Energy Law

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released its annual market report today. Highlights include:

• Over 10,000 MW of wind was installed in 2009, the largest year in U.S. history, keeping the U.S. as the global leader in wind power;
• Current U.S. wind power capacity is over 35,000 MW. Wind provided 39% of all new generating capacity in 2009;
• Wind energy provided 1.8% of U.S. power in 2009;
• The wind industry supported 85,000 jobs across all 50 states in 2009

An overview of the report is available here.

The new VSJF RFP is for the research and development of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock. The VSJF is seeking proposals that will lead to the development of improved methods and practices for the cultivation, harvest, and/or processing of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock. Projects must be capable of conducting applied or laboratory-based research, which shall be identified in the applicant?s proposal. Grant funds may not be used to purchase high-end analytical equipment. These funds have a 20% matching requirement.

You can apply here

The Vermont Economic Development Authority has given preliminary approval to an Essex Junction alternative energy company to tap into federal stimulus funds for a $50 million project.

Skypoint Solar Inc. plans on using $25 million in tax-exempt Recovery Zone Facility Bonds as part of its financing to start up a solar cell manufacturing plant that would create an estimated 425 jobs, VEDA said in a press release.

Connecticut could become the first state to roll back its renewable portfolio standard, which is the amount of electricity that, by state mandate, must come from renewable sources.

Over the past several years, the term ?smart grid? has grown from a buzzword to a working reality. Millions of two-way communicating, digital smart meters have been deployed, distribution grid sensors and control systems are coming online, demand response devices are shedding peak power in homes and businesses, and utilities are tying together the overarching networks and software systems to make them all work. But this is just the start.

Last month it looked like fuel cells weren?t such a good match for utilities in California, when an administrative law judge made a preliminary decision to reject fuel cell projects from California utilities. But oh how things change in a month ? this afternoon the California Public Utilities Commission has approved a request from PG&E and Southern California Edison to install fuel cells from Bloom Energy and FuelCell Energy on campuses in California.

On Monday, a group of 47 companies and organizations sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to make individuals' energy usage data easy to access. The group included powerhouses such as Google, AT&T, General Electric, Intel and the Center for American Progress.