On August 18, 2009, Detroit Edison issued request for proposals (RFPs) seeking additional renewable energy resources for its portfolio.
The first RFP involves development of a Michigan-based wind farm (or farms) capable of producing up to 75 MW of new wind power. The facilities must be operational by Dec. 31, 2011. Detroit Edison plans to take ownership of
On August 14, 2009, the Department of Energy ("DOE") State Energy Program ("SEP") announced that more than $119 million in funding from the Recovery Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects has been awarded to Alabama, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota and Wyoming.
Here is a summary of how the monies will be used by each of the states and territories:
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind and Hydropower Technologies program recently unveiled a new database containing information on the test capabilities and services of a variety of U.S. hydrodynamic test facilities.
The first-of-its-kind database encompasses 81 commercial, academic, and government facilities and offshore berths in 18 states, and will directly facilitate the testing of
Today, the Wall Street Journal’s Russel Gold reported that entrepreneurs are looking into massive algae blooms in the Gulf of Mexico that create "dead-zones" for sea life as a potential feedstock of algae for biofuel production. The dead zones are a result of run-off of fertilizers and other agricultural waste creating nutrient rich areas for algae to grow. Eventually, the
U.S. Representatives Collin Peterson (MN) and Tim Walz (MN) introduced the Wind Energy Promotion Act (WEPA) last month. If WEPA becomes federal law, the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) promises to become an even more potent driver for wind power project development. Under current law, the PTC may only be used to shelter passive
SCE Solar PV Program:
Back in June, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) issued a decision authorizing Southern California Edison (“SCE”) to execute contracts for up to 250 MW of generation from solar PV facilities owned and operated by independent power producers through a competitive solicitation process. The CPUC decision required SCE to file an advice
Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend 10 CFR Part 609, the rule regulating the loan guarantee program authorized by section 1703 of Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The two principal goals of section 1703 of Title XVII are to encourage commercial use of new or significantly improved energy-related technologies and to achieve substantial environmental benefits. (See these recent alerts regarding the DOE loan guarantee program and the related application process)
After reexamining Title XVII, the DOE has concluded that the statute does not require a first lien on all project assets. DOE has discovered that its current requirement that it be in lien position is in conflict with the financing structure of many energy projects. For example, many utility scale power plants are jointly owned by public power agencies, cooperative power systems and investor-owned utilities. In these cases, it may not be commercially feasible to obtain a lien on all project assets or the credit of a sponsor may be sufficient to support a more modest pledge of assets.
Furthermore, DOE has found that other parties are interested in participating as co-lenders, co-guarantors, or insurers of Title XVII loans. However, these other parties expect to share, on a pari passu basis, in any collateral securing such loans.
Consequently, DOE proposes two amendments to the current rules:
Continue Reading Show me the Money: DOE Proposes Amendments to its Loan Guarantee Program
Stoel Rives, LLP has decided to sponsor the 2009 Algae Biomass Summit ("2009 ABS"). The Algal Biomass Organization ("ABO") is hosting the 2009 ABS in San Diego this October 7-9th. The event will take place at the Marriot San Diego Hotel & Marina.
This year’s ABS will discuss the emerging issue of algae as
Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the release of a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) related to ethanol blends. The FOA provides up to $5.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to increase the use of higher ethanol blends through expanding refueling infrastructure and funding outreach to promote public awareness.
$3.5 million is available
From our colleague, Jerry Chiang:
The United States and China signed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) on July 28, 2009, detailing the partnership between the two countries on climate change, energy, and the environment. The MOU commits both countries to reaching a successful international agreement that will address climate and energy issues. It also provides for