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Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting Considerations and Incentives

Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting Considerations and Incentives. Nils Bolgen Renewable Energy at Closed Landfills EBC / MassDEP / DOER July 26, 2012. Overview. Wind Energy Basics Wind turbines Wind resource Siting The process What to consider Markets and Incentives Selling Power

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Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting Considerations and Incentives

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  1. Wind Energy: Technologies, Siting Considerations and Incentives Nils BolgenRenewable Energy at Closed LandfillsEBC / MassDEP / DOER July 26, 2012

  2. Overview • 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

  3. Sample Mass. Projects

  4. Wind Energy Basics

  5. 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

  6. Wind Turbine Power Curve http://www.vestas.com/en/wind-power-solutions/wind-turbines/3.0-mw.aspx

  7. Siting Wind Turbines

  8. Development Process Increasing refinement of number, size and location of turbines  Public Engagement Re: Siting Ongoing Public Engagement Re:Operations, Benefits, Impacts 6 to 12 months 1 to 2 months 12 to 15 months 3 to 6 months 6 to 12 months 20+ years 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

  9. 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. Sample Siting Parameters and Preferences

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

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

  16. Recent Program Refinements • 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 • Providing additional funding for pre-construction acoustic studies • Provide information resources at MassCEC.com • Environmental benefits, Property values, Acoustics • Health, Grid integration, Others . . . • 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

  17. Supporting Activities • Pre-construction acoustic study methodology – done • Property value study with regional focus – in process • MA focused/Smaller projects • Residential transactions at multiple distances and periods • Falmouth Wind Turbine Options Process – in process • Facilitation and technical support in response to request from Town • Kingston acoustic monitoring – coming soon • 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

  18. Thank You . . . MassCEC Commonwealth Wind Team Nils Bolgen NBolgen@masscec.com 617-315-9311 Peter McPhee PMcPhee@masscec.com 617-315-9343 Leigh Cameron LCameron@masscec.com 617-315-9315 Tyler Studds TStudds@masscec.com 617-315-9378 Seth Federspiel SFederspiel@masscec.com www.masscec.com

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