by Heather Rhoads-Weaver | Dec 14, 2021 | News, Policy
Support Distributed Wind for Community Empowerment & Energy Resilience
Please take 5 minutes to complete a short survey about policies you’d like to see DWEA prioritize this year.
If you represent an organization or business that supports local clean energy – let us know if we can include your logo as a supporter to make your voice heard!
We have a short window to shore up support in key states including WV, VT, OH, AK, CA, NY, IA, MN, MI, OR
and others for distributed & community wind incentives!
DWEA and our federal policy director Lloyd Ritter are working hard to advance distributed and community wind.
Join more than 200 current supporters!
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Share this post and help build DWEA’s growing group of members and partners advancing local distributed and community wind.
For more info: email advocacy@distributedwind.org
by Britton Rife | Jul 9, 2021 | News
DWEA’s annual business conference and lobby day is your best opportunity to learn what’s new in behind-the-meter distributed wind, including DOE’s exciting new programs to advance distributed wind’s contribution to clean energy and resiliency. DWEA’s half-day “DW on the Hill” event allows the industry and its supporter to take our message to Congressional leaders. The agenda, registration and highly discounted hotel reservations are available HERE.
by DWEA Site Admin | Jul 22, 2020 | News
July 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed major
weaknesses in our economy and deep-seated inequalities in our society, hitting
the most vulnerable people the hardest.
In advancing distributed clean energy, DWEA is
working to recognize and address systemic energy injustices with resilient
local resources prioritizing healthy and vibrant communities. DWEA members are
working to ensure disadvantaged community members have affordable access to
distributed energy resources, directly benefit from distributed wind energy
generation, and have a voice in decisions. All DWEA members are invited to
highlight ways the distributed wind industry can further support economic and
racial justice.
Distributed wind energy can play a strong role
in reducing inequality in our communities, providing well-paid jobs, and
supporting a just economy to address the climate crisis.
Ideas
for specific near-term actions:
- Strengthen diversity of association and speakers at events; build relationships with organizations led by people of color such as AABE, 100% Network, Grid Alternatives
- Enhance consumer protection and site selection to support cost-effective wind turbine purchasing and ownership (urban rooftops – buyer beware)
- Identify and coordinate with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)[1] that are located in areas with good potential DW markets
- Host learning session with HBCU leadership (Energy Managers, Business Managers, Sustainability Coordinators, etc.) to highlight opportunities and business case for distributed wind at nearby facilities
- Work with NREL and private industry to make internships available to under-represented inner-city high school and HBCU students with an interest in science and technology, energy generation, renewable energy, etc.
- Work with NREL to sponsor a competition among HBCU teams of students to build the best scaled down versions of wind turbine components and entire turbines. Part of the scoring criteria would be how well the teams are able to quantitatively demonstrate performance.
- Other? Please send ideas to Heather c/o info@distributedwind.org[
by Britton Rife | Oct 27, 2017 | News
DWEA Hosts Distributed Generation Workshop in Yuma, CO
Yuma, CO – On December 4th the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) will host a full-day Distributed Generation (DG) Workshop at the Community Center in Yuma, CO. The workshop is the second in DWEA’s “State of the State” initiative which is bringing community workshops aimed at increasing exposure about market opportunities in distributed generation to key states. The full-day workshop costs $15-$25 to attend and includes lunch and a networking reception. Space is limited and registration is required.
Colorado is a leader in distributed generation installations, ranking eighth nationally for distributed wind and eleventh for solar capacity. With over 27.3 MW of installed capacity and a significant economic potential in Yuma County alone of 35-70 MW, Colorado stands ready to lead in the national US distributed wind market’s growth. The distributed generation industries are poised to grow dramatically over the next few years. The Colorado DG Workshop provides the perfect opportunity to explore how homeowners, farmers, and businesses can leverage distributed renewable energy resources for local economic benefit.
Attendees will hear from distributed wind and solar manufacturers, project developers, and operations and maintenance providers as well as policy makers and industry experts on the fundamentals of DG, success stories, policy updates, and market opportunities in Colorado. For a mid-day highlight, Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will give the keynote address and discuss the role of distributed generation in the new energy economy while highlighting opportunities for Colorado to continue to be a leader in DG.
“Colorado already has an advanced distributed wind market, as evidenced by the diversity of industry manufacturers, project developers, installers, and research facilities as well as top ten rankings for installed wind capacity, but we want to help the market grow to reach its full potential,” said Jennifer Jenkins, DWEA Executive Director. “Distributed wind provides unique opportunities for farmers, businesses, homeowners, and communities to control their energy costs and boost their bottom lines by producing their own clean, renewable energy. Colorado, with its abundant wind and land resource, presents a significant opportunity for on-site power projects and local job creation. We are thrilled to host this event,” Jenkins continued.
“The rapid growth of on-site renewable energy in Colorado has concentrated in the more urban and suburban communities, leaving the rural and agricultural regions of the state underserved. If rural electric cooperatives, state and local officials, and distributed energy developers work together, an untapped market can be realized and lead to economic opportunities for all stakeholders,” said Russell Tencer, United Wind CEO and DWEA Board President.
Rural cooperatives and utilities, farmers and agricultural producers, state and local policy makers, cleantech industry members and advocates, and all other interested parties are invited to participate. The full Colorado Distributed Generation Workshop agenda, registration information, and additional details are available at https://distributedwind.org/event/colorado-distributed-generation-workshop/.
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The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA represents members from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.
For more information:
Jennifer Jenkins, Distributed Wind Energy Association
jjenkins@distributedwind.org, (928) 380-6012
by Britton Rife | Sep 19, 2017 | News
CEBC and DWEA co-host Distributed Generation Workshop in Wichita, KS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2017
Wichita, KS – On September 27th the Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) and Kansas Department of Commerce in partnership with the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) will host a half-day Distributed Generation (DG) Workshop following the Kansas Energy Conference (September 26-27) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport in Wichita, Kansas. The half-day DG Workshop will follow the conference on September 27th and is available as a complimentary add-on for full conference attendees and available to others at a nominal cost. Space is limited and registration is required.
The DG workshop will kick-off the CEBC’s “Around the State” initiative, which will include a total of four community workshops aimed at increasing exposure about market opportunities in renewable energy within Kansas. The workshop will also mark the beginning of a series of state-focused distributed wind outreach events to be hosted by DWEA and member companies as part of DWEA’s State Policy Program.
“The Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) is exploring how businesses can capitalize on distributed energy resources in Kansas and the Greater Kansas City Metro. The DG workshop is a perfect venue for stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and next steps to make Kansas a leader in distributed generation. While Kansas has excelled in utility scale wind power, we’ve barely scratched the service for distributed solar and wind. We’re excited to see the synergy distributed wind and solar companies create through the CEBC,” said Dorothy Barnett, Executive Director of CEBC. “Many of our business members have expressed an interest in developing the Kansas distributed wind market. Distributed wind provides unique opportunities for farmers, businesses, homeowners, and communities to control their energy costs and boost their bottom lines by producing their own clean, renewable energy. Kansas, with its abundant wind and land resource, presents a significant opportunity for on-site power projects. We are thrilled to partner on this event,” said Jennifer Jenkins, Executive Director of DWEA.
Workshop attendees will hear from distributed wind and solar manufacturers, project developers, and operations and maintenance providers as well as policy makers and industry experts on the fundamentals of DG, success stories, policy updates, and market opportunities in Kansas.
“On-site energy technology, like distributed wind, is a tool for creating local economic prosperity. Not only can a small wind system help a farmer stabilize their electricity rates and ultimately save over the long-term, but growth of the industry in Kansas will lead to the creation of great local jobs and attract new industries looking to procure on-site renewable energy,” said Jason Kaplan, General Counsel at United Wind, as well as DWEA and CEBC member.
Rural cooperatives and utilities, farmers and agricultural producers, state and local policy makers, cleantech industry members and advocates, project developers, corporate purchasers, and all other interested parties are invited to participate. The full Kansas Energy Conference and Distributed Generation Workshop agenda, registration information, and additional details are available at http://cleanenergyforbusiness.com//ks-energy-conference
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The Clean Energy Business Council originated in 2016 to identify and make progress on advanced energy barriers businesses face in Kansas and the Greater Kansas City Area. The Council is a member-driven initiative, comprised of business leaders and other members passionate about harvesting corporate economic opportunities in the areas of clean energy and energy efficiency. The Clean Energy Business Council works collaboratively through complex energy issues by engaging on the legislative and regulatory levels, building a strong network of businesses, and providing its members with rich educational and networking resources. The Council is a program of the Climate + Energy Project. www.cleanenergyforbusiness.com
The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA represents members from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org. Follow us on Twitter @DWEA and like us on Facebook.
For more information:
Dorothy Barnett, Clean Energy Business Council
barnett@climateandenergy.org, (785) 424-0444
Jennifer Jenkins, Distributed Wind Energy Association
jjenkins@distributedwind.org, (928) 380-6012
by Britton Rife | Sep 7, 2017 | News
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC
September 7, 2017
Contact: Lloyd Ritter (202) 215-5512
The Agriculture Energy Coalition today issued the following statement thanking Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for introducing the Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017, which will reauthorize programs in Title IX of the Farm Bill and provide robust funding through 2023.
“We commend Sen. Franken for introducing this important bill to reauthorize and enhance Farm Bill energy programs,” said Lloyd Ritter, executive director of the Agriculture Energy Coalition. “If adopted, the legislation would improve already valuable programs. For instance, it would make renewable chemicals facilities fully eligible to participate in the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. It would also expand the BioPreferred program, improve the already popular REAP program by expanding support to a variety of sustainable, commercial clean energy technologies, and add new mandatory funding to create economic and energy opportunities for rural America. We are grateful for the Senator’s efforts.”
“Crop prices and farm incomes have been declining, so farmers are counting on the Farm Bill to help them develop new markets and new economic opportunities,” said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section. “The energy programs this bill supports will help revitalize the agriculture and manufacturing sectors in America and promote innovation in the biobased economy, and we thank Sen. Franken for his leadership.”
“Farm Bill energy programs help farmers improve efficiency, reduce farm energy costs, and access new revenue streams,” said Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union. “NFU is thankful for Senator Franken’s leadership on these programs, and is especially supportive of the increase in funding for the Rural Energy for America Program. Congress should continue to support programs that incentivize smart, clean energy use and production on the farm and in rural areas.”
“This season’s raging forest fires out West illustrate the importance of funding for the removal of hazardous fuel from federal lands through programs like Biomass Crop Assistance Program,” said Carrie Annand, executive director of Biomass Power Association. “Taking high risk fiber out of the forest promotes forest health; taking it to a biomass facility ensures that we are getting value out of that material by making it into fuel for electricity. We commend Senator Franken for including BCAP in his draft Farm Bill Energy Title, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that it is included in the final bill.”
“The rural and agricultural communities of our country are the backbone of our economy, and providing these farmers the tools to leverage on-site technology, like distributed wind, will reap benefits for all,” said Jason Kaplan, United Wind, and Distributed Wind Energy Association member.
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