Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting Considerations and Incentives Nils Bolgen Renewable Energy at Closed Landfills EBC / MassDEP / DOER July 26, 2012

Overview 2  Wind Energy Basics  Wind turbines  Wind resource  Siting  The process  What to consider  Markets and Incentives  Selling Power  State and Federal Incentives  MassCEC Commonwealth Wind Program

Sample Mass. Projects 3

WIND ENERGY BASICS 4

Wind Turbine Components The turbine rotor always faces into the wind (by “yawing”) In some turbines, blade “pitch” can be varied Generator and gearbox, etc. are housed in the “nacelle” Blade Tip Height

Wind Turbine Power Curve 6

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SITING WIND TURBINES 8

Development Process Site Assessment Feasibility Study Development (studies and permitting) Financing & Construction OperationDecom. 1 to 2 months12 to 15 months 6 to 12 months 20+ years6 to 12 months 3 to 6 months 25 months to 41 months Notes: 1) Assumes no major issues associated with permit challenges in court 2) Steps and duration vary according to project size Public Engagement Re: Siting Ongoing Public Engagement Re: Operations, Benefits, Impacts Increasing refinement of number, size and location of turbines 

Siting Considerations Developer or Project Sponsor  Is there good wind?  Am I close enough to the grid?  How many turbines can I squeeze into this space?  What are the geotechnical conditions?  Is the transportation route clear? Community and Neighbors  Will I see it?  Will I hear it?  What about shadow flicker?  Will falling ice hurt someone?  Are there other health impacts?  Will the value of my property decline?  What if it falls over or catches fire? 10

Siting Considerations - 2 Interest Groups  How will it affect wildlife?  How will it affect electric grid stability?  How will it affect tourism, recreation, hunting?  How will it affect archaeological or cultural resources?  Will it be visible from a historic district? 11

ParameterTypical ValuesPreferences or Constraints Rotor overhang zoneRotor radiusNo regular activity in this area Safety (aka “fall”) zone1 – 1.1 x MTHAllow regular activity in this area? Distance from property line1 – 1.5 x MTHIce throw; neighborliness Distance to residence or other sensitive receptor > 2 x MTH At <3 x MTH perform detailed acoustic analyses Also do shadow flicker analysis Airspace obstruction < 200 feet a.g.l. generally ok No “operational impact” on aircraft No interference with airport radar Distance to gridCost for upgrades Access roads and terrainCost of access roads or upgrades Wind resource > 6.5 m/s annual average Note that energy is proportional to cube of wind speed Sample Siting Parameters and Preferences

Key Characteristics of Success 13  Appropriate siting  Wind  Space / impacts  Wildlife  Early and ongoing public engagement  Rigorous analysis  Flexible developer and stakeholders  Local champion and local benefits

MARKETS, INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS 14

Markets and Incentives  Markets  Net Metering  Wholesale Power  Renewable Portfolio Standard  Other Mass. incentives  Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds  Green Communities Program  Loan Program – state revolving fund for water-related infrastructure  Federal  Production tax credit (PTC) − Investment tax credit option − Cash grant option  Accelerated Depreciation  USDA Grant and Loan Programs 15

Commonwealth Wind Program Structure Legend Cmty. & Cmrcl. Community Only Commercial Only Small Only Construction Rebates Site Assessment Services Design & Construction Grant Business Planning Grant Development Grants and Loans Development Grants and Loans 100+ kW < 100 kW Wind Monitoring, Feasibility & Acoustic Study Grants Wind Monitoring, Feasibility & Acoustic Study Grants Education and Facilitation Services

Recent Program Refinements 17 1.Require stakeholder engagement and public education at all development stages  Support use of facilitation services  Support or provide “wind energy 101 and 201” sessions  Undertake comprehensive energy planning exercises in communities/regions 2.Providing additional funding for pre-construction acoustic studies 4.Provide information resources at MassCEC.com  Environmental benefits, Property values, Acoustics  Health, Grid integration, Others... 5.Program Goal: support well-sited projects with good prospects for obtaining local approvals  Employ rigorous analysis and conservative assumptions  Employ solid public engagement and education processes

Supporting Activities 18 1.Pre-construction acoustic study methodology – done 2.Property value study with regional focus – in process  MA focused/Smaller projects  Residential transactions at multiple distances and periods 3.Falmouth Wind Turbine Options Process – in process  Facilitation and technical support in response to request from Town 4.Kingston acoustic monitoring – coming soon 5.Research Study on Wind Turbine Acoustics – coming soon  Collaboration between MassDEP and MassCEC  Objectives − Measure the level and quality of sound emissions from a variety of operating wind projects in Massachusetts − Seek to understand and quantify the influence of variables including turbine type and size, wind conditions, topography and distance  This is a research study, not a compliance test

Thank You MassCEC Commonwealth Wind Team Nils Peter Leigh Tyler Seth