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Mass. lawmakers offer possible lifeline for struggling Cape Wind
“I’m not sure what Cape Wind’s next move will be, but anybody who is developing an offshore wind piece, this bill is going to be for them,” said Haddad, who is second only to the speaker in the House hierarchy. “If Cape Wind wants to compete and they want to bring a lower price to the table, then they are going to be successful.” [ read more … ]
Blowing away myths: Study says wind energy could be even more reliable than baseload power
What happens when the wind doesn’t blow? That’s a question that wind power skeptics or critics frequently ask. While coal, nuclear and gas plants theoretically run uninterrupted whenever they are called upon, humans have no control over when wind turbines stop and start spinning. Some utility and power company officials say this is a reason that “reliable,” baseload power should be valued more than wind. But in a report released Thursday and an accompanying webinar, experts with the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) explained how wind can actually be seen as a more reliable source than conventional power plants — one that contributes to rather than inhibits the stability of the grid as a whole. [ read more … ]
As States Retreat, NASEO Touts Current Policies For ESPS Compliance
The report comes as several states are reconsidering their existing RES or EERS. For example, West Virginia recently became the first state to repeal its RES, with the legislature voting overwhelmingly to scrap the law, which would have required 25 percent of electricity sales to come from renewable or alternative sources by 2025. [ read more … ]
DOE explores new energy storage strategies to accelerate the use of renewable energy
Storing energy remains the missing link for many clean power technologies, but DOE researchers and startup companies are racing to fill the gap. Without a way to save electricity and heat for later use, intermittent renewable energy will struggle to close price and performance differences with fossil fuels. But stored energy has advantages. It can respond to increased power demands faster than a turbine can spool up, and it can also save excess power and then supply it when needed. [ read more … ]
Embattled governor to resign
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) will resign from office effective Wednesday, succumbing to demands from state Democrats amid multiple investigations into whether his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, used her role as an energy policy adviser for personal gain. Kitzhaber’s resignation will automatically elevate Secretary of State Kate Brown (D) into the governor’s mansion. The state does not have a lieutenant governor. [ read more … ]
Note: News clips provided do not necessarily reflect the views of coalition or its member governors.