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Renewable Energy in the Northwest: Wind Energy. Presented By Stephen C. Hall STOEL RIVES LLP Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation Symposium University of Oregon School of Law October 10, 2008. Benefits of Wind Energy. Clean, renewable Predictable costs
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Renewable Energy in the Northwest: Wind Energy Presented ByStephen C. Hall STOEL RIVES LLP Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation Symposium University of Oregon School of Law October 10, 2008 1
Benefits of Wind Energy • Clean, renewable • Predictable costs • Economic benefits to rural communities • Low impact on the environment • Green collar jobs • Abundant resource • Displaces thermal generation 2
Fact Sheet: Total U.S. Wind Generation • 1985—1000 MW • 1999—2000 MW • 2003—5000 MW • 2006—10,000 MW • 2008—20,000 MW 3
Creating Electricity from the Wind • Transformer • Collection point • Substation • Transmission lines • Load • Wind turbine • Rotor • Shaft • Nacelle • Gearbox • Generator 5
Fact Sheet: A Utility Scale Wind Turbine • 120-foot blades • 240-foot rotor • 240-foot tower • Power production: 1.8 MW (1800 kilowatts) • Installed cost: ~$1.5 million • Life of project: 25 years 6
Policy and Economic Incentives • Federal and state tax credits/incentives • Renewable Portfolio Standards • Carbon policy; e.g., cap and trade 7
Challenges for Wind • Transmission • Wildlife issues • Aesthetics • Wind integration 8
Meet the Players in a Typical Wind Project • Developer • Landowner • Utility • Contractors • Equipment manufacturers • Investors/lenders 9
What is the Role of Lawyers in Developing Wind Energy? • Site control • Interconnection agreements • Permitting/siting • Regulatory approvals • Power purchase agreements • Equipment procurement agreements • Construction and O&M agreements • Tax law • Corporate structuring • Project finance/debt 10
To order any of our “Law of” books, please contact: Stephen C. Hall * 503.294.9625 * schall@stoel.com * www.stoel.com 11