1. Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting Considerations and Incentives Andy Brydges Sr. Director, Renewable Energy Generation MassCEC Duxbury Wind Advisory Committee March 12, 2013

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

3. Sample Mass. Projects 3

4. Projects (100kW+)TurbinesTotal Capacity 42 (in 29 towns)7898.9 MW Wind Energy in MA 4

5. WIND ENERGY BASICS 5

6. 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

7. Wind Turbine Power Curve 7

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9. SITING AND DEVELOPMENT 9

10. Siting Considerations Developer or Project Sponsor  Is there good wind?  Am I close enough to the grid?  How can I lay out turbines to maximize production on this site?  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 or ice throw?  Are there health impacts?  Will the value of my property decline?  What if it falls over or catches fire? 10

11. Siting Considerations (cont.) 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

12. Development Process 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 regarding siting; increasing refinement of number, size, and location of turbines Ongoing Public Engagement Re: Operations, Benefits, Impacts

13. ParameterTypical ValuesPreferences or Constraints Rotor overhang zoneRotor radiusNo regular activity in this area Safety (aka “fall”) zone1 – 1.1 x BTHAllow regular activity in this area? Distance from property line1 – 1.5 x BTHTypically local zoning covers Distance to residence or other sensitive receptor ≥ 5 MTH preferable; Always perform detailed acoustic and shadow flicker analyses 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 > 6.0 m/s annual average Note that energy is proportional to cube of wind speed Sample Siting Parameters and Preferences

14. MassCEC 2011 Telephone Survey of Host Communities Reported Complaints vs. Number of Blade Tip Heights to Nearest Residence 14

15.  Municipal ownership  Municipality finances, procures and owns the wind facility  Private ownership  Municipality leases land to wind factiity developer/owner  Municipality purchases output directly and/or net metering credits Ownership Options 15

16. Key Characteristics of Success 16 Local champion and local benefits ₊ Early and ongoing public engagement ₊ Flexible developer and stakeholders ₊ Rigorous analysis Appropriate siting  Wind  Wildlife  Public Acceptance

17. MARKETS, INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS 17

18. Markets and Incentives  Markets  Net Metering  Wholesale Power  Renewable Portfolio Standard (RECs)  Other Massachusetts incentives  Green Communities Program  Loan Program – state revolving fund for water-related infrastructure  Federal  Production tax credit (PTC) − Investment tax credit option  Accelerated Depreciation  USDA Grant and Loan Programs 18

19. 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

20. Recent Program Refinements 20 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.Provide additional funding for detailed acoustic studies during FS 3.Provide information resources at MassCEC.com  Environmental benefits, Property values, Acoustics  Health, Grid integration, Others... 4.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

21. Supporting Activities 21 1.Detailed acoustic study methodology for FSs – done 2.Property value study – in process  MA focused/Smaller projects  Residential transactions at multiple distances during Development cycle  Falmouth Wind Turbine Options Process – in process  Facilitation and technical support in response to request from Town 3.Kingston acoustic monitoring – in process 4.Research Study on Wind Turbine Acoustics – in process  Collaboration between MassDEP and MassCEC  Research study…not a compliance test  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

22. Community Energy Strategies Pilot Program GOAL: Assist communities/RPAs to identify and implement the mix of clean energy strategies best suited to address local interests, needs, and opportunities. 22 AssessEnable

23. Thank You... 23 MassCEC Commonwealth Wind Team Andy BrydgesABrydges@masscec.com 617-315-9313ABrydges@masscec.com Nils BolgenNBolgen@masscec.com 617-315-9311NBolgen@masscec.com Peter McPheePMcPhee@masscec.com 617-315-9343PMcPhee@masscec.com Tyler StuddsTStudds@masscec.com 617-315-9378TStudds@masscec.com www.masscec.com