ECOS-FV is pleased to sponsor a presentation by Lynn Markham on
How Food Choices Affect Drinking Water Quality
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010
Place: Menasha Public Library, Corner of Racine and First Streets
Room: Company E Room in lower level
Time: 6:30 PM
In this presentation we will explore questions regarding “Is your drinking water Safe?”, which crops are treated with the most pesticides and are these pesticides getting into our drinking water.
Lynn Markham is a Land Use Specialist with UW-Extension at the Center for Land Use Education at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She helps communities around the state who want to protect their lakes, streams and drinking water by providing them with research-based information and policy options. She has co-authored a number of publications including handbooks about planning for groundwater http://wi.water.usgs.gov/gwcomp/ choosing and protecting waterfront properties, zoning and a new children’s book called The Magic Goggles: Discovering the Secrets of the Lake. Outside of work, Lynn enjoys gardening, cooking, and eating good food as well as exploring natural shorelines with her family.
ECOS-FV meetings are free and open to the public
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Seats still available on the Fond du Lac energy efficiency and renewable energy tour
From a news release issued by UW-Cooperative Extension, Fond du Lac County:
The public is invited to attend a Local Energy Tour on Saturday, July 31st from 8:30 am - noon organized by the Fond du Lac County and the Green Lake County UW-Extension offices.
Fond du Lac County businesses have made this area a unique place to learn about cutting edge energy technologies, and the tour allows participants a chance to see these technologies in action and learn what difference they are making in the financial, environmental, and social bottom lines of these companies. Participants will also discuss the land use consequences of energy production and ways to minimize the negative consequences and maximize the economic benefits.
This guided bus tour will visit:
• Mercury Marine
• Wildlife Acres subdivision
• Vir-Clar Dairy
• Cedar Ridge Wind Farm
• Pheasant Run
• a home with a geothermal pond system installed.
Energy use is a serious economic concern for our region, state, and nation.
• Wisconsin residents spent $22.5 billion in 2008 on imported fossil fuels. This amounts to $9000 per household.
• Unfortunately, it is the energy sources on which we are most dependent right now (coal, oil, & natural gas) that are becoming increasingly volatile in price and limited in availability around the world.
• The only energy expenditures that stay in-state is the amount spent on renewables, because that is the only type of energy we are able to produce locally.
• Only 4.5% of our total energy use in Wisconsin comes from renewable, locally-produced fuels.
A virtual tour including pictures, video, and fact sheets about the sites is available online at www.SustainFDLCounty.org.
Limited seating is available. The tour will begin at and return to Prairie Fest on the campus of UW-Fond du Lac, rain or shine. Email Diana.Tscheschlok@ces.uwex.edu or call 920.929.3173, 920.748.7565, or 920.324.2879 to register.
The public is invited to attend a Local Energy Tour on Saturday, July 31st from 8:30 am - noon organized by the Fond du Lac County and the Green Lake County UW-Extension offices.
Fond du Lac County businesses have made this area a unique place to learn about cutting edge energy technologies, and the tour allows participants a chance to see these technologies in action and learn what difference they are making in the financial, environmental, and social bottom lines of these companies. Participants will also discuss the land use consequences of energy production and ways to minimize the negative consequences and maximize the economic benefits.
This guided bus tour will visit:
• Mercury Marine
• Wildlife Acres subdivision
• Vir-Clar Dairy
• Cedar Ridge Wind Farm
• Pheasant Run
• a home with a geothermal pond system installed.
Energy use is a serious economic concern for our region, state, and nation.
• Wisconsin residents spent $22.5 billion in 2008 on imported fossil fuels. This amounts to $9000 per household.
• Unfortunately, it is the energy sources on which we are most dependent right now (coal, oil, & natural gas) that are becoming increasingly volatile in price and limited in availability around the world.
• The only energy expenditures that stay in-state is the amount spent on renewables, because that is the only type of energy we are able to produce locally.
• Only 4.5% of our total energy use in Wisconsin comes from renewable, locally-produced fuels.
A virtual tour including pictures, video, and fact sheets about the sites is available online at www.SustainFDLCounty.org.
Limited seating is available. The tour will begin at and return to Prairie Fest on the campus of UW-Fond du Lac, rain or shine. Email Diana.Tscheschlok@ces.uwex.edu or call 920.929.3173, 920.748.7565, or 920.324.2879 to register.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wisconsin creating jobs, harnessing wind power
From a news release issued by the Department of Workforce Development:
TOWN of MENASHA – Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said today Governor Doyle’s investments in Wisconsin’s clean energy future are showing gains in manufacturing, job opportunities, a cleaner environment, and a more energy independent Wisconsin.
“Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin is harnessing the wind to power economic growth, creating clean energy jobs,” Secretary Gassman said. “As the economy improves from a deep national recession, the steps Wisconsin has taken to encourage efficiency and renewable energy will continue to pay dividends in the long term.”
Secretary Gassman highlighted Governor Doyle’s successful clean energy efforts during a visit to SCA Tissue. At SCA’s Service Excellence Center in the Town of Menasha, she joined the global manufacturer of tissue and paper products in dedicating four wind turbines, the first commercial units built by Renewegy, LLC. The Renewegy turbines will generate 100 to 125 megawatt-hours per year to help power SCA Tissue’s operations. The turbine-generated electricity will complement other energy-saving steps at the company, including heat recovery systems, energy-saving light bulbs, auto lighting systems and low-energy computer screens.
In operation for two years, Renewegy received a $525,000 grant from Governor Doyle last December to purchase manufacturing equipment and create 40 new jobs. The grant was funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Renewegy is one of more than 300 companies in Wisconsin that provide products and services to the wind industry, employing thousands of people.
TOWN of MENASHA – Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said today Governor Doyle’s investments in Wisconsin’s clean energy future are showing gains in manufacturing, job opportunities, a cleaner environment, and a more energy independent Wisconsin.
“Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin is harnessing the wind to power economic growth, creating clean energy jobs,” Secretary Gassman said. “As the economy improves from a deep national recession, the steps Wisconsin has taken to encourage efficiency and renewable energy will continue to pay dividends in the long term.”
Secretary Gassman highlighted Governor Doyle’s successful clean energy efforts during a visit to SCA Tissue. At SCA’s Service Excellence Center in the Town of Menasha, she joined the global manufacturer of tissue and paper products in dedicating four wind turbines, the first commercial units built by Renewegy, LLC. The Renewegy turbines will generate 100 to 125 megawatt-hours per year to help power SCA Tissue’s operations. The turbine-generated electricity will complement other energy-saving steps at the company, including heat recovery systems, energy-saving light bulbs, auto lighting systems and low-energy computer screens.
In operation for two years, Renewegy received a $525,000 grant from Governor Doyle last December to purchase manufacturing equipment and create 40 new jobs. The grant was funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Renewegy is one of more than 300 companies in Wisconsin that provide products and services to the wind industry, employing thousands of people.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Ledge View announces Fall Food & Energy Festival
Sat., Sept. 11, 2010
Farmers' market, renewable energy and home energy efficiency, alternative fuels, kids' activities, live animals, demonstrations, cheese-making, mushroom hike, and more!
Details here.
Farmers' market, renewable energy and home energy efficiency, alternative fuels, kids' activities, live animals, demonstrations, cheese-making, mushroom hike, and more!
Details here.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
'Green' advocates say clean energy a job-creating engine
From an article by Larry Avila in The Northwestern, Oshkosh:
Ask Jim Funk if there's a future in green energy, he'll likely say "yes."
With millions of gallons of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico and the country in need of new industries to create jobs, advocates of renewable and alternative energy sources think they have momentum on their side. Proponents are pointing to the disaster and high unemployment rates to say now is the time for the government to pass legislation to further development of clean energy.
Funk, who in 2002 formed Energize LLC, a Winneconne-based company that installs solar power systems, was among several participants during a telephone press conference Friday urging Wisconsin Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold to act on clean energy and climate legislation.
"I feel the public really wants clean energy," Funk said. "We have economic challenges today and other countries are facing similar economic and environmental issues … it's critical something happens now because we are in competition for (green) jobs."
Ask Jim Funk if there's a future in green energy, he'll likely say "yes."
With millions of gallons of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico and the country in need of new industries to create jobs, advocates of renewable and alternative energy sources think they have momentum on their side. Proponents are pointing to the disaster and high unemployment rates to say now is the time for the government to pass legislation to further development of clean energy.
Funk, who in 2002 formed Energize LLC, a Winneconne-based company that installs solar power systems, was among several participants during a telephone press conference Friday urging Wisconsin Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold to act on clean energy and climate legislation.
"I feel the public really wants clean energy," Funk said. "We have economic challenges today and other countries are facing similar economic and environmental issues … it's critical something happens now because we are in competition for (green) jobs."
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Bio-diesel project takes 1st place for Appleton East students
From an article by Kathy Walsh Nufer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:
APPLETON —Appleton East High School students are already reaping the rewards of a bio-diesel hybrid project they began last winter with a $10,000 grant from State Farm and an environmentally friendly idea.
Peter Worley, automotive instructor, recently accompanied students Omar Martinez and Heather Ruhl to Kansas City, Mo. where they presented their project — a high-mileage truck that is powered by electricity and bio-diesel fuel — as part of a State Farm Insurance showcase at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
A team of more than 10 judges was so impressed the project took first place in a competition with 11 other schools from around the country that had also been recipients of State Farm grants aimed at stimulating student environmental awareness and commitment to bettering their communities.
"That award gives us another $3,000 for our project, which is huge," Worley said, adding that this is special because East was the first national winner ever in State Farm's Innovation in Sustainability contest. "Heather and Omar did a fantastic job."
Worley is certain widespread participation in the project, from the local employers that donated time, equipment and money, to the varied contributions of East students in screen printing, photography, Web design, electronics, welding, machining, manufacturing, chemistry and biology, put the East project over the top.
APPLETON —Appleton East High School students are already reaping the rewards of a bio-diesel hybrid project they began last winter with a $10,000 grant from State Farm and an environmentally friendly idea.
Peter Worley, automotive instructor, recently accompanied students Omar Martinez and Heather Ruhl to Kansas City, Mo. where they presented their project — a high-mileage truck that is powered by electricity and bio-diesel fuel — as part of a State Farm Insurance showcase at the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
A team of more than 10 judges was so impressed the project took first place in a competition with 11 other schools from around the country that had also been recipients of State Farm grants aimed at stimulating student environmental awareness and commitment to bettering their communities.
"That award gives us another $3,000 for our project, which is huge," Worley said, adding that this is special because East was the first national winner ever in State Farm's Innovation in Sustainability contest. "Heather and Omar did a fantastic job."
Worley is certain widespread participation in the project, from the local employers that donated time, equipment and money, to the varied contributions of East students in screen printing, photography, Web design, electronics, welding, machining, manufacturing, chemistry and biology, put the East project over the top.
Monday, July 12, 2010
College to collect data from wind turbines
From an article by Allison Wickler in the Manitowoc Herald Tribute Reporter:
Lakeshore Technical College's research could provide information for turbine buyers
MANITOWOC — Andrew Hrlevich said his first experience climbing the tower of a wind turbine was a little intimidating.
"But like anything, you get better with practice," Hrlevich, 20, said, which he's done by climbing the Vestas wind turbine installed at Lakeshore Technical College in 2004.
Hrlevich, a wind energy technology student, helped Seventh Generation Energy Systems of Madison with the recent installation of LTC's third wind turbine, the 50-kilowatt Endurance, on LTC's Cleveland campus. The second, the Entegrity, was installed in June.
Both are funded by We Energies, and will be part of research that students will be involved in, said Doug Lindsey, dean of trade, industry and agriculture.
LTC has tracked daily energy and wind production for the Vestas since it was installed, Lindsey said, while it also has been used for student training and provided energy to campus buildings.
"We have probably the most-researched, midsized turbine in Wisconsin," he said.
But for this project, the college will operate the three turbines "head to head" for a year, tracking things like electricity output at different wind speeds and how much maintenance they require — "kind of like Consumer Reports does," Lindsey said.
Watch video of the turbine installation.
Lakeshore Technical College's research could provide information for turbine buyers
MANITOWOC — Andrew Hrlevich said his first experience climbing the tower of a wind turbine was a little intimidating.
"But like anything, you get better with practice," Hrlevich, 20, said, which he's done by climbing the Vestas wind turbine installed at Lakeshore Technical College in 2004.
Hrlevich, a wind energy technology student, helped Seventh Generation Energy Systems of Madison with the recent installation of LTC's third wind turbine, the 50-kilowatt Endurance, on LTC's Cleveland campus. The second, the Entegrity, was installed in June.
Both are funded by We Energies, and will be part of research that students will be involved in, said Doug Lindsey, dean of trade, industry and agriculture.
LTC has tracked daily energy and wind production for the Vestas since it was installed, Lindsey said, while it also has been used for student training and provided energy to campus buildings.
"We have probably the most-researched, midsized turbine in Wisconsin," he said.
But for this project, the college will operate the three turbines "head to head" for a year, tracking things like electricity output at different wind speeds and how much maintenance they require — "kind of like Consumer Reports does," Lindsey said.
Watch video of the turbine installation.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Manitowoc wind tower maker plans to hire 60 workers
From an article by Charlie Mathews in the Manitow Hearld Times Reporter:
MANITOWOC — Paul Smith is excited to hang a "Jobs Open" sign at Tower Tech's manufacturing plant on the Manitowoc River peninsula.
With two major new contracts, the wind tower company's chief operating officer said about 60 people will be hired in the next month, increasing the work force to more than 200.
"It feels pretty good to bring some individuals back from layoff, as well as hire new to do welding, painting, blasting and assembling," said Smith.
The recession hit the wind industry hard, but contracts awarded in late June and this week to supply 265-foot, 200-ton towers for Danish-based Vestas and Spanish firm Gamesa Technology Corp. will keep the Manitowoc plant operating at full capacity for the next year.
"Our people have a work ethic combined with basic fabrication and welding knowledge that enable us to build some of the heaviest towers in the industry better than anybody," Smith said.
It also helps that Milwaukee-based We Energies was looking for Wisconsin suppliers for its $367 million Glacier Hills Wind Park to be erected in 2011 in Columbia County. Tower Tech will build 90 towers for the project.
MANITOWOC — Paul Smith is excited to hang a "Jobs Open" sign at Tower Tech's manufacturing plant on the Manitowoc River peninsula.
With two major new contracts, the wind tower company's chief operating officer said about 60 people will be hired in the next month, increasing the work force to more than 200.
"It feels pretty good to bring some individuals back from layoff, as well as hire new to do welding, painting, blasting and assembling," said Smith.
The recession hit the wind industry hard, but contracts awarded in late June and this week to supply 265-foot, 200-ton towers for Danish-based Vestas and Spanish firm Gamesa Technology Corp. will keep the Manitowoc plant operating at full capacity for the next year.
"Our people have a work ethic combined with basic fabrication and welding knowledge that enable us to build some of the heaviest towers in the industry better than anybody," Smith said.
It also helps that Milwaukee-based We Energies was looking for Wisconsin suppliers for its $367 million Glacier Hills Wind Park to be erected in 2011 in Columbia County. Tower Tech will build 90 towers for the project.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Problems with natural gas "fracing"
In response to the post below about living near a wind turbine, someone posted a comment about comparing wind generation to hydraulic fracutring (fracing) for natural gas. The movie Gasland expseses the problems with fracing.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
No issues with living near wind turbine
From comments by John Bertram submitted to the Public Service Commission for consideration in writing rules for wind siting:
. . . my wife and I own acreage in the Town of Calumet. We have one of the eighty eight wind turbines that make up the Green Field-Blue Sky on our land. We have had absolutely no issues with the turbine since it began operating more than two years ago. As the former Assessor, I was involved in determining the acreage used for the access roads and turbine sites. The 44 turbines in the Town of Calumet used slightly more than 21 acres. Realistically this number could have been smaller if the original developer had not proposed to set back 1000 feet from a rural residence and 600 feet from a non-participating land owner property line. From a technical standpoint the turbines are efficient if they are at least 1000 feet apart. That would mean there could be 1 turbine on 40 acres of land. In the Town of Calumet there are several 40 acre parcels that have a turbine, however because of the residential set-backs, it is more likely to have 1 turbine per 80 acres, I believe that if a set-back is imposed, anything greater than 600 feet would be unthinkable. Actually 400 feet would be more realistic. When I erected my silos I put them next to my barn. Why would I build them 1 1/2 times their height away from where they are needed? I also have a grain elevator leg. It is 65 feet tall and I put it next to the grain storage bins, not 100 feet away in case it might come down. People build homes in wooded areas or they plant trees next to their homes. Using the proposed set-back logic, they should be obligated to clear an area at least 1 1/2 times the height of the tallest tree or not be allowed to plant a tree closer to the home than 1 1/2 times its potential height. Trees will topple easier than any steel or concrete structure.
. . . my wife and I own acreage in the Town of Calumet. We have one of the eighty eight wind turbines that make up the Green Field-Blue Sky on our land. We have had absolutely no issues with the turbine since it began operating more than two years ago. As the former Assessor, I was involved in determining the acreage used for the access roads and turbine sites. The 44 turbines in the Town of Calumet used slightly more than 21 acres. Realistically this number could have been smaller if the original developer had not proposed to set back 1000 feet from a rural residence and 600 feet from a non-participating land owner property line. From a technical standpoint the turbines are efficient if they are at least 1000 feet apart. That would mean there could be 1 turbine on 40 acres of land. In the Town of Calumet there are several 40 acre parcels that have a turbine, however because of the residential set-backs, it is more likely to have 1 turbine per 80 acres, I believe that if a set-back is imposed, anything greater than 600 feet would be unthinkable. Actually 400 feet would be more realistic. When I erected my silos I put them next to my barn. Why would I build them 1 1/2 times their height away from where they are needed? I also have a grain elevator leg. It is 65 feet tall and I put it next to the grain storage bins, not 100 feet away in case it might come down. People build homes in wooded areas or they plant trees next to their homes. Using the proposed set-back logic, they should be obligated to clear an area at least 1 1/2 times the height of the tallest tree or not be allowed to plant a tree closer to the home than 1 1/2 times its potential height. Trees will topple easier than any steel or concrete structure.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Bonus incentives and free energy reviews for WPS farm customers
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (July 6, 2010) - Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service have teamed up to provide a new offer exclusively for farms in the WPS service area. WPS agribusiness customers with a home and farm located on the same property are now eligible to receive a free energy review and enhanced bonus incentives for implementing multiple energy-efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades.
During the free energy review, a professional energy advisor will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of the agribusiness facility and a walk-through of the participant's home to identify energy-saving opportunities, including renewable energy opportunities. Following the review, participants will receive a customized report outlining recommendations, information about financial incentives, and details on the new enhanced bonus incentives.
Bonus incentives for up to twice the standard Focus on Energy incentives are available after completing two or more efficiency and/or renewable upgrades on the property (farm and/or home). The more projects completed, the bigger the bonus.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Focus on Energy and schedule an energy review today. For more information, and to schedule a free energy review, please visit focusonenergy.com/wps, e-mail wpsfarmbonus@focusonenergy.com or call 800.762.7077.
MADISON, Wis. (July 6, 2010) - Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service have teamed up to provide a new offer exclusively for farms in the WPS service area. WPS agribusiness customers with a home and farm located on the same property are now eligible to receive a free energy review and enhanced bonus incentives for implementing multiple energy-efficiency and/or renewable energy upgrades.
During the free energy review, a professional energy advisor will conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of the agribusiness facility and a walk-through of the participant's home to identify energy-saving opportunities, including renewable energy opportunities. Following the review, participants will receive a customized report outlining recommendations, information about financial incentives, and details on the new enhanced bonus incentives.
Bonus incentives for up to twice the standard Focus on Energy incentives are available after completing two or more efficiency and/or renewable upgrades on the property (farm and/or home). The more projects completed, the bigger the bonus.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Focus on Energy and schedule an energy review today. For more information, and to schedule a free energy review, please visit focusonenergy.com/wps, e-mail wpsfarmbonus@focusonenergy.com or call 800.762.7077.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Communities can reach 25×25
From a news release issued by Governor Jim Doyle on the success of the ten communities in Energy Independent (EI) Pilot -- Brown County; Chequamegon Bay (including the cities of Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn, the towns of Bayfield and La Pointe, the counties of Ashland and Bayfield, the Red Cliff tribe and the Bay Area Regional Transit authority); Columbus; Evansville; Fairfield; Marshfield; Oconomowoc; Osceola, including the school district; Platteville and Lancaster; Spring Green, including the school district:
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced ten Energy Independent (EI) Pilot Communities are well on their way toward achieving “25 x 25” – getting 25 percent of their electricity and 25 percent of their transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025.
“Through the EI Pilot program communities have found ways to reduce their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Governor Doyle. “This is significant considering we spend $16 billion on fossil fuel energy every year in Wisconsin, and all those dollars go outside of our state. We are finding ways to reduce our dependence
and generate jobs in Wisconsin.”
Two independent reports released by the Office of Energy Independence revealed how the ten EI Pilot Communities were able to accomplish 98 percent of their collective 25 x 25 goal.
The communities reduced their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent and reduced their 2025 carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent.
The information gathered by the EI Pilot Communities will assist Wisconsin local units of government including the 140 EI Communities to decide which strategies will work best with their unique assets and capitalize on the diversity of their resources.
The reports were conducted by two non-partisan research and policy organizations: the Local Government Institute and the Energy Center of Wisconsin.
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced ten Energy Independent (EI) Pilot Communities are well on their way toward achieving “25 x 25” – getting 25 percent of their electricity and 25 percent of their transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025.
“Through the EI Pilot program communities have found ways to reduce their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Governor Doyle. “This is significant considering we spend $16 billion on fossil fuel energy every year in Wisconsin, and all those dollars go outside of our state. We are finding ways to reduce our dependence
and generate jobs in Wisconsin.”
Two independent reports released by the Office of Energy Independence revealed how the ten EI Pilot Communities were able to accomplish 98 percent of their collective 25 x 25 goal.
The communities reduced their overall 2025 fossil fuel-based energy consumption by 30 percent and reduced their 2025 carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent.
The information gathered by the EI Pilot Communities will assist Wisconsin local units of government including the 140 EI Communities to decide which strategies will work best with their unique assets and capitalize on the diversity of their resources.
The reports were conducted by two non-partisan research and policy organizations: the Local Government Institute and the Energy Center of Wisconsin.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Xcel Energy and co-sponsors release Phase One of Transmission Study for transporting wind energy across Upper Midwest
From an news release issued by Excel Energy:
MINNEAPOLIS – Phase One of a comprehensive study released today by a coalition of energy leaders, identifies future transmission needs in the Upper Midwest to support renewable energy development and to transport that energy to population and electricity load centers. Xcel Energy is co-sponsoring the study with Electric Transmission America – a joint venture between subsidiaries of American Electric Power and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, American Transmission Company, Exelon Corp., NorthWestern Energy and MidAmerican Energy Company.
The Strategic Midwest Area Transmission Study (SMARTransmission) sponsors retained Quanta Technology LLC to evaluate extra-high voltage transmission alternatives for new transmission development in the Upper Midwest. In phase one, Quanta evaluated eight transmission alternatives designed to support the integration of significant new wind generation within the study area, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The plans would accommodate the integration of up to 56.8 gigawatts of wind generation. This translates into enough energy to power over 15 million households. If it is determined that less wind energy is needed, transmission recommendations would be adjusted accordingly.
The study’s Phase One results recommend three alternatives for further study based on a rigorous reliability assessment and stakeholder input. One of the alternatives is primarily 765-kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission, another includes 765 kilovolt combined with limited use of high-voltage direct current transmission lines, while the third constitutes a combination of both 345-kilovolt and 765-kilovolt transmission lines. The three alternatives will be evaluated further during the second phase of the study, scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2010. The Phase One report can be downloaded at www.smartstudy.biz.
MINNEAPOLIS – Phase One of a comprehensive study released today by a coalition of energy leaders, identifies future transmission needs in the Upper Midwest to support renewable energy development and to transport that energy to population and electricity load centers. Xcel Energy is co-sponsoring the study with Electric Transmission America – a joint venture between subsidiaries of American Electric Power and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, American Transmission Company, Exelon Corp., NorthWestern Energy and MidAmerican Energy Company.
The Strategic Midwest Area Transmission Study (SMARTransmission) sponsors retained Quanta Technology LLC to evaluate extra-high voltage transmission alternatives for new transmission development in the Upper Midwest. In phase one, Quanta evaluated eight transmission alternatives designed to support the integration of significant new wind generation within the study area, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The plans would accommodate the integration of up to 56.8 gigawatts of wind generation. This translates into enough energy to power over 15 million households. If it is determined that less wind energy is needed, transmission recommendations would be adjusted accordingly.
The study’s Phase One results recommend three alternatives for further study based on a rigorous reliability assessment and stakeholder input. One of the alternatives is primarily 765-kilovolt extra-high voltage transmission, another includes 765 kilovolt combined with limited use of high-voltage direct current transmission lines, while the third constitutes a combination of both 345-kilovolt and 765-kilovolt transmission lines. The three alternatives will be evaluated further during the second phase of the study, scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2010. The Phase One report can be downloaded at www.smartstudy.biz.
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