|
|
 |
Project and Location News |
|
ITC Proposes $10-12B "Green Power Express"
ITC is seeking approval from FERC to construct up to $12B in wind infrastructure to run from the Dakotas and Minnesota to population centers in the midwest, including Chicago among others. The project, named "Green Power Express," includes 3,000 of extra-high-voltage transmission lines and an international array of partnerships.
In other project news:
|
|
Market Update |
|
Westar Issues RFP for 500 MW from Renewable Energy Sources
Westar Energy of Kansas has issued an RFP to purchase up to 500MW of energy from renewable sources. Proposals are due March 30, and they estimate that as much as 200 MW electricity will be online as early as late 2010.
In other market news:
|
|
Technology Update |
|
Purdue Univ. Researcher Produces More Ethanol from Cellulose at a Lower Cost
A researcher at Purdue University has discovered that, if corn products are shredded instead of chopped, better access is obtained to the cellulose needed to produce ethanol. This new process requires approximately 40 percent less energy to gain access to more of the material stored in the plant.
In other technology news:
|
|
Incentives and Policy News |
Biomass Project Development Tutorial Provides Technical Assistance on Alternative Energy Issues in the Stimulus Package
Mississippi Technolgy Alliance - Strategic Biomass Initiative is one of two supporting organizations, along with the United States Department of Agriculture, for the upcoming Biomass Project Development Tutorial to be held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia. On February 17th, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which includes a wide variety of provisions in support of the renewable fuels industry in general and the biomass community in particular. Three of the most notable items in the stimulus package include:
- $800 million in biomass project and research & development funding via the Department of Energy,
- Extension of the PTC (Production Tax Credit) for biomass and solid waste through 2013, and
- Conversion of the PTC into the ITC (Investment Tax Credit) for selected biomass projects.
Contact Sumesh Arora, Director of Strategic Biomass Initiative for discounted registration to the event (email: sarora@mta.ms or phone: 601-960-3659)
In other incentives and policy news:
|
|
Workforce Trends |
|
Wind Industry Hiring Despite Rising Unemployment
Turbine manufacturer Vestas has announced plans to increase production and hire 3,000 workers in the U.S. alone.
In other workforce news:
|
|
Conference News |
|
Arora to Address Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America, Las Vegas, March 10-12, 2009
Sumesh Arora, director of the MTA Strategic Biomass Initiative, will be moderating two sessions at the upcoming Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America in Las Vegas, Nev., March 10-12. In addition to these sessions he will moderate a table at the networking breakfast which is a side event at this conference. This is Arora's second year serving on the planning committee for the conference which draws attendees from around the globe. This conference offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. This event is expected to bring together 5,000 renewable energy power professionals with 300 exhibitors for three days of networking, new business negotiation and the exchange of important ideas and information impacting the renewable energy industry today. Click here for more information about the conference.
|
|
Company Profile: Vestas Wind Systems A/S |
|
Danish Turbine Manufacturer Inspires Debate on Incentives
Vestas Wind Systems A/S (VWS) is based in Denmark and is a leading producer of high technological wind power solutions, with approximately 20,000 employees worldwide. Vestas has facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Its first wind turbine was installed in 1979, and today has a 23% market share with 38,000 wind turbines installed. Its shares are traded on the XETRA trading system based in Frankfurt, Germany, and the stock price at this writing is 33.87 euros, with a 52-week high of 94.04 euros and a 52-week low of 24.11 euros. Company executives justify the incentive dollars received in the U.S. by pointing out the benefits to the U.S. economy and individual investors in the U.S. if the company prospers.
| |
|
|
|
