October 2009

The Chairman’s Mark of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act contains proposed language that would clarify that algae-based and other advanced fuels are included in the definition of biofuels for purposes of the Renewable Fuel Standard.  The Environment and Public Works Committee started legislative hearings today on the Clean Energy Jobs and American…

Later today, the Department of Energy will announce the 100 smart grid projects that will receive smart grid stimulus finds.   A complete list of the awards should be available later today; three have been announced early:

  • Baltimore Gas and Electric: $200,000,000 from DOE and $251,000,000 from other sources
  • Sempra Energy: $28,000,000 and $31,000,000 from other sources

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the release of the Open PV Mapping Project. The Project is a collaborative effort between government, industry, and the public to develop a comprehensive database of photovoltaic (PV) installation data for the United States.

The Project will provide a Web-based resource for…

This afternoon, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission conditionally approved the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator’s (MISO) proposed tariff amendment regarding allocating the cost of network upgrades for generation interconnection projects meeting MISO’s regional expansion criteria and benefits (RECB) standards.  See my previous blog entry for a more detailed discussion on the history of the tariff amendment, as well…

Next week, the Anaheim Convention center hosts Solar Power International, which bills itself as ‘North America’s largest business to business solar industry event.’ With over 900 exhibitors (Stoel Rives included) and 25,000 attendees expected, there is no doubt that this conference will be one of the largest and most heavily attended solar industry events…

The State of Minnesota’s Office of Energy Security (OES) is requesting proposals from organizations that are engaged in or will engage in the manufacture of renewable energy systems or fuels, energy storage systems, geothermal energy systems for heating and cooling, components of these systems, or equipment for the manufacture of these systems or components.

The…

The State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy, building on existing collaboration by California and its federal partners to facilitate the development of renewable energy resources in the state. The MOU stems from California and DOI energy policy directives, and California’s legislative mandate to reduce greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, and produce 33% of California’s electrical needs from renewable energy sources by 2020. The MOU notes one reason for California and DOI to really get the ball rolling on their collaboration: the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act specifically directs economic stimulus funding to qualified renewable energy projects that begin construction by December 1, 2010.

The California-DOI MOU complements and expands on several MOUs issued over the past year to establish and outline the activities of the California Renewable Energy Action Team (REAT). The REAT was provided for in California Executive Order S-14-08, issued November 17, 2008, to “establish a more cohesive and integrated statewide strategy, including greater coordination and steamlining of the siting, permitting, and procurement processes for renewable generation … .” In other words, let’s dispense with the permitting hang-ups and delays that plague development projects in California and get more renewable energy facilities online.  While Executive Order S-14-08 does not focus on the development of solar energy in particular, this MOU is geared to faciliting California’s burgeoning solar energy industry.Continue Reading California and the U.S. Department of Interior Sign an MOU on Renewable Energy

The enthusiasm about smart grid continues to spread in the Pacific Northwest.  Tomorrow, Intel’s Ronler Acres Campus (just outside of Portland) will host "Demystifying the Smart Grid," a panel and dinner event from 6 to 9 PM that will bring together industry experts and capital providers to discuss smart grid opportunities and the direction of current…

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) highlighted smart grid technologies in its strategic plan for fiscal years 2009-2014 (the “Strategic Plan”). FERC found that our nation could potentially reduce peak electricity demand by up to 20% through the deployment of new technologies, including smart grid and demand response technologies.
 

In the Strategic Plan, FERC is…