Culminating two weeks of rapidly unfolding events, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R), on February 22 signed into law a renewable energy requirement for 25% of the electricity produced by the state’s utilities to come from renewables by 2025.

Earlier in the week, the state House of Representatives passed the bill in a decisive 123-10 vote that had strong bipartisan support. The legislation also received overwhelming support in the state Senate, passing by a 61-4 margin earlier this month (see Wind Energy Weekly #1227). Depending on load growth and assuming that the entire “Renewable Electricity Standard” (RES) is reached through the deployment of wind power, it is expected that the state will need between 5,500 MW and 6,300 MW in new wind projects.

“This Renewable [Electricity] Standard blows open the door to a new electricity industry that will bring thousands of jobs and pump billions of dollars into Minnesota’s economy,” said Michael Noble, executive director of Fresh Energy, a Wind Energy Works! coalition member and non-profit organization that works to lead a transition to a clean energy system. “It makes economic and environmental sense to create 25% of our electricity . . . and aggressively look at the options available to create global warming solutions in our state.”

The law specifies incremental benchmarks for utilities, with Xcel Energy’s RES ultimately reaching as high as 30%: 15% by 2010, 18% by 2012, 25% by 2016, and 30% by 2020. All other utilities, meanwhile, have a requirement of 7% by 2010, 12% by 2012, 17% by 2016, 20% by 2020, and 25% by 2025.

Xcel Energy, one of the entities that worked with the bill’s authors during its development, said that overall, the RES is a good piece of legislation. “We think it strikes a good balance between pursuing an aggressive wind standard and protecting our ratepayers,” Rick Evans, the director of government affairs for Xcel Energy in Minnesota, told Wind Energy Weekly.

Explaining how stakeholders had “a lot of discussions [with state officials] about “what could go wrong,” Evans said his company specifically liked the fact that any challenges in meeting the RES were to be taken to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which he called “the right place to go” to address such issues. The legislation allows for the possibility of the targets to be delayed, but only if the PUC determines that it would be in the public interest to do so; further, the bill includes language to ensure that various roadblocks would not indefinitely delay or prove fatal to implementation of the RES for any utility. For example, transmission constraints and delivery issues would be one legitimate reason for utilities not hitting RES targets; however, in that event, utilities would be required to move forward in the regulatory and construction process for the needed new transmission.

While highlighting the importance of what he called “ratepayer safeguards,” Evans made clear that, “We think we can accomplish this [RES].”

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The city of Los Angeles entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with UPC Wind for 185 MW of wind energy that also includes an option for the city to acquire the wind facility after 10 years.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which serves as the project manager, would receive 92.5% of the wind energy from a new 200-MW capacity wind generation facility being developed in Millard County, Utah by UPC Wind. The agreement with UPC Wind was approved by the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), acting on behalf of LADWP and the cities of Burbank and Pasadena, and is expected to go to the LADWP Board of Water and Power Commissioners and the Los Angeles City Council for approval in the next 90 days. The wind project is expected to be ready for commercial operation by Dec. 31, 2008.

“The Milford project is another important step forward in our efforts to meet the Board’s policy of obtaining 20% renewable energy by 2010,” said H. David Nahai, president of the LADWP Board of Water and Power Commissioners. Together with other recent agreements, we’re making progress toward our goal. The Board looks forward to considering this matter and forwarding it to the City Council and Mayor for approval.”

LADWP General Manager Ron Deaton said the 185-MW share of the Milford Wind Corridor Phase 1 project represents enough power to serve about 39,000 homes and meets 1.9% of the city’s renewable energy goal of 20% by 2010.

“We are also very pleased that this agreement has an early buy-out option to enable LADWP, along with Burbank and Pasadena, to acquire ownership of the facility after 10 years,” Deaton said. “Ownership is a key part of our renewable energy strategy going forward. Through ownership, we gain control of a valuable renewable energy asset, as well as the ability to control costs, operations, and jobs.”

Another unique aspect of the agreement is that SCPPA, acting on behalf of LADWP, Burbank and Pasadena, will prepay for the energy to be delivered during the 20-year term with proceeds from an upcoming bond sale. By prepaying up to $270 million for a guaranteed amount of energy, due when the plant begins commercial operation, LADWP, Burbank and Pasadena will save at least $42 million compared to the cost of constructing and financing the plant themselves, LADWP said.

SCPPA Executive Director Bill D. Carnahan said that “as far as we know, this is the first agreement of its type for a publicly owned utility.” SCPPA will contract with UPC Wind for the 20-year term, provide the project financing once the project is complete, and sign power sales agreements with LADWP and the other participants for the output of the project at SCPPA’s cost to retire the debt and pay for the ongoing operating expenses.

LADWP and other SCPPA members are also currently working to upgrade the Southern Transmission System—a line that delivers power from the Intermountain Power Project station in Utah to Southern California. The IPP station will be the connection point for wind power generated by the Milford facility.

The Milford agreement will increase LADWP’s renewable energy supply to about 8% of the power being served to customers.

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As a result of some goodwill from two industry players, the imagination and hard work of a local businessman interested in wind, and a little luck, Rock Port, Mo., will become what it believes will be the first community in the nation to produce enough electricity from wind to meet all of its power needs.

St. Louis, Mo.-based wind power developer Wind Capital Group is helping Rock Port make the move to all wind power by building Loess Hills Wind Farm, which will consist of four Suzlon 1.25-MW turbines. The project is being financed by John Deere Wind Energy. Up to 5 MW of electricity generated by the turbines will move onto the city’s electrical lines near the project area. The excess electricity produced will be purchased by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MUPA), a pool of Missouri communities. That power pool will continue to provide Rock Port with electricity when the wind isn’t blowing, and on average, the four turbines will produce in excess of 100% of Rock Port’s annual electricity needs.

The project—an unlikely facility because the economics normally wouldn’t support such a small plant—wouldn’t have been possible if it hadn’t been for a confluence of factors, said those familiar with the undertaking. The idea for the project was conceived when Eric Chamberlain, a businessman with an avid interest in wind, became the local contact person for Wind Capital’s 50-MW Cow Branch project in Rock Port and Tarkio, which John Deere Wind Energy also is financing. (Chamberlain communicated with landowners about the project and so forth.) “That led me to ask the very simple question, ‘Why can’t we do a small project for the town of Rock Port,” Chamberlain told Wind Energy Weekly.

Chamberlain referred to the project’s fruition as the mere result of “an alignment of the stars.” The nearby proximity of Cow Branch made transportation and other logistics possible for Wind Capital; further, within the city limits was a nearly perfect site: a bluff possessing a good wind resource—and a transmission line that ran right by it. “We didn’t even have to pass a bond,” said Chamberlain. “John Deere is financing the entire project.”

“Building a project that will power the entire town of Rock Port with locally produced wind energy is very exciting for us," said Wind Capital Group President Tom Carnahan. "The community of Rock Port deserves recognition for embracing the future and making Missouri a leader in wind energy development.”

Rock Port utility manager Tim Taylor said that without the financial backing of John Deere, the project probably wouldn’t have happened. “We’re not unlike most small towns,” he said. “We certainly didn’t have several million dollars needed for this project. Wind Capital and John Deere stepped forward and have provided turbines, financing and expertise. This is exciting for our community and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”

Loess Hills, which is scheduled to go online around mid-summer, is Wind Capital Group’s fourth under construction in Missouri. Bluegrass Ridge Wind Farm near King City, is completed and will begin producing power in a few weeks, according to the company. Atchison County’s Cow Branch facility has had roads built and construction equipment delivered to the site, and contractors are scheduled to begin building Conception Wind Farm in Nodaway County in March. Those projects total 157 MW of capacity, with electricity being sold to Associated Electric of Springfield, Missouri.

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Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich (D) announced a statewide goal to slash the production of heat-trapping greenhouse gases (GHG) to 1990 levels by 2020 and 60% below 1990 levels by 2050.

The GHG goals are part of a long-term strategy by the state to combat global climate change and builds on steps the state has already taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment and public health. The announcement came as Blagojevich’s Climate Change Advisory Group prepares to meet to address the issue of global climate change. The governor charged the advisory group with recommending strategies to meet the GHG reduction goals. The advisory group—comprised of business leaders, labor unions, members of the energy and agricultural industries, scientists, and environmental and consumer groups from throughout the state—will meet over a six-month period to identify measures to cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gases.

Blagojevich’s GHG reduction goals are similar to goals set by other states and those proposed by U.S. Senators Joe Lieberman (D) and John McCain (R), the governor’s office noted.

“The goals the governor has set will help the Climate Change Advisory Group identify the key strategies needed to make meaningful reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases statewide while improving the competitiveness of Illinois’ economy,” said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott. “From the Governor’s Energy Independence Plan that will create thousands of jobs in the renewable energy sector, to powering state facilities with wind power, to the Illinois Conservation and Climate Initiative that helps farmers earn money by trapping carbon dioxide in the soil, Illinois is making a strong commitment to minimize the impact of global warming.”

Chaired by Scott, the Illinois Climate Change Advisory Group consists of a mix of public, private, and nonprofit sector representatives. Vice chairs include Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary/Treasurer Michael Carrigan, Baxter Healthcare Senior Vice President Art Gibson, and Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest. Other members of the group include ADM, Ameren, BP America Inc., Caterpillar, Inc., Center for Energy and Economic Development, Citizen Action of Illinois, Citizens Utility Board, City of Chicago, Deere & Co., Dynegy, Environment Illinois, Faith in Place, Ford Motor Co., League of Women Voters of Illinois, Midwest Generation, Midwest Wind Energy, NICOR, Natural Resources Defense Council, Phoenix Architects, Inc., Regional Transportation Authority, Scates Farm, Sieben Energy Associates, Sierra Club - Illinois Chapter, State Farm Insurance, United Transportation Union, University of Illinois – Chicago, University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign, Village of Schaumburg, and Waste Management, Inc.

Last fall, Gov. Blagojevich announced his global warming initiative to combat global climate change. As part of the initiative, Illinois joined New Mexico to become only the second state in the nation to sign onto the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). As a CCX member, the state makes a voluntary, but legally binding, commitment to reduce GHG emissions from state buildings and vehicle fleets. In January 2007, Blagojevich celebrated final approval of rules he introduced to improve air quality and protect public health by slashing mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from the three largest coal-fired power plant companies in Illinois, Midwest Generation, Ameren, and Dynegy. The agreements include commitments to shut down three of the oldest, least efficient boiler units, leading to a reduction of 2.1 million tons of CO2 annually.

Last summer, Blagojevich announced a plan to meet the state’s energy needs by investing in wind power and cleaner burning renewable fuels that will cut greenhouse gas emissions. In July he announced that the state would begin powering 141 Springfield-based facilities under his control with wind energy purchased from Springfield’s municipal utility company, City Water Light and Power.

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Colorado Governor Bill Ritter (D) joined clean energy advocates to announce a new report showing that if the state doubled its renewable energy by 20%, it would add $1.9 billion to the gross domestic production in the state.

“More clean, homegrown energy means more jobs and higher wages paid for Coloradans,” said Ritter. “Increasing our use of renewable energy would bring over 4,000 high-paying, high-skilled jobs and over $570 million in wages paid to our state.”

The economic boon would come from increased manufacturing, installation, and operation of renewable electricity production, according to the report, which is entitled “Energy for Colorado’s Economy.” Produced by Environment Colorado, the report compares economic and environmental benefits of three alternative polices on electricity production, including “business-as-usual” with fossil fuel production, Amendment 37 which set a 10% renewable energy standard, and the 20% goal currently being considered by the Colorado state legislature.

The Environment Colorado report found job creation was 4.3 times higher, wages paid was 2.2 times higher, and an increase in gross domestic product was 1.9 times higher for a 20% renewable energy standard than under Amendment 37.

“We have only just begun to tap the potential of a New Energy Economy,” said Ritter. “Continued investment in clean energy helps our state ensure economic prosperity.”

The report shows that a 20% renewable energy goal would also result in significant reductions of soot, smog, and mercury pollution. Also, since wind and most solar resources use a negligible amount of water compared to fossil fuel sources, Colorado could save over 18 billion gallons of water by 2020, according to the report.

“Increasing our use of wind and solar power will help continue to unlock the economic potential of rural Colorado,” said Lee Swenson, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “ Colorado farmers benefit most from homegrown power and earn anywhere from $4,000 to $7,000 for each wind [turbine] on their farms. Increasing the opportunities for community-based energy generation, on farms and ranches, will provide even greater economic benefits and returns to the rural economy.”

Craig Cox, executive director of Interwest Energy Alliance, noted that renewable energy policies help build the manufacturing sector. “A robust local renewable energy market is one of the number one things [wind power and other renewable] manufacturers will need before deciding to set up shop,” said Cox. “By doubling Colorado’s renewable energy standard to 20% by 2020, we become a competitive state for new manufacturing facilities.”

The report is available at www.environmentcolorado.org .

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Chadbourne & Parke LLP announced that Edward Zaelke and Adam Umanoff have joined the international law firm’s renewable energy practice as partners in the Los Angeles, Calif., office.

Their focus is on wind power and other alternative energy sources, bolstering Chadbourne’s nationally recognized practice in this market, the firm said. “This is an exciting move for Chadbourne and our clients,” said Chadbourne Managing Partner Charles K. O’Neill. “Ed and Adam are nationally recognized names in the alternative energy sphere. Joining forces with lawyers of their quality and reputation solidifies our excellent results in 2006 and puts a powerful wind behind our sails for 2007.”

Zaelke, who is currently serving as AWEA’s board president, and Umanoff are joining Chadbourne from the Los Angeles office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, where they were partners; Zaelke was the head of the renewable energy practice group, which concentrated on project development and finance, while Umanoff worked on the development and financing of energy projects, with an emphasis on the wind sector.

Chadbourne was named “Renewables Legal Advisor of the Year” in 2005 by Infrastructure Journal.

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Vestas announces Spain blade plant

More wind turbine blades are set to flow into the world market as a result of Vestas’ announcement that it will construct a new blade factory in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.

The $61.6 million production facility will help meet demand for turbines in the Mediterranean area, Vestas said. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, and the factory is expected to be operational at the end of the second quarter of 2008. The plant will have an annual production capacity of about 1,200 blades.

 

GWEC appoints Sawyer secretary general

Steve Sawyer has been appointed as the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) first secretary general. Sawyer, a U.S. and Dutch citizen, will bring thirty years of international experience in the area of energy and climate change policy to GWEC.

“We are delighted to have appointed Steve as GWEC’s first secretary general,” said GWEC Chairman Arthouros Zervos. “His unique experience on the international policy stage coupled with an in-depth understanding of climate change and renewable energy will represent a real step change for GWEC’s global lobbying efforts. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest experts on these issues and a strong advocate of wind energy and other renewables technologies, and he will be a true asset to the organization.”

Since 2004, Sawyer has been an expert advisor to the Chinese government on the formulation of the country’s Renewable Energy Law, which took effect in 2006. 

 

ScottishPower sets out plans for world’s largest wave power farm

 Scottish Power is planning to build the world's biggest wave power generation project near the Orkney Islands, the company said. Scottish Power, which is the subject of a pending acquisition by Spanish energy company Iberdrola, hopes to get the 3-MW, $19.5 million wave power farm operational by 2008.

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Announcement: Speakers Announced for AWEA Wind Power Finance & Investment Workshop

In reaction to record-breaking exhibition sales, AWEA has once again expanded the WINDPOWER 2007 floorplan to accommodate our largest exhibition in history. If you have not yet booked your exhibit booth for next year, we would recommend that you act soon before the floorplan is completely sold out!

To reserve your booth visit www.awea.org/wp07.html and click on Become an Exhibitor or Sponsor. For questions, contact Lori Rugh at lrugh@awea.org or (661) 821-2149.

 

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Iberdrola Renewable Energies USA, a wind energy development company based in Wayne, PA, seeks candidates for full-time, Electro-mechanical Engineers. The Electrical Engineer will support the day to day technical interconnection, design, construction, and commissioning-related activities of various wind farm facilities in early to advanced stages of development.

 

Responsibilities include the following:

 

• Assist in interconnection applications, permitting, analyses, assessments, and governmental approvals (including federal, state, and local compliance)
• Assist in selection of contractors and consultants for all outsourced tasks and in negotiation of contracts for third-party contractors
• Assist in the management of all contractors and consultants, including reviewing scopes, monitoring progress and ensuring that work adheres to contract specifications
• Provide necessary technical information as relates to electrical infrastructure (MV and HV substations and lines) needed  to maintain timely and accurate project schedules, milestones, budgets and timelines
• Work in close relationship with Project Managers to complete project interconnect and design
• Monitor and assist in offtake analysis and power offtake agreements
• Participate in Due Diligences to review technical and economical information on electrical infrastructures and to field inspection infrastructures in construction or operation.

Ideal candidates will posses the following skills and qualifications:

Four year degree in Electrical Engineering. Knowledge in mechanical, control, grid and communications.

1. At  least two to four years of professional experience related to Substations and Lines in utilities or the wind industry.
2. Knowledge of industry software (i.e. AutoCAD, MS Project, Projectwise, etc.) as well as the MS Office suite
3. Experience in grid interconnection process

Additionally, Iberdrola USA seeks candidates who are flexible, energetic, able to prioritize efficiently, take responsibility and initiative in their fields of study, have demonstrated career focus and motivation, and who are looking to be part of a rapidly-growing, hard-working team. Knowledge of written and/or conversational Spanish valued, but not required. Willingness to travel is preferred.

Salary is commensurate with experience, and Iberdrola USA offers a competitive health and benefits package.

Interested candidates please send resume and cover letter to Erica Irvine at eirvine@iberdrolausa.com.

 

About Iberdrola Renewable Energies USA, Ltd.

  Iberdrola USA, is a division of IBERDROLA. Following entrance into the US in January of 2005, Iberdrola USA acquired wind energy developer Community Energy, Inc., in order to advance US wind development goals.

 

About IBERDROLA

 IBERDROLA, headquartered in Madrid, is one of the largest utility companies in Europe, and the largest owner-operator of wind energy in the world. As a global renewable energy leader, IBERDROLA closed the third quarter of 2006 with 4,076 MW of installed renewable energy capacity. IBERDROLA currently has a project portfolio of close to 15,000 MW of energy under development. International projects in development are specific to wind energy and account for 4,339MW.

 

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• Assist in permitting processes, site analyses, environmental assessments, and governmental approvals (including federal, state, and local compliance)
• Assist in selection of contractors and consultants for all outsourced tasks and in negotiation of contracts for third-party contractors
• Assist in the management of all contractors and consultants, including reviewing scopes, monitoring progress and ensuring that work adheres to contract specifications
• Provide necessary technical information needed for Project Managers to maintain timely and accurate project schedules, milestones, budgets and timelines
• Review proposed site layouts and assist in determining placement of turbines and equipment
• Work closely with Project Manager to complete project permitting and design

1. Associates or four year degree in a related field (i.e. Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other technical field of study)
2. At least one year of professional and/or academic experience related to the energy and utilities industry, preferably in the wind industry
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
4. Knowledge of industry software (i.e. AutoCAD, MS Project, Projectwise, etc.) as well as the MS Office suite

• 8 – 10 + years relevant experience in wind farm development, major real estate development or power plant development project management.
• Proficient in land development matters; negotiating with land owners,

• Proven successful negotiation experience in multiple environments.
• Experienced and effective in utilizing project management software