For those interested in qualifying energy projects as “eligible renewable resources” under the Washington Energy Independence Act (EIA), the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) issued on June 7, 2011 an important new policy statement that provides processes by which utilities and developers may obtain either a non-binding or binding opinion regarding the eligibility of those
Substantial Increase in Solar Patent Activity in 2010
By William H. Holmes on
Posted in Patent Applications, Solar
By Aaron Barker
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported that the U.S. solar market grew 67% in value in 2010. We have also noticed that the amazing growth in the solar industry is reflected in U.S. patent activity. Because the solar industry covers a wide range of technologies, we looked at a simple example…
Minnesota PUC clarifies that “other credits” include RECs
By Sarah Johnson Phillips on
Posted in Litigation
Last year, we reported on the resolution of a longstanding dispute between Xcel Energy and 46 renewable energy generators about the ownership of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) when the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is silent. In an Order released September 9, 2010, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission decided that 1) generators own the RECs produced…
CPUC Issues Scoping Memo in Energy Storage Proceeding; Workshop Set for June 28
By Brian Nese on
On May 31, 2011, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) issued a scoping memo (“Scoping Memo”) identifying issues to be considered and setting a procedural schedule for its energy storage proceeding. In December, 2010, the CPUC opened Rulemaking 10-12-007 to implement the provisions of Assembly Bill 2514, which directs the CPUC to determine appropriate energy storage…
Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest Releases Report
By Graham Noyes on
Posted in Biofuels
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN) is the first stakeholder effort to review the challenges surrounding the production of sustainable aviation fuels and to develop a regional solution.
Continue Reading Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest Releases Report
Stoel Rives’ Mark Hanson and Loren Hulse to speak at Metabolic Design and Algae World Summit 2011
By William H. Holmes on
Stoel Rives Partners Mark Hanson and Loren Hulse will be at San Diego’s Biotech Beach on May 23 for Metabolic Design 2011. This event is co-located with the 3rd Annual Algae World Summit.
Metabolic Design 2011 brings together research leaders, technology developers and R&D directors to share strategic insights and management practices. Learn…
Stoel Rives’ Mark Hanson and Greg Jenner to speak at Renewable Energy in the Midwest
By Sarah Johnson Phillips on
Posted in Renewable, Smart Grid
Join Stoel Rives Partners Mark Hanson and Greg Jenner in Minneapolis, for Renewable Energy in the Midwest States: New Policy, Business and Legal Developments. Here they will meet with leading renewable energy professionals, innovators and regulators to address opportunities and challenges for developers and entrepreneurs in the Midwest renewable market and the developing Smart …
California Cap & Trade Challenge Final Order Issued
By Lee Smith on
Posted in Climate Change
On Friday, May 20, 2011, Judge Goldsmith of San Francisco Supreme Court issued a final order (PDF) with respect to a lawsuit challenging the environmental review of the Cap and Trade regulations created under California’s AB 32 Greenhouse Gas statute and the associated Scoping Plan. In its order, the Court enjoined the Cap and Trade portion…
Southern California Edison Begins Process to Reform CREST Power Purchase Agreement
By Jake W. Storms on
Citing changes in market conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) announced last week that it is beginning the process of reforming the standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) it uses for its California Renewable Energy Small Tariff (CREST) program. CREST is SCE’s feed-in tariff program for eligible renewable energy projects under 1.5 MW. The PPA for each …
Stoel Rives Energy Regulation Report
By Jason Johns on
FERC Clarifies Qualifying Facility Restrictions in Sale/Resale Transactions
On May 19, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") issued an order in Idaho Wind Partners I, LLC, a docket in which wind farm owners in Idaho petitioned FERC for approval of a unique transaction that would both provide eligible Renewable Energy Credits ("RECs") to a utility …