A monthly E-newsletter from Montana Green Power 

The Montana Green Power E-newsletter is a monthly feature of the Montana Green Power website: www.montanagreenpower.com. Visit the website for details about all the stories below, a link to "Solar Access" national and international news about renewable energy, plus lots of other green power news. The site is funded with Universal System Benefits charges paid by all NorthWestern Energy customers.

2005
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December 2005

"Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful progress in the human adventure." — John McConnell, founder of International Earth Day

NEWS & NOTES

Butte May Lose Plant Expansion Due to High Energy Costs
Darby School Receives Biomass Fuel from Forest Service
Billings Renovation Project Highlights Energy Efficiency, Solar
Oregon University Builds Solar Power Facility
John Deere Looks to Wind Power
Nonprofit Organization Seeks to Build Wind Project on Sioux Lands in South Dakota
Boise State University Receives $500,000 Wind Energy Grant
Report Details Potential for Biofuels and Wind
Wyoming Carpenter Utilizes Wind, Solar for Off-Grid Home
Wind Power Available For Colorado College Students
Renewable Energy Goal Guides Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Opinion Piece: Utah Needs A Renewable Energy Policy
Idaho and Utah Announce Plans for Geothermal Plants
Wyoming Biodiesel Plant in the Works
Northern Plains Resource Council Meeting Showcases Renewable Energy Options
Find Out How States Are Promoting Energy Efficiency

Butte May Lose Plant Expansion Due to High Energy Costs
Renewable Energy Corporation AS (REC), a Norwegian solar energy company, earlier this year bought majority stock in Advanced Silicon Materials LLC, which currently runs a plant in Butte. REC officials recently announced their intention to begin a major expansion of one of two plants, either the Butte facility or another located in Moses Lake, Washington. State and city officials are worried that Butte may lose out on the facility expansion because of the relatively higher costs for electricity in Montana. More...

Darby School Receives Biomass Fuel from Forest Service
Thanks to its biomass boiler and discounted fuel provided by the Forest Service, the Darby School District can expect to pay much less in heating costs this year. The District replaced its fuel oil furnace with a biomass boiler two years ago with funds from the Forest Service's Fuels for Schools Program. The school district will receive 500 tons of slash that resulted from Forest Service's fuel-reduction efforts in the Bitterroot National Forest . The total cost for the fuel is $5000, significantly lower than the estimated $125,000 it would cost to heat the school over the winter months if it still used fuel oil. More...

Billings Renovation Project Highlights Energy Efficiency, Solar
Two Billings-based non-profit organizations—the Northern Plains Resource Council and Western Organization of Resource Councils—intend to showcase the possibilities for utilizing energy efficiency and renewable energy resources in building construction, according to the Billings Gazette . The two groups plan to renovate an older building to serve as their new headquarters; the renovation will incorporate the latest in energy efficiency practices, including the use of natural lighting, radiant floor heating, evaporative cooling and low-water toilets. Solar panels will offset a portion of the building's electricity costs, as well as providing energy for water heating. The emphasis on energy efficiency should reduce energy costs by half, according to the project architect. More...

Oregon University Builds Solar Power Facility
Portland State University recently announced the impending construction of a new solar power facility on campus, writes the Daily Vanguard . The federally funded project will be the first university-based solar test project with combined demonstration, educational and research uses. The test facility will consist of a15-kilowatt solar array made up of 12 solar panels. The energy produced will offset some energy costs on campus, and college officials intend to use the project as an educational tool for learning about solar energy technology. More...

John Deere Looks to Wind Power
John Deere Credit is interested in investing in wind energy projects in the Midwest , according to one official at the John Deere corporate office. The company is interested in medium-sized wind energy projects—those that would produce at least 1.25 megawatts of electricity—that can “meet the needs of local energy companies.” They have ruled out small projects, such as those that would provide energy to individual ranches, large projects, and projects that are primarily intended to provide power to urban areas. More...

Nonprofit Organization Seeks to Build Wind Project on Sioux Lands in South Dakota
Carbonfund.org, a nonprofit organization that supports renewable energy as a means to avert climate change, recently announced its support for a wind energy project on the Rosebud Sioux reservation lands in South Dakota . The Rosebud Sioux tribe will also collaborate with the Basin Electric Power Cooperative on the wind energy project. More...

Boise State University Receives $500,000 Wind Energy Grant
Faculty and students at Boise State University 's engineering school will receive $500,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to research new wind energy technologies, reports the Idaho Statesman. The university researchers intend to use the funding to begin designing wind energy turbines that can operate with low-speed winds. The research team hopes that the funding can help transform BSU into a regional technology powerhouse for wind energy. More...

Report Details Potential for Biofuels and Wind
A new report says that biofuels wind power together have strong potential to replace gasoline and revitalize rural communities. The New Harvest: Biofuels and Wind Power for Rural Revitalization and National Energy Security was co-authored by Climate Solutions' Research Director Patrick Mazza and Energy Foundation President Eric Heitz. The report contains findings that show advanced biofuels made from plant matter including grasses and crop residues can replace gasoline in the U.S. light duty vehicle fleet by mid-century, and that one-quarter of the nation sustains wind speeds capable of generating competitively priced electricity. The report offers public policy agendas to support the growth of wind power and advanced biofuels. The entire report is available online in PDF. More...

Wyoming Carpenter Utilizes Wind, Solar for Off-Grid Home
When Bob McGovern contemplated having to spend $25,000 to build 12 miles of power lines so that his home could have electricity, he discovered another possibility: renewable energy. For $16,000, he was able to purchase enough solar panels, a wind turbine and solar hot water collector and industrial-strength batteries to meet all his energy needs for his home and carpentry shop. McGovern credits governmental subsidy programs for renewable energy as essential for making the investment. His home was also built with energy efficiency in mind, requiring far less energy than traditional homes. More...

Wind Power Available For Colorado College Students
Last month, Colorado State University (CSU) signed contracts with two wind energy companies to provide electricity to 20 university buildings, reports the Rocky Mountain Collegian . The new agreements allow CSU to save $1,500 a year on energy costs. It is not CSU's first foray into renewable energy use, however: last year, CSU students began taking advantage of an option to power their dorm rooms with wind power for an extra $17 annually. Around 200 students have opted into the plan, and with rising costs of natural gas, the wind energy plan may prove out to be more economically feasible than continuing to use traditional energy sources. More...

Renewable Energy Goal Guides Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Basic Electric Power Cooperative, which supplies energy to several western states including Montana , recently announced plans to obtain ten percent of its energy portfolio from renewable energy resources. Since Basin Electric already receives 87 megawatts of wind-produced energy, the cooperative needs to add an additional 205 megawatts of renewable energy to meet the goal of ten percent by 2010. The co-op's members approved the renewable energy mandate at a recent annual meeting. More...

Opinion Piece: Utah Needs A Renewable Energy Policy
The state of Utah currently relies on coal-fired plants for 95 percent of its electricity, compared to 52 percent nationwide. This editorial by Jackie Biskupski, a Salt Lake City legislator, recommends that Utah 's political leadership consider adding renewable energy to the state's energy portfolio. One means for promoting renewable energy, according to Biskupski, would be enacting a renewable portfolio standard (RPS), by which a portion of the state's energy would be required to come from renewable energy sources. Passing a RPS wou study this year by the Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that a 10 percent RPS could, by 2020, provide the state $888 million in new capital investment, $63 million in new property tax revenues for local communities, and $16 million in income to ranchers and rural landowners resulting from bioenergy development and wind power land leases. More...

Idaho and Utah Announce Plans for Geothermal Plants
Two new contracts will likely result in a new 10-megawatt geothermal plant located in south-central Idaho and a new 42-megawatt plant in southwest Utah. In Idaho , U.S. Geothermal has entered into a contract with Ormat Nevada, Inc. for the engineering, procurement, and construction of its first 10-megawatt geothermal power plant at Raft River . U.S. Geothermal has signed power purchase contracts with the Idaho Power Company for three 10-megawatt geothermal power plants. More...

In Utah , PacifiCorp signed a 20-year power purchase agreement for all the power produced by a 42-megawatt geothermal power plant that will be located near Cove Fort, Utah. Owner Amp Resources LLC expects the project to be online in 2007. The project was selected as part of a PacifiCorp request for proposals, issued in February 2004 with the aim of acquiring up to 1,100 megawatts of cost-effective renewable resources. More...

Wyoming Biodiesel Plant in the Works
Wyoming Biodiesel Co., a subsidiary of Sheridan-based Energy Fuel Dynamics LLC, has announced plans to construct a new biodiesel plant in Campbell County , Wyoming , capable of producing 30 million gallons of biodiesel annually. The plant would be Wyoming 's first biodiesel plant, as well as one of the largest nationwide. Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oil, and a major production facility would be a boon to Wyoming farmers who grow oil seed crops such as canola and camelina. Biodiesel processing also produces a high-protein cattle feed, helping to feed Wyoming livestock. More...

Northern Plains Resource Council Meeting Showcases Renewable Energy Options
The Billings Outpost recently ran a story on the 34th Northern Plains Resource Council annual meeting, highlighting the renewable energy options available for Montanans. The article quotes keynote speaker Michael Nobel, who works for Minnesotans for an Efficient Energy Economy (ME-3). Nobel advocated immediate solutions to energy consumption, such as dramatically increasing the number of hybrid cars used for urban commutes and continuing to expand on biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The article also highlights the incorporation of biofuel vehicles by Yellowstone park managers. More...

Arizona Consumers Take Advantage of Alternative Energy Credits
Arizona residents have lots of incentives to develop alternative energy technologies. The upcoming $2,000 federal tax credit for residential solar power installations can be combined with the Arizona $1,000 solar tax credit. Additionally, some Arizona utility companies have added incentives: Tucson Electric Power, for example, will offer a $2,400 rebate per kilowatt on solar panel installations. When these tax credits and rebate are taken in context of the rising costs of natural gas and oil, it appears that solar energy is not such an expensive option. Other alternative energies are also becoming popular, most notably the rising interest in biofuel production. This Arizona Daily Star article highlights success stories for several Arizona entrepreneurs who work in the field of biodiesel production. More...

Find Out How States Are Promoting Energy Efficiency
The Alliance to Save Energy has launched the new online State Energy Efficiency Index , which allows users to search for energy-efficiency laws by state or by policy topic. Users can access a state-by-state listing for specific policy options or click on an interactive U.S. map to view a list of energy efficiency policies, funds, and tax incentives for each state.

November 2005

“I have never believed we had to choose between either a clean and safe environment or a growing economy. Protecting the health and safety of all Americans doesn't have to come at the expense of our economy's bottom line.. We can, and indeed must, have both. “ – Bill Clinton

NEWS & NOTES

NREL, Solargenix Partner to Build Giant Solar Electric Plant in Nevada
University of Colorado Wins Solar Decathlon
Experts Predict Strong Growth in Solar
450-MW Wind Turbine Project Announced in Oregon
Utah Wind Energy Entrepreneurs Stymied by State Utility
Article Provides Background on Dairy Farm Energy Projects
Townsend School District Plans Biomass Boiler Installation
Colorado-Based Beer Breweries Produces Ethanol from Waste
Op-Ed: The Future of Renewable Energy in the West
Global Investment in Renewable Energy Sets New Record
NorthWestern Energy Program Helps Homeowners Reduce Heating Costs
New Campaign Encourages Use of ENERGY STAR Lights
Students Turning Campuses Green
Opinion: Rocky Mountain West Holds Key to America's Energy Future
Feds Exceed Renewable Energy Goal
Wal-Mart to Adopt Green Energy Practices
Austin, Texas, Hosts Green Energy Conference
Governor's Energy Summit Concludes

NREL, Solargenix Partner to Build Giant Solar Electric Plant in Nevada
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Solargenix Energy recently announced plans to collaborate on a 64-megawatt solar thermal electric generating plant in Boulder City, Nevada. The plant, called Nevada Solar One, will be the world's largest solar power plant built in 14 years and the third largest solar power plant globally. Moreover, the project will make Nevada one of the largest generators of solar energy in the United States. According to DOE's national laboratories, the parabolic trough technology used in this plant represents one of the major renewable energy success stories of the past two decades and could compete directly with conventional fossil fuel powered technologies. Nevada Solar One is scheduled to begin electricity production in early 2007. More...

University of Colorado Wins Solar Decathlon
DOE named the University of Colorado as the overall winner of the 2005 Solar Decathlon. The 2005 Solar Decathlon challenged 18 collegiate teams from 13 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Spain to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. The Colorado team defended its 2002 championship by earning 853 points of a possible 1,100. The team took first place in the Documentation and Communication contests and drove the farthest in their electric car: 318.8 miles. Cornell University placed second after earning 826 points and winning the Comfort Zone and Hot Water competitions. California Polytechnic State University finished third with 809 points after winning in both Appliances and Lighting. And despite taking an early lead by winning the Architecture and Dwelling contests, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ended up in fourth place with 784 points. More...

Experts Predict Strong Growth in Solar
Solar energy industry experts gathered at this year's Solar Power 2005 conference expressed optimism about solar's potential for growth. The optimism was fueled by several factors, according to an article on RenewableEnergyAccess.com, including steep increases in the cost of natural gas and new federal incentives for solar. More...

450-MW Wind Turbine Project Announced in Oregon
California-based Orion Energy LLC recently filed a Notice of Intent to Apply for a Site Certificate with the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council for a wind turbine project near the Columbia River Gorge, reports ENR.com. Orion Energy plans to build 225 wind turbines capable of producing up to 450 megawatts of electricity. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has announced plans to connect the planned windfarm to the energy grid, and Portland General Electric (PGE) has already agreed to purchase the electricity. Construction on the project could begin as early as next year. According to the Renewable Energy Project, there is already over 600 megawatts of wind energy production in Oregon and Washington, with more than 2,000 additional megawatts of projects proposed or under construction. More...

Utah Wind Energy Entrepreneurs Stymied by State Utility
While Utah lags behind in the development of alternative energies, the states surrounding it—Wyoming, Colorado , New Mexico and Arizona—are aggressively pursuing clean energy options. Each of these surrounding states boast more than 200 megawatts of renewable energy production (California has more than 2,000 megawatts), while Utah has less than one megawatt: 200 kilowatts, to be exact. Energy experts forecast that Utah 's coal reserves, which power over 90 percent of the state's energy needs, will be depleted over the course of the next decade. Given the current energy crisis, some energy entrepreneurs banked on the expectation that Utah Power—the state power utility—would welcome alternative energy development in the state. Unfortunately for them, this has not proved to be the case. One wind energy entrepreneur who has proposed a 16.8-megawatt wind farm in Spanish Forks, Utah, believes that he has everything he needs to be successful—except a contract from Utah Power. This Casper Star Tribune article analyzes some of the perceived difficulties in commercializing alternative energy technologies in Utah. More...

Article Provides Background on Dairy Farm Energy Projects
An article in the September/October 2005 issue of the journal Distributed Energy examines the push to encourage onsite power production at dairy farms across the country and provides a cautionary tale for dairy owners thinking about investing in bio-based energy systems. Titled "DG Down on the Farm," the article discusses the state of the technology for on-farm digester/generation systems and outlines various state programs and the reasons for their varied success in encouraging installation of energy systems at dairies. The article also provides examples and perspectives from both dairy producers and the utility companies, which can play an important role in how successful a bio-based energy program will be. More...

Townsend School District Plans Biomass Boiler Installation
Townsend school district officials announced that a new biomass boiler will be installed in the school next summer. The boiler, which burns wood pellets, is expected to save the district half of its annual heating bill of $50,000; officials hope to save $1 million over the next 30 years. The district will defray the costs of the new system with a $130,000 grant from the federally funded Fuels for Schools program. Townsend is the latest of several Montana school districts to take advantage of the federal program. The wood pellets that fuel the boiler are wood scraps and products collected from lumber mills or fuel-reduction projects. More...

Colorado-Based Beer Breweries Produces Ethanol from Waste
Colorado-based Coors Brewing Co. and Merrick & Company have found a novel use for the waste produced from beer production: creating 1.5 million gallons of ethanol. One plant distills residuals from beer making and has been successful enough that a second, $2.3 million plant will open later this month on the same site. This second plant will double ethanol production at the brewery, partly through inputting millions of gallons of spilled Coors, George Killian's Irish Red and other beers directly into the process via an underground pipeline. Additionally, three other ethanol plants are under development in the state. These plants will push Colorado from have virtually no ethanol production to becoming one of the nation's top producers. More...

Op-Ed: The Future of Renewable Energy in the West
This opinion piece by Headwater News argues for an expanded renewable energy market in the West. They advocate that a renewable energy policy should no longer be driven only by considerations of the low environmental impact of renewable energy technologies, but also by the reduced energy costs that renewables offer. Some Montana schools, for example, are turning to wood and biomass for heating, while some 29,000 Colorado customers who use Xcel Energy's wind energy program will pay $10 a month less for heat than those who use traditional fossil fuel generated energy, according to the Denver Post. The op-ed also cites the economic potential of renewable energy projects, such as the recent wind turbine projects announced in Montana and Idaho. More...

Global Investment in Renewable Energy Sets New Record
Global investment in renewable energy projects reached a new record of $30 billion in 2004, according to a report recently released by the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). The report indicates that energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and small hydro projects produce 160 gigawatts of electricity, around four percent of the world's total energy. Energy experts expect that global investment in renewables will continue to grow rapidly over the coming decades. The current energy crisis has spurred governments around the world into action, including developing economic powers China, Brazil, and India, adding to a renewable energy market currently dominated by the U.S., Germany, Spain, and Japan. More...

NorthWestern Energy Program Helps Homeowners Reduce Heating Costs
To help its natural gas customers better manage their heating bills this winter, NorthWestern Energy has announced a new program that offers rebates and giveaway items. The company held weatherization events in 15 Montana communities throughout October, during which consumers could take advantage of free weatherization "starter" kits that include window plastic, door sweeps and weather-stripping, a can of insulating spray foam, a foam switch and outlet gaskets. In addition, the company is offering rebates for ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostats and insulation. More...

New Campaign Encourages Use of ENERGY STAR Lights
DOE and EPA have launched the annual "Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World Campaign," urging U.S. consumers to change at least one light in their home with one that carries an Energy Star label. If every U.S. household does that, the country will save $600 million in energy bills, save enough energy to light 7 million homes, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions from 1 million cars. DOE and EPA named October 5th as "Energy Star Change a Light Day" and were joined by governors of 29 states, plus the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands. More...

According to a new annual report from EPA, Energy Star and other voluntary programs reduced U.S. energy bills by nearly $10 billion in 2004, while avoiding 57 million metric tons of greenhouse gases and saving enough energy to power 25 million homes. More...

Students Turning Campuses Green
College students at Western Washington University and Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, have helped transform their universities into major consumers of green power. The two universities now purchase electricity produced only through renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and biomass energy projects. Industry experts are taking notice, given the huge energy market used by American universities and the general interest of college students in green power. The movement is helped by the trend of rising costs of fossil fuels and relative declining costs of producing energy from renewable resources. More...

Opinion: Rocky Mountain West Holds Key to America 's Energy Future
This Denver Post op-ed article written by two members of the State of the Rockies Project advocates a progressive energy policy for the Rocky Mountain West, which includes the use of both traditional fossil fuels and renewable energy resources to meet America's energy needs. The authors point out that even conservative estimates of wind energy production anticipate that the region could produce six times the current level of electricity. The authors conclude that a pragmatic combination of coal and natural gas use, on the one hand, and wind, solar, biomass and hydrogen-derived electricity on the other, offers the best way forward for Western energy production. More...

Feds Exceed Renewable Energy Goal
Recent data released by the U.S. Department of Energy shows that the federal government has exceeded its goal to obtain 2.5 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by the end of September. The largest energy consumer in the nation, the federal government uses some 2,375 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year, a nearly 14-fold increase since 1999. Today, the federal government's annual use of biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind power is enough to power 225,000 homes or a city the size of El Paso Texas. More...

Wal-Mart to Adopt Green Energy Practices
Wal-Mart recently announced a new clean energy plan this week for its retail stores. The plan seeks to obtain all energy required for store use from renewable sources. According to Wal -Mart's CEO Lee Scott, the goal is to is to get 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources; cut energy use in stores by 30 percent, cut fuel consumption in its truck fleet by 25 percent over three years - and continue to improve, doubling mileage over a decade. The company already has a test store in Texas up and running with solar panels. More...

Austin, Texas, Hosts Green Energy Conference
Texas ' capital city recently hosted the 10 th annual National Green Power Marketing Conference, an event that highlighted some of Austin 's own renewable energy success stories. Advanced Micro Systems was recognized for being the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Texas and Austin Energy received the 2005 Wind Power Pioneer Award from the U.S. Department of Energy. The increased cost of fossil fuels and reduced costs of some renewable energies have made wind energy in Texas more affordable than natural gas. More...

Governor's Energy Summit Concludes
A two-day energy summit convened by Governor Brian Schweitzer concluded after drawing some 600 participants together to discuss development of an energy strategy for the state. Attendees brought diverse visions of Montana 's energy future to the table, with proponents of energy conservation and renewable energy technologies alongside traditional coal and natural gas interests hoping to see new coal-fired power plants built in the coming years. All seemed to agree that the most important issue is finding affordable energy for Montana consumers. See the Missoulian's two-part report. Part 1, Part 2.

October 2005

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security.  Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?" – Robert Redford

NEWS & NOTES

Solar Providing Power for Hurricane Katrina Victims
AERO and NorthWestern Energy Sponsoring Energy Tours
California 's Million Solar Roofs Bill Dead
Large Wind Plant Underway in Canada
Hybrid Grass Shows Promise as Fuel Source
Ford to Offer Hybrid Versions of Half its Lineup by 2010
Turkey Litter to Fuel Small Town
Manure-powered Ethanol Plant Planned in Kansas
Standard Runs Feature on Hybrid Vehicles
EERE Launches Financial Opportunities Website
DOE Launches Energy Conservation Campaign
Heating Costs Expected to Rise Dramatically This Winter

Solar Providing Power for Hurricane Katrina Victims
Solar electric systems provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) are providing much-needed power in Kiln, Missississippi, following Hurricane Katrina. The solar systems, which convert the sun's energy into electricity, are mobile units mounted on a trailer that can then be towed by a pickup truck. The systems are important in recovery efforts, providing electricity for a host of important functions, such as mobile phones, laptop computers, hand-held radios, and other communication devices. renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story;jsessionid=aK59Iv0L_6Q8?id=37058.com

AERO and NorthWestern Energy Sponsoring Energy Tours
A series of four conservation and renewable energy tours, sponsored by NorthWestern Energy (NWE) and organized by AERO, Montana¹s Alternative Energy Resources Organization, are planned for October and November. The tours are free to the public and will feature experts knowledgeable about the energy systems highlighted in the tours. Tour locations will Manhattan , Missoula , Martinsdale, and Billings.
www.montanagreenpower.com/news_RE_tours.htm.

California's Million Solar Roofs Bill Dead
Said to be the largest solar power policy in the nation, California's Million Solar Roofs bill (SB 1) was defeated despite its many benefits. Supporterd by Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger, the bill would have resulted in more than 3,000 MW of solar energy installations on homes and businesses over the next ten years. Amendments for prevailing wages and licensing reportedly divided support for the bill.
www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=36386

Large Wind Plant Underway in Canada
Construction of the new Melancthon Grey Wind Project is underway in Southern Ontario , as part of Canadian Hydro's renewable energy initiatives. The 67.5-megawatt plant is expected to be complete in 2006 and will supply enough power for some 20,000 homes each year.
www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story;jsessionid=a_9F7SWCc5Z4?id=36499
www.mgwindpower.info/

Hybrid Grass Shows Promise as Fuel Source
Scientists studying a hybrid grass at the Unvirsity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign say it might be used as an efficient solid fuel, reports a UPI article posted on Science Daily. Leafless stems of the 13-foot tall Giant Miscanthus, or elephant grass, offer a comparatively clean and renewable solid fuel source, researchers reported at the British Association for the Advancement of Science festival. As a fuel, the grass offers an energy ratio of input to output less than 0.2, compared with ratios that exceed 0.8 for ethanol and biodiesel from canola. www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20050928-18353800-bc-us-grassfuel.xml

Ford to Offer Hybrid Versions of Half its Lineup by 2010
Ford Motor Company recently announced plans to increase hybrid production to encompass more than half the vehicle models by 2010. The company plans to increase production of its Ford Escape Hybrid to 250,000 in just five years. Ford recently unveiled its second hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, which goes on sale this fall, and the company plans to introduce hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Mazda Tribute by 2008.
media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=21600

Ford also noted plans to increase its flexible-fuel vehicles. The 2006 models of the Ford F-150, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car will accept E85, an ethanol and gasoline mixture containing 85 percent ethanol. Ford said it could produce as many as 280,000 flexible-fuel vehicles in 2006.
media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=21636

Turkey Litter to Fuel Small Town
According to an AP article in the Pioneer Press, energy developers are building a new plant that will burn tons of turkey litter from farms across western Minnesota. Situated in the small town of Benson , the plant is expected to begin production in 2007 and provide enough power to supply the town of 3,300 and the farms around it. The project comes a decade after the Minnesota Legislature ordered the state's largest power supplier – now Xcel Energy Inc. – to invest in biomass as a power source.
www.realcities.com/mld/twincities/news/12668590.htm

Manure-powered Ethanol Plant Planned in Kansas
Panda Energy has announced that a new 100 million gallon ethanol plant it plans to construct in Haskell County , Kansas , will be powered by gasified cattle manure, reports Kansas Ag Connection. The company also plans ethanol plants in Texas and Colorado , and together the three facilities will use three billion pounds of cattle manure a year in the creation of bio-gas to run the plants. The company says the biofuel will save 1,000 barrels of oil per day. www.kansasagconnection.com/story-state.cfm?Id=531&yr=2005

Standard Runs Feature on Hybrid Vehicles
An article in the September 18 issue of The Montana Standard focused on hybrid vehicles and their growing popularity in Montana . According to the article, "Rising gasoline prices, federal tax incentives and threats of global warming are increasing sales of hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles nationwide, and Montana is no exception."
www.mtstandard.com/articles/2005/09/18/newsbutte/hjjejaichgegfg.txt

DOE Initiates Energy Conservation Campaign
Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman has unveiled a comprehensive national campaign to highlight how American families, businesses and the federal government can save energy in response to rising winter energy costs. The "Easy Ways to Save Energy" campaign includes the "Energy $avers Guide," which will be distributed to consumers across the country, as well as radio and print ads that promote more efficient energy use, as well as public service announcements that will offer more tips to save. money.cnn.com/2005/10/03/news/economy/energy_saving/index.htm

Heating Costs Expected to Rise Dramatically This Winter
CNN reports that homes heated with natural gas and heating oil will likely experience soaring prices this winter. Prices are reported to be near record levels, partly due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association estimates it will cost $1,568 to heat a typical home with natural gas in colder climates. That's an increase of about 64 percent, says the association. Homes heated with heating oil could see a nearly 35 percent increase, or about $1,666.
money.cnn.com/2005/09/29/news/economy/heating_costs/index.htm

EERE Launches Financial Opportunities Website
DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has launched a new website that lists opportunities for financial assistance. The EERE Financial Opportunities website lists current and past solicitations from EERE and provides specific funding information for business, industry, and universities, as well as consumers, federal energy managers, inventors, states, and tribes. In fiscal year 2004 alone, EERE awarded approximately $506 million in financial assistance.
www.eere.energy.gov/financing/

September 2005

“I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy....If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago." – Sir George Porter

NEWS & NOTES

Annual Solar Tour Slated for October 1
Solar Installation Featured in Great Falls Tribune
Solar Food Store Opens in Helena
Bozeman Biofuels Launches Website
Firm Offering $25 Million for Renewables, Efficiency Projects
Net Metering, Tax Credits for Solar Energy Included in Energy Act
Oregon Increases Solar Incentives
Wind Energy Tax Credit Extended Through 2007
Construction of New Corn-Based Chemical Plant Underway
National Lab Expert Notes Energy Benefits of Ethanol
Tool Helps Fleet Managers Evaluate Hybrid Vehicles
Reports: High Gas Prices Changing U.S. Consumer Behavior
Experts Predict Natural Gas Costs Will Increase Sharply
Report: FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership Making Gains

Annual Solar Tour Slated for October 1
Thousands of homes, schools, and businesses that use solar energy will open their doors to the public on October 1st for the National Solar Tour, sponsored by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) with support from DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The tour, in its tenth year, is benefiting from growing public interest in affordable solar power and energy efficiency as energy prices reach new highs. Solar tours in hundreds of communities attracted tens of thousands of tour takers last year. This year, there will be open houses in 43 states plus the District of Columbia . And if you live in a state without a solar tour, there's still time to organize one! Read more.

The Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) is tentatively planning to host a sustainable energy tour in Helena this year. For details, see MEIC's website or e-mail [email protected] .

Solar Installation Featured in Great Falls Tribune
The courthouse annex in Great Falls is home to a new solar electric system that is helping generate green power as well as educate area residents about the benefits of renewable energy. Great Falls is one of 10 communities that received such systems free of charge, as part of NorthWestern Energy's Sun4Communities project. The system fits in nicely with efforts in Great Falls and Cascade County to become more sustainable. For example, a large-scale wind farm is expected to get underway later this year. "Public education about alternative energy is important," said Cascade County Commission Chairwoman Peggy Beltrone in a recent Great Falls Tribune article. "This (solar electric system) provides that opportunity." Get the full story.

Solar Food Store Opens in Helena
July 30 marked the grand opening of a new natural foods market in Helena that includes both solar energy and strawbale construction to reduce its environmental impact and operating costs. Strawhouse Market, located at 1050 Road Runner Drive, includes a 12.7-kilowatt, grid-tie photovoltaic system, funded in part through NorthWestern Energy's Universal Systems Benefits funds. The building also features passive solar elements, a rainwater collection system, and a ground-source heat pump.

Bozeman Biofuels Launches Website
Looking for biofuels information with a local slant? Try Bozeman Biofuels website! Bozeman Biofuels was formed following the Bioneers conference in fall 2004. The group is committed to using alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. Its website offers useful information on biofuels, including where to purchase in Bozeman , links to other resources, and more.

Firm Offering $25 Million for Renewables, Efficiency Projects
RNK Capital LLC, a manager of environmental investments, has announced plans to invest $25 million in the U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency market and is inviting interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest. The company hopes to receive offers for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that will result in renewable energy credits, sulfur dioxide emissions allowances, nitrous oxide emissions allowances, or other environmental credits. As an active participant in the markets for emissions trading and renewable energy credits, RNK Capital will consider either buying the credits or allowances generated by the projects or providing debt financing for the projects. See RNK Capital's Request for Project Proposals website.

Net Metering, Tax Credits for Solar Energy Included in Energy Act
When President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law on August 8, he set the stage for the first federal tax credits for solar energy systems on homes in 20 years. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), homeowners and businesses will receive a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar power system or a solar hot water system. The solar energy tax credit is capped at $2,000 for each type of system, and applies to the cost after accounting for any state and utility incentives. It applies to systems that are placed in service in 2006 or 2007. Homeowners will also earn a tax credit for installing fuel cells, and businesses will earn a tax credit for installing either fuel cells or microturbines. See pages 1373 to 1390 of the energy act (PDF 2.6 MB).

To further encourage homeowners and businesses to generate their own power, the energy act amends the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) to require every public utility to offer interconnection to the power grid and net metering upon request. Net metering allows consumers to offset their electricity use with any self-generated electricity fed into the power grid over the course of a billing period. See pages 1146 to 1151 and pages 1173 to 1176 of the energy act.

Oregon Increases Solar Incentives
A new measure passed in Oregon creates greater solar incentives in the state. Resdiential solar energy systems are eligible for a $3 per watt tax credit, with a cap of $6,000. The new incentives take effect January 1, 2006 , and will be in place for 10 years. Get the story.

Construction of New Corn-Based Chemical Plant Underway
A new $100-million manufacturing plant to support new corn-based polymers is now under construction in Loudon, Tennessee, under a joint venture of DuPont and Tate & Lyle. The new plant will convert corn into a chemical called 1,3 propanediol, or PDO for short. The companies call the new product Bio-PDO, and will use it to produce DuPont Sorona polymer, which can be used to produce clothing, carpeting, plastics, and other products. According to the companies, the production of Bio-PDO consumes 30 to 40 percent less energy than producing PDO from petroleum; producing 100 million pounds of Bio-PDO in the Loudon plant will save the energy equivalent to 10 million gallons of gasoline per year. Get the story.

National Lab Expert Notes Energy Benefits of Ethanol
A researcher at DOE's Argonne National Laboratory has completed a study that defends the energy and environmental benefits of producing ethanol from corn and other biomass sources. Argonne researcher Michael Wang presented research at the National Press Club confirming that ethanol fuel substantially helps reduce fossil fuel and petroleum use, when compared with gasoline. Wang also found that ethanol produced from corn achieves moderate reductions in greenhouse gases. Ethanol produced from grass and other "cellulosic" or woody biomass sources can achieve much greater energy and greenhouse gas benefits.

The Argonne research dismisses an ongoing academic argument about the amount of energy needed to produce ethanol. A paper published in the March edition of "Natural Resources Research" by researchers at Cornell University and the University of California at Berkeley claims that ethanol production from corn requires 29 percent more energy than is provided by the resulting ethanol fuel. In contrast, a 2004 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that ethanol produces 67 percent more energy than is consumed in its production. But according to the Argonne research, what really matters is that ethanol compares favorably to gasoline, the fuel it replaces.

Tool Helps Fleet Managers Evaluate Hybrid Vehicles
A new software tool that compares the costs and emissions of hybrid electric vehicles to conventional vehicles is now available for government and business fleet managers. The tool takes into account purchase price, fuel costs, repair and maintenance costs, resale value, and applicable tax incentives. For example, the tool indicates that at the current fuel prices of $2.50 per gallon or more, hybrid vehicles can offer significant financial savings to fleets. A high percentage of city driving and large number of miles driven per year can further increase the cost-effectiveness of hybrid vehicles. Called the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Cost Calculator Tool, the tool was developed by DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Center for a New American Dream, and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Reports: High Gas Prices Changing U.S. Consumer Behavior
With gasoline prices soaring, U.S. drivers are driving less and considering more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to two new studies. A report from the California Energy Commission (CEC) notes that despite an increase in population in 2004, the state is now using less gasoline. Comparing the state's total gasoline sales from the first four months of 2005 and 2004, sales actually declined by one half of one percent. In the same time period, gasoline prices rose from $2.12 per gallon to $2.60 per gallon. A public opinion poll and forthcoming study by the Polk Center for Automotive Studies confirms the CEC findings, noting that 59 percent of the people polled say they will drive less at current gasoline prices. The Polk study also found that 40 percent of poll respondents said they would delay purchasing a new vehicle, and 55 percent said that when they do buy a new vehicle, they'll buy a more fuel-efficient one.

Experts Predict Natural Gas Costs Will Increase Sharply
This winter will likely bring dramatically higher natural gas prices, posing a harship for low- and fixed-income consumers. Low storage and high demand are contributing to the increasing costs, says Tom Hauptman, a Billings-based oil and gas producer. If forecasting models prove correct, NorthWestern Energy gas customers are facing monthly bills in the range of $200 to $300 this winter. Read more.

Report: FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership Making Gains
A new report from the National Research Council concluded that DOE's three-year-old FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership has made "an excellent start." The partnership is a research collaboration among DOE, the "Big Three" automakers, and five major energy companies, with a goal of developing emissions-free vehicles that run on hydrogen fuel cells. The report, released in early August, notes that the partnership faces significant technical challenges, including hydrogen storage in vehicles, commercially viable fuel cells, and the need to build an infrastructure for hydrogen fueling. Learn more.

August 2005

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little." – Edmund Burke

NEWS & NOTES

Congress Passes Energy Bill
Lawmakers Add a Month to Daylight Savings Time
New Website Seeks Solar Installer Listing
Ethanol-fueled Vehicle on Loan to Montana DEQ
Judith Gap Open House Draws Large Crowd
Greenpeace Cyclists Make Stop in Missoula to Promote Green Energy
Wal-Mart "Experimental Store" Uses Solar, Wind, and Energy Efficiency
Northwest Alliance to Promote Efficient Commercial Buildings
Oregon Experiencing Upsurge in Solar Installations
New National Coalition to Promote Wind Power
University of Michigan Wins the North American Solar Challenge

Congress Passes Energy Bill
A new national energy bill is awaiting the President's signature, after successfully passing both House and Senate. Among the bill's many provisions are tax credits for the purchase of hybrid-electric cars, tax breaks for energy conservation improvement in homes, and financial incentives for renewable energy resources, such as construction of wind turbines. Read more.

Lawmakers Add a Month to Daylight Savings Time
As part of new energy legislation, the House and Senate have reached an agreement that will extend the length of daylight savings time by four weeks. Daylight savings time will start three weeks earlier—the second Sunday in March—and end a week later. “Extending daylight saving time makes sense, especially with skyrocketing energy costs. "My daylight saving amendment is one small piece of the overall energy package, and with oil at $60 a barrel and gas at $2.50 a gallon, every bit of conservation helps,” said Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), who introduced the bill. The measure was approved by the Energy Conference Committee on July 21. Get the story.

New Website Seeks Solar Installer Listing
The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) has announced that a new website, Findsolar.com, will launch in September 2005 as a resource to link consumers to solar professionals. Companies that install and service solar systems are encouraged to apply immediately for free listing on the website. The website also will help consumers estimate the costs and savings from a solar system in their specific geographic area. The "Solar Estimator" includes up-to-date information on local electricity rates, solar resources, and incentives. The website is a joint project of ASES, Solar Electric Power Association, Energy Matters LLC, and U.S. Department of Energy.

Ethanol-fueled Vehicle on Loan to Montana DEQ
A new ethanol-fueled Chevy Avalanch will call Montana home for the next year, as part of a new effort by General Motors to increase the use of ethanol fuel. The Avalanche is fueled by E85, which is comprised of 85 percent ethyl-alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. Governor Schweitzer is a strong advocate of alternative fuels, which have the potential to benefit both the economy and the environment. Ethanol is made from agricultural and forest wastes and burns cleaner than fossil-based fuels. Only two stations in Montana sell the fuel, although several other stations sell a lower blend of E10. Some 28 states are participating in the effort. Find out more.

Judith Gap Open House Draws Large Crowd
Some 350 people attended the Open House at the site of the new Judith Gap Wind Farm on July 14, far exceeding organizers' expectations. Project owner Invenergy Wind LLC hosted the open house, providing informational displays , presentations, and literature, as well as staff members to answer questions. Those in attendance got a chance to see the project getting underway, as trucks delivered turbine bases and cranes stacked the turbine pieces together. Eighty-six turbines will be installed across 8,300 acres in the first phase of the project. Get the scoop!

Greenpeace Cyclists Make Stop in Missoula to Promote Green Energy
As part of a nationwide campaign, activists cycling a total of 5,000 miles this summer in support of clean energy made a stop in Missoula. According to a recent article in the Laramie Boomerang, the Greenpeace Clean Energy Campus Invasion has a goal to visit 21 college campuses this summer to promote clean energy and to help create student groups interested in pursuing clean energy standards on their respective campuses. Read more.

Wal-Mart "Experimental Store" Uses Solar, Wind, and Energy Efficiency
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the king of the "big-box" store, has launched an experiment near Dallas, Texas, to see how its retail outlets might lessen their environmental impact. The new "Wal-Mart Experimental Store" in McKinney features a total of 50 kilowatts of solar power systems integrated into the Garden Center's canopy, the roof of the entry vestibules, the facade of the front entry, and the roof of the Tire and Lube Express. The store also features a 50-kilowatt wind turbine that will supply about 5 percent of the store's electricity needs.

The building features a white reflective roof to reduce its cooling loads and a reduced building height to reduce its need for heating and cooling. It uses radiant floor heat, in which hot water runs through the concrete slab that forms the floor, and uses displacement ventilation, an energy efficient way to distribute conditioned air throughout the store. The store even captures the waste heat from its refrigeration equipment, using it to heat water for the restrooms and for the radiant floor heating system. The heating system is also fueled with waste cooking oil and used automotive oil. The store's efficient lighting system is automatically dimmed to make the best use of daylighting and is also dimmed slightly at night. LED lighting is employed inside grocery cases to avoid adding unnecessary heat. According to Wal-Mart, the company "hopes to learn new environmental conservation best management practices and benchmarks that will serve as future design standards in the retail industry." Get the full story.

Northwest Alliance to Promote Efficient Commercial Buildings
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance announced on July 27th that it will spend $18.6 million over the next three years to promote energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The Commercial Sector Initiative, better known as BetterBricks, is expected to cut energy demand in the Northwest by 31 megawatts by 2015. The initiative will work with building owners and managers to encourage them to ask for energy-efficient, high-performance building practices in their new and existing buildings. Building types to be targeted under the effort include hospitals and other health care facilities, grocery stores, and commercial real estate such as office buildings. Learn more.

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a non-profit corporation supported by the Bonneville Power Administration, electric utilities, public benefits administrators, consumer interest groups and efficiency industry representatives. According to the Alliance's 2004 Annual Report, released in July, projects supported by the Alliance and related efforts cut energy demand in the region by 35 megawatts last year. One indicator of the Alliance's success: consumers in the Northwest bought more than 5 million compact fluorescent lamps in 2004, up from 3.8 million in 2003.

Oregon Experiencing Upsurge in Solar Installations
Solar is on the move in Oregon, thanks to the availability of financial incentives and tax credits. Since 2003, the state's installed capacity has totaled one megawatt. "Oregon has installed more solar electric systems in the last two and a half years than it did in the last 20 years combined," said Kacia Brockman, solar program manager at Energy Trust or Oregon Inc. Since 2002, Energy Trust has provided $3 million in financial incentives to help homeowners and businesses pay for the cost of installing a solar energy system. Some $1 million is available this year, and $2 million is expected for 2006. Read more.

New National Coalition to Promote Wind Power
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has announced that a broad national coalition of wind energy advocates are forming the largest pro-wind energy development organization of its kind in the United States. According to AWEA, "Wind Energy Works!" will actively and aggressively engage in the public conversation over the merits of wind energy, educate the public about the many benefits of wind energy development, and "act as a counterbalance to the misinformation being spread by wind energy opponents in communities across the country." Find out more.

University of Michigan Wins the North American Solar Challenge
The University of Michigan held onto a narrow lead over the University of Minnesota on July 27 to win the 2005 North American Solar Challenge. The 2,500-mile solar race—the longest in the world—concluded in Calgary, Canada. Despite racing for 54 hours over the course of the event, the Michigan team finished less than 12 minutes ahead of Minnesota, with an average speed of 46.2 miles per hour (this includes low-speed driving in cities and towns). In contrast, the winners of the 2003 race beat their nearest rival by nearly five hours. The race was sponsored by DOE, DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Natural Resources Canada.

Stanford University won the race's "stock" category, in which the cars use lead-acid batteries and less expensive, lower-efficiency solar cells. Despite those limitations, the Stanford team's total racing time was just 14 hours longer than the Michigan team. The Stanford win was particularly impressive after its troubles in the first stage of the race, when it fell more than two hours behind the leading stock solar car. Get the full story.

July 2005

"The future depends on what we do in the present." – Mahatma Gandhi

News & Notes

Fire Station Solar Electric Demonstration Project Announced
"Our Wind Co-Op" Brings Small Wind Turbines to the Northwest
BLM Proposes to Encourage Wind Energy Development in the West
Students Help Resort Owner Consider Renewable Energy Sources
Million Solar Roofs Bill Clears "Highest Hurdle"
Solar Attracts California Farmers and Ranchers
New National Coalition to Promote Wind Power
G8 Leaders Commit to Clean Energy Technologies at Summit
DOE, HUD, and EPA Form Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency
BOMA Launches Energy Efficiency Campaign for Commercial Buildings
California Universities Announce Green Power Purchase
Nevada Law Promotes Green Building, Alters Renewable Mandate
USDA Begins Process to Designate Preferred Biobased Products

Fire Station Solar Electric Demonstration Project Announced
NorthWestern Energy has announced availability of funds for the 2005 Fire Station Solar Electric Demonstration Project. As in past years, six fire stations within NorthWestern Energy's electric service territory will receive solar electric systems with uninterruptible power supply. The systems and their installation will be provided at no cost to the fire stations. This year NCAT, the project's administrator, will place a special emphasis on recruiting participants in the Great Falls, Billings, and Bozeman areas, to ensure that the project achieves broad geographic coverage. To request an application packet, call toll-free 866-723-8677. www.ncat.org/news.html.

"Our Wind Co-Op" Brings Small Wind Turbines to the Northwest
Our Wind Co-Op is a cooperative that invests in small-scale (10-kilowatt) wind turbines for farms, ranches, and public and private facilities in the Northwest. Initially supported by grants from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program, Our Wind Co-Op is creating low-risk opportunities to explore on-farm green power production, distribution, ownership, and marketing models to meet local energy needs. www.ourwind.org/windcoop/.

BLM Proposes to Encourage Wind Energy Development in the West
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to amend 52 of its land-use plans in nine western states to encourage wind energy development on public lands. Last week, BLM released its final programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) for wind energy development on BLM-administered lands in the West, which BLM and DOE have been preparing since 2003. The PEIS proposes to speed up the permitting of wind energy in the West; the U.S. Department of the Interior claims the plan will open the door for the development of more than 3,200 megawatts of wind energy on public lands. According to BLM, the proposed land-use plan amendments in Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are designed to encourage applications for wind energy development rights-of-way, but not to eliminate the need for site-specific analysis of individual development proposals. Along with the proposed land-use plan amendments, the PEIS also identifies specific areas where wind energy development would not be allowed. www.blm.gov/nhp/news/releases/pages/2005/pr050621_wind.htm.

Students Help Resort Owner Consider Renewable Energy Sources
With energy costs running about $50,000 each year, the owner of the Sleeping Buffalo Resort in Saco turned to engineering students at Montana State University to help investigate the potential for alternative energy sources to power the resort. Three students examined the potential for geothermal, micro hydro, wind and solar. Results of the initial study showed that geothermal offered the most potential. www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2005/05/31/news/msuenergy.txt.

Million Solar Roofs Bill Clears "Highest Hurdle"
The Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee passed the Million Solar Roofs Bill (SB 1) in early July, clearing the bill's "highest hurdle to date," say advocates. The bill would help create the a strong solar market, installing a million solar energy systems on buildings across the country over the next ten years. www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story;jsessionid=a6coKpFN0W3_?id=34134.

Solar Attracts California Farmers and Ranchers
California farmers are turning to solar power to run irrigation pumps, conveyors, and packaging equipment, says an Associated Press article that appeared in The Mercury News. Producers like the independence offered by solar power systems, and despite their initial high cost, state incentives for installation have helped make them a good investment for an increasing number of farms and ranches. The clean, renewable power systems also help reduce air pollution, and produce the most power on hot, sunny days – just when it's needed. Some producers who installed solar power systems say the renewable energy fits in with their overall approach to sustainable agriculture.
www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/11954456.htm.

New Technologies Promise to Revolutionize Solar Power Industry
While the conventional silicon solar cell industry is facing supply constraints, a number of new solar cell technologies
aim to produce solar cells from new materials, at lower cost, with higher efficiencies, and in new forms. With a wide
diversity of approaches, the photovoltaic solar cell industry remains dynamic, and the next breakthrough appears to be just around the next corner. One of the most promising new technologies is quantum dots, particles of semiconductor material smaller than 10 billionths of a meter. At such small scales, quantum effects cause the dots
to respond differently to light depending on their size, an effect allowing the dots to be "tuned" to different wavelengths
of light. A new study from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Naval Research Laboratory suggests that quantum dots could theoretically yield a solar cell with twice the efficiency of today's solar cells. Quantum dots can produce as many as three electrons from a single photon of light, so they can theoretically convert as much as 65 percent of the sun's energy into electricity, according to the researchers. The findings were published in a recent issue of the American Chemical Society's Nano Letters journal.
www.nrel.gov/news/press/2005/1805_quantum_dot.html.

New National Coalition to Promote Wind Power
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently announced that a broad national coalition of wind energy advocates is forming the largest pro-wind energy development organization of its kind in the United States. According to AWEA, "Wind Energy Works!" will actively and aggressively engage in the public conversation over the merits of wind energy, educate the public about the many benefits of wind energy development, and "act as a counterbalance to the misinformation being spread by wind energy opponents in communities across the country."
www.awea.org/news/news06Jul05_WEW.html.

G8 Leaders Commit to Clean Energy Technologies at Summit
Leaders of the world's eight largest industrialized nations have adopted a 38-point plan of action to address the related issues of climate change, clean energy, and sustainable development. During last week's two-day summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, the Group of Eight (G8)-comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States-agreed that climate change is a serious and long-term challenge that has the potential to affect every part of the globe, and acknowledged that the use of energy from fossil fuels, and other human activities, contribute in large part to increases in greenhouse gases associated with the warming of Earth's surface. The G8 statement noted that "we know enough to act now to put ourselves on a path to slow and, as the science justifies, stop and then reverse the growth of greenhouse gases."

The G8 agreed to a plan of action that calls for the promotion of greater energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, surface transport, aviation, industry, power generation, and other sectors. The agreement also calls for further efforts to promote renewable energy technologies and hydrogen technologies. Notable among those efforts is the G8's plan to launch a Global Bioenergy Partnership to support biomass and biofuels deployment. www.fco.gov.uk/Files/kfile/PostG8_Gleneagles_Communique.pdf.

DOE, HUD, and EPA Form Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency
DOE joined with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced a new joint effort, the Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency. The new partnership aims to cut household energy costs by 10 percent over the next decade by expanding efforts to promote Energy Star products, launching new energy efficiency services for homeowners, and delivering energy efficiency savings to low-income and subsidized housing. The three federal agencies also plan to continue to invest in innovative research in building science technologies, practices, and policies to develop durable, comfortable, and affordable
homes that use 40 percent less energy. By 2020, the partnership aims to develop design technologies and building practices to allow the construction of cost-effective homes that use net zero energy over the course of a year.
http://www.energysavers.gov/.

New University Centers Focus on Energy Challenges
A number of universities are beefing up their involvement in energy issues. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), for
example, opened the Center for Future Energy Studies on its campus in Troy, New York, in early June. RPI created the new $20 million research center in partnership with Cornell University and DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory, with a goal of meeting this century's energy challenges through energy conservation and renewable energy. In late June, RPI also launched a new $4.8 million interdisciplinary program to train doctoral students in fuel cell science
and engineering. news.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=743.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also is preparing to take on the world's energy challenges, and has formed the Energy Research Council to help it do so. MIT Provost Robert Brown appointed the Energy Research Council to lead MIT's planning for an initiative in energy-related research and education. The new council will develop a picture of the current state of MIT energy-related research and expertise, create a list of promising science and engineering research areas that match global needs and MIT capabilities, and recommend an organizational structure that would facilitate work in these areas. web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2005/energy-0608.html.

BOMA Launches Energy Efficiency Campaign for Commercial Buildings
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) has announced a new campaign to improve the energy efficiency of commerical buildings. The campaign, developed as part of EPA's Energy Star Challenge, will provide energy management training to building owners and operators, representing some 9 billion square feet of commercial building space. www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=28333.

California Universities Announce Green Power Purchase
The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) have joined together in a green power
purchase that will provide 15 percent of their electricity needs from renewable energy resources. The purchase is said
to be largest green power purchase among universities in the nation. Under a six-month contract with APS Energy Services, UC and CSU will purchase 39,000 MWh and 34,000 MWh, respectively, of renewable energy certificates consisting of wind (86 percent) and landfill gas (14 percent) resources.
www.renewcsu.org/home/2005/6/20/csu-and-uc-make-largest-university-purchase-of-clean-energy.html.

Nevada Law Promotes Green Building, Alters Renewable Mandate
Nevada's governor recently approved a bill that will create new incentives and standards for green building within the state, while modifying the state's renewable energy requirement. The first half of Assembly Bill 3 focuses on green building, requiring most state-funded public buildings to meet the minimum requirements of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building standards or an equivalent standard. Every two years, the state must designate two new state-owned buildings as demonstration projects to meet the LEED Silver standard or its equivalent. Also, any private buildings meeting that standard would earn a tax credit, and the products and materials used in building will be exempt from sales tax. The bill also requires the state to create a plan to cut its grid-based energy purchases for state-owned buildings by 20 percent over the next 10 years. Under the new law, the state's renewable energy requirement, referred to as its "portfolio standard," now allows credit for energy efficiency.
The law delays the requirements by two years and drops the near-term requirement by one percent: For 2005 and 2006, utilities must now generate or acquire energy from renewable energy sources or achieve savings from energy efficiency equal to 6 percent of their electricity sales, with energy efficiency providing at most a quarter of the requirement. At the same time, the law extends the portfolio standard by two years and increases the final
requirement by 5 percent, boosting the requirement to 20 percent by 2015. www.leg.state.nv.us/22ndSpecial/bills/AB/AB3_EN.pdf.

USDA Begins Process to Designate Preferred Biobased Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started its process to designate preferred biobased products for purchase by federal agencies. Under the 2002 Farm Bill, the USDA's Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program will identify more than 110 categories of products – the USDA calls them "items" – and
then determine which biobased products are available within each of those categories. Under a proposed rule published last week, the USDA will begin by tackling the following six categories: mobile equipment hydraulic fluids, urethane roof coatings, water tank coatings, diesel fuel additives, penetrating lubricants, and bedding, bed linens, and towels. For each category, the USDA has been able to identify at least one manufacturer of biobased products. For most of the categories, the USDA was unable to determine the potential market, but the agency did note that DOE anticipates a large potential market for the use of biodiesel as a diesel fuel additive. Once the final rule is issued, manufacturers of qualifying biobased products that fall within the six categories will be invited to post their product and contact information on the program's Web site. Federal agencies looking to procure products in those categories will then have to give preference to the biobased products.
www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/07/0243.xml.

June 2005

“Because we don't think about future generations, they will never forget us." – Henrik Tikkanen

News & Notes

Environmental Impact Statement Could Speed Up Approval of WInd Farms in Western States
State-specific Versions of Irrigator's Guide Released
Sage Mountain Center Announces Summer Programs
Senate Votes in Favor of National Renewables Standards
Publication Helps States Encourage Advanced Technology Vehicles
Food and Paper Industries Pursue Energy Savings
Global Wind Power Study Finds Huge Potential
Large Wind Power Plant Moves Ahead in Idaho

Environmental Impact Statement Could Speed Up Approval of WInd Farms in Western States
An environmental impact statement released June 21 by the U.S. Department of Interior could simplify the permitting process for wind energy systems installed on public lands in 11 western states, including Montana. The study considered three alternatives for managing wind energy projects. The proposed approach was to implement a wind energy development program, establish policies and best management practices for wind energy right-of-way authorizations, and amend 52 BLM land use plans. As a result of the EIS, there is potential to develop some 3,200 megawatts of wind energy in the west--enough for about 1 million homes. Get the full story.

State-specific Versions of Irrigator's Guide Released
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Butte has released eight state-specific Irrigator's Guide publications, patterned after the popular Montana Irrigator's Pocket Guide edition that NCAT issued in 2003. The Guide is a "take-to-the-field reference to help irrigators save energy, water, and money" that addresses both water management and equipment maintenance. The new editions are for Wyoming, North Dakota, Washington, Oregon, California, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Get the story.

Sage Mountain Center Announces Summer Programs
Sage Mountain Center in Whitehall has announced its summer workshops, including Cordwood Construction, Straw Bale Building, and Solar Electricity for the Home. The full schedule is available at Sage Mountain's website.

Senate Votes in Favor of National Renewables Standards
The U.S. Senate voted 52 to 48 to enact a national renewable portfolio standard, which would require utilities in the U.S. to obtain at least 10 percent of their electricity production from renewable resources such as solar, wind, and bioenergy by the year 2020. But, since the mandate is not included in the House's version of the Energy Bill, it still faces some serious challenges. Get the full story.

The Senate also voted in favor of a renewable fuel standard, which would increase the use of ethanol and other renewable fuels to 8 billion gallons by 2012. The amendment would reportedly create some 230,000 jobs in rural ares, increase gross domestic production by $20 billion, reduce imported crude oil by 2 billion barrels of imported crude oil, lower the U.S. trade deficit by $67 billion,and create $51 billion in new farm income. It could mean a huge boost to areas that produce crops such as corn and soybeans that are used in ethanol and biodiesel. Read more.

Publication Helps States Encourage Advanced Technology Vehicles
A new handbook developed by the Alliance to Save Energy with support from Ford Motor Company will help states and localities encourage their residents to purchase and use energy-efficient transportation technologies. The information in The Drive to Efficient Transportation: State Policies to Encourage the Purchase and Use of Light-Duty Advanced Technology Vehicles and Alternative Fuels offers state policymakers a menu of programs that have proved effective in other states. Download the publication.

Food and Paper Industries Pursue Energy Savings
With energy costs near record highs, it's no surprise that a number of industries are trying to find ways to cut their energy use and draw on renewable sources of energy. What may be surprising is the number of ways that industries tackle that challenge.

In the food processing industry, the current focus seems to be on new energy sources and using energy more efficiently. Ocean Spray's plant in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is preparing to use methane gas from a nearby landfill to fuel its boilers. Ocean Spray and Onyx Cranberry Creek Landfill have agreed to build a one-mile-long pipeline to supply the landfill gas to the facility, cutting Ocean Spray's fuel costs by 25 percent. The new system should be ready by fall, in time for the cranberry crop. Meanwhile, Energy and Power Solutions, Inc. is preparing to build three large cogeneration plants at dairy food processing facilities in southern California and Massachusetts. With financing from New Energy Capital Corporation, each project will be fired with natural gas and will produce two megawatts of power while providing heat for food processing. Learn more.

Global Wind Power Study Finds Huge Potential
A new global wind power map has found enough wind energy to easily supply the world's power, according to the American Geophysical Union (AGU). Researchers from Stanford University collected wind speed measurements from about 7,500 surface stations and 500 balloon-launch stations to determine global wind speeds at 80 meters (300 feet) above the surface, which is the hub height of modern wind turbines. Using a mathematical technique to extend those results over the entire globe, the Stanford researchers report that nearly 13 percent of world experiences winds with average annual speeds of 15 miles per hour, which the researchers consider strong enough for power generation. Such wind speeds were found in every region of the world, although North America was found to have the greatest wind power potential. The report will be published this month in the Journal of Geophysical Research - Atmospheres, an AGU publication.

The authors found that the locations with suitable wind resources could produce about 72 trillion watts of power. In contrast, DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated the world's electricity-generating capacity in 2002 at 3.45 trillion watts. Read the press release.

Large Wind Power Plant Moves Ahead in Idaho
Invenergy, LLC is preparing to build Idaho's largest wind plant, a 64.5-megawatt wind power project located about 10 miles southeast of Idaho Falls. PacifiCorp announced last week that it signed a power purchase agreement with Invenergy, allowing the company to move ahead with its Wolverine Creek project, which will comprise 43 1.5-megawatt wind turbines from GE Energy. Invenergy's subsidiary, Wolverine Creek Energy LLC, will build the project and place it in service by the end of this year. The project was one of many proposed to PacifiCorp in response to its February 2004 solicitation and is the first to result in a power purchase agreement. The utility remains in negotiations on other renewable energy projects. Learn more.

May 2005

"We need a different energy strategy than the one we have today, a strategy that uses technology and innovation to diversify our supplies, to make us less dependent on foreign sources of energy, and to improve the environment." – President George W. Bush

NEWS & NOTES

IN MONTANA…
Montana Solar Energy Star Homes Project Announces Solar Electric Rebates
NorthWestern Energy Offering Rebates for Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Montana Laws Set Requirements for Renewable Energy and Ethanol
Judith Gap Wind Farm Receives Final Approval
Idaho Considering Green Power Purchase from Montana
Helena Commissioner Hopes to Add Hybrids to City Fleet

IN OTHER NEWS...
Interested in a Solar Business? Don't Miss This Training!
State Collaborative Offers $4.95 Million for Efficiency, Distributed Energy
EIA Lowers Projections for Gasoline and Oil Prices
Minnesota Doubles Ethanol Requirement to 20 Percent Blend
Idaho Provides Financing, Tax Rebates for Renewable Projects
Starbucks to Purchase Green Tags to Support Wind Development
Large Wind Power Plant Moves Ahead in Idaho
California Continues to Lead the Way with Large Solar Projects
Portland Aims for Gold with Revised Green Building Policy
U.N. Finds Huge Solar and Wind Potential in Developing Countries

IN MONTANA…

Montana Solar Energy Star Homes Project Announces Solar Electric Rebates
To encourage the use of energy efficiency and solar energy in new home construction, the Montana Solar Energy Star Homes Project has announced the availability of rebates to offset the cost of solar electric systems installed in new ENERGY STAR-certified homes. Ten rebates are available to builders within NorthWestern Energy's service territory. To be eligible for the $3,500 solar electric system incentive and the $300 ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest (ESHNW) verification stipend, the home must be a NorthWestern Energy electric customer and the house must be ESHNW-certified. To apply for a rebate, builders must submit a completed application. Learn more about the project.

NorthWestern Energy Offering Rebates for Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Did you know that replacing five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will save $60 or more each year? And now, thanks to NorthWestern Energy's CFL rebates, it makes even more sense to make the switch! Note: You must be a NorthWestern Energy customer to participate. Get the application form.

Montana Laws Set Requirements for Renewable Energy and Ethanol
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer signed two bills into law in late April, establishing requirements for renewable energy and ethanol use throughout the state. Senate Bill 415 requires public utilities to purchase at least 5 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources in 2008, increasing to 15 percent by 2015. Eligible renewable energy sources include small hydropower, most biomass sources, and wind, solar, and geothermal energy, as well as fuel cells using hydrogen generated from any of these energy sources. The law also requires public utilities to buy some of their renewable energy from customer-sited facilities with capacities of 5 megawatts or less. By 2015, such "community renewable energy projects" must provide 75 megawatts of renewable energy capacity for each of the state's public utilities. Montana has two public utilities: NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities. See the full text Senate Bill 415.

Senate Bill 293 requires nearly all gasoline in the state to be blended with 10 percent ethanol. The law will take effect a year after the state's ethanol plants achieve the ability to produce 40 million gallons of ethanol per year and demonstrate that ability for three months. With the mandate in place, the law also reduces tax incentives and credits for the production and sale of ethanol. See the full text of Senate Bill 293.

Other energy-related bills that the governor recently signed include Senate Bill 50, which expands the state's alternative energy revolving loan program and extends it to local government, universities, and nonprofits; Senate Bill 83, which clarifies that renewable energy projects are eligible for the state's renewable resource grants and loans; Senate Bill 340, which provides a tax credit for residential geothermal heating and cooling systems; and Senate Bill 365, which extends funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through 2009.

Judith Gap Wind Farm Receives Final Approval
Montana's Public Service Commission has approved a 20-year contract under which NorthWestern Energy will purchase 135 to 150 megawatts of electricity from a $150 million, large-scale wind farm near Judith Gap. The wind energy purchase accounts for about 7 percent of NorthWestern Energy's electricity needs. According to NorthWestern Energy officials, the wind energy will increase rate stability and provide diversity in its energy sources. The Invenergy Wind Farm could be operating by year's end. Get the full story.

Idaho Considering Green Power Purchase from Montana
Idaho Power Co. has announced that it will buy more electricity generated by non-polluting sources, also called "green power." As part of its plan, Idaho Power has expressed interest in buying hydroelectric power produced at a dam near Toston, southeast of Helena. That contract is being considered by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. The PUC has approved contracts for Idaho Power to buy wind energy from four wind projects to be constructed in the Hagerman, Idaho, area. Learn more.

Helena Commissioner Hopes to Add Hybrids to City Fleet
Could Helena's city fleet soon boast environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles? Yes, if Commissioner Paul Cartwright has anything to say about it. Cartwright is calling on the city's leaders to include hybrids in budget discussions this year. Nineteen cars in the city's 150-vehicle fleet are up for replacement this year. Hybrids cost a few hundred dollars more upfront. But, says, Cartwright, "we'll more than make back the cost in fuel savings.We ought to at least look at it." Read the story.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Interested in a Solar Business? Don't Miss This Training!
Solar Energy International (SEI) will present a two-day training opportunity in Carbondale, Colorado, this summer focusing on starting a solar business. Learn how to establish and operate a successful solar business, and what works and what doesn't. The two-day July workshop is for those serious about being successful renewable energy professionals. Find out more.

State Collaborative Offers $4.95 Million for Efficiency, Distributed Energy
The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC) announced Monday a $4.95-million solicitation for distributed energy and energy efficiency projects. The solicitation is open to state entities for multi-state projects involving distributed energy and energy efficiency in industry, transportation, and buildings, including projects relating to the Rebuild America Program (DOE recently transferred the management of that program to STAC). Formed in November 2002, STAC is a five-year pilot project comprising DOE, the National Association of State Energy Officials, and the Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions. Get the scoop!

EIA Lowers Projections for Gasoline and Oil Prices
A break in near-term oil prices is expected to yield a slight savings at the pump this summer, according to the latest projections from DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). EIA's Short-Term Energy Outlook, released last week projects average summer gasoline prices of $2.17 per gallon, still high by historical standards but well below the $2.28 per gallon anticipated last month. EIA lowered its projection as oil prices fell from nearly $60 a barrel to close to $50 a barrel, largely because increased oil production has boosted crude oil inventories in the United States. Crude oil prices are now expected to average $51 per barrel for the second quarter of 2005, roughly $6 per barrel lower than projected in last month's Outlook. However, global oil markets remain tight, and EIA still expects oil prices to average above $50 per barrel through the end of 2006.

For the latest oil and gasoline prices, see the New York Mercantile Exchange the American Automobile Association's Fuel Gage Report.

Minnesota Doubles Ethanol Requirement to 20 Percent Blend
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into law last week a bill that will double the amount of ethanol used in gasoline throughout the state. Currently, Minnesota law requires all gasoline sold within the state to include 10 percent ethanol. Under the new legislation, all gasoline sold within the state would have to include 20 percent ethanol by 2013. However, the new ethanol mandate will not take effect if ethanol has already replaced 20 percent of the state's motor vehicle fuel by 2010. Read the governor's press release.

Idaho Provides Financing, Tax Rebates for Renewable Projects
Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne signed two laws in April that will promote renewable energy development in the state. Senate Bill 1192 allows independent developers of renewable energy projects in the state to request financing from the Idaho Energy Resources Authority, a new state bonding authority that was created by a separate bill. House Bill 110 provides a rebate of sales or use taxes to purchasers of machinery and equipment used to generate power from clean energy sources. The rebate applies to facilities at least 25 kilowatts in capacity and using as their principal source of power either fuel cells, low-impact hydropower, cogeneration, or wind, geothermal, solar, or biomass energy sources.

Starbucks to Purchase Green Tags to Support Wind Development
Seattle-based coffee retailer Starbucks Corporation will purchase green tags to offset 5 percent of the energy used by its domestic stores with wind energy. The move will reduce the company's carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2 percent, which is equivalent to removing about 3,230 cars from the road annually. Starbucks voluntarily conducted an inventory of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2004 in an effort to understand and evaluate its contribution to climate change and, as a result, set emissions reduction targets for 2005. Get the story.

Large Wind Power Plant Moves Ahead in Idaho
Invenergy, LLC is preparing to build Idaho's largest wind plant, a 64.5-megawatt wind power project located about 10 miles southeast of Idaho Falls. PacifiCorp recently announced that it signed a power purchase agreement with Invenergy, allowing the company to move ahead with its Wolverine Creek project, which will comprise 43 1.5-megawatt wind turbines from GE Energy. Invenergy's subsidiary, Wolverine Creek Energy LLC, will build the project and place it in service by the end of this year. The project was one of many proposed to PacifiCorp in response to its February 2004 solicitation and is the first to result in a power purchase agreement. The utility remains in negotiations on other renewable energy projects. See the press release.

California Continues to Lead the Way with Large Solar Projects
An increasing number of solar energy projects are now being installed across the United States, but California is still king when it comes to really large solar power installations. Shell Solar provides the best proof: last week alone, the company powered up a 350-kilowatt solar power system at the Desert Water Agency in Palm Springs, then dedicated a 980-kilowatt system at the Semitropic Water Storage District in Wasco, about 25 miles northwest of Bakersfield. The Palm Springs system was assembled into large panels at the Shell Solar plant, allowing for easier installation at the site. The Semitropic system, which covers an area equal to about four football fields, employs a unique single-axis tracking system to maximize its power production. See the Shell Solar press releases at http://www.shell.com.California universities and local governments are also leaders in solar power. Cal State Northridge recently dedicated a 467-kilowatt system that also provides shade in one of its parking lots. The campus already has a 225-kilowatt solar power system, making it a leader among California universities. And Alameda County marked Earth Day by dedicating 1.1 megawatts of new solar arrays, located at seven sites across the county. The county now has a total of 2.3 megawatts of solar power projects, all of which were installed by PowerLight Corporation. Get more information.

Portland Aims for Gold with Revised Green Building Policy
Portland, Oregon, has updated its four-year-old Green Building Policy and now requires all municipal buildings to obtain LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Gold certification is the second-highest rating under the USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system. Portland and Scottsdale, Arizona, are now the only two U.S. cities that require municipal buildings to acquire LEED Gold certification. The new policy also requires new city-funded private sector buildings and major retrofits of city-owned buildings to achieve LEED Silver certification, and provides for city support of new private building projects to help them achieve LEED Silver certification. Get the full story.

U.N. Finds Huge Solar and Wind Potential in Developing Countries
Thirteen developing countries hold the potential for thousands of megawatts (MW) of solar and wind power, according to the preliminary results of a study by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The UNEP announced in mid-April that its Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment (SWERA) project has found the potential for 26,000 MW of wind power in Sri Lanka, as well as 7,000 MW of potential wind power in Guatemala and 2,000 MW of potential wind power along Ghana's border with Togo. The project has also carried out studies in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Kenya, Nepal, and Nicaragua. Learn more
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January 2005