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Published byDella Dalton Modified over 9 years ago
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Renewable Energy in the Northeast Good Opportunities; Significant Obstacles presented by Warren Leon Massachusetts Technology Collaborative June 25. 2008
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What Is Renewable Energy? Energy that won’t run out if properly managed Solar Wind Water (rivers, tides, waves) Bioenergy (plants) Geothermal
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The Dilemma Renewable energy would make a significant impact It’s maddeningly hard to bring renewable energy into widespread use, even though the vast majority of people in the Northeast support it
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What Renewable Energy Has Going For It Urgent need to diversify the energy supply. Public likes the idea of renewable energy. Public officials and key stakeholders support it. Offers environmental and economic benefits. Favorable public policies.
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Why Renewable Energy Makes Sense for the Northeast High electricity prices No indigenous fossil fuels Need local markets to help start-up companies
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PV Provides Power at the Right Time
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Many Barriers and Obstacles Permitting and siting are difficult A densely populated region with relatively little land for development. Easier to prevent something from happening than to make something happen. Often essential to have strong public support but it generally is not enough.
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More Obstacles Many entities have input into whether a project goes forward. The more technically novel or complex a change, the more barriers need to be overcome. Some public policies don’t work as intended.
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Deciding on a Project: One Size Does Not Fit All Variables Technology Energy Resources Construction Costs Local Impacts Onsite Load State Incentives
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First Steps Start with the most cost-effective, but unlikely, technologies: landfill gas, hydro, wind. Assess the resource Check for deal- changing incentives (e.g., RPS, net metering)
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Second Steps Defer analysis of secondary incentives Consider bringing in a private partner/developer The sun shines everywhere Consider third- party ownership
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www.masstech.org
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