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Renewable Energy in the Northeast Good Opportunities; Significant Obstacles

presented by Warren Leon Massachusetts Technology Collaborative June 25. 2008. Renewable Energy in the Northeast Good Opportunities; Significant Obstacles. Energy that won’t run out if properly managed. Solar Wind Water (rivers, tides, waves) Bioenergy (plants) Geothermal.

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Renewable Energy in the Northeast Good Opportunities; Significant Obstacles

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  1. presented by Warren Leon Massachusetts Technology Collaborative June 25. 2008 Renewable Energy in the NortheastGood Opportunities; Significant Obstacles

  2. Energy that won’t run out if properly managed Solar Wind Water (rivers, tides, waves) Bioenergy (plants) Geothermal What Is Renewable Energy?

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. High electricity prices No indigenous fossil fuels Need local markets to help start-up companies Why Renewable Energy Makes Sense for the Northeast

  6. PV Provides Power at the Right Time

  7. 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. Many Barriers and Obstacles

  8. 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.

  9. Deciding on a Project:One Size Does Not Fit All • Variables • Technology • Energy Resources • Construction Costs • Local Impacts • Onsite Load • State Incentives

  10. 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)

  11. Second Steps • Defer analysis of secondary incentives • Consider bringing in a private partner/developer • The sun shines everywhere • Consider third-party ownership

  12. www.masstech.org

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