by jboullion | May 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article article by Tom Content in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Chicago – Anyone looking for signs that sectors of the economy have found some shelter from the recession needed only to walk the halls of the McCormick Place convention center Thursday.
With more than 1,200 exhibitors, the world’s largest trade show for the wind power industry saw record attendance in its bid to prove that energy from wind has escaped the label “alternative.”
“When you look at this show, you wouldn’t know there’s a slowdown in the economy,” Kim Zuhlke, an executive at Alliant Energy Corp., said while standing between massive booths at the conference Thursday.
Organizers of Windpower 2009, sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association, weren’t sure how their conference would do, but the show ended up attracting more than 20,000 people. That’s 60% more than attended last year in Houston, the association said.
The recession has hit the wind power industry just like every other sector of the economy, as projects stalled for lack of financing. In an industry forecast earlier this year, the association said the wind industry is likely to slow this year after setting records for new projects last year.
“Everyone’s been in a holding pattern. It’s not just wind energy – the entire country had taken a pause,” said Ellen Shafer of Broadwind Energy, based near Chicago.
But the mood at the convention this week has been one of optimism, said Shafer, whose company has two Wisconsin subsidiaries – TowerTech, a Manitowoc maker of wind towers, and Badger Transport of Clintonville, a trucking company specializing in hauling the oversized components that are the of a wind farm development.
by jboullion | May 4, 2009 | Uncategorized
Focus on Energy provides links to renewable energy training courses — professional development, technical colleges, and universities.
by jboullion | May 1, 2009 | Uncategorized
The spring edition of RENEW’s newsletter includes the following articles:
Legislature to Tackle Wind Permitting
The Importance of Doing the Math
Stimulus Package 101
Policy Drives Solar Hot Water Market
PSC Investigates Renewable Tariffs
Open Letter from RENEW President
Calendar
by jboullion | Apr 30, 2009 | Uncategorized
Terry McGowan of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 speaks at the press conference for the introduction of a bill to set uniform siting standards for wind projects in Wisconsin.
From a news release issued by Sen. Jeff Plale, Rep. Jim Soletski, Sen. Randy Hopper, and Rep. Phil Montgomery:
MADISON – A bipartisan coalition of Wisconsin legislators announced that they are introducing legislation that calls for the creation of uniform siting standards for wind energy projects. Senate Bill 185 (SB 185), and its Assembly companion, directs the Public Service Commission (PSC), after public input, including a stakeholder committee, to establish by rule, permitting standards to be applied by local or state government to wind energy installations, regardless of size and location.
“Too many wind projects are victims of delay tactics and other obstructions,” Senator Jeff Plale, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail said. “SB 185 will enhance Wisconsin’s economy by protecting and creating “green-collar” jobs; it will attract new investment to our state and support state energy policy. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that we can make Wisconsin more attractive to wind energy and achieve the resulting economic and environmental benefits.”
“A sensible wind energy policy will help Wisconsin harness the jobs and growth opportunities that green power provides,” stated Representative Jim Soletski, Chair of the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee. “I am excited to be working with a bipartisan group of legislators from diverse regions of the state to remove the obstacles to more development of wind power in Wisconsin. By advancing this legislation, Wisconsin utilities can move toward meeting their obligation to generate clean energy and much needed jobs can be created for our workers.”
“We can’t build a 21st century energy infrastructure by digging in our heels,” Senator Randy Hopper said. “This legislation will ensure that interested parties from all over our state can take part in developing the Public Service Commission’s guidelines.”
“Wind power is job-creating power,” according to Representative Phil Montgomery. “A fair and uniform state standard for siting wind developments will create an environment of investment in our state while moving us closer to our green energy goals.”
In addition to RENEW, the following organizations issued statements of support for Senate Bill 185: CREWE, Clean Wisconsin, Citizens Utility Board, Customers First!, Renewegy, Wind Capital Group, WPPI/Municipal Electric Utilities.
by jboullion | Apr 29, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:
Rising energy costs and concern for energy security and the environment are driving forces in a growing trend to incorporate renewable energy technology into residential housing. Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes Program recognize this as an opportunity for builders. The following checklist of building details is a first step to promote and market the construction of new homes that are built “ready” for future renewable energy installations.
PLANNING AHEAD IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
To maximize the potential benefit of any future solar renewable energy system, the following should be considered when planning and building a home.
1. Reduce loads
Reduce or minimize energy loads where possible through the home’s heating, cooling, water heating and electrical systems. At a minimum the home should satisfy the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program building performance standards and, where possible, incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified lighting, appliances and HVAC systems.
2. Maximize solar access
To maximize solar access, face the roof surface and pitch within 30 degrees of due south. The roof should be unobstructed from both the winter and summer sun and have a slope of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. For more information on solar access, see the Passive Solar Design fact sheet or contact the Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program at 800.762.7077 for solar site assessment information.
3. Follow zoning laws and applicable codes
Wisconsin State law does not allow zoning or covenants that restrict the use of a solar energy system except for reasons of health and safety. Also investigate applicable Uniform Dwelling Code and the National Electric Code as they pertain to any pre-installation requirements.
