Herding Cats! — Federal Agencies and Obama Administration Attempt to Streamline Grid Siting Requirements for Renewable Projects

A Special Report from Colorado Energy News and Brownstein/Hyatt/Farber/Schreck

The Obama Administration is working through the White House Council on Environmental Quality and eight federal agencies to expedite and simplify the otherwise complex review process undertaken by federal agencies in deciding whether to approve the development of electricity transmission lines that cross federal lands.

In October, those eight federal agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) that calls for a single agency to take the lead in reviewing and approving permit applications for siting such projects on federal land and shepherding projects through the complex federal review process. The MOU was signed by representatives of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy and the Interior, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and Council on Environmental Quality.

Although the White House and Congress have invested considerable time and money to achieve President Obama’s goal of doubling the amount of renewable energy generation in the U.S. by 2012, many proposed renewable generation and transmission projects have been delayed by the bureaucracy of authorization within multiple federal agencies. Proposed projects that are to be located in remote areas and on public lands often face significant approval hurdles prior to breaking ground. As a practical matter, the regulatory review process has often involved sequential reviews by multiple agencies, with each review occurring on a different timetable and by different personnel. Project developers are faced with the varying goals and directives of each agency, in addition to the many state, local and private interests in these projects.

Concurrent Applications Review

Under the MOU, federal agencies reviewing a proposed transmission project located on federal lands will review the application concurrently, instead of sequentially. This is predicted to cut the review time by identifying particular agency issues much earlier in the review process. The MOU also directs the eight agencies to facilitate coordination and environmental compliance review not only among the federal agencies involved, but also with states, tribes, the project applicant and other stakeholders. The MOU announcement complements the Administration’s pledge to invest $3.4 billion in recovery funds in developing technologies to strengthen the nation’s electric transmission grid and promote more efficient energy use.

This effort builds on other significant efforts that have been taken to coordinate and expedite the review process for transmission lines and renewable energy generation projects between Federal and State Governments. For example, the Department of the Interior recently entered into an agreement with the State of California that, among other things, (1) establishes a Renewable Energy Policy Group of senior policy representatives to guide the cooperative work; (2) develops a strategy to identify areas suitable and acceptable for renewable energy development; (3) identifies renewable energy resource zones based on renewable energy development potential and environmental, wildlife and conservation criteria; (4) prioritizes application processing for solar development in renewable energy zones; and (5) coordinates with federal and state agencies to identify energy and transmission needs and opportunities and to designate transmission corridors.

Congressional Efforts

In addition to these efforts, Congress is pushing those agencies to explore other ways to promote renewable energy development in general. Two Subcommittees of the House Natural Resources Committee recently held hearings to further understand and explore agency initiatives to overcome barriers to developing renewable energy and siting transmission lines. The Committees heard testimony from the Department of the Interior, as well as project developers and environmental groups. According to testimony from Marci Lynn Burke, Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) is expediting permitting for 32 “fast track” renewable energy projects that have the potential to qualify for financial incentives under provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. According to Ms. Burke, these fast track projects include 13 solar energy projects, 9 wind energy projects and 3 geothermal energy projects, with a total combined capacity of approximately 4600 megawatts. BLM has also established renewable energy coordination offices in four states (California, Nevada, Arizona and Wyoming) to coordinate and streamline permitting projects for renewable energy projects on public lands.

Also testifying at the hearings was Tom C. Wray, Project Manager for Sunzia Southwest Transmission Project. Sunzia is an interstate extra high-voltage transmission project providing strategic grid interconnections in New Mexico and Arizona. The company currently has a facility plant with two 500 kilovolt alternating current transmission lines, with several interconnecting substations along the course of the project. In his testimony, Mr. Wray credits much of Sunzia’s success in moving through the federal, state and local approval processes to its extensive and early outreach efforts to groups within the community that traditionally may have been opponents to transmission projects. Sunzia offered suggestions to Congress on how to better promote renewable energy and transmission development on federal lands, including vetting transmission projects through a regional planning process, undertaking a robust alternatives analysis upfront to avoid siting in areas with significant impacts, and further streamlining and coordinating the various agency environmental, cultural and wildlife reviews.

The Jury is Still Out

For years, Congress and various administrations have recognized the need to improve the processes for evaluating proposed transmission and other facilities on federal lands. The recent efforts by the Obama Administration, Congress and States are certainly a well-intentioned effort to improve upon the existing processes. Even with these recent efforts, however, multi-jurisdictional projects that have significant controversy will remain complex endeavors. Even with a reduction in the required multi-level documentation and review, internal agency culture and decision-making processes are slow to change. Thus, only time will tell whether these modifications actually reduce timelines.

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Article printed from Colorado Energy News: http://coloradoenergynews.com

URL to article: http://coloradoenergynews.com/2010/01/herding-cats-federal-agencies-and-obama-administration-attempt-to-streamline-transmission-siting-requirements-for-renewable-projects/

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Solar Water Heaters Mandatory in Hawaii

As of January 1, 2010, building permits on all single-family new home construction in Hawaii may not be issued for homes that do not include a solar water heating system. This legislation, SB644, was enacted in June of 2009; however, the state energy resources coordinator may be able to provide a variance for this requirement if:

• Installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource;

• Installation is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new solar water heating system with a life cycle that does not exceed 15 years;

• A renewable energy technology system is substituted for use as the primary energy source for heating water; or

• A demand water heater device approved by UL is installed; provided that at least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling. (A "demand water heater" means a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.)

While the legislation is already in effect, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission must still adopt specifications for the required performance, materials, components, durability, longevity, proper sizing, installation and quality of solar water heaters.

Already, even before the impact of this new legislation is felt, there are over 65,000 solar water heaters in use in Hawaii today, including thousands on the Big Island. In fact, Hawaii ranks number one in the nation when it comes to using energy from the sun to heat water.

With an eye toward the future, Hawaii law makers understand that conventional water heaters are typically the largest electricity consumer in the average household, gobbling up nearly 40% of consumption. Hawaii's move to force solar heating is a big step for a state that relies heavily on imported fossil fuels for 90% of its supply. This bill has been a long time coming - when the legislation was first introduced five years ago, a barrel of oil cost just $40. Since then, the price has more than tripled.

Overall, solar water heating may save about $6 to $12 or more per person per month when replacing a standard electric resistance water heater. The savings, of course, will vary by household based in part on each person's hot water usage.

Using solar water heating can help keep electric rates down by also reducing electricity demand during the peak evening times from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. when people often use hot water for washing dishes, taking showers, and so forth. To meet this evening peak demand, less efficient electricity generation units must be brought on-line by the power companies. These less efficient units cost more to run and this increase in cost is passed on to consumers.

Not surprisingly, builders and developers were against the new bill, saying it would add too much to the cost of new home constructions. Another surprising opponent was the Hawaii Solar Energy Association. Ron Richmond, with the association, said in an interview with the Star Bulletin, the new legislation would cost home buyers about $2,100 more to have the solar water heaters installed. The average solar water heater, according to the article, currently costs about $5,250, before rebates.

The length of time required to recoup your original investment (payback) will vary widely and depend on whether the purchase is paid for outright or financed and how much energy (electricity, gas, etc.) is saved. Simple payback is the length of time required to recover your investment through reduced or avoided costs. You can expect a shorter payback in areas that have higher energy costs, where the family uses a moderate to large amount of hot water per person, and for homes with more occupants. Finance charges will also lengthen the payback period.

While this new program may make some new homeowners balk at first, there are additional benefits when the cost of a solar water heating system is included in the mortgage for a home purchase. The interest rates are usually lower than on a short-term loan. In addition, the small additional increase in the monthly mortgage payment may be more than made up for in reduced energy costs (electricity or gas).

In the short run, those purchasing new homes in Hawaii may feel a pinch in their wallet upfront in having to install a solar hot water heater; however, over a short period of time, these new homeowners will easily recoup their investment. And, more importantly, by diversifying the State of Hawaii's mix of energy resources by using more renewable energy, such as solar, helps to make Hawaii less dependent on non-renewable energy sources and, in my opinion, a Greener place to live.

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BioFuels Everything You Need to Know

As more environmentally conscious drivers search for ways to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions and therefore reduce their negative impact on the environment, many are considering biofuel. However, what is biofuel and can it be used in any vehicle? Do biofuels really boost the environment and save you money, or are there negative effects too? This guide to biofuel will examine the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice. What is biofuel? Broadly speaking, biofuel refers to any solid, liquid or gas fuel that has been derived from biomass. It can be produced from any carbon source that is easy to replenish - such as plants.One of the main challenges when producing biofuel is to develop energy that can be used specifically in liquid fuels for transportation. The most common strategies used to achieve this are: Grow plants – Plants that naturally produce oils include oil palm, jatropha, soybean and algae. When heated resistance (viscosity) is reduced they can be burned within a diesel engine or they can be processed to form biodiesel. Grow sugar crops or starch – These include sugar cane, sugar beet, corn and maize which are then turned into ethanol through the process of yeast fermentation. Woods – By-products from woods can be converted into biofuels including methanol, ethanol and woodgas. What are the different types of biofuel? There are many different biofuels available in the UK. One of the most common worldwide is E10 fuel, which is actually a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% petroleum. This formula has been improved in recent years with the introduction of E15 fuel (15% ethanol, 85% petroleum); E20 fuel (20% ethanol, 80% petroleum); E85 fuel (85% ethanol, 15% petroleum); E95 fuel (95% ethanol, 15% petroleum) and E100 fuel which is ethanol with up to 4% water. In Europe, biodiesel is the most popular form of biofuel - it can be used in any diesel engine when mixed with mineral diesel. This is produced from oils and fats and is now readily available at many petrol stations. There are many other types of biofuel available including vegetable oil, which is used in many older diesel engines; butanol, which is seen as a replacement for petroleum; and biogas which is produced from biodegradable waste materials. This technology has been expanded with the introduction of 'second generation' biofuels - which use biomass to liquid technology. Examples include biohydrogen, biomethanol and mixed alcohols. Third generation biofuels are also known as algae fuels. They have many advantages including have a low input and a high yield level – they produce 30 times more energy per acre than land – and are also biodegradable. As a result, they are relatively harmless to the environment if spilled. Where are biofuels used? Biodiesel can, in theory, be used in all diesel engines. However, due to the parts attached to the diesel engine, some manufacturers do not approve engines running on 100% biodiesel. Volkswagen, SEAT, Audi and Skoda all approved their cars built from 1996-2004 running on 100% RME biodiesel - that is biodiesel made from rapeseed - on the condition that it meets specification EN14214. Generally speaking, it is recommended that you use a combination of biodiesel blended with regular diesel. Indeed at the majority of petrol stations, a 5% biodiesel mix is used. It is also worth bearing in mind that biodiesel made from waste cooking oil can freeze in the winter - and so no more than a 50% blend is recommended. Between 2000 and 2005 ethanol production doubled, and biodiesel production quadrupled, so biofuels are clearly on the rise. The British Government's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation currently requires 2.5% of fuels sold at the pump to be biofuels. This will increase to 5% by 2010, while the EU has a target of 5.75% of all transport fuels to be from biological sources, also by 2010. What are the advantages of biofuels? The aim of all biofuels is to be carbon neutral. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional transport fuels. In reality, biofuels are not carbon neutral simply because it requires energy to grow the crops and convert them into fuel. The amount of fuel used during this production (to power machinery, to transport crops, etc) does have a large impact on the overall savings achieved by biofuels. However, biofuels still prove to be substantially more environmentally friendly than their alternatives. In fact, according to a technique called Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) first generation biofuels can save up to 60% of carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. Second generation biofuels offer carbon emission savings up to 80%. This was backed by a recent UK Government publication which stated biofuels can reduce emissions by 50-60%. Another advantage of biofuels is that they save drivers money. The UK Government in particular has introduced many incentives to drivers of 'green cars' based on emissions - with reduced taxation dependent on how environmentally friendly your vehicle is. With petrol prices on the rise, replacing petroleum with a renewable energy source should also offer significant savings at the pump in the long term, particularly when biofuels are more readily available. There are arguments too that biofuels are helping to tackle poverty around the world. For example, the Overseas Development Institute has pointed to wider economic growth and increased employment opportunities along with the positive effect on energy prices, as reasons to back biofuel production. This is debated due to the pressures it places on agricultural resources but biodiesel could be a long term solution as it uses simpler technology and lower transportation costs alongside increased labour. What are the disadvantages of biofuels? There are several concerns about biofuels - and particularly including: Biodiversity - A fear among environmentalists is that by adapting more land to produce crops for biofuels, more habitats will be lost for animals and wild plants. It is feared for example, that some Asian countries will sacrifice their rainforests to build more oil plantations. The food V fuel debate - Another concern is that if biofuels become lucrative for farmers, they may grow crops for biofuel production instead of food production. Less food production will increase prices and cause a rise in inflation. It is hoped that this can be countered by second generation biofuels which use waste biomass - though again, this will impact the habitat of many organisms. The impact is particularly high in developing countries and it is estimated that around 100million people are at risk due to the food price increases. Carbon emissions – Most LCA investigations show that the burning of biofuels substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions when compared to petroleum and diesel. However, in 2007 a study was published by scientists from Britain, the USA, Germany and Austriawhich reported the burning of rapeseed or corn can contribute as much to nitrous oxide emissions than cooling through fossil fuel savings. Non-sustainable biofuel production – Many first generation biofuels are not sustainable. It is necessary to create sustainable biofuel production that does not effect food production, and that doesn’t cause environmental problems. The production of non-sustainable biofuels has been criticised in reports by the UN, the IPCC and many other environmental and social groups. As a result many governments have switched their support towards sustainable biofuels, and alternatives such as hydrogen and compressed air. During 2008, the Roundtable of Sustainable Biofuels is developing principles for sustainable biofuel production. Are biofuels worthwhile? After examining the pros and cons of biofuels earlier in this guide, you may be left wondering if they are really worthwhile and right for you. On one hand they massively reduce carbon emissions and can help you save cash too; but on the other hand they could negatively effect the habitat of many species and aren't necessarily energy efficient at the production stage. Perhaps the biggest hope for biofuels is that the arrival of second and third generation alternatives should lead to more efficient production and diversify the plants and plant wastes used - therefore limiting the effects to any particular habitat. Biofuels are very much a work in progress. If you prefer to look into alternatives to reduce your environmental impact, look at the merits of the hybrid cars and electric cars available at Source : http://www.allgreencars.co.uk/GreenGuides/BioFuels/tabid/114/Default.aspx

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China adopts law to boost renewable energy industry

BEIJING: China's national assembly Saturday signalled the country's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting a law supporting its renewable energy industry.

The new law, an amendment to one on renewable energy adopted by the National People's Congress standing committee, obliges electricity grid companies to buy all the power produced by renewable sources.

It also empowers the State Council's energy department, the electricity regulatory agency and its finance departments to determine the amount of renewable energy available in the country's overall power generating capacity.

Power companies will be obliged to take up all of that capacity, and those refusing to do so will be fined an amount up to double that of the economic loss of the renewable energy company, Ni Yuefeng, vice-president of the assembly's environmental affairs commission, told reporters.

The law was adopted after China was criticised for obstructing the adoption of a treaty on climate change during last week's international summit in Copenhagen.

The new law in fact showed China's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Ni said.

"The new law will help China reduce its emission of greenhouse gases in a voluntary manner," Ni told a briefing.

Source : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1027053/1/.html

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European Pellets Conference 2009

	European Pellets Conference 2009
	Location:	Wels, Austria Map
	Start Date:	March 3, 2010
	End Date:	March 4, 2010

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Description:

Pellets are a clean, CO2-neutral and convenient fuel with growing market shares worldwide. The European Pellet Conference in Wels/Austria aims to provide in-depth information on pellet technologies, innovation and market trends. It will also offer an exciting platform to discuss new co-operation projects.

With more than 600 participants every year, the European Pellet Conferences held in Wels have become the largest annual pellet event in the world.

Stadthalle Wels
Wels
Austria

Tel: +43-732-7720-14386
Fax: +43-732-7720-14383
Email: office@esv.or.at
Web: http://www.esv.or.at/esv/index.php?id=2316&L=1


Region: Europe
Sector: Renewable - Biomass & Biofuels
Type: Conferences & Workshops

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International Trade Fair for Renewable Energy and Passive House

		International Trade Fair for Renewable Energy and Passive House
		Location:	Stuttgart, Germany Map
		Start Date:	February 25, 2010
		End Date:	February 27, 2010

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Description:

2010 will also offer trade conferences at the CEP® on current topics and innovations. Presenters from politics, research & development and practical applications will report on their experiences and present solutions for the future of renewable energies and energy efficient construction and renovation. Don’t miss the connection!

• 2nd International Symposium Solar and Renewable Cooling
• 4th International Conference on Application of Biomass Gasification
• Workshop: Passivehouses in Europe

New Stuttgart Trade Fair Center
Stuttgart
Germany

Contact: REECO GmbH
Tel: +49 (0) 7121 30 16 - 0
Fax: +49 (0) 7121 30 16 - 100
Email: redaktion@energie-server.de
Web: http://www.cep-expo.de/index.php?id=7&L=1


Region: Europe
Sectors: Renewable - Biomass & Biofuels, Renewable - Solar, Wind, Water, Etc.
Types: Exhibitions & Trade Shows

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RETECH 2010 - Renewable Energy Technology

Location:	Washington, D.C., United States Map
Start Date:	February 3, 2010
End Date:	February 5, 2010

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Description:

Over 250 companies and organizations from all renewable energy sectors—wind, solar, hydro, ocean, geothermal, biomass, biofuels, and waste-to-energy--and will host booths on the Trade Show floor. Exhibitors will include equipment manufacturers and suppliers, systems providers, finance and investment firms, research & development companies, project developers and operators, law firms, green builders, architects, construction and rigging companies, NGOs, trade associations, and government agencies.

The Business Conference will provide a platform for over 200 industry-leading speakers to share their knowledge and insights with attendees. The Business Conference will consist of several parallel tracks, held over three days, on each of the key technologies (wind, solar, hydro, ocean, geothermal, and biomass/ biofuels/ waste energy), plus cross-cutting sessions on markets, finance and policy. Discussions of clean technologies will incorporate presentations on hydrogen, fuel cells, batteries and other energy storage technologies, transmission, smart grid distributed generation, energy efficiency, green buildings, and other topics related to renewable energy.
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Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.
United States

Contact: Hunter Jones
Tel: (832) 242-1969 ext. 308
Email: hunterj@tradefairgroup.com
Web: http://www.retech2009.com


Region: North America
Sectors: Renewable - Biomass & Biofuels, Renewable - Solar, Wind, Water, Etc.
Types: Conferences & Workshops, Exhibitions & Trade Shows

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Pellets 10 Conference

Location:	Soderhamn, Sweden Map
Start Date:	February 2, 2010
End Date:	February 3, 2010

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Description:

For the 16th time around: Do not miss the opportunity to get the latest information on how the current market situation, and energy policy influences the production and consumption potentials for pellets! Meet all the leading actors of the pellets business at Pellets 010!

The conference will bring together people from the national and international pellet sector and starts with a study tour to a pellet manufacturer in Edsbyn; Helsinge Pellets. There we will see a new type of pelletizing technology in operation.

First Hotel Statt
Soderhamn
Sweden

Contact: Mr. Jonas Hoglund
Tel: +46 8 441 70 77
Email: jonas.hoglund@svebio.se
Web: http://www.svebio.se/?p=1388


Region: Europe
Sector: Renewable - Biomass & Biofuels
Type: Conferences & Workshops

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National Ethanol Conference (Policy and Marketing) - RFA

		National Ethanol Conference (Policy and Marketing) - RFA
		Location:	Orlando, Florida, United States Map
		Start Date:	February 15, 2010
		End Date:	February 17, 2010

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Description:

Join us in sunny Orlando, Florida for the Renewable Fuels Association's 15th Annual National Ethanol Conference: Policy & Marketing, "Climate of Opportunity," which will be held February 15-17, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. This conference is recognized as the premier event to interact, network and learn about the important marketing and public policy issues affecting the ethanol industry. You can't afford to miss it!

Speakers and sessions will focus on the historic opportunities facing our industry. As a renewable fuel, as an industry continuing to reduce energy inputs, and an industry diversifying into new feedstocks, ethanol is poised to make a significant contribution to our planet’s environment. Climate change is a seminal focus of the Obama Administration and an increasingly important issue to the public at large, and the momentum is in our favor. With steadfast resolve to increase ethanol’s marketshare in blends and E85, and a commitment to the best science, technical knowledge and quality, we have an opportunity to improve the industry as well. It’s clearly a Climate of Opportunity for the ethanol industry.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
United States

Contact: Mary Giglio
Tel: (908) 233-5863
Email: mgiglio@ethanolrfa.org
Web: http://www.nationalethanolconference.com/


Region: North America
Sector: Renewable - Biomass & Biofuels
Type: Conferences & Workshops

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Battery Japan - Rechargeable Battery Expo

		Battery Japan - Rechargeable Battery Expo
		Location:	Tokyo, Japan Map
		Start Date:	March 3, 2010
		End Date:	March 5, 2010

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Description:

BATTERY JAPAN „Ÿ 1st International Rechargeable Battery Expo will gather all kinds of products/technologies for Rechargeable Battery manufacturing as well as the Batteries itself such as LiB, NiMH, Capacitor, etc.

For those interested in expanding business in Rechargeable Battery Industry, BATTERY JAPAN is the place to be!

Tokyo Big Sight
Tokyo
Japan

Contact: FC EXPO Show Management
Tel: +81-3-3349-8576
Fax: +81-3-3349-8535
Email: bj@reedexpo.co.jp
Web: http://www.batteryjapan.jp/index_en.html


Region: Asia
Sector: Renewable - Solar, Wind, Water, Etc.
Types: Conferences & Workshops, Exhibitions & Trade Shows

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