How communities can take control of their energy futures | Commentary | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

from MPR NewsQ
by John Farrell
March 5, 2010

Energy self-reliant states have stronger economies. And new data on wind power potential reveals that five Midwestern states could match their current electricity use with domestic wind power.
But along with the good news, these states -- Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan -- should take note of the stakes.

"I live out on the Buffalo Ridge [in southwest Minnesota]...I look out my window and I see hundreds of wind turbines. When I look at those turbines I'm happy and I'm sad... Most of those turbines are owned by our friends, the foreign multinationals. Out of two counties in Minnesota we export about $80 million a year to France, Florida, Italy, Portugal, Spain. All of our energy future is going out the door when we could be turning that into something real for us." -- Minnesota community wind developer Dan Juhl.

How can these five states get "something real"? There are 32 states that have enough in-state renewable energy to be energy self-reliant. And successful models in these states illustrate how local ownership, energy efficiency and innovative local government financing can maximize the economic returns of this resource.

A single wind turbine creates $1 million in economic activity, according to the American Wind Energy Association. And that's just a generic, utility-scale turbine.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has shown that a locally owned wind turbine creates twice the jobs, and three to four times the economic impact...
Read full story:How communities can take control of their energy futures | Commentary | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

Global Energy Policy Event

Denmark’s Greener Future: Influencing Global Energy Policy

Thursday, October 1, 2009
1:30 to 2:30pm
Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey Center

Due to President Obama visit to Denmark to address the Olympic Committee, Friis Arne Petersen, Danish Ambassador to the United States will be accompanying the president. The Danish Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Søren Jensen will speak on Thursday.

In anticipation of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP15), DCM Jensen, will offer a preview of what might be the new global agreement on the reduction of man-made greenhouse gases. With portions of the Kyoto protocol expiring in 2012 the summit in Copenhagen marks the last chance to implement a new agreement.

Denmark is a leader in adopting renewable energy programs, with 17% of the country’s energy coming from renewable sources of power. A global agreement that that combines respect for the environment with living standards and long-term security of the energy supply is the highest political priority for the Government of Denmark. Learn more about how Denmark is pursing a greener future at this interesting conversation and how we can all be involved.

This free event is sponsored by the Humphrey Institute’s Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy and the Minnesota International Center.

This email was sent by:
Center for Science, Technology & Public Policy
University of Minnesota
319 Nineteenth Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-3032
hhh.umn.edu/centers/stpp

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cstpp/policycatalyst/

© 2008 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

RPU Ranks Solar as Preferred Renewable Energy Source

RPU seeks power from rooftops

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 8/27/2009
By Christina Killion Valdez

On Tuesday, Rochester Public Utilities approved its 2009 Infrastructure Plan Update, a guideline for power supply planning that ranked solar higher than wind as the preferred source of renewable energy for the utility company in the future.

The plan provides recommendations as to when and what resources will be needed through 2045. Those recommendationsand public comments, will serve as a guide for future budgeting, Koshire said. SE CERTS Board member RAy Schmitz suggested a future where Rochester residents and businesses would have solar panels on their rooftops, making them producers as well as consumers of electricity.

Read the full story.

Making the Electric Grid Smarter, Stronger, Greener and More Secure.

Experiment in Rural Cooperation is showing this webinar (not as a formal host site) at the Heintz Center on TUES, 6/23... come if you wanna. Room HC112.
Tuesday, June 23, 2:30-4pm
Dr. Massoud Amin's webinar, Making the Electric Grid Smarter, Stronger, Greener and More Secure
NOTE THE BIOMASS SEMINAR IS THE FOLLOWING THURS, JUNE 25, 1:30-3, ALSO IN ROOM HC112.

Dr. Massoud Amin's webinar, Making the Electric Grid Smarter, Stronger, Greener and More Secure.
Tuesday, June 23, 2:30-4pm
For more details or to register:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/247597690

The North American Electric Grid is considered to be the world’s largest machine as well as one of the 20th century’s greatest technological achievements. However, this same magnificent grid has grown old and out-of-date over the years and many believe it is not currently ready or able to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Dr. Massoud Amin will offer some much needed context on these topics and share his thoughts on how we need to move forward. In this information packed hour, he will use data, graphs, research, and his witty metaphors to:

• The current status of the electric power grid
• A historical context as to what has happened during the last 10-15 years
• Pathways forward on how we can make the Grid Smarter, Stronger, Greener, and More Secure

Following his presentation, Dr. Amin will take questions for the remainder of the hour.

Instructor Info:
Dr. Massoud Amin has pioneered R&D into smart electric power grids, coined the term 'self-healing grid,' and led the development of more than 24 advanced technologies for our national critical infrastructures. He is currently the Director of the Center for the Development of Technological Leadership and a professor at the University of Minnesota. His areas of expertise include: Systems and Controls; Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP); Development and Management of R&D initiatives; Strategic Planning and Implementation. Earlier in his career, Dr. Amin was the Area Manager of Infrastructure Security, Grid Operations/Planning, and Energy Markets at EPRI in Palo Alto, California.

Rochester Invites Energy Commission Applicants

The City of Rochester is establishing an Energy Commission (Ordinance 19A. Energy Commission) and is seeking 9 volunteers to guide energy-efficiency, land-use, transportation, and other policies that will lead the city to a sustainable future. Applicants must be a resident of Rochester and have a desire to serve their community in a volunteer capacity and be willing to contribute the number of hours necessary.

If you're interested in participating, please download an application from the link below, apply online, or for more information, call 507-328-2700. The Mayor interviews applicants and shall appoint a member subject to city council confirmation.

SE CERTS March Meeting Notes

3/17/09 Steering Committee Meeting, Heintz Center

GUEST SPEAKER:
Christian Milaster, Project Licht ‘n Stein:
"Off the Grid, Off-the-Well, and Off-the-Furnace: Renewable Energy in 21st-Century Comfort!"

Contact: questions@lichtnstein.org
or for more information see: http://consulting.lichtnstein.org/

About 4 years ago, Milaster researched and built a low maintenance, super efficient home in the rural Lanesboro area that runs on a utility bill of $100/year. The footprint of house is 40x40. Christian wanted to help people figure out how to conserve in their existing homes and then what to do when they expand and remodel. He built his home to demonstrate that building an efficient home is both possible and affordable – and it can be done without feeling like you’re “doing without.”

A few highlights:

• Philosophy is is SMART Conservation – Simple, Meaningful, Affordable, Realistic and using Technology, without a major reduction of comfort
• With 10-year average annual increase of energy prices, house will save approximately $300,000 over the next 30 years in utility bills… and if projections are accurate, it may be far more.
• Fiber cement siding, w/ 25-year warranty, recycled plastic deck… He looked at maintenance issues and lifetime costs
• Use ~ 3 kWh/day during the week with 2 working adults – 5.5 kWh/day on weekends (or about 1/7th of their energy usage); American average is closer is 25-30 kWh/day;
• Have reduced fossil fuel dependence by 98%; reduced 70-80-% of water usage (<40>
• For every dollar he spent on conservation, he saved between $2.50 and $18.00 on renewable energy equipment he wold have needed
• $0 electric bill… off-grid with wind power (Bergey)… and close on the PV system; Avoided $12,000 cost for connection with Tri-County Electric - Will be $18,000 project with wind and solar PV
• Have inverter and battery (lead-acid) charging… can go about 3-4 days without added power; insulated battery cause perform optimally @ 77 degrees
• Energy Efficiency appliances: Kenmore with 1 kWh/day; gas range that uses NO electricity (peerless); air-to-air exchanger; central vacuum, washing machine and dishwasher; energy efficient lighting, some LED rope lights; phantom loads elimination (timers, switches, remote-controlled outlets)
• Wind provides ~ 80-90% of energy in winter
• Off-the-well: no well, no city water, no sewer – get about 45,000 gallons of rainwater per year (1 inch gives 1,500 gal of nice, soft water) – 60-70 gallons/day/person is average use in US; low-flow dual-flush toilet; use standing seam steel roof for collection with leaf-protected gutters; three 2,500 gal cisterns designed to last 100 days; will add a carbon filter, reverse osmosis to make it drinkable.
• $0 heating bill – radiant heat more comfortable and cost effective. Three systems to make heating system including passive solar design, masonry stove and solar radiant in-floor heat
• Passive solar – 60% of glazing on south side; high solar heat gain coefficient; triple pane windows and insulated concrete forms
• Heat Storage – 4-inch cement slab and slate floor
• Distribution: radiation from thermal mass
• Control – sunny days; on; cloudy days/window shades: off
• Masonry stove - Build a fire once-a-day to keep temps up – burn fast and hot, which means pretty clean; requires short-term tending. $25,000
• Radiant in-floor heat; with hot water and heat storage tank – 12 zones with 12 programmable thermostats;
• Icynene in ceiling; cellulose in all stud walls
• Awning windows and casement windows (to help with cooling)
  

Why did he do it? – "We are using more fossil fuels than we’re able to create; to demonstrate it can be done; to use what nature provides… it is possible and it works!"

Note: This presentation was videotaped and once edited, segments will be posted on the SE CERTS website.

Other Agenda items:

Melissa updated committee on funding stuff and some of our various federal $ ideas

• CERT staff have testified on our core funding bill in the Senate and (and now the House, too). We’re requesting $1.25 million in funding for all seven regions, over two years, from the Renewable Development Fund. Both the Senate and House have laid our legislation over for consideration as part of the omnibus spending package.
• Numerous groups have been pulling together information about the energy components of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a.k.a. the federal stimulus package.
• Some of the many good resources include:
  - Minnesota Office of Energy Security’s new website: http://www.energy.mn.gov/, with a special section dedicated to Federal Stimulus info
  - The CERT site: http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/get-answers/02/03/2009/now-time-make-energy-efficiency-improvements-your-home
  - Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits – for all you ever wanted to know regarding new federal tax credits!
  - DSIRE: http://www.dsireusa.org/ – Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy has information on the PTC/ITC, CREBs, and various other grants and incentives.

CERTs has also pitched a few ideas in response to new state monies coming through the ARRA. They include:

• A state-wide Appliance Harvest – that would work with utilities across the state, and across service territory to harvest old/unused refrigerators and freezers and ensure that utilities are able to garner the energy savings from recovering these appliances. Anne noted that we really need to work with counties to make sure that this is something they’re also on-board with and don’t see as a conflict with their solid waste recovery efforts. (Update: Joel has followed up with Anne on this and is now working to connect with Mark Gamm who is the Director of Solid Waste administrators for Dodge Co. and chair of their statewide body).
• Clean energy census…. Coordinate with Senior High Schools, have those students do the actual work of asking the questions/get them trained. Peer pressure approach; could it double as a fundraiser for schools/students for them to do their own project. (Update: we testified on this idea last night, March 31st, and got a positive reception. People like the idea of having students involved).

Andy Potts talked about the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Apprenticeship Program as it relates to renewable energy:

• IBEW hasn't trained much with solar PV (hasn’t been much interest). They volunteered labor for the Mayo High School Solar PV project –and include PV training in curriculum (book), but don’t have the hands-on piece; that’s why the Mayo project was great; next one will likely be Century High School
• Then train on large wind… gear toward safety, high voltage cable termination, code of excellence course, grounding, rescue from towers, climbing. Lots of potential for big wind 3000 MW in southern MN and Northern Iowa
• Members who are interested in small wind; starting to do manufacturing; seems that interest is growing, especially based on federal funding incentives
• As you get more systems on-line – VISIBILITY - then it attracts more interest; people see it actually happening
• There are also still barriers in paying for 20 years of power up-front; systems are still expensive; high up-front costs are tough
• Likely suspects could be any “big-box” structure – sign a contract for power @ a certain rate… bank owns the system.
• If folks don’t see another contractor making the money on that kind of work, then they don’t want to invest in the training
• Renewable Energy Payments (feed-in tariff) could change the dynamic and make these sorts of investments more likely.
• As the State steps up with rebates, it generates more interest.
• To get rebate must be a certified electrical contractor; for solar rebate must get the NABSEP certification. Licensed electrician to do the connection to the grid.

Melissa wonders about outstate training programs through the MN Renwable Energy Society… should they wait until there is more demand? Or maybe this would drive demand (and market with federal incentives)?

Other Discussion:

Art Reckinger is on a crusade to get folks interested in PV and geothermal (combined systems).

Regional Science Fair – are done! SE CERTs recognized top projects on clean energy and energy efficiency. See listing of the SE CERTS Scholarship winners here. Thanks to Roger Wacek, Larry Landherr and Sig Anderson for serving as judges.

Ray Schmitz reported that the Rochester City Council @ Committee of the Whole voted to create a Sustainability Committee is organizing a meeting later this spring to get more community involvement.

Upcoming SE CERTS meetings:

We will have SE regional team meetings in Northfield on May 19th & Winona on July 21st (tentative date).

American Recovery and Reinvestment Guidebook

Congressman Walz's office has created the American Recovery and Reinvestment Guidebook, which can be read online. The parts related to energy begin on page 22.

From Congressman Walz:

We are facing an historic economic crisis that requires bold action to get our economy moving again. Last month, I joined my colleagues in supporting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which is aimed squarely at jumpstarting our economy and getting people back to work quickly.

To help Minnesota communities, businesses and individuals navigate this large
and complex piece of legislation, I have prepared a guidebook to assist people
in determining how the recovery funds can best help southern Minnesota.

Click here for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Guidebook.

If you need additional assistance, please email me by clicking here or call my Mankato office at 507-388-2149.

Rochester Discusses Establishing an Energy Commission

Councilman Bob Nowicki invites the public to the Rochester Committee of the Whole meeting this afternoon where the establishment of an Energy Commission will be discussed. Councilman Nowicki wrote:

ENERGY COMMISSION: A number of you have expressed interest in what the city is doing or has done to address sustainablity, energy conservation, rising costs of energy, etc. and so I'd like to invite you to this Monday's, February 9, COW (Committee of the Whole) meeting at the Gov't Center, Conference Room 104 starting at 3:30.

We will discuss a proposal to establish an Energy Commission for the City and most likely will be looking for candidates for that commission should we decide to move forward on the proposal. I'd suggested in the past for other commissions that each council member appoint a member but in reality I think we should probably have a nominating committee and ask for applications. ???? OPen for suggestions.

Attached is the "prep package" I received for the meeting.

In addition, the League of Minnesota Cities prepared a pretty good video on "Green Cities" that I think we should all look at. It's 27 minutes long so bring a snack, do it while on the treadmill, whatever. Go to http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/community-projects/project-planning/local-government/green-cities-leading-way"

Renewable Energy Payment Conference (Follow Up)

Notes from SE CERTS January meeting:
Discussion in response to Renewable Energy Payment Conference at St. Olaf College
- "Renewable Energy Payments" formerly described as "Feed-in Tariff" – see a detailed white paper here: http://www.newrules.org/de/feedin.html
- Conference website includes all presentations: http://www.newrules.org/de/fitconference.html
- The way Europe funds their solar and wind systems; Government sets a tariff structure - @ ~ $0.40 - $0.50 / kW – to establish a structure for selling wind and/or solar energy; compensates for the cost to actually put it up and gears incentive toward smaller producers – say this is the driver for Spain and Germany
- Models being developed in United States, WeEnergies program in WI is similar (subscribed right away, geared directly toward production); Michigan is also examining this
- Rep. Hilty, Sen. Anderson, Rep. Bly were all at conference; think this may have legs
- Could there be issues with handling the supply and the load? Distribution management level (micro) vs. transmission management level (macro). Is the smart grid the answer to all of these concerns?
- Reimbursed based-upon the effectiveness of what you’re installing; pay more to folks who put up systems in less efficient areas, but claim that this helps disperse where development occurs so that it’s not overly concentrated. This also speaks to the idea that if you have a renewable energy system on your home or business, you’re more likely to actually know what a kWh IS and how much you USE.
- Almost exclusively designed to be grid connected (not to serve both sides of the meter by powering your home and business and the grid)
- Article: “taking the red tape out of green power” – good national summary: http://www.newenergychoices.org/uploads/redTape-rep.pdf - Who pays for the differential cost in power? Good question – our rate might be closer 15-20 cents/kW – rate payers would subsidize one another; it’s a guaranteed income for those who install systems at the expense of the “average person”
- Grid parity for solar by 2015? Is the renewable energy payment system ill-timed for the current pricing structure? What if parity happened in 5 years? Would it really be necessary, with the existing 30% tax credit, to move it forward? You still have to pay for the system up-front and need to get that cash somewhere.
- 67 turbines on I-90 south of Dexter (not yet commercial)… SMMPA has had to shut down their turbines cause it cost money to inject it (not sufficient transmission); what about storage? Battery storage technologies cost $3.2 million/MW (almost 50% more costly than the wind generation itself); what about flywheels, compressed air storage? There are (ONLY) 850 MW of storage worldwide right now.
- Iowa State project for wind-generated hydrogen that could then be pipelined. Does anyone know the status of this project?

Bringing Renewable Energy Home: Energy Policies To Maximize Energy Security And Economic Development

John Farrell has organized a conference here in Minnesota in early January to hear from national and international experts on renewable energy payments (a.k.a. feed-in tariffs). It will be also be a good opportunity to learn about legislative efforts in Minnesota and other Midwestern states to get this policy into place. Here are the details:

Bringing Renewable Energy Home:
Energy Policies To Maximize Energy Security And Economic Development
January 9, 2009 @ St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

-- Feed-in tariff guru Paul Gipe gives the policy overview
-- National policy expert Wilson Rickerson illustrates the spreading wave of feed-in tariff legislation
-- Willi Voigt shares his experience with implementing feed-in tariffs in Germany and their stunning success

Other panel discussions and plenty of Q&A with the experts.

Only $85 to register before December 15th!
Click the link below for more information:
http://www.newrules.org/de/fitconference.html