APP Renewable Energy working group hears update on solar, wind and biomass |
Members of the APP Renewable Energy working group meet at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Thursday, May 15.
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PRESQUE ISLE - Advancements in solar technology are making the alternative energy option more attractive to consumers in Maine. That was the message Todd Maynard, an instructor at Northern Maine Community College (NMCC), presented to the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) Renewable Energy working group, meeting Thursday, May 15, at the University of Maine Presque Isle.
According to Maynard, over the past five years, solar photovoltaic (PV) has averaged an annual growth rate of more than 50 percent. At the end of 2013, about 13 GW of power was produced in the U.S.
Maynard also noted that several factors should lead to an increase in solar in Maine, including federal tax credits of up to 30 percent and the average PV installed system price declined by 15 percent to approximately $4 a watt.
One of the bigger installations coming up in Aroostook County is at the Loring Commerce Centre. This summer Maynard said the Loring Development Authority will be installing an additional 500 kW of solar PV capacity.
With projects like the one at Loring and reductions in costs, Maynard speculates an increase in the need for a skilled workforce.
"We need more training and education," he said. "We need to start training people to not only understand the design the installation, but to maintain the equipment over time."
NMCC President Tim Crowley was also in attendance at the working group meeting indicated the college is committed to providing the necessary education.
"We want to focus our training on technologies that will support the cost reduction for area business and grow the local economy," said Crowley. "For us that is wind, biomass and solar."
Part of the focus of the Renewable Energy working group has and continues to be biomass. According to Daigle Oil Company President Dan Vaillancourt, the industry, with respect to pellets, is still immature, but there has been progress. He said pellet stove sales have been robust. Bulk pellet distribution is improving, but requires some creative thinking because the technology is still evolving.
"We want to make a more efficient and effective way to distribute," said Vallaincourt.
APP President Bob Dorsey also updated the group on the Northeast Biomass Expo recently held in Portland, Maine. Dorsey indicated it would be held again in Maine next year as well. Crowley, who also attended the expo, said next year he would like to see a bigger contingent from Aroostook to tout the biomass successes in the region.
The working group also heard an update on the Oakfield wind farm project from Matt Kearns, vice president of business development for First Wind. He indicated financing is in place to finish the project and it should be in commercial production by the end of 2015. He said earthwork on the ridgeline is 70 percent completed and the transmission corridor from Oakfield to Chester is 90 percent done. The project will employee about 300 in the construction phase and once completed about 12 people will be needed to staff the site.
Dorsey, who leads this working group, stated, "The great part about these working group meetings is both the information that is shared and the networking that occurs as a result of the meetings."
For example, after Maynard provided the solar update and explained the training being conducted at NMCC, Kearns engaged Maynard on their need to work together for, as it turns out, First Wind is starting up an adjunct solar business to compliment their wind business.
"That was the touchdown event of the meeting. NMCC may the opportunity to grow their training programs and First Wind will get more trained and certified technicians for their growing business," said Dorsey.
Attendees were also informed about USDA-Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funds approved in the most recent farm bill. REAP offers grants and/or loan guarantees for the purchase and installation of renewable energy generating systems. Assistance is limited to rural small businesses, farmers and ranchers. Projects must be located in a rural area. REAP grants and guarantees may be used individually or in combination. Together, they may finance up to 75 percent of a project's total cost. Grants can never finance more than 25 percent of a project or $500,000 -- whichever is less.
For more information, contact Cheryl Pelletier at USDA-Rural Development, [email protected].
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