Midwest economy would get boost from clean energy investment, says study
September 7, 2011 by Paul Dvorak
Filed under Business issues, Wind Power News, Wind Power Projects
Midwest residents would pay less for electricity, have more job opportunities, and breathe healthier air if their state adopted stronger clean energy standards, according to a peer-reviewed report from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The report, “A Bright Future for the Heartland: Powering the Midwest Economy with Clean
The graphic indicates some benefits of renewable-energy to the Midwest.
shows Midwest states with tremendous potential to produce electricity from renewable resources, particularly wind, biomass (plant material such as corn stalks and switch grass), and solar, and to cut utility bills by reducing energy use in homes and businesses. Tapping the Midwest’s clean energy potential would drive billions of dollars in new business investment, create thousands of jobs, and save families and businesses billions through lower utility bills, while reducing the state’s dependence on coal and associated carbon emissions.
“Adopting stronger clean energy standards can help transform the region’s economy,” said Steven Frenkel, director of UCS’s Midwest office. “Generating more renewable energy will put people back to work manufacturing the components needed to power the clean energy economy, such as wind turbines and solar panels. At the same time, reducing energy use can help keep Midwest businesses competitive by cutting their energy costs.
The study analyzes the potential impact of a two-pronged clean energy strategy for Midwestern states developed in 2009 by the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) to help revitalize the region’s economy. First, the MGA suggested Midwestern states require that 30% of each state’s electric supply come from renewable energy sources by 2030. Second, it called for states to deploy energy-efficiency equipment to save 2% in annual power consumption by 2015, with an additional 2% savings each following year.
The study found that while Midwest states can benefit from enacting these policies individually, they will benefit even more by acting together. “It’s important that the region maintain momentum in making this transition because they could quickly lose ground to fast-growing clean energy economies in China, Germany and other countries,” added Frenkel.
“Few places in the world have the combination of a great renewable energy potential, a strong manufacturing base and the skilled workforce needed to realize that potential. And the Midwest is one of those places,” said Claudio Martinez, UCS energy analyst and report author.
The UCS study found that if the region embraced the MGA goals, it would:
- · Save Midwest residents and businesses $42.8 billion on their electric and natural gas bills by 2030. The typical household would save $78 a year in gas and electricity costs from 2010 to 2030.
- · Create 85,700 new jobs in Midwest states and result in almost $41 billion in new capital investments.
- · Generate $1 billion in new income for Midwest farmers and landowners producing biomass as fuel for power plants or leasing their land for wind facilities. Also, new clean energy investments could raise an additional $3.5 billion in property tax revenue, which would help financially strapped communities fund schools and public services, including police and fire departments.
- · Keep more dollars circulating in the region by substituting local, clean energy for coal. In 2008 alone, Midwest utilities spent nearly $7.5 billion to import coal from as far away as Wyoming, according to the 2010 UCS report, “Burning Coal, Burning Cash.”
- · Reduce the threat to public health and the corresponding jump in health costs resulting from increased ground-level ozone pollution due to rising average temperatures. According to a June UCS study, “Climate Change and Your Health: Rising Temperatures, Worsening Ozone Pollution,” (http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/impacts/climate-change-and-ozone-pollution.html) ozone increases could result in 2.8 million additional serious respiratory illnesses, 5,100 additional infants and seniors hospitalized with serious breathing problems, and 944,000 additional missed school days in the United States in 2020. Three Midwest states—Illinois, Ohio and Michigan—are among the 10 states most threatened by rising ground-level ozone levels caused by global warming.
- · Lower greenhouse gas emissions from Midwest power plants by 130 metric tons annually by 2030—equivalent to the annual emissions from 30 typical new coal plants. The Midwest currently produces 27% of the country’s heat-trapping emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and Ohio ranks fourth among all states in total CO2 emissions.
Union of Concerned Scientists
The report from Ucs.com
Ohio university to help China with green R&D
February 22, 2011 by Windpower Engineering
Filed under Wind Power News
The Department of State says Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, will collaborate with the China National Offshore Oil Corp. – New Energy Investment Co., Ltd. (CNOOC), to find solutions to significant energy and environmental issues. Through this EcoPartnership, the two organizations intend to research and develop methods for greater energy efficiency. Possible projects include improving energy use, distribution and storage; off-shore wind energy; and improving fuel cells.
Case Western Reserve is the first university to form a partnership with a Chinese company through the U.S.-China EcoPartnership program.
Case Western Reserve is the first university to form a partnership with a Chinese company through the U.S.-China EcoPartnership, a program developed through the Framework for EcoPartnerships under the U.S.-China Ten Year Framework for Cooperation on Energy and Environment.
The EcoPartnerships program brings together Chinese and U.S. entities from the public, private, and civic sectors to create mutual economic and environmental benefits.
CNOOC, the third largest oil and gas company in China, is researching alternative energy, said David Fleshler, associate provost for international affairs. “We first met CNOOC in Beijing after being introduced by a member of the Chinese government. CNOOC was interested in creating a relationship with a U.S. university that had expertise and experience in renewable energy issues. CWRU’s history in this area—and the work taking place at the Great Lakes Energy Institute—convinced CNOOC we were the right partner.” David Zeng, chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, worked closely with CNOOC to help create the EcoPartnership, and Ye Fan Wang Glavin, who has a long association with Case Western Reserve, acted as a senior adviser to the partnership and university.
Case Western Reserve University
CWRU.edu
Caption: us and China flags
Case Western Reserve is the first university to form a partnership with a Chinese company through the U.S.-China EcoPartnership program.
Caption:ecopartner.png
The EcoPartnerships program brings together Chinese and U.S. entities from the public, private, and civic sectors to create mutual economic and environmental benefits.
Renewable energy purchase can be easier for large power users
August 10, 2010 by KRemington
Filed under Wind Power News
A recently launched Windfrastructure Partner Program lets large power users purchase renewable energy in a financially neutral manner. The program, devised by National Wind, Minneapolis, provides its partners with an economic interest in a new community wind project in exchange for buying electricity from the new project. Participating in the program is income-statement neutral because the additional cost of buying renewable energy is offset by the economic interest the participant receives in the wind farm.
Elements in the program are that it promotes sustainability and creates a new source of renewable energy. “Receipt of economic interest in a new wind farm makes the program an attractive alternative to purchasing RECs or purchasing green power through a utility,” says Robert Martorano, Managing Director of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Finance & Leasing Group. In addition, the program is traceable and brandable.
“Companies want to become more sustainable,” says Leon Steinberg, CEO of National Wind. “But given the economic climate, many corporations are unwilling to recognize the additional expense for renewable energy. Windfrastructure will let companies achieve and perhaps surpass their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in a manner that will not affect their profit and loss statement.”
Different types of large power users may become Windfrastructure Partners at varying levels of participation.
Windfrastructure Overview Sheet: http://www.nationalwind.com/files/WindF%20overview%20sheet-final.pdf
A worthy goal: 25% renewable energy by 2025
June 8, 2010 by KRemington
Filed under Wind Power News
The headline here presents the simple goal for a Renewable Electricity Standard or RES, one echoed by the American Wind Energy Association and to some extent, 29 state governors. There is, however, only one tiny problem with the RES: It is not yet national policy.
About a year ago, five CEOs from wind-industry manufacturers sat on a stage at WINDPOWER 2009 and in the course of a Q&A, frequently remarked that a national policy, an RES, was one piece of legislation that would provide a solid target for the wind industry. Since then, Washington has dithered with issues it deems more important than a vibrant economy and energy independence.
The 29 governors have proposed their own RES and to the White House. Their targets in a nutshell are 20% renewable power by 2020, new transmission lines, streamlined permitting for offshore installations, and energy conservation.
Despite tepid objections by some, conservation will have to be part of an RES. It makes no sense to encourage production without encouraging wise use of energy. Conservation levels have been added to many state RES goals because some believe its projects (new furnaces, A/C units, and insulation) means more jobs than adding renewable energy alone.
Debates in Washington on targets, time frames, and how to encourage conservation have made the goal of a national standard elusive. The House passed a bill last year with a 20% requirement by 2020. A Senate bill: 15% by 2021. The prospects of a national RES dim further when a recent report found a large percent of RE funds going to foreign companies.
“We’ve had too much stop-and-go government policy,” said Wesley Clark, VP Director at EMergya Wind Technologies at Windpower 2009. “We need to stabilize policy through the period that the renewable energy standard is passed into law, and keep the capital markets stable for four to six years. We will, in all likelihood, be spending more on electricity in the long run if we don’t act now and enact enhanced renewable portfolio standards and take more aggressive action 
on energy efficiency.”
Federal assistance for new industries is not new. President Lincoln recognized the value of a connected nation and so funded the transcontinental railroad. The nation benefited greatly from the Federally funded space race, and commerce was unharmed by the interstate highway system. Why treat the great potential in the relatively new wind industry differently?
President Kennedy stated the most famous clear and simple goal: Put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth by the end of the decade. It’s time for another president to state a clear and simple goal that will kick off another national effort, one for energy independence and a vibrant economy. WPE
Paul Dvorak
Editor
Windpower Explained – Drivetrain Explored
January 19, 2010 by Windpower Engineering
Filed under Wind Power News
This Windpower event features engineering topics on drive trains, condition monitoring, maintenance & repair, bearings and market overviews. This event is designed for engineers, managers, power purchasers, maintenance personel and others related or interested in learning more about Windpower.
Windpower Explained – Drivetrain Explored a special two day session exploring and discussing maintenance & repair issues related to the drive train in wind turbines. Supported with a special one day session discussing the growing market of Small Wind. Tracks are ideally suited to educate both owners, utilities, project managers, engineers, manufactures and suppliers interested in improving their wind turbine performance as well as learn about the small wind market.
By attending the Opportunities in Renewable Energy conference, you will leave with a greater understanding of what you need to know before entering the market, common maintenance issues, and how your company could benefit from these manufacturing opportunities. Co-produced by Windpower Engineering magazine, this event is a must for anyone looking for networking opportunities and valuable insight through real-world applications.
