Wind Energy Weekly

Obama Delivers the Message: At Last, Offshore Regs for Wind Released

Taking the occasion of Earth Day to unveil a long-awaited and -delayed document, President Obama announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service has issued regulations for the development of the nation’s offshore energy resources, including wind.

The importance of the regulations’ release cannot be overstated because offshore developers have not been able to move forward (in most waters) without them. Thus, the regulations’ absence has long stalled the offshore segment of the U.S. wind power industry from getting off the ground. (There are several offshore projects in Europe but none yet in the U.S.) The regulations have been in the works for literally years, making the messenger of the announcement—the President—all the more fitting. Also meaningful was the setting: Obama chose to give the good news at the manufacturing facility of Trinity Structural Towers in Newton, Iowa, a city which previously experienced major job losses from the closing of a large Maytag appliance plant.

As for the particulars of the regulations, AWEA and the wind industry are currently reviewing the document, which runs over 500 pages.

AWEA CEO Denise Bode issued the following statement on the announcement:

“President Obama’s announcement today of the final rule governing offshore ‘alternative’ energy is a welcome step forward on the road to strengthening both our environment and our economy with renewable energy.

“Offshore wind energy companies and states, among others, are anxious to embark on the still-complex leasing and permitting process. The rule clears the way so that offshore wind projects can begin to move ahead. At the same time, it will also help make even more achievable the President’s goal of generating more of our electricity from renewable energy sources through a national renewable electricity standard (RES), a policy that will both reduce pollution and create good jobs.”

Obama, in fact, used the occasion to trumpet his broader energy policy agenda. “The nation that leads the world in creating new sources of clean energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy,” he said.

T. Boone Pickens, the Texas oil man who recently has gotten into both the wind development and transmission business, also immediately responded to Obama’s speech by urging passage of an RES. Asserting that Obama’s Earth Day message “couldn’t be more important,” Pickens said, “Congress needs to act now to adopt a national renewable electricity standard in order to create a real long-term commitment to renewable energy in America, creating thousands of good jobs. It is time to move now to reform our energy policy. Congress has the unique opportunity to act and protect our economy and our security. I agree with President Obama’s vision that will retrain idled workers, revitalize shuttered manufacturing towns, and adapt to a new, green economy.”

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Big Deal in Tough Credit Market: First Wind Gets Financing for Utah Project

With the various partners in the deal underlining the accomplishment given the tight credit climate, First Wind said it has obtained a $376 million financing for its largest project to date: the 203.5-MW Milford Wind Corridor Phase I facility in Milford, Utah.

The Royal Bank of Scotland, plc, was lead arranger for the loan. First Wind has a 20-year power purchase agreement for the electricity produced at the wind farm with Southern California Public Power Authority, on behalf of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the cities of Burbank and Pasadena.

“This is a significant accomplishment for First Wind and an important milestone for the first phase of our Milford project, for which we hope to continue to develop additional capacity over the coming years,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind. “To obtain this kind of financing in these challenging credit markets is a testament to the project and the commitment of our stakeholders, including Southern California Public Power Authority, our landowner group including the Bureau of Land Management and the state of Utah, our contractor and subcontractors, our host counties of Beaver and Millard, and of course our lenders.”

Banks acting as joint lead arrangers for the financing include Banco Espirito Santo, Banco Santander, BNP Paribas, CoBank, HSH Nordbank, KeyBank, Société Générale, and Credit Suisse.

“The commitment from these nine banks is evidence of both the strength of this project and the promise of the wind industry,” said Gaynor. “We sincerely appreciate their commitment to First Wind and look forward to building our relationship with each of them over the coming years.”

The Milford Wind Project, which will be one of the largest renewable energy facilities in Utah and the largest project in the state, will feature 58 Clipper Liberty 2.5-MW turbines and 39 1.5-MW GE turbines. First Wind expects to complete construction, which is being performed by RMT, Inc., by the end of 2009. Once completed, it will be First Wind’s largest project.

“First Wind worked diligently with all its banks to meet the tough credit standards that the current market requires,” said Jonathan Kim, senior vice president at the Royal Bank of Scotland. “We are very pleased to have assisted First Wind in this important financing for 2009.”

Located in Utah’s Millard and Beaver Counties, the Milford Wind Project is providing economic benefits by contributing significant property tax revenues and bringing new jobs to the area. Once completed, the project will power about 44,000 homes, according to First Wind.

“We are excited about having obtained this financing for our Milford Wind Project,” said First Wind CFO Michael Metzner. “This is a significant undertaking requiring considerable capital to meet our construction timeline and operation goals. In this very challenging economic climate, we appreciate the banks’ financial commitment, which supports our goal to increase clean, renewable energy sources in the United States.”

First Wind received other good news this week. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved the developer’s proposed 60-MW Rollins Wind project in Penobscot County, Maine. The developer filed its permit application with the DEP on October 31.

Situated in the towns of Lincoln, Burlington, Lee, Winn, and Mattawamkeag, Rollins will consist of 40 GE 1.5-MW turbines that can produce enough clean, renewable energy to power more than 23,000 homes, the company said. Construction is scheduled to commence later this year.

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Investor Study: Utilities Need to Focus More on Climate

The electric utilities industry possesses an understanding of climate change but also “has a long way to go to transform operations” to a low-carbon economy, according to a new report funded by an investment entity.

According to “Electric Utilities Report 2009,” only a small number (16%) of utilities are setting and disclosing absolute targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Sponsored by the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) and conducted by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the report examines how electric utilities around the globe currently measure and manage carbon dioxide emissions. CalSTRS sponsored the report “because carbon disclosure and climate change reporting are of key importance to investors,” said CalSTRS CEO Jack Ehnes. “Our members depend on us for their retirement security and we have a financial stake in building the long-term value of the most carbon-intensive sector of our economy.”

While 61% of utilities forecast future greenhouse gas emissions, 59% say they have in place emission reduction plans, but not all have publicly disclosed targets for reduced emissions.

“This sector is the most carbon intensive within the global economy and the report shows that although many firms understand climate change is a business issue, we still have a very long way to go to de-carbonize the sector to ensure emissions are cut in line with scientific recommendations,” said Paul Dickinson, CEO of CDP.

Utilities that don’t manage risk by exploring renewable energy sources or investing in technology to reduce emissions could be forced to pass higher expenses on to consumers, the study states. In addition, according to the study, utilities that aren’t prepared to measure--much less reduce--emissions, expose themselves to possible fines and higher costs from having to purchase carbon offsets when regulation increases. To view the report, go to www.cdproject.net .

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Construction Starts on E.ON’s 180-MW Papalote Creek Wind Farm in Texas

E.ON Climate & Renewables (EC&R) North America said construction recently started on its Papalote Creek wind farm, located 30 miles north of Corpus Christi, Texas in San Patricio County.

The 179.85-MW wind farm, which will consist of 109 Vestas turbines, will provide enough electricity to power nearly 54,000 homes, the company said.

“The development of the Papalote Creek wind farm emphasizes EC&R’s commitment to the long-term investment and development of high-quality renewable energy projects in Texas and throughout the United States,” said Declan Flanagan, CEO of EC&R North America. “We are pleased construction has begun on this wind farm and grateful for the ongoing support from the community.”

Last year, EC&R and CPS Energy of San Antonio signed a 15-year power purchase agreement for 115 MW, including associated renewable energy credits.

Construction on the project, which is being performed by Mortenson Construction, is expected to last through September, with final completion expected during the fourth quarter of 2009.

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New York Offshore: As LIPA and Con Ed Move Forward, State Announces Great Lakes Initiative

Renewable energy advocates welcomed the Earth-Day announcement by New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and CEO Richard Kessel of a major public-private initiative to pursue the development of wind power projects in the New York waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

In conjunction with the April 22 announcement, NYPA released a “Request for Expressions of Interest” (RFEI) to initiate efforts to develop such Great Lakes offshore projects. A request for proposals (RFP) to examine technical issues related to project viability is expected to be released before the end of the month.

“Offshore wind energy would bring much-needed local jobs and economic activity to communities from Buffalo to Watertown, and it would further solidify New York’s place as a clean-energy leader,” said Carol Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, an AWEA regional partner. “We commend NYPA for launching this bold initiative and look forward to working with leaders across the state to make it a reality.”

To carry out the initiative known as the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project, NYPA—with the support of wind power proponents including National Grid, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, environmental organizations, wind power developers, and the University of Buffalo—is gathering a wide range of environmental, economic development, technical, financial and other information to serve as the foundation for the possible installation of wind power projects by one or more developers.

“This is a great sign for offshore wind energy in the U.S.,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “As we seek to dramatically expand wind energy, both on- and offshore, it is vital that we commit to long-term stable policies such as the renewable electricity standard to allow the market to reach its full potential and enable businesses to build new factories and create new jobs.”

The project is in support of a key recommendation made by Governor David A. Paterson’s (D) Renewable Energy Task Force to commit to realizing the potential of wind energy by addressing local siting and permitting issues, and conducting studies to address transmission and infrastructure limitations. “We have an opportunity to ensure that New York is the national leader in the clean energy economy, which will create thousands of jobs across the state,” said Paterson. “To get there, we must take full advantage of our natural resources, including hydropower, solar, and wind. I have set the goal for New York to meet 45% of our electricity needs through renewable power by 2015. Harnessing the power of wind is critical to achieving that goal, and the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project will help us reach it.”

The first step in the initiative was taken on the day of the announcement, when NYPA issued the RFEI for environmental, economic development, technical, operational, socio-economic, financial, and other information from the wind power industry. The information will assist NYPA in determining the feasibility of taking the next step of preparing a wind power development RFP. NYPA intends to hold public and community forums to gather input as the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project initiative proceeds.

In parallel to the RFEI process, NYPA will arrange, through the RFP on technical issues, to have siting studies conducted to ascertain optimum areas for locating Great Lakes projects. The studies will review the wind resource, impacts on birds, visibility, vessel traffic, and lake bottom conditions. It is anticipated the results of the studies will be included in the RFP. It is expected the power coming from the offshore projects will be sold to NYPA and others for resale to upstate customers.

The RFEI can be accessed on the NYPA website. The deadline for receipt of RFEI proposals is June 15.

LIPA Con Ed move forward with offshore, too
Meanwhile, earlier this week the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and Consolidated Edison continued to take steps toward a possible joint offshore project, announcing the creation of a wind collaborative to advance the development of such a facility.

The collaborative will be composed of state and municipal entities interested in supporting or purchasing power from the proposed offshore wind project the two utilities are exploring. The project, dubbed the LIPA-Con Edison Offshore Wind Farm, would be sited approximately 13 miles off the Rockaway Peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean and would likely be designed for 350 MW of generation, with the ability to expand it to 700 MW, giving it the potential to be the largest offshore wind proposal in the country.

The collaborative is part of the second phase of a joint feasibility study between the two utilities. The first phase concluded that an interconnection of up to 700 MW of wind power, located at the desired site in the Atlantic Ocean, would be feasible with upgrades to the utilities’ respective transmission systems.

The intent of the collaborative working group will be to gather information and work towards the issuance later this year of an RFEI, which would serve as a precursor to an RFP.

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Iberdrola Executes PPA in One Dakota, Gets PUC Approval in the Other

Proclaiming that “South Dakota wind is starting to materialize,” the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC) approved a permit for Iberdrola Renewables to construct and operate the 306-MW Buffalo Ridge II wind farm in Brookings and Deuel counties, S.D.

The number of turbines erected will range from 127 to 204, depending upon the type the company selects. Iberdrola intends to deliver power to customers served by the Midwest Independent System Operator.

All three SDPUC commissioners voted to approve the project, for which Iberdrola submitted an application last October. “Buffalo Ridge II will double the amount of wind energy currently produced in South Dakota,” said Dusty Johnson, PUC chairman. “That is significant growth of an industry that produces renewable energy, brings construction and support jobs to our communities, and adds to the counties’ tax base.”

Iberdrola estimates the entire capital cost of the project at more than $620 million and expects to begin construction this year, with commercial operation slated for December 2010.

“This major project accelerates development of South Dakota’s wind resource,” remarked Steve Kolbeck, commission vice chairman. “South Dakota’s wind is starting to materialize. This is a huge step forward for our environment and our state.”

Meanwhile, Iberdrola said it has signed a contract with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) for 40 MW of power from Iberdrola’s Rugby Wind Project, now under construction near Rugby, N.D.

MRES is the first utility to contract for output from the project. In all, the facility, which is expected to be completed this winter, will include 71 turbines totaling 149 MW.

“North Dakota has the greatest potential of any state in the nation for wind power, and every wind turbine that goes up helps our state’s economy,” said U.S. Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.). “I applaud both Iberdrola Renewables and Missouri River Energy Services for their partnership and for their efforts to generate electricity from clean, renewable prairie wind.”

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FERC Chairman Paints Future Heavy on Renewables, Light on Baseload

The chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this week caused some heads to turn within the electric industry when he said that baseload power is not a necessity.

“I think baseload capacity is going to become an anachronism,” Chairman Jon Wellinghoff told reporters at a U.S. Energy Association forum, as reported in Greenwire, an energy and environmental policy publication. “Baseload capacity really used to only mean in [terms of] an economic dispatch, which you dispatch first, what would be the cheapest thing to do. Well, ultimately wind’s going to be the cheapest thing to do, so you’ll dispatch that first.”

Stating that such energy sources as coal and nuclear are not a necessity, Wellinghoff pointed to a future electric system characterized by flexibility—with nimble natural gas plants playing a role to complement wind and other renewables—rather than one in which large-capacity, slow-ramping fossil and nuclear plants provide the bulk of “base” power. While the concept of baseload has been a central concept by which the electric industry has historically operated, Wellinghoff said its days may be numbered.

“People talk about, ‘Oh, we need baseload,’” he said. “It’s like people saying we need more computing power, we need mainframes. We don’t need mainframes, we have distributed computing.”

Wellinghoff did, however, underscore the importance of grid modernization in order to make a flexible, baseload-free generation fleet work. Proper planning and implementation must take place in the near future, he said. “If we don’t do that, then we miss the boat,” said Wellinghoff. “That planning has to take place so you don’t strand a lot of assets, a lot of supply assets.”

From a renewables perspective, the baseload concept is viewed as just one way to operate a reliable grid; however, renewable energy advocates are quick to point out that many studies have shown that through such practices as energy efficiency and demand-side management, a modern electric system containing large amounts of renewable energy can operate with a level of reliability at least equal to one that relies on baseload. A new AWEA fact sheet is available on the topic of baseload and variable resources online.

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Small Wind Manufacturer Opens Michigan Plant
Launching operations at a site linked to the flagging auto industry, Mariah Power this week opened its first high-volume manufacturing facility in Manistee, Mich., in partnership with MasTech Manufacturing. The facility will produce the Windspire vertical axis wind turbine, bringing more than 120 jobs to Manistee over the next three years. Manufacturing will take place in a retrofitted auto parts automation manufacturing facility and will employ former auto industry workers who have prior experience working with steel, building auto assembly lines and auto robotics. “As we continue our efforts to diversify and grow our state’s economy, we are proud to celebrate the opening of the Windspire manufacturing facility and the new energy jobs this will create in northern Michigan,” said Governor Jennifer Granholm (D). “This investment puts us at the forefront in the production of renewable energy to end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.” The facility, which begins operations with 30 new employees, will produce 100 Windspire wind turbines per month initially, with the potential for significant growth. Materials such as steel and aluminum will be supplied by local Michigan companies. “Opening our first large-scale production site in Manistee gives us the capabilities to take the Windspire technology to the next level,” said Mike Hess, CEO of Mariah Power. “The experience of the people here and the technology we have in place at MasTech will make a product that is best in class.” . TOP
Indiana Workshop Continues Trend of Sold-Out Wind Supply Chain Events
This spring the wind energy supply chain keeps garnering a buzz of interest and activity. Most recently, the Northeast Indiana Wind Energy Supply Chain Workshop, originally planned as a relatively intimate gathering, drew over 300 participants. The workshop, which took place this week in Ft. Wayne, Ind., was another in a series of value chain events happening in multiple states this spring, all of which have achieved a high degree of success thus far. Attending the Indiana workshop were suppliers and manufacturers, public officials, economic development professionals, engineering and design firms, and others. “As we saw at events earlier this spring in Wisconsin and in December in Cleveland, there is a tremendous and growing interest in the supply chain opportunities for the wind energy industry,” said Jeff Anthony, a member of AWEA’s Supply Chain Initiative team who offered opening remarks and a wind energy industry overview presentation in Indiana. “Entry into the supply chain for wind turbine components and services is not without a number of significant challenges, but attendees at the Fort Wayne event turned out in higher than expected numbers, as interest in entering the wind energy industry is growing, especially amongst companies who currently serve the automotive industry and are looking to other industries for new business opportunities.” One highlight of the Indiana Workshop was a presentation from Brevini Power Transmission in which the gearbox producer discussed plans for a new manufacturing plant near Muncie, Ind. The $62.5 million facility will employ 455 people at an average wage of $23 an hour. The plant, which was originally slated to be online in mid-2010, is now scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2011 due to the economic slowdown. Brevini’s biggest supply constraints at the moment, the manufacturer said, are steel and bearings. The Indiana workshop was not the last supply chain event of the spring. AWEA is hosting its first WINDPOWER Supply Chain Seminar, taking place on May 4, the day before the full kickoff of the WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition. Conference organizers realized that WINDPOWER was the perfect setting to hold a value-chain seminar, given that over 1,200 exhibitors (in addition to over 15,000 expected attendees) will be attending the giant conference and exhibition, which takes place this year in Chicago, Ill., May 4-7. Some of the topics and panels at the seminar include the anatomy of a wind turbine, major component sourcing (a panel that will feature representatives from turbine manufacturers such as Vestas Americas and Nordex), value chain services, and case study success stories. The seminar requires a separate registration from the main conference. To add a pre-conference seminar to an existing registration, visit www.windpowerexpo.org/registration_edits.cfm . TOP
Scholarship Recipients Headed for WINDPOWER
A diverse range of students and educators from all over the country make up the five recipients of AWEA’s Educational Scholarships to the WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition. Now in its third year, the AWEA Scholarship Program has been made possible through the generous support of Suzlon Wind Energy via several fundraising activities that have taken place within the last few years. Two events at WINDPOWER 2009, in fact, will help to fund the scholarships in coming years: the annual Suzlon-sponsored WINDPOWER Scholarship Golf Open on May 3 as well as a new event this year: the First Annual WINDPOWER Scholarship 5K Race on May 7. Get more information and register for the Golf Open and 5K Race online. Scholarship awardees are selected based on their commitment to furthering their knowledge of the wind industry. Top priority is given to full-time students, faculty, staff, and K-12 professionals studying or interested in furthering their knowledge of wind energy. Additionally, secondary priority is extended to applicants interested in gaining further knowledge of wind power and who are already involved in renewable energy, engineering, or technology. “Suzlon is proud to partner with AWEA on a worthy program to bring more talented and skilled people into the industry,” said Suzlon spokesperson Michelle Montague. “Despite the recent worldwide economic downturn, the future for wind power is slated for huge growth in the U.S., which will require a steady stream of people educated in the field, so Suzlon is pleased to support a program that can help fill that need.” The scholarship program has grown over its short three-year history: this year’s recipients were chosen out of over 100 applicants. To be sure, the inspiring backgrounds of the recipients, as well as the geographic locations from which they come, are diverse, and so these individuals in fact will be featured in a more in-depth story about the scholarships in the Wind Energy Daily, the official electronic newsletter of WINDPOWER. (The publication will go out to both WINDPOWER attendees and subscribers of the Wind Energy Weekly.) Meantime, here’s just a glimpse of the five scholarship recipients: Katie Cutler, K-12 gifted-and-talented coordinator, Jerome, Idaho Andrew Carson, instructor, Maui (Hawaii) Community College Jerron Henscheid, student, Iowa Lakes Community College, Harlan, Iowa Samuel Lissner, master’s candidate, New York University Pierson Stoeklein, law student and energy fellow, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. WINDPOWER 2009 takes place May 4-7 in Chicago, Ill. For more information on the scholarship program, go to www.awea.org/education/scholarships. TOP
Wind Energy News Roundup
Community college and Sandia National Labs sign memorandum Sandia National Laboratories and Mesalands Community College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) allowing Sandia to conduct wind energy research at Mesalands Community College’s North American Wind Research and Training Center (NAWRTC). The MOU is the first of its kind between a national laboratory and a two-year college; projects of this magnitude have historically been awarded to larger research universities, Mesalands noted. The document allows the two organizations to cooperate in the development of new technology in the area of wind energy. “Collaborative efforts are anticipated in the wind energy fields of turbine operations and maintenance, reliability of turbine components and repair methods, detection of condition states, and other research that may be possible with an installed turbine at NAWRTC,” the MOU states. *In this month’s Windletter* … The Truth about Wind Power and Climate Change Contrary to what you may have heard, there is no need to wait for a new climate solution. Wind power is a readily available, affordable and abundant option to reduce emissions. Five Common Myths about Wind Integration and Transmission** In spite of wind energy’s rapid growth around the world and current position as one of the top two sources of new installed electric capacity in the U.S., several myths persist concerning the ability to integrate wind power into the transmission system reliably. We bust them. This months Windletter is available online.

Don’t Forget to Bring Your Running Shoes to WINDPOWER!

First Annual WINDPOWER Scholarship 5K Race
Thursday, May 7, 6:30 am
Grant Park
Raise your heart rate and some money by joining AWEA and sponsors, BP Wind Power and McKinney Drilling Company, for the First Annual WINDPOWER Scholarship 5k Race. Beginning bright and early at 6:30 am in Grant Park, what better way is there to kick-start your final day at WINDPOWER than with some exercise that will also raise money for the AWEA Educational Scholarship Program. Click here to register now! If you don’t pre-register you can sign-up on-site.

All participants MUST stop by the 5k registration counter on Level 2.5 below the Grand Concourse to pick up your bib and t-shirt on either Tuesday or Wednesday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. A limited shuttle service will be provided on race morning. Information about the shuttle will be available at the 5k registration counter on-site.

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WINDPOWER 2009 Conference Facts
No other annual conference in the world offers over 15,000 attendees the chance to visit over 1,200 exhibitors from all facets of the wind energy industry. Click here to see who is exhibiting. WINDPOWER 2009 exhibition will be almost 65% bigger than last year’s show in Houston, which was 85% larger than WINDPOWER 2007. WINDPOWER will be showing numerous large pieces of equipment, have tons of visiting dignitaries & delegations, and feature over 15 large turbine manufacturers. WINPOWER 2009 will include over 300 speakers and moderators, 150 poster presentations and 53 educational sessions on leading wind energy topics organized into tracks with policy, business, and technical focuses. Click here to see the program. WINDPOWER will look at major national policy issues that will affect the wind industry, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Click here more detailed program info. WINPOWER 2009 is geared for new industry entrants and new suppliers to the wind industry with resources for utilities, the supply chain, and small wind. Click here for more info. Some of the industry’s biggest names are sponsoring this WINDPOWER including: NRG Systems, GE Energy, Blattner Energy, Shermco Industries. Click here to see a complete list of conference sponsors. AWEA is making every effort to make WINPOWER 2009 as green as possible. Click here to see all the conference green efforts. TOP
WINDPOWER 2009 Events You Must Not Miss
WINDPOWER Golf Open Sunday, May 3, 9:00 am Pre-Conference Seminars Wind Energy 101: Fundamentals of Wind Energy Monday, May 4, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wind Energy 201: What Makes the Development Process Successful Monday, May 4, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wind Power Supply Chain Monday, May 4, 9:30 AM - 4:15 PM Kick-off Party & Concert Monday, May 4, 7:00 - 10:00 pm Featuring Blues Traveler Poster Reception Tuesday, May 5, 4:30 - 6:00 pm Exhibit Hall Happy Hour Tuesday, May 5, 4:30 - 6:00 pm Conference Dinner Wednesday, May 6, 7:00 - 10:00 pm Featuring Joe Scarborough and The Second City First Annual WINDPOWER Scholarship 5K Race Thursday, May 7, 6:30 am, Grant Park Click here to register! Job Fair & Careers in Wind Seminar Tuesday, May 5 - Thursday, May 7 STILL NOT REGISTERED? Click here now! For more detailed program information visit http://www.windpowerexpo.org/detailed_program.cfm. For questions contact us at conference@awea.org or (202) 383-2512. TOP
AWEA Outreach: The Weeks Ahead
AWEA staff members participate in high-level industry events to ensure that the newest and most accurate information about the wind energy industry gains maximum visibility. In the next two weeks, AWEA will have a presence at the following events: *Event:* Hannover Messe 2009 *Details:* April 20-24, 2009; Hannover, Germany *AWEA Participation:* AWEA will have an exhibit booth at the conference. *Event:* Technical Policy Institute Congressional Seminar *Details:* April 24, 2009; Washington, DC, Rayburn Building *AWEA Participation:* Rob Gramlich, Policy Director, will be participating on a panel on the subject of renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency. *Event:* IEEE Rural Electric Power Conference *Details:* April 26-28, 2009; Fort Collins, CO *AWEA Participation:* AWEA will have an exhibit booth at the conference. *Event:* Wisconsin Public Utility Institute program “EV to Grid: What's Coming Down the Road and Implications for Wisconsin” *Details:* April 30, 2009; Madison, WI *AWEA Participation:* Jeff Anthony, Manager of Utility Programs, will participate in a panel discussion on the “Impact on Utilities” about the feasibility of renewable energy for PHEVs. *Event:* WINDPOWER® 2009 Conference and Exhibition *Details:* May 4-7, 2009; Chicago, IL *AWEA Participation:* AWEA is hosting the largest annual wind conference and exhibition in the world featuring over 15,000 attendees and over 1,100 exhibitors. Each year, wind energy professionals gather at this event to learn about the latest industry developments and technologies, review new products and services in the expansive exhibit hall, and network with leading industry decision makers. *Event:* Wind Powering America Annual State Summit *Details:* May 8, 2009; Chicago, IL *AWEA Participation:* Denise Bode, Chief Executive Officer, will be giving the Keynote Address. TOP
WANTED: Wind Projects Ready for Construction THIS YEAR
Wind energy company looking to purchase permitted wind energy projects from 5-30 MW in size, preferably ready for 2009 construction and preferably in the Northeast. We have access to turbines and capital and would also consider partnering. Please contact Trevor at (617) 503-5420 or info@patriotrenewables.com.

AWEA Event Calendar

WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition
May 4 – 7, 2009
Chicago, IL

AWEA Wind Power Health & Safety Workshop
September 16 – 17, 2009
Snowbird, UT

AWEA Wind Resource & Project Energy Assessment Workshop
September 30 – October 1, 2009
Minneapolis, MN

AWEA Wind Power Finance & Investment Workshop
October 13 - 14, 2009
New York, NY

AWEA Wind Energy Fall Symposium
November 18 - 20, 2009
Orlando, FL

AWEA Offshore Wind Project Workshop
December 2 - 3, 2009
Boston, MA

For more information, visit www.awea.org/events .

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AWEA Board of Directors

AMERICAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
1501 M St. NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 383-2500
Fax: (202) 383-2505
Web: http://www.awea.org
eMail: windmail@awea.org