On September 29, 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $900,000 government grant to Utah State University (USU) and Montana State University for the team’s plan to grow species of algae that can thrive in geothermal vents and in the Great Salt Lake. This research is one of six biofuel projects throughout the country funded
September 2008
Michigan Passes Renewable Portfolio Standard
By Katherine A. Roek on
On September 18, 2008, the Michigan legislature sent the state’s first Renewable Portfolio Standard to the Governor’s desk for signature. The package mandates "10 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2015, regulatory reform that protects Michigan ratepayers and allows utility companies to build new electricity generation in Michigan, and a…
Upper Midwest Transmission Development Initiative Created
By Katherine A. Roek on
Posted in Transmission, Wind
On September 18, 2008, the Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota announced creation of a regional transmission planning effort that will "promote regional electric transmission investment and cost sharing" among the states. Several entities, including MISO (which is currently conducting transmission planning studies in the region) and ITC, have issued press…
Senate Passes Renewable Extensions
Despite the urgency of the crisis gripping Wall Street, the Senate stepped up yesterday to resoundingly pass HR 6049. Kudos to renewable energy leaders like Senator Cantwell and Representative Inslee who have steadily advocated for the industry. Unless one of the pending bills is successful, the sun will set on the Production Tax Credit, Investment Tax Credit and several related measures that have proven highly effective in the expansion of the wind, solar and biofuels industries.
Continue Reading Senate Passes Renewable Extensions
Ocean Energy Makes Waves Again
By William H. Holmes on
For those who are following the development of ocean and wave energy on the West Coast of the United States and Canada, The Oregonian published an interesting article by Gail Kinsey-Hill entitled Off Oregon’s Coast, Wave Energy Makes a Splash. The article provides a good overview of the latest Oregon developments in ocean and…
Article: The Implications of Ethanol Plant Optimization
By Katherine A. Roek on
Posted in Biofuels
A recent article co-authored by Boise partner John Eustermann in Ethanol Producer magazine highlights certain considerations that plant managers must keep in mind in the event of ethanol plant optimization. These considerations include examination and re-evaluation of common project-related documents, such as technology licenses and permits/site control issues, when investigating optimization activities or technological modifications to the plant.
Client Alert: FERC’s Conditional Approval of MISO Queue Reform
By Katherine A. Roek on
Check out our client alert on FERC’s recent conditional approval of MISO’s revised large generator interconnection process. It provides highlights of the ruling and identifies next steps that MISO must take in order to flesh out some issues, including certain milestones that generators must meet in order to move towards getting their project interconnected.
Beth Soholt, executive director of Wind…
Portland General Electric’s RFP Garners offers of 3,000 MW
By Stephen C. Hall on
The Portland Business Journal is reporting that Portland General Electric Company received 38 offers in its April 2008 RFP totaling up to 3000 MW in renewable energy. Continue Reading Portland General Electric’s RFP Garners offers of 3,000 MW