data logger systems, the ProMast 60, a 60-meter meteorological mast and the SkyServe® web-based data service. For more information about Boston-based Second Wind, please visit www.secondwind.com.

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, MassCEC's mission is to foster growth of the Massachusetts clean energy industry through funding to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; job training programs; and workforce development grants. MassCEC is also home to the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, which supports the installation of renewable energy technologies with funds provided by small renewable energy charges on electric bills. More information is available at www.MassCEC.com

Big Challenges Remain for U.S. Offshore Wind

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. could see as many as 10 GW of offshore wind capacity installed by 2020. But it won't be easy, say industry experts.

"There are some 5 GW in planning right now, but who knows how much of this can be realized," says Dirk Matthys, the North American chief executive of Spanish turbine maker Gamesa. He says that growth will hinge on how fast the government can streamline a new program to approve projects.

Other hurdles such as local opposition and the need for a new transmission network could also hinder progress, says Matthys.

Nevertheless, he believes it is possible to develop 5-10 GW in the U.S. within the next decade.

Washington's incentive programs must also be increased for longer-term planning, observers add.

"There is a big lack of long-term incentives which you need for project planning purposes," says Mark Rodgers, communications director at Cape Wind, the company trying to develop the country's first offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts.

According to Rodgers, the government has a project loan program and tax credit scheme in place for this year. But it's uncertain if these programs will be extended into 2012 and beyond.

Cape Wind, which has secured power purchase agreements for the first half of the facility's future output, hopes to begin building the 130 turbine wind farm late this year. However, the developer is still trying to find another buyer for the other half of the power.

Continued here.....

Department of Energy Offers Conditional Commitment for a Loan Guarantee to Support Maine Wind Project

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment to Record Hill Wind LLC for a $102 million loan guarantee.

The loan guarantee will support the Record Hill wind project, which includes a 50.6 megawatt wind power plant and an eight mile transmission line and associated interconnection equipment near the town of Roxbury, Maine. Developed and managed by Wagner Wind Energy of New Hampshire and Independence Wind of Maine, Record Hill is sponsored by the Yale University Endowment fund. In addition to providing clean, renewable power to New England's grid, the sponsor expects the project to create 200 construction jobs in Maine.

"Today's announcement is good for this country's clean energy future, and it's good for the people of Maine who will benefit from the jobs generated by this project," said Secretary Chu. "Record Hill introduces an innovative technology to the U.S. that will boost domestic wind generation and help us reach President Obama's goal of doubling clean energy produced in America by 2035."

Full story available here....

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs AB 2514 Into Law

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The nation's first energy storage bill was signed into law the afternoon of Thursday, September 29, 2010 by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Bill, AB 2514, puts a timetable in place for the integration of energy storage technologies and is seem as an important first step towards increasing the efficiency of the electric grid.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown issued a press release hailing the potential of 2514's implementation. The passage of AB 2514 was supported by ESA members CALMAC and Ice Energy in addition to the California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA).

U.S. Solar Doubled in 2010, May Add 2 Gigawatts to Double Again

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

By Ehren Goossens, Bloomberg
The amount of new solar energy capacity in the U.S. doubled last year and may double again in 2011 because of government incentives, stronger demand and falling prices, a trade group said.

The total capacity of photovoltaic and solar thermal power systems that were installed last year reached 956 megawatts, compared with 441 megawatts added in 2009, according to a report released today by the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Installed capacity of residential, commercial and utility- scale plants may increase by as much as 2 gigawatts this year, according to GTM Research, which worked with Washington-based SEIA to produce the report.

'Another doubling of U.S. installations in 2011 is likely, even in the absence of a substantial mid-year price decline,' Shayle Kann, GTM Research's managing director of solar research, said in an interview.

In total, 878 megawatts of photovoltaic systems and 78 megawatts of solar thermal power projects were installed in 2010, according to the report. The cost was $6 billion, up 67 percent from 2009.

The cumulative total of 2.6 gigawatts of installed capacity can power more than 500,000 households, the report said.

Largest Market

First Solar Inc. (FSLR), the world's largest maker of thin-film solar modules, expects the U.S. to be its largest market this year, and has 2,400 megawatts of North American projects in its development pipeline, Alan Bernheimer, a spokesman for the Tempe, Arizona-based company, said in an e-mail.

A U.S. Treasury grant program, which reimburses 30 percent of the costs of installing solar systems, helped drive up the number of projects, the report said. The installed price of photovoltaic systems fell by 10 percent for commercial and 8 percent for residential installations last year.

Other countries are cutting their subsidies for solar systems this year, potentially leading to an oversupply of panels and further price cuts.

'There is a strange effect where the worse things get in Germany and Italy, the more suppliers are going to price more competitively in new markets, like the U.S., ultimately growing the market,' Kann said.

California had 259 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity installed in 2010, more than all other states. New Jersey followed with 137 megawatts, more than doubling from 57 megawatts in 2009 and the highest growth rate.

SEIA represents about 1,000 companies involved in the solar energy industry, including installers, manufacturers, developers, financial companies and others, SEIA's assistant manager of communications Jared Blanton said in an e-mail.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ehren Goossens in New York at egoossens1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Reed Landberg at landberg@bloomberg.net

EESI Fuel Cell Briefing on Capitol Hill

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On February 16^th, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute help a briefing on Capitol Hill on Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Development. It may be useful for you to see the information and ideas that federal policymakers heard. Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA) kicked off the session and Ruth Cox (President and Executive Director, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association) served as moderator. There were four speakers, who discussed the state of the fuel cell industry and trends related to hydrogen energy development. They primarily focused on transportation applications, with an emphasis on California perspectives. The speakers were Tim Brown (Technical Manager, National Fuel Cell Research Center), Tom Cackette (Chief Deputy Executive Officer, California Air Resources Board), Catherine Dunwoody (Executive Director, California Fuel Cell Partnership), and Anthony Eggert (Member, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee, U.S. Department of Energy; former Commissioner, California Energy Commission). You can access their presentations and a session summary at http://www.eesi.org/fuel-cell-and-hydrogen-energy-development-16-feb-2011.

Renewable Energy Standards -- California and Congress Moving in Different Directions

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400

By Dustin Till, Marten Law
California and Congress seem to be headed in opposite directions on climate policy this year. California has expanded its renewable portfolio standard (RPS), meaning public and private utilities must now acquire up to a third of their energy from renewable energy sources. Congress, meanwhile, has been backing away from climate change regulation, including a federal clean energy standard (CES) that, until recently, was considered relatively non-controversial.

I. Background on CES

Alternative energy standards -- variously called CESs and RPSs -- are requirements that utilities acquire a certain percentage of the electricity from renewable resources. These type of regulations define the types of power generation that qualify as 'renewable' or 'clean,' and generally allow regulated utilities to purchase electricity from any qualifying renewable resource based on the characteristics the utility values most (e.g. price, quantity, duration, intermittency, reliability, etc.).[1] Many jurisdictions also allow regulated utilities to trade renewable energy certificates (RECs) (i.e. a credit issued for each megawatt [MW] of renewable energy generated) to further increase compliance flexibility. Some jurisdictions such as California allow compliance for a portion of the RPS requirements through the use of tradable RECs (TRECs), which are RECS that can be traded separate and apart from the energy associated with their creation. TRECs allow utilities in one state to take credit for renewable energy developed in another state without having to take delivery of the physical power.

At least thirty states have adopted mandatory RPSs, and another seven states have adopted non-mandatory RPS goals.[2] The types of generating technologies that qualify as 'renewable' vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, most states classify wind, solar, landfill gas, biofuels and biomass as 'renewable' sources, while other states have broader standards that classify advanced nuclear and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as 'clean.'[3] While most RPSs are neutral as to which qualifying resource is used for compliance, some states have enacted 'carve outs' that require that a certain percentage of the RPS is met via specific technologies, or 'multipliers' that incentivize particular technologies by awarding more than one REC per MW purchased.

II. The California RPS

The Scoping Plan for implementing the greenhouse gas emission reductions called for in California's greenhouse gas legislation (Assembly Bill 32) calls for a 33% mix of renewable resources.[4] Given the size of California's energy market, the structure of its RPS program has consequences for participants in renewable energy markets throughout the western U.S.

California has two RPS standards -- one legislative and one regulatory. In 2002, California passed Senate Bill 1078, which established a 20% by 2017 RPS for the state's investor-owned utilities (IOUs). In 2005, Senate Bill 107 accelerated the RPS to 20% by 2010. According to the California Public Utilities Commission, California's three largest IOUs[5] collectively served 18 percent of their 2010 retail electricity sales with renewable resources.

In 2009, the California legislature passed two bills (Senate Bill 14 and Assembly Bill 64) that would have increased the state's RPS to 33 percent. Governor Schwarzenegger, however, announced he would veto the bills over concerns about restricting the eligibility of out-of-state renewable energy resources through TRECs. Governor Schwarzenegger subsequently issued Executive Order No. S-21-09 which increased the RPS to 33 percent by 2020. The executive order also expanded the scope of the RPS to include customer-owned utilities (COUs) and cooperatives (in addition to IOUs). In September 2010, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued new regulations to implement the 33% by 2020 RPS.

Earlier this year, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) lifted its moratorium on the use of TRECs by IOUs to satisfy requirements pursuant to the legislative 20 percent RPS.[6] In March 2010, CPUC authorized the use of TRECs for compliance with the RPS. That decision allowed utilities to obtain TRECs from out-of-state generators in order to satisfy a portion of their compliance obligations. CPUC subsequently placed a moratorium on the use of TRECs. In CPUC's final ruling, utilities can obtain TRECs to satisfy up to 25 percent of their RPS compliance obligations, subject to a $50/REC price cap. The provisions will expire at the end of 2013, when the CPUC 'will consider modifying or removing those limitations all together.'

There is talk that the 25 percent limit on out-of-state TRECs could stifle renewable energy development in Oregon and Washington. Some experts have observed that the 25 percent limit on out-of-state TRECs is already fully subscribed, meaning that there is no additional market for RECs generated outside of California.[7]

There is, however, proposed legislation in California that would expand the market for out-of-state TRECs. On February 25, 2011, the California Senate passed legislation paralleling (and expressly superseding) CARB's RPS rules. Senate Bill 2X would increase the statutory RPS to 33 percent and would expand the program to include COUs. The bill would also set a 25 percent limit on the use of out-of-state TRECs. By increasing the statutory RPS, and expanding it to include California's many large COUs, the proposed legislation would have the effect of significantly increasing demand for out-of-state TRECs.

III. The Federal RPS Debate

Over the past decade, over twenty-five proposals for a federal RPS have been introduced in Congress, but none have passed both chambers.[8] Most recently, federal RPS provisions have been included in greenhouse gas cap-and-trade legislation, and efforts were made to include a federal RPS in legislation addressing the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. President Obama proposed a broad CES in his 2011 State of the Union address. However, it seems unlikely there will be sufficient bipartisan support for CES in Congress. Indeed, the House has been voting to rollback EPA's greenhouse gas regulations and to defund clean energy development programs. Moreover, the recent nuclear power plant trouble in Japan has cast significant doubt on the future of any energy standard that includes nuclear generation.

A. Renewable and Clean Energy Proposals in the 111th Congress

The 111th Congress saw numerous bills with RPS or similar provisions. On June 26, 2009, the House narrowly passed HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). ACES would have established an economy-wide cap-and-trade program intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050, as compared to 2005 levels.[9] ACES would also have established a federal RPS, requiring that six percent of electric power come from renewable resources by 2012, and twenty percent by 2020. Eligible renewable resources included in the ACES standard were solar, wind, geothermal, qualified hydropower, marine and hydrokinetic, biomass, and landfill gas. A portion of each utility's compliance obligation could have been met with qualifying energy efficiency measures.

ACES would not have preempted state-level RPS requirements; instead, regulated utilities would have received federal credits in an amount equal to the state credits they were already earning. While ACES was never introduced in the Senate, Senators Kerry (D-Mass.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) were slated to propose cap-and-trade legislation with RPS provisions similar to ACES. That legislation, however, was never formally introduced. A subsequent cap-and-trade proposal introduced by Senators Kerry and Lieberman did not include an RPS standard.[10]

Other legislation considered in the Senate included S. 1462 -- the American Clean Energy Leadership Act (ACELA) -- which was passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 17, 2009. The RPS provisions in ACELA were similar (yet less stringent) than ACES, requiring regulated utilities to obtain 12 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2020. Introduced by Senator Lugar (R-In.), the Practical Energy and Climate Plan Act (PECPA) (S. 3464) would have established a diversified energy standard (DES) that included traditional renewable resources such as wind, incremental hydroelectric, and solar, while also including clean coal technology (i.e. coal combustion coupled with CCS technology) and new nuclear facilities.

Renewable energy advocates saw the legislative response to the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon oil spill as a vehicle for establishing a federal RPS.[11] On July 30, 2010, the House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act (H.R. 3534), that would add restrictions on offshore oil drilling and beef up response, safety and liability provisions in current law. A companion bill, the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Company Accountability Act of 2010 (S. 3663), was introduced in the Senate. Neither bill, however, included a renewable energy standard.

B. President Obama's Proposed CES and Proposals in the 112th Congress

During his January 25, 2011, State of the Union address, President Obama proposed a goal of generating 80 percent of the nation's electricity from clean sources by 2035.[12] President Obama's proposed CES would include a broad range of sources, including nuclear power, coal-fired generation with CCS, and high-efficiency natural gas. President Obama has also proposed that any CES should include consumer price protections, as well as measures to ensure fairness for regions with limited (or late deployed) renewable resources. The President also proposed creating incentives for new clean energy technologies such as CCS.

CES legislation has not been introduced this year, although it has been reported that Senator Lugar is preparing comprehensive energy legislation that will include a CES similar to the one advanced by President Obama.[13] Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-Nv.) has indicated that two members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senators Murkowski (R-Ak.) and Bingaman (D-N.M.), are drafting energy legislation that would include a CES standard.[14]

For more information on RPS standards and climate change generally, please contact Dustin Till or any member of Marten Law's Climate Change or Energy practice groups.

[1] Lincoln L. Davis, Power Forward: The Argument for a National RPS, 42 Conn. L. Rev. 1339, 1357 (2010).

[2] Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) -- RPS Data Spreadsheet (Jan. 2011). A number of municipalities have adopted RPSs. For example, in 2004, the city of Columbia, Missouri adopted a RPS requiring the city's primary utility to acquire 15% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2022. See DSIRE, Columbia -- Renewable Portfolio Standard. Austin, Texas, has adopted a 30% (835 MW) by 2020 RPS. DSIRE, Austin -- Renewable Portfolio Standard. At least two utilities have voluntarily adopted RPS goals: the Long Island Power Authority (New York, NY) -- 30% by 2015, and the CPS Energy (San Antonio, TX) -- 20% by 2020. DSIRE, Long Island Power Authority -- Renewable Electricity Goal and DSIRE, CPS Energy -- Renewable Portfolio Goal.

[3] For a summary of the resources qualifying as 'renewable' under various state RPS, please see PEW Center for Climate Change, Comparison of Qualifying Resources for Individual States' RPS and AEPS.

[4] For more information on AB-32, please see One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: California Moves Toward Finalizing Climate Regulations, While Federal Action Stalls, Marten Law Environmental News (July 9, 2008).

[5] Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric.

[6] CPUC Decision No. 11-01-025 (Jan. 14, 2011).

[7] Lee van der Voo, California Rule May Stunt Oregon Clean Energy Market, Sustainable Business Oregon (Jan. 20, 2011).

[8] Davies, Power Forward: the Argument for a National RPS, 42 Conn. L. Rev. at 1341.

[9] For a detailed summary of ACES, please see 111th Congress, Day 171: Following Heavy Presidential Lobbying, House Passes Energy and Climate Change Bill; All Eyes Now on the Senate, Marten Law Environmental News (June 29, 2009).

[10] See Senate Climate Bill Introduced Amid Considerable Fanfare, and an Uncertain Future, Marten Law Environmental News (May 14, 2010).

[11] Katie Howell and Robin Bravender, House, Senate Democrats Race to Complete Oil Spill and Energy Packages Before Recess, Greenwire/New York Times (July 28, 2010).

[12] White House, President Obama's Plan to Win the Future by Producing More Electricity Through Clean Energy.

[13] Katie Howell and Jean Chemnick, Sen. Lugar Prepping Bill That Could Include 'Clean Energy' Standard, Greenwire/New York Times (Feb. 11, 2011).

[14] Katie Howell, Reid Confident Bingaman, Murkowski Can Draft CES, E&E News PM (Feb. 16, 2011) (subscription required).

From: http://www.martenlaw.com/newsletter/20110317-calif-renewable-energy-standards

UK Minister for Climate Change Sets Out Government Support for Marine Energy

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Speaking today at the RukWave and Tidal conference in London, Greg Barker, the minister for Climate Change, gave some insights into the future level of government support for the nascent UK marine power industry.

He assured delegates that 'the Coalition is absolutely committed to harnessing the complete range of benefits which a successful marine renewables industry can bring to the UK -- the development of the sector is explicitly written into the fabric of the Coalition Agreement.'

Mr Barker went on to say that: 'We are already consulting on whether to offer generators a choice of ROCs or a new Feed-in-Tariff mechanism between introduction of the Electricity Markets Review legislation in 2013 or 14 and 2017. This will give marine generators access to this new form of FITs from the start, providing added certainty and a more stable revenue stream.'

He explained that 'It will take a little while before the new FITs are in place and the marine sector needs confidence that appropriate support will be in place before that to ensure that longer-term investments are made. Clearly the longer-term future of the sector is tied up with the new FITs. But we will address this immediate issue through the review of the current Renewables Obligation. We have already significantly speeded-up the RO review which is looking at ROC levels out to 2017. This means investors will have certainty over support a full year earlier than previously planned -- with a Government response this Autumn and legislation in place from April 2012. The evidence obtained from across the marine industry will feed into the decisions made on changes to the ROC levels and will help us to make informed decisions about the rates of support.

Speaking further on the issue of support for the marine sector, the minister explained that 'Before deciding what support we will provide to marine and to other important technologies I want to be sure we understand what the innovation needs truly are and how the government and the private sector can best act together to address them.

'With the Minister of State for Universities and Science I co-chair the Low Carbon Innovation Group that brings together the key government bodies supporting low carbon innovation so we can ensure they are acting in concert. That group has been developing Technology Innovation Needs Assessments -- 'TINAs' -- pooling their knowledge and developing a shared analysis of the innovation needs of a range of key low carbon technology families -- such as Off-shore wind, Marine energy and Bio-energy. This will give us an indication of where the market failures are. I am hoping that the Marine Energy Programme working group on finance will be able to participate in the stakeholder workshop on the marine TINA.'

'Over the next few months my officials will be inviting a range of stakeholders to contribute to that analysis so we can ensure it's a strong basis for decisions. My colleagues and I will weigh that evidence when deciding what support we can provide to which technologies. Decisions will be made in light of the outcome of that work. I expect to be saying more in a few months time.'

From: http://www.ifandp.com/article/0010174.html

CCEF Launches New Program - offers financing for development of emerging clean energy technologies

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) today announced that it has launched its newest initiative, the Alpha Program, which funds development and testing of emerging clean energy technologies to establish their technical viability and commercial potential. Successful commercialization of such technologies will help create jobs and grow Connecticut’s clean energy industry, as well as reduce clean energy costs, enhance energy security and ensure a healthier environment.

“Connecticut has a proud legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship and that legacy is now expanding into the realm of clean energy and sustainability clusters,” said Daniel C. Esty, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. “With Connecticut’s industrial infrastructure and pool of world-class talent and research institutions, we are well positioned to become a global leader in clean energy innovation, from assisting with technology feasibility to providing access to early-stage capital. CCEF’s Alpha Program is designed to leverage these assets and help accelerate emerging technology development and commercialization, the future engine of Connecticut’s clean energy industry.”

Connecticut companies undertaking early-stage clean energy technology development are encouraged to apply to the Alpha Program for funding of up to $200,000 per project. The funding is provided in two phases: Phase 1, which offers grants of up to $50,000 for Engineering Design and Development, and Phase 2, which offers loans of up to $150,000 for Prototype Construction and Testing. Applications will be reviewed and funded twice a year through a competitive judging and selection process. Applications for the first round of funding under the Alpha Program are due June 15, 2011.

Eligible projects can be full systems, system components or manufacturing innovations in technology areas including:

Electricity generation from renewable energy sources and waste energy recovery.
Geothermal and solar thermal for heating and cooling.
Combined heat and power.
Advanced energy efficiency.
Energy management for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Electric grid infrastructure improvements including energy storage.
Fuel cells, hydrogen production and biofuel production for stationary electricity generation.

The Alpha Program is one of three early-stage technology investment programs offered by CCEF and Connecticut Innovations to help advance the development and commercialization of emerging clean energy technologies in Connecticut. Successful Alpha Program participants will be encouraged to apply to the other two programs: the Operational Demonstration Program and the Connecticut Clean Tech Fund.

Peter Longo, president and executive director of Connecticut Innovations, said, “The Alpha Program offers our state’s innovators an outstanding ‘first step’ resource to help them turn cutting-edge ideas into prototypes. By supporting technology commercialization along a continuum of technology readiness levels, CCEF and CI are helping usher exciting new clean energy technologies into the marketplace. This, in turn, will enable our businesses, institutions and residents to benefit from a broader array of clean energy solutions and move toward greater sustainability.”

Prospective Alpha Program applicants are directed to a Pre-Qualification Survey to determine applicant eligibility.

For more information, visit ctcleanenergy.com/newtech and ctcleanenergy.com/AlphaProgram or contact the Alpha Program staff at newtech@ctcleanenergy.com.

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)

CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by the electric ratepayers. CCEF’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut’s ratepayers in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

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New Report from NREL and CESA Explores Clean Energy Deployment Lessons Learned by States

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Proposed federal clean energy initiatives and climate legislation have suggested significant increases to federal funding for clean energy deployment and investment. Many states and utilities have over a decade of experience and spend billions of public dollars every year to support EE/RE deployment through programs that reduce the cost of technologies, provide financing for EE/RE projects, offer technical assistance, and educate market participants. Meanwhile, constraints on public expenditures at all levels of government continue to call upon such programs to demonstrate their value.

This report, "State Support for Clean Energy Deployment: Lessons Learned for Potential Future Policy," reviews the results of these programs and the specific financial incentives and financing tools used to encourage clean energy investment. Lessons from such programs could be used to inform the future application of EE/RE incentives and financing tools. These lessons learned apply to use of distributed resources and the historical focus of these EE/RE programs.

The report is also available for download directly from the NREL website by clicking here.

DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program Publications - March 2011

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP)

A Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-Profit Project Development (March 2011). This fact sheet summarizes A Guide to Community Solar, a new publication that provides options, examples, and legal and financial considerations for community solar projects.

Solar Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments, Second Edition (March 2011). This fact sheet outlines the second edition of the DOE publication: Solar Powering Your Local Community: A Guide for Local Governments, a comprehensive resource to assist local governments and stakeholders in designing and implementing a strategic local solar plan.

Solar Technical Assistance Team (STAT) (March 2011). The Solar Technical Assistance Team (STAT) is a team of solar technology and deployment experts who provide timely information to key state government decision makers on policies, regulations, financing and other issues.

DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee Releases Annual Report

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The US Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee (HTAC) issued its annual report on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Commercialization and Technical Development Activity. HTAC was established to provide technical and programmatic advice to the Energy Secretary on DOE’s hydrogen research, development, and demonstration efforts. The group includes representatives of domestic industry, academia, professional societies, government agencies, financial organizations, and environmental groups, as well as experts in hydrogen safety.

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/news_detail.html?news_id=16850

NCLS Summarizes State and Federal Incentives for Fuel Cells

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The National Conference of State Legislatures has posted a webpage on “Fuel Cells—Clean and Reliable Energy.” It includes a summary of state and federal incentives for fuel cell implementation. It was written primarily with the needs of state legislators in mind and is a handy summary.

http://www.ncsl.org/?tabid=22352

NJ Launches Process for Financing Offshore Wind Farms

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Christa Marshall, E&E reporter, ClimateWire 5.17.11 (Quote from Mark Sincliar, CESA)

New Jersey is opening up the application process for a new financing structure for offshore wind projects.

Yesterday, New Jersey's Republican governor, Chris Christie, announced that the state Board of Public Utilities would accept applications for offshore wind farms through June 14. It is the first step in the state's quest to become an early mover in the offshore wind space, which is still searching for its first constructed project in the United States.

The application process was set up by the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act, signed by Christie last year. The bill called for a new financing system for offshore wind using "offshore wind renewable energy certificates," or ORECs.

It mirrors a state program providing solar credits that helped shoot New Jersey to second place in 2009 in terms of U.S. photovoltaic panel installations (ClimateWire, Aug. 20, 2010). Under the program, electricity suppliers will be required to hold ORECS, along with other renewable credits, to meet the state's renewable mandate.

Christie plans to meet with climate scientists

If offshore wind developers provide a complete application by the June 14 deadline, the board will have 180 days to make a decision on the whether a given developer can receive credits. Any viable project also will have to go through a multi-year process of state and federal permitting.

The state currently has several proposed projects at various stages of the permitting process, including a six-turbine wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City that received state permits last month.

"The wind power movement is providing us with a unique opportunity to advance energy as industry. By doing so, we have the ability to leverage our tremendous resources with ground-breaking technologies," Christie said yesterday in a statement.

The governor is expected to release his master energy plan for the state in coming weeks, according to Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts. Roberts also confirmed that Christie said over the weekend, as first reported by NJSpotlight.com, that comments in November 2010 about climate skepticism were made because he didn't have enough information at the time to make "an informed opinion."

Christie will be meeting with climate scientists this week, Roberts confirmed, although he would not disclose the details of the private meeting.

Report suggests that more states harness offshore wind

Last year, Christie said, "I think we're going to need more science to prove something one way or the other," when asked about global warming (ClimateWire, Nov. 11, 2010).

The offshore-wind announcement comes as New Jersey, along with other states, grapples with how to fund energy programs at a time of high budget deficits. In that regard, a group supportive of renewable energy released a study yesterday analyzing how states can best use available dollars.

One of the lessons from the report from the Clean Energy States Alliance is that rebate programs, like one offered in New Jersey, have limitations over the long term because of the uncertainty of their funding in the state appropriation process, according to Mark Sinclair, executive director of the alliance.

States should look more at "innovating financing," such as loan programs, he said. Northeastern states also should consider shifting some of their government funds from land-based wind, which has run into challenges in dense areas along the East Coast, to offshore projects, he said.

"Each state needs to figure out its strength and focus on that," he said.

States Advancing RPS Newsletter - Current Issue and Archives

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

To download the most recent issues of the States Advancing RPS Newsletter as a PDF, please click on the links below.

New Study Reveals Challenges and Opportunities in U.S. Wind Power Market

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Despite a trying year in which wind power capacity additions declined significantly compared to both 2008 and 2009, the U.S. remained one of the fastest-growing wind power markets in the world in 2010--second only to China--according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Energy and prepared by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

"The delayed impact of the global financial crisis, relatively low natural gas and wholesale electricity prices, and slumping overall demand for energy combined to slow demand for new wind power installations in 2010," says Ryan Wiser, one of the authors of the study, and a scientist at Berkeley Lab. As a result, roughly 5 GW of new wind power capacity were connected to the U.S. grid in 2010, compared to nearly 10 GW in 2009 and more than 8 GW in 2008.

Wind power comprised 25% of new U.S. electric capacity additions in 2010 and represented $11 billion in new investment. Wind power contributes more than 10% of total electricity generation in four states, and provides more than 2% of total U.S. electricity supply.

The 2010 edition of the U.S. Department of Energy's “Wind Technologies Market Report” provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the rapidly evolving U.S. wind power market. Some of the key findings include:

• Due to the size and promise of the U.S. market, wind turbine manufacturers continued to localize production domestically in 2010, despite the relatively slow year. "Nine of the eleven wind turbine manufacturers with the largest share of the U.S. market in 2010 now have one or more manufacturing facilities in the United States – compared to just one such manufacturer with a domestic presence as recently as 2004," says Mark Bolinger, a co-author of the study and a Berkeley Lab scientist. In a major shift, the growth in U.S. wind turbine manufacturing capability, combined with the drop in wind power plant installations, led to an estimated over-capacity of U.S. turbine nacelle assembly capability of roughly 2.5 GW in 2010, in comparison to 4 GW of under-capacity in 2009.

• As a result, a growing percentage of the equipment used in U.S. wind power projects is domestically manufactured. U.S. trade data show that the United States remained a large importer of wind power equipment in 2010, but that wind power capacity growth has outpaced the growth in imports in recent years. When presented as a fraction of total equipment-related wind turbine costs, imports have declined significantly from 65% in 2005-2006 to roughly 40% in 2009-2010.

• Wind turbine prices have declined substantially since 2008. Price quotes for recent wind turbine transactions are in the range of $900-$1,400/kW, suggesting price declines of as much as 33% or more since late 2008, with an average decline closer to 20% for orders announced in 2010.

• Technological advancements have improved wind turbine performance, particularly at lower wind speed sites. Since 1998-99, the average nameplate capacity of wind turbines installed in the U.S. has increased by 151% (to 1.8 MW in 2010), the average turbine hub height has increased by 43% (to 80 meters), and the average rotor diameter has increased by 76% (to 84 meters). This significant up-scaling has increased the performance of wind projects. Substantial curtailment of wind energy output has occurred in some regions, however, while a variety of factors have resulted in a move by wind developers towards lower wind speed sites.

• Turbine price reductions, coupled with improved turbine technology, are expected to exert downward pressure on total project costs and wind power prices over time. Wind power cost and price reductions were not evident for projects installed in 2010, on average, as costs were driven by turbines ordered at higher prices in previous years. Early indications from projects built most recently, however, show the promise of substantial cost and price reductions, thereby improving the competitive position of wind energy as compared to the recent past.

• Looking ahead, projections are for modest growth in 2011 and 2012. Lower wind turbine and wind power pricing, along with key federal incentives for wind energy that are in place through 2012, are expected to lead to modest growth in annual wind power capacity additions in 2011 relative to 2010, with an even better year predicted in 2012. Capacity growth is expected to remain below the 2009 high, however, due in part to relatively low wholesale electricity prices and limited need for new electric capacity additions. Forecasts for 2013, meanwhile, are highly uncertain and depend in part on assumptions about the possible extension of federal incentives beyond 2012.

Berkeley Lab’s contributions to this report were funded by the Wind & Water Power Program, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 12 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. For more, visit www.lbl.gov.

Additional Information:

The full report (“2010 Wind Technologies Market Report”), a presentation slide deck that summarizes the report, and an Excel workbook that contains much of the data underlying the report, can all be downloaded from:
http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/ems/re-pubs.html

The Department of Energy’s Progress Alert on this study is available at:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=568

Contact:
Allan Chen (510) 486-4210 a_chen@lbl.gov (media contact)
Ryan Wiser (510) 486-5474 RHWiser@lbl.gov (technical contact)
Mark Bolinger (603) 795-4937 MABolinger@lbl.gov (technical contact)

US Tidal Energy Resources Map

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Tidal energy—one of the fastest growing emerging technologies in the renewable sector—holds great promise for clean energy generation. And now, a first of its kind database gives researchers deeper insight into the potential of this vast energy resource for the United States.

The online database, developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with the help of a $469,500 award from the U.S. Department of Energy, maps the energy available in the nation’s tidal streams. Researchers at Georgia Tech’s Savannah campus used the Regional Ocean Model to simulate tidal flows along the entire U.S. coastline, which is marked by thousands of streams, rivers and bays subject to daily tides. DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory validated the model’s accuracy and the resulting data are now publically available.

Full story

DOE/EERE Marine and Hydrokinetic Environmental Research Webinar Series

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Kickoff Wednesday, July 27, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

Emerging marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) technologies convert wave, tidal, ocean current, river in-stream, and ocean thermal energy into electricity. These technologies have potential to serve as low-carbon energy sources for many regions of the United States. In order to ensure the responsible deployment of these technologies as they are developed, a number of different agencies, federal research institutions, and universities are working to research the potential environmental impacts of MHK technologies. The Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal agencies involved in reviewing, permitting, and regulating MHK are working to coordinate and collaborate on MHK environmental research as well as disseminate resulting products to other labs, federal agencies, industry, and interested stakeholders. This webinar series aims to increase awareness of current research efforts.

________________________________

Webinar Schedule:

July 27, 1-3pm (EDT) Hydrokinetics Environmental Data Management, Cumulative Impacts and Risk Assessment:

This webinar will focus on efforts to develop tools to manage and share data on environmental issues related to MHK deployment and methods to assess cumulative impacts and environmental risk. This webinar will provide information on current efforts to increase availability and initiate better management practices of these data to inform responsible permitting and siting of MHK projects. Projects highlighted will include:

Knowledge Management System, Tethys and Environmental Risk Evaluation System (Andrea Copping and Scott Butner, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
The Multipurpose Marine Cadastre (Christine Taylor, BOEM and Dave Stein, NOAA)
International Perspective on Environmental Risks of Wave and Tidal Energy Development (Gareth Davies, Aquatera)
Cumulative Impact Assessment and Probabilistic Modeling Tools to Inform MHK Siting (Paul Manson, Parametrix/Aquatera)
Conceptual Models of the Impacts of MHK Arrays (Mark Grippo and Ihor Hlohowskyj, Argonne National Laboratory)

August (Date TBD) Research on Potential Effects on Marine Animals This webinar will focus on research evaluating the probability of and potential effects of interactions between marine and hydrokinetic technologies and aquatic organisms.

September (Date TBD) Monitoring Technologies and Strategies: This webinar will focus on developing methodologies for monitoring MHK devices post-deployment, including monitoring framework development and the use of passive and active acoustics to monitor aquatic animal behavior around MHK devices. Another topic highlighted in this webinar will be insight into how these monitoring techniques may be used to develop mitigation measures in the future if needed.

New Carbon Trust Report: "Accelerating Marine Energy"

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The best marine energy sites could be cost-competitive with nuclear and onshore wind by 2025 with accelerated and targeted innovation, according to a new report from the Carbon Trust.

The report from the Carbon Trust, Accelerating Marine Energy is based on an evaluation of the Carbon Trust's £3.5 million Marine Energy Accelerator (MEA) programme of support for technology innovation.

It calculates that there is enough practically harvestable marine energy to provide for around 20% of the UK’s electricity consumption in 2025.

With sufficient effort on innovation, costs of will come down to around 28p/KWh for wave and 16p/kWh for tidal stream by the time the industry is half way through developing its most energetic sites.

These costs, particularly of wave power, could fall even faster if other countries install significant capacity as they are planning.

The report analyses the latest evidence on the practical marine energy resource and puts the wave resource at 50 tera-watt-hours per year (TWh/yr) and tidal (stream and flow) at 20.6 TWh/yr. This is broadly the same as previous studies.

Costs are very site-specific, though; for example energy would be cheapest at Pentland Firth Deep (http://www.tidalstream.co.uk/html/resource.html) - the biggest and the most energetic site - with over 6 TWh/yr of potential.

Estimating the future costs is also complex because of the many competing different emerging technologies with many components, such as cables, moorings and turbine blades, very few of which have been proven over significant periods of time in these harsh environments.

However, the first generation machines that have been tested in real conditions under the MEA do provide sufficient experience to give a reasonable estimate.

The report makes recommendations about what should happen over the first, second and third generations of implemented plants, each generation representing about five years of development.

It finds that installation costs can be lowered, as can the ability to tackle deeper sites. Marine Current Turbines (MCT)'s first-generation tidal device, currently being tested in Strangford Lough, is only suitable for shallow and relatively low wave sites.

But future iterations of the device will be able to deploy many more rotors in a single operation and access depths of over 40 metres and a more extreme tidal range. Significantly, version two will have a 20% lower capital cost per megawatt.

By the 2020s, third generation tidal flow machines will be able to generate electricity economically from sites with velocities too low to have been included in the main resource study.

As technology companies move towards 5MW projects - likely to require investments in the region of £30m-£50m - they will be working with developers to find equity investments in projects while also looking for continued investment at the company level. It is anticipated that it is utilities and project developers who will take the biggest stakes in marine energy farms.

A number of consortia have already formed with a view to developing commercial farms sites in the Orkney Waters Strategic Area identified by The Crown Estate.

These companies will have to install pre-commercial farms of around 5MW at these sites before technology is sufficiently developed for the 100MW+ farms they are planning.

To make this happen the Carbon Trust says that the government needs to create a stable framework for revenue support as well as capital support to enable developers to build the first tens and hundreds of megawatts of early commercial farms.

There also needs to be a clear position on planning for marine energy, with a streamlined consenting process and Strategic Environmental Assessments completed for some regions.

The Crown Estate, as owner of the seabed, must set out a roadmap for the wave and tidal industry.

The industry also needs to make a big push the technology innovation.

The stakes are high, but the rewards are fabulous, not only for the UK but for exporting the technology around the world, because already the UK is a world leader in this field.

Best Practices for Sustainable Wind Energy Development in the Great Lakes Region

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A new online guide to advancing wind energy while protecting the environment and addressing community concerns was released today by the Great Lakes Wind Collaborative (GLWC), a public/private coalition of interests advancing sustainable wind energy development within the Great Lakes region.

Best Practices for Sustainable Wind Energy Development in the Great Lakes Region highlights policies and practices to ensure wind development is environmentally protective, sensitive to community concerns and maximizes economic development potential. Best Practices for turbine siting, noise, environmental impacts and financial mechanisms are among the 18 “best practices,” which cover all phases of developing a wind energy project, from initial planning to operations and eventual decommissioning of spent turbines. Each best practice features a case example of that practice in action in the Great Lakes region or across the country.

“The stakeholders of the Great Lakes Wind Collaborative are steadfast in their belief that the need for renewable energy in the region must be balanced with sound economics and protection of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem,” said Terry Yonker, GLWC Steering Committee co-chair and president of Marine Services Diversified, LLC . “The development of wind power requires us to utilize the best practices that are available to us to insure that what results meets the highest possible standards of acceptance.”
The best practices were identified through a year-long process that included a literature review, online survey and interviews under the guidance of a Great Lakes Wind Collaborative workgroup that included environmental groups, industry, academia, and federal, state and local government regulators. The project was coordinated by the Great Lakes Commission, a compact of the eight Great Lakes states and the provinces of Ontario and Québec based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“These best practices will serve as a catalyst for innovation that will drive community and economic reinvention, diversification and development in the Great Lakes region,” said Mark Clevey, GLWC Steering Committee co-chair and manager of Consumer Education & Renewable Energy Programs for the Michigan Energy Office.

"Best Practices will help us develop wind farms to help meet our growing energy needs in an environmentally sustainable way,” added Matt Wagner, wind site development manager at DTE Energy. “Good project planning always involves communicating with our customers."
Although federal siting guidelines exist, ultimate decisions about whether and how a wind farm gets built are made at the state and local levels. The best practices identified in the report include both those that have been tested and shown to be effective, as well as new practices identified by experts as needed for future wind developments. They are intended to provide guidance for regulators, researchers, and wind industry interests who can choose from a mix of policies and practices that best advance the development of responsible and clean Great Lakes wind energy within a given locality, state or region.

Best Practices for Sustainable Wind Energy Development in the Great Lakes Region can be found on the Great Lakes Wind Collaborative web site at http://www.glc.org/energy/wind/bestpractices.html.

Contact: Victoria Pebbles, 734-971-9135 or vpebbles@glc.org.

Hydrokinetics: Quest For Renewable Energy Turns Back To Water

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Huffington Post GREEN blog by Alan Sayre, July 18, 2011. This is an interesting post about the potential future for hydrokinetic power generation in rivers.

DOE: Defense Department to Install Fuel Cells on Eight Military Bases

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

DOE, Defense Department to Install Fuel Cells on Eight Military Bases

A DOE-Defense Department agreement will support the use of fuel cells, like these at a Coca-Cola Refreshments bottling facility, on military sites.
Credit: UTC Power

DOE announced on July 19 that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) will install and operate 18 fuel cell backup power systems at eight military installations across the country as part of an interagency partnership with DOE. The eight installations include the U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms in California; Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado; Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland; Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey; the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; Fort Bragg in North Carolina; the Ohio National Guard in Columbus, Ohio; and Fort Hood in Texas. The projects will test how the fuel cells perform in real world operations, identify technical improvements manufacturers could make to enhance performance, and highlight the benefits of fuel cells for emergency backup power applications. (Source: DOE EERE Newsletter July 27, 2011). Read the DOE Press Release.

New Jersey Surpasses Milestone of over 10,000 Solar Installations

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Press Release by the New Jersey Public Utilites Commission, July 25, 2011.

Offshore Wind Wire: Four Questions for Lew Milford and Mark Sinclair about Offshore Wind

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Offshore Wind Wire

FRIDAY INTERVIEW: Four Questions For Lewis Milford and Mark Sinclair

Fri, Jul 29, 2011

Lewis Milford is the president of the Clean Energy Group, Mark Sinclair is the vice president of the Clean Energy Group and the executive director of the Clean Energy States Alliance. Last week, Milford wrote an article in the Huffington Post about the economic argument for offshore wind.

Offshore Wind Wire: Please tell us about the Clean Energy Group: How was the CEG formed, and what is the relationship between CEG and the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA)?

Milford: Clean Energy Group is a leading nonprofit advocacy organization working in the U.S. and internationally on innovative clean energy technology, finance, and policy programs. I founded CEG in 1998, CEG is headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont, with staff based in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. (See www.cleanegroup.org). In 2002, CEG created and now manages a separate, national nonprofit alliance of state-based, U.S. public clean energy funds- Clean Energy States Alliance. CEG also serves as the Secretariat for the UNEP Sustainable Energy Finance Alliance, the only convening body in the international system for public finance agencies in the clean energy sector. (See www.cleanenergystates.org). CEG is supported by major foundations, as well as state, federal and international energy agencies.

OWW: In your piece last week, you argue that state regulators need evidence of countervailing economic benefits to outweigh higher costs of emerging clean energy technologies. What is the right balance in weighing these factors, and which state has come closest to getting this right?

Milford: Each state will look at this question in light of its own regulatory policies. In many states, utility procurements will be judged by a general standard of whether the acquisition of power is in the public good or public interest of the state. That general standard usually contains several specific benefit type tests such as whether the power procurement would provide economic benefits, jobs, lower rates as compared to other resources, and otherwise contribute to local, state and regional economic development. The best example to date, and the only one so far to have specifically approved a power purchase contract for offshore wind, is the Cape Wind decision by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Under Massachusetts law, employment benefits are an explicit element to be used in rate case decision making. In this multi-hundred page decision, start at page 200 and read for about twenty pages to see how this is analyzed. You will see there were numerous studies showing job benefits and various other quantified and unquantified benefits-the analysis was used to offset the higher costs of the project as compared to commodity priced power. It’s very interesting to see how utility decision making is about much more than prices, it is now about jobs, environmental benefits, system reliability and regional impacts. Higher costs can be justified by economic development benefits.

So whether this is the right balance is still to be seen. But it is an excellent start to what are likely to be many more utility decisions in the future, if the industry starts taking off the way we expect it will. Of course, over time, we further expect the costs of offshore wind to decline with more supply, so this early stage industry cost dilemma will disappear with expanded deployment.

OWW: What can organizations such as the CEG or the CESA do to promote offshore wind as a reliable energy source in the United States?

Milford and Sinclair: Organizations like Clean Energy Group and CESA can and are taking many steps to promote offshore wind as a reliable energy source.

First, with Congress’ lack of support for advancing national renewable energy policy, state level policies and support for offshore wind, such as renewable portfolio standards, public financing, and tax credits for industry supply chain development, are critical to building a robust offshore wind industry. Therefore, CESA is working closely with several Atlantic Coast states to identify and advance best state policies and price support mechanisms tailored to accelerating offshore wind financing and infrastructure. Second, the siting of offshore wind projects is a significant challenge in the U.S., with numerous state and federal agencies having overlapping ocean management and regulatory roles. While the lead agency, the Department of Interior, has recently implemented an improved approach to the review and issuance of leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, there is a real need for increased coordination among state and federal agencies to facilitate smarter permitting. To address this regulatory barrier, CESA is working closely with key state and federal agencies to achieve greater regulatory collaboration and coordination across agencies.

OWW: Where do you think the first offshore wind farm in the United States will be built? When do you think the first turbine will be in the water?

Milford and Sinclair: From our perspective, it is not important where the first offshore wind project is built, but that it is built as soon as possible. Deployment of an initial project is essential to accelerating the offshore wind sector, because it will give confidence to future investors, regulators, and the public that the technology is viable and has much lower risks than other energy generation sources, including oil and gas drilling. If we were forced to make a bet on which project would be built first on the Outer Continental Shelf off the Atlantic coast and when, our crystal ball indicates Cape Wind with construction commencing in 2012.

See the original posting of this article at: http://offshorewindwire.com/2011/07/29/friday-interview-lewis-milford-and-mark-sinclair/.

NYSERDA Announces $20 Million in First Round of $150 Million Program to Help Fund Solar Energy Projects in New York City and Westchester

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in conjunction with the state Public Service Commission (PSC), announced today the award of $20 million in large-scale solar power projects to help facilities in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley generate electricity for their own use. This is the first round of a $150 million, five-year funding program. Another $10 million is available for a second round of proposals due Aug. 10, 2011.

Projects to receive incentives in the first round include a wide variety of Metropolitan New York businesses, all of which are major consumers of electricity. Potential recipients include five department stores, several discount stores, a half-dozen apartment complexes owned by Omni New York LLC, Pepsi Cola's Bronx bottling plant, two United States Postal Service distribution centers and about 20 other sites in and around New York. While contract negotiations are pending, these businesses and others have provided letters of interest.

The money is being awarded to solar contractors, who are seeking to install the systems on more than 30 commercial buildings and large apartment buildings. Having PV systems in prominent locations such as major retailers or large apartment complexes helps encourage others to make similar investments.

Because of the large size of these installations, NYSERDA's investment leverages a much greater return than solar incentives that concentrate on small-scale solar power (photovoltaic, or PV) projects.

"These large solar PV systems will reduce the strain on the electric grid while generating a significant amount of clean-energy electricity," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. "By focusing on New York City and surrounding areas, this program will enable New Yorkers to make the most populous part of the state more energy efficient."

Garry Brown, Chairman of the state Public Service Commission, said: "We are very excited about promoting the growth of solar energy in New York City and the surrounding region. Developing renewable energy resources is a primary goal of the Commission. Programs that encourage renewable energy development will help ensure a cleaner environment and will enable us to take command of our energy future."

The projects were selected through a competitive process. Applicants submitted confidential price bids, enabling NYSERDA to choose the lowest price in order to get the most value. The NYSERDA incentive pays up to 50 percent of the cost of a project, up to $3 million. NYSERDA's contributions help encourage businesses to invest in this clean-energy technology by offsetting some of the cost. PV systems are also eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit and a 25 percent state tax credit.

Earlier this year, NYSERDA launched the $150 million program encouraging large businesses, especially manufacturing facilities; colleges and universities; schools; and other large buildings to take advantage of renewable energy incentives specifically for New York City and the lower the Hudson Valley. The incentives are for large-scale photovoltaic and biogas power initiatives.

NYSERDA will award up to $30 million each year, of which $25 million is targeted for New York City or southern Westchester County. The idea is to promote more clean-energy production in a part of the state that traditionally has been a large consumer of fossil fuels. The projects are meant to produce power for on-site use, not for direct sale to utilities. Under certain circumstances, however, unused power can be added to the grid in exchange for future utility credit.

The program is funded under the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS, created by the state Public Service Commission in 2004 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, is administered by NYSERDA using a surcharge collected from ratepayers served by investor-owned utility companies. The funds help pay for more than a thousand clean-energy projects every year, ranging from large-scale wind farms to photovoltaic panels on private homes.

The funding is available to New York ratepayers who pay the RPS charge and can qualify based on the size of their facility.

For more information on this incentive: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2156pon.asp

Contact:
Alan Wechsler
518 862-1090 ext. 3561
anw@nyserda.org<mailto:anw@nyserda.org>

NYSERDA offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

###

New Tool from the California Energy Commission Helps Homeowners Calculate Value of Their Solar Home

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

A new online tool launched today by the California Energy Commission now helps the housing market evaluate the value of solar on California homes. The Solar Advantage Value Estimator (SAVE) will give the industry a long term and cost-effective method for calculating the added value of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on new and existing solar homes.

"This changes the perception of solar in the housing industry that benefits homeowners. California solar homes are essential to meet California's New Solar Homes Partnership goals and renewable energy mandates. Today's changing real estate market requires a credible method to determine a home's value with solar and this tool is an example of California's leadership to develop new methods to cultivate clean energy," said Energy Commission Commissioner Carla Peterman.

SAVE calculates the value of a solar PV system on a new or existing solar home including the estimated value in annual energy savings. The tool uses the homeowner's unique address and zip code, the solar system size, specific climate zone data, and local electric utility rates. The solar PV system information is captured from existing solar rebate data including the Energy Commission's New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) and the Emerging Renewables Program. The information can also be entered by the user.

Once the three-step calculation is complete, the user receives a present value amount for their solar PV system. Real estate professionals, appraisers, and builders can connect this information to potential homebuyers who may be deciding to 'Go Solar,' or to homeowners who are selling their solar homes.

The Energy Commission released a market research* study in 2009 that revealed support for built-in solar electric systems in newly constructed homes that has not declined among new homebuyers despite economic pressures.

SAVE was developed through a coordinated effort of appraisers, realtors, and public/private stakeholders.

As of May 2011, the NSHP applications represent more than 15,223 new energy efficient solar homes and approximately 30 megawatts of solar capacity. To find a New Energy Efficient Solar Home in California, visit: www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/communities/nshp.php

For more information about SAVE and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit: www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/calculators.php

*The NSHP market research was conducted by an independent contractor, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates, from March to May, 2007, and in June and November, 2008 and October, 2009. (see market research at: http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/tools/marketing/nshp_mkt_research+surveys.php )

Media Contact: Amy Morgan - 916-654-4989

Debt Deal Puts States Back in the Clean Energy Driver's Seat

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The recent debt ceiling deal announced this week means two things for clean energy. One, forget Washington as a source of significant new funding and programs for a long time. Two, look once again to the states to keep momentum on clean energy alive.

The first point is fairly indisputable. Virtually every energy commentator has lamented how future, severe cuts to energy and environmental programs are an inevitable result of this new deal. Billions of dollars will come out of most clean energy and environmental programs for the next ten years, probably permanently below last year’s continuing resolution budget levels. DOE and Interior and EPA will see big hits to their programs. Unrealistic dreams of a new carbon tax are finally being put to rest. The cuts could well come to various renewable incentive and tax credit programs.

The second point of returning to the states is the only realistic answer. As Washington conducts a slash and burn campaign to gut clean energy and environmental programs the states are acting more responsibly. Just as they did under some rough times in Washington from 2000 to 2008, the states once again are stepping up their clean energy game.

Connecticut is the first state in the country, under Governor Malloy, to create a new green infrastructure bank, something that Washington has been unable to do. In Virginia, Republican Governor Bob McDonnell recently signed several initiatives into law: one would create a Clean Energy Manufacturing Incentive Grant Program; another raises the net metering limit for homeowners; and two others create a means for voluntary contributions on electric bills to a fund that will use proceeds to fund solar systems at residences, businesses, and nonprofits.

At the same time, Oregon and Massachusetts have created innovative new solar support programs (“Solarize Campaign”) that support communities and neighborhoods to use their collective purchasing power to help residents overcome the financial and logistical hurdles of going solar. The State of New Jersey is using its renewable portfolio program to support offshore wind and offering tax credits to build the associated supply chain to create local jobs and lower transmission investment costs.

Sure, some states are cutting back, or raiding some of their clean energy funds. But that is the rare exception. For the most part, we see steady state funding, and a renewed emphasis on the economic development benefits of clean energy programs, along with a raft of new economic development programs across the country. States are creating clean energy incubators, workforce training programs, technology innovation efforts and looking to major new projects like offshore wind to boost local manufacturing and employment.

So what gives with this schizophrenic state versus Beltway shift? It’s on old story. In Washington, the lowest common denominator policy prevails. The fossil fuel industry has enormous concentrated power to influence key lawmakers to do nothing on clean energy. It only takes a few no votes to kill federal legislation.

In the states, Governors of both parties tend to do what works, what creates jobs and brings in new industries. And for them, clean energy is the new nonpartisan economic driver. It is much harder for opponents to stop the spread of experimentation in 50 states.

This is clear from a recent study by the Brookings Institution that showed how renewable energy is one of the fastest growing industry sectors in the last ten years. It is perhaps the one bright spot in this bleak economy.

Governors get that story, and focus laser like on jobs. Unfortunately, some of our Washington politicians are now solely enamored of debt reduction and have forgotten the 16 million unemployed.

But the states have not. That is good news for clean energy. Now if only Washington understood how to work more with the states and ride that clean energy wave that is breaking outside the Beltway.

Lew Milford is the President of Clean Energy Group. The original blog piece, along with other CEG blog posts, can be found here: http://www.cleanegroup.org/blog/debt-deal-puts-states-back-in-the-clean-energy-driver-s-seat/

New Carbon Trust Report on Accelerating Marine Energy

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Carbon Trust released in July an update on marine energy activities and support: Accelerating Marine Energy.

This report provides an excellent overview of the state of the industry, updated cost of energy estimates for both tidal and wave power, as well as an overview of opportunities for cost reductions.

New Research in Puget Sound on Tidal Ocean Energy

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Experiments are under way to test the effects that a proposed tidal ocean energy project would have on wildlife in Washington's Puget Sound.

By the end of this month, the Snohomish County Utility District plans to apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a permit to build two large water turbines 200 feet deep in Admiralty Inlet. The aim is to complete the project by the summer of 2013, but first, scientists and engineers have to discover how marine life would react to the turbines and how the turbines would cope with harsh waters.

"This is all very new," said Craig Collar, senior manager of energy resource development at the Snohomish County utility. "Nobody has a commercial tidal energy plant running of the type we're talking about today, and probably we're years away from that."

The hydropower venture was spurred by Washington residents who demanded a move away from fossil fuel electricity production. If the project is successful, it could have implications for the entire country, since the 28 coastal states use 78 percent of the nation's electricity. Andrea Copping, a senior manager of the Puget Sound project with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Marine Sciences Laboratory, said tidal power should eventually join wind, solar and geothermal in the United States' renewable energy portfolio.

One of the main hurdles has been the repeated breaking of turbine blades in strong currents. As far as he knows, every turbine that has been tested in the water has failed, said Collar. He added: "It's just like wind in the early days. It's going to be expensive. It's not going to be very reliable. And it's going to be hard to permit."

Washington's pilot project is a $25 million endeavor, with up to $12 million coming from Snohomish County Utility and the rest from the Department of Energy. In addition to DOE, another 35 state, local and federal agencies claim jurisdiction over the project (Rob Hotakainen, Miami Herald, Aug. 9).

Marine Energy Demonstration hosted by MREC on August 15th

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Information Contact: John Miller, Executive Director, New England MREC, 508.999.6732. J2miller@umassd.edu

August 15 Press Briefing/ Marine Energy Demonstration Hosted by New England Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC) and Patrick Administration

Please join us on Monday, August 15 at 12:00PM at the Falmouth Marine Park (Scranton Avenue, Falmouth, Massachusetts) for a press event to announce the state's first in-ocean demonstration project of a tidal energy device in Muskeget Channel, located between Martha's Vineyard and Muskeget Island.

This is a unique opportunity to show national leaders the capability of Massachusetts and New England as a marine renewable energy development region and the economic development potential of this growing industry.

The event will feature state and federal officials, university researchers and companies involved in wind and water power technologies.

This event is being coordinated by the New England Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC) at UMass Dartmouth, the Patrick Administration's Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

We also want to thank many of our New England MREC partners and participants for their roles in planning this event and contributing their time and resources.

Your attendance will highlight the renewable energy and economic development value of expanding the offshore energy industry in New England!

Please let us know if you can attend on August 15.

John Miller, J2miller@umassd.edu; 508.999.MREC (6732)

CEG and CDFA Launch New Website for Clean Energy Finance

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy + Bond Finance Initiative Launches Online Resource

-- Website Will Serve as ‘One-Stop’ Center for Clean Energy Bond Finance Information --

Clean Energy Group (CEG) and the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) announced today the launch of a dedicated website for the Clean Energy + Bond Finance Initiative (CE+BFI) at www.cleanenergybondfinance.org or cebfi.org.

“We encourage anyone interested in this topic to visit cebfi.org to find more information about the Initiative specifically, and clean energy bond finance generally,” said Lew Milford, President of Clean Energy Group.

“The CE+BFI website is a one-stop resource for news and publications related to clean energy and bond finance in America,” said Toby Rittner, CDFA President &CEO. “Visitors can find publications from the Initiative, as well as resources we collect from throughout the country.”

CE+BFI, created earlier this year by CEG and CDFA, is working with institutional investors, public finance agencies, and public clean energy fund managers across the country, to find ways to increase clean energy investment by an additional $5 billion to $20 billion in the next five years.

About Clean Energy Group (CEG): CEG is a leading national, non-profit advocacy organization working in the U.S. and internationally on innovative technology, finance, and policy programs in the areas of clean energy and climate change. For more information, see www.cleanegroup.org.

The Council of Development Finance Agencies is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation’s leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing public, private and non-profit entities alike. For more information about CDFA, visit www.cdfa.net.

Clean Energy Is Booming And Creating Jobs

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

by Joel N. Shurkin | August 11, 2011
http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/clean-energy-is-booming-and-creating-jobs.php

Clean energy is now creating more jobs for the energy produced than coal or natural gas, and solar energy is the fastest growing industry in the United States, according to industry and academic sources.Solar energy alone employed 93,502 American jobs in 2010 and could grow from 25,000-50,000 this year, economy willing. Solar also is producing more jobs than any other energy source, and could generate four million jobs by 2030. Fifty percent of solar firms expect to be adding jobs this year in the teeth of the recession.

The Solar Energy Industries Association, the industry's trade association, said that in the last three years "the U.S. solar industry has gone from a start-up to a major industry that is creating well-paying jobs and growing the economy in all 50 states.

"Solar's robust growth in the past years has been the result of a very favorable combination of new, innovative business models, affordability for consumers, rapidly decreasing manufacturing costs and most importantly a strong commitment from the Obama administration and other policymakers in Washington," the industry report concluded.

In the first quarter of this year, the solar industry installed 252 megawatts of electric capacity, an increase of 66 percent from last year. There are now almost 3,000 megawatts of solar electric power in the U.S, enough to power 600,000 homes. Production of panels went up almost a third.

The average solar installation firm employes eight workers, the average manufacturing firm employs 24 solar workers. The average utility employes four, according to the job census.

That sunny picture was confirmed by two academic studies.

The Solar Foundation, a non-profit, non-lobbying group, and Cornell University reported in the National Solar Jobs Census 2011, that photovoltaic installations grew at a rate of 61 percent between 2006 and 2009.

Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, collating research from 15 job studies, concluded that photovoltaic technology produces more jobs per unit of electricity than any other energy source.

Most of the jobs are in construction and installation of solar facilities and can't be outsourced to other countries.

"Through replacing outdated infrastructure and developing better energy conservation and production practices a foundation is built for future domestic stability," the Berkeley group said.

Some of the stimulus is coming from government contracts.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will install solar panels at five VA hospitals and already has awarded $78 million in contracts; the Department of Energy has loan guarantees for solar projects which alone would create 26,000 jobs; the Department of the Interior has approved permits for projects which will power more than 730,000 homes, and the Department of Agriculture is now providing benefits for ranchers and farmers go to solar.

According to Rhone Resch of the industry's association, the industry goal is to install 10 gigawatts annual by 2015, adding enough power for 2 million homes a year.

Joel N. Shurkin is an author and freelance writer in Baltimore, MD. He is the author of nine books, which include: Invisible Fire, The Eradication of Smallpox; Engines Of The Mind, A History Of The Computer; Terman's Kids, The Groundbreaking Study Of How The Gifted Grow Up; and Broken Genius, The Rise And Fall of William Shockley.

http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/clean-energy-is-booming-and-creating-jobs.php

Energy Department Applauds World's First Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Station in Orange County

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The U.S. Department of Energy today issued the following statement in support of the commissioning of the world's first tri-generation fuel cell and hydrogen energy station to provide transportation fuel to the public and electric power to an industrial facility, located at the Orange County Sanitation District's wastewater treatment plant in Fountain Valley, California. The fuel cell commissioned today is a combined heat, hydrogen, and power system that co-produces hydrogen in addition to electricity and heat, making it a tri-generation system. The hydrogen produced by the system is sent to a hydrogen fueling station that will be open to the public and can support between 25 and 50 fuel cell electric vehicle fill-ups per day. The fuel cell also produces approximately 250 kW of power for use by the wastewater treatment plant. This on-site approach to hydrogen production advances hydrogen infrastructure technologies that will accelerate the use of this renewable fuel.

Learn More.

UMass Dartmouth-based Marine Renewable Energy Center conducts first in-ocean technology test in Massachusetts

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The first in-ocean demonstration project of a tidal energy device in Massachusetts was recently completed by UMass Dartmouth's New England Marine Renewable Energy Center (MREC) and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) as officials outlined plans to establish a 300 square mile first-in-the-nation test site off Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

The MREC initiative is designed to incubate wave, tidal, and off-shore wind technology to capture a significant amount of the estimated 500-plus GW of wind, tidal and wave energy available off the coast of New England. Analysts believe the marine renewable energy sector has the potential to generate significant economic impact in the form of research, development, and manufacturing activity across New England.

For more information, see http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110818/PUB01/108180372

DOI Launches Leasing Process for Commercial Wind Energy Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

As part of Interior’s “Smart from the Start” offshore wind energy initiative to spur rapid and responsible siting, leasing and construction of new wind projects, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich today announced the initial steps to develop commercial wind energy on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Link to the DOI Press Release.

Batteries for Energy Storage: New Developments Promise Grid Flexibility and Stability

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

In this article from Renewable Energy World, Tildy Banyar looks at developments in large-scale battery energy storage solutions for integrating variable output renewable generation into the grid. The original article is available here: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2011/08/batteries-for-energy-storage-new-developments-promise-grid-flexibility-and-stability?cmpid=WNL-Wednesday-August31-2011.

Balancing power supply and demand is always a complex process. When large volumes of renewables such as solar PV, wind and tidal energy, which can change abruptly with weather conditions, are integrated into the grid, this balancing process becomes even more difficult.

The issue for power plants is flexibility. "Large amounts of wind energy are being reliably and cost-effectively integrated onto the power system today," said Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), who added "Energy storage can be a valuable resource for the power system in maximising the efficient use of this resource, and add flexibility for electric utilities."

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas Inc. (ERCOT) faced the renewable power industry's most critical issue in February 2008. With a huge wind portfolio in the state the wind died down, and ERCOT declared emergency conditions after a 1200-MW drop in production. The three-hour shortfall, accompanied by increasing overall electricity loads, very nearly caused rolling blackouts. David Crane, president and CEO of New Jersey-based NRG Energy Inc., told the Houston Business Journal that "If a system can go unstable in the winter because 1500 MW of expected wind turns into 400-MW wind and then fossil has to scramble to come online - and several of our plants had to scramble to fill the gap - that's a big issue and there's going to be a big debate."

Effective energy storage can match total generation to total load precisely on a second by second basis. It can load-follow, adjusting to changes in wind and solar input over short or long time spans, as well as compensating for longterm changes. While fossil plants may take 10 minutes or more to come online, and will consume fuel even on "spinning reserve" standby, storing renewable energy for later use effectively produces no emissions.

"Grid-scale storage is here now," says Ed Cazalet of MegaWatt Storage Farms, which develops and operates large electricity storage facilities that connect directly to the wholesale electric grid. "Storage should be deployed now at the gigawatt scale...where capacity, ancillary services and energy time-shifting are clearly needed," he adds. But each power plant faces different issues, and each requires a tailored energy storage solution.

Some well-established technologies offer significant energy storage capacity but require specific geographical features and considerable infrastructure. Others can be deployed rapidly to wherever they are required, but currently offer restricted capacity, often at high cost. One technology that is now attracting considerable interest is large-scale battery storage.

Continue reading the full article here.

CEC Awards Funding to Energy Storage Research

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has shown its support for energy storage by awarding $845,894 from its Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program to energy-storage research projects.

EnerVault Corp. of Sunnyvale, Calif., will receive $476,428 to demonstrate the commercial viability of the company's latest battery energy-storage system with a dual-tracking photovoltaic system. The project will develop a battery system that will be expandable to utility-scale applications and integrate with renewable energy resources.

EnerVault will also work with other project partners to install and evaluate the system in Snelling, Calif. The total cost of the project is $9.53 million. The CEC’s grant will supplement a $4.76 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) award that EnerVault, along with project partner Ktech Corp., received from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). EnerVault is providing $4.29 million for the project.

In addition, Fremont-based Amber Kinetics Inc. will receive $369,466 to research, develop and demonstrate a utility-scale flywheel energy-storage system. The project's total cost is $10 million. The CEC’s grant is the cost share for the company's ARRA award of $3.7 million from the DOE. Amber Kinetics and other partners are contributing $5.94 million for the project.

"As we strive to reach the state's renewable energy goals, research in energy-storage systems will reap significant benefits for California,” says CEC Chairman Dr. Robert Weisenmiller. “Energy-storage systems will improve efficiency and reliability in the electricity supply and facilitate the integration of clean, intermittent, renewable resources such as solar and wind.”

Utility Scale Electricity Storage Ramps Up with Growing Renewable Energy Use

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Global sales of utility-scale electricity storage (UES) technology will grow at a 36.6% compound annual rate (CAGR) over the next five years, from $3.9 billion in 2010 to $18.5 billion in 2015, as the drive to incorporate renewable power supplies into grids and build outs of transmission interconnections and smart grids accelerates, according to a BCC Research forecast.

Sales of UES technology will grow fastest in North America, BCC forecasts, increasing at a CAGR of 86.2%. UES sales in Europe will grow at a 41% CAGR, while sales in Asia/Australia will grow at a 21.7% CAGR.

Come 2015, according to BCC:

•UES sales in Asia/Australia, valued at $2.7 billion in 2010, will total nearly $7.2 billion;
•UES sales in Europe will increase from nearly $1 billion to $5.3 billion;
•UES sales in North America will increase from $272 million to $6.1 billion.

Utilities are investing heavily in developing innovative large-scale electricity storage systems as global demand for electricity is expected to rise for at least the next two decades, with renewable energy sources expected to supply a much higher percentage of total generating capacity. Government and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other environmental pollutants, such as mercury and heavy metals, are also spurring investment.

The resulting need to store electricity, both at utility and smaller scales, balance electricity demand and supply from intermittent clean and renewable sources, such as wind and solar, and modulate frequency and voltage, is driving innovation in the field.

One recent example of the innovations being commercialized is Beacon Power’s recently commissioned, 20-megawatt (MW) Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS), which will shore up New York’s electricity grid by providing fast response frequency regulation.

“Our Stephentown project is under budget and performing extremely well, proving that Beacon’s flywheel technology can deliver an essential grid reliability service while reducing the need for fossil fuel-based regulation resources and cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” Judith Judson, Beacon Power vice president of asset management and market development, commented.

Electricity Storage and American Wind Industries Release Joint Principles for Clean Energy

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Electricity Storage Association (ESA), the preeminent trade association dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of energy storage technologies, and the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), thenational trade association representing wind power project developers, equipment suppliers, services providers, parts manufacturers, utilities, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry – have released joint principles crafted by the two industries to create a level playing field for the deployment of clean energy technologies.

Both ESA and AWEA have strongly advocated for public policies that level the playing field and remove barriers to market entry for clean energy technologies, allowing them to compete with traditional energy resources. The jointly agreed-upon principles recognize the value of energy storage across the utility industry, the benefit of storage as a source of ancillary services, and the need to strategically utilize storage on wind farms.

“ESA feels strongly about advocating for the use of energy storage to modernize the power grid,” said Brad Roberts, Executive Director of ESA. “Our policymakers need to understand the potential for these resources to improve our electric grid reliability, while creating jobs and stimulating American innovation and manufacturing. While wind energy makes our grid cleaner, energy storage makes our grid more flexible and reliable.”

“Large amounts of wind energy are being reliably and cost-effectively integrated onto the power system today,” said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA. “Energy storage can be a valuable resource for the power system in maximizing the efficient use of this resource, and add flexibility for electric utilities. We look forward to working closely with ESA on regulatory policy that will enable these growing industries to fully benefit both consumers and the economy of the U.S.”

Specific policies supported by ESA and AWEA include:

• Wholesale energy markets and ancillary services markets should be created and expanded, and barriers to entry into those markets eliminated.

• Market and operating rules should be based around the type of service needed, and any technology that is able to reliably provide a needed service should be able to provide it. In many cases, previously bundled services should be disaggregated.

• Low cost grid operating reforms that will create more competition and make the grid operate more efficiently, such as greater balancing are coordination and faster generator dispatch intervals, should be implemented as soon as possible.

About ESA
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the ESA is a 501(c)(6) trade association, formed in 1996. ESA’s membership is comprised of a diverse group of electric utilities; energy service companies (ESCOs); independent power producers (IPPs); energy storage technology developers and suppliers; and those in the energy storage research community. The ESA Advocacy Council currently has ten founding members, including: A123 Systems, Inc., AES Energy Storage, Altairnano, Aquion Energy, Beacon Power, FIAMM, Prudent Energy Corporation, S&C Electric Company, Saft America, Inc., and Xtreme Power.

About AWEA
AWEA is the national trade association of America's wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers. AWEA sponsors the world's largest wind power trade show, WINDPOWER, to be held next in Atlanta, Georgia, June 3-6, 2012. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.\

Contacts:
Allyson Groff, 202-457-1110, agroff@qga.com
Peter Kelley, 202-249-7354, pkelley@awea.org

Texas takes major step toward energy storage

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

On Friday June 17th, Texas Governor Rick Perry recently signed into law the right for large energy storage projects – such as those using battery or flywheel technologies – to participate in the competitive wholesale electricity market, providing generation services, bringing significant grid reliability and environmental benefits to Texas.

“This bill is a good step forward and will help integrate storage into the Texas energy market,” said Suzi McClellan, director of the Texas Energy Storage Alliance and former Texas State Public Counsel.

Specifically, the law (Senate Bill 943 by Carona) clarifies the right of storage resources to interconnect to the grid, and to sell energy or ancillary services to the wholesale competitive market (ERCOT).

“This policy will encourage the development of storage projects to enhance the efficiency of the state power grid,” said Chris Shelton, president of AES Energy Storage, a TESA member. “Energy storage projects are able to provide a fast, flexible and emissions-free solution to grid operator requests for power – leveling the variability of generation and demand on the grid, reducing operating costs and providing for the integration of renewable sources.”

Energy storage can enhance the reliability of the electric grid by regulating frequency or by storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it when demand is high. These functions will also allow more sources of energy, such as wind, solar, and nuclear to be reliably integrated onto the grid.

“Energy storage is an emerging technology that has the potential to bring significant benefits to Texas” said McClellan. “It is a key part of the future electricity system.”

“The passage of this bill will contribute to the State’s continued leadership in clean energy,” commented Carlos Coe, CEO of Xtreme Power, a recipient of state Emerging Technology Funds, and an Austin-based storage system manufacturer with over 100 employees in central Texas. Xtreme Power will provide a 36 MW Dynamic Power Resource, the largest battery energy storage system integrated with a wind farm in the world, at the 153 MW Duke Energy Notrees project in our home State of Texas.

LBNL Announces New Solar Report on Installed Cost of PV - "Tracking the Sun IV"

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

“Tracking the Sun IV: An Historical Summary of the Installed Cost of Photovoltaics in the United States from 1998 to 2010.”

This report provides a comprehensive summary of installed cost trends for grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States from 1998 through 2010, and provides preliminary cost trends for systems installed in 2011. The report, which updates three previous editions of the report series, is based on project-level data from approximately 116,500 PV systems, totaling 1,685 MW of capacity and representing 79% of all grid-connected PV capacity installed in the United States through 2010. The report also includes, for the first time, a separate analysis of utility-sector PV cost trends.

In addition to describing temporal trends, the report also describes trends in installed costs by system size; by component; between the United States, Germany, and Japan; among individual states; between customer-owned and third party-owned systems; and among customer types, applications, and technologies. The report also describes trends in financial incentive levels and the associated impact of those trends on the net installed cost of PV after receipt of incentives.

The report, along with a PowerPoint briefing and associated data file, can be downloaded from:

http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/emp/re-pubs.html

This report was funded with support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Program, and the Clean Energy States Alliance.

CESA Supports Agriculture-based Clean Energy Program in New Farm Bill

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

In a recent letter to US Lawmakers on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, Clean Energy States Alliance Executive Director Mark Sinclair expressed support for continued energy-related programs such as the Energy Title of the 2088 Farm, Conservation, and Energy Act:

"In calling for continued Farm Bill support for clean energy, we fully recognize the significant budgetary constraints facing federal policymakers. We also understand that the deficit reduction effort will require considerable belt-tightening by many sectors of the federal government, including agriculture. However, as the House and Senate Agriculture Committees engage with members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and establish policy priorities within the next Farm Bill, we urge you to ensure that the Energy Title is preserved and receives robust funding if we are to tap the economic potential that rural clean energy represents for the nation."

To read the October 31, 2011 letter, click here.

MassCEC Announces Clean Energy Job Growth In Massachusetts

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced significant growth in the Massachusetts clean energy economy, which now employs more than 64,000 people, according to the 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report released today. The report identified 4,909 clean energy companies across the state that saw a 6.7 percent increase in jobs between July 2010 to July 2011, and expect employment growth rate of 15.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012.

“The data reported by MassCEC today are good news for the Massachusetts economy and our environment,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors. “Through Governor Patrick’s vision and supported by MassCEC’s innovative programs, the Commonwealth has become fertile ground for growing a clean energy future and we are well on our way.”

The 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which includes a breakdown of company and employment data by technology sector and geographic region, and information on workforce trends was prepared by BW Research Partnership on behalf of MassCEC. The report identified 4,909 clean energy companies in the state. According to a survey of these clean energy companies, 64,310 people are directly involved in work related to the state’s clean energy sector, representing 1.5 percent of all jobs in the Commonwealth.

To down load the full press release, click here.
To download the full report, click here.

CESA News and Notes - Current Issue

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The current issue of the CESA Newsletter is available for CESA members to download from the Members-Only section of the website. If you need log in assistance, please contact Maria at maria@cleanegroup.org. The Newsletter is also distributed via the CESA Members' listserve.

California Energy Commission Awards $227,000 to SMUD for Energy Storage Research

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission today awarded $227,000 to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) for a research project demonstrating how energy storage can be integrated into local microgrids.

"Investing in energy storage research and testing is critical for meeting California's clean, renewable energy goals. Energy storage has the potential for helping improve a number of grid-related challenges including integration of intermittent renewables and maintenance of electricity system reliability," said Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert Weisenmiller.

Funding for the project will come from the Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. The award is the result of a solicitation where PIER matched American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds with the goal to bring as much ARRA dollars into California as possible.

SMUD will demonstrate a one-megawatt advanced zinc bromine flow battery energy storage system for utility grid applications and validate the potential penetration of the system. The project will demonstrate the benefits of the storage system for load shifting, peak shaving (sending power back to the grid when demand is high), support for microgrid operations, and renewable energy integration.

SMUD plans to set up two demonstration sites using Premium Power Corporation's energy storage system. One system will be at SMUD's Sacramento headquarters; the second will serve the Anatolia III SolarSmart Homes community in Rancho Cordova.

The SMUD headquarters system will help improve microgrid operations, emergency operations, and boost peak period campus operation using electricity generated during off-peak hours. The system at SMUD's substation will be integrated with the Anatolia III SolarSmart Homes community, which will have 600 homes totaling 1.2 MW of photovoltaic generating capacity installed by the time the system is activated. A common control system at SMUD headquarters will control both storage systems to demonstrate fleet control of multiple distributed storage devices.

The total cost of the SMUD project is $5.15 million. The Commission's funding will supplement a $2.46 million ARRA award that SMUD, along with project partner Premium Power Corporation, received from the U.S. Department of Energy. SMUD is providing $2.46 million for the project.

The Public Interest Energy Research program supports public interest research and development that helps improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, reliable, and affordable energy services and products to the marketplace. For more information, visit www.energy.ca.gov/research/.

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, six basic responsibilities guide the Energy Commission as it sets state energy policy: forecasting future energy needs; licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger; promoting energy efficiency and conservation by setting the state's appliance and building efficiency standards; supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs; developing renewable energy resources and alternative renewable energy technologies for buildings, industry and transportation; planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.

For Immediate Release: November 30, 2011
Media Contact: Sandy Louey - 916-654-4989

Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC) Issues Technical Assistance RFQ

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC) is a CESA-managed alliance of clean energy programs and utility incentive providers working jointly to tackle the challenges, and promote the potential, of the small and midscale wind market.

ITAC has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a pool of qualified technical assistance consultants to assist with the evaluation of small and midscale wind turbines for inclusion on unified, national ITAC list of incentive-eligible wind turbines. Qualified consultants are encouraged to respond.

To learn more about ITAC and to download the RFQ, visit the ITAC webpages on the Clean Energy States Alliance website.

Eight Annual Small Wind Installers Conference June 12-13, 2012

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

After seven years of continued growth in the Small Wind industry, the eighth annual Small Wind Installers Conference is scheduled to take place June 12 – 13, 2012 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The Small Wind Installers Conference is the premier event for small wind-electric system installers, site assessors, designers, consultants, manufacturers, supply chain vendors, educators and advocates, and for those involved in sales, specification, management, grants and funding, and the permitting of small wind systems. The Conference is organized by Small Wind Conference Coordinating Committee.

Nearly 300 small wind professionals and industry representatives from across the United States and nine countries attended the 2011 conference. While American manufacturers have led the global Small Wind industry, the Conference has been a focal point for manufacturers, distributors and installers from Europe, Asia and Central and South America. The Conference, held just days before the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, Wisconsin, is a forum for cutting edge information on new trends in the industry, emerging technologies and testing, issues in zoning and permitting, workforce development and training, site assessment and funding mechanisms. 2011 saw significant developments in opportunities for small wind installers and manufacturers. Hear first-hand reports from vanguard leaders in the field.

The Small Wind Installer Conference is also the site for an extensive Exhibitor Hall featuring turbine, tower, wind resource assessment, and wind advocate services and products. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The Small Wind Installers Conference will be held at the Stevens Point Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. For more information to keep up to date on the conference activities, see www.smallwindconference.com or contact Samantha Smart Merritt at 612-655-5363 or Samantha@smallwindconference.org.

Contact: Samantha Smart Merritt

612-655-5363

Samantha@smallwindconference.com

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Guidebook and Web-Based Tool Released to Aid in Best Use of Incentive Dollars for On-site Wind

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

State and utility policy makers, county officials, and other interested stakeholders can now explore the best ways to improve the bottom line of consumer-owned wind turbines with a new Distributed Wind Policy Comparison Tool and accompanying Guidebook, available at www.windpolicytool.org. The Guidebook is also available through the U.S. Department of Energy Wind and Water Power Program online library at www1.eere.energy.gov/library/default.aspx?Page=9.

As part of a project funded by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Policy Tool uses a dashboard-interfaced pro forma financial model to calculate the impacts that rebates, tax credits, feed-in tariffs (FITs) and other incentives and policies have on project economics. The project helps address market challenges for distributed wind identified in the U.S. DOE “20% Wind Energy by 2030” report, available at www.20percentwind.org, as part of a diverse clean energy portfolio.

Users will learn what policy improvements – including overcoming zoning and interconnection hurdles, as well as rebates and tax incentives driving sales – are most needed for wind turbines up to 100 kW, and in which states. The Policy Tool allows sensitivity analyses to be conducted on various policy options and assumptions to determine impacts and optimal combinations to help guide efficient use of public and ratepayer funds.

The Guidebook highlights attractive markets and policy targets that offer the quickest returns on investment, by providing case studies, encouraging policy makers to build on lessons learned with best practices to sustain and improve support for on-site wind generation. Case studies are included to compare and contrast the existing policy landscape. One case study evaluates all states based on their current incentives and market environments for distributed wind.

Led by eFormative Options, experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the North Carolina Solar Center all played key roles in the project. “With increasing use of electric vehicles, wind turbines sited near the point of end use, such as at parking lots and truck stops, can quickly ramp-up to meet local demand,” said eFormative’s Principal Heather Rhoads-Weaver. “Our project helps ensure public dollars supporting this valuable technology are spent wisely.”

While rebates and incentives have been important drivers for the adoption of distributed wind technology, other policies have hindered market growth. With the wide variety of policies and regulations across various jurisdictional levels, utilities and policy makers wanting to support small wind projects have needed the clear roadmap that the Policy Tool and Guidebook provide.

According to the American Wind Energy Association, the market for small wind systems grew 26% in 2010. “Small wind turbines are poised to become an important piece of our country’s energy puzzle,” said Rhoads-Weaver. “Strategic policy support can enable this emerging technology to more effectively contribute to the national economy.”

Contacts:

Heather Rhoads-Weaver, 206-755-2064, hrw@eformativeoptions.com
Shannon Helm, N.C. Solar Center, 919-423-8340, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu
Franny White, PNNL, 509-375-6904, franny.white@pnnl.gov

ABOUT EFORMATIVE OPTIONS

eFormative Options offers expertise in forming and advancing sustainable endeavors, evaluating economic development impacts, and siting, zoning and policy recommendations. Launched in 2005, eFormative consults on project and organizational development, grant writing, creating funding and resource plans, market analysis, public affairs, communications, consensus-building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders. www.eformativeoptions.com

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY

National Renewable Energy Laboratory develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals. NREL has forged a focused strategic direction to increase its impact on the U.S. Department of Energy’s and our nation's energy goals by accelerating the research path from scientific innovations to market-viable energy solutions. NREL began operating in 1977 as the Solar Energy Research Institute, and is managed for DOE by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. www.nrel.gov

ABOUT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory where interdisciplinary teams advance science and technology and deliver solutions to America's most intractable problems in energy, the environment and national security. PNNL employs 4,800 staff, has an annual budget of nearly $1.1 billion, and has been managed by Ohio-based Battelle since the lab's inception in 1965. Follow PNNL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. www.pnnl.gov

ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA SOLAR CENTER

Created in 1988, the North Carolina Solar Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University (NCSU), works closely with state and local government and the renewable energy industry. It manages and maintains the NCSU Solar House and serves as a resource for innovative, green energy technologies through research and demonstration, technical assistance, education, outreach and training. It also administers the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), a resource providing financial incentives and policies. www.ncsc.ncsu.edu

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

In order to promote national security, economic vitality, and environmental quality, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy works to enable rapid expansion of clean, affordable, reliable, domestic wind power through its Wind and Water Power Program. This program works with national laboratories, industry, universities, and other federal agencies to conduct research and development activities through competitively selected, cost-shared projects. www.eere.energy.gov and https://www1.eere.energy.gov/wind

Independent Expert Science Panel Releases Report on Potential Health Effects of Wind Turbines

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

An independent panel of experts studying potential health impacts of wind turbines has issued its report, Wind Turbine Health Impact Study: Report of the Independent Expert Panel. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) convened the panel in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). The panel was composed of physicians and scientists with broad expertise in areas including acoustical noise/infrasound, public health, sleep disturbance, mechanical engineering, epidemiology, and neuroscience. Three public meetings on the report will be held in February as part of a 60-day comment period.

The independent report was proactively sought to help address questions that have been raised by members of the public about potential human health impacts associated with proximity to wind turbines. The panel was asked to identify any documented or potential human health impacts or risks that may be associated with exposure to wind turbines in order to facilitate discussion of wind turbines and public health based on the best available science. The panel was also asked to offer suggestions relative to best practices.

Due to the high level of interest in the panel's findings, the report is being made available to the public at the same time it is being reviewed by the agencies. Access the report here: www.mass.gov/dep/energy/wind/panel.htm

"This is a complex issue that the panel spent many months studying. We took our work very seriously," said panel member Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD, who is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health. "By reviewing the available data and information, we believe that we have significantly added to the understanding of the potential for health effects from wind turbines."

"We appreciate the hard work of the independent expert panel to evaluate the issues and complete this report, which will help inform future discussions with the public on wind turbines," MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell said. "It is extremely important that we have the best science available to us as we make decisions on wind energy."

"We appreciate the thoroughness of the report made possible by the particular expertise of the panel members," Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach said. "We will continue to work closely with MassDEP as we solicit feedback on the report during the public comment period."

Among the key findings of the panel are:

There is no evidence for a set of health effects from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as a "Wind Turbine Syndrome."
Claims that infrasound from wind turbines directly impacts the vestibular system have not been demonstrated scientifically. Available evidence shows that the infrasound levels near wind turbines cannot impact the vestibular system.
The weight of the evidence suggests no association between noise from wind turbines and measures of psychological distress or mental health problems.
None of the limited epidemiological evidence reviewed suggests an association between noise from wind turbines and pain and stiffness, diabetes, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, and headache/migraine.
There is limited epidemiologic evidence suggesting an association between exposure to wind turbines and annoyance. There is insufficient epidemiologic evidence to determine whether there is an association between noise from wind turbines and annoyance independent from the effects of seeing a wind turbine and vice versa.
There is limited evidence from epidemiologic studies suggesting an association between noise from wind turbines and sleep disruption. In other words, it is possible that noise from some wind turbines can cause sleep disruption. Whether annoyance from wind turbines leads to sleep issues or stress has not been sufficiently quantified. While not based on evidence from wind turbines, there is evidence that sleep disruption can adversely affect mood, cognitive functioning, and overall sense of health and well-being.
Scientific evidence suggests that shadow flicker does not pose a risk for eliciting seizures as a result of photic stimulation. There is limited scientific evidence of an association between annoyance from prolonged shadow flicker (exceeding 30 minutes per day) and potential transitory cognitive and physical health effects.

The panel's charge did not include investigating or addressing reported problems at any particular turbine installation, though the panel did receive extensive public comment, including from residents who live near wind turbines. Instead, the panel was tasked with reviewing extensive existing information within their areas of expertise to determine the potential for health effects. They looked at both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed studies.

A public comment period on the report is now open until Monday, March 19 at 5p.m. Electronic comments can be submitted to: WindTurbineDocket.MassDEP@MassMail.State.MA.US

Written comments can be submitted to:

MassDEP Wind Turbine Docket
One Winter Street
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02108

Verbal and written comments may also be submitted at the following three public meetings:

Tuesday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Gardner Auditorium in the Statehouse, 24 Beacon Street, Boston.
Thursday, February 16, from 5-8 p.m. - Bourne High School, Beth Bourne Auditorium, 75 Waterhouse Road, Bourne.
Tuesday, February 28, from 5-8 p.m. - The Lee Middle and High School Auditorium, 300 Greylock Street, Lee. Snow date: February 29th.

Comments received will be considered prior to the report's use by or adoption by any state agencies.

For additional information about this study, please visit MassDEP's Wind Turbine Web Page at: www.mass.gov/dep/energy/wind/panel.htm

Although beyond the scope of the original charge, two members of the panel - on their own initiative - also submitted to the agencies an addendum report focusing on a brief review of wind power in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Vermont and Maine. That addendum report can be reviewed here: www.mass.gov/dep/energy/wind/panel.htm

For the media: MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell and members of the independent panel will be available to talk to the media via teleconference on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. Media members can join the teleconference by calling: 1-877-820-7831, and entering the code: 453453#

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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CESA Announces Hire of New Communications Director

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy States Alliance Welcomes New Communications Project Director

New Director Will Manage Communication Effort to Ensure Access to Objective, Factual Information on Merits of Domestic Offshore Wind Production

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Today, Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) announced the hiring of Marissa Newhall as the organization’s new Communications Director. In this role, Newhall will manage a collaborative communications effort to ensure public and stakeholder access to objective information on the merits of offshore wind in the United States, a key component of CESA’s Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP).

Newhall joins CESA from SmartPower, a nonprofit marketing firm dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency, where she served as Communications Director. In this role, she developed and implemented short- and long-term messaging, PR, and social marketing strategies for the organization and its various projects to build the marketplace for clean energy across the U.S. Before joining SmartPower, Newhall spent three years as a blogger and multimedia journalist at the Washington Post, and several years as a freelance writer for USA Today, the Society of Professional Journalists, and other publications.

The Offshore Wind Accelerator Project, managed by CESA, is a collaborative effort between key state officials, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private foundations, industry leaders, and regional organizations to tackle the major barriers to building a robust domestic offshore wind industry.

Challenges such as reducing the cost of financing, smarter permitting, integrating ocean planning into siting decisions, fostering collaborative energy procurement, and building a robust supply chain can be most effectively addressed through a focused, collaborative effort by states, federal agencies, the private sector, and community stakeholders. A unified communications effort – incorporating honest messaging, proactive media outreach, and quick responses to offshore wind “misinformation” – will play a vital role in advancing the collaborative initiative to reach the national goal of deploying 54 gigawatts of offshore wind in the U.S. by 2030.

“Vast offshore wind resources offer one of the most compelling opportunities for states in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions to generate renewable power, create high-value jobs, and reduce air emissions from the power sector. Yet complex barriers and issues remain,” said Mark Sinclair, CESA’s Executive Director. “We are very pleased to add Marissa to the CESA team. Her charge is to advance effective messaging, public relations, and a targeted communications initiative to support the efforts of industry, environmental organizations, and state and federal leaders to tap the potential of offshore wind to contribute to the nation’s growing clean energy economy.”

Newhall holds bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and Visual Media from American University and is a master’s candidate at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, focusing on the intersection of clean energy, climate change, and economic development. She will be based in Washington, D.C.

# # #

About Clean Energy States Alliance: Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing state and local efforts to implement smart clean energy policies, programs, technology innovation, and financing tools to drive increased investment and market making. CESA works with the leading state and public clean energy programs and provides information sharing and technical assistance to states and local governments on “best in class” clean energy programs and policies. CESA also facilitates collaborative networks to coordinate efforts between states, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to leverage accelerated progress on deploying clean energy projects and markets. For more information, visit www.cleanenergystates.org.

CESA Files Comments on Draft DOE Offshore Wind FOA; Recommends State/DOE Joint Funding

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy States Alliance submitted the following comments on the Draft Financial Assistance Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0000410, entitled U.S. Offshore Wind: Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects. CESA is a national non-profit organization that works with states to advance renewable energy policy, programs, finance, and technology innovation. CESA is a membership organization, composed of the major state clean energy programs in the country. CESA also facilitates a collaborative of state officials, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, and other offshore wind (OSW) stakeholders with the objective of accelerating the development of a robust OSW industry in the U.S. – the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project.

CESA’s comments on the draft FOA are as follows:

1. To leverage the federal funding for Topic Areas 1 & 2, DOE should seek to identify states which are interested and able to provide matching funds to applicants for proposed projects submitted under the FOA. Establishing an immediate state/DOE joint funding approach for the FOA would leverage limited DOE funding with additional state funding, assist in ensuring state regulatory support for selected projects, and allow DOE to support more pilot and technology demonstration projects within the FOA’ s funding budget. There are many states along the Atlantic Coast that would be interested in entering such a cost-sharing arrangement for OSW, because of the significant priority that states from Maine to Georgia are placing on deploying these projects and developing a related supply chain. For example, states such as Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York each have clean energy funds that could be readily directed to OSW pilot and demonstration projects in association with this FOA – if there is a targeted effort to invite state involvement.

DOE could use various options to implement this joint state funding strategy, including the following:

• DOE requests states to consider commitments (outreach to states could occur via CESA, NASEO, NGA, or directly from EERE itself) to provide matching funds to future awardees of the FOA within their state, and DOE lists the state commitments in the FOA.

• DOE requests that states consider issuing separate state solicitations for projects in state-adjacent waters that are eligible for the DOE-issued FOA. Under this scenario, interested states would determine which applicants will receive matching funds based on state-based criteria in the state RFP, with state funding provided only if the project is selected by DOE for the federal funding through the DOE-issued FOA. Successful applicants would receive a letter of intent from the state to include in the DOE application. (This was an approach used by the California Energy Commission for providing matching state funds towards ARRA-related DOE FOAs).

• DOE issues a “collaborative” FOA solicitation with interested states able to commit state matching funding, with DOE seeking to agree upon technical selection criteria with partnering states to govern the FOA. DOE then lists the participating states in the FOA and the cost shares that states will provide for projects awarded in their states or region. Participating states also could be given a role in the review of the DOE FOA applications in the grant review and award process, as members of an advisory selection committee or the merit review team.

Regardless of the actual mechanism employed, DOE’s active solicitation of interested states to provide cost share in association with the FOA would ensure (a) better coordination among states and DOE to advance “fast track” pilot projects and (b) more strategic technology demonstration projects that build upon existing state commercialization work (e.g., MIT research, University of Maine deepwater offshore wind activities, etc.). Moreover, states along the East Coast can move very quickly to commit funds to these topic areas within the FOA- issuance timeframe because of their existing policy, program, and funding commitments to deploying offshore wind and the states’ sense of urgency to seize the OSW opportunity now.

If useful, CESA is available to assist DOE in implementing any of these options with CESA’s strong connections with the leading state clean energy funds along the Atlantic Coast.

The merits and practicality of CESA’s recommendation are validated by the fact that the DOE Office of Electricity and Sandia National Lab are pursuing similar state/DOE cost-sharing partnerships with interested states for energy storage demonstration projects. The strong state interest in the energy storage co-funding effort with DOE is a strong indication of the value proposition of using a similar approach for the OSW technology accelerator FOA.

2. DOE should implement the FOA awards with use of a “technical services team” to assist awardees in the management and support of the projects receiving awards, rather than merely providing grants. Use of such a team will ensure and capture learning, identify and mitigate regulatory and other risks, help to solve project challenges as they arise, and monitor and evaluate the progress of projects. This type of team will be critical in managing the risks associated with pilot and demonstration projects that are being publicly funded. The team should be responsible for ensuring that projects meet funding objectives and progress rapidly within ambitious timeframes. This more “hands on” management approach by DOE, and a specially-selected technical team, will assist in accelerating the OSW industry.

3. DOE should use the awarded pilot projects as an important mechanism for contributing to the environmental data collection needs in order to fill the major information gaps related to the potential effects of OSW in the ocean environment. Specifically, as a condition of awards, pilot projects should be required to implement studies and/or monitoring to address priority research needs – in coordination with interested public and private research institutions and with public funding provided for the environmental research studies. Of particular value, the pilot projects should be used, in part, to identify impact reduction approaches, mitigation measures, and adaptive management that are applicable to a broad range of future OSW projects. To that end, DOE should work with NOAA, BOEM, USFWS, and national universities to shape this FOA project-related environmental research to complement existing research programs being implemented by these agencies and entities.

Submitted by Mark Sinclair, Executive Director, Clean Energy States Alliance
February 14, 20102

The letter can be downloaded here as a PDF.

CESA, State Agencies, and Stakeholders Recommend DOI to Designate Offshore Wind Ombudsman

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy States Alliance joined the Maryland Energy Administration, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Enviornmental Control, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Conservation Law Foundation in a letter addressed to US DOI Secretary Ken Salazar recommening that the Department announce the designatin of an ombudsman position to assist stakeholders who have a major unresolved conflct or issues with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) or other Department agencies with a role in the permitting and leasing program for offshore wind.

The letter can be downloaded here as a PDF file.

Energy Storage Technology Advancement Project (ESTAP) RFI Released by DOE and Sandia

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), on behalf of DOE-OE’s Energy Storage program, released a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting ideas from U.S. state and territorial governmental entities for the design, procurement, installation, and demonstration (for a minimum of one year of operation) of state-of-the-art electrical energy storage technology demonstration projects that meet the goals of the Energy Storage Program (see http://energy.gov/oe/downloads/energy-storage-program-planning-document).The RFI is available here: http://supplier.sandia.gov/opportunities/expanded.aspx?ID=1145.

State entities (such as state energy offices, state economic development agencies, etc.), along with their subcontracting partners (such as universities, energy storage device manufacturers, renewable project developers, end users, and utilities) are required to contribute at least 50% of the project’s total cost, with potential grants of up to $250k for fiscal year 2012. Larger cost share will be given preference.

The purpose of this RFI (Request for Information) is to determine general interest in this opportunity and to solicit all potential state entity project ideas. Responses, due 3/8/12, will inform and may be followed with an RFQ (Request for Quotation) asking for formal proposals, on or around April 2012, with responses due on or around 4/24/12 and awards made by 8/30/12. This RFI is non-binding.

For the benefit of applicants, a bidders' call/webinar will be held on February 29, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. Eastern. Please pre-register for the event here. Questions should be sent to Suzette Howey at Sandia National Laboratories: sbhowey@sandia.gov. Questions will be accepted until March 5, 2012 at 4 p.m. Eastern. All questions and answers are public and will be shared with all bidders.

In addition to deploying projects in states, another major goal of DOE-OE is to develop ongoing partnerships with state entities focused around electrical energy storage. As such, this is the first of what DOE-OE anticipates could be several subsequent solicitations, based on funding availability, under the umbrella of a long-term partnership program. Partnerships among the states and between state entities and rural electric cooperatives and/or the military are specifically encouraged. Although this solicitation is for distributed-scale projects, applications should demonstrate how these smaller, dispersed projects could lead to larger, grid-scale applications.

A variety of proposals are encouraged, encompassing various applications from renewables integration to transmission component upgrade deferral to military base energy surety, etc. Electrical energy storage technologies include advanced batteries, flywheels, super capacitors, and site-independent compressed air. The solicitation requires that all technologies be tested at SNL’s test facility for at least two months prior to final deployment. DOE is responsible to fund the testing expenses associated with the energy storage technology or storage technology application that will be deployed as a result of this opportunity. Preference will be given to American-made devices.

New UK Report on Wave Energy Obstacles and Opportunities

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

See link below regarding link to new report mandated by British Parliament on obstacles and opportunities for Britain to scale up wave energy. The report, "Energy and Climate Change - Eleventh Report
The Future of Marine Renewables in the UK," has several recommendations relevant to U.S. efforts to build a marine technology energy industry.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmenergy/1624/162402.htm

MI Public Service Commission: Renewables Less Expensive than Coal, Spark Economy

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

New report shows renewable energy standard creates jobs; utilities on track to meet RES

LANSING – A Michigan Public Service Commission report shows Michigan’s renewable energy standard is directly sparking Michigan’s economy, generating $100 million in investments, spurring manufacturing and business growth, and creating jobs, the Energy Innovation Business Council said today. The report also shows that renewable energy now costs less than coal.

Read the full report at http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc.

The MPSC report on the RES enacted in 2008 included the following highlights:

Michigan’s current RES generated more than $100 million in investments on advanced energy projects between 2008-2011, many of them directly impacting Michigan businesses and workers
All renewable energy sources cost significantly less than coal per megawatt/hour, with renewables costing an average of $91.19/MWh, lower than the $133/MWh for a new coal plant.
Michigan is on track to meet the current renewable energy standard of 10 percent by 2015

The MPSC report went on to say: “Michigan has the potential to become a regional leader in development and manufacturing of renewable energy systems, building on the state’s engineering expertise, modernized machining, and investment in renewable energy in coming years. It appears that the Michigan incentive REC (renewable energy credits) provision in the standard is meeting its intended purpose to encourage developers to maximize the amount of Michigan equipment and labor.”

Texas Breakthroughs: Storage Policies Moving Forward

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

TESA, the Texas Energy Storage Alliance, has been actively seeking support from the Texas Legislature, the PUC, and ERCOT stakeholders and staff, to implement policies designed to enable the participation of energy storage resources here in the Lone Star State. As a result, we are happy to report that the Public Utility Commission of Texas has recently taken significant steps toward removing the barriers to entry and encouraging the development of energy storage resources in ERCOT.

In Project 39917, the PUC published a rule which would clarify how storage will be settled in the wholesale market. The PUC discussed the proposed rule at the February 24 Open Meeting where all three Commissioners expressed support for the consistent treatment of energy storage as a wholesale market resource when charging and discharging. Storage contributions would be settled consistently as well. In addition, the Commissioners agreed that, going forward, no retail charges or fees, including ancillary service charges, should be incurred by storage. The vote on this rule is set for March 7, 2012.

In addition to the settlement rule, the PUC voted to publish a rule that would grant ERCOT the authority to implement pilot projects for new technologies or services. The proposed rule would allow new technologies such as storage resources to request exemptions from designated market rules if necessary. The idea behind the pilot rule is to allow ERCOT to gain experience with storage allowing the system to change the protocols as appropriate, after gaining a better understanding of their operational characteristics. Comments on the proposed rule will be due in March.

Texas is the second most populous state with the largest electric demand and highest penetration of renewable energy. If you are not already a member of the Texas Energy Storage Alliance, I hope you will consider joining, the other members of TESA to support these rule changes, sponsor a demonstration project, and contribute to the growth of the industry here. In addition, for young companies and others looking to locate facilities, the State has incentive funding available. See more at: www.TexasEnergyStorage.org.

NY-BEST Applauds the Bipartisan Gibson- Thompson Bill to Foster Advanced Energy Storage Innovation that will Improve the Nation’s Electric Grid

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) applauds Congressman Chris Gibson (R-NY) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) forintroducing the Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy Act (STORAGE) in the United States House of Representatives today. The bill would provide an investment tax credit for energy storage technologies that would open the market for advanced storage technologies in the United States. A companion bill was introduced in the United States Senate last fall by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

"We are delighted with the leadership and interest that Congressman Gibson has demonstrated in advancing energy storage," said Dr. William Acker, Executive Director of NY-BEST. "Energy storage technologies are playing an important role in growing New York State’s clean energy economy. Energy storage products will make possible the widespread use of wind and solar power and improve the utilization of all types of power plants. By eliminating the need to make all of our electricity at exactly the same time it is consumed, energy storage alleviates grid congestion, makes better use of transmission and distribution, and increases the reliability and efficiency of energy sources. This tax credit will help innovators secure necessary financing of their projects."

“I am proud to introduce this important piece of legislation, which could ultimately help drive down energy costs for my constituents. Ensuring that we have updated and efficient transmission capacity, with the storage capability for emerging energy technologies, is critical to our efforts to modernize our energy infrastructure,” said Congressman Chris Gibson. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and NY-BEST to advance this needed initiative, which will have the additional benefit of promoting American innovation.”

Energy storage technologies are influencing the future of the electricity and transportation sectors. Commercial cost-effective energy storage technology on a large scale will dramatically change how vehicles are powered and how the entire electricity industry functions. This investment tax credit for all types of energy storage technologies on the grid is expected to jump-start an industry that has enormous potential to increase the reliability, security and efficiency of the electric grid.

"New York State is a tremendous market for energy storage technologies and we are home to some of the most innovative companies in the energy storage sector. This legislation will further spur production in the State and strengthen our rapidly growing industry,” Acker added.

###

NY-BEST is an independent non-profit industry-led organization dedicated to establishing a vibrant world-class advanced battery and energy storage sector in New York State. NY-BEST brings together industry, business, academic and government partners representing all facets of the energy storage industry, from research and development to commercialization. For more information about NY-BEST visit www.ny-best.org

For Release: Wednesday, February 29,2012
Contact: Angelina Berghela, NY-BEST
Phone: 518-694-8474
Email: angie@caphill.com

Mark Sinclair to Speak at 2012 Clean Energy in Alaksa Conference

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

CESA Executive Director Mark Sinclair will be speaking about clean energy financing and innovation at Renewable Energy Alaska Project conference in April! Visit http://bceaconference.com/agenda/ for more details.

DOE Water Power Program Releases Notice of Intent for Wave Energy Generation Device Deployment Opportunity

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On Tuesday, March 20, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Program notified potential future applicants of an upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement tentatively titled, “In-Water Wave Energy Conversion (WEC) Device Testing Support.” DOE intends to fund one industry-led project that will deploy and test a WEC device for one year. The device will be deployed at the Navy Wave Energy Test Site facility in Kaneohe Bay on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

Through the deployment of a WEC at its Wave Energy Test Site, the Navy hopes to determine if WEC technology is a viable option to assist the Department of Defense in achieving its renewable energy goal of producing or procuring up to 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. By assisting with the Navy's WEC testing activity, DOE's Water Power Program will further integrate test and performance data into numerical models to establish baseline cost of energy to assess key cost drivers and identify cost reduction pathways.

The Notice of Intent is available through the Water Power Program Financial Opportunities page, and it is anticipated that this FOA will be posted to that page some time later in 2012. No applications are being accepted at this time.

MassCEC Issues RFP to Installers for Solarize Mass

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking proposals from solar installers for the 2012 Solarize Massachusetts (Solarize Mass) program, which encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV by deploying a coordinated education, grassroots marketing and outreach effort, combined with a tiered pricing structure that provides increased savings as more people in the community go solar.

MassCEC is requesting proposals from solar photovoltaic (PV) installers to offer quality solar PV installations along with competitive pricing to the customer. MassCEC seeks proposals from solar installers that can provide both a direct-purchase and a lease/power purchase agreement model for residential and small-scale commercial solar PV installations, as well as aggregation services for the sale of SRECs. Installers will be allowed to bid on a maximum of four communities and may be selected for more than one community. Proposals will be evaluated individually by MassCEC, DOER, and the selected Green Community representatives based on overall quality of the proposal, including but not limited to, the installer's ability to provide quality customer service and installation services, proposed equipment, and tiered pricing. If bidding on a group of communities that partnered together, the number of individual communities within the group will count toward the maximum number of communities an installer can bid on.

Click here to access the RFP documents.

Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority Announces First Month Residential Solar Investment Program Results

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Initial Numbers Depict Strong Demand - Homeowners Making Greater Investment

Rocky Hill, Conn., April 9, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announced today that just one month in to a new Residential Solar Investment Program (Program) it has already approved 126 applications for installations of photovoltaic rooftop systems.

Bryan Garcia, President of CEFIA said, “The initial response to our new program has been dramatic, demonstrating strong public interest in solar power and the dynamic nature of our state’s solar industry. We will be providing approximately $1.4 million in funding for these first 126 installations leveraging $2.8 million of additional private capital, which will produce more than 800 kW of new residential solar capacity.”

“We are well on our way to developing a scenario for the long-term success of residential solar installations that will contribute to bringing cleaner and cheaper energy to Connecticut,” Garcia said. “Under this scenario, we will ramp up consumer demand, drive down the installed costs, offer consumers attractive financing, and provide a suite of opportunities that ensures the presence of a viable solar PV industry here.”

Garcia noted that more than one-third of the 70 approved installation companies in CEFIA’s program have been involved in submitting the initial applications for the solar installations.Mike Trahan, Executive Director of the industry group Solar Connecticut, which represents many of those companies, said, “The Connecticut solar industry will continue working with CEFIA to establish clear long-term market signals that strengthen the industry and drive down costs to consumers at the same time.”

CEFIA has begun to see the active engagement of national solar companies.

Ed Steins, Regional Director for the North East SolarCity, one such company, said, “We have set up shop in Connecticut and are excited to offer homeowners and businesses the chance to pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power. SolarCity expanded to Connecticut in large part due to the efforts of the state—through programs at Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects. We applaud Connecticut’s continued commitment to cost-effective, clean energy deployment."

CEFIA intends to exceed the goals established in the legislation by incorporating financing options for consumers, energy efficiency, consumer aggregation, and other mechanisms to support the deployment of residential solar PV across Connecticut. The objective is to reduce the amount of ratepayer dollars relied on to support the long-term deployment of residential solar. This will be accomplished through a partnership and joint effort between CEFIA and Connecticut solar industry stakeholders.

For more information on the Residential Solar Investment Program please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarhome.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

CEFIA Releases RFP for On-Site Anaerobic Digestion Pilot Program

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Rocky Hill, Conn., April 11, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its new On-site Anaerobic Digestion Pilot Program (Program). Pursuant to Section 103 of Public Act 11-80, CEFIA is charged with administering a three-year $6M Pilot Program. The total funding allocated for all selected Projects under this competitive solicitation is $2M.

The purpose of the On-site Anaerobic Digestion (OAD) RFP is to solicit applications from eligible entities working with experienced renewable energy developers (Applicants). There will be a strong emphasis on evaluating the financial feasibility of each proposed installation (Project) as well as the Applicant’s ability to complete construction of the Project in a timely manner.

CEFIA’s OAD Pilot Program RFP is the only vehicle through which CEFIA will identify and qualify OAD Projects for financial support. This solicitation is designed to offer a number of financial support options in a reverse auction format. Financial support may include a loan, grant, or alternative financing mechanisms – with higher weighting given to Projects that request financing as opposed to grants. Additional Project considerations include feasibility and viability of the proposed project, probability of project development in a timely manner, and other unique ratepayer benefits.

CEFIA will offer financial support for OAD energy generating projects in the developmental stages that have not yet commenced the construction phase. The level of support for individual awards is not a fixed amount based on size or cost; it will vary based on the specific technology, efficiency, and economics of the installation. The intent of the financial support is to enable Project owners to achieve a reasonable “payback” during the life of the Project, with a fair and reasonable return on investment compared with purchasing the equivalent amount of power from the utility.

Prospective Applicants should review the On-site Anaerobic Digestion RFP which contains detailed information regarding the application and evaluation processes, solicitation eligibility, eligible energy projects, and potential areas of financial innovation.

The RFP and application materials are posted at www.ctcleanenergy.com/OAD. Applications under this round of the RFP must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, on July 13, 2012. Programmatic questions regarding eligibility will be accepted via email from the release date through July 13, 2012. Questions regarding application processes or timetables may be directed to Dale Hedman, CEFIA Director of Clean Energy Deployment at info@ctcleanenergy.com.

California Energy Commission Approves Energy Research Report

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Energy Commission Approves Energy Research Report
New Report Summarizes Innovative R&D in Clean Energy Technology

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission has approved the 2011 Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Annual Report, a summary of the programs achievements over the past year.

"As one of the nation's premier state-funded energy research, development, and demonstration programs, PIER has helped bolster California's status as a leader in energy innovation," said Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert Weisenmiller. "PIER is vital to increasing the state's renewable energy portfolio standard and maintaining our leadership in energy efficiency. The program has also leveraged hundreds of millions of dollars worth of federal and venture capital funds into California and provided jobs for thousands of workers."

The PIER program provides funding for research and development projects that help bring to market energy technologies benefiting the environment, increasing energy system reliability and security, and providing affordable energy to consumers.

In total, 111 electricity projects were initiated in the past year with nearly $48 million invested by PIER in energy research. Matching funds from private and federal sources, including American Reinvestment and Recovery Act stimulus funds, added more than $532 million. The investments made in these projects have resulted in more than 5,530 jobs in California during the first quarter of 2011.

The report emphasizes research and developments made in energy efficiency technology that helps lower consumer energy costs. For example, PIER funded three projects to study how to minimize energy-consumption of plug-in devices when not in use. These devices include consumer electronics, appliances and power tools that can draw up to 20 percent of the electrical consumption in buildings. The research will lead to future technologies that will use less energy as well as inform new energy efficiency building and appliances standards.

To support California's goal of meeting 33 percent of electrical needs with renewable energy by 2020, the PIER program also invested in research to advance solar, wind, and other renewable electricity. One such project involved developing and installing low-cost, ground and rooftop solar panels. A solar panel system developed by Fremont-based GreenVolts helped spur business development in California by attracting $20 million in private investment.

PIER money was used to institute several program improvements in the past year. Program advisory groups were formed to oversee energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure projects. The objectives of the group are to improve transparency of research funding and priorities, and encourage increased stakeholder communications.

The 2011 Public Interest Energy Research Annual Report can be found online at:http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/annual_reports.html

# # #

CEFIA Releases Request for Proposals (RFP) for Clean Energy Financial Innovation Program

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Rocky Hill, Conn., April 13, 2012 -The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Clean Energy Financial Innovation Program (Program).

The RFP seeks to attract financial institutions to identify new and innovative financing strategies to spur the deployment of residential clean energy installations in Connecticut. Funds for this Program are available as the result of the recent repurposing of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) State Energy Program (SEP) funds. Applicants proposing financing strategies with the greatest potential to attract and deploy capital will be provided with funds from CEFIA to use for credit enhancements, such as interest rate buy-downs, the development of third party insurance, or other strategic financing support mechanisms.

The Clean Energy Financial Innovation Program is part of CEFIA's overall effort to develop innovative financial approaches for residential clean energy deployment, which will allow a transition away from current subsidy models.

"We are looking to partner with financial institutions to identify, address and overcome current market barriers. We believe private sector institutions will bring a dynamic perspective to the table in terms of attracting and deploying capital. New financial strategies we can put in place will support our efforts to bring cheaper and cleaner energy to our state" said Bryan Garcia, President of CEFIA. "As an organization that created the first public sector supported residential solar lease financing program in the country, we invite our private sector partners to collaborate with us in developing the next financial innovation."

The United States Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) provided support to CEFIA in the development of this RFP. Merrian Goggio Borgeson of LBNL stated, "The staff at LBNL looks forward to continuing to work with CEFIA and the State of Connecticut in an effort to develop innovative financing opportunities to further support the adoption of clean energy. These efforts can lead to financing solutions that serve as replicable and scalable models for deploying clean energy - renewable energy and energy efficiency - in the residential sector throughout the United States."

Prospective Applicants should review the Clean Energy Financal Innovation Program RFP and other Program documents, which contain detailed information regarding the application and evaluation processes, solicitation eligibility, eligible energy projects, and potential areas of financial innovation. The RFP and Program materials are located at http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/AboutCCEF/CEFIAOpenRFPs/tabid/622/Default.aspx.

An optional "pre-submittal" conference call will be held on April 25, 2012. This call is an opportunity for Applicants to learn more about the Program. CEFIA, its advisors, and other relevant Program Partners will be in attendance. To participate in this conference call, please RSVP via email to Mary Vigil at Mary.Vigil@ctcleanenergy.com.

Applications under this round of the RFP must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, May 30, 2012. Any questions or comments regarding the RFP should be directed via email to Dale Hedman, CEFIA Director of Clean Energy Deployment at info@ctcleanenergy.com.

Public Service Commission approves NYSERDA’s request to double funding for customer-sited PV systems

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Governor Cuomo Announces Comprehensive NY-Sun Initiative to Expand Solar Development in New York

NYSERDA, LIPA, NYPA collaboration will create green jobs and dramatically increase state’s solar capacity

Albany, NY (April 19, 2012)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched the NY-Sun Initiative to double the amount of customer-sited solar power installed annually in New York, and quadruple that amount by 2013. The NY-Sun Initiative was first outlined by the Governor in his 2012 State of the State Address.

The NY-Sun Initiative brings together and expands existing programs administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), to ensure a coordinated and well-funded solar energy expansion plan.

“The NY-Sun Initiative puts New York at the forefront of solar development and research, creating green jobs while containing energy costs for consumers," Governor Cuomo said. “This clean energy investment will help protect the environment, expand our solar capacity, and lead to a longterm reduction of the cost of solar in New York."

Today, the Public Service Commission approved NYSERDA’s request to double funding for customer-sited solar electric systems, known as a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, to $432 million over the next four years. The expanded solar program will increase financial incentives for large, commercial-sized PV projects and expand incentive programs for small-to-medium residential and commercial systems.

NYSERDA will also provide additional funding for its competitively bid solar program for larger-scale and aggregated systems that currently focuses on businesses, colleges and universities, and other large buildings located in New York City, Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley. The program, which is now offering $30 million and accepting applications, provides another important strategy to deal with the demand for electricity in the Downstate metropolitan area and will be expanded to other areas of the state.

As part of NY-Sun, NYSERDA and NYPA are collaborating in a NY-Sun balance-of-system (BOS) initiative, working with private and public partners across New York State, and building on the BOS advancements made by the City University of New York (CUNY) and the efforts underway in the PV Manufacturing Consortium.

The NY-Sun BOS initiative will focus on statewide standardization and streamlining of the procedures for permitting and interconnection, and development and training. A broad range of demonstration projects will be conducted that represent residential, commercial and industrial applications. NYSERDA and NYPA will partner with other public and private entities in this effort, including utilities, equipment vendors, solar installers, and localities across New York State.

In support of NY-Sun BOS, NYPA’s new efforts include expanding its current solar research and demonstration programs through its recently announced Solar Market Acceleration Program (Solar MAP), which will make competitive funding available for innovative solar technology research, training and demonstration projects and cost reduction strategies.

To make solar affordable for residents and businesses, NYSERDA and NYPA are providing at least $40 million dollars to promote research into reducing the overall equipment and installation costs so that in the future solar energy is competitive with other forms of electricity and will require no government subsidies.

In addition, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is implementing a first-of-its-kind program in New York State to purchase up to 50 megawatts of solar power that is generated on its customers’ premises. Under this plan, the owner of the PV system is paid a fixed rate by LIPA for every solar kilowatt hour generated over a 20-year term.

See http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/04192012-sun-initiative

MassINC Report Shines Light on Massachusetts's Strong Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

New Report Written in Partnership with Clean Energy States Alliance Recommends Key Actions to Ensure Future Emissions Reduction Targets Are Met

Boston, Mass. — MassINC today released the first independent assessment of Massachusetts state action on climate change since the precedent-setting Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008. The report, titled “Rising to the Challenge: Assessing the Massachusetts Response to Climate Change,” was researched and written in partnership with the Clean Energy States Alliance.

The report lauds the state’s aggressive climate change action plan and the great strides made in energy efficiency and renewable energy, but concludes that the state may fall short of reaching its 2020 goal unless immediate action is taken.

Among the report's recommendations:

Massachusetts should accelerate the launch and implementation of new initiatives from the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan, which was released in December 2010.
The state should appoint a cabinet-level climate administrator to manage all aspects of the cross-agency program.
State leaders should create and implement an effective, transparent progress-tracking and monitoring system.

Massachusetts has put in place a wide array of sophisticated programs and policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The report includes detailed descriptions and analyses of these many initiatives. Among the initiatives the report concludes are progressing well—and can indeed serve as national models—are the state’s policy to support all cost-effective energy efficiency, the renewable portfolio standard, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s clean energy industry development efforts, the Green Communities Program, and the Leading by Example program.

The report finds other initiatives, many related to transportation, have been lagging, including clean car consumer incentives, pay-as-you-drive insurance, and Green DOT, a comprehensive environmental responsibility and sustainability initiative within MassDOT.

In 2008, Governor Patrick signed into law the Global Warming Solutions Act, which legally committed the state to reducing emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. In 2010, the state issued the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020, a series of initiatives that, taken together, would bring the state to an interim goal of reducing emissions 25 percent by 2020.

Download the Report (PDF)

Download the Executive Summary (PDF)

About Clean Energy States Alliance: Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is the only national nonprofit organization representing the collective voice of public clean energy funds. CESA provides information sharing, technical assistance services, and a collaborative network by coordinating multi-state efforts, leveraging funding for projects and research, and assisting clean energy programs with program development and evaluation. For more information, visit www.cleanenergystates.org.

About MassINC: MassINC is a nonprofit, independent think tank and publisher of CommonWealth magazine that uses non-partisan research, civic journalism and public forums to stimulate debate and shape public policy. Its mission is to promote a public agenda for the middle class and to help all citizens achieve the American dream. Learn more at www.massinc.org.

Maine PUC Approves Long-Term Contract Terms for ORPC’s Maine Tidal Energy Project

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) announced on April 24, 2012 that the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the primary contract terms of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for ORPC’s Maine Tidal Energy Project located in Washington County. The PUC’s order directs the three Maine investor-owned utilities, Bangor Hydro, CMP and Maine Public Service, to negotiate 20-year PPAs with ORPC for the project’s approximately 4-megawatt output based on the approved term sheet. ORPC expects to complete the PPAs in the next several weeks. These will be the first long-term PPAs for tidal energy in the United
States.

This historic PUC decision is vital to the commercialization of tidal energy in Maine, and underscores Maine’s industry leadership in the U.S and abroad. It also formally recognizes the substantial benefits of tidal energy. The PPAs will greatly enhance ORPC’s ability to attract the additional investment needed to complete the project’s build-out over the next four years. They also mean that the significant economic development benefits ORPC has already created in Washington County will expand dramatically going forward.

Click here to view the full press release from Ocean Renewable Power Company.

Oversight Report Urges New Strategy for Capturing Green Energy Manufacturing Jobs, Questions Conventional Approaches in CA

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A report released today by the California Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes recommends that California move cautiously to recast its renewable energy policies to capture more manufacturing jobs. The report suggests one promising alternative to existing subsidies: a state-sponsored “green bank” that would loan money to new businesses willing to manufacture in California.

“Manufacturing jobs, subject to strong global economic forces, may be elusive or fleeting regardless of how much taxpayer money a state invests to keep them,” according to the report, Finding the Sweet Spot: Green Energy Incentives and Job Creation.

The report is available here. It was requested by the Senate President pro Tem’s office after Solyndra, a Fremont solar manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy and fired more than 1,000 workers despite the assistance of a $535 million federal loan guarantee.

As taxpayers and electricity consumers, Californians pay more than a half-billion dollars a year to foster and subsidize renewable energy, the report notes. The state leads the nation in production of energy from the sun, wind, earth’s heat, and farm and forest waste.

The California clean-energy industry generates thousands of jobs in sales, design, installation, and maintenance.

But manufacturing is another story. Most solar panels and wind turbines installed here are made in factories outside California, in other states and nations.

In these days of high unemployment rates, that fact raises an obvious question: How can the state do more to ensure that renewable energy companies subsidized by Californians use California workers to make their products?

The report scrutinizes three of California’s renewable energy subsidy programs and provides an overview of others. It catalogs the green-energy companies actually manufacturing in the state. It describes recent global upheaval in the solar manufacturing industry. It also offers case histories showing how companies manipulated two state programs to win millions of dollars in subsidies. Finally, the report explores the reasons that businesses leave California to build factories, and it tracks the mixed success of Oregon and Mississippi, two states that lately have used rich incentives to lure California solar manufacturers.

The oversight office finds wisdom in the current California approach of not trying to outdo other states’ incentive packages in order to keep or lure green-energy manufacturers.

The report recommends that policymakers:

Review current incentive programs for effectiveness and eliminate those that aren’t working.
Assure that programs are transparent, so the public can track spending and outcomes.
Consider creating a public green bank that loans money to young companies from a revolving fund. Such targeted help could boost the odds that products invented in California are also mass-produced here.
Install “clawbacks” in any such program to ensure taxpayers are compensated if subsidized companies fail to deliver on promises.

The non-partisan Office of Oversight and Outcomes was created in 2008 by Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) to bolster the Senate's ability to measure government performance.

For more information, see http://sooo.senate.ca.gov/reports1. Or contact ontact: John Adkisson at (916) 803-1215.

Clean Energy States Alliance Welcomes New Project Director

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Marissa Newhall
Communications Director
Clean Energy States Alliance

Ph: 802 223 2554
C: 202-527-9196
marissa@cleanegroup.org

New Director to Focus on Federal-State Initiatives and New Member Outreach

MONTPELIER, VT – Today, Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) announced the hiring of Todd Olinsky-Paul as a new Project Director for the organization. Todd is a clean energy policy specialist with extensive experience in the areas of renewable energy and distributed generation.

Todd joins CESA from the Pace Energy and Climate Center, where he served as the Manager of Communications, Education, and Outreach, as well as an Energy Policy Analyst. Todd’s recent work in these areas has focused on generation siting issues, grid interactions, financing and policy incentives, and emerging science. He has authored numerous reports for state and federal agencies on such topics as expanded deployment of grid-connected distributed generation, wind energy zoning, siting and environmental impacts, community wind energy, combined heat and power (CHP) for critical infrastructure resiliency, CHP market opportunities and regulatory issues, small-scale biomass project siting, environmental monitoring, evaluation, and protection, and the environmental impacts of biofuels.

As Project Director for CESA, Todd will assist with member services and new member outreach efforts, along with communication efforts for members and external stakeholders. He will also assist on the Energy Storage and Technology Advancement Partnership (ESTAP) project, a federal-state funding and information sharing project that aims to accelerate the deployment of electrical energy storage technologies in the U.S. The project’s overall purpose is to create a new federal-state partnership focused on electrical energy storage technologies with joint funding and coordination to accelerate energy storage technology commercialization and deployment.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Todd Olinsky-Paul to the Clean Energy States Alliance team. The breadth of Todd's experience and expertise will advance both CESA's member services and ongoing work to support the next generation of emerging clean energy finance and technology," said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of Clean Energy States Alliance. "We look forward to introducing him to our members and partners in the coming weeks, as well as at CESA's Spring Meeting in Portland."

Todd has a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from Bard College and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University.

# # #

Interstate Turbine Advisory Council Releases Unified List of Small Wind Turbines

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Marissa Newhall
Communications Director
Clean Energy States Alliance
Ph: 802 223 2554 C: 202 527 9196
marissa@cleanegroup.org

Collaborative Group of Public Clean Energy Programs Identifies Small
Wind Turbines Eligible for Participation in State Incentive Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Today, the Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC), a project of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), released the first version of its Unified List of small wind turbines (turbines with a rotor swept area less than 200 m²) eligible for state incentive program funding. The Unified List provides a collaborative and common list of turbines, a critical step in developing a robust distributed wind market. The List will be used by ITAC-member clean energy programs across the United States, who have pooled resources to efficiently review and evaluate turbines.

Six clean energy programs across the U.S. will be adopting the Unified List: the Energy Trust of Oregon, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), the California Energy Commission, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, and Nevada Energy. The List provides these programs with peer-reviewed, carefully-vetted turbines that have proven safety and reliability records and third-party certified power performance.

"Having individual state lists of eligible wind turbines is inefficient and causes confusion in the marketplace, and managing these lists has proven a challenge for state clean energy funds," said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of Clean Energy States Alliance. "It is vital for states to collaborate and share intelligence about past and present product performance, customer and dealer experiences and program challenges, and that's what ITAC's Unified List helps them do."

"NYSERDA sees tremendous value in the Unified List," said Mark Mayhew, Project Manager of NYSERDA’s Wind Incentive Program. "The information contained in the List, and the collaborative process to create it, will help us improve our program and provide valuable benefits to our customers." NYSERDA adopted the list as of today.

The following turbines are included in ITAC’s Unified List: Bergey Excel 10, Endurance S343, Evance R9000, Gaia 133, Wind Turbine Industries, Corp. Jacobs 31-20, Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7, and Xzeres 442SR. Only ITAC-member programs may use the Unified List for incentive eligibility. Programs wishing to use the list should contact CESA to discuss membership.

Over the last year, ITAC has hosted regular meetings to identify, discuss, review, and collect information on small wind turbines in order to create a carefully vetted list. ITAC determined criteria and requirements for small turbine review to increase consumer confidence in small wind technology, provide consistency to public clean energy programs, and to ensure that tax- or rate-payer funding supports the installation of reliable and safe technology.

In addition to requiring certification to the AWEA 9.1-2009 (small wind) standard, ITAC reviewed manufacturers’ consumer and dealer services, marketing consistency with third-party testing, turbine operational history, turbine warranty, and manufacturers’ response to technical problems, failures, and customer complaints.

ITAC will be reviewing mid-sized turbines (rotor swept area greater than 200m2) over the upcoming months and plans to release a second version of its list in the fall of 2012.

To view the list of ITAC small turbine requirements and the full list of qualified turbines, please visit ITAC’s web page at http://www.cleanenergystates.org/projects/ITAC.

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MA Clean Energy Center Releases New Guide on Residential Solar Power

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For many residents and business owners throughout Massachusetts, installing a solar PV system is a smart investment that converts clean, free sunlight to electricity, reduces air pollution, reduces or eliminates monthly electricity bills, and contributes to the local economy by creating local jobs and supporting local businesses.

The Massachusetts Residential Guide To Solar Power can assist Massachusetts residents who are considering using solar energy to generate electricity to power their homes. This guide can help you determine whether solar PV is right for you both technically and economically. It reviews the installation process and provides advice and resources on finding an installer and securing rebates, as well as other pertinent information about solar PV.

While focused on Massachusetts, this guide has practical information about solar energy technologies for anyone interested in learning more about installing a PV system on their home.

Click here to download MassCEC's Massachusetts Residential Guide to Solar Power.

SMUD Solano Wind Project Expansion Completed

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Huge wind power expansion complete at SMUD Solano Wind Project

New turbines to power 44,000 area homes

Amid a backdrop of rolling wheat fields the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) commissioned 55 new turbines bringing the total number of turbines at the SMUD Solano Wind Project to 107. Completed on time and $5 million dollars under budget, Phase 3 will join the existing fleet in taking advantage of the windiest months of the year. Phase 3 adds 128 megawatts (MW) of capacity, which is enough to power approximately 44,000 homes.

The project now has a total of 230 MW of capacity or enough to power approximately 79,000 homes. “SMUD was the first large California utility to have 20 percent of our power come from renewable sources. We continue to pursue a sustainable and balanced power supply,” said SMUD General Manager & CEO John DiStasio. “Completion of Phase 3 puts SMUD significantly closer to our goal of 33 percent renewable energy by 2020.” A unique aspect of the project is the way 1.8-MW machines were mixed with 3-MW machines. The 31 1.8-MW machines generate more power at low wind speeds while the 24 3-MW machines are more effective at high wind speeds. Combination of the two models is expected to increase annual power production compared to standard layouts.

Vestas manufactured the wind turbines, including many of the main components at its Colorado factories and will maintain them under a long-term contract. “With this expansion we’ve increased our service and maintenance staff at the facility to 17 people,” said Martha Wyrsch, President of Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc. “With an up to 15-year service agreement we are proud to add long-term jobs to the community as well as help deliver more clean energy to Californians.”

A unit of Citigroup purchased the Phase 3 turbines in a financial transaction that will save SMUD customers $60 million to $70 million over the next six years. “Citi congratulates the Sacramento Municipal Utility District on the development of Phase 3 of the Solano County wind farm,” said Ward Marsh, Managing Director and Global Head of Citi’s Municipal Securities Division. “We’re proud to be part of this innovative public-private partnership, which represents a meaningful contribution to Citi’s goal to direct $50 billion towards renewable energy and clean technology by 2017.”

SMUD has owned wind turbines at the Solano project since 1994. The entire project is located on 5,400 acres of SMUD-owned property in the Collinsville-Montezuma Hills Wind Resource Area in Solano County, California, which is considered one of the best wind resource areas in the state.

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Contact SMUD News Media Services at:
(916) 732-5111
or
media@smud.org

Report Decribes Benefits of Offshore Wind Development in Maryland

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center released a new report, “What Offshore Wind Means for Maryland: Environmental, Economic and Public Health Benefits Across the State,”detailing regional benefits throughout Maryland of clean energy and reduced global warming pollution. Release date: Friday, March 30, 2012

> Read News Release

> Download Report (PDF)

Main points from the report's Executive Summary include the following:

Maryland’s offshore wind power resources could generate the equivalent of roughly two-thirds of the power consumed in the state annually, using technology available today.
Electricity generated by wind turbines has effectively zero emissions, making it an essential resource for meeting the state’s clean energy goals and global warming pollution reduction targets and for cleaning up our air. Wind power produces no smog or soot, and a single, 500-megawatt (MW) wind farm could reduce global warming pollution by more than 1 million metric tons annually, equal to the pollution emitted by 196,000 passenger vehicles each year.

Developing Maryland’s offshore wind resource would bring benefits to all regions of the state, as soon as a wind farm is built and for years down the road. Below are some of the benefits that various regions of Maryland may achieve from the development of offshore wind power.

Employment could increase on the Eastern Shore. Already, AC Wind is preparing to open a blade-manufacturing plant in Salisbury that will employ 200 people. In the longer term, the low-lying Eastern Shore could benefit from offshore wind’s contribution to curbing global warming and slowing sea level rise. Sea level is expected to rise by more than a foot in Maryland by 2050 and potentially by 3.4 feet by the end of the century, which could submerge hundreds of square miles of land.
Offshore wind, together with other measures to cut global warming pollution, can help to maintain the agricultural productivity of Southern Maryland by limiting temperature increases and changes in precipitation patterns due to global warming. By 2050, a projected 2 to 3° F increase in temperature could cause corn and wheat yields to decline by 8 to 14 percent. A drop in agricultural productivity could undermine the economic viability of farms in the region.
Investment in offshore wind facilities, which require large amounts of steel, could bring an economic boost to Central Maryland, adding thousands of jobs if workers at Baltimore’s Sparrows Point steel mill and other area industries are employed to produce steel and fabricate components. Producing electricity from wind turbines in Maryland and elsewhere could help avoid the hotter and more prolonged heat waves that will hit residents of urban areas in Central Maryland especially hard. Reducing global warming pollution with offshore wind could help avoid some of the 90 additional heat-related deaths projected in Maryland annually by mid-century.
The entire ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay will benefit as offshore wind’s clean power helps to reduce global warming pollution, stabilizing water temperatures that determine whether rockfish, oysters and crabs can survive in the bay. If emissions rise unabated, by 2100 the bay will be as warm as the ocean off South Florida. With a slower emissions increase, the temperature rise will be more moderate, making the temperature of the bay more like the temperature of the ocean off the Carolinas.
Electricity from offshore wind produces no solid waste that must be disposed of, unlike electricity from coal burning. For the Capital Region, this means that the Westland and Brandywine coal ash dumps could receive less toxic waste from coal plants, lowering the risk of groundwater contamination. Obtaining emissions-free electricity from offshore wind is also one of the key steps Maryland must take to reduce the future severity of heavy precipitation events that can cause flooding across the region.
Emissions-free offshore wind will help to preserve the current mix of trees that make up the forests in the mountains of Western Maryland. Limiting temperature increases due to global warming will help to maintain the maples, beeches and birches that cover three-quarters of the region. In addition, clean electricity from wind power can replace electricity from dirty, coal-fired power plants and will hasten the day when fish caught in the region’s lakes are free of mercury and are safe for human consumption.

Building an offshore wind farm will help Maryland begin to capture the environmental, public health and economic benefits of reducing consumption of electricity from coal-fired power plants. While a single wind farm will not solve all problems of the state’s current dependence on dirty sources of electricity, construction of an initial wind farm will put Maryland on the right path. Ultimately, tapping into the full potential of the wind off Maryland’s coasts will deliver even greater benefits. To encourage the development of offshore wind power:

The Maryland Public Service Commission should solicit proposals for construction of wind-powered electricity generation off Maryland’s coast and establish effective incentives to encourage offshore wind development.
State and federal governments should set bold goals for offshore wind development in the Atlantic, in order to provide clear leadership and vision regarding the important role of offshore wind in America’s energy future and to demonstrate that it is a high priority.
The U.S. Department of the Interior should expedite siting regulations for offshore wind projects in federal waters, while maintaining a high level of environmental protection. In so doing, they should maintain strong standards to make sure that offshore wind facilities do not have major impacts on wildlife, shipping channels, commercial fishing grounds or military operations.
The federal government should use its buying power to facilitate the financing of offshore wind. The government should negotiate long-term power purchase agreements with an offshore wind developer covering electricity purchases for military installations and other federal facilities.

CEFIA Clean Energy Communities Program Awards PV System

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Windsor High School

Systems Awarded through the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority’s Clean Energy Communities Program

Rocky Hill, Conn., May 17, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) and the Town of Windsor today celebrated a 2-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation. This 2-kW PV system installed at the Windsor High School is the first system earned by the Town of Windsor in recognition of over 200 community household sign-ups in the CTCleanEnergyOptions Program and 18 clean energy systems installed in town. The system was designed and installed by Sunlight Solar Energy with offices in Milford, CT. Sunlight Solar Energy is one of approximately 70 eligible solar PV installers within CEFIA’s programs.

“Windsor is a proud partner of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority’s Clean Energy Communities Program. It has been a long term goal of the Windsor Town Council to support green technology and sustainability. We have thus far earned 2 kW of PV through the program and knowing the people of Windsor, it won’t take us long to realize even more clean energy systems” said Windsor Mayor, Donald Trinks.

“Windsor has a rich history of leadership in Connecticut and its comprehensive support for energy efficiency and renewable energy is no exception. The town government has demonstrated that everyone can save money and create a healthier environment by choosing clean energy” said Bob Wall, CEFIA Director of Marketing and Outreach.

Cities and towns across Connecticut may become a Connecticut Clean Energy Community by committing to clean energy and energy efficiency; and securing a minimum of 100 points through residential sign-ups in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program, or installations of clean energy systems in the community. CTCleanEnergyOptions encourages Connecticut residents and businesses, who are customers of Connecticut Light & Power or the United Illuminating Company, to voluntarily support clean energy by selecting a clean energy offering from one of two clean energy suppliers – Community Energy or Northeast Clean Power. Today, a total of 103 Connecticut cities and towns are participating in the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program.

For more information regarding CEFIA’s Clean Energy Communities Program or the CTCleanEnergyOptions Program please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About Sunlight Solar Energy

Sunlight Solar is an innovative and creative company with an industry-leading approach and philosophy to solar energy sales. As one of the first Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority-approved installers, Sunlight Solar Energy is dedicated to educating our customers and empowering them to make intelligent buying decisions. For more information on Sunlight Solar Energy, please visit www.sunlightsolar.com.

About the CleanEnergyOptions Program

CTCleanEnergyOptions is a Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved program that allows any CL&P or UI customer the opportunity to support clean energy made from approved renewable resources such as wind, solar and biomass. The program was launched in 2005 and now includes more than 25,000 customers, making it a “Top 10” national clean energy program in terms of customers and sales (out of more than 850 programs). Customers who enroll continue to receive electric delivery service from their utility and pay a small clean energy surcharge. Customers can enroll in this program even if they have chosen a competitive supplier for generation service.

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Interstate Turbine Advisory Council Adds Eighth Small Wind Turbine to Unified List

Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, May 29, 2012

Seaforth Energy's AOC 15-50 Turbine Joins Interstate Council's List of Incentive-Eligible Wind Turbines

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC), a project of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), has added the AOC 15-50, a small wind turbine manufactured by Seaforth Energy, to its Unified List.

The addition marks the eighth turbine to be included on the first version of the Unified List, a list of turbines with a rotor swept area less than 200 square meters that are eligible for state incentive program funding. The Unified List was first released on May 1, 2012.

Six ITAC-member clean energy programs across the United States, who have pooled resources to efficiently review and evaluate turbines, can adopt the Unified List: the Energy Trust of Oregon, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority, the California Energy Commission, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, and Nevada Energy. The List provides these programs with peer-reviewed, carefully-vetted turbines that have proven safety and reliability records and third-party certified power performance.

The latest addition to the list, Seaforth’s AOC 15-50, was initially tested by NREL in 2003. The turbine is currently completing tests at WEICan and certification by the Small Wind Certification Council. The 42 kW turbine has been placed on ITAC’s list under Conditional Status, as have five other turbines without full certification to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) 9.1 standards. The other turbines included in ITAC’s Unified List are the Bergey Excel 10, the Endurance S343, the Evance R9000, the Gaia 133, the Wind Turbine Industries, Corp. Jacobs 31-20, the Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7, and the Xzeres 442SR.

ITAC, a coalition of clean energy incentive programs across the U.S., will continue to accept and review small turbine applications on a rolling basis. Specific criteria and requirements for small turbines have been developed to increase consumer confidence in small wind technology, provide consistency to public clean energy programs, and to ensure that tax- or rate-payer funding supports the installation of reliable and safe technology.

In addition to requiring certification to the AWEA 9.1-2009 (small wind) standard, ITAC reviews manufacturers’ consumer and dealer services, marketing consistency with third-party testing, turbine operational history, turbine warranty, and manufacturers’ response to technical problems, failures, and customer complaints. The full list of requirements can be viewed here: http://www.cleanenergystates.org/projects/ITAC/itac-wind-turbine-requirements-and-application/

ITAC will be reviewing mid-sized turbines (rotor swept area greater than 200 square meters) over the upcoming months and plans to release a second version of its list in the fall of 2012.

To view the list of ITAC small turbine requirements and the full list of qualified turbines, please visit ITAC’s webpage at http://www.cleanenergystates.org/projects/ITAC/.

CONTACT:

Val Stori
Project Director
Clean Energy States Alliance

50 State St., Suite 1
Montpelier, VT 05602

Ph: 802 223 2554
C: 802-272-8038

val@cleanegroup.org

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First Contract Signed for SOLARIZE MASS 2012

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2012

Media Inquiries: Eric Macaux, 617-315-9344

FIRST CONTRACT SIGNED FOR SOLARIZE MASS 2012

Wayland couple contracts with Astrum Solar through Solarize Mass

BOSTON – This week, Kim and Mark Reichelt of Wayland became the first residents to contract for a solar PV installation at their home through this year’s Solarize Massachusetts program.

"We are very excited to be installing solar panels on our home. We looked into doing it a few years ago, but since then there have been significant improvements in both the price and the technology,” said Ms. Reichelt. “With the discounts from the Solarize program, the installation makes financial sense. Even with all our trees, our installation is going to pay for itself in about seven years. I hope to see solar panels going up all over town!"

Solarize Mass, which is a partnership among the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Green Communities Division of the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV by deploying a coordinated education, marketing and outreach effort, combined with a tiered pricing structure that provides increased savings as more people in the community go solar. MassCEC provides technical support and hosts free educational meetings in the participating communities to educate people about the benefits of installing solar and to drive interest in implementing the technology.

MassCEC and DOER launched Solarize Mass last year with a pilot program targeting four DOER-designated Green Communities: Hatfield, Harvard, Scituate and Winchester. The program led to 162 new contracts, representing 829 kW of new solar power, signed by residents and business owners. Seventeen additional Green Communities - Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Lenox, Shirley, Sutton, Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln – were selected in April to participate in phase two of the program, which runs through September.

“Solarize Massachusetts is an important part of our effort to move beyond energy reform, to energy revolution,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

“This contract symbolizes electricity generated in Massachusetts without any emissions, and represents jobs for people hired in Massachusetts to sell, install, and maintain solar PV systems in Massachusetts,” said Patrick Cloney, Chief Executive Officer of MassCEC. “We look forward to seeing many more projects in the coming months.”

Astrum Solar was selected by a committee of local volunteers, with input from state officials, to serve as the designated installer for Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln, and is working in close contact with volunteer solar coaches in each of those towns.

“This program rewards neighbors who join together to make a commitment to a renewable, home-grown, and environmentally-friendly source of energy,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “I am pleased we are able to offer this opportunity to designated Green Communities that are already leading the way toward a clean energy future for our state.”

"We are pleased to take part in this important initiative as we continue to serve Massachusetts homeowners through our Hopkinton office," said Michelle Waldgeir, Astrum Solar's vice president of marketing. "The Solarize Mass program will be instrumental in helping more Wayland, Lincoln and Sudbury residents transition from traditional energy consumers to clean energy producers."

About MassCEC

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has as its mission to foster the growth of the Massachusetts clean energy industry by providing seed grants to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; funding job training and workforce development programs; and, as home of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, supporting the installation of renewable energy projects throughout the state.

For more information about MassCEC, visit www.MassCEC.com, and follow up on twitter @MassCEC.

Focus on Energy Celebrates Successful First Year with New Program Administrator

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Media Contacts:	Catalina Lamadrid, LEED AP, GHG IQ Director Communications & Marketing 608-230-7006 focusinfo@focusonenergy.com

Focus on Energy Celebrates Successful First Year with New Program Administrator

MADISON, WI. (June 13, 2012) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, recently celebrated a successful first year with new program administrator, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. Since May of 2011, Focus on Energy has expanded services and program offerings and introduced new programs for Wisconsin residents and businesses, including the following: Residential Programs Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®: Instant rewards to improve the building envelope of homes for energy efficiency Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Instant rewards to improve the building envelope of homes for energy efficiency for income-qualified homeowners Express Energy Efficiency: Free professional installation of energy-saving products for homeowners New Homes: Energy efficiency consultation and certification for new home construction ENERGY STAR Lighting: Instant discounts on ENERGY STAR® qualified lighting products in retail stores Appliance Recycling Program: Free appliance recycling and a cash incentive Residential Rewards: Cash incentives for qualifying high efficiency furnaces, boilers, and water heaters Home Heating Assistance: Cash incentives, for income-qualifying customers, for purchase and installation of energy efficient furnaces or boilers Multifamily Energy Savings: Energy efficiency opportunities for existing multifamily properties Business Programs Large Energy Users: Helps energy-intensive businesses reduce energy consumption through prescriptive and custom incentives and consultation Business Incentive Program: Provides prescriptive and custom incentives to support installation of energy efficient technologies and systems for a wide range of businesses Chains and Franchises: Prescriptive and custom incentives to support installation of energy efficient technologies and systems for retailers “Focus on Energy is committed to cost-effectively saving energy for Wisconsin residents and businesses,” said William S. Haas, program director. “Through new programs, advanced management systems and enhanced customer service, we strive to provide energy and financial savings for our customers while reducing negative environmental impacts to the state.” By employing a competitive procurement process to select contractors to implement new energy efficiency programs, Focus on Energy has reduced program-related costs by approximately $6 million compared to the previous year. These saving are passed along to customers as added program incentives. In addition, Focus on Energy program implementers have boosted the local economy, opening five new offices and creating and retaining more than 90 jobs statewide. “The effectiveness and leadership of the Focus on Energy program has improved significantly in the last year,” said Focus on Energy Director Jolene Sheil. “More funds are being used for program incentives, which is resulting in greater energy savings for the state of Wisconsin.” About Focus on Energy Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment, and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com. ### Download PDF Version

CEFIA's New CFO to Lead Development of New and Innovative Financing Programs

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority Announces Appointment of Bert Hunter as Chief Investment Officer

Will Lead Development of New and Innovative Financing Programs

Rocky Hill, Conn., June 21, 2012 —The Board of Directors of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) has appointed Roberto (Bert) Hunter to the newly created position of Chief Investment Officer (CIO), where he will develop and oversee CEFIA’s portfolio of Clean Energy Financing programs.

“CEFIA is a great example and a key element of Governor Malloy’s strategy to establish Connecticut as a leader in green technology, a global destination for innovation and investment, and a world class competitor and job creator,” said CEFIA Chairman and Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith. “We’re pleased to have Bert aboard and look forward to his leadership in this crucial role.”

As CIO, Hunter will work with a diverse group of market participants, developing a range of financial approaches to significantly increase the state’s investment in clean energy, including bonds and other debt financing, loan guarantees, tax equity financing, credit enhancement mechanisms such as loan-loss reserves and insurance products, and other low-cost financing arrangements.

“I am thrilled to join CEFIA and further support Connecticut’s clean energy objectives through the development of long-term and affordable financing solutions,” Hunter said. “Connecticut has a long history of innovation. Financial innovation presents a great opportunity for Connecticut to realize our clean energy goals through public-private partnerships.”

Hunter joined CEFIA earlier this month as Executive Vice President. Prior to joining CEFIA he held the position of Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Spectrum Capital, Ltd. – an investment bank focused on commercial aircraft finance and investment in electric power generation.

Bert Hunter is a native of Washington D.C. and received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Donna Webster, a business leader for MasterCard Worldwide, have three grown children and reside in Greenwich, CT.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)

Established in July 2011 by Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the Connecticut General Assembly, CEFIA – the first full-scale clean energy finance authority in the United States – leverages public and private funds to drive investment, and develop and deploy clean energy and energy efficiency projects, in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

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Contact: David Goldberg, Director, Government and External RelationsClean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Phone: (860) 257-2889

US Dept. of Treasury Offers Guidance to Help Jump-Start QECB Deals

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

New public tax guidance issued today by the Department of the Treasury will make it easier for state and local governments to access more than $2 billion in existing low-cost financing to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs). QECBs provide state and local governments with access to low-cost financing to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

The Obama Administration is committed to helping local governments effectively leverage federal financing tools to invest in job-creating energy efficiency projects across the country. The new public tax guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is aimed at providing greater clarity on program standards and promoting the potential utilization of QECBs. The effort is a part of the Obama Administration's overall commitment to comprehensive tax reform to modernize and strengthen our tax code. Based on available information, it is estimated that more than $2 billion QECB authority remains available. See the full text of the IRS Notice.

CEFIA Announces Commercial PACE Program

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy - C-PACE Financing Program Approved

Program Will Provide Clean Energy Financing for Connecticut's Commercial and Industrial Consumers

Rocky Hill, Conn., June 27, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) is preparing to roll out a new program designed to encourage clean energy projects in commercial and industrial buildings throughout Connecticut.

During a special session of the legislature June 12, action was taken to approve a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, which will allow commercial and industrial property owners to pay for energy-related improvements to their properties using a finance program that offers low fixed rates and longer repayment periods than traditional loans. Public Act 12-2, which contains provisions for C-PACE, was signed by Governor Malloy on June 15.

“C-PACE will play a significant role in helping Connecticut become a national leader in clean energy by facilitating major energy savings for commercial and industrial properties,” said CEFIA President Bryan Garcia. “It also creates new opportunities for Connecticut banks and financial institutions to invest in local clean energy projects through a proven financing mechanism.”

“The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority looks forward to working with the Connecticut Bankers Association, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, and numerous other key stakeholders to develop standards and protocols to support this statewide clean energy financing effort,” Garcia said. “C-PACE is a ‘win’ for all involved, as it will encourage and enable local institutions to invest in commercial clean energy projects and help Connecticut’s businesses stabilize their energy costs and continue to increase their competitiveness.”

Under C-PACE, the cost of an energy project may be funded by special financing arranged through CEFIA and repaid annually by the property owner through a special “benefit” assessment on their property tax bill. C-PACE spreads the cost of energy improvements over the expected life of the measures and allows the repayment obligation to transfer automatically, like other property assessments, to the next owner if the property is sold.

Benefit assessments are a safe and familiar tool of municipal finance that has been used for many projects including, street paving, water and sewer systems, and street lighting. C-PACE is a proven and effective vehicle to attract private capital into the clean energy market. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have PACE enabling policy and thousands of energy projects have been funded through PACE assessments.

In exchange for easy access to low-interest C-PACE financing, building owners repay the cost of the upgrade through an assessment on property taxes. C-PACE upgrades will keep energy costs down and Connecticut businesses competitive. By attaching repayment for the upgrades to the property tax, C-PACE can attract lower-cost capital since it is viewed as a secure investment. Among other benefits, C-PACE will support job creation, contribute to the resiliency of the utility grid by reducing demand for electricity, and drive investment in clean energy technologies within Connecticut.

CEFIA will play an important role as the C-PACE program administrator—working to support cities and towns, commercial and industrial companies, and financial institutions to implement the program. CEFIA, through its role as program administrator will seek to aggregate demand for projects, source capital, and use the tools of the state to bring down the cost of capital.

CEFIA along with many critical partners, including the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Connecticut Bankers Association, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, local clean energy developers, environmental groups, and other non-profit organizations worked collaboratively to achieve the passage of C-PACE legislation. CEFIA and program partners have already begun to work on implementation to achieve a robust C-PACE program in anticipation of a successful program launch in early 2013.

Connecticut’s C-PACE policy is unique in having been created with the support of the banking community. The support of Connecticut’s banking industry positions Connecticut to be a national leader in advancing the deployment of clean energy through financing.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

Contact: David Goldberg
Director, Government and External Relations
Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
Phone: (860) 257-2889

NH Sets Up Renewable Thermal Energy Carve-out for RPS

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On June 25, 2012, NH Governor John Lynch signed legislation adding renewable thermal energy technologies to the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS), currently set at 23.8 percent by 2025. The new bill requires that utilities source a portion of that 23.8 percent of renewable energy from thermal sources including wood pellet boilers, solar water heating panels and geothermal heating and cooling systems. It sets specific annual targets for renewable thermal energy and ramps up slowly.

New Hampshire is the first state to fully incorporate renewable thermal energy into its RPS program, and grant incentives to biomass, solar and geothermal project developers that are equivalent in value to those for developers of renewable electricity projects. Renewable energy certificates (RECs) will be worth up to $29 per megawatt-hour of useful thermal energy produced by qualified thermal projects, and the program is authorized at least through the year 2025. Rick LaBrecque of PSNH said that by the time the program sunsets in 2025, it would cost NH ratepayers about $9 million or about $.50 per month on an average household bill.

For more information, see http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2012/06/hew-hampshire-sets-thermal-renewable-energy-carve-out?cmpid=WNL-Wednesday-June27-2012.

SMUD, partners kick-off energy storage project

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2012

Batteries to help power homes in Sacramento

For the next 18 months, 42 Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) households will help determine what happens when a home is partially powered by a large battery. SMUD officially launched the project at the Anatolia subdivision, a SolarSmart HomesSM community in Rancho Cordova, California.

The $5.9 million demonstration project will determine how battery storage can help provide extra capacity during times of peak demand, such as the hottest hours during the summer. The project is funded by a $4.3 million grant from the Department of Energy, with the remainder coming from SMUD, the California Energy Commission and SunPower, Corp.

Under the program, 15 homeowners had large lithium-ion batteries — the technology that powers hybrid autos like the Toyota Prius — installed in their garages. Another 27 homes will share three batteries located in common areas in their neighborhood.

During the hottest afternoon hours when power is the most expensive, the homes will draw electricity from the batteries to supplement what they get from the grid and from the solar panels installed on their roofs. And late at night, when demand is down and power costs fall, the SMUD grid will recharge the batteries for use the next day.

“The aim of the program is to learn whether or not batteries can ease load demand and provide more electricity when renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power aren’t sufficient,” said SMUD Assistant General Manager for Power Supply & Grid Operations, Paul Lau.

“The project will also help us better understand how battery storage and solar mesh with time-of-use rates, where customers pay more for electricity during peak hours and less during low-demand times. The batteries provide power during peak demand, so customers could save money by not drawing all their power from the grid during those hours,” Lau said.

Finally, because the homes in the demonstration project are high-efficiency SolarSmart Homes with the latest in rooftop solar, the project will provide a better sense of how photovoltaic systems can be integrated to take advantage of the smart grid.

“We hope to learn what benefits accrue to customers from their ability to shift load to the battery when electricity prices are highest,” Lau said. “And we want to see what benefits SMUD gains from load-shifting and having the batteries and rooftop PV available to smooth out our load.”

Even though it’s an unfamiliar concept, customers were eager to participate in the program. The pilot was fully subscribed within a week of SMUD holding informational sessions in the neighborhood.

The batteries have been approved by Underwriters Laboratories, which develops safety standards and certification for electrical products. They are the first large, residential lithium-ion batteries to earn the UL seal of approval.

The batteries for the homes are about the size of a mini fridge and can power a home for 2 to 3 hours depending on loads. The batteries being shared by multiple homes are 4-by-4-foot cubes that sit adjacent to distribution transformers and have approximately three times the capacity of the in-home batteries.

Along with the batteries and other hardware, SMUD has installed scores of monitoring devices — in the homes, on the batteries and at a substation — to help keep track of how and when energy is being used, and even how specific weather conditions affect energy use on a minute-by-minute basis. Homeowners also have in-home displays that will show them how much energy they are generating and are using. SMUD grid operators have the ability to monitor and manage these batteries individually or as a fleet through a web application.

“Energy storage is potentially a game changer in our industry,” Lau said. “After this study is complete, we hope to have a much better idea whether energy storage benefits the customer and the utility, and how best to operate the system.”

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Contact SMUD News Media Services at:
(916) 732-5111
or
media@smud.org

New Economic Development Energy Fund Allows Alaska to Finance Small to Medium Projects

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell recently signed legislation to create a new fund within the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) that will provide loans, both directly and through banks and credit unions, to finance small to medium-sizedenergy projects in the State and promote economic development in economically depressed areas.

The authority will also be able to offer loan or bond guarantees. The new energy fund will help finance small to medium-sized energy projects, such as improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings or developing new renewable energy, and will begin operations this year with $125 million. Governor Parnell said the new law “will bring the state closer to achieving its goal of 50 percent electricity generated by renewable energy by 2025.”

Another bill, Senate Bill 66, introduced by the governor, creates a new markets tax credit assistance guarantee and loan program with AIDEA. Working under a federal tax credit program, SB 66 allows the state authority to issue guarantees and finance projects in low-income areas or otherwise serving low-income populations.

For more information, please see http://www.alaskajournal.com/Alaska-Journal-of-Commerce/June-Issue-3-2012/Gov-Parnell-signs-bills-expanding-AIDEA-finance-ability/.

LIPA Feed-in-Tariff Approved for Mid-sized Solar Projects

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

LIPA Board of Trustees Approve First Feed-In Tariff Program in New York State

Furthers Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun Initiative by adding 50 MW of solar power in Long Island

Clean Solar Initiative supported by government leaders, environmental and renewable energy advocates, business representatives and solar industry professionals

Uniondale, NY—Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Board of Trustees voted today to approve LIPA’s new Clean Solar Initiative (CSI) that will provide Long Island with the next 50 megawatts (MW) of solar energy on Long Island. This initiative will further advance the development of solar energy and the growth of clean energy jobs on Long Island.

LIPA’s CSI will be New York State’s first feed-in tariff (aka: standard offer) program and is consistent with the clarion call by Governor Andrew Cuomo to quadruple customer-sited solar energy in New York State by 2013.

“The Clean Solar Initiative solidifies LIPA as a national leader in renewable energy,” said LIPA chief operating officer Michael Hervey. “Our customer-sided residential and business solar programs as well as our large scale utility solar projects continue to act as a catalyst for promoting solar energy, diversifying our energy portfolio, leveraging private investment, and creating green jobs on Long Island.”

Through the CSI, LIPA will purchase, through June 30, 2014, up to 50 MW of solar generation located on its customers’ premises through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) whereby the owner of the solar system is paid a fixed rate by LIPA for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of renewable energy generated over a 20-year term. This type of standard offer, performance-based incentive to help grow mid-to-large solar installations across Long Island has been used successfully by other utilities in the United States, Canada and Europe. The CSI builds off the success of LIPA’s Solar Pioneer and Entrepreneur Program and its first 50 MW utility-scale project, which was achieved through the issuance of a Request for Proposal.

LIPA’s CSI has received overwhelming support by local industry leaders, business representatives, environmental and clean energy advocates, and governmental leaders at the state, county, and local level.

"The growth of solar energy and LIPA’s Clean Solar Initiative is critically important for our future energy needs as well as helping to create jobs and grow our economy in the short term," said New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle.

Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. today applauded the LIPA Board of Trustees for establishing a solar feed-in tariff as part of Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun proposal. “This proposal is similar to one I first proposed in 2009. If we are to be truly energy independent and reduce energy costs on Long Island, we must provide incentives to encourage the production of solar and other alternative sources of energy. The establishment of this program is a market-based strategy to do just that. Not only will it encourage the rapid and sustainable development of electricity from renewable sources, it will create green jobs on Long Island. In Gainesville, Florida, a surge of capital investment in community solar systems has occurred under their program. It will provide a means to earn reasonable and reliable returns, allowing capital to flow into clean and renewable energy systems.”

“The CSI builds upon LIPA’s nationally recognized customer-sided Solar Pioneer and Solar Entrepreneur programs. Suffolk County has been a proud partner with LIPA on its utility-scale solar initiative demonstrated by solar carport projects throughout Suffolk County. Renewable energy is an increasingly significant source of clean energy for Long Island, and has a positive economic impact on the local workforce and our businesses,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Applications for participation in the CSI will be accepted starting July 16, 2012 with the rate of $0.22 per kWh of electricity delivered to LIPA’s grid over a 20-year contract term subject to the PPA. The amount of electricity will be measured using a dedicated meter for each approved project.

"LIPA has shown national leadership by creating the Clean Solar Initiative, which will unleash the commercial-scale solar market in Long Island by giving customers a straightforward opportunity to sell solar energy to LIPA," said Craig Lewis, Executive Director of Clean Coalition. "Commercial-sized solar projects represent the most promising growth opportunity for solar because they can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively while delivering maximum benefits to the local economy. I expect that LIPA's Clean Solar Initiative will serve as a model for Clean Programs across the country."

"The feed-in tariff is a highly successful, cost-effective mechanism used around the world, and will offer an even greater opportunity for the growth of solar power as an energy source for Long Island,” said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island, a regional not-for-profit organization. “With this new step in the evolution of solar energy initiatives, LIPA is making a quantum leap forward.”

“The Long Island Solar Industries Association (LISEIA), a task force of NYSEIA applauds LIPA's leadership in developing and implementing a solar feed-in tariff. Such programs have been some of the most successful in accelerating solar energy adoption throughout the world, and we look forward to adding Long Island to that record of success,” said R. Sail Van Nostrand, Chairman of Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association.

For further information on LIPA’s Clean Solar Initiative visit the LIPA website at www.lipower.org/FIT.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2010, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State for frequency of service interruptions, and ranked second for duration of service interruptions. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at: http://www.lipower.org.

Source: http://www.lipower.org/newscenter/pr/2012/062812-fit.html

CPUC Report - CA Leads the Nation in Customer-Generated Solar Power

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

SAN FRANCISCO, July 2, 2012 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today issued its 2012 California Solar Initiative (CSI) Annual Program Assessment, showing that in 2011 California reached a major milestone by becoming the first state in the nation to install more than 1 gigawatt (1,000 megawatts) of customer-generated solar energy; a record 311 megawatts (MW) were installed in the investor-owned utility territories in 2011 alone.

As outlined in the report, currently more than 122,000 sites across the state host solar systems to serve on-site solar generation. The annual rate of new solar installations and the cumulative installed capacity both provide evidence that California is well along the path of achieving the goals set by Senate Bill (SB) 1 in 2006, the legislation that authorized the CSI Program.

“California’s solar success is unmatched in the nation,” said CPUC President Michael R. Peevey. “In the first quarter of 2012, there has already been 97 megawatts of solar installed. This means that the CSI Program is on track to reach 1,000 megawatts in installations by the end of the year.”

Other highlights of the report include:

Costs for residential solar system have decreased by 28 percent since 2007.
CSI projects in low income markets (areas with median incomes of less than $50,000) have increased by 364 percent since 2007.

Approximately 1,500 low income homeowners, with help from the Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) program, have installed solar panels to generate energy and improve their monthly cash flow - something that has a big impact in today’s sensitive housing market.

The SASH program surpassed its goals, installing more than 1,000 projects for low income families by the end of 2011.

The Multi-family Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program completed 181 projects as of April 30, 2012, with a capacity of 9.1 MW.

Virtual Net Metering has allowed thousands of low income tenants to receive thedirect benefits of solar as reductions in their monthly electric bills.

CSI projects in middle income markets (areas with median incomes between $50,000 and$100,000) have increased by 445 percent since 2007, and comprise the majority ofapplications received in 2011.

In just over two years of operation, the CSI-Thermal Program, which provides rebates forsolar water heating systems, has received 704 applications for $4.87 million in incentives.

In January 2007, California began an unprecedented $3.3 billion effort to install 3,000 MW of new solar over the next decade and transform the market for solar energy by reducing the cost of solar generating equipment. The CPUC portion of the solar effort is known as the CSI Program. CSI, the country’s largest solar program, has a $2.4 billion budget and a goal to install 1,940 MW of solar capacity by the end of 2016.

Weekly program demand data, including new rebate applications, installed systems, and system costs can be found at www.CaliforniaSolarStatistics.ca.gov.

The report issued today is available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Solar/2012CASolarLegReport.htm.

Visit www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov for more solar information.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

US DOD RFP Seeking RECs

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Deadline: August 06, 2012

Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) RFP (Sol. SPE600-12-R-0424) seeking 562,510,000 kWh of eligible renewable energy certificates (RECs) for ultimate transfer to United States Air Force and other Federal Agencies.
Contact: Cynthia Ralph, 703-767-8566 | Brandon Budman, 703-767-8901 | Chris Boeding, 703-767-9501

Renewable Energy Certificates, for ultimate transfer to the United States Air Force and other Federal Agencies. Contract(s) are anticipated to be one time and quarterly deliveries starting September 2012 and ending September 2014. Total contract quantity is 562,510,000 kWh. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This announcement and the document, which can be accessed at the URL identified below, constitute the only solicitation. The solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) and has incorporated provisions and clauses as in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-29. Additional requirements may be added by Amendment. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered. The RFP is available through the DESC-AE electricity web site:

https://www.desc.dla.mil/DCM/DCMSolic.asp?SolicID=1581

Focus on Energy Achieves ISO 14001:2004 Certification

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

MADISON, WI (July 10, 2012) –
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, recently achieved NSF certification to ISO 14001:2004, which represents the highest level of international recognition for managing environmental impacts and instituting a culture of corporate social responsibility.

“This certification underscores Focus on Energy’s commitment to integrating environmental risk assessment, planning, and impact mitigation into every aspect of our operations,” said William S. Haas, director of program administration.

To obtain ISO 14001:2004 certification, Focus on Energy developed an Energy and Sustainability Management System to address its impact on the environment and society and to maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The system provides a framework for continual improvement of energy and environmental performance and strives to reduce Focus on Energy’s operational costs, energy and materials consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

As part of the certification, Focus on Energy commits to the following:

Sustainability: Focus on Energy will commit to sustainability initiatives including waste minimization, recycling and green procurement practices.
Compliance with Legal and Other Requirements: Focus on Energy will remain committed to complying with or exceeding all applicable federal, state and local requirements.
Social Responsibility: Focus on Energy will consider societal, environmental, cultural, legal, political and organizational diversity in its decisions and actions.
Continual Improvement in Energy Sustainability and Performance: Focus on Energy will make available the information and resources necessary to achieve its objectives and targets established within its Energy and Sustainability Management System.

For more information about Focus on Energy’s sustainability policy visit the Focus on Energy website or contact us at 800.762.7077 or focusinfo@focusonenergy.com.

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment, and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

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Download PDF Version

Focus on Energy Launches New EE and RE Programs

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

MADISON, WI. (July 6, 2012) –
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced new programs for residents and businesses, adding to its variety of established program offerings for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

“These programs will allow Focus on Energy to deliver cost-effective energy savings and better serve the utility ratepayers of Wisconsin while further adding to an already successful mix of programs available to residents and businesses in the state,” said William S. Haas, program director.

A summary of new programs launched as of July 1, 2012, include:

Residential Programs

The New Homes Program certifies homes that are more durable, comfortable, energy efficient, and combustion safe than other homes built to the current Wisconsin building code. Leading energy experts work with builders to provide homes that meet strict energy efficiency and quality standards.
The Renewable Energy Program offers Cash-Back Rewards for the installation of eligible, new renewable energy systems in homes that already meet energy efficiency requirements. This program has offerings for solar electric photo-voltaic (PV), solar hot water, and geothermal renewable energy systems.

Business Programs

The Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program provides incentives for renewable energy systems installed at Wisconsin businesses. This program offers financial support to the most cost-effective renewable energy projects located at eligible facilities. Eligible renewable energy technologies include: biomass, biogas, geothermal, PV, solar thermal, and wind. Incentives for business renewable projects will be awarded in a competitive RFP process.
The Retro-commissioning Program works with owners and managers of existing buildings to optimize performance and operational efficiency. Unlike traditional efficiency programs, retro- commissioning takes a more holistic approach by targeting building systems, energy-using equipment, and operating schedules and optimizing how these elements work together.
The Small Business Program provides easy and affordable options for making long-term energy-saving improvements. Eligible small business owners receive a free, onsite energy assessment and are provided with free or low-cost options for reducing monthly energy costs through the direct install of energy savings measures.

Business customers and trade allies interested in participating in available programs should visit www.focusonenergy.com for program information, terms and conditions, and the new application forms. Any questions regarding the programs or participation can be directed to Focus on Energy’s customer service center at 800.762.7077 orfocusinfo@focusonenergy.com.

About Focus on Energy

MassCEC Announces New Multi-Year Incentive Program for Solar Hot Water

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 28, 2012
Contact: Eric Macaux (617) 315-9344 EMacaux@MassCEC.com

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced a new $10 million multi-year program, Commonwealth Solar Hot Water, which will begin accepting applications in July 2012 and continue through 2016. The long-term program is designed to encourage the installation of solar hot water systems at residences and businesses across the Commonwealth.

“This program represents a significant long-term investment that will accelerate the growth of Massachusetts’ solar hot water industry by providing a stable form of funding assistance to residents and companies looking to utilize the sun’s power and save money on energy bills,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney.

The program will build on the success of two pilot solar hot water programs, which have awarded rebates for 300 residential and commercial-scale systems since February 2011. Similar to the pilot programs, the new Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program will offer rebates for qualifying solar hot water projects at residential, multi-family and commercial-scale buildings.

“This new solar hot water program will create jobs at solar hot water manufacturing and installation companies, while helping Massachusetts residents and businesses decrease their heating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan, who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors.

Solar hot water systems generate thermal energy from sunlight to heat water. Roof mounted solar collectors for hot water systems look similar to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate electricity rather than hot water. A solar hot water system usually provides 50 percent to 75 percent of total household hot water needs. Some systems can also connect with the heating system to provide space heating. Since roughly 20 percent of the energy consumed by a typical home in Massachusetts goes to heating hot water, solar hot water systems can generate significant savings by decreasing the amount of gas, oil or electricity used to heat the water.

Program funding will be distributed over 4.5 years, through the end of 2016. The first year of the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water program will be funded with $1.5 million from MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust Fund.

To date, the completed projects that MassCEC has funded through the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential and Commercial Pilot Programs total almost 15,000 square feet of solar collectors, and produce energy equivalent to the total annual hot water needs of 140 homes. A total of 55 primary installers have successfully submitted an application through the program.

To find out more about solar hot water, see www.masscec.com/aboutsolar . Program information for MassCEC’s existing hot water pilot programs is available www.masscec.com/solarhotwater.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC is a partner, clearinghouse and connector for people in the clean energy sector, making direct investments in clean energy companies, building a strong clean energy workforce, and supporting responsibly sited renewable energy projects across the Commonwealth. MassCEC works with the entire clean energy community in Massachusetts to propel promising technologies from the drawing board to the global marketplace. Join the Innovation Revolution at http://www.masscec.com/.

Visit our website:....................................................... www.MassCEC.com

Follow MassCEC on Twitter:........................... www.twitter.com/MassCEC

55 Summer Street 9^th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 — Office: (617) 315-9355 office / Fax: (617) 315-9356 or Fax@masscec.com

Solarize Connecticut Program Announces Pilot Towns

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Rocky Hill, Conn., July 12, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), The John Merck Fund, and SmartPower announce the launch of Solarize Connecticut, a pilot residential solar program (Program) that aggregates homeowners across communities to offer discounted prices for residential solar power.

The Program will be piloted in four communities selected through a competitive solicitation process. Durham, Fairfield, Portland, and Westport were selected for the first phase of the Solarize Connecticut Program based on an ability to execute an effective outreach and community based campaign.

“We are extremely excited to be chosen as one of the pilot communities,” said First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield of Portland. “This is exactly the kind of program that will help us expand solar in our community and offer an excellent investment opportunity for our residents.”

The Solarize Connecticut model is designed to drive down the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for residential consumers. The more residents who sign up to install solar, the greater the price declines. Because the installer, the technology and the exact price of PV are already provided in the Solarize Connecticut Program, it will be easier for residents to make the decision to install solar. Similarly modeled programs in Oregon and Massachusetts have successfully delivered a lower cost to consumers.

“We are very excited about launching Solarize Connecticut through our partnership with The John Merck Fund and SmartPower,” said Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of CEFIA. “This program builds on our efforts to drive down costs in the residential PV market here in Connecticut. Through our selected Clean Energy Communities, we will aggregate customer demand and continue to work toward developing a sustainable market that attracts private capital investment.”

Ten years ago, CEFIA and The John Merck Fund invested in SmartPower to create the award-winning Clean Energy Communities campaign. The partners are coming together again to launch Solarize Connecticut — a program which they are hopeful will achieve success in driving down the cost of residential solar.

“The John Merck Fund is spending out so we have ten years to help build New England’s clean energy future,” said Ruth Hennig, Executive Director of The John Merck Fund. “Our new partnership with CEFIA and SmartPower, which is launching Solarize Connecticut as part of the New England Solar Challenge, is a strong beginning, and we’re excited about the potential for other states to join with Connecticut.”

“Our Arizona Solar Challenge helped us crack the code on marketing residential solar installations,” said Brian F. Keane, president of SmartPower. “Now we’re more excited than ever to add Solarize to our efforts and bring solar to rooftops throughout Connecticut."

The initial pilot phase will run from mid-July through the end of 2012. The best practices and lessons learned from these four towns will then be applied to a second opt-in phase of the Connecticut pilot in early 2013.

"Our team of elected officials and volunteer residents came together to create a plan to promote Solarize Connecticut in our community. We are ready to begin implementation of the plan." said First Selectman Laura Francis of the Town of Durham. “It’s gratifying and exciting to be selected to participate in the pilot effort and to see how well we can advance solar technology in Durham and the State of Connecticut."

For additional information please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarizect.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

About The John Merck Fund

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, The John Merck Fund was established in 1970 by the late Serena Merck and is now in its third generation of family leadership. Starting in 2012, The John Merck Fund will spend all of its assets over the next ten years to spur progress in clean energy, environmental health, development of a New England regional food system, and treatment of developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit www.jmfund.org.

About SmartPower

SmartPower is the nation’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. SmartPower’s award-winning, research-based campaigns have engaged people across the country, building the clean energy marketplace and helping Americans become smarter about their energy use. SmartPower is leading the New England Solar Challenge effort which is intended to accelerate the adoption of Solar PV throughout the region. For more information, please visit www.smartpower.org.

Contact: David Goldberg
Director, Government and External Relations
Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
Phone: (860) 257-2889

SMUD leads the nation in new solar power home construction

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For Immediate Release: July 17, 2012

SMUD leads the nation in new solar power home construction

Solar-powered, super energy-efficient new homes benefit community in many ways

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is now the leading utility in the nation in terms of new homes that have solar panels installed during construction. The SMUD SolarSmart Homes program commenced in 2006 and, despite the intervening housing downturn, SMUD has worked with 18 local, regional and national homebuilders to construct more than 1,000 of these energy-producing and energy-saving homes in its service territory. SolarSmart Homes is a SMUD program that combines solar power and advanced energy efficiency measures in new home design and construction.

SMUD provides incentives to builders to buy down the cost of the solar electric systems and provides rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. These rebates and incentives, along with attractive tax credits, make solar electric systems a more affordable option for more homebuyers. Residents of these homes may save as much as 60 percent annually on their energy bills through the energy-efficient features and the solar roof panels that generate electricity. SolarSmart homes provide customers better value and comfort, especially long term.

The entire SMUD customer community benefits as well from solar home developments in terms of lower power costs for all customers. SolarSmart homes produce the most energy when it’s most needed—on hot summer days—so less electricity will be needed to serve these homes. That is also the same time when power starts to become more expensive for a utility to buy. Cumulatively, the 1,041 SolarSmart homes are expected to produce up to 40 percent of the electricity needed by these homes. In addition to the solar panels, SolarSmart homes also boast many energy efficiency measures to help customers reduce their bills year-round. The energy efficiency measures include efficient HVAC systems, radiant barriers in attics, added insulation, duct sealing and energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting.

The homes also deliver environmental benefits. They have up to a 40 percent smaller “carbon footprint” than conventional new homes. Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced. SMUD is also working with other builders to establish more solar partnerships in the near future, making solar homes available to even more customers in the SMUD service area.

About SMUD

As the nation’s sixth largest community-owned electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 65 years to Sacramento County (and a small portion of Placer County). SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD is the first large California utility to receive more than 20 percent of its energy from renewable resources. For more information, visit smud.org.

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Contact SMUD News Media Services at:
(916) 732-5111
or
media@smud.org

MassCEC awards $250,000 in grants to clean energy researchers and early stage companies

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Investments in Clean Technology

June 21, 2012 BOSTON – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) today announced seven awardees will receive grants under the MassCEC Catalyst Program, aimed at commercializing the pioneering clean energy technologies coming out of Massachusetts’ world-class research institutions and now also startups based in Massachusetts. The seven awards will go to four Massachusetts-based startups and three Massachusetts institutions and total $250,000.

“I am thrilled that we have opened our application process to early stage startups and was happy to hear that this round we had such a high number of applicants,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “We received numerous impressive applications in the fifth round of this program and we look forward to adapting our program to keep it current with market needs.”

The MassCEC Catalyst Program, which is funded by MassCEC and managed by MTTC, awards early-stage researchers and startups grant awards of up to $40,000 to help demonstrate the commercial viability of their clean energy technology. The MassCEC Catalyst Program funding is part of the state’s match to the Department of Commerce funded Cleantech Innovations New England (CINE) program.

Recipients must use funding for projects that move towards commercialization of their technology. Awards could be used to develop a prototype or to gather initial data in order to show proof of concept or to obtain data that shows how the technology compares to existing technologies and what the competitive advantages are. The goal of the Catalyst Program is to help technologies progress along the development curve to a point where additional commercialization funding can be obtained.

“We have had two technologies licensed and five startups spun out from previous awards we have given out,” said Abigail Barrow, Director of the MTTC, “We’re looking forward to seeing these new companies grow alongside our previous awardees.”

“Massachusetts’ vibrant start-up community and outstanding academic and research institutions – and the innovations they produce - are integral to the growth of our clean energy sector,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “MassCEC’s Catalyst Program provides a leg up toward commercialization of these technologies, and the inclusion of early-stage companies will create even more healthy competition for these awards. I look forward to seeing the results from this round of awardees.”

MassCEC Catalyst Program received 37 applications from startups and researchers throughout the state. The fifth round of awards in this program goes to the following researchers:

Yan Wang, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Diran Apelian, Sc.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute - “High Energy Density Flow Batteries”

MassCEC Catalyst Program funding will support researchers develop a new type of Ni/Zn flow battery with high energy density, high power density, long cycle life, low cost and high safety. This technology will help address the increasing energy storage needs for grid storage and renewable energy. The researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute will use the grant to develop a prototype device of the technology for interested parties.

Roberto Barbero, Ph.D.; Joseph Walish, Ph.D.; Thermeleon, Inc. - “Low-Cost, Smart Roofing Materials for Year-Round Energy Savings”

Thermeleon is developing a color-changing roof that is white on hot days to reflect unwanted heat and black on cold days to absorb it. The funds provided by this award will enable us to continue development of our prototype design of exciting new color-changing membrane roofing product.

Gillian Isabelle, Ph.D.; Enlivity Corporation - “Technical and Economic Feasibility of a Low Energy- and Water-Intensity Algal Bioreactor"

Enlivity Corporation is developing a new platform technology for algae culture with applications in biodiesel fuel production. The MassCEC Catalyst award will permit assess to the technical and economic feasibility of a novel bioreactor design and culture process. If successful, the technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the water required for algae culture and the energy required for the downstream harvesting and dewatering, providing a process that is more easily scalable and more cost-effective than current methods.

Kenneth Y. Lee, Ph.D., PE.; Department of Civil Engineering; Western New England University - “Developing Premium Grade Pellets from Coffee Husk for Residential Heating Applications”

Our technology is a process of turning coffee husk waste into sustainable bio-pellets for home heating applications by significantly reducing the ash content of the pellets to levels superior to currently available wood pellets. The award money will help advance the technology and to develop a business model for entrepreneurial opportunities.

Malay K. Mazumder, Ph.D.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mark N. Horenstein, Ph.D.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; N. Joglekar, Ph.D.; School of Management; Boston University - “Development of Prototype Self-Cleaning Solar Panels for Commercialization”

Large-scale solar panels, installed in vast areas of land such as in Mojave Desert, where sunshine is available 12/7 almost throughout the year, can provide all the electricity we need in the US and more. These sunniest areas are also the dustiest: dust on panels can cause 20% or more loss in energy yield and revenue. The MassCEC grant will enable us to build and demonstrate prototype self-cleaning solar panels, a technology developed at BU that can keep the panels clean at a very little cost without water or manual labor, to potential investors, solar farms, and solar panel manufacturers for commercialization.

Roger Faulkner; Ballistic Breaker Corporation - “Demonstration of Ballistic Breaker™ for 1200 volt, 1200 amp service”

DC circuit breakers are critical enabling technology for DC microgrids. The Ballistic Breaker™ is very fast compared to existing mechanical DC circuit breakers, and has lower cost than power electronic breakers. The special properties offered by the Ballistic Breaker™ are highly desirable for protection of high power motor controls. Faulkner will use the MassCEC funds by working with two MA firms to finalize the design and testing of a prototype.

Deepak Dugar, Ph.D.; Visolis, Inc. - “Cost Competitive Clean Chemicals Via Synthetic Biology”

Visolis, Inc. is an industrial biotechnology company developing the next generation of biocatalysts that can convert renewable feedstocks into chemicals and fuels at a price point competitive with petroleum based processes. With support of the catalyst program, Visolis intends to conduct proof of concept studies to demonstrate commercial viability of our biocatalysts.

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About the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center

The Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) was created in 2004 as a program in the Massachusetts Economic Stimulus Bill. Its goal is to support technology transfer activities from public and private research institutions to companies in Massachusetts. To achieve this goal, the Center works with technology transfer offices at Massachusetts research institutions; faculty, researchers, and students who have commercially promising ideas; and companies across the Commonwealth. The MTTC is based in the University of Massachusetts President’s Office. More information is available at www.MaTTCenter.org.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

www.masscec.com

California Energy Commission Awards Nearly $1.2 Million for Energy Research Projects

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2012

CEC Media Contact: Sandy Louey - 916-654-4989

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission today awarded $1,154,230 to spur research for projects including one improving climate change projections used for energy forecasts.

Funds for the 10 projects come from the Commission's Public Interest Research Project (PIER) program.

Commissioners approved $300,000 to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California at San Diego to better understand why there are differences in regional climate model projections for California and how it impacts hydropower generation forecasting.

"Climate change will have significant impacts on energy supply and demand. This research will help quantify the effects for energy forecasting," said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller.

The research will build upon work at Scripps that the Commission funded. The project will assist the Commission's energy forecasting activities, which use climate projections to estimate the impact on peak electricity demand. The findings will also help local and state policy makers tackle climate change issues.

The remaining nine projects are from PIER's Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) program. The program provides money to small businesses, non-profits, individuals, and academic institutions to conduct research that establishes the feasibility of new, innovative energy concepts. These grants are capped at $95,000.

The EISG projects approved were:

Next Energy Technologies, Inc. will receive $95,000 for a project using soluble organic small molecules to increase the lifetime and reliability while lowering the cost of photovoltaics.
Engineering Economics, Inc. was awarded $95,000 to study enhanced cooling towers to cool buildings. The project would use heat exchanged between the cool, moist exiting air and hot, dry entering air to lower cold water temperature or reduce fan power and evaporative water consumption.
Charles Vann will receive $95,000 to design a folded electromagnetic coil wind turbine generator that is more cost-effective than other wind turbine generators in terms of the power-to-cost ratio.
Brian Moffat will receive $95,000 for a spindrift wave energy device that would generate electrical power from a wave-driven hydrokinetic turbine embedded in a submerged tube.
UC Davis was awarded $95,000 to look at the feasibility of an all-in-one approach to produce biofuels from feedstock in a single step and using one reactor. The project would study this approach by converting cellulose to ethanol.
San Diego State University was awarded $95,000 for a system that would transfer protons to serve as catalysts in converting water to oxygen. The project is part of a system that would covert water to hydrogen fuel and oxygen using sunlight.
Physical Sciences Inc. will receive $95,000 to study laser-based, natural gas sensors to provide rapid warning about pipeline leaks.
UC Riverside was awarded $94,714 for an eco-routing navigation system for electrical vehicles (EV). The project would calculate travel routes for electrical vehicles using the least amount of energy so that the EV range would be extended.
UC Riverside will receive $94,516 to investigate a new process to produce substituted natural gas from wet organic wastes.

The Commission's PIER program supports public interest research and development that helps improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, reliable, and affordable energy services and products to the marketplace. Funds will be paid out to grantees upon receipt of invoices.

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New Jersey Action to Strengthen Solar Market

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Governor Christie Builds on Record of Growing Renewable Energy Sources with Action to Strengthen Solar Market

Bipartisan Legislation Advances Administration’s Commitment to Development of Renewable Energy Resources in New Jersey

For Immediate Release Contact: Michael Drewniak and Kevin Roberts 609-777-2600

Trenton, NJ – Taking action that continues the Christie Administration’s commitment to fostering thedevelopment of renewable energy resources in New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie today signed into law bipartisan legislation to strengthen and encourage the continued growth of New Jersey’s solar industry, while protecting ratepayers from increased costs. The bill, S-1925, couples an acceleration of the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for solar energy with a reduction of the solar alternate compliance payments, meeting an important goal of the Governor’s 2011 Energy Master Plan (EMP), strengthening the solar market in New Jersey, and securing the state’s place as a national solar energy leader.

“Since my time running for office, I made it clear that my Administration would be unrivaled in our aggressive support for the development of renewable sources of energy in New Jersey. Renewable energy not only helps meet our goals of increasing sustainability and protecting the environment, but can be an engine for economic growth and the creation of good-paying jobs for the people of our state,” said Governor Christie. “The bill I am signing today furthers these goals and will help us remain a national leader in the solar energy industry as we continue to promote innovative approaches to solar development, like developing landfills and other unusable lands and transforming them into sources of usable clean energy, all while holding down costs for families and businesses.”

Solar Alternative Compliance Payments (SACPs) set a ceiling on the market price of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs”), which the suppliers and providers of electricity are required to purchase in an amount that satisfies the annual RPS requirement. The Division of Rate Counsel estimates that the law will save ratepayers approximately $1.076 billion over the next 15 years as compared to the current solar subsidy schedule.

Demand for SRECs is set by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”). Under the bill, the 15-year RPS schedule is changed from a fixed megawatt requirement each year to a percentage of overall energy usage in New Jersey, ensuring that the level of solar obligation rises and falls with overall energy demand, which can vary due to economic factors as well as the success of energy efficiency and conservation programs.

Under the legislation, the Board of Public Utilities (“Board”) has the authority to review all proposed grid-supply solar projects, except for a limited amount (80 MW a year) for Energy Years 2014 through 2016, consistent with the Christie Administration’s objective of promoting dual-benefit net-metered projects and discouraging large-scale solar projects on farmland and open space; creates a sub-program to incent the development of solar projects on landfills and brownfields; and lowers costs for participating schools and government entities through net-metering aggregation.

New Jersey installed more solar capacity in the first quarter of 2012 than any other state, and led the nation in solar installations on commercial and industrial properties in 2011. There are over 16,000 solar installations on homes, offices, schools, and hospitals throughout the state. The state currently has over 800 MW in installed capacity and another 600 MW of solar in various stages of installation. Of the electricity generated in New Jersey, over 1% now comes from solar energy. Governor Christie has acted on a commitment to aggressively support renewable energy generation in New Jersey. According to the Department of Energy, New Jersey has the 7th highest Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard in the nation at 22.5% by 2021. 13 states maintain no renewable energy standard whatsoever. In addition, Governor Christie’s 2011 Energy Master Plan commits to no new coal-fired plants in New Jersey, ensuring that additional generation capacity comes from cleaner sources.

Sponsors of the legislation include Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem) and Senator Bob Smith (D-Middlesex and Somerset).

# # #

Click here for original press release.

CEFIA Launches 2nd Round of Interim Commercial Solar Hot Water Program

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Rocky Hill, Conn., July 26, 2012 —The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) today launched the second round of project solicitations for the Commercial Solar Hot Water Program (Program). The Program has a $2,000,000 budget that will support approximately forty-five solar hot water projects on schools, restaurants, apartment houses, hospitals and other establishments that use a significant amount of hot water.

The Program is designed to facilitate the transition between CEFIA’s federally-funded Solar Thermal Rebate Program, which ended in April, and a more sustainable long-term program based solely on financing from Connecticut’s ratepayers.

This Program combines both approaches, giving applicants the opportunity to tailor the incentive package to their financing needs. It is a competitive Program – winning projects will be those that use CEFIA’s ratepayer funds most efficiently, with priority given to requests for financing, as opposed to outright grants. Projects approved for incentives in the first round, which closed on June 1, 2012, included two schools, an industrial plant, a food market and a waterfront resort.

Following this second round of applications, which closes on August 24, there will be two more solicitations, which are expected to close in October and late November. Currently, $450,000 is available for round 2, $900,000 has been allocated for round 3, and $575,000 for round four. All projects under this program must be completed by June 30, 2013.

Bryan Garcia, CEFIA President stated, “We are pleased to offer this “hybrid” incentive program to help ease the transition of the solar industry from subsidy-based incentives to a sustainable model based on financing alone. Solar Thermal systems offer a cost-effective source of clean and efficient hot water production that can pay back the capital costs in ten years or less through the savings in fuel costs. CEFIA looks forward to continuing to work with market participants and industry stakeholders.”

Commercial building owners interested in learning more about this program opportunity or to apply should visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarthermal.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

###

Contact: David Goldberg

Director, Government and External Relations

Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Phone: (860) 257-2889

Maine Deploys First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Tidal Energy Project

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On July 24, Energy Secretary Steven Chu recognized the nation’s first commercial, grid-connected tidal energy project off the coast of Eastport, Maine. Leveraging a $10 million investment from the Energy Department, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) will deploy its first commercial tidal energy device into Cobscook Bay. The project injected $14 million into the local economy, supported more than 100 local and supply chain jobs, and represents the first tidal energy project in the United States with long-term contracts to sell electricity – driving American leadership in this innovative clean energy technology.

Click here to see original press release: Maine Deploys First U.S. Commercial, Grid-Connected Tidal Energy Project

New National Partnership Explores State Bond Finance to Scale up Clean Energy Investment

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

“Clean Energy + Bond Finance Initiative” to Tap Task Force of Leading Experts, Looking to Dramatically Expand Clean Energy Investment

Washington, D.C. – Clean Energy Group (CEG) and the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) announced today the creation of the Clean Energy + Bond Finance Initiative (CE+BFI), a new partnership to advance clean energy through the power of bond financing institutions.

CE+BFI will work with institutional investors, public finance agencies, and public clean energy fund managers across the country, finding ways to increase clean energy investment by an additional $5 billion to $20 billion in the next five years.

To assist the CE+BFI in its mission, CDFA and CEG also launched a national Task Force on Clean Energy Bond Finance to support the partnership. The Task Force includes over 50 representatives from the top public and private clean energy and development finance organizations throughout the country, including states, cities, law firms, private banks, and other clean energy and bond finance industry professionals. A full list of confirmed participants is available online.

“States have been the leaders in clean energy project support for the last decade,” said Lewis Milford, founder and CEO of Clean Energy Group. “Now, state clean energy leaders and bond authorities have agreed to work together to solve the next decade’s clean energy problem: how to use existing state clean energy and bond tools to massively scale up clean energy capital.”

CE+BFI comes at a critical time. With the federal government gridlocked and the country looking for new sources of clean energy financing to scale up the industry, many experts are turning to states and localities for the public investment strategies of the future. In the U.S., over 50,000 municipal authorities access the capital markets to finance economic development. It is the scale available through access to these markets that is now needed for sustained clean energy development.

“Development finance agencies with bond issuance authority know how to fund large infrastructure projects and are ready to tackle clean energy finance,” said Toby Rittner, CEO of CDFA. “Bonds can be the tools that make clean energy finance attractive to underwriters, pension funds, and institutional investors. They can create the needed, secure pipeline to the trillion-dollar capital markets, and this can be done with existing tools and institutions.”

"In order to compete in the global race for clean energy technologies, we need to pursue innovative strategies that lower the cost of financing commercial-scale clean energy projects," said U.S Department of Energy Senior Advisor Richard Kauffman. "States are often the laboratories for solving problems, so trying to crack the code of clean energy finance at the state level can make a difference everywhere."

Development finance through the issuance of bonds has already begun to bring new capital into the clean energy space. Examples include the “Morris Model” for solar installations and bond-funded programs for clean energy economic development in New Jersey. More work must be done to use bond finance at the scale needed to expand the industry.

There is currently a great deal of misconception about the use of bond financing by state and local governments. The truth is that municipal bonds remain safe investments, a fact evident in the market’s lack of reaction to high-profile negative news. Further, CE+BFI will emphasize the issuance of revenue bonds, not general obligation bonds backed by a state or municipality.

CE+BFI, with advisory assistance from the Task Force, will immediately begin the work of identifying opportunities and barriers facing stakeholders looking to issue bonds for clean energy development. The initiative then looks to launch pilot partnerships to finance clean energy projects in six to eight states and localities.

“The CE+BFI partnership is what’s needed to begin answering the question of how clean energy can get to scale, and how it can access capital markets in the same way we now finance other projects,” said Lori Beary of the Iowa Finance Authority, a Task Force member. “Bringing everyone together to figure out clean energy finance will bring economic benefits to states all across America. I’m glad this effort is underway and am excited to participate.”

A background paper on why CE+BFI initiative was formed, how clean energy can be financed through bonds, and the initiative’s action plan is available online.

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About Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA): CDFA is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation’s leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing public, private and non-profit entities alike. For more information about CDFA, visit www.cdfa.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2012

CONTACT

Marissa N. Newhall
marissa@cleanegroup.org
(202) 527-9196

Climate Change Reports Highlight Impacts and Challenges for California

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Leading scientists outline opportunities for solutions

SACRAMENTO – Facing the severe threat of climate change, California policymakers and researchers announced new data to reduce and adapt to climate change in the Golden State. According to new reports released by the California Natural Resources Agency and the California Energy Commission, state and local leaders now have a wealth of detailed information about adapting to climate change. The findings were announced today at a news conference at the California Emergency Management Agency.

“Significant increases in wildfires, floods, severe storms, drought and heat waves are clear evidence that climate change is happening now. California is stepping up to lead the way in preparing for – and adapting to – this change,” said Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird. “These reports use cutting-edge science to provide an analytical roadmap, pointing the way for taking concrete steps to protect our natural resources and all Californians.”

The new data will help state and local communities to protect public health, grow the State’s economy, ensureenergy reliability, and safeguard the environment. Conducted by 26 research teams from numerous academic institutions, the reports comprise the State’s third climate change assessment released since 2006.

“We know that climate change will significantly affect the state’s energy supply and demand,” said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “This groundbreaking research gives us the data and analytical tools we need to better plan, forecast and prepare to meet the state’s energy needs as we face climate challenges.”

This new assessment, guided by various state agencies and independent scientific experts, offers findings on current and projected impacts of climate change on the state’s energy, water, agriculture, coastal regions and public health. The reports provide vital data for taking action, with studies focused on assessing local and regional barriers and opportunities for adapting to a shifting climate. Areas of focus include the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Santa Barbara. The assessment is part of California’s evidence-based statewide approach to reducing the risks of climate change, as directed by the Governor’s Office.

Alaska Energy Authority Hires Energy Policy Manager

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Anchorage) –The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) today announced former State Senator Gene Therriault will join AEA’s management team as deputy director for statewide energy policy development. The position is the primary state coordinator for multi-agency energy policy development and program implementation. Therriault will focus on energy issues important to the Interior, such as bringing gas to Fairbanks. He will also work on energy efficiency and conservation, rural energy policy issues and join the Susitna-Watana project team.

Governor Sean Parnell has directed the Alaska Energy Authority to expand its role as the state’s lead agency on energy policy development.

“Gene has an extensive background in energy issues and policy development, and his addition to AEA as point person for Alaska energy policy is a natural fit,” Governor Parnell said.

“AEA’s mission is to reduce the cost of energy in Alaska,” said AEA Executive Director Sara Fisher-Goad. “We are happy to respond to the governor’s call to expand AEA’s role as lead on statewide energy policy, and we look forward to having Gene as part of the team as we work to fulfill our responsibility to Alaskans.”

Therriault served in the Alaska State House of Representatives from 1993 to 2000, and in the Alaska State Senate from 2001 to 2009. He was senate president from 2003 to 2004. He currently serves as vice president of resource development and external affairs at Golden Valley Electric Association in Fairbanks. Therriault will begin his AEA duties in August.

The Alaska Energy Authority is a public corporation of the state. AEA’s purpose is to reduce the cost of energy in Alaska.

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PRESS RELEASE

Karsten Rodvik

Project Manager – External Affairs

907.771.3024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2012

Interior and Defense Departments Join Forces to Promote Renewable Energy on Federal Lands

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Partnership would harness onshore and offshore renewable energy for U.S. bases

WASHINGTON –As part of President Obama’s ‘all-of-the-above’ strategy to responsibly develop America’s domestic energy resources, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Defense are teaming up to strengthen the nation’s energy security and reduce military utility costs.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that encourages appropriate development of renewable energy projects on public lands withdrawn (set aside) for defense-related purposes, and other onshore and offshore areas near military installations.

The MOU sets out the guiding concepts for the Renewable Energy Partnership Plan, the departments’ roles and responsibilities under the agreement, and how they will work together to carry out the initiative. A major goal of the partnership is to harness the significant proven solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy resources on or near DoD installations across the country.

“Energy security is critical to our national security. Under our ‘Smart from the Start’ approach to spurring renewable energy development, we are making millions of acres of public lands and offshore areas available that have the greatest potential for utility-scale solar and wind projects and the fewest resource conflicts,” said Secretary Salazar, who announced today’s agreement on the eve of the National Clean Energy Summit 5.0. “Our nation’s military lands hold great renewable energy potential, and this partnership will help ensure that we’re tapping into these resources with a smart and focused approach to power our military, reduce energy costs, and grow our nation’s energy independence.”

“Developing renewable energy is the right thing to do for national security as well as for the environment and our economy,” Secretary Panetta said. “Renewable energy projects built on these lands will provide reliable, local sources of power for military installations; allow for a continued energy supply if the commercial power grid gets disrupted; and will help lower utility costs.”

DoD is aggressively pursuing the development of renewable energy on its installations both to improve the energy security of the installations and to reduce the Department’s $4 billion-a-year utility bill. Together with advanced microgrid technology, which DoD is testing, renewable energy will allow a base to maintain critical functions for weeks or months if the commercial grid goes down. With these operational goals in mind, each of the Military Services has committed to deploy 1 gigawatt of renewable energy on or near its installations by 2025.

DoD installations encompass roughly 28 million acres in the United States, of which 16 million acres previously managed by Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were withdrawn for military use by Executive Order, congressional legislation or departmental regulations. About 13 million acres of these withdrawn lands are located in the west and are high in wind, solar and geothermal resources. Offshore wind also is an abundant renewable energy resource available to many DoD installations on the Atlantic coast, Pacific coast, Gulf of Mexico and in Hawaii. Offshore Atlantic winds alone could produce an estimated 1,000 gigawatts of energy.

The MOU establishes a framework for an offshore wind partnership within which Interior and DoD will continue to work together to identity areas most appropriate for offshore wind development. To encourage a dialogue with industry, the DoD and Interior will co-chair a military/industry offshore wind forum this fall to initiate information-sharing among the military, other federal agencies, and industry.

The MOU also provides a blueprint for cooperation between Interior and DoD to identify lands for mission-compatible development of onshore renewable energy projects on DoD installations. This includes withdrawn lands on military installations or on withdrawn land that could be appropriate for utility-scale solar, wind, or geothermal projects.

Under the MOU, the DoD will explore ways in which renewable energy could be provided directly to a single installation or may be transmitted across a network of DoD installations. Some larger projects could involve the sale of excess power to the grid, provided appropriate measures ensure base security.

As part of the MOU, DoD and the BLM will develop a pilot process for authorizing solar energy projects on several military installations in Arizona and California, including the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona; Ft. Irwin, California; and the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The pilot process will reflect the MOU in that DoD will take the lead in permitting and leasing for renewable energy projects on lands withdrawn for defense-related purposes.

The partnership will set up a working group on geothermal energy, continue to increase renewable energy production opportunities through the Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska, and use the Interagency Land Use Coordinating Committee process to resolve land management issues pertaining to withdrawn lands. The MOU also stipulates that Interior and DoD will continue the important landscape level planning effort on the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan in California.

Today’s announcement builds on the Administration’s historic progress toward fostering renewable energy development on public lands. When President Obama took office, there were no solar projects permitted on public lands; since 2009, Interior has approved 17 utility-scale solar energy projects that, when built, will produce more than 5,900 megawatts of energy—enough to power approximately 1.8 million American homes. Interior has also approved 6 onshore wind (more than 800 MW) and 8 geothermal (424 MW) in this same time frame. Together these projects, when built, will provide more than 7,200 megawatts—enough to power around 2.3 million homes. Thanks to steps already taken by the Administration, renewable energy from sources like wind and solar have doubled since the President took office.

To view the Interior-DoD Memorandum of Understanding click HERE.

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Source: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Interior-and-Defense-Departments-Join-Forces-to-Promote-Renewable-Energy-on-Federal-Lands.cfm

08/06/2012

Contact: Blake Androff (DOI) 202-208-6416

LTC Melinda Morgan (DOD) 703-697-5131

Massachusetts Launches Regional Renewable Energy Initiative with Other 5 New England States

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Initiative will help pave the way for large scale investments in renewable energy across the region

BURLINGTON, VERMONT – Monday, July 30, 2012 – Governor Deval Patrick today proposed a resolution at the New England Governor’s Conference that passed unanimously and will advance the process towards a coordinated regional procurement of renewable energy. Assistant Secretary of Energy Steven Clarke presented the proposal at the Burlington, Vermont conference on the Governor’s behalf. The six New England states agreed today to release a request for proposal (RFP) in 2013 for a significant amount of renewable energy. Taking advantage of economies of scale and market power, a competitive, coordinated regional procurement of renewable energy will help New England develop its vast, homegrown, renewable energy resource more cost effectively, enhance energy supply diversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic development. This resolution charges The New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE) with developing and implementing a work plan on behalf of the New England Governors that will result in the release of an RFP for renewable energy in 2013. NESCOE will convene a procurement team of the top energy officials and other representatives from each state that will finalize the details of the competitive, coordinated, regional procurement over the course of the next year.

“The Massachusetts clean energy revolution is well underway thanks to leadership from Governor Patrick and the legislature, and I look forward to working with my counterparts in the other New England states to further this revolution,” said Energy and Environment Secretary Rick Sullivan. “We launched our own version of a competitive procurement for renewable energy here in Massachusetts thru Section 83 of The Green Communities Act, which was very successful – requiring utilities to enter into long-term contracts with the developers of renewable energy projects, in order to help them obtain financing and it could also serve as an effective model for regional procurement.”

This resolution is the culmination of years of rigorous analysis and policy development led by NESCOE on behalf of The New England Governors. In September of 2009, the New England Governors adopted the New England Governors’ Renewable Energy Blueprint which included technical analysis conducted by ISO New England (ISO-NE), and identified significant renewable energy resources in and around the region. It also included policy analysis that identified the potential for New England states to coordinate competitive renewable power procurement. According to a wind energy study conducted by ISO-NE in 2010, offshore and onshore wind energy alone could provide more than 12,000 MW of electricity, enough electricity to supply 24 percent of the region’s electricity demand.

Governor Patrick has set ambitious goals for renewable energy: 250 MW of installed solar power by 2017 and 2,000 MW of wind energy by 2020. Governor Patrick also signed into law in 2008 The Green Communities Act, Global Warming Solutions Act, and Green Jobs Act.

The Green Communities Act, a comprehensive energy reform bill, accelerated the increase of renewable energy required of all electricity suppliers, rising from 4 percent of sales to 15 percent by 2020, and set a goal of 20 percent of all electricity coming from renewables by that time. The Global Warming Solutions Act requires the Commonwealth to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 25 percent by 2020, and by 80 percent by 2050 – the most ambitious greenhouse gas targets for any single state in the nation. The Green Jobs Act created the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) which is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy development and implementation, while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth in Massachusetts.

These measures laid the foundation for Massachusetts’ clean energy revolution. According to a 2011 CEC report, there are now more than 64,000 clean energy jobs, and over 5,000 clean energy companies in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts has experienced one of the most rapid growth rates in the nation for its installed wind energy capacity, growing more than tenfold since Governor Patrick took office, to over 60 MW currently installed. The Massachusetts solar sector has also grown explosively during the same time period, with 118 MW currently installed and well on the way towards Governor Patrick’s 250 MW solar energy goal. Massachusetts celebrated another clean energy milestone last week, surpassing 100 Green Communities.

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Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2012/120730-pr-ne-regional-energy-initiative.html

Masschusetts Clean Energy Economy Growing and Employing 72,000 Workers

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Report identifies 5,000 clean energy companies employing 72,000 workers

BOSTON – August 16, 2012 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced Massachusetts’ clean energy economy grew by 11.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012. According to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report released today the growing sector now employs 71,523 people at 4,995 clean energy firms across Massachusetts.

"I have said from the beginning of this Administration that, if we get clean energy right, the world will be our customer. This past year’s 11.2 percent increase in clean energy jobs means that we are getting it right and the world knows it,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Investing in our nation-leading clean energy agenda is the right thing to do for our environment, our energy independence, our public health and our economic vitality. We owe it to our future to keep this momentum going strong.”

“The clean energy revolution is taking hold and creating local jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors. “Through Governor Patrick’s vision and supported by MassCEC’s innovative programs, the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy is growing rapidly, despite a tough economic environment across the nation.”

“Our innovation economy, including the clean energy sector, has been one of the drivers of our economic recovery and through our long-term economic development plan the Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to continuing that growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki. “This report shows that our clean energy sector is growing and providing good jobs throughout the Commonwealth, and that there is room in the future for more growth in this innovative industry.”

According to the report, 71,523 people are directly involved in work related to the state’s clean energy sector, an increase of 11.2 percent over 2011. This growth outpaced the overall economy nearly ten times over, and it’s expected to continue. Employers surveyed are optimistic about the coming year and expect to hire more workers in 2013. Clean energy continues to maintain its place as one of the Commonwealth’s marquee industries, with 1.7 percent of the total Massachusetts workforce.

The survey found a large number of firms in varied industries - ranging from construction and manufacturing to research and development - reporting activity and employment in the clean energy sector. Additionally the report identified a large number of companies that don’t necessarily identify themselves as clean energy companies first, but directly engage in activities related to the clean energy cluster - showing that clean energy penetrates numerous sectors of the Massachusetts economy.

“This report is proof that Massachusetts’ innovation economy is succeeding,” said incoming MassCEC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Alicia Barton McDevitt, who begins her term on August 20. “The report affirms Massachusetts’ role as a national and global leader in clean energy development and deployment, and a success made possible by our talented workforce, world-class academic and research institutions, and Governor Patrick's vision for a clean energy future in Massachusetts.”

For the purposes of the report, a clean energy firm is defined as an employer engaged in whole or in part in providing goods and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, and carbon management. Clean energy workers are defined as spending at least a portion of their time supporting the clean energy aspects of their businesses.

The 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which includes a breakdown of company and employment data by technology sector and geographic region and information on workforce trends, was prepared by BW Research Partnership on behalf of MassCEC.

BW Research Partnership administered surveys online and by telephone to a list of employers known to be engaged in the clean energy industry, as well as to a representative, clustered, random sample of companies from the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industries identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as being potentially related to the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and alternative transportation sectors.

In total, researchers made more than 16,000 telephone calls and sent more than 5,200 emails to employers, yielding 930 survey responses with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

“This study illustrates just how strong and diverse the clean energy economy is in Massachusetts,” said BW Research Vice President Phil Jordan. “Compared to other regions that we have studied, the rare mix of world-class educational institutions, venture capital, entrepreneurial small businesses, supportive government policies, and an eager and educated consumer base make this a state home to one of the strongest and most exciting clean energy sectors in the nation.

About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth---while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC is a partner, clearinghouse and connector for people in the clean energy sector, making direct investments in clean energy companies, building a strong clean energy workforce, and supporting responsibly sited renewable energy projects across the Commonwealth. MassCEC works with the entire clean energy community in Massachusetts to propel promising technologies from the drawing board to the global marketplace. Join the Innovation Revolution at http://www.masscec.com/.

Source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/cdid/13913/pid/11150

CESA Announces Warren Leon as New Deputy Director

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

We are pleased to announce that Warren Leon has taken on the role of Deputy Director of the Clean Energy States Alliance, working directly under Executive Director Mark Sinclair, to better serve and support CESA.

For the past three years, Warren has worked as a consultant on special projects for CESA, including directing the State-Federal RPS Collaborative and writing reports on evaluating renewable energy programs. He will now become more involved in the day-to-day management of CESA’s projects and will participate more fully in core CESA activities.

As CESA has grown and taken on challenging new projects, management of the organization has become more complex. In addition to CESA’s programmatic activities, outside funding has allowed us to create several new projects, including the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project, the Interstate Turbine Advisory Council, and the Energy Storage Technology Advancement Project, that provide additional benefits to CESA members. By sharing the organizational management duties with Warren, Mark will have more time to advance critical policies and strategic initiatives that benefit CESA and its members, as well as to create, find support for, and implement new projects.

Prior to his work with CESA, Warren was Director of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. Earlier in his career, he was Executive Director of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and Deputy Director for Programs at the Union of Concerned Scientists. In addition to his work for CESA, he is Adjunct Professor and Coordinator of the Global Green MBA at Brandeis International Business School.

Please join us in welcoming Warren in his new role at CESA. With Project Directors Todd Olinsky-Paul and Val Stori, and Program Coordinator Maria Blais Costello filling out the CESA staff, Mark and Warren are looking forward to working on the new FY2013 Work Plan and assisting CESA members in the coming year.

New York Legislation to Make Solar Power More Affordable for Homeowners and Businesses

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Make Solar Power More Affordable for Homeowners and Businesses - As Part of the NY-SUN Initiative, Bills Will Increase Solar Installations and Lead to New Investments in New York’s Growing Solar Energy Sector

August 17, 2012 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed a series of bills as part of the NY-Sun initiative that will make solar energy more affordable for homeowners and businesses as well as create new jobs in the state’s growing solar energy sector.

The new laws include statewide tax credits for the lease of solar equipment and power purchase agreements (A.34-B/S.149-B), statewide sales tax exemptions for commercial solar equipment (A.5522-B/S.3203-B) and an extension of the real property tax abatement in New York City for solar installations (A.10620/S.7711).

“The bills signed today continue to build momentum for the state’s NY-Sun Initiative by accelerating the installation of solar power while making it a more affordable option for residents and businesses,” Governor Cuomo said. “Together with other NY-Sun incentives, these bills demonstrate the state’s commitment to reducing energy costs, growing our green energy sector, creating jobs, and protecting the environment.”

NY-Sun calls for the installation in 2012 of twice the customer-sited solar electricity capacity that was added during 2011, and quadruple that amount in 2013.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), said, "Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun Initiative continues to send the message that New York is ramping up its efforts to deploy solar energy and develop the advanced technologies to support the state’s growing clean energy economy. New York is focused on expanding and developing its renewable energy resources, ensuring the state maintains a diverse renewable energy portfolio."

Statewide Tax Credits for Leased Solar Systems

This new law provides statewide tax credits for homeowners who obtain solar equipment through a lease or a power purchase agreement, where the agreement spans at least ten years. The tax credit would be available for up to 14 years with a maximum of $5,000 for all years.

The use of solar leases and power purchase agreements – alternatives to traditional purchase of solar energy generating systems – has grown significantly over the past few years. This new business model has the potential to significantly increase the pace of solar energy installations in the State, as it often reduces or eliminates upfront costs to the customer.

The law takes effect immediately.

Sales Tax Exemptions on Commercial Solar Systems

The law exempts the sale and installation of commercial solar energy systems equipment from sales taxes, and allows municipalities and cities to exclude these costs from local sales tax.

This bill assists in the installation of solar on commercial buildings, as these properties generally have large rooftops and are high energy-demand consumers.

The law takes effect January 1, 2013.

New York City Real Property Tax Law Abatement

The law extends the property tax abatement available to solar energy generating systems in New York City through 2013 and 2014. This extension will help mitigate the cost of installing solar installations in the City.

Eligible solar electric generating system expenditures include reasonable expenditures for materials, labor costs properly allocable to on-site preparation, assembly and original installation, architectural and engineering services, and designs and plans directly related to the construction or installation of the solar electric generating system.

The law takes effect January 1, 2013.

Senator George D. Maziarz, sponsor of S.149-B and S.S3203-B, said, “By signing this legislation today, Governor Cuomo is taking another step to make New York a leader in renewable energy generation. I was proud to sponsor both of these bills in the New York State Senate, and believe strongly that each will lead our State to a stronger energy future. By extending sales tax exemptions for the purchase of solar equipment to commercial enterprises, and by providing a significant tax credit to those that choose to lease solar equipment or purchase power generated by solar equipment, we are taking strong action to incentivize a growing industry in New York State. Governor Cuomo has been a strong partner in creating better energy policies for our state and I appreciate his support of both pieces of legislation.”

Senator Andrew J. Lanza, sponsor of S. S7711, said, “This law will promote the use of solar energy systems providing New York residents with a cleaner, more efficient and reliable energy supply. The law will also serve as an economic stimulus and I thank Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Cuomo for their leadership on the energy front here in New York.”

Assembly Member Steve Englebright, sponsor of A.5522-B, said, "We can simultaneously create new jobs and achieve the goals set for New York State's electricity needs through clean renewable energy. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we will be doing just that by encouraging large-scale commercial investment in solar energy by eliminating all state sales taxes on commercial solar purchases and installations."

Assembly Member Herman D. Farrell Jr., sponsor of A.10620, said, "This is a very good bill for the tenants in the city; it will further stimulate clean energy investment and job creation throughout New York City. I would like to thank the Governor for signing this important legislation."

Carol E. Murphy, executive director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), said, "We commend Governor Cuomo and our legislative leaders for their ongoing support of New York's growing solar industry. The signing of these bills marks another important step forward in improving and expanding the opportunities for solar investment and will go a long way towards strengthening the state’s clean energy economy."

Last Updated: 08/20/2012

Source: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/en/About/Newsroom/2012-Announcements/2012-08-17-Governor-Cuomo-Signs-Legislation-to-Make-Solar-Power-More-Affordable.aspx

NY-Sun Initiative Makes $107 Million Available for PV Installed at Business, Factories, Municipal Buildings, and C&I Customers

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Governor Cuomo Announces $107 Million Available Through NY-Sun Inititiative for Large Solar Power Installations As Part of NY-Sun Initiative: Available Funding Doubled Through 2013 to Increase Rate of Solar Power Installations and Reduce and Stabilize Electricity Costs for Businesses

August 09, 2012 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $107 million is now available through the NY-Sun Initiative for a major solar power incentive program that will increase the amount of electricity generated by photovoltaic (PV) systems throughout New York.

The NY-Sun Competitive PV Program, which is being administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), seeks proposals for large (more than 50 kilowatts) PV systems to be installed at businesses, factories, municipal buildings and other larger commercial and industrial customers. A new website, http://ny-sun.ny.gov/, has been launched to provide a one-stop-shop for applicants seeking funding through the NY-Sun program.

"The NY-Sun program has helped establish New York State as a leader in solar power, and these investments in photovoltaic systems will allow businesses and municipalities to put in place green, cost-effective electric generating installations," Governor Cuomo said. "In addition, these investments will further drive job growth in the state's clean power industry, and create economic development in communities across New York. I encourage all businesses and municipalities eligible for these grants to apply."

This phase of the program is available through the end of 2013 for PV projects in New York City and upstate New York at eligible customer-sites. This is an expansion – both in geographical territory and in funding – of a two-year-old program that previously focused on large PV systems for the commercial, industrial and municipal sectors exclusively in New York City, Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley. The awards announced yesterday by the Governor stemmed from this more limited 2-year-old program.

Through the newly established NY-Sun Competitive PV Program, $36.4 million will be available in 2012 and $70.5 million in 2013. All projects will require co-funding to best leverage state resources with funding capped at $3 million per project.

Proposals under the first round of the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program are due November 8 with the remaining two due dates for this program in the first and third quarters of 2013.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, "For the last two years, NYSERDA funding has helped spark interest in a wide variety of large solar-power projects in some of the most densely populated areas of the state. Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun Initiative will expand and stimulate the growth and deployment of solar technology while at the same time reducing demand on the grid throughout the state."

Public Service Commission Chairman Garry Brown said, "Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun Initiative will help further the growth of solar energy in the state. Not only will this help diversify our energy supply and improve our environment, it will help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and stimulate economic opportunities."

In addition to the competitive PV program, NYSERDA has also expanded its smaller-scale solar PV program (less than 50 kilowatts) under the NY-Sun Initiative. Monthly funding under this program has increased from $2 million to $3.5 million for the remainder of 2012 and will continue at $3.1 million per month in 2013. This standard offer, non-competitive open enrollment program provides funding for systems up to 7 kilowatts for residential sites and up to 50 kilowatts for non-residential sites.

Governor Cuomo launched the NY-Sun initiative to double the amount of customer-sited solar power installed annually in New York, and quadruple that amount by 2013 benchmarked against the amount installed during 2011. This initiative brings together and expands existing programs administered by NYSERDA, NYPA and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), to ensure a coordinated and well-funded solar energy expansion plan.

For more information on the NY-Sun Initiative, please visit www.ny-sun.ny.gov. The NY-Sun Competitive PV Program solicitation can be found here.

Last Updated: 08/21/2012
Source: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2012-Announcements/2012-08-09-Governor-Cuomo-Announces-$107-Million-Available-Through-NY-Sun-Intitiative.aspx

Energy Trust of Oregon Supporting Nation's Largest Solar Highway Project

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Nation’s Largest Solar Highway Project Opens to Rest Stop Visitors - Seven-acre Baldock Solar Station features educational displays, sustainable garden

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One year after breaking ground, the nation’s largest solar highway project — a partnership between Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR) and the Oregon Department of Transportation — is now open to visitors stopping to take respite from their travels along Interstate 5 in Oregon.

“It’s just one example of the kind of forward-thinking approach we can take in transportation — one that brings multiple benefits to Oregonians.”

Growing clean, renewable energy amongst farm fields of corn and cabbage, the Baldock Solar Station is a 1.75-megawatt solar array boasting nearly 7,000 solar panels across seven acres of the Baldock Safety Rest Area, located on Interstate 5 northbound near Wilsonville. Visitors to the station can learn about solar power and Oregon’s solar highway installations through a variety of interpretive displays and walk along a sustainable community garden bordering the site created by Oregon State University Master Gardeners.

Built and operated by PGE on land owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the $10 million solar array went online in January and is expected to produce 1.97 million kilowatt-hours of energy each year — equivalent to 11 percent of ODOT’s need in PGE’s service territory.

“This solar highway project shows how Oregon is leading the nation in developing innovative, renewable energy sources,” said Jim Piro, PGE president and CEO. “The Baldock Solar Station not only educates travelers about the booming solar industry in our state, but showcases what can be accomplished through creative collaboration between public and private partners.”

“With this project — the largest of its kind in the nation — we’re contributing to a strong future in clean, renewable energy resources for Oregon,” said Matt Garrett, ODOT director. “It’s just one example of the kind of forward-thinking approach we can take in transportation — one that brings multiple benefits to Oregonians.”

The Baldock Solar Station is also an all-Oregon project, featuring 6,994 panels produced by SolarWorld of Hillsboro, with inverters provided by Advanced Energy of Bend. All consulting, construction, analysis and other materials also were provided by Oregon companies.

The station is the second joint highway solar project between PGE and ODOT and will help PGE meet the state’s Renewable Energy Standard of providing 25 percent of its power from renewable energy sources by 2025. To date, PGE has a combined 37.7 megawatts of solar power online by utility and customer resources in Oregon. Nearly 3,000 PGE customers have solar electric systems installed on their homes and businesses.

Bank of America provided financing for the project, with additional support provided by Energy Trust of Oregon, PGE’s Clean Wind program and the state’s Business Energy Tax Credit program.

To learn more about the Baldock Solar Station and view its live solar output, visit PortlandGeneral.com/SolarStation. Visitors to the station can share their experience by tagging photos and tweets with #HiPGE and #GoSolar or send tweets to @PortlandGeneral.

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 828,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit our website at PortlandGeneral.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50384050&lang=en

Contacts

ODOT
Shelley Snow, 503-881-5362

Portland General Electric
Elaina Medina, 503-464-8790
Portlandgeneral.com/newsroom

Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120823005025/en/Nation%E2%80%99s-Largest-Solar-Highway-Project-Opens-Rest

Solarize Mass Allows Boston to Qualify for Lower Solar Energy Rates

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Boston Locks in Solar Energy Prices Lower than Traditional Energy Sources

Sept. 30 deadline for Boston residents, businesses to participate in solar program

BOSTON – August 23, 2012 – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced that residents and businesses in the city of Boston qualify for lower solar energy rates than rates for traditional sources of energy under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass).

Ms. Barton McDevitt made the announcement during a celebration of a new solar project installation at Dry Dock Plaza Park in Boston. As a result of the city of Boston’s participation in Solarize Mass, the average Boston participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay 11 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to the statewide price of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for traditional energy sources, which can be a mix of coal-fired, nuclear or natural gas generation.

Residents and businesses have until September 30 to participate in the bulk buying program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.

“A national model, this group pricing program locks in electricity prices and rates, and creates a network of locally-grown energy sources while creating local jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who also serves as chairman of the MassCEC Board of Directors. “We applaud the city of Boston for its leadership in clean energy adoption.”

“I encourage everyone to join the clean energy revolution in Boston,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who announced he plans to install solar panels on his home. “Solar power is now more affordable than ever in the City. It’s being installed on residences, businesses and municipal buildings at an increasing rate, and we are on the way to meeting our 2015 goal of 25 megawatts of solar energy in Boston.”

Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 129 megawatts of solar installed to date – the equivalent of powering more than 20,000 homes and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from 13,870 cars per year.

“I hope Boston’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in this community and beyond to take advantage of this program that not only cuts energy costs, but creates local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt.

To date, a number of residents and businesses in Boston have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 18 solar systems for a total capacity of 89 kilowatts (kW).

Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Boston, offers five tiers of discounted pricing based on the total solar capacity contracted under the program. As more residents and businesses contract for solar, the price for solar energy drops. Solarize Mass is administered by MassCEC and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

“This is a bright day for Boston residents and businesses, as well as for the Menino family,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Solarize Mass and the 103 Green Communities are helping spread solar power across the 339 of 351 communities that now have at least one state-supported solar electricity project.”

The average Massachusetts household uses 667 kilowatt hours per month, equivalent to an average $100 monthly bill for traditional energy sources. By installing a solar electric system, Boston homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $73 with locked in pricing that hedges against potential future electricity price increases.

If a Boston participant wants to purchase a solar electric system under the program, the price for a 5 kW system (the average size for a home) is currently $21,000, rather than the state average at the beginning of the program of over $26,000.

A combination of federal and state incentive programs like Solarize Mass cover the costs of the investment over the lifespan of a solar installation. Under the current pricing, business and homeowners that purchase a 5 kW system could save $7,300 through federal and state tax credits and up to $4,250 in MassCEC rebates. The remainder of the costs would be recovered within approximately five years.

A committee of Boston volunteers and municipal officials selected a designated installer, Marlborough-based SolarCity.

Other solar installation incentives

To offset the cost of installing solar panels, residents and businesses are eligible for a combination of renewable energy incentives including a federal tax incentive of 30 percent and a state tax incentive of 15 percent of the total installation cost, up to $1,000. MassCEC also provides solar rebates through its Commonwealth Solar II Program. Solar projects are also eligible for no and low money down programs through solar installation companies.

Solar energy systems provide residents and businesses with two possible income streams. First is net metering, which allows residents and businesses to deposit any excess energy they generate as a credit into their utility account. The utility, much like a bank, would house credits that can be drawn down against existing or future energy costs. Second, there is an opportunity – under the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Program (SREC) – for utilities to pay homeowners and business for the solar power they generate.

About Solarize Mass

Solarize Mass, which is a partnership between the MassCEC and DOER’s Green Communities Division, encourages the adoption of smallscale solar projects. The program is available to 17 Massachusetts Green Communities, which were designated by DOER after those communities committed to reducing municipal energy use by 20 percent. The communities are Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Lenox, Shirley, Sutton, Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln. Follow the Twitter hash tag #SolarizeMass for more information.

About MassCEC

Visit our website:....................................................... www.MassCEC.com

Follow MassCEC on Twitter:........................... www.twitter.com/MassCEC

55 Summer Street 9^th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 — Office: (617) 315-9355 office / Fax: (617) 315-9356

**Media Contacts**
Catherine Williams (617) 315-9386 cwilliams@masscec.com	Matt Kakley (617) 315-9339 mkakley@masscec.com

Source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Boston-Locks-in-Solar-Energy-Prices-Lower-than-Traditional-Energy-Sources/cdid/13925/pid/11150

Governor Dedicates Maryland's Largest Operating Solar Farm

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The 17.7 MW utility-scale solar farm will produce enough energy to power over 1,700 homes

On August 29th, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley joined representatives from Constellation Energy and Mount St. Mary's University at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mount St. Mary's University solar farm in Emmitsburg in Frederick County. The solar panel installation - the largest in the state - will generate more than 22 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which will be used to power the University System of Maryland and other state facilities operated by the Department of General Services.

The Constellation Energy owned and operated solar farm is part of the Maryland Energy Administration's (MEA) Generating Clean Horizons program. The State and University System of Maryland committed to purchasing 78 megawatts of energy produced by two wind farms and one solar installation over 20 years. The program, which powers 16 percent of the State’s own load through newly constructed renewable sources, leveraged $320 million in private investment without any State funds. The program was also recognized by Harvard University as one of the top 25 innovations in American government. Together, the three Clean Horizon projects are competitive with market rates over the life of the contracts, and also generate renewable energy credits, which will save the State millions in future years. The $60 million Mount St. Mary's solar farm created 150 local construction jobs, and consists of 211,392 advanced thin film photovoltaic panels covering over 100 acres. To learn more, read MEA's press release on Wednesday's ribbon cutting.

Maryland Energy Administration Announces RFP to Support Offshore Wind

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Annapolis, Maryland (July 30, 2012) — The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announced the first request for proposals (RFP) to be funded out of the Offshore Wind Development Fund developed as a result of the merger between Exelon and Constellation Energy. The RFP, entitled, “High Resolution Geophysical Resource Survey,” will fund a study on the geophysical resources of the area designated by the U.S. Department of Interior as suitable for offshore wind energy. The information gathered in the study will give developers a better understanding of the depth and texture of the sea floor and provide valuable information necessary for federal approval of an offshore wind farm.

“Offshore wind has the potential to be a big „win‟ for our State: a win for jobs, a win for consumers, a win for business, and a win for our energy future—an energy future which is cleaner, greener, more sustainable, and more affordable,” said Malcolm D. Woolf, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “I have confidence that the information gathered through this study will help Maryland reap the benefits of offshore wind.”
The ultimate objective of the data gathering mission is to develop a high-resolution map of Maryland‟s “Wind Energy Area” to reduce uncertainty associated with project development and ultimately lower project costs. This will support a large utility-scale wind farm that will supply consumers with a sustainable source of clean, reliable renewable energy, provide significant economic development benefits, and secure price stability for the future.

Proposals MUST be submitted by 2pm on September 6, 2012. There will be a pre-proposal conference held at the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offices on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 10am. MEA is located at 60 West Street, Suite 300 in Annapolis.

To apply, please submit your proposal to:
Maryland Energy Administration 60 West Street, Suite 300 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Attention: Maria Ulrich, Procurement Officer

See the source: http://energy.maryland.gov/documents/MarylandEnergyAdministrationAnnouncesRequestforProposalstoSupportMarylandOffshoreWindDevelop.pdf

Fuel Cells 2000 Releases State of the States: Fuel Cells in America 2012

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

State of the States: Fuel Cells in America 2012.

Fuel Cells 2000 has released its new report, State of the States: Fuel Cells in America 2012. The report finds that in a little more than a year, more than 74 MW of fuel cells for stationary power and 1,700 fuel cell-powered forklifts were installed or purchased. The free report features individual state profiles cataloging all of the policies, installations and activity in the past year since our last report. The report also includes supportive quotes from five Representatives from the U.S. Congress (2 Republicans and 3 Democrats), an introduction including sections on Federal Programs, Business Attraction and Exporting Opportunities, nine separate Top 5 lists, offering readers numbers and reasoning for the state’s inclusion. These Top 5 lists include: Fuel Cell Vehicles, Fuel Cell Buses, Hydrogen Fueling Stations, Telecom Backup Systems, Stationary Fuel Cell Systems (Deployed), Stationary Fuel Cell Systems (Planned), Fuel Cell Patents, and Successful Fuel Cell Policies. There is also an Appendix with several charts, the 2011 H2/FC Policy Wrap-up, our recent compilation list of fuel cell customers in U.S., and links to additional resources.

Download the full report at: http://www.fuelcells.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/StateoftheStates2012.pdf

Oregonians Access New Financing Resources with ETO's Lending Allies

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Oregonians investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy have access to a new financing resource to help make their projects pencil out. Homeowners and business owners may now qualify for low-cost financing solutions provided by Energy Trust of Oregon’s lending allies. In addition, utility customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas can qualify for Energy Trust standard cash incentives and seasonal bonus incentives, as well as potential state and federal tax credits.

Lending allies are independent financial institutions recognizing the need for financing products that further support residential and commercial customers making energy improvements. These products may include preferred rates or fee structures for projects receiving Energy Trust incentives. These businesses also receive training and support on Energy Trust eligibility requirements, incentives and services. The current list of lending allies includes Directors Mortgage, Green Mortgage Northwest and GreenStreet Lending from Umpqua Bank.

GreenStreet Lending originally launched in 2008 as a collaboration between Energy Trust and Umpqua Bank. To also offer the financing product to customers outside of Energy Trust service territory, the program evolved into a sole offering from Umpqua Bank, which became an Energy Trust lending ally this year. Read how Umpqua Bank has loaned more than $50 million to businesses and customers to help fund more than 200 projects since the inception of GreenStreet Lending.

In addition to lending allies, homeowners can finance home energy upgrades through Clean Energy Works Oregon. Energy Trust standard incentives are offered as instant rebates through Clean Energy Works Oregon to reduce total project costs, and Clean Energy Works Oregon can help homeowners find low-interest financing to complete whole-home energy improvements.

Find more information about lending allies and financing resources.

See the source: http://blog.energytrust.org/oregonians-can-access-new-financing-resources/

OWAP Report on Value of Aggregated Procurement of OSW Energy

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

New Report Shows Value of “Aggregated Procurement” to Significantly Reduce Cost of Offshore Wind Energy

"Buyers Network" of Creditworthy Off-takers, in Combination with Other Strategies, Could Lower Expected Cost of Energy of Offshore Wind Energy

Washington, DC & Montpelier, VT — The Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP) today released a comprehensive analysis of the value of "collaborative aggregated procurement" for offshore wind power.

The report, Collaborative Procurement of Offshore Wind Energy - A Buyers Network: Assessment of Merits and Approaches, demonstrates how the purchase of significant amounts of offshore wind energy by a buyers network—in combination with low-cost financing and extension of key federal tax credits—could substantially lower its costs in the near-term.

The report is a collective effort by Clean Energy States Alliance, Pace Global, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, and the Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant. It confirms the value of a buyers network to achieve significant reductions in the levelized cost of offshore wind energy. Specifically, the report finds that:

Use of a buyers network has the potential to reduce the cost of offshore wind power by approximately $35 per megawatt hour.

If a buyers network uses low-cost debt in the form of taxable or tax-exempt bonds, the cost could be further reduced by as much as an additional $20 per megawatt hour.

The ability to use federal investment tax credits could result in an additional $50 per megawatt hour reduction in cost.

The combination of aggregated procurement, low-cost financing, and use of the federal investment tax credit (if extended by Congress) could result in an expected levelized cost of energy for offshore wind of $95 per megawatt hour, on average. This would make offshore wind power highly competitive with other forms of electricity in the U.S.

The report describes the concept of a buyers network, essentially a consortium of creditworthy purchasers (including utilities, state and federal agencies, and large private commercial and/or institutional entities) that enter into long-term contracts with a developer(s) for a project’s generation. By creating economies of scale, a buyers network can spread fixed costs, such as transmission lines, over larger-scale wind farms; lower construction costs from efficiencies; reduce concentration of risk; and reduce capital costs, resulting in cost-competitive offshore wind power. The report provides recommendations and an action plan for creating a successful buyers network.

“Use of aggregated procurement can be a game changer for the domestic offshore wind industry,” said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of Clean Energy States Alliance and lead investigator for the report, in a statement about its release. “The report demonstrates both the power and the simplicity of this approach, and provides a blueprint for effective implementation of a buyers network. We now look forward to working with interested states, federal agencies, utilities and other institutions to encourage the use of this strategy to accelerate the development of this important new industry in the U.S.”

Collaborative Procurement of Offshore Wind Energy - A Buyers Network: Assessment of Merits and Approaches is available in full on the Clean Energy States Alliance website at

http://www.cleanenergystates.org/assets/2012-Files/OSW/OWAP-Collaborative-Procurement-Report-September-2012.pdf.

About the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project: The Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP) is a collaborative effort to fast-track the development of the United States' significant offshore wind resource. Managed by the Clean Energy States Alliance, the project works with state and federal officials, industry representatives, and non-governmental organizations to tackle the major barriers to offshore wind development in an accelerated time frame. Learn more at www.offshorewindworks.org.

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Energy Trust of Oregon saves utility customers $233 million in 2011

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Energy Trust of Oregon saves utility customers $233 million in 2011
Nonprofit spurs unprecedented investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy

PORTLAND, Ore. — August 30, 2012 — Energy Trust of Oregon in 2011 accelerated energy savings and renewable energy generation in Oregon and southwest Washington. Innovative programs helped participating utility customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $233 million on their energy bills in 2011.

Since 2002 Energy Trust services, cash incentives and creative customer engagement strategies supported commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential customers investing in improved lighting and insulation, energy-efficient appliances, equipment and new construction and renewable energy systems like solar and wind.

“We work closely with our allied utilities PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas to help customers meet their energy needs with low-cost energy efficiency and renewable power,” said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust. “Since we started in 2002, we have been offering energy solutions that help customers control costs, reduce energy waste, create more comfortable living and work spaces and generate their own clean, renewable energy.”

“Energy-saving actions we take today lead to lower utility bills, freeing up cash to spend elsewhere, pumping dollars back into the economy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” said Harris. “In 10 years of working together with utilities, contractors, customers and others, we’ve shaped a stronger environment and economy for our state.”

Contact Industries, an engineered wood products manufacturer in Prineville, leveraged energy efficiency to counter the hard-hit construction market. A new sawdust collection system reduced the company’s energy needs by 57 percent, and Energy Trust coaching is helping employees keep the savings constant. “Turning off the lights and not letting machinery idle are all no- and low-cost behavioral changes that lead to savings over time,” said Don Siemsen, continuous improvement manager.

Energy Trust delivered on its energy savings and generation goals for 2011. Savings of 46.9 average megawatts of electricity and 5.4 million therms of natural gas exceeded the organization’s ambitious “stretch” goals for both electric and gas efficiency. Oregonians installed a record number of solar electric systems in 2011 — more than 1,300 residential and commercial systems — and committed to build out a long list of biopower, geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar projects in 2012 and beyond. The nonprofit saved and generated enough energy in 2011 to equal powering 37,500 average Oregon homes and heating another 10,500 with natural gas for a year.

Energy Trust works with 2,400 trade and professional services contractors, part of an on-theground network that connects customers to its programs and services. Outreach, education, development funds and training from Energy Trust support these independent companies—sustaining jobs and putting dollars to work in Oregon and southwest Washington.

Energy Trust is a nonprofit organization funded by the utility ratepayers of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas, and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors with input from two advisory councils of industry professionals. Energy Trust’s 2011 annual report is available online at www.energytrust.org/annualreport. Energy Trust also submits quarterly and annual reports to the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and all reports are available on its website. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.

Amber Cole
503-445-7636
amber.cole@energytrust.org
Susan Jowaiszas
503-546-3624
susan.jowaiszas@energytrust.org

See the source: http://energytrust.org/news/news/120830_2011AnnualResults_PR.pdf

NYSERDA Guide Offers Recommendations to Governments, Businesses On Site Design of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Free ‘Best Practices’ Guide to Educate Site Owners on New Installations; Recommendations Can Ease Permit Process, Increase Safety, Lower Cost

For governments, businesses and other entities, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has developed a guide to selecting the best site designs and locations for new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The guide, Site Design for EV Charging Stations, will also be useful for towns and villages reviewing permit applications for proposed EV charging stations to ensure that these new installations are designed most effectively.

Today, many municipalities, retail stores or businesses may be considering a plan for an EV station but lack experience regarding proper site design. NYSERDA’s free 30-page online guide suggests best practices that site owners can adopt to make charging stations safe and accessible to all.

The report discusses:

different types of charging stations currently available
best placement for a charging station for a parallel, perpendicular or angled parking space
space needed to ensure traffic or pedestrian safety (as well as protection of the device)
avoiding problems with electrical cords blocking paths
avoiding damage from snowplows or traffic in general
how to assure installation is accessible to people with disabilities

“New York State, under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, has made significant inroads toward creating a regional infrastructure for electric vehicles,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “NYSERDA is pleased to present this guide to support those efforts here in New York State and throughout the Northeast, broadening the market adoption of electric vehicles.”

By helping site owners make smart decisions, the guide can lower the cost of installation and make it easier for EV drivers to use the stations effectively. Safe, easy-to-use charging stations will help encourage the purchase of electric cars and trucks.

The guide is part of NYSERDA’s work with the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a collaboration of the 11 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C. Last year, TCI launched the Northeast Electric Vehicle Network, a partnership of public and private groups to expand the number of charging stations in the region and further encourage the use of electric vehicles.

NYSERDA played a leadership role on behalf of TCI and was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop documents like this guide to help encourage best practices for EV charging stations around the region. TCI and NYSERDA are working with 16 DOE-sponsored Clean Cities Coalitions to help build support around the region.

Site Design for EV Charging Stations was written by Sustainable Transportation Strategies on behalf of NYSERDA. Other related EV installation primers developed under similar DOE grants include Electric Vehicle Charging for Persons with Disabilities andSiting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

Last Updated: 09/06/2012

Contact(s)

Alan Wechsler, Communications Specialist
Phone : 518-862-1090, Ext. 3561
Email : anw@nyserda.ny.gov

See the source: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/en/About/Newsroom/2012-Announcements/2012-09-06-NYSERDA-Guide-Offers-Recommendations-for-On-Site-Design-of-EV-Charging-Stations.aspx

MEA Director Bids Farewell and Highlights Results

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Malcolm D. Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) for the past five years, has joined "Advanced Energy Economy," a new national business association that seeks to promote energy efficiency as well as wind, solar and nuclear power. As the group's vice president for government and regulatory affairs, he said he expects to spend time advocating for favorable policies in Washington and in state capitals.

In advance of his departure, Mr. Woolf highlighted many of the accomplishments that were achieved at MEA during his tenure:

1. Widely Recognized As One of the Leading Clean Energy States in the Nation. In 2007, Maryland was ranked 47th in the nation in term of investments in energy efficiency. Today, Maryland is routinely included as one of the "Top 10 States for Energy Efficiency by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy." We have also been recognized as a "Top 10 State for Solar by the Solar Energy Industries Association," and
Baltimore is one of Ford Motor Company’s top 25 EV-ready cities. By all measures, Maryland has cemented its reputation as a national leader.

2. Saved Marylanders Billions Through the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. Measures already installed through the utility and MEA's EmPOWER Maryland programs will save Marylanders more than $2.6 billion in lifetime energy costs. During the 2012 fiscal year alone, EmPOWER initiatives supported more than 2,000 jobs.

3. Helped Keep the Lights On. As a result of EmPOWER Maryland and related demand side management efforts, Maryland has reduced energy per capita peak demand by more than 9 percent, while
increasing Maryland’s demand resources by more than 1,600 MW. That’s the equivalent of 10 fossil-powered peaking plants.

4. Drove More Than $1 Billion in New Investment as a Condition of Exelon Merger. MEA led the State’s successful negotiations in the Exelon/Constellation merger that will infuse Maryland with more than $1 billion in clean energy investments while creating more than 6,000 jobs.

5. Leveraged $320 Million in Private Investment for Utility-Scale Renewables Without State Funds, Resulting in a Harvard Top 25 Innovations in American Government Award. The Generating Clean Horizons Initiative used public/private partnerships to build 78 MW of new solar and wind energy generation. These three projects -- the 17 MW solar array in Emmitsburg and two wind farms in western Maryland and West Virginia -- jump-started
Maryland's utility scale renewables market. The initiative was recognized by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government as one of the "Top 25 Innovations in American Government."

To review the entire top-ten list, see the source at http://energy.maryland.gov/News/documents/DirectorWoolfFarewell.pdf.

CESA has worked closely with Mr. Woolf on advacning offshore wind and economic development issues around clean energy and we wish him the best in his new venture.

SMUD Partners with Builders to Deliver "Homes of the Future"

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Sacramento Municipal Utility District partners with builders to deliver “Home of the Future” technology now

Two recent projects showcase near net-zero energy potential

What do a low-income housing apartment complex and a high-end residential housing complex have in common? While it is true that both were built in downtown Sacramento in the middle of a downturn, the really important answer is the approach to designing and building both emphasizing near net-zero electrical energy use. In other words, the projects are designed and built to produce almost as much electrical energy as they use. It is the local electric utility that has been the driving force behind this approach to building in the region. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) calls these dwellings “homes of the future.”

In 2008, SMUD completed its first home of the future, a LEED platinum-certified home in suburban Folsom. That demonstration project intrigued other builders, and in the years since, despite the region being one of the slowest to recover from the housing downturn, projects are being completed and more are being planned.

Take the La Valentina apartments, for example. It is Sacramento’s first ever near net-zero multifamily apartment building and features rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, Energy Star appliances, water saving fixtures, and on-site water retention basins. La Valentina consists of two innovative buildings featuring 81 apartments ranging in size from studios to three-bedrooms. The apartments are affordable to households meeting income eligibility guidelines. After nearly twenty months of construction, it opened in August. SMUD supplied financial incentives of nearly $487,000 that paid for the solar and efficiency measures. SMUD collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Lab and the builder, Domus Development.

Residents at the La Valentina North building can expect to save $521 annually as a result of energy efficiency and solar production. The building will use an estimated 63 percent less total energy (electricity and natural gas combined) than new buildings that meet the state’s minimum Title 24 building standards.

The adjacent La Valentina Station utilized Savings by Design, a statewide program encouraging high-performance design and construction. La Valentina Station is aiming for LEED silver certification. It exceeds the state building code requirements for energy measures by 26 percent.

Additionally, La Valentina is an in-fill project built on land where an auto repair shop left the soils highly contaminated. Prior to La Valentina, the sites sat vacant for more than twenty years. It is located in the heart of downtown near public transportation, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All told the energy efficiency measures will yield greenhouse gas reductions of more than 53,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 210 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 156 pounds of nitrous oxide.

The project also features 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail and an on-site community center offering services to tenants.

Move a few miles south in this downtown area and you’ll discover the mIhomevstreet community. The unique name is hardly the only aspect that makes this housing development different from just about everything else in California or in the nation.

This new energy-efficient community is currently under construction in the Northwest Land Park area. Like La Valentina, these homes of the future are an infill project designed with the potential for net-zero electrical energy use. SMUD is providing research and development incentives for these technologies including:

• Rooftop solar photovoltaic systems and combined photovoltaic and solar water heating systems;

• Advanced structural insulated wall and roof panels;

• “Green switches” to control dedicated plug loads;

• LED lighting throughout the entire house and garage with estimated 40,000-hour life utilizing only 10 percent of the energy used by incandescent bulbs;

• High performance heat pump heating and cooling system; and

• “Energy harvesting” wireless switching for lighting control.

Other forward-thinking features include a wireless home control system that allows energy monitoring; control of door locks and lighting; and a video camera monitoring security system for real-time use by the homeowner through a smart phone, smart tablet or personal computer.

Another very appealing and energy-saving aspect is the community’s location. It’s proximity to downtown Sacramento, just one mile from the front steps of the state Capitol, provides easy walking, biking, or public transit to work, recreational activities and major attractions. They have a smaller “carbon footprint” than conventional new homes. It is estimated that on average the homes would deliver emissions reductions of more than 900 pounds of carbon dioxide compared to an average home.

In addition to providing customers better value and comfort, especially long term, the entire SMUD customer community benefits from the La Valentina and mIhomevstreet developments in terms of lower power costs for all customers. The homes produce the most energy when it’s most needed—on hot summer days—so less electricity will be needed to serve them. That is also the same time when power can be more expensive for a utility to buy.

About SMUD

La Valentina Apartments, Sacramento.

The just-completed, sustainable-living La Valentina apartments sit in the heart of downtown Sacramento. They offer the potential for near net-zero energy use, producing nearly as much as they use, for eligible low-income tenants. The complex is located near light rail and close to high density retail and commercial areas.

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CEFIA Green Bank Model Subject of New Brookings Report

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A new report has been released from the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings on the growing interest in state-level clean energy finance banks—a new innovation in U.S. energy finance and state pragmatism. Just published, the paper can be accessed here: http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2012/09/12-state-energy-investment-muro

Written by Ken Berlin, Reed Hundt (the former FCC chairman), Devashree Saha, and Mark Muro, the new brief discusses why states are turning to “green” banking; describes Connecticut’s experience in starting up the Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), the nation’s first such state bank; and suggests several possible models for states to pursue in their own bank designing depending on their particular institutional starting points.

In a way, the paper is an encouraging follow-up to the federal policy “crash” report that Brookings put out earlier this year with colleagues at the Breakthrough and World Resources institutes. With Washington gridlocked and retrenching, states are stepping up and developing sophisticated efforts to deploy clean energy, especially energy efficiency and solar. As they do, one of the tools they are looking is state-level “green” banking because it offers a powerful way to make scarce state resources go farther by drawing in private-sector capital and expertise.

New NWF Report: A Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Will Federal and State Leaders Take Advantage of America’s Golden Opportunity?

Miles Grant

America can create hundreds of thousands of jobs while powering our homes and businesses with local, clean energy, but only if our elected officials and regulators take the right steps now, according to a new report released today by the National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, and 45 partner organizations along the Atlantic Coast. The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy: Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure America’s Energy Future details the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind energy, the progress made to-date, potential obstacles to that progress, and a prosperous path forward.

“America’s Atlantic coast has some of the best offshore wind energy resources in the world, the technology to harvest it is ready right now, and we have workers ready to do the job,” said Catherine Bowes, the National Wildlife Federation’s senior manager for new energy solutions and lead author of the report. “We need to take advantage of this golden opportunity to make our electricity supply cleaner, more wildlife-friendly, and more secure.”

“Like many states along the Atlantic, Massachusetts has no fossil fuel resources, forcing us to import almost all of our energy needs,” Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan said. “Developing offshore wind, an indigenous and emissions free energy source just off the Massachusetts coast, would not only offer a tremendous economic opportunity by creating thousands of new jobs for our citizens, offshore wind will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vastly improve the quality of the air we breathe.”

The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy includes detailed reports on each Atlantic Coast state. Among the highlights of the report:

Offshore wind energy will be an economic powerhouse for America. Harnessing the 52 gigawatts of already-identified available Atlantic offshore wind energy – just 4 percent of the estimated generation potential of this massive resource – could generate $200 billion in economic activity, create 300,000 jobs, and sustain power for about 14 million homes. (Europe already produces enough energy from offshore wind right now to power 4 million homes.)
America is closer than ever to bringing offshore wind energy ashore. Efforts are underway in 10 Atlantic Coast states, with over 2,000 square nautical miles of federal waters already designated for wind energy development off of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Environmental reviews finding no significant impacts have been completed, and leases are expected to be issued for some of these areas by the end of the year.
Despite this progress, leadership is urgently needed at both the state and federal level to ensure offshore wind energy becomes a reality in America:
- President Obama should set a clear national goal for offshore wind energy development, and each Atlantic state governor should also a set goal for offshore wind development off their shores. These goals must be supported by policies that prioritize offshore wind energy and other efforts to secure buyers for this new source of reliable, clean energy.
- Congress needs to step up and provide much-needed tax incentives - such as the Investment Tax Credit, Production Tax Credit, and Advanced Energy Project Credit – to advance this new job-creating industry.
- Federal regulators must continue to move forward with an efficient, environmentally-responsible permitting process for offshore wind projects that grants leases to developers by the end of 2012. Leases must include strong safeguards for coastal and marine wildlife.
- Offshore wind energy can and must be developed in a wildlife-friendly manner. Not only do scientific studies show that properly locating turbines and requiring best management practices can minimize impacts on birds, bats, sea turtles and marine mammals, but transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy benefits all wildlife from cleaner air and water and cutting the carbon pollution that causes climate change.

“Offshore wind energy can generate explosive job growth, from design to shipping to construction,” saidYvette Pena Lopes, deputy director of the BlueGreen Alliance. “Congress needs to set aside partisan bickering and send a clear signal that America is committed to clean energy by passing the Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind.”

“Developing this renewable, sustainable energy will make America’s energy supply more secure and we have the Navy’s assurance that properly-placed turbines can go hand-in-hand with Virginia Beach’s military bases,” said Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. (R-Virginia Beach). “Offshore wind energy can preserve the traditions that have made Virginia’s coastal communities special while strengthening our economy, energy security, and environment for future generations.”

“Up and down the Atlantic Coast, the building blocks are being put in place to usher in a bright future for offshore wind,” said Rob Sargent, Environment America’s energy program director. “But harnessing this vast yet-to-be-tapped resource requires a strong and ongoing commitment. There is broad public support for shifting to pollution-free renewable energy. Local, state and federal officials, including Congress, need to step up and link arms to make the promise of offshore wind a reality.”

The full report is available online at NWF.org/OffshoreWind. Get more National Wildlife Federation news atNWF.org/News.

Report Co-Sponsors

National groups:

Environment America, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters, National Audubon, Clean Energy States Alliance, Sierra Club, Oceana

Regional groups:

Southern Environmental Law Center, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Conservation Law Foundation, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Southeast Coastal Wind Coalition

State groups:

Natural Resources Council of Maine, Environment Maine, Maine Wind Industry Initiative, Environment New Hampshire, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Environment Massachusetts, Mass Audubon, Environment Council of Rhode Island, Environment Rhode Island, Environment Connecticut, Connecticut Forest & Parks Association, Environmental Advocates of New York, Renewable Energy Long Island, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, ACE-NY, Environment New York, NY LCV, Long Island Solar Energy Industries Association, New Jersey Audubon, Environment New Jersey, Delaware Nature Society, Environment Maryland, Maryland LCV, Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland, Virginia Conservation Network, Environment Virginia, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Environment North Carolina, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Environment Georgia, Florida Wildlife Federation, Environment Florida, Next Wind

Related Resources

REPORT

Download the full report
The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy: Time for Action to Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution, Protect Wildlife & Secure America’s Energy Future (pdf)

MassCEC Announces $1 Million for Innovative Clean Energy Firms

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

BOSTON – September 12, 2012 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced a new $1 million program to further the development of clean energy technology in Massachusetts.

Under the program, MassCEC will offer between $100,000 and $300,000 for projects designed to address energy challenges facing the Commonwealth – such as renewable energy optimization, fuel efficient vehicles or energy storage – and will require a 50 percent in matching funds. MassCEC will award the funds to help companies finance demonstration projects, which test and showcase new technologies in preparation to commercialize technologies for the marketplace.

“Massachusetts companies are creating some of the most leading-edge clean energy technologies. Our support will help them create local jobs across the state and expand the adoption of clean energy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

“Helping our emerging companies bring new technologies to market is at the core of our mission to grow the Massachusetts clean energy economy,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton-McDevitt. “Our investments in workforce development, incentives and commercialization are producing results including double-digit clean energy job growth in Massachusetts over the past year.”

Under the Patrick-Murray Administration's leadership, the Massachusetts’ clean energy economy grew by 11.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which shows the growing sector employs 71,523 people at 4,995 clean energy firms across the Commonwealth.

MassCEC will unveil the program details at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up set for October 15 through 18 in Boston and Cambridge. The Global Clean Tech Meet-up – an event sponsored by MassCEC, the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC), the New England Clean Energy Council and the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems – is expected to draw 500 attendees from around the world including representatives from France, Japan, Israel, and Mexico.

The development of clean energy technologies requires a successful demonstration and validation of the technology in order to make it investable and ready for mass production.

With the idea of benefiting a large cross-section of the Massachusetts clean energy sector, under this program MassCEC will give preference to projects that involve multiple companies, research institutions and energy consumers, relationships that could be forged at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up. Potential co-applicants can meet and propose strategic partnerships to respond to the RFP at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up.

MassCEC will issue the program details including the topic areas in a Request for Proposals on October 1. MassCEC will host topic area sessions at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up on October 16 and 17. The first deadline for proposals is November 5 with the final applications due February 4, 2013.

“As a former CEO of a Massachusetts clean energy technology company, I know how important the demonstration phase of product development is and this funding opportunity fills a much-needed gap for early-stage companies,” said Mitch Tyson, Meet-up Executive Committee Member and Board Chair of the New England Clean Energy Council.

“The Global Cleantech Meet-up is the Commonwealth’s premier clean energy event that brings companies from all around the world to hear from and meet with the inspiring and leading voices of our clean energy ecosystem. I’m looking forward to seeing the business results of the connections made at the conference,” said Abigail Barrow, co-chair of the Meet-up and Founding Director of the MTTC.

“I applaud the MassCEC for their leadership in helping to build the energy industry in Massachusetts. This innovative funding program is a powerful way for energy companies to deploy and demonstrate their products and we look forward to seeing this program grow. FastCAP Systems is a supportive participant in the Summit and this initiative has made our participation even more relevant this year,” said Riccardo Signorelli, CEO of FastCAP Systems.

About MassCEC

Created by Governor Deval Patrick's Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has as its mission to foster the growth of the Massachusetts clean energy industry by providing seed grants to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; funding job training and workforce development programs; and, as home of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, supporting the installation of renewable energy projects throughout the state.

See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/MassCEC-Announces-$1-Million-for-Innovative-Clean-Energy-Firms/cdid/13994/pid/11150

Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund Announces Additional $1.25 M to Support RE

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Montpelier, Vermont – The Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) announced today that the Clean Energy Development Fund Board has approved the allocation of an additional $1.25 million to support the installation of solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and small wind energy projects for home owners, communities, and businesses across Vermont through the Small Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program.

The CEDF Board also approved changes to the incentive program design in response to the evolving renewable energy market and comments received from program participants, in order to create more impact and stretch the dollars further. The new funding and program changes are projected to extend the program into early 2013, depending upon the pace of the renewable energy installations qualifying for incentives. Funding for the program and for the CEDF in 2013 is uncertain given the recent lawsuit filed by Entergy challenging the tax legislation that dedicated funding to the CEDF.

The CEDF was created by the legislature in 2005 to increase the development of renewable energy and combined heat and power technologies. The legislature included the incentive program within the CEDF to promote small scale renewable energy investments.

Information about the incentive program may be obtained from the program administrator, the Renewable Energy Resource Center (RERC), a project of the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC). RERC’s Toll-free number is: (877) 888-7372

Contact:
Andrew Perchlik
802-828-4017
andrew.perchlik@state.vt.us

See the sources: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/ee_files/cedf/Incentive%20Program%20Press%20Release%209-19-12.pdf

CEFIA to Loan $1 Million for College Energy Efficiency Program

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Rocky Hill, Conn., September 18, 2012 — Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) is lending $1 million for “Campus Efficiency Now”, a new program aimed at advancing energy efficiency and promoting cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy for Connecticut’s independent colleges.

The “Campus Efficiency Now” program will enable the participating colleges to move forward swiftly with energy saving measures with no upfront funding by the college. Thus, the schools will be able to take meaningful energy conservation action now in spite of challenging budgetary times.

CEFIA will loan up to $1 million to support the installation of energy efficiency upgrades. These funds will be repaid by participating Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC) member schools via savings generated by the projects under a 5-year energy savings agreement. The initial program partners see this as a chance to expand the proven Energy Services Performance Contract approach into this historically underserved market. The initiative will also demonstrate the value of Connecticut’s new finance approach to clean energy.

“We are excited about the “Campus Efficiency Now” pilot program opportunity. This effort, which represents CEFIA’s largest loan to date for energy efficiency, will allow CEFIA to demonstrate how financing efforts focused on encouraging deeper energy efficiency opportunities can provide immediate and long-term benefits to colleges and universities throughout the state” said CEFIA Chief Investment Officer, Bert Hunter. “It also presents a financing opportunity whereby the end users realize immediate savings. CEFIA ultimately will be able to support even more energy efficiency investment as these loan funds get repaid by the energy savings produced by the projects.”

“Campus Efficiency Now” is a pilot program developed by GreenerU, Inc. in partnership with CCIC and CEFIA. GreenerU Inc. has had prior successes with other New England schools, such as Babson College, Brown University and Clark University, in implementing innovative energy efficiency programs. In the pilot phase, five CCIC members (University of Hartford, Mitchell College, Connecticut College, University of Saint Joseph and the University of New Haven) are expected to participate with loan funding provided by CEFIA. Additional CCIC member participation as well as additional funding from private investment sources is expected based on positive results from the pilot program.

“We are pleased to join in partnership with CEFIA to find ways to enhance sustainability efforts on our campuses,” said Judith Greiman, president, CCIC. “Campus Efficiency Now is an exciting opportunity for our members and should serve as a national model for reducing energy consumption and cost on college campuses, which tend to have large energy-using footprints and older buildings and systems.”

Under the “Campus Efficiency Now” program, there are no upfront costs to the participating colleges, schools only pay for delivered energy savings, not for equipment or installation. A share of the college’s savings is dedicated to repay CEFIA’s loans. GreenerU is in charge of overseeing a rigorous three step process that begins with a preliminary feasibility assessment; data gathering, budgeting, and sustainability goal setting; and concludes with an operational project that will deliver energy savings and sustainability benefits to each participating campus over and beyond the 5-year “Campus Efficiency Now” contract term.

“GreenerU is pleased to be working with CEFIA and CCIC in launching this ground-breaking energy efficiency initiative for colleges and universities in Connecticut,” said Rob Pratt, Founder and CEO of GreenerU. “In view of the fact that energy efficiency is the most cost effective way for colleges to lower utility bills and reduce carbon emissions, it is critical that we utilize innovative approaches in financing to accelerate the implementation of energy saving measures.”

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

About the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1932, the Connecticut Conference of Colleges (CCIC) represents 16 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Connecticut including Albertus Magnus College, Connecticut College, Fairfield University, Goodwin College, Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer at Hartford, Sacred Heart University, Saint Vincent’s College, Trinity College, University of Bridgeport, University of Hartford, University of Saint Joseph, University of New Haven, Wesleyan University and Yale University. As educators, employers and community partners, these institutions make a substantial impact on the State’s economy and social fabric. CCIC serves its member institutions through government relations, public policy development, research analysis, communications and coordinated member services. For more information please visit www.theccic.org.

About GreenerU

GreenerU, Inc. partners with colleges in implementing energy efficiency, cogeneration and renewable energy projects while integrating sustainability, behavior change and student engagement initiatives. The company also develops energy and sustainability master plans, climate action plans, and energy efficiency financing solutions for large-scale implementation programs. Learn more at www.GreenerU.com.

###

Contact: David Goldberg

Director, Government and External Relations

Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Phone: (860) 257-2889

CEC Releases New Guidebook for New Solar Homes Partnership Program

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

California Energy Commission - New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP) Program, Fifth Edition, Final Adopted Guidebook (2012) adopted September 12, 2012.

Below are the major changes in this edition of the New Solar Homes Partnership Guidebook as compared with the January 2012 4th edition of the NSHP Guidebook:

General Program Changes:

During the payment process, if the applicant submits a complete interconnection package to its utility interconnection department on or before the NSHP reservation expiration date, the applicant is provided 90 days after the reservation expiration date to complete the Expected Performance‐Based Incentive (EPBI) Documentation, Energy Efficiency Documentation, and System Interconnection with Utility Grid.
The program administrator will verify the system generation allocation percentages for virtual net metering systems during the payment process.
Revises NSHP application forms.

See http://www.energy.ca.gov/2012publications/CEC-300-2012-007/CEC-300-2012-007-ED5-CMF.pdf

(PDF file, 90 pgs., 1 megabyte)

NY PSC Approves NYSERDA Funding Request for New Technology and Market Development Initiatives

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

— Solar Power, High-Technology Development Share $25M Financial Boost —

Albany, NY—09/13/12—The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s request to reallocate more than $25 million in uncommitted System Benefits Charge (SBC) funds for new Technology and Market Development (T&MD) portfolio initiatives, including a new solar photovoltaic program, an initiative to develop technologically advanced energy storage systems, and an initiative to support high-performance buildings.

“We must continue to find ways both to reduce demand on our electric and natural gas grids while enhancing the ability of the infrastructure to handle the loads that remain in an optimal fashion,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “The innovative programs being funded today will address those twin imperatives head on.”

With the Commission’s decision, NYSERDA will be allowed to utilize uncommitted SBC funds for three new initiatives:

$10 million to develop and implement programs to reduce the balance-of-system costs for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and to support priority PV technology development;
$10 million to support research on an energy storage/smart grid hub, including efforts tosecure U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding for the establishment of an energy storage research hub in New York; and
$5.76 million to expand the Advanced Buildings Program within the T&MD portfolio,including $3 million for the Advanced Buildings Consortium and $2.76 million for a deep energy savings initiative in commercial buildings.

The NY-Sun Initiative announced by Governor Cuomo will significantly increase solar PV installations in New York while protecting ratepayers by keeping costs under control. As part of the NY-Sun initiative, the Commission will make $10 million available to develop and implement programs to reduce the “balance of system” (BOS) costs of solar PV installations.BOS costs constitute approximately half the total cost of an installation and include labor, design, permitting and interconnection, and the cost of the inverter. Energy storage and smart grid advancements support Governor Cuomo’s ongoing Energy Highway initiative designed to upgrade and modernize New York State’s electric power system.

To help support the Energy Highway initiative, the Commission is making the $10 million available to support research on an energy storage/smart grid hub. Ultimately, the hub could serve as a feeder to the Renewable Portfolio Standard or future renewable initiatives. Creation of a New York hub would help advance New York’s Energy Highway initiative. It would also demonstrate New York’s commitment to become a national leader in the energy storage and smart grid technology sectors, allow the state to capitalize on its academic, industrial, and governmental resources in the energy storage and smart grid sectors, and potentially attract new technology and suppliers as the clean energy manufacturing sector grows.

Finally, $5.76 million in funding will go toward improving the energy efficiency of the state’s commercial buildings, including $3 million to conduct targeted and high priority technology development and demonstration projects and to help accelerate the introduction of emerging technology into New York markets, ultimately leading to achievement of higher energy and environmental performance in the New York building stock. The remainder will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of efforts to achieve up to 40 percent or more energy efficiency savings in existing buildings and 40 percent or more energy savings in new construction.

The Commission’s decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 10-M-0457 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).

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See the source: http://www3.dps.ny.gov/pscweb/WebFileRoom.nsf/Web/D799071E3FA7033385257A78005ED34F/$File/pr12070.pdf?OpenElement

SMUD Award Honors City of Sacramento for Responsible Energy Stewardship

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

SMUD Board recognizes energy-conscious commercial customer

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is honoring the city of Sacramento for making a commitment to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental protection by implementing energy efficiency measures and emerging technologies.

The SMUD Community Energy Award honors commercial customers who share SMUD’s values of efficiency and environmental sensitivity, and who have turned these beliefs into actions. These customers have controlled their energy usage, improved their bottom line, and reduced the amount of energy that must be generated for our region. This award recognizes the achievement of the city of Sacramento’s participation in SMUD’s commercial energy efficiency programs. The city completed an aggressive energy efficiency strategy that resulted in improvements in eight of the city’s parking garages.

The city replaced all its metal-halide and high-pressure sodium vapor lighting fixtures in its parking garages with more energy-efficient LED fixtures. LED fixtures offer many benefits including reduced maintenance costs as a result of their longer lamp lives; the ability to power down during unoccupied periods; a cleaner and whiter light for improved visibility; and a significant reduction in energy consumption.

The city also installed variable speed drives in the swimming pools pumps and climate control system at the Sam Pannell Community Center as well as additional variable speed drives at the Central Library.

As a result of these projects, the city will reduce its annual energy consumption by nearly 470 kilowatts and 4 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), resulting in an annual cost savings of nearly $480,000. Environmentally, these improvements reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 2,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide. This is roughly the equivalent of removing more than 500 cars from the road, or planting more than 70,000 trees.

“The city of Sacramento is an excellent example of a SMUD customer doing its part to help our community by reducing its energy use,” said Rob Kerth, SMUD Ward 5 Director. “SMUD is here to help more customers follow the city of Sacramento’s lead and take advantage of SMUD programs that can help them save money and benefit the entire community.”

The city of Sacramento is SMUD’s third-largest customer with more than 1,500 accounts and annual energy use in excess of 118 million kWh. Founded in 1849, Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in the state of California. To be eligible for the SMUD Community Energy Award, commercial customers must share SMUD’s strategic directives in environmental protection and efficient energy use. The customers also incorporate the innovative use of emerging or new energy technologies. One customer is chosen in each of the seven SMUD Board wards.

For more information about SMUD’s commercial programs that can save businesses money on electric bills, visit smud.org.

See the source: https://www.smud.org/en/about-smud/news-media/news-releases/2012-09-24-city-of-sacramento.htm

MASS CEC Solar Incentive Program Deadline Extented Due to High Demand

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Solarize Massachusetts contract deadline moved due to high demand

BOSTON – September 26, 2012 – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today announced that the deadline of the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass) has been extended to Oct. 31, citing high demand for the solar bulk purchasing program.

The program was originally scheduled to end Sept. 30. The program, designed to increase the adoption of solar energy and reduce the cost of solar energy, offers residents and businesses long-term discounted solar pricing and lower prices than traditional sources of fossil fuel-based energy generation, which is also costly to the environment and public health.

Solarize Mass encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV systems by allowing residents and businesses to access a five-tiered, bulk purchasing program in their communities. As more people in a particular community contract for solar energy, the price drops for all involved.

“The adoption of clean, renewable energy is happening from the ground-up in communities across the state through this grassroots program,” said Commissioner Sylvia. “Together we are building a network of reliable, home-grown sources of energy and leaving a clean energy future for the next generation.”

“Extending the deadline will ensure everyone in these communities has the opportunity to take advantage of this program, which serves as a national model,” said CEO Barton McDevitt. “We’re beyond pleased with the response so far and expect the number of signed contracts to increase dramatically during October.”

To date, the 17 communities participating in Solarize Mass – Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Lenox, Lincoln, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Shirley, Sudbury, Sutton and Wayland – have contracted over 288 solar systems with an expected generation of 1.9 megawatts, enough to power the equivalent of 312 homes or cutting the emissions equal to taking 212 cars off the road.

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in the program, with more than 2,000 of those scheduling site assessments at their homes or businesses.

The installers participating in the Solarize Mass program – Astrum Solar, New England Clean Energy, Northeast Solar Design Associates, Roof Diagnostics, SolarCity, SolarFlair and SunBug Solar – have agreed to extend the program deadline by one month in all 17 communities. Residents and businesses interested in participating should call (617) 315-9306 for more information.

Visit the community pages listed below for extension details specific to their municipality.

Solarize Acton; Solarize Arlington; Solarize Boston; Solarize Hopkinton; Solarize Lenox; Solarize Lincoln; Solarize Melrose; Solarize Mendon; Solarize Millbury; Solarize Montague; Solarize Newburyport; Solarize Palmer; Solarize Pittsfield; Solarize Shirley; Solarize Sudbury; Solarize Sutton; Solarize Wayland.

Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 143 megawatts of solar installed to date, the equivalent of powering 22,618 homes for a year or cutting the emissions equivalent to taking 15,375 cars of the road.

Massachusetts lies at the end of the energy pipeline – lacking indigenous supplies of coal, natural gas and oil. As a result, Massachusetts has some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Of the $22 billion Massachusetts spends annually on energy, $18 billion of that goes to out-of-state and foreign sources. Increasingly the state’s base of renewable energy through programs like Solarize Mass keeps more of that money in the local economy, while creating jobs at the same time.

Clean energy jobs in Massachusetts have grown by 11.2 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report.

About Solarize Mass

Media contacts:

Catherine Williams
Matt Kakley

(617) 315-9386
(617) 315-9339

cwilliams@masscec.com
mkakley@masscec.com

See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Solar-Incentive-Program-Deadline-Extented-to-October-31/cdid/14053/pid/11150

CA Energy Commission Awards $1 Million for Energy Storage Research

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

PG&E Awarded $1 Million for Energy Storage Research

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission today approved a $1 million research grant to Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) to demonstrate a compressed air energy storage (CAES) plant.

"In order to meet California's renewable energy goals, it is critical that we invest in energy storage research," said Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert B. Weisenmiller. "This project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve grid reliability, and lower electric power system costs."

The San Francisco-based utility company will verify the performance of advanced, CAES technology to provide support to the state's electric grid. The project will use excess wind energy to compress air into depleted natural gas reservoirs within PG&E's territory. The stored compressed air will be used to generate electricity during high demand periods.

The first phase of the project aims to establish costs and benefits of the technology, and validate system reliability and durability to select a suitable site for the plant in California. When completed, the facility will be the third CAES plant operating in the world, and the first on the West Coast.

The Energy Commission grant will provide a cost share for the first phase of the project costing $50 million. The remaining balance will be paid for by the U.S. Department of Energy and other funding sources.

Commissioners also approved a $200,000 grant to the University of California, Berkeley to develop a guidebook on Building Efficiency Standards benefits for Local Governments as it pertains to natural gas efficiency standards. The project will document the environmental, economic, and equity costs and benefits of mandatory and voluntary natural gas efficiency standards, both for new buildings and for retrofits of existing commercial and residential structures.

Funding for the projects come from the Energy Commission's research and development program. The program supports public interest research and development that helps improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, reliable, and affordable energy services and products to the marketplace.

Funds will be paid to the grantees upon receipt of invoices.

# # #

See the source: http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2012_releases/2012-10-10_pge_energy_storage_research_nr.html

CESA Announces Winners of 2012 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seven Winning Programs Represent Best-in-Class State Leadership in Advancing Clean Energy Policy, Finance and Technology in the United States

Montpelier, VT – Today Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) announced seven winners of the 2012 State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) Awards, given to recognize state projects and programs that demonstrate exemplary leadership and innovation in clean energy development.

“Despite challenging economic conditions and uncertainty over continuing federal support, the SLICE Award-winning state programs have demonstrated innovation, supported emerging technologies, and advanced clean energy markets,” said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of CESA. “After a decade of experience working with clean energy funds across the country, CESA feels confident that these programs represent the best of what’s out there today.”

This year’s winners are New York’s Clean Energy Business Incubator Program and On-Site Wind Market Development Program, both administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority’s (CEFIA) CT Solar Lease Program; the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Pilot Program; the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission’s Residential Wood-Pellet Boiler Rebate Program; and two projects by the California Energy Commission: the University of California, San Diego Microgrid, and the Synchrophasor Research and Development Program.

CESA’s SLICE Awards recognize state programs that are most effectively accelerating adoption of clean energy technologies. SLICE Award winners have funded and supported innovative programs, established funds that provide critical capital investment for clean energy projects, and have collaborated effectively with industry partners, utility commissions, and local governments, all crucial ways to expand the clean energy market.

CESA member organizations from across the U.S. submitted nominations for the SLICE Awards. Winners were chosen by a panel of six distinguished judges, including representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Lab, the National Conference of State Legislatures Energy Program, DSIRE, the American Wind Energy Association, and the Solar Energy Industries Association. A detailed report on this year’s SLICE Award winners, including bios of the judges, is available on the CESA website: see http://www.cleanenergystates.org/assets/2012-Files/CESA-SLICE-Report.pdf and http://www.cleanenergystates.org/projects/state-leadership-in-clean-energy/

The SLICE Awards will be presented to the winners on Oct. 22, at a special reception held during the CESA Fall Membership Meeting in Albany, N.Y., hosted by NYSERDA. Members of the press are welcome to attend and photos will be made available after the event.

In addition, members of the media are welcome to join CESA’s series of informational webcasts about the SLICE Award winners:

2012 SLICE WEBCAST SCHEDULE

NYSERDA small wind and business incubator programs – November 15, 1 p.m. Eastern
New Hampshire PUC Biomass program – November 19, 2 p.m. Eastern
California Energy Commission synchrophasor and microgrid programs – November 27, 2 p.m. Eastern
MassCEC Solar Hot Water and CEFIA CT Solar Leasing programs – November 29, 2 p.m. Eastern

For more information about the SLICE Awards ceremony or how to join the webcasts, please contact Marissa Newhall at (202) 527-9196 or marissa@cleanegroup.org.

What the winners are saying:

Frank Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA: "We are grateful to CESA for its recognition of our Clean Energy Business Incubator and On-Site Wind Development Market Programs. In today's competitive global economy, innovation is an essential ingredient for success. New York State has a long history of leadership in technological innovation, and under Gov. Cuomo's leadership, we are committed to continued investment in new technologies and innovative approaches that stimulate economic development, foster renewable energy, and promote environmental stewardship."

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy: “I applaud CEFIA and the work they are doing to make clean energy more accessible and affordable for ratepayers. Connecticut’s economic recovery depends upon creating good paying jobs with good benefits, and a comprehensive energy strategy that includes more renewable energy and better efficiency is a central part of that effort. CESA’s recognition is an honor for CEFIA and for the state’s work to expand our clean energy options.”

California Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller: “California’s innovation in energy research supports these distinguished projects that benefit all Californians. The research for the synchrophasor project spurred the growth of this technology across the entire nation. Research activities allow innovation in California’s universities and laboratories that translates into business opportunities that make mircogrids a reality. These amazing projects are critical in shaping California’s energy future.”

Jack Ruderman, Director of the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission’s Sustainable Energy Division: “New Hampshire’s wood-pellet boiler rebate program demonstrated that a carefully targeted public-private partnership can effectively jump-start and transform a market that otherwise wouldn’t exist. As a direct result of this program, there is now a growing market in New Hampshire for residential wood pellet heating systems.”

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt: “We are honored to receive this award for our innovative Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Pilot Program, now an ongoing fully-supported program, that has helped 320 businesses and homeowners cut their energy costs by using the sun to heat water. We hope our approach to supporting thermal performance-monitoring will serve as a national model.”

Contact: Marissa Newhall, Clean Energy States Alliance, (202) 527-9196, marissa@cleanegroup.org

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New Report Highlights Atlantic Coast as Ideal Home Base for U.S. Offshore Wind Industry

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP) Partners with Center for American Progress and The Center for the Next Generation to Promote Offshore Wind as Atlantic Coast Regional Energy Solution

To read the full report, click here.

Washington, D.C. — As voters contemplate who will occupy the White House and Congress in the years ahead, Clean Energy States Alliance’s Offshore Wind Accelerator Project has partnered with The Center for the Next Generation, the Center for American Progress and several other organizations to release “Regional Energy, National Solutions,” a nonpartisan report that argues that the United States can enact a long-term strategy to achieve climate stability, economic prosperity, and energy security by using the unique assets of each region of the country and choosing smart places for investment in multiple forms of energy and fuel.

The report was launched this morning at an event where Rhode Island Gov. Linocln Chafee gave a keynote address about the importance of collaborative efforts to advance clean energy across the country. Chafee then participated in a panel discussion with John Arensmeyer of the Small Business Majority and Anne Kelly of Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP).

"The key was that collaborative effort," Chafee said of his state's work planning for offshore wind. "We are very methodical in our approach to wind energy off our coasts. We know those finite [fossil fuel] resources will be going up in price at some point. So we in New England are looking at alternatives."

The new report responds to a recent vision laid out by the American Petroleum Institute, which suggested clean energy be put on the back burner in favor of aggressive oil and gas drilling, both on shore and off, and coal mining. In contrast, offshore wind is an ideal technology that could contribute substantially to the sustained, long-term energy demands of the Atlantic Coast states. Developing just 54 gigawatts of offshore wind in Atlantic waters would generate $200 billion in economic activity and create 43,000 permanent, well-paid technical jobs, in addition to displacing the annual output of 52 coal-fired power plants, according to the report.

“We know the earth is warming, and resources are finite, and as a country, we simply cannot take a ‘drill baby drill’ approach that keeps us dependent on finite and carbon-intensive resources for our electricity and transportation needs,” said Kate Gordon, director of the advanced energy and sustainability program at The Center for the Next Generation and a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. “Whereas the plan set forth by the American Petroleum Institute relies on centralized energy sources controlled by a handful of companies, our alternative strategy presents a range of energy and restoration projects that involve a huge variety of companies—large and small—in every region of the country. This is a country rich in natural resources and innovative talent—we should build on that to move the United States toward a truly advanced and sustainable energy future."

"Atlantic offshore wind energy is America's golden opportunity to make our energy supply cleaner and protect future generations of people and wildlife from the dangers of climate change,"said Catherine Bowes, Senior Manager at the National Wildlife Federation, and an Offshore WInd Accelerator Project participant. "The best approach to our energy challenges isn't building more pipelines or digging more holes, it is embracing clean energy solutions that don't spill or explode. Properly-sited offshore wind energy can and must play a major role in America's energy future."

Among the report’s other region-specific findings:

• In the Gulf Coast region, each $1 million in investment in ecosystem restoration can create as many as 36 jobs across a huge range of occupations and skill levels—more than equivalent investments in traditional infrastructure projects.

• The Southeast boasts more firms across the high-tech smart-grid value chain than any other region and continuing to lead this transition offers the opportunity to create diverse job opportunities. At the same time, if the region were to cut energy use across the region by 16 percent in 2030, consumer would see an annual savings of $71 billion and 520,000 jobs by 2030.

• In addition to revitalizing American manufacturing, the deep oil savings from vehicles now being built in the Midwest under strong new fuel economy standards mean net savings to consumers of more than $54 billion a year in 2030 and will add 570,000 jobs to the economy.

• The Mountain West boasts nearly unlimited renewable energy resources and these nonhydro projects, either under construction or in advanced development, represent 71,872 jobs. A study by Headwaters Economics found that from 1970–2010, nonmetropolitan counties in the West that had more than 30 percent protected federal lands increased jobs by 345 percent. Nonmetropolitan counties with no protected federal lands saw just 83 percent growth.

• The solar industry in California has experienced significant growth over the past 15 years. Since 1995 the number of solar businesses grew by 171 percent, and total employment jumped by 166 percent. As a point of comparison, the total number of California businesses has grown by 70 percent and employment increased by 12 percent.

The promise of the clean economy is not a mirage or a far-off goal; it’s being felt right now across the country, employing about 3.1 million Americans. In the second quarter of 2012 alone, more than 37,000 new clean energy jobs were announced in projects across 30 states. Recognizing the critical need to enhance our energy security, the U.S. military has become a major proponent of clean technologies such as biofuels, efficiency, and solar, and the world’s largest investors agree that long-term climate change and clean energy policy is a tremendous investment opportunity.

To read the introduction and summary of the report, click here.

About the Offshore Wind Accelerator Project: The Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP), managed by Clean Energy States Alliance, is a coalition of public, private and nonprofit stakeholders who are working together to break down barriers to offshore wind development in the United States. To learn more, visit www.offshorewindworks.org.

About Clean Energy States Alliance: Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is the only national nonprofit organization representing the collective voice of public clean energy funds. CESA provides information sharing, technical assistance services, and a collaborative network by coordinating multi-state efforts, leveraging funding for projects and research, and assisting clean energy programs with program development and evaluation. For more information, visit www.cleanenergystates.org.

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For Immediate Release

October 19, 2012

Contact
Marissa Newhall
(202) 527-9196

marissa@cleanegroup.org

Clean Energy Leadership Awards Given at CESA National Membership Meeting

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On October 23rd, Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) held the awards ceremony for the 2012 State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) Awards, in conjunction with its Fall National Membership meeting held in Albany, NY and co-hosted by NYSERDA.

From left to right, the award recipients are Tim Tutt accepting on behalf of the California Energy Commission; Jeff Peterson of NYSERDA; Christie Howe of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; Mark Mayhew of NYSERDA; Dale Hedman of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CT); Barbara Bernstein and Jack Ruderman of the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission; and Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of Clean Energy States Alliance.

A briefing report, "State Leadership in Clean Energy: Seven Exemplary Programs," provides summaries of the winning programs; it can be download by clicking here. CESA will also be hosting several webinars about the winning programs in November that are free to attend; the webinar recordings can be found at http://www.cleanenergystates.org/projects/state-leadership-in-clean-energy/

New CESA Report: States Maintain Definitive 10-Year Trend of Leadership in Clean Energy Project Development

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Despite Economic Conditions, State Clean Energy Funds Installed More Projects in 2011 than Ever Before

Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) released a comprehensive analysis of trends in state clean energy development, titled The Rising Tide of State-Supported Renewable Energy Projects: Results from the CESA Database, 1998-2011. Among its main findings, the report confirms that state clean energy funds have remained major drivers of renewable energy development in the U.S., funding nearly 130,000 projects and adding nearly 4.8 new gigawatts of clean power to the grid since 1998.

“Despite the economic climate, state clean energy funds have continued to demonstrate innovation, support emerging technologies, and advance clean energy markets,” said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of Clean Energy States Alliance. “The better news is that, after 13 years of data collection, we feel confident that these industry trends are here to stay.”

The report draws from the CESA National Renewable Energy Database, an ongoing effort to collect and maintain key metrics on investment in renewable energy projects in states that are members of CESA. The CESA Database is designed to centralize information from across the country, to simplify state clean energy program reporting and administration, and to make it easier to track important market measures, such as installed cost and funding leverage, across projects and technologies and over time. For more information about CESA members and to download the report, see www.cleanenergystates.org.

Key findings from this year’s CESA Database report include:

2011 saw the most state-funded clean energy projects installed in a single year. State clean energy funds supported 32,734 clean energy projects in 2011, an 18 percent increase over 2010 and almost twice the number of projects installed in 2009.
Since 1998, states have invested $3.4 billion in public funds in renewable energy projects and successfully leveraged an additional $12.5 billion. Total investment over this period was $15.9 billion.
Projects supported by state clean energy funds are avoiding significant CO2 emissions. Since 1998, state funds have supported the installation of almost 4.8 gigawatts of clean energy generation capacity. Each year, these projects generate almost 10.7 million megawatt hours of energy and avoid 8.1 million tons of CO2, the equivalent of taking about 1.4 million cars off the road.

The new report comes at an opportune time, as CESA recently recognized seven exemplary state clean energy programs with its State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) Awards. These seven programs, which range across a variety of clean energy technologies, illustrate and reaffirm the trends described in the CESA Database analysis:

• The University of California, San Diego Microgrid and Synchrophasor Research and Development Program, both of the California Energy Commission;

• The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority’s Connecticut Solar Lease Program;

• The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Pilot Program;

• The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission’s Residential Wood-Pellet Boiler Rebate Program;

• The Clean Energy Business Incubator Program and On-Site Wind Market Development Program, both from the New York State Energy and Research and Development Authority.

CESA has released a comprehensive report, “State Leadership in Clean Energy: Seven Exemplary Programs,” which is available for free on this website under Publications. CESA is hosting several free webinars on these award winning programs click on Events.

Energy Trust of Oregon saves utility customers $1 billion over the past decade

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Energy-saving programs and services support a stronger economy and a cleaner environment

PORTLAND, Ore. — October 24, 2012 — In the 10 years since Energy Trust of Oregon began offering resources, technical assistance and financial incentives to help utility customers invest in energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects, participants have saved more than $1 billion on their energy bills. The energy and bill savings will continue year after year at nearly 438,000 homes, commercial and public buildings, and industrial and agricultural facilities around the state.

“This has been a decade of difference,” said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust. “From the shop floor to the board room to the dinner table, Oregonians are learning how to use energy differently and are seeing immediate benefits. Together with customers, local trade ally contractors and our affiliated utilities, we’re helping build a different, better and more sustainable Oregon."

In addition to helping industrial, commercial and residential customers trim their utility bills, throughout its first decade of service Energy Trust has contributed to Oregon’s economy, protected the environment and helped utilities deliver energy to customers at the lowest possible cost.

Delivering effective services and value for ratepayers An independent, nonprofit organization, Energy Trust began operation in March 2002. Energy Trust has helped Oregon customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power save and generate 426 average megawatts of electricity. It has helped Oregon customers of NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas, and Washington customers of NW Natural, save 23.2 million annual therms of natural gas. These savings are equivalent to the energy needed to power all Portland homes for one and one-half years and heat all Pendleton homes for seven years.

Utilities rely on Energy Trust savings from efficiency to meet future energy needs for their customers at a lower cost. For every $1 Energy Trust invested in energy efficiency from 2002–2011, ratepayers will save nearly $4 in costs utilities would have incurred to provide the same amount of energy from other, more costly resources.

Greater economic benefits for Oregon Energy Trust has invested $684 million in program delivery, incentives, technical assistance, trade ally contractor training, quality control and assurance and outreach activities to help utility customers put clean energy projects into action.

Read the entire press release at http://energytrust.org/news/news/121023_10Year_PR.pdf.

Maryland Energy Administration Advances Innovative Clean Energy Technologies with Cost-Sharing Grants

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Maryland Energy Administration awards $1.1 Million in Competitive Grants to Five Clean Energy Generation Projects

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 2, 2012) – Today, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announced five recipients of the new "Game Changer Competitive Grant Program," a program created to provide cost-sharing grants for innovative clean energy generation technologies and market strategies in Maryland. The winning grantees embrace either a new technology or a new methodology that extends beyond existing renewable energy generation; the Game Changers seek to advance the market into uncharted territory. Winners were evaluated on the merits of their energy production, cost-effectiveness, market potential, project viability, cost share, project performance measurement and verification methodology, and project visibility. The projects are funded based on their ability to help the State meet its renewable energy portfolio standard of 20% by 2022, and the grant recipients’ progress towards that goal will be evaluated for two years following their award.

"MEA strongly believes that investing in Game Changer technologies and analyzing their performance in our state is a smart investment that will yield very positive returns to Maryland families and businesses,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, Acting Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “These highly leveraged projects will help jump start innovative and commercially available technologies for the future and economic benefits for communities.”

Funding for the program comes from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which was created from public auctions of carbon credits through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Game Changing technologies include large-scale biomass boilers, community wind project assessments, advanced solar thermal water heating systems and assessments, photovoltaics (PV) with advanced energy storage in micro-grid configurations, and PV/storage systems that can charge next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). Grant recipients range from greenhouses to developers working with General Motors. For more information, please see the full press release link below.

See the source: http://energy.maryland.gov/documents/MarylandRecognizesGameChangingCleanEnergyInnovationWithOverOneMillioninGrants.pdf

Massachusetts Clean Energy Incentive Program Contracts 802 Solar Projects

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Media contacts:

Catherine Williams (617) 315-9386 cwilliams@masscec.com

Matt Kakley (617) 315-9339 mkakley@masscec.com

Solarize Mass created 32 jobs, 5.1 megawatts, Southwick’s Zoo among projects

BOSTON – November 9, 2012 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) today announced that 802 residents and businesses signed contracts to install solar electricity systems as part of the 2012 Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass), which concluded Nov. 4.

The systems contracted through Solarize Mass constitute 5.1 megawatts of clean, renewable energy that will generate enough electricity to power 807 Massachusetts homes annually. The program also created 32 jobs, fueling an already expanding clean energy sector.

“The response to Solarize Mass this year was incredible,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “Together with industry, government and the community at the table, this program helped hundreds of residents and businesses across the Commonwealth generate reliable, local sources of energy, while saving money in the process.”

The group buying program, designed to increase the adoption of solar energy and reduce its cost, offered residents and businesses discounted pricing for solar. The more people sign up, the lower the price drops.

“Others are duplicating this innovative program, which empowers communities to advocate for and take advantage of cost-effective, clean and local sources of energy for residents and businesses,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt. “Saving money while avoiding the environmental and public health impacts of fossil-fuel based generation is an absolute win-win for the economy and the environment.”

This year, 17 communities – Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Lenox, Lincoln, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Shirley, Sudbury, Sutton and Wayland – participated in Solarize Mass, which encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV systems by allowing residents and businesses to access a five-tiered, bulk purchasing program in their communities. The communities are all Green Communities, a designation made by the Department of Energy Resources to communities that meet five clean energy requirements, including a commitment to reduce their energy use by 20 percent.

“Thanks to these leading Green Communities, affordable solar energy is available on Main Streets across Massachusetts,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia.

Arlington was the single community with the most contracts signed for the largest capacity, with 157 residents and businesses signing contracts for an expected generation of 718 kilowatts.

See the entire press release from the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Massachusetts-Clean-Energy-Incentive-Program-Contracts-802-Solar-Projects/cdid/14182/pid/11150

MassCEC and MA DOER Announce Grants to Help Communities Adopt Clean Energy

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BOSTON – Nov. 13, 2012 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division today announced a $500,000 pilot program to help local communities identify energy efficiency, renewable energy and other clean energy strategies to meet local energy needs.

The Community Energy Strategies Program will provide technical and financial assistance for up to four municipalities and at least one regional planning authority to help identify, prioritize and enable a mix of clean energy strategies and incentives best suited to address local interests, needs, resources and opportunities for clean energy development.

The program is designed to help communities assess and evaluate clean energy investments ranging from high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and insulation to wind turbines and solar photovoltaic systems.

“Many Massachusetts communities have strong interest in pursuing clean energy development, but lack the technical and financial capacity to identify and take full advantage of local clean energy opportunities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “The program will enable local communities to maximize their clean energy potential.”

“This pilot program is one more way for DOER to help communities identify resources that are available to assist them in growing their clean energy portfolio,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “We hope that our partnership with MassCEC will lead to an increase of wind, solar, anaerobic digestion and other clean energy projects, which will benefit local residents and Massachusetts as a whole.”

“An ideal approach to clean energy employs a combination of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy generation,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt. “Projects that work for one community may not work for another, and thus this program is designed to help municipalities find the best projects for their communities.”

Massachusetts lies at the end of the energy pipeline – lacking indigenous supplies of traditional energy resources. As a result, Massachusetts has some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Of the $22 billion Massachusetts spends annually on energy, $18 billion of that goes to out-of-state and foreign sources.

The state’s growing renewable energy portfolio and emphasis on energy efficiency – the state’s “first fuel” - keeps more of that spending in the Massachusetts economy, while creating local jobs. As a result of Massachusetts’ progressive clean energy policies, clean energy jobs in Massachusetts have grown by 11.2 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report.

About MassCEC

About DOER

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply within the context of creating a cleaner energy future.

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See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Energy-Officials-Announce-Grants-to-Help-Communities-Adopt-Clean-Energy/cdid/14184/pid/11150

Media contacts:

Catherine Williams (617) 315-9386 cwilliams@masscec.com

Matt Kakley (617) 315-9339 mkakley@masscec.com

Solar Supply Chain Database Promotes Ohio Manufacturing

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Ohio University and the Ohio Development Services Agency to market Ohio’s solar strengths

ATHENS, Ohio – As a leader in polymers, metals, glass and advanced manufacturing techniques, the state of Ohio is positioned to be a leader in solar energy component manufacturing. A new solar energy supply chain database project, developed by the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and the Ohio Development Service Agency’s Office of Energy, will promote Ohio companies within the solar industry.

“This database allows companies in the solar industry supply chain to identify Ohio manufacturers that can meet their manufacturing needs as the industry grows,” said Chad Smith, deputy chief of the Office of Energy at the Ohio Development Services Agency. “Working with the Voinovich School, we will have a better understanding of Ohio’s role in the solar industry and areas for growth, which will play a part in our economic development strategy.”

The navigable supply chain database provides a definitive picture of Ohio companies engaged in the solar industry using a geocoded, interactive online map. The database and map will increase communication between stakeholders, act as a resource for businesses and the public, and identify potential growth areas which could lead to long-term job growth.

See the source: http://development.ohio.gov/files/media/pressrelease/11.15.12%20Solar%20Supply%20Chain%20Database%20Promotes%20Ohio%20Manufacturing.pdf

Independent Study Highlights the Benefits and Success of Focus on Energy (WI)

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

MADISON, WI. (November 19, 2012) –

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, is highly cost-effective, according to a new independent evaluation report released by the Cadmus Group.

The Cadmus report focuses on activities and achievements for calendar year 2011, which was characterized by significant transitions in program administration, implementation and design. During 2011, the report found that Focus on Energy provided incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to more than 195,000 residential and business customers. Total verified net energy savings accomplished as a result of Focus on Energy projects amounted to 441 GWh and approximately 17 thousand Therms, or the equivalent of providing electricity to 44,000 homes for one year. The report also found that Focus on Energy returned $428 million in benefits for Wisconsin ratepayers.

“Our goal since becoming administrator of Focus on Energy in May 2011 has been to provide Wisconsin businesses and residents the most cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy program in the country,” said William S. Haas, director of program administration. “This report underscores Focus on Energy’s success and confirms the positive feedback we’ve been receiving from the program’s customers.”

The Cadmus Group estimates that in 2011 statewide benefits of the energy savings achieved by Focus on Energy programs exceeded costs by a ratio of 2.46 to 1. This represents a considerable increase from the 2010 ratio of 2.3 to 1. In measuring Focus on Energy’s cost-effectiveness, the Cadmus Group compared the financial benefits from investing in programs to the financial costs associated with running the programs and delivering the energy efficiency and renewable resource measures.

Although the cost-effectiveness of the program has been on the rise, the report also found that energy savings achieved in 2011 lagged those achieved in previous years. Factors that contributed to this reduced level of savings include the numerous and significant changes in program administration, design and delivery that took place in 2011. Additionally, the effects of reduced incentive levels implemented midway through 2010 and continued in 2011 had an impact on customer participation during the year.

"We are very proud that Focus on Energy is a highly cost-effective program, however we recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done," Haas said. “For this calendar year, we are pleased to announce that we are on track to meet our energy savings targets and make up for any energy savings not realized in 2011.”

This year’s results will follow a comprehensive redesign that expanded opportunities for Wisconsin homes and businesses to participate in the program. Enhancements included a new targeted program for small businesses and expanded energy savings opportunities for residents such as a refrigerator recycling program and year-round discounts for efficient lighting. Other program improvements include cutting up-front costs for residents participating in comprehensive home energy programs and recruiting a network of over 1,400 Wisconsin businesses as Trade Allies who help implement projects that cut energy use.

For more information about Focus on Energy and the 2011 Annual Evaluation Report, please visit www.focusonenergy.com or contact us at focusinfo@focusonenergy.com or 800.762.7077.

bout Focus on Energy

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See the source: http://www.focusonenergy.com/About-Us/News-Releases/press-releases11191201.aspx

NH Public Utilities Commission Announces 2012 Renewable Energy Grants

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission has awarded grant funds for seven renewable energy projects in New Hampshire.[1] Funded by the State’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF), the grants will help fund a range of renewable energy installations, helping to reduce New Hampshire’s dependence on fossil fuels and to meet the state’s renewable energy goals.

The grants were awarded through a competitive process. The Commission issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in February 2012, and received twenty-six applications requesting a total of nearly $7 million. Applications were evaluated and rated by a screening committee consisting of staff from the Commission, Department of Environmental Services, and the Office of Energy and Planning. Ten of the applicants were interviewed by the screening committee. The committee then passed its findings on to the three PUC Commissioners, who in turn carried out their own review process and made final decisions on all grant awards.

The seven awards are as follows:

Cartographic Associates, Inc - $43,000: Cartographic Associates will replace three oil-fired furnaces at its offices in downtown Littleton with a single, high efficiency wood pellet boiler. The wood pellets will be sourced from a New Hampshire pellet manufacturing plant. The wood for the pellets will be likewise harvested from nearby New Hampshire forests. This project is expected to displace 3,200 gallons of #2 heating oil per year, resulting in cost savings of approximately $5,165 per year. This project will be leveraged with an investment of $22,762 by the grantee, for a total project cost of $65,762.

Claremont Fire Department – $52,000: The Claremont Fire Department will install a high efficiency wood pellet boiler at its 1917 Vintage Fire Station. This project will displace 3500 gallons of #2 heating oil per year, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 52 tons per year. The wood pellets will be supplied mainly by an in-state pellet manufacturer, with wood harvested from local forests. The pellet boiler will be showcased to town residents and school children during tours of the fire station. Total project cost is $65,000.

Colby Solar, LLC - $100,000: Colby Solar will install solar electric panels on campus buildings at Colby-Sawyer College in New London. The solar arrays, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems will have a combined electrical capacity of 125 kilowatts. Using an innovative financing arrangement, Colby Sawyer College will invest only a modest amount of capital up-front, and will purchase power from Colby Solar at below market rates for six years. The college will then purchase the solar arrays at a deeply discounted price. The solar system is expected to produce 150,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, resulting in a savings of about $20,000. Total project cost is $474,622.

Northeast BioEnergy Systems, LLC - $93,000: Northeast BioEnergy Systems will install a woodchip boiler at the Russell Elementary School in Rumney. The school will enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Northeast BioEnergy Systems, thus allowing the school district to pay only for the heat that is delivered at no-upfront cost. At the end of the life of the PPA, the school district will have the option to purchase the system at fair market value, which will be greatly reduced from the original project cost of $372,000. The new boiler will displace approximately 12,000 gallons of heating oil, resulting in cost savings of $35,000 annually.

Sullivan County - $300,000: The County of Sullivan will install a district energy system at the Sullivan County Complex. Wood chips will be used to generate both heat and electricity for several county buildings including a jail and nursing home. This renewable cogeneration system will use 1,900 tons of wood chips annually and will reduce the county’s use of fossil fuel by 125,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. The system will also generate 137,300 kilowatt hours of on-site electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,200 tons per year, and create energy savings of $290,000 per year. Total project cost: $3.18 million.

University of New Hampshire - $59,750: UNH will install a solar hot air system on the façade of Kingsbury Hall on the Durham campus. This system will use sunlight to pre-heat the large volumes of fresh air that pass through the building’s air handling units and thereby displace 890 million BTU’s worth of heat energy per year. The technology will be especially effective in Kingsbury Hall as the building houses many laboratory spaces requiring frequent changes of air. The performance of the system will be carefully monitored with sensors that will measure and document energy production. Total project cost: $119,500.

Walker Wellington, LLC - $100,000: Working in partnership with the city of Dover, Walker Wellington will install a turbine generator in the outfall pipe at the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Developed by Walker Wellington, the turbine is a working proto-type made in New Hampshire and specifically engineered for low head, variable flow applications, typically seen in municipal wastewater treatment facilities. This demonstration project is critical for generating performance data for the technology. The unit to be installed has a capacity of up to 20 kilowatts (kW), and has the potential to be scaled into units up to 100 kW or greater in size. The turbine will generate 80 megawatt hours of electricity per year, displace the use of 1,950 gallons of fossil fuel, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 52 tons per year. Total project cost is $129,000.

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[1] An eight proposal was selected for funding but has not yet been submitted to the Governor and Executive Council for approval. The applicant has experienced delays in obtaining financing for the project.

Jack Ruderman
Director, Sustainable Energy Division
New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
21 S. Fruit Street, Concord, NH 03301-2429
603-271-6012
jack.ruderman@puc.nh.gov

www.puc.nh/gov

NYSERDA Supports New Biogas-to-Power Project for Local Brewery

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Incentives Bring Renewable Energy Technology to Maker of Saranac Beers, Increasing Energy Efficiency While Treating Wastewater and Reducing Company Expenses, with Funding Assistance from NYSERDA and National Grid

UTICA, N.Y. - F. X. Matt Brewing Co., New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and National Grid today unveiled a new biogas-to-power system that will use brewing wastewater to generate electricity through a process known as anaerobic digestion.

The 400 kilowatt (kW) system will produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 400 homes. The system provides an additional energy benefit through a combined heat and power (CHP) element as it will recycle part of the waste heat to keep the digestion process at temperatures necessary for optimum conditions.

NYSERDA provided a $1 million incentive to Matt Brewing Co., the second-oldest family brewery in the nation. In addition, the company will receive a maximum of $750,000 in funding from National Grid, as well as federal tax credits. Total project cost is $5 million.

The project will provide between 35 and 40 percent of the company's daily power needs and reduce electricity costs by approximately $350,000 annually. It will have an expected payback of five to six years. In addition to reducing power from the electric grid, the processer will reduce the amount of wastewater that the local sewage treatment center must process, further increasing the energy efficiency impact.

The technology has several steps. Organic wastewater from the brewing process, mostly wastewater, is pumped into a large holding tank instead of discharging into the sewer system. Then it is pumped to the five digester tanks where bacteria digest the wastewater, creating a methane-rich biogas. The biogas is then burned to produce electricity.

"With Governor Cuomo's strong support of investments in clean energy, New York State continues to build leadership in this important sector of the economy, and projects like this one further this effort," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. "NYSERDA is pleased to support Matt Brewing's use of clean-energy power technology, helping to improve power reliability and reduce electric costs for a thriving business while also benefiting the environment."

Funding for Matt comes from NYSERDA's Anaerobic Digester Gas-to-Electricity Program, which provides funding of up to $1 million to support the purchase, installation, and operation of ADG-to-Electricity Systems in New York State. A total of $57 million is available on a first-come, first-serve basis through 2015.

"National Grid is focused on making energy investments that enable our customers to reduce their usage and bills, and help keep the air clean in surrounding communities," said Ken Daly, president of National Grid, New York. "Central New York is brimming with opportunity to distinguish itself in sustainable energy research and development and New York State is once again demonstrating a leadership role in promoting clean energy. National Grid is proud to work with Matt Brewing Company and NYSERDA to help the company accomplish its energy goals and to ensure the region's alternative energy strengths are fully utilized to create economic and business development opportunities."

National Grid's Renewable Energy and Economic Development program funds projects located in the company's service area that demonstrate alternative generation technologies while producing significant economic development benefits for the region. The program provides matching grants of up to $750,000 for collaborative projects that involve an upstate research institution, one or more renewable energy, energy storage or clean transportation technology partners, and a regional economic development sponsor. Eligible generation technologies include, but are not limited to, solar, photovoltaic, geothermal, biomass, and anaerobic digestion. Since the inception of the program in 2010, several upstate New York companies have participated in the program and were awarded a total of $2.5 million in funding.

Matt, which began operation in 1888, is most widely known for its Saranac line of beers and sodas, but also brews a variety of craft beverages for other labels. The firm, which employs approximately 120 people, is current owned and operated by the third and fourth generations of the Matt family, Nick (chairman and CEO) and Fred (president) respectively.

"This anaerobic digestion facility is a fascinating project. We're creating energy from waste, and our company is benefiting from it," said Nick Matt. "We are very thankful to NYSERDA and National Grid for providing the funding to make this clean-energy project possible."

Matt produces about 330,000 barrels of beer and soda, or the equivalent of 4.5 million cases of 12-ounce bottles a year. The company first committed to the project in 2010 with Environmental Management Group International, Inc. based in Media, PA, as the lead system design engineers. Construction on the digester system began in early 2012, with installation of a 200,000-gallon wastewater equalization tank, five 40,000-gallon Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Digester (AFBD) tanks and the power-generation equipment.

Matt's brewing process creates wastewater from cleaning out brewing vessels and aging vats daily. The wastewater is saturated with organic materials, which will be broken down by bacteria in the digestion process. The system will treat an average of 150,000 gallons of water each day, or 50 million gallons per year, generating up to 400 kW-per-hour of electricity that will be used by the brewery.

"The Matt Family has demonstrated in this project that they not only have a proud heritage in Utica's past, they have a wonderful vision for a clean energy future," said Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-C-IP, Rome). "This project makes tremendous business sense and also helps move the city of Utica into the position of being an innovator in clean energy projects involving cutting-edge private sector firms. The partnership that is making this project happen is a sign of the type of public-private collaboration that can bring not only new forms of energy to the community, but new jobs and economic growth. I want to thank the Matt Family and Brewery leadership for their vision, and all of the state partners at NYSERDA who helped bring this idea to fruition."

# # #

Alan Wechsler, NYSERDA

(518) 862-1090 ext. 3561

anw@nyserda.org<mailto:anw@nyserda.org>

CESA Supports PTC and ITC in Letter to Congress

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Today Clean Energy States Alliance submitted a non-partisan letter to key Congressional committee leaders in support of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC), federal policies that are crucial for sustained clean energy development. CESA's Board of Directors approved the letter in October.

From the letter:

CESA is incorporated as a nonprofit organization comprised of state renewable energy funds and programs. CESA is the only multi-state coalition of such state funding agencies. Through CESA, these agencies work together to support renewable energy projects, companies, and markets. CESA also offers assistance to non-member states interested in establishing effective renewable energy funds and programs. CESA is engaged with state energy leaders in the vast majority of states across the country.

CESA members include clean energy programs in the states of Alaska, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Long Island Power Authority, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District also are CESA members.

These state-based programs are a major driver of clean energy deployment and investment in the United States. Our latest report, The Rising Tide of State-Supported Clean Energy Projects: Project Development Results from the CESA Database, 1998-2011, found that during that 14- year period, the state-administered programs invested over $3.4 billion dollars to support the deployment of more than 129,000 renewable energy projects, including solar, biomass, and wind projects.

The states, however, cannot build a strong clean energy economic sector without federal policy support. In particular, the federal PTC and ITC have been highly effective tools to complement state support for development of renewable energy projects. For example, the PTC, combined with state clean energy program support and renewable portfolio standards, has allowed the wind industry to lower the cost of wind power by more than 90%, provide power to the equivalent of over 12 million American homes, and foster economic development in all 50 states.

The PTC and ITC are set to expire at the end of 2012, and it is crucial that they be extended immediately. Failure to extend the federal tax credits will lead to significant job losses and roll back progress that the states have made to diversify the US electricity portfolio.

The full letter is downloadable as a PDF on CESA's website.

MassCEC Announces Woodstove Trade-in Program - Offers Discounts for New Clean Stoves

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Eligible residents could receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of new, more efficient and safer models

BOSTON – December 27, 2012 – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt and Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today announced the launch of a new $100,000 pilot incentive program to assist residents in trading their inefficient wood-, wood pellet- or coal-burning stoves for safer, higher-efficiency models.

Residents who qualify for the program – which is a partnership between MassCEC and DOER – will receive a voucher of either $1,000 or $2,000 to replace older non-EPA certified stove models with high efficiency stoves that use less wood and release less air pollution.

“Clean energy adoption can sometimes come from places you least expect it, but have a big impact on our energy costs, our environment and our health,” said Barton McDevitt. “Newer stoves are more efficient, save families money each month on wood costs and provide better air quality that keeps more people healthy.”

Until Jan. 17, 2013, this program will be open only to low-income residents who provide proof of enrollment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), MassHealth or Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

After Jan. 17, the program will open up to all eligible Massachusetts residents who have a qualifying woodstove to trade in.

Low-income residents are eligible for a $2,000 rebate, while other Massachusetts residents are eligible for a $1,000 rebate.

“We hope this program inspires people across the Commonwealth to upgrade their wood heating systems and save themselves money, make their homes more comfortable and the air cleaner,” said Commissioner Sylvia.

“This program is a great example of how state agencies work together to support our clean air goals,” said Kenneth Kimmell, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which is charged with ensuring clean air across the Commonwealth. “Because new woodstoves emit approximately 70 percent less pollution than older, conventional stoves, MassDEP worked with our partner agencies to ensure that the change-out program targets the less-efficient stoves and significantly reduces local particulate emissions.”

Residents can participate in the program by filling out an online application or submitting a paper application. Once it is approved, MassCEC will issue a voucher, which can be redeemed at any participating woodstove dealer in Massachusetts for a discount on the retail price of the stove. MassCEC will then reimburse retailers for the value of the voucher.

To qualify, residents must already have an existing woodstove to trade in and must receive approval for a rebate before purchasing the woodstove. Woodstoves purchased before a rebate is awarded are not eligible for the program.

Residents can apply for a voucher, and access more information on the program, by visiting www.masscec.com/woodstove.

Funding for this program comes from the 2010 Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) Spending Plan. ACPs are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable Portfolio Standard programs. DOER establishes the plan for use of these funds to support clean energy development in the Commonwealth.

About MassCEC

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.

About DOER

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See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Woodstove-Trade-in-Program-Offers-Discounts-for-New-Clean-Stoves/cdid/14357/pid/11150

MassCEC Launches $1 Million Program to Lower Cost of Commercial Solar Hot Water Systems

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

BOSTON – December 13, 2012 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced a new program to assist commercial or non-profit building owners in reducing their water heating bills up to 20 percent by installing solar hot water systems.

The program, a partnership between MassCEC and Medford-based Paradigm Partners, will help building owners install solar hot water systems on their roofs with little or no upfront costs. MassCEC will provide a $250,000 grant for the program, with Paradigm Partners providing $250,000 in in-kind services, while also leveraging more than $800,000 in private investment.

Under this new model, private third parties will install, own and operate the solar hot water systems, which use the sun to preheat water for a variety of building uses, displacing fossil fuel use. The building owner then agrees to purchase the energy generated by the system at a competitive and stable rate.

“By pioneering a third-party ownership model, this program will drive down or eliminate upfront cost to building owners who install commercial solar hot water systems,” said Barton McDevitt. “By making commercial solar hot water systems more affordable to building owners, we can increase their adoption and help create a cleaner energy future for everyone.”

Paradigm Partners – a turnkey provider of renewable heating and cooling systems – will be responsible for deploying between six and 10 large-scale systems throughout the state.

“We’re excited to deploy new strategies that directly replace expensive, dirty and inefficient fossil fuels like heating oil,” said Michael Hogan, managing partner at Paradigm Partners. “I applaud MassCEC for continuing to lead the country by focusing on the most critical point in the value chain, where energy users benefit from clean technology on their buildings.”

“This is great news for the solar heating and cooling industry. Massachusetts is one of the fastest-growing markets for solar heating and cooling, and this new commercial program will lead to more local jobs,” said Carrie Hitt, vice president of state affairs at Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “There are 50 solar heating and cooling companies located in Massachusetts, including at least six manufacturing sites, representing jobs along all sectors of the solar supply chain.”

About MassCEC

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.

About Paradigm Partners

Founded in 2010, Paradigm Partners provides turnkey design, build, and finance solutions to building owners in the commercial market, including multifamily, institutional, and industrial. They focus exclusively on renewable and clean technology systems to improve a client’s bottom line as well as the environment.

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See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/MassCEC-Launches-$1-Million-Program-to-Lower-Cost-of-Commercial-Solar-Hot-Water-Systems/cdid/14339/pid/11150

CEFIA Releases RFP for Anaerobic Digestion Pilot Program

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Rocky Hill, Conn., January 2, 2013 — The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Anaerobic Digestion Pilot Program (AD Program). Pursuant to Section 103 of Public Act 11-80, CEFIA is charged with administering a three-year, $6M Pilot Program. The total funding allocated for all selected Projects under this competitive solicitation is $2M.

The purpose of the AD Program RFP is to solicit applications from eligible entities working with experienced renewable energy developers (Applicants). There will be a strong emphasis on evaluating the financial feasibility of each proposed installation (Project) as well as the Applicant’s ability to complete construction of the Project in a timely manner.

CEFIA has modified the AD Program RFP, which was initially offered last spring, to allow greater flexibility in sizing a proposed Project. The revised RFP allows Applicants to maximize a Projects economics by removing the on-site generation requirement and allowing projects to distribute energy off-site. The AD Program provides support towards the intent of Public Act 11-217, An Act Concerning The Recycling Of Organic Materials By Certain Food Wholesalers, Manufacturers, Supermarkets, And Conference Centers, which requires recycling of food waste throughout Connecticut. CEFIA seeks to coordinate the recycling policy with the AD Program opportunity to facilitate the use of food waste as an energy source, providing the state with energy and environmental benefits. CEFIA’s AD Program RFP is the only vehicle through which CEFIA will identify and qualify AD Projects for financial support.

CEFIA will offer financial support for AD energy generating projects in the developmental stages that have not yet commenced the construction phase. The level of support for individual awards is not a fixed amount based on size or cost; it will vary based on the specific technology, efficiency, and economics of the installation.

This solicitation is designed to offer a number of financial support options in an effort to best leverage limited public dollars. Financial support may include a loan, grant, or alternative financing mechanisms – with higher weighting given to Projects that request financing as opposed to grants. Additional Project considerations include overall feasibility and viability of the proposed project.

Prospective Applicants should review the AD Program RFP which contains detailed information regarding the application and evaluation processes, solicitation eligibility, eligible energy projects, and potential areas of financial innovation.

The RFP and application materials are posted at www.ctcleanenergy.com/AD. Applications under this round of the AD Program must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, on February 8, 2013. Programmatic questions regarding eligibility will be accepted via email from the release date, through February 8, 2013. Questions regarding application processes or timetables may be directed to Dale Hedman, CEFIA Director of Statutory and Infrastructure Programs at dale.hedman@ctcleanenergy.com.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

CEFIA was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011. It is the successor organization to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CEFIA is governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the governor and the leadership of the State Legislature. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information on CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

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See the source: http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/NewsEvents/PressRoom/tabid/118/ctl/ViewItem/mid/1364/ItemId/268/Default.aspx?SkinSrc=/Portals/_default/Skins/subpages/subpage_level0

Governor Cuomo Announces $250 Million for Renewable Energy Projects Administered by NYSERDA

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Funding for Medium- and Large-Scale Clean Energy Projects to Ensure Electricity from Wind, Hydro and Biomass Throughout New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that $250 million is available for a broad range of renewable energy generation projects. This funding is a critical component of Governor Cuomo’s Energy Highway Blueprint that will upgrade and modernize New York’s aging energy infrastructure.

Funding for these renewable projects is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), and is targeted to electric generation projects that use wind, hydroelectric, solar, biomass or other clean-energy resources. The projects will not only help expand the State’s renewable energy portfolio but will assist the State in reducing its carbon footprint.

“As New York State looks to upgrade and improve its energy infrastructure, renewable energy will play an even greater role in providing power that is more reliable, efficient and environmentally sustainable,” said Governor Cuomo. “Through the RPS, the state is investing in its future. These projects will not only help diversify New York’s renewable energy portfolio, but also provide economic development opportunities across the state.”

The RPS funding will be awarded competitively, with recipients expected to be announced by summer 2013.

“The RPS program has allowed New York State to expand its clean-energy economy by attracting private investment in these medium and large renewable energy projects, which are creating jobs and providing environmental benefits for local communities,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Governor Cuomo’s commitment to diversifying the state’s renewable energy portfolio has positioned New York as a national leader focused on energy security, environmental responsibility and sound energy policy development.”

“The generation of electricity from renewable sources increases energy diversity and promotes a better environment for us all,” said Public Service Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “Developing renewable resources, along with our energy efficiency efforts, provides our best hope toward ending dependency on fossil fuels, improving regional economies, reducing harmful emissions, and enabling all of us to gain greater control of our energy future. The Renewable Portfolio Standard ensures that the success of the state’s renewable energy program continues unabated.”

New York’s RPS program has been highly successful at attracting investments in clean energy and diversifying the in-state resource mix. The program is expected to yield significant economic benefits to the state. Over the next 20 years, the direct benefits from the projects currently within the RPS program are expected to approach $2.4 billion, and the effects on the broader economy are estimated at more than $4.9 billion.

Under the RPS program, NYSERDA has current Main Tier contracts with 54 large-scale renewable electricity generators. The power generated from these projects is expected to provide enough clean power for more than 650,000 homes per year. These projects include two biomass facilities, 10 landfill biogas operations, 25 hydroelectric facilities, and 17 wind farms.

More information about the RPS program can be found at www.nyserda.ny.gov/main-tier.

More information about the Energy Highway Blueprint can be found at www.NYEnergyHighway.com .

See the source: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/en/About/Newsroom/2012-Announcements/2012-12-24-Governor-Cuomo-Announces-250-Million-Dollars-for-Renewable-Energy-Projects.aspx

Industrial Development Bonds Have Role in Clean Energy - CE+BFI Financing Model

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy + Bond Finance Releases Recommended Financing Model

Columbus, OH – The Clean Energy and Bond Finance Initiative (CE+BFI) today released a recommended financing model for clean energy development. The Industrial Development Bond (IDB) model leverages bond financing to achieve relatively low cost capital for renewable energy.

"As the clean energy industry matures and grows, it needs to become less reliant on federal tax credits as the key source of financing," said Lew Milford, President of Clean Energy Group.

IDBs are a form of qualified private activity bonds, which provide tax-exempt interest rates to private borrowers who meet certain public benefit requirements. In the case of IDBs, borrowers must be small- or mid-sized American manufacturers. This financing tool can be important to clean energy development as manufacturers of energy components seek capital to expand. Manufacturers in any industry could also use IDBs to purchase more energy efficient equipment.

"Bond finance, or long-term debt, can become the bedrock finance tool for clean energy, as it is for transportation, housing, and other economic development sectors," said Toby Rittner, President & CEO of the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

The paper on the IDB model is one of a series published by CE+BFI. The series of recommended financing models is intended to provide state and local governments with a menu of options for supporting and financing clean energy development in their communities.

All of the models being researched by CE+BFI are available on the Initiative's website at www.cebfi.org. Additional papers on these models will be published as they become available.

Clean Energy + Bond Finance Initiative (CE+BFI), created by CEG and CDFA, is working with finance and energy professionals across the country to find ways to increase clean energy investment. For more information, visit: www.cleanenergybondfinance.org.

Clean Energy Group (CEG) is a leading national, non-profit advocacy organization working in the U.S. and internationally on innovative technology, finance, and policy programs in the areas of clean energy and climate change. For more information, see www.cleanegroup.org.

Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the leading members of the development finance community. For more information, visit www.cdfa.net.

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Renewable Energy Tax Credits Extended

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.

January 09, 2013

The Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the investment tax credits will be extended through the end of the year under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which was passed by Congress on January 1, 2013, and signed into law on January 2 by President Obama. The extension of the PTC, included in the bill to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff," would apply to all U.S. wind projects that start construction in 2013. In addition to the PTC, the law also covers investment tax credits for community and offshore wind projects.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said the incentives will allow continued growth for wind energy. Last year, the amount of wind energy installed in the United States comprised a record-setting 44% of all new U.S. electrical generating capacity, according to the Energy Information Administration and AWEA. See the White House Blog, the White House American Taxpayer Relief Act fact sheet, and the AWEA press release.

The law also includes geothermal, biomass, and hydropower tax credits as well as a range of other energy efficiency and renewable energy credits. For example, the law extends the biodiesel tax incentive for 2012 and 2013, which expired on December 31, 2011. The $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive was first implemented in 2005. According to a study conducted by Cardno ENTRIX, a consulting firm, the biofuel industry would support more than 112,000 jobs nationally in 2013 with the tax credit in place versus nearly 82,000 without it.

Also, the measure provides one-year tax credits for energy-efficient additions such as exterior windows, doors, and skylights which are eligible for the non-business energy property tax credit; alternative-fuel-vehicle refueling stations; a $2,500 tax credit for two-wheeled or three-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles; and construction of energy-efficient new homes and the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. See the text of the bill.

CEFIA Green Bank Model Important to Grow Clean Energy

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Why the Renewable Energy Industry Needs Green Banks

By Bert Hunter, Chief Investment Officer, Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Published online in Renewable Energy World, January 16, 2013. See the Source: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/01/why-the-renewable-energy-industry-needs-green-banks?cmpid=SolarNL-Thursday-January17-2013

On October 25, 2012, the world watched as Hurricane Sandy swept up the east coast. Over these past few years, we have seen storm after storm leave our homes battered, our possessions ruined, and our towns and cities without power for weeks on end. Most of us in the renewable energy world take it for granted that man-made climate change contributes to the increased intensity of these major weather events, and that renewable energy will reduce the already adverse effects of climate change. But the recent barrage of natural disasters has also revealed something else: the utility company model – based on the centralized delivery of a commodity product – leaves something to be desired, and solar power can help there, too.

The fact is that energy is a service, no matter how it’s provided (whether through gas-fired generation, nuclear plants, or one’s own roof). Rather than trying to sell capital improvements to risk-averse and cash-strapped customers, the clean energy industry needs to be in the business of offering a cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy service.

Few customers want to make a major cash outlay for the mere possibility of procuring their home or business’ kilowatt-hours a few cents more cheaply. But tell the customer a story about “islanding” the solar PV system you’re selling so that she knows her power will stay on when the grid goes down, and she’s listening. Then, tell her you’ve got a financing option that uses her energy savings to make her cash-flow positive, as well, and she’s asking for documents to sign. Our industry’s business models can’t be driven by technology-prescriptive government policy any longer. With no guarantee on what state and federal incentives will look like in the next few years, we can’t stick to the same old script of selling a specific product because it happens to be subsidized at that moment: instead, we need to deliver a service that brings real and lasting value to our customers.

The “green bank” model that Connecticut recently launched, and that New York announced on January 9, helps foment exactly this kind of transformation in market thinking by taking a holistic, long-term view of industry support. Green banks are public institutions with below-market return requirements that aim to create replicable financial structures in order to encourage private investment into the clean energy industry, so as to deliver sustained industry development and lower cost per unit of clean energy delivered.

For instance, in 2008, as a precursor to Connecticut’s green bank (the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, or CEFIA), the state launched a public-private solar lease program to assist small developers in accessing federal ITC and accelerated depreciation incentives and enabling them to offer a competitive product. The program, an investment partnership between the state and U.S. Bank, brought $22M of private solar investment into Connecticut and resulted in 6.2MW of new solar capacity. It contributed to scale and industry transformation in the state: residential installed costs per watt fell by 40% (from $8.19 to $4.85), despite a simultaneous 55% drop in incentive per watt from 2008-2012. With the state’s market now more mature, a new CT Solar Lease will roll out this year, broadened to include more private capital in the structure, and opened to the solar hot water and commercial solar industries in Connecticut, as well.

The CT Solar Lease is but one example of what’s needed. To reach the scale required by ambitious policy goals in Washington and state capitals across the country, we must attract significant private investment at low rates into a sector that has traditionally required public subsidies to compensate for expensive capital. Green banks, through low-cost subordinated debt, equity, or a variety of credit enhancements, can use their funds to make deals attractive to capital providers who are unfamiliar with renewable energy or energy efficiency. With such financial support, and with knowledgeable green bank staff helping guide the way, private entities experienced in providing low-cost debt at scale (i.e. car loans or small business lines of credit) can gain exposure to financing energy products that will ultimately drive down the cost of their capital.

Over the long-term, then, in combination with the declining costs of clean energy technology itself, the availability of this low-cost capital will allow clean energy developers to stop chasing subsidies, and instead compete more directly in the market. The market will truly transform when customers can make their energy decision inclusive of both quality of service and price. And Green Banks like CEFIA are going to help us get there.

Bert Hunter is Chief Investment Officer at Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority based in CT. He will be speaking in a panel discussion entitled 2013 & Beyond: Which States and Policies Will Drive Market Opportunities set to take place during Solar Power-Gen in San Diego in February. Click here for more information about the show.

Benjamin Healey and Alexandra Lieberman of CEFIA contributed to this editorial.

Solarize CT Doubles Amount of Solar in Pilot Program Towns in Just Five Months

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

CEFIA Announces Selection of Communities for Second Phase of Group Purchasing Program

Rocky Hill, Conn., January 17, 2013 — In less than five months, Solarize Connecticut (Program) drove twice as much adoption of residential solar in four pilot communities as those towns had seen in the last seven years. The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), The John Merck Fund, and SmartPower partnered to develop this innovative program that leverages community outreach to simplify the process of installing solar and the power of group purchasing to deliver discounts on the cost of a typical solar installation. Solarize Connecticut is part of the Energize Connecticut initiative which is intended to help consumers save money and use clean energy.

Durham, Fairfield, Portland, and Westport all reached the lowest price level available through the program by successfully encouraging enough town residents to participate. As more homeowners signed up to install solar through purchase or lease agreements, the price for everyone went down – including those who installed systems earlier in the program before the maximum savings kicked in. The four municipalities collectively achieved almost 300 signed contracts as a result of the Program effort.

Building on the success of the four initial communities, CEFIA has announced that the second phase of the program will begin in early March and will include Bridgeport, Canton, Coventry and a community partnership between Mansfield and Windham.

“The community leaders working with local installers devoted incredible energy to Solarize Connecticut to help contract approximately 2.3 MWs of new residential solar and more than double the amount of solar deployed prior to the Program in each town. By achieving the lowest tier of pricing, hundreds of local homeowners were able to benefit from discounted access to clean solar energy,” said Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of CEFIA. “We expect that we will achieve similar success as we begin the next phase of this innovative program with new communities and their dedicated volunteers. The success we are realizing through this initiative is helping CEFIA meet its larger goal of deploying 30MW of new residential solar over the next decade by reducing costs and making the process easier for consumers.”

Each of the communities selected for phase two of the program will work with CEFIA to select the solar installer who will partner with them on the project. Communities will consider the tiered pricing offered by the installers as well as the quality of their workmanship, materials, project management experience and marketing plans. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued and eligible solar installation companies have until January 28, 2013 to submit their proposals to CEFIA for consideration.

Once the installers have been selected for each community, additional details about pricing, leasing options, and program participation will be announced. In the meantime, residents residing in any of the phase two communities can visit www.solarizect.com to sign up to receive more information as it becomes available.

Reaction from Local Leaders

Town of Durham

“Durham is very pleased to have been part of the successful pilot program offered by Solarize Connecticut. The model allowed us to reach the lowest price level available, saving residents money and helping the environment. The Solarize Connecticut program was a gratifying community-building experience.” - Laura Francis, First Selectman, Town of Durham

Town of Fairfield

“I applaud Fairfield residents for participating in this beneficial pilot program. This innovative program has not only reduced the cost of solar installations by as much as 20 percent, but has also supported our ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future for our community.” - Mike Tetreau, First Selectman, Town of Fairfield

Town of Portland

“Our community is thrilled with the results from Solarize Connecticut’s innovative program. With Portland residents’ commitment, we were able to maximize savings for our community, while promoting a ground-breaking solar campaign. We would like to thank CEFIA, Smart Power, the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, Portland Clean Energy Commission, Portland's "solar residents" and all those involved with this very successful program!" - Susan Bransfield, First Selectman, Town of Portland

Town of Westport

“The Town of Westport was pleased to be part of the successful Solarize Connecticut pilot project. The participation of Westport homeowners further underscores our community’s commitment to clean energy.” - Gordon Joseloff, First Selectman, Town of Westport

City of Bridgeport

“Reducing Bridgeport’s carbon footprint and making the City the cleanest and greenest in the region is my top priority. We are excited that Bridgeport was selected to participate in Solarize Connecticut and look forward to providing our residents with the opportunity to reduce their energy costs while also making Bridgeport a cleaner place to live. The City has received more than 600 requests from residents looking to learn more about solar energy, and we’re happy this opportunity is available to our community.” - Mayor Bill Finch, City of Bridgeport

Town of Canton

“The potential for Canton residents to realize savings through Solarize Connecticut made participating in the pilot program an obvious choice for Canton. We are excited to be a part of the program, which will provide Canton residents with the opportunity to install solar in a simple and affordable manner.” - Richard Barlow, First Selectman, Town of Canton

Town of Coventry

“Coventry is delighted to take part in the next phase of the Solarize Connecticut program. Solarize Connecticut will reduce barriers to residents interested in installing solar. We are eager to help our homeowners learn about this innovative program.”- Town Manager John A. Elsesser, Town of Coventry

Town of Mansfield

“Solarize Connecticut is providing Mansfield residents with a unique opportunity to participate in a group purchasing program for solar installations. We look forward to building on the program’s past success to help residents in Mansfield, and in our partner community of Windham, realize the benefits of clean energy.” - Matthew Hart, Town of Mansfield

Town of Windham

“We appreciate the opportunity to take part in the next phase of the innovative Solarize Connecticut program. Windham residents are eager to showcase our commitment to clean energy, and we are excited to work cooperatively with the Town of Mansfield to bring even more clean energy to our corner of the state.” - Mayor Ernie Eldridge, Town of Windham

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Contact: David Goldberg, Director, Government and External RelationsClean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Phone: (860) 257-2889

Contact: David Goldberg

Director, Government and External Relations

Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Phone: (860) 257-2889

Contact: David Goldberg

Director, Government and External Relations

Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

Phone: (860) 257-2889

CEFIA Launches C&I Clean Energy Financing Program

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Supporting Connecticut Businesses and Promoting Job Growth

Rocky Hill, Conn., January 24, 2013 — The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announced today the launch of the Commercial and Industrial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, a new financial product to support building owners seeking low-cost, long-term, upfront financing for clean energy upgrades.

C-PACE is an integral part of the State’s Energize Connecticut initiative, which is intended to help consumers save money and use clean energy. The C-PACE Program provides an innovative financing model that will allow building owners across the state to access low-cost financing and the opportunity to realize cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy. Please visit www.energizect.com/c-pace for additional information and opportunities.

“Connecticut is positioned to be a national leader in energy efficiency initiatives, and the C-PACE program represents another opportunity for citizens to engage in clean energy solutions,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “I applaud CEFIA’s work to launch this important tool that will help businesses reduce energy costs and lower consumption—C-PACE will help us continue our momentum toward cleaner, cheaper more reliable energy.”

“Working with Buonicore Partners and Honest Buildings, we’ve created a platform that will exponentially increase our ability to showcase the benefits of C-PACE, make it easy to apply, and drive mass adoption,” said Bryan Garcia—CEFIA, President and CEO. “Our goal has been to design a financing program that will make Connecticut a clean energy leader in attracting private capital towards clean energy deployment and support the creation of more Connecticut jobs.”

C-PACE provides an opportunity for commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners to access financing for energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades and to repay that investment through a benefit assessment charge on their property tax bill. Benefit assessments are a safe and familiar tool used by municipalities to finance projects including street paving, water and sewer systems, and street lighting.

Typical C-PACE measures could include high efficiency lighting, heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and controls, high efficiency chillers, boilers, furnaces and water heating systems, building envelope improvements, energy management systems, and renewable energy systems such as solar and fuel cells. Upgrades eligible for financing must lower the energy consumption of the building or enable the building to produce clean energy. While there is no financing minimum, C-PACE financing is best suited for capital improvements above $150,000.

“The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority has been working diligently with numerous key stakeholders throughout Connecticut to develop the standards and protocols that support the implementation of this statewide clean energy financing effort,” stated CEFIA Chairwoman and Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development Catherine Smith. “C-PACE provides benefits for all involved, as it will encourage and enable local institutions to invest in commercial clean energy projects and help Connecticut’s businesses stabilize their energy costs and improve their competitiveness while creating jobs and supporting economic development.”

Building owners in municipalities that have already adopted C-PACE, including Stamford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, Hartford, Middletown, Durham, West Hartford, Beacon Falls, Windham, Simsbury, and Westport, are now eligible for this financing.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About Energize Connecticut
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the Energy Efficiency Fund, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy programs can be found at www.EnergizeCT.com.

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Contact: David Goldberg
Director, Government and External Relations
Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
Phone: (860) 257-2889

CEFIA Launches Commercial and Industrial

Clean Energy Financing Program

Supporting Connecticut Businesses and Promoting Job Growth

At NAIOP’s commercial real estate development association Connecticut chapter event in Stamford, CEFIA formally announced the statewide launch of the C-PACE Program. CEFIA, tasked by the CT legislature to design the Program, has brought on Buonicore Partners as the Program’s technical administrator and Honest Buildings to develop an interactive online portal.

“Working with Buonicore Partners and Honest Buildings, we’ve created a platform that will exponentially increase our ability to showcase the benefits of C-PACE, make it easy to apply, and drive mass adoption,” said Bryan Garcia—CEFIA, President and CEO. “Our goal has been to design a financing program that will make Connecticut a clean energy leader in attracting private capital towards clean energy deployment and support the creation of more Connecticut jobs.”

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

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CEFIA Launches Commercial and Industrial

Clean Energy Financing Program

Supporting Connecticut Businesses and Promoting Job Growth

Rocky Hill, Conn., January 24, 2013 — The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announced today the launch of the Commercial and Industrial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, a new financial product to support building owners seeking low-cost, long-term, upfront financing for clean energy upgrades.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

About Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the Energy Efficiency Fund, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy programs can be found at www.EnergizeCT.com.

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CEFIA Launches Commercial and Industrial

Clean Energy Financing Program

Supporting Connecticut Businesses and Promoting Job Growth

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

About Energize Connecticut

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CEC Awards More Than $1.8 M for UC San Diego Microgrid Projects

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Clean Energy Projects Provide a Model for the Future of Localized Power Generation and Storage, and Electric Vehicle Charging

SACRAMENTO — The California Energy Commission today approved funding to advance development of a pioneering microgrid and expand electric vehicle charging at the University of California, San Diego.

"The return on this investment extends far beyond the San Diego campus," said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. "It provides a crucial real-life demonstration of technology that can help to provide California a future of clean, sustainable and reliable energy."

The Commission approved a $1.6 million award to increase its previously awarded funding of $1,394,298 for the university's electric microgrid. The Commission also approved funding of $220,554 to expand the campus' burgeoning charging network for plug-in electric vehicles, through the Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, created by Assembly Bill 118.

The microgrid award is funded through the Commission's research and development program. The total Commission funding for the amended agreement is $2,994,298. The university is providing an additional $1,525,000 in match funding. These funds will be invested, in part, in analyzing multiple stand-alone energy storage technologies to further improve the microgrid.

The UC San Diego microgrid has created California jobs, and reduced pressure on a critical electric grid.

The microgrid is a small-scale version of the traditional larger power grid that draws energy from clean sources such as the wind and sun, as well as from conventional technology. It is able to connect to the larger electric grid, but can also work independently. In addition, the microgrid can more efficiently manage real-time demand, supplying and storing energy at a lower cost with less pollution than a conventional grid. The university reports savings of more than $800,000 in power costs per month because of its microgrid.

Microgrids are expected to offer California a way of achieving several important state energy policies and goals, including increasing renewable electricity generation to 33 percent by 2020, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies.

The microgrid at UC San Diego serves a campus community of more than 45,000 people, and generates more than 90 percent of the electricity used on campus annually. The project has also spurred investment: The nearly $4 million that the Energy Commission has invested in the microgrid since 2008 has been leveraged to garner more than $4 million from other funding sources, public and private.

In addition to the microgrid, the campus is on track to having the largest, most diverse range of electric vehicle charging stations at any university in the world, thanks in part to Energy Commission funding. By June 2013, the university expects to have a total of 54 charging outlets, with more than 70 percent available for public use.

"This is a great opportunity for the university to build on efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus," said Gary C. Matthews, UC San Diego vice chancellor for Resource Management and Planning. "The expansion of our electric vehicle charging infrastructure complements our existing operations and research efforts while supporting the state's efforts to create a clean energy transportation sector - and foster innovation and investment in California."

New jobs and new opportunities are coming to California through the UC San Diego microgrid and electric vehicle charging projects.

San Diego County-based Alternative Energy Systems Consulting, Inc., will receive the Energy Commission's award of $220,554 to purchase and install eight dual RWE Level 2 eStation Smart Systems, providing 16 charging outlets, and to install and assess the performance of three publicly accessible RWE DC fast chargers.

RWE Effizienz GmBH, a subsidiary of a German utility, which is the maker of the charging equipment, has selected Monrovia-based AeroVironment, Inc., as its designated assembler and distributor of RWE DC fast chargers and AC intelligent chargers for the U.S. and Canada markets.

These awards come on the heels of another award to expand UC San Diego's electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In November 2012, the Energy Commission awarded $69,446 to Alternative Energy Systems Consulting, Inc., to install five RWE Level 2 electric vehicle charging systems, each consisting of two charging outlets for a total of 10 charging outlets to support the campus' growing fleet of plug-in electric vehicles.

Level 2 electric vehicle charging systems are expected to become the most commonly used charging systems. They use 208-240 volt power and typically provide 10 to 20 miles of range for each hour of charging for a passenger vehicle. Level 1 charging systems use 110 volt power, standard in most households, and typically provide 2 to 5 miles of range for each hour of charging. DC fast-charging systems are emerging as a much quicker way to charge plug-in electric vehicles, typically providing 60 to 80 miles of range in just 20 minutes of charging.

The Commission's funding will enhance the vehicle charging network at UC San Diego, which is a leader in clean transportation. Nearly half of its fleet of more than 800 vehicles has been converted to near-zero emission vehicles. Diesel fuel has been replaced with ultra-low sulfur biodiesel, and many buses, street sweepers, cars and trucks have been converted to run on compressed natural gas. The fleet also includes five Nissan Leafs and more than 50 hybrid-electric vehicles. The university's "green fleet" was ranked 14th overall in the nation and received the highest ranking of any university by Government Green Fleet in 2012.

"These investments in charging infrastructure are crucial to fulfilling the Governor's executive order to significantly expand the market for zero emission vehicles in California," said Commission Chair Weisenmiller. "In addition, they will improve air quality, reduce petroleum use and create jobs."

Governor Brown's executive order directs state government to support and facilitate the rapid commercialization of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in California, with a 2025 target of 1.5 million ZEVs on California roads. The order also requires that sufficient infrastructure be installed in the state to support 1 million ZEVs by 2020.

The Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, which is funding the UC San Diego vehicle charging awards, is slated to invest approximately $90 million during the current fiscal year to encourage the development and use of new technologies, and alternative and renewable fuels, to help the state meet its climate-change goals. It is funded through vehicle and boat registration fees, as well as smog check and license plate fees.

# # #

See the Source: http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2013_releases/2013-01-09_UCSD_nr.html

CESA ITAC Releases List of Eligible Medium Wind Turbines

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Collaborative Group of Public Clean Energy Programs Identifies Medium Wind Turbines Eligible for Participation in State Incentive Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC), a project of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), added the first medium-sized wind turbines to its new Unified List of wind turbines. Turbines with a rotor swept area of more than 200m2 and up to 1000m2 (meters squared) that meet ITAC review requirements are eligible for the list. The medium-sized list complements the Unified List of small wind turbines, released in May 2012. Together, ITAC members developed a common list of a wide range of reliable turbines, a critical step in developing a robust distributed wind market. The list will be used by ITAC-member clean energy programs across the United States, who have pooled resources to efficiently review and evaluate turbines.

The following medium-sized wind turbines are included in ITAC’s Unified List for medium wind turbines: Endurance E-3120 three phase, Endurance E-3120 single phase, and Northern Power NP 100-21. These turbines were reviewed carefully against technical, safety, warranty, and customer service criteria. The technical review requirements were developed in collaboration with the Distributed Wind Energy Association and reference certifications to various International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) standards. ITAC’s medium wind turbine listing requirements are less rigorous and costly than IEC’s large turbine standard. The criteria and requirements developed for the review will increase consumer confidence in wind technology, provide consistency to public clean energy programs, and ensure that tax- or ratepayer funding supports the installation of reliable and safe wind energy technology.

Seven clean energy programs across the United States use the ITAC Unified List: the Energy Trust of Oregon, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), the California Energy Commission, the Maryland Energy Administration, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, and NV Energy. The List provides these programs with peer-reviewed, carefully-vetted turbines that have proven safety and reliability records and third-party acoustic and power performance reports.

"Without a turbine standard against which to determine the safety and reliability of this turbine class, medium wind turbines have been falling through the certification cracks," said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of Clean Energy States Alliance. "ITAC’s new medium wind review criteria will serve as an interim standard to identify these turbines. The development of these criteria demonstrates the value of multi-state collaboration, and we expect the release of the List to play a significant role in building the medium-sized wind market.”

“Evaluating turbines to determine which ones should be eligible for our program has always been a challenge. Hiring an outside consultant can be very costly, but performing the review in-house is very time consuming. ITAC provides an independent, third-party review and allows the program to be ‘an arm’s length” from the review process. ITAC’s Unified Lists are tremendous assets to our program,” said Mark Mayhew, Project Manager for NYSERDA’s On-Site Wind Turbine Incentive Program.

Only ITAC-member programs may use the Unified List for incentive eligibility. Programs wishing to use the list should contact CESA to discuss membership.

To view the list of ITAC turbine requirements and the full list of qualified turbines, please visit ITAC’s web page http://www.cleanenergystates.org/projects/ITAC/itac-unified-list-of-wind-turbines/

# # #

About Clean Energy States Alliance: Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing state and local efforts to implement smart clean energy policies, programs, technology innovation, and financing tools to drive increased investment and market making. CESA works with the leading state and public clean energy programs and provides information sharing and technical assistance to states and local governments on “best in class” clean energy programs and policies. CESA also facilitates collaborative networks to coordinate efforts between states, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to leverage accelerated progress on deploying clean energy projects and markets. For more information, visit www.cleanenergystates.org.

CONTACT:

Marissa Newhall
Communications Director
Clean Energy States Alliance

Ph: 802 223 2554
C: 202 527 9196

marissa@cleanegroup.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28 January 2013

CONTACT:

Marissa Newhall

Communications Director

Clean Energy States Alliance

Ph: 802 223 2554
C: 202 527 9196

marissa@cleanegroup.org

Interstate Turbine Advisory Council Releases

Unified List of Medium Wind Turbines

Collaborative Group of Public Clean Energy Programs Identifies Medium
Wind Turbines Eligible for Participation in State Incentive Programs

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Today, the Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC), a project of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), added the first medium-sized wind turbines to its new Unified List of wind turbines. Turbines with a rotor swept area of more than 200m² and up to 1000m²(meters^{squared) that meet ITAC review requirements are eligible for the list. The medium-sized list complements the Unified List of small wind turbines, released in May 2012. Together, ITAC members developed a common list of a wide range of reliable turbines, a critical step in developing a robust distributed wind market. The list will be used by ITAC-member clean energy programs across the United States, who have pooled resources to efficiently review and evaluate turbines.}

Only ITAC-member programs may use the Unified List for incentive eligibility. Programs wishing to use the list should contact CESA to discuss membership.

# # #

About Clean Energy States Alliance: Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing state and local efforts to implement smart c lean energy policies, programs, technology innovation, and financing tools to drive increased investment and market making. CESA works with the leading state and public clean energy programs and provides information sharing and technical assistance to states and local governments on “best in class” clean energy programs and policies. CESA also facilitates collaborative networks to coordinate efforts between states, federal agencies, and other

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28 January 2013

CONTACT:

Marissa Newhall

Communications Director

Clean Energy States Alliance

Ph: 802 223 2554
C: 202 527 9196

marissa@cleanegroup.org

Interstate Turbine Advisory Council Releases

Unified List of Medium Wind Turbines

Collaborative Group of Public Clean Energy Programs Identifies Medium
Wind Turbines Eligible for Participation in State Incentive Programs

Only ITAC-member programs may use the Unified List for incentive eligibility. Programs wishing to use the list should contact CESA to discuss membership.

# # #

stakeholders to leverage accelerated progress on deploying clean energy projects and markets. For more information, visit www.cleanenergystates.org.

2013 Solar Mass Incentive Program Opens

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Solarize Mass created 5.1 megawatts of clean energy in 2012

BOSTON – January 16, 2013 – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) today announced the launch of the 2013 Solarize Massachusetts (Solarize Mass®) program. Communities wanting to participate in the grassroots marketing, education and group buying program can now submit applications.

The program designed to increase the adoption of solar energy, further reduce the overall cost of solar power – offers residents and businesses discounted pricing for solar. The more people sign up, the greater the savings for everyone.

“This bulk purchasing program not only saves residents and businesses money, it creates local jobs and expands our use of home-grown energy sources,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

“We’re excited to build on the momentum of last year’s program, which brought together state and local officials with residents, volunteers and the solar industry,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt. “By bringing everyone to the table, we were able to spread the word about the economic and environmental benefits of solar power.”

The program is open to all Massachusetts communities, including those designated by DOER as Green Communities, which meet five clean energy requirements and commit to reducing energy use by 20 percent.

“I expect the 2013 Solarize Mass program to build on the incredible growth in solar installations in Massachusetts last year,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “This community-based model will continue to make clean, renewable power available in homes and businesses in an exciting and accessible way.”

Individual cities, towns and groups of contiguous municipalities can apply by downloading a request for proposals and applying by Feb. 20.

Last year, 17 cities and towns participated in the program, with 803 residents and businesses signing contracts to install solar electricity systems with the capacity to generate 5.1 megawatts of clean, renewable energy – enough to power the equivalent of 807 average Massachusetts homes annually.

The program was also directly responsible for the creation of 32 new jobs, boosting an already booming clean energy sector that saw 11.2 percent job growth in Massachusetts from 2011 to 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report.

Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar PV by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 194 megawatts of solar PV installed to date, the equivalent of powering 30,684 homes for a year or cutting the emissions equivalent to taking 20,858 cars off the road.

Massachusetts lies at the end of the energy pipeline – lacking indigenous supplies of coal, natural gas and oil. As a result, Massachusetts has some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Of the $22 billion Massachusetts spends annually on energy, $18 billion of that goes to out-of-state and foreign sources. Increasingly, the state’s base of renewable energy through programs like Solarize Mass keeps more of that money in the local economy, while creating jobs at the same time.

About Solarize Mass

Solarize Mass, which is a partnership between the MassCEC and DOER’s Green Communities Division, encourages the adoption of small scale solar projects. Follow the Twitter hash tag #SolarizeMass for more information.

About MassCEC

About DOER

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply within the context of creating a cleaner energy future. DOER is an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Massachusetts-2013-Solar-Incentive-Program-Opens/cdid/14507/pid/11150

VT Clean Energy Development Fund Releases New Strategic Plan

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

January 15, 2013 - The Vermont Public Service Department released a new five year strategic plan for the Clean Energy Development Fund. The plan is available here.

DC Mayor Appoints Director of District Dept. of the Environment

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Mayor Gray Appoints Interim Director Keith A. Anderson as Permanent Head of District Department of the Environment

(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced today that he has selected Keith A. Anderson as the permanent director of the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). Mr. Anderson has served as the department’s Interim Director since September 1, 2012.

“Keith is a consummate professional who has proven his mettle while serving as Interim Director of one of our most important agencies,” said Mayor Gray. “In addition to steadily guiding DDOE during an important transition period, serving as a strong advocate for the environment and demonstrating his ability to be a consensus-building team leader, Mr. Anderson is helping lead the critically important Sustainable DC initiative to make the District the greenest, healthiest, most livable city in the nation.”

Before assuming the role of Interim Director, Mr. Anderson served as Chief of Staff at DDOE for two years. In this capacity, he planned, organized and developed vital policies, regulations, directives and procedures to manage the District’s leading authority on energy and environmental matters. He provided oversight for DDOE’s Office of Policy and Sustainability, its Office of Enforcement and Environmental Justice, its Office of Community Relations and its Office of Public Information.

“Keith’s appointment was an easy decision. With his firm knowledge of federal environmental policy, his excellent working relationships with local and national sustainability and business leaders and his good relations with the staff at DDOE, Keith is ideally suited to lead this vital agency,” said City Administrator Allen Y. Lew.

Prior to becoming Chief of Staff, Mr. Anderson served the District for more than 10 years in a variety of high-level positions. Those included serving as deputy director of DDOE’s Energy Administration, where he successfully managed several energy programs in the areas of weatherization, renewable-energy incentives and energy conservation and education.

Energy Trust of Oregon: 2012 - Record-Breaking Year in Clean Energy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Early results show record energy savings for utility customers in 2012

Energy Trust of Oregon preliminary 2012 energy-saving results indicate a record-breaking year for the nonprofit. Electric and natural gas savings exceeded the year’s “stretch” goals of 48.8 average megawatts of electricity and 5.7 million annual therms of natural gas. In addition, Energy Trust achieved 5.1 average megawatts of renewable energy generation through supporting the installation of solar, biopower and other renewable energy technologies.

With the help of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, and more than 2,400 trade ally contractors and other allied professionals, Energy Trust engaged customers with valuable services and incentives to encourage investment in energy-efficient equipment, products and solutions in homes, businesses, schools, public buildings, industrial facilities and agricultural operations.

Accomplishments throughout the year included more than 5,000 solar electric systems installed since 2002 with the help of Energy Trust—bringing online more than 50 megawatts of capacity. Business customers saved energy with operational and behavioral changes through the first round of the Commercial Strategic Energy Management initiative, designed using lessons learned from a similar, highly successful initiative involving manufacturers.

Also in 2012, Energy Trust issued its 3,000th EPSTM, energy performance score, for newly built homes and set the foundation to deliver its first EPS for an existing home this month.

Although unofficial, preliminary results serve as a first look at Energy Trust’s annual performance. The Energy Trust 2012 Annual Report to the Oregon Public Utility Commission, available April 15, will provide comprehensive 2012 results.

See the source: http://blog.energytrust.org/early-results-show-record-energy-savings-for-utility-customers-in-2012/

Maryland Energy Administration Releases 2012 Year in Review Report

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This year in review describes many of MEA’s achievements in 2012. But MEA’s successes span many years and will collectively save Marylanders billions of dollars.

Here are some of MEA’s top accomplishments:

MEA helped usher in the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, a cutting edge energy efficiency package designed to save Marylanders money while saving the environment. In total, the EmPOWER Maryland programs have saved more than $3.7 billion dollars in lifetime energy costs.

MEA’s work was critical in the 2011 Exelon/Constellation merger negotiations that ultimately infused Maryland with more than $1 billion in investments while creating 6,000 jobs. Furthermore, MEA’s Generating Clean Horizons Initiative used public/partnerships to build 78 MW of new solar and wind generation.

Ranked only 47th in 2007, Maryland is now considered a top 10 state for energy efficiency. It is also recognized as a top 10 state for solar, while Baltimore is ranked by Ford Motor Company as one of America’s top 25 EV-ready cities.

In 2006, Maryland had just 0.1 MW of solar on its grid. Now, it has 77 MW. Thanks to aggressive solar energy policies, including the Renewable Portfolio Standard, Maryland has 2,000 more well-paying solar industry jobs, up from practically zero just a few years ago.

Since 2007, MEA has made grants to households all over the state for renewable energy systems that often reduce a family’s energy bills to close to zero. In 2012 alone, MEA issued 2,385 grants that will help Marylanders save more $32.5 million in energy costs over 15 years.

Download the Report (pdf).

Maryland Offshore Wind Act of 2013

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Governor O'Malley introduced the Maryland Offshore Wind Act of 2013 on Tuesday, January 22 shortly after convening the 443rd General Assembly.

The bill will have its first hearing in the House of Delegates (HB 226) on Tues., Feb. 5, in the House Economic Matters Committee. Identical in all substantive respects to the bill that overwhelmingly passed the House of Delegates last year, this measure will operate within Maryland’s existing Renewable Portfolio Standard to create a framework that will support a major offshore wind project.

The Maryland Energy Administration is supporting the Governor's efforts to promote offshore wind develoment by announcing a $2 million Request for Application (RFA). The request seeks proposals from Maryland’s public colleges and universities, and will award grants between $250,000 and $1,000,000 on a competitive basis.

Issued in collaboration with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the RFA and subsequent grants will be paid for with funds committed by Exelon as a condition of its merger with Constellation Energy.

Applications are due April 15, 2013. For more information please visit MHEC's grant webpage.

MassCEC Announces $1 Million Available for Clean Energy Job Training

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced today the availability of $1 million in grant funding as part of the Pathways Out of Poverty program, which supports clean energy job training programs for low and moderate-income individuals.

The program provides funding for green collar job training offered by clean energy companies, community-based nonprofit groups, educational institutions and labor organizations throughout Massachusetts.

“Providing funding for programs that connect low- and moderate-income workers with an expanding clean energy industry is a natural fit,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who serves as the chairman of MassCEC’s board of directors. “These programs will put workers on the road to economic self-sufficiency.”

“The booming clean energy sector in Massachusetts provides an opportunity for those who are unemployed or underemployed,” said Barton McDevitt. “Our goal is to prepare the workers of tomorrow for this expanding new sector that’s fueling 72,000 jobs across the state.”

MassCEC is now accepting grant proposals for programs that support bridge-to-college programs, provide training and educational growth opportunities, support On-the-Job Training programs (OJT) that prepare and place individuals in occupations in the clean energy sector.

The ideal programs will be those that target low- and moderate-income, incumbent un- or under-employed workers, out-of-school youth, veterans and individuals from families with multigenerational poverty.

Authorized by the Act Relative to Clean Energy signed into law by Governor Patrick in November 2009, MassCEC’s Pathways out of Poverty program is designed to jumpstart training in clean energy careers for low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible projects must include on-the-job-training models or bridge-to-college programs that serve the target population and provide services and activities to address employer workforce needs and optimize opportunities for participant learning, career development and economic advancement within the clean energy industry. Projects must assure that individuals will improve their economic circumstances as a result of participation in the program.

Applications are due April 8 and a webinar on the program and applications process will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22.

To sign up for the webinar, please email Arthur Natella at ANatella@masscec.com.

About MassCEC

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.

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See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/MassCEC-Announces-$1-Million-Available-for-Clean-Energy-Job-Training/cdid/14616/pid/11150

CEFIA Issues Request for Proposals For New Capital Competition Pilot Program

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Pilot Residential Solar PV Capital Competition Announced

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announced today a competition for $1M in low-cost capital for financial innovators who can deliver the most solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity to CT homeowners without the use of state subsidies. The Capital Competition Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to support a financial strategy that maximizes the amount of new residential rooftop PV systems deployed per dollar of CEFIA investment. This effort is part of the Energize Connecticut initiative, which is intended to help consumers save money and use clean energy.

CEFIA intends to provide a $1 million long-term and low-interest loan through its Capital Competition Pilot Program (Program) to the winning bidder for delivering the greatest amount of solar PV deployment without the use of an expected performance-based buy down (Rebates) or performance-based incentives (PBI’s).

CEFIA will provide up to a $1 million loan for 20-years at an annual interest rate of 2%. CEFIA is seeking bidders with a strong credit history of financial health to ensure repayment over the 20-year term of the loan. Eligible respondents include solar installation companies and private financial entities. Solar installations performed under this Program must be installed by CEFIA eligible installation companies. Click here for a current list of eligible solar PV installers.

The winning proposal will demonstrate the ability to deliver the most residential solar energy by using a long-term and low-interest loan in lieu of subsidies. The winning bidder will not be able to use any rebate or PBI incentive. This pilot program is intended to demonstrate how low-cost long-term financing can be an alternative to subsidies. The winning bidder will however own the renewable energy credits (RECs) and can monetize them in the Connecticut Class I Renewable Portfolio Standard market. CEFIA will work with the winning bidder to assist them in monetizing the value of the RECs produced from the systems financed.

If the pilot is successful, CEFIA staff will propose that additional funds be allocated in FY 2013 and FY 2014 to support a full rollout of the capital competition up to $10 million in loan financing.

Proposals are due by March 18, 2013 and there will be a pre-bid conference call on February 18, 2013.

Please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/rfp to review the RFP and for additional information.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)

CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About Energize Connecticut

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See the source: http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/NewsEvents/PressRoom/tabid/118/ctl/ViewItem/mid/1364/ItemId/271/Default.aspx?SkinSrc=/Portals/_default/Skins/subpages/subpage_level0

Alaska Energy Authority Announces Renewable Energy Fund - Round 6 Recommendations

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

On January 18, 2013, the Alaska Energy Authority released its Round 6 recommendations and Round 1-5 project status and performance highlights for the AEA Renewable Energy Fund to the Alaska Legislature. Of the 85 applications for funding received, AEA has recommended funding for 60 projects. Additional supporting documents, including the Round 6 evaluation summaries and economic analysis for each application, and the evaluation methodology are on the AEA website.

Learn more at: http://www.akenergyauthority.org/RE_Fund_Applications-6.html

Vermont Smart Meter Measurement Report Released

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

As directed by Act 170, the PSD released the Vermont smart meter measurement report, titled An Evaluation of Radio Frequency Fields Produced by Smart Meters Deployed in Vermont, on January 23, 2013. The full report is now available as a single PDF document.

See the source: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/node/224

MEA Announces the Maryland Smart Energy Communities Program

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

New program targets climate change through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy innovation, and petroleum reduction for Maryland’s local governments

Annapolis, Maryland (February 6, 2013) — Today, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announced the Maryland Smart Energy Communities Program. This new program targets county, city, and local governments and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy innovation, and petroleum reduction. In order to earn the Smart Energy Community designation, a county or local government must enact a set of policies, prescribed by MEA, in two of three specified areas, namely, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuels. Upon passage of the policies, a community will earn the designation of Smart Energy Community and become eligible for grant funds to assist with implementation of the policies. With this new program offering, MEA seeks to incentivize government, at all levels, to lead by example in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Smart Energy Communities program encourages local governments to enact the state’s aggressive energy-related policies for their own stock of buildings or fleet of vehicles,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, Acting Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “This program will help local governments to save energy, increase renewable energy generation, and lower the fuel consumption of their fleets, leading to lower costs for the communities and a cleaner, greener Maryland.”

MEA expects to distribute grants of between $20,000 and $500,000 for energy-related projects. Exact grant size for any given community will depend on the size of the municipality and the number of applicants. Interested counties or local governments must submit a letter of intent to apply by March 1, 2013. The full application is due by April 5, 2013.

For more information, please visit http://energy.maryland.gov/Govt/SmartEnergyCommunities.

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See the source: http://energy.maryland.gov/documents/MarylandEnergyAdministrationAnnouncesTheMarylandSmartEnergyCommunitiesProgram262013.pdf

LIPA and NYSERDA Solar Programs are Shining in New York

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

New York Solar Market Shows Significant Promise for 2013

By Anna Noucas | February 11, 2013 - Renewable Energy World.com Blog

Over the last year, the New York market has emerged as a solar hot spot. Several state and local incentive programs have been adopted or expanded, and the state now ranks 12th in terms of solar installed capacity, according to the most recent U.S. Solar Market Insight Report. Positive momentum continues in the state, and 2013 will be an even more promising year for solar projects in New York, as solar becomes an increasingly vital component of the state's energy portfolio.

On January 9, 2013, New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the expansion of the NY-Sun Initiative for solar energy in his State of the State Address. The expansion will begin with an additional $150 million annually over 10 years committed to increasing solar project development through the NY-Sun Initiative. Governor Cuomo also discussed plans to create a $1 billion green bank and announced his appointment of Richard Kauffman as New York's chairman for energy policy and finance. Richard Kauffman currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu.

The additional $150 million per year commitment over 10 years to the NY-Sun Initiative will have a potentially significant impact on solar project development in New York. The NY-Sun Initiative aimed to "in 2012, install twice the customer-sited PV capacity added in 2011" and will, with the help of the announcement from Governor Cuomo, "quadruple that amount in 2013." Two programs of particular note, deployed by the NY-Sun Initiative, include the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) feed-in tariff program and the PON2589 NY-Sun Competitive PV Program through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Feed-in Tariff Program

The LIPA feed-in tariff program, opened on July 16, 2012, allows for projects to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 20 years for $0.22/kWh produced. The program will enroll 50 MW of solar energy by 2014 and has stipulated the following categories to reach that capacity:

Category 1: 5 MW set aside for systems between 50 and 150 kW

Category 2: 10 MW set aside for systems between 151 and 500 kW

Category 3: 35 MW set aside for systems between 501 kW and 20 MW, or smaller if the above two categories are fully subscribed

The above listed categories will prevent smaller generators from being crowded out by larger generators, and will create adequate supply of smaller distributed generators, while also maintaining market stability for the local solar industry. LIPA will enroll systems on a rolling basis and will accept applications through June 30, 2014.

Furthermore, in October 2012, the LIPA Board of Trustees voted on a decision that plans to allow for an extension of the current feed-in tariff program and issue a new competitive solicitation for an additional 100 MW of renewable energy capacity, no later than July 31, 2013 under the Clean Solar Initiative Feed-in Tariff.

NY-Sun Competitive PV Program - PON 2589

The NY-Sun Competitive PV Program (NYSERDA PON2589) extends the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Customer-Sited Tier Regional Program to include upstate New York. This incentive is structured differently from a standard FIT contract.

Through this program, a winning bidder will receive a total incentive amount equal to their bid price in dollars per kilo-watt hour ($/kWh) multiplied by the project's estimated site energy production and the 3- year incentive term. This incentive will be distributed in two upfront payments, totaling 30% of the total incentive amount. The remaining 70% will be distributed as a production based incentive (PBI) over the first three years of the project's life.

The first round of bid submissions were due on December 5, 2012, but two additional solicitations have been announced for 2013 with due dates of March 14 and August 29.

Sol Systems is currently working on behalf of investors that are interested in both LIPA FIT projects and projects that have been awarded PON 2589 awards. If you have a project that has been awarded a LIPA FIT contract or has been bid into the PON 2589 program, and is looking for financing, please contact our team at info@solmarket.com or (888) 23501538 ext.2. Our team would be happy to discuss your project with you and assess financing opportunities. www.solsystemscompany.com

See the Source: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/blog/post/2013/02/new-york-solar-market-shows-significant-promise-for-2013?cmpid=SolarNL-2013-02-15

California Energy Commission Awards $4.8 millin in Energy Loans

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

CEC Energy Loans to Cities, Colleges Energy Efficient Upgrades Include Lighting, HVAC, and Solar PV Systems

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission today awarded nearly $5 million to improve the energy efficiency of three California cities and a college. The funds come from the Commission's Energy Conservation Assistant Act (ECAA) program.

"Investing in local energy generation and energy efficiency equipment is a simple, effective way to reduce energy use and money. Once completed, these projects will save local cities and colleges more than $400,000 in annual energy costs," said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller.

The four projects include retrofitting of lights, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units and the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Combined the projects are expected to save 2.8 million kilowatt hours (kWh) or $422,456 in energy costs annually.

The projects include:

The city of Patterson (Stanislaus County) was awarded $2.8 million to install energy efficient building lighting, streetlights and solar PV systems at city-owned facilities. Solar panels will be installed at the city's wastewater treatment plant, maintenance yard, senior center, and aquatic center. The project will save an estimated 2.1 million kWh of electricity and $221,244 in energy expenses, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 567 tons annually. The simple payback is 13 years based on the loan amount.

The city of San Pablo (Contra Costa County) received $1.14 million to install three solar PV systems totaling 280 kilowatts at the city hall, police station and senior center. The systems are composed of 16 separate rooftop and carport PV systems. The city expects to receive $285,016 in California Solar Initiative performance rebates from Pacific Gas and Electric to help fund the installation of the solar panels. The project is estimated to generate 444,206 kWh, save the city $87,826 in energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 306,502 pounds annually. The project has a simple payback of 13 years based on the loan amount.

California City (Kern County) received $161,890 to install new energy efficient HVAC systems and new energy efficient lights at the city hall, police station, fire station, city yard, airport, and animal control building. The city expects to receive approximately $6,640 in utility incentives from Southern California Edison. The projects are estimated to save the city 99,954 kWh of electricity, $16,189 in energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68,970 pounds annually. The simple payback is 10 years based on the loan amount.

Santa Barbara Community College District was awarded $750,000 to fund energy efficiency upgrades at Santa Barbara City College. The college will upgrade exterior lights, streetlights, parking lot lights and pathway lights to light emitting diode (LED) technology and the latest generation linear and compact fluorescent lights. The district expects to receive approximately $166,623 in incentives from Southern California Edison. The projects are estimated to save the district 694,261 kWh of electricity and $97,197 in energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 240 tons annually. The simple payback is 7.7 years based on the loan amount.

The combined $4,851,890 in energy loans for these projects are granted at a 1 percent interest rate for local governments, public K-12 schools, special districts, and public and non-profit hospitals and care facilities.

As of December 2012, the Energy Commission has awarded more than 770 loans totaling nearly $280 million to local governments, public K-12 schools and hospitals, public care institutions and other agencies. For more information on the ECAA loan program, visit: http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/financing/.

# # #

See the source: http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2013_releases/2013-02-13_loans_cities-n-colleges_nr.html

VT Launching New Clean Energy Loan Fund

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The state of Vermont is launching a new program to make low-interest loans available to businesses for renewable energy and efficiency projects by investing up to $10 million from the state’s treasury for commercial loan programs run by the Vermont Economic Development Authority.

State Treasurer Beth Pearce wholeheartedly backs the proposal to lend state dollars to VEDA for the Vermont Clean Energy Loan Fund, which will help businesses improve energy efficiency and build renewable energy projects.

Jo Bradley, CEO of the Vermont Economic Development Authority, says the initiative will consolidate and expand existing loan programs and is aimed at encouraging more private banks to get involved along with the state.

See the source: http://vtdigger.org/2013/02/20/shumlin-administration-legislative-leaders-and-veda-to-create-vermont-clean-energy-loan-fund/

MA State Energy Officials Announce Plan to Help 16 Communities Adopt Clean Energy

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) Green Communities Division today announced the six municipal governments and regional planning authorities who will participate in a $500,000 pilot program to help local communities identify energy efficiency, renewable energy and other clean energy strategies to meet local energy needs.

The Community Energy Strategies Pilot Program – which will serve 16 communities – will provide technical and financial assistance to these municipalities and regional planning authorities to help identify, prioritize and enable a mix of clean energy strategies and incentives best suited to address local interests, needs, resources and opportunities for clean energy development.

“The Patrick-Murray Administration continues its commitment to assisting municipalities in pursuing clean energy development,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “These grants will provide the technical and financial capacity to identify and take full advantage of local clean energy opportunities.”

Participating in the pilot program are:Northampton, Watertown, Newburyport, Franklin Regional Council of Governments (Greenfield, Montague, Buckland and Shelburne), Metropolitan Area Planning Council (Hamilton, Wenham, Salem and Swampscott), and Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (Amherst, Hadley, Holyoke, Easthampton, East Longmeadow)

Participating communities and regional planning authorities will receive assistance from industry experts in assessing the area’s clean energy resources, infrastructure and community needs. The goal of the program is to provide communities with a menu of clean energy options depending on their needs and resources.

“We look forward to working with these communities as they work to expand their clean energy portfolio and reduce their environmental impacts,” said Commissioner Mark Sylvia.

“Each community is unique. Renewable energy projects that work for one community may not work for another, and this program will help these communities find the best projects to fit their cities and towns,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton.

“This new pilot program demonstrates MassCEC and DOER’s continued innovation in program design” said Representative John Keenan of Salem, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “I am excited that these agencies are focused on meeting state energy goals by helping local communities transform their energy strategies in methods tailored to fit each community’s needs, in the spirit of the Green Communities Act.”

The state’s growing renewable energy portfolio and emphasis on energy efficiency – the state’s first fuel - keeps more of that spending in the Massachusetts economy, while creating local jobs. As a result of Massachusetts’ progressive clean energy policies, clean energy jobs in Massachusetts have grown by 11.2 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report.

See the source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/State-Energy-Officials-Announce-Plan-to-Help-16-Communities-Adopt-Clean-Energy/cdid/14654/pid/11150

MD Governor O'Malley Testifies in Support of MD Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 passed a key hurdle on Friday, being approved 14-7 for a full vote in the state House. It is expected to pass there before moving to the Senate for consideration.

In testimony before the Senate Finance Committee last week, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley urged passage of the bill, saying the plan will support 850 jobs during construction of the proposed wind farm and 160 permanent jobs once the turbines go into operation. “If we succeed in establishing Maryland as the regional manufacturing hub for wind turbines,” O’Malley said, “we will create and sustain even more good jobs.” O’Malley also stressed that the legislation would have a minimal effect on ratepayers.

Dion Banks, Director of Governmental Affairs for Cambridge International and a member of the Business Coalition for Maryland Offshore Wind, testified as well, urging Maryland lawmakers to lay the foundation for a new industry that will create good Maryland jobs. “We are excited to partner with the Governor to help drive the state of Maryland forward as a manufacturing hub for the United States,” Banks said.

Learn more about Gov. O’Malley’s offshore wind plan for Maryland on the Maryland Governor’s website.

See the source: http://energy.maryland.gov/documents/MarylandGovernorTestifiesinSupportoftheMarylandOffshoreWindEnergyActof2013.pdf

New Analysis from CESA’s Offshore Wind Accelerator Project Makes Strong Case for Offshore Wind, Predicting Minimal Effect on Ratepayers

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

New Report Confirms Viability of U.S. Offshore Wind Industry

Washington, D.C. — Today, as Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act in Congress, Clean Energy States Alliance’s Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP) – along with the Center for American Progress (CAP), the Sierra Club, and the U.S. Offshore Wind Collaborative – released a jointly commissioned report that demonstrates how offshore wind can become cost competitive with electricity generated from natural gas by 2024, even without federal subsidies.

The analysis, titled A Learning Investment-based Analysis of the Economic Potential for Offshore Wind and conducted by the Brattle Group, also finds that building an American offshore wind industry would have minimal effect on ratepayers, a large majority of whom are willing to pay a small rate increase for homegrown clean energy that creates jobs, protects public health, and leads to greater energy independence.

“Offshore wind can provide the East Coast with a virtually limitless source of clean energy right in its own backyard, with zero fuel costs and without the need to build expensive land-based transmission lines through the region’s urban and rural landscapes,” said Mark Sinclair, executive director of Clean Energy States Alliance. “And the good news, as this analysis shows, is that offshore wind power — with scale-up — can become price competitive with carbon-based electricity resources very soon and without hardship to ratepayers’ wallets.”

In a first-of-its-kind in analysis of the broader economic impact of developing an entire offshore wind industry, the Brattle Group report finds that the national average monthly rate increase for consumers would be between $0.25 to $2.08. Polls in New York, Maryland, and other states have shown that solid majorities of voters are willing to pay a couple dollars more every month to support local offshore wind projects.

To provide a conservative estimate of the economic effects, the Brattle Group analysis does not include any subsidies such as the production tax credit or investment tax credit, both of which apply to offshore wind energy.

In the issue brief that accompanies this report, titled Making the Economic Case for Offshore Wind, author Michael Conathan, CAP’s Director of Ocean Policy, describes the current policy landscape and the positive results presented in the Brattle Group report while recommending that the Obama administration take steps to accelerate the “Smart from the Start Program,” roll back subsidies for mature and polluting energy industries, put a price on carbon, and swiftly enact the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act.

“America has been standing on the sidelines watching the rest of the world develop more than 4,000 megawatts of installed offshore wind capacity, while we have yet to begin construction on our first offshore turbine,” said Conathan. “The offshore wind bill introduced today by Sens. Carper and Collins would ensure that we can take advantage of the promise and opportunity of offshore wind to diversify our energy mix, while ensuring development will not burden ratepayers.”

OWAP will hold a webinar to discuss the report’s findings on Monday, March 11, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EST. The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required. To learn more, and to register, please visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/881946832.

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Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is the only national nonprofit organization representing the collective voice of public clean energy funds. CESA provides information sharing, technical assistance services, and a collaborative network by coordinating multi-state efforts, leveraging funding for projects and research, and assisting clean energy programs with program development and evaluation.

The Offshore Wind Accelerator Project (OWAP), managed by CESA, is a national, collaborative effort to engage stakeholders in the private, public, and non-profit sectors around hands-on problem solving and barrier breaking to advance offshore wind in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.offshorewindworks.org.

California Energy Commission Releases 2012 Accomplishments and State Energy Policy Update

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

State's Energy Policy Update Goes to Governor, Legislature - Report Update now available as an e-publication

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission has approved the 2012 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) Update, adding recent information to the state's main energy planning document.

Every two years, the California Energy Commission prepares an IEPR that forecasts energy supply and demand and details the most pressing energy issues facing the state. Updated in even-numbered years with recent forecasts and assessments, the report forms the basis for long-range energy policies and planning. Specific agencies - including the California Public Utilities Commission, the Division of Ratepayer Advocates, the California Air Resources Board, the California Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation - are required by statute to "carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report."

"Together the IEPR and its Update insure that state government speaks with one voice when planning California's energy future," said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. "The 2012 IEPR Update specifically highlights an action plan to support renewable development and help California meet its Renewables Portfolio Standard target of 33 percent renewable electricity by 2020."

In addition to the state's first Renewable Action Plan, the 2012 IEPR Update presents the Energy Commission's recently adopted electricity and natural gas demand forecast for 2012-2022; examines trends in the natural gas market; highlights the potential for increased development of combined heat and power facilities; and assesses the electricity infrastructure needed in Southern California to provide sufficient and reliable power.

"The analyses the IEPR and its Update provide are critical to managing the varied sources of electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels that support the world's ninth largest economy," said Chair Weisenmiller. "California is adding renewable power sources faster than anticipated, which makes integrating them onto the grid increasingly complex. "California is adding renewable power sources faster than anticipated, which makes integrating them onto the grid increasingly important. The Renewable Action Plan included in this IEPR Update recommends key strategies to help with integration."

The biennial Integrated Energy Policy Report and its Update are mandated by Senate Bill 1389 (Bowen, Chapter 568, Statutes of 2002). The reports examine various aspects of energy supply, demand, distribution, and price and, based on these assessments, provides policy recommendations to ensure system reliability and safety, conserve resources, protect the environment, and contribute to a healthy economy.

This year, in order to meet the growing use of electronic tablets and other mobile media devices, the Energy Commission is offering the 2012 IEPR Update in an EPUB format. EPUB is a free, open e-book standard which is usable on most tablet devices and smartphones. EPUB allows you optimize the report to your particular device, such as an iPad. The Commission will still continue posting the report as a PDF.

The California Energy Commission published an overview of its main accomplishements for 2012. See http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2013_releases/2012_Accomplishments.pdf

LIPA Receives EPA 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Uniondale, NY—The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has received the 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recognition of its continued leadership and achievements in energy efficiency.

The 2013 Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award is given to select organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, and employing innovative energy efficiency approaches. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program, including energy-efficient products, services, new homes, and buildings in the commercial, industrial, and public sectors. Award winners are selected from the nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“We take pride in our work with ENERGY STAR to make energy efficiency an everyday practice and are honored to accept the 2013 Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award,” said LIPA Chief Operating Officer Michael J. Taunton. “LIPA is committed to educating customers through the Efficiency Long Island Program on how the use of ENERGY STAR products can provide a lifetime of savings. Efficiency Long Island provides rebates and incentives to help reduce energy usage, save customers money and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

"The EPA is recognizing LIPA for earning the EPA’s highest ENERGY STAR award - the 2013 Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award,” said Bob Perciasepe, Acting Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LIPA leads the field with their commitment to energy efficiency and demonstrates how all Americans can save energy, save money, and create a healthier environment.”

LIPA has been recognized for its leadership and best practices in implementing energy efficiency and for Home Performance Direct; an innovative program that targets customers who have either electric heat and/or have high electrical energy use due to central air conditioning systems. These customers quickly and substantially benefit from the services delivered under LIPA’s Home Performance Direct program, leading many of them to participate in LIPA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program which provides substantial rebates for recommended follow up work including insulation and air sealing.

As a long standing Energy Star partner, LIPA will be presented this award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 26, 2013 for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.

In addition to the 2013 Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award it is the fourth year in a row that LIPA has been recognized by ENERGY STAR for its achievements in helping residential customers reduce their energy use and lowering bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

“LIPA has been a valuable partner in the U.S. Green Building Council – Long Island Chapter’s ongoing effort to educate the consumer regarding energy efficient, environmentally responsible building operation, resulting in significant reductions in usage and a cleaner, healthier built environment. No single organization on Long Island has done as much to help achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s mission to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. The combination of LIPA’s vast technical knowledge, engineering assistance and incentive programs are unparalleled and worthy of recognition not only for such a unique collaborative effort, but for the measure of the results they have shown to date,” said Vince Capogna, Executive Director, U.S. Green Building Council – Long Island Chapter.

“LIPA’s Home Performance Direct and Home Performance with ENERGYSTAR programs have had a profound impact on Murtha Construction and our clients,” said Michael Murtha, president of Murtha Construction. “Over 2,000 Long Island residents have had Murtha perform a comprehensive home energy audit and direct install services on their homes. An additional 900 Long Islanders have had energy improvements performed as a follow up service to the audit. Combined, this has resulted in almost two million dollars of saved energy costs. Between the jobs created and the increased spending power of our many clients, the economic impact of these programs has and continues to be profound.”

Over the last 20 years, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved more than $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

LIPA’s Home Performance Direct is a part of Efficiency Long Island, a customer–funded, 10-year, $924 million energy efficiency program which offers a wide array of incentives, rebates and initiatives to LIPA’s residential and commercial customers to assist them in reducing their energy usage and thereby lowering their bills. To learn more about Efficiency Long Island visit LIPA’s website at http://www.lipower.org.

See the Source: http://www.lipower.org/newscenter/pr/2013/030513-excellence.html

MASS CEC Wood Pellet Boiler Program Offers Discounts for High-Efficiency Boilers

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Residents could receive up to $15,000 toward the purchase of new, high efficiency models

BOSTON – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton and Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today announced the launch of a new $475,000 incentive program to help residents install high-efficiency wood pellet boilers in their homes or small businesses.

Residents who participate in the program – which is a partnership between MassCEC and DOER – can receive rebates of up to $15,000 for installing high-efficiency wood pellet boilers.

Base rebates will begin at $7,000, with a cap of $15,000 per applicant available if other program requirements are met. The anticipated average rebate will be between $10,000 and $12,000. New wood pellet boilers typically cost more than $20,000 fully installed.

“These new boilers will help families save money, while decreasing dependence on expensive, unhealthy fossil fuels,” said Barton. “Programs like this are another example of our investments in a clean energy future for Massachusetts residents.”

Wood pellets produce the same amount of heat for half the price of home heating oil, when savings are calculated per British thermal unit (Btu), the traditional measure of heat energy.

“We are pleased to offer yet another innovative, accessible program that will reduce energy consumption and save homeowners money each year,” said Sylvia. “This program furthers the investment the Patrick-Murray Administration is making to support renewable heating technologies, an important part of our economic and environmental goals.”

Residents may print an application, and access more information on the program, by visiting www.masscec.com/smallscalepellet.

As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in the Clean Energy and Climate Plan, DOER is dedicating approximately $30 million in Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds, in coordination with the MassCEC and Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, to establish a pilot funding program, which will support renewable thermal installations, including high-efficiency heat pumps and clean biomass heating, like wood pellet boilers. Pilot programs will help inform DOER on the market and economic status of these technologies, and support policy development for renewable thermal energy.

Funding for this program comes from the 2010 and 2011 ACP Spending Plan. ACPs are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable Portfolio Standard programs. DOER establishes the plan for use of these funds to support clean energy development in the Commonwealth.

About MassCEC

Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.

About DOER

See the Source: http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/page/Wood-Pellet-Boiler-Program-Offers-Discounts-for-High-Efficiency-Boilers/cdid/14729/pid/11150

NY Governor Announces $6.4 Million in Funding to Help Farmers Reduce Costs Through Energy Efficiency Projects

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $6.4 million in funding to help farmers reduce energy costs, protect the environment, and remain economically viable. This new funding expands a successful program launched in 2011, which has already assisted 170 farms in securing annual energy savings of $850,000 and reducing power usage by 6,800 megawatt hours.

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program (AEEP) facilitates energy audits to help identify energy efficiency measures and provides funding that pays for 75 percent of the implementation cost of electricity and gas efficiency projects on farms and at on-farm producers.

“The agricultural sector represents a $4 billion industry in the state and is a critical driver in New York’s economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program will help our farmers and on-farm producers reduce their costs through investments in energy-efficient projects and equipment. Additionally, these projects will have a very beneficial impact on the environment.”

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state and a time honored way of life for many New Yorkers. Governor Cuomo has pledged to help farmers remain the stalwarts of their communities and assist them in reducing their costs to become more economically viable. While farms and agricultural processing can require considerable amounts of energy, the AEEP program helps identify opportunities for energy savings and offset the costs of energy and production efficiency investments.”

Program incentives are available to offset the cost of equipment or projects, including energy efficiency facility and productivity improvements and expansions that support electric and natural gas efficiency.

Farms that are eligible for the funding include: orchards, dairies, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, egg and poultry farms and others as well as on-site farm producers such as cider mills. Energy efficiency upgrades covered by the program include: process improvements; lighting upgrades; high-efficiency fan, pump, and motor systems; and other measures. Eligibility is limited to farms that pay into the System Benefit Charge.

Launched in 2011, AEEP’s first round of funding made available $3.2 million to assist farms in becoming more energy efficient and, therefore, more sustainable, helping to build and strengthen the rural economy of New York State.

Today’s announcement follows Governor Cuomo’s recent announcement outlining two programs to help dairy farmers lower their energy costs and help expand their production and efficiency. NYSERDA is doubling the maximum incentive for its Anaerobic Digester Biogas to Electricity (ADG) program from $1 million to up to $2 million per installation. The Governor also announced that $450,000 was being made available for a Dairy Acceleration Program (DAP) that will provide grants and coordinate funding and technical programs to help farmers interested in expanding their operations or increasing their efficiency.

For more information on the AEEP funding opportunity, http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Funding-Opportunities/Current-Funding-Opportunities/PON-2644-Agriculture-Energy-Efficiency-Program.aspx.

See the Source: http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2013-Announcements/2013-3-4-Governor-Cuomo-Announces-Funding-to-Help-Farmers-Reduce-Costs-Through-Energy-Efficiency.aspx