Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn 

May 10, 2012

 

Opening
DWEA Federal Policy Update     
An update from Lloyd Ritter, Green Capitol 

 

DWEA members and friends,

 

These are still difficult times in the nation's capital. Not much consequential legislation is being passed, and there is continued partisan bickering over spending and policy priorities, including the Federal budget and clean energy investment in the lead up to the Presidential election this fall. However, with good strategy, good people, hard work and persistence there is some very positive news to report.

 

First, as many of you already know the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently released their final Wind Siting Guidelines. These are technically voluntary, but have had an outsized impact on distributed wind already, slowing or even halting projects in some cases. In light of this challenge, DWEA went to work in the months leading up to the USFWS final document and it has paid off.

 

Prior to our direct engagement, distributed and community wind power projects were not properly distinguished from large, commercial wind farms in terms of the burdens imposed. Now our growing segment of the industry is much more clearly delineated in the Guidelines and the impacts should, in most instances, be quite manageable and often times have little to no impact.  

 

Second, the farm bill's REAP program has been under financial assault. It's been an uphill struggle to maintain broad, bi-partisan program support. Yet, in late April substantial mandatory funding - money that Congress is supposed to allocate year in and year out - was provided in the Senate's farm bill Committee "mark-up" to the tune of $241m over 5 years. We were at zero previously. And some DWEA recommended changes were incorporated to boot.

 

Third, our push to explain, and advocate the need for the ITC extension has thus far made a difference. We worked with allies in the Senate and saw the extension added to multiple amendments. None passed, but progress nonetheless. Lobby Day put the issue front and center for the first time before a much broader audience. Since then we've continued our advocacy, and have materials for distribution, and are spearheading a national support letter to the tax writing Committees in Congress. You can find the letter at www.distributedwind.org. If you would like to add your company to the national support letter, contact [email protected].  

 

We will continue this important work with your help. But in tough times, we have a lot to be proud of. Thank you!

   

   

 Installation of the Month   

 

Vergnet installs their first 275kW in the U.S. 

 

  

VERGNET is happy and proud to announce that its first GEV  MP C 275kW wind turbine in the USA has started producing this past March!

 

The turbine is located in the Sandywoods community in Tiverton, RI (http://www.sandywoodsfarm.org). The Owner of the turbine is the Church Community Housing Corporation, the Client is Alteris (now Real Goods Solar), and the Grid is operated by National Grid.

 

With an average wind speed of 5.5 m/s at 180 feet (55m) hub height and a rotor diameter of 100 feet (32m), it is expected to produce 400 000 kWh per year.

 

The turbine is the guy-wired version of the GEV MP, which is designed for easy and inexpensive installation (only a crane of 20 tons), and easy maintenance at ground level. This turbine has been installed worldwide for almost 10 years and 470 units are now producing.  

 

The monopole version of this turbine, the GEV MP R, uses the same nacelle, rotor, control cabinet, with a self-supporting tower of 100 feet (32m) height, and is already installed in France and in the United Kingdom.

 

To organize a site visit of this project or for more information, contact VERGNET at [email protected]  or [email protected].


Let's Hear from You... 

Have a story or idea for an upcoming newsletter? Submit your thoughts to [email protected]


Upcoming
Events
 

May:

DWEA Article 694 webinar will be May 17th at 11:30 central / 12:30 eastern
For dial in access, email [email protected]

June:


 
DWEA Membership meeting
June 14th 10-noon 
 
 
SideNavPermitting & Zoning Committee Update
 
A message from Lisa DiFrancisco and Roger Dixon  
 
 

The Myth Busters working group has officially started busting small wind myths! Their first topic is "Small Wind Turbines and Health Concerns". Look for this and other myth-busting documents to be posted on the DWEA website soon.  

 

The Companion Document (used with the Model Ordinance) is also being developed; completion is expected in early June. The Installation Map has a new home in the member only section of the website. Members can view the map using their login; submittal forms may be obtained by contacting Jennifer Jenkins.  

 

P&Z Co-chairs Lisa and Roger will lead the Zoning Summit Workshop scheduled for June 11th, 2012. Register for this workshop and for the Small Wind Conference at http://smallwindconference.com/ 

 


       
SideNaviCommittee Corner  

 

Education Committee  

   

Back by popular demand! Jenny Heinzen and Roy Butler will host a DWEA webinar on Thursday, May 17th at 11:30 central that covers the requirements in the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) regarding small wind systems.  Topics to be covered will include:  definitions, listing and labeling requirements, sizing conductors and overcurrent devices, disconnecting means, wiring methods, lightning protection, and grounding. Email [email protected] for call-in information.

 

June is DWEA's Installer Month!

During the month of June, DWEA will celebrate the industry successes in the field! Please forward your recommendations for installations and installers that you would like to see highlighted during DWEA's weekly newsletter series in June. The goal is to highlight jobs, successes, and the hard working people in the field!

 

The deadline for submittal is May 31st. Send stories and nominees to [email protected].

 

 

Get Social with DWEA!
  

 

Like us on FacebookLike   
 Follow us on TwitterTweet 
           View our profile on LinkedInConnect