FERC Technical Conference on Wind Integration
From our colleague Jason Johns:
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will host a technical conference on March 2 to discuss the challenges of integrating large amounts of variable generation into wholesale markets and the grid. The Commission is also asking for innovative proposals that will help accomplish such large integration. Notably, the conference could hardly occur at a more appropriate time, as wind installation grew by 8,358 MW in the US in 2008 (more than gas-fired capacity) and certain regions of the country are hotly debating the costs of putting wind on the grid. Conference panelists will include Don Furman (Iberdrola Renewables), Brian Parsons and Brendan Kirby (National Renewable Energy Laboratory), Bob Kahn (Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition) and Steve Oliver (Bonneville Power Administration, which put its first wind integration charge in place in 2008).
Portland Businesses Are Seeing Green
Portland continues to expand its reputation as a beacon for green business. Today’s Wall Street Journal features an article on how sustainable development and renewable energy businesses are giving a much-needed boost to Portland’s commercial real estate market. There is much excitement surrounding Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems’ recent announcement that it will be building a new North American headquarters in Portland. The article also highlights German solar energy manufacturer, SolarWorld, and Spanish renewable energy developer, Iberdrola Renovables, both of which have opened large offices in the greater Portland area.
Not only are green businesses flocking to Portland, but existing Portland businesses are also embarking on environmentally friendly real estate development. Stoel Rives recently announced plans to move into a platinum-LEED certified building in the largest downtown office move in Portland history. The firm will be relocating to Park Avenue West, a building that will feature an abundance of daylight, energy efficient lighting and light controls, efficient water usage, and various other elements of a platinum-LEED designation. For more information on Stoel Rives’ relocation to greener office pastures, click here.
