The Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) today announced that it has entered into a formal partnership with the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) that will enable the organizations to strengthen their representation of the small and community wind industry here in the United States. The two associations will collaborate on building the distributed and community wind markets nationally, as well as coordinating on federal and state policy initiatives.
Community wind is characterized by local participation, usually in the form of ownership and control. Individual landowners have a personal stake in the success of this industry and are looking for ways to maximize the value of wind for their communities. Local communities, including agricultural and rural economic development interests, can help build the industry’s success in their backyards. A variety of business models and applications have emerged in this growing form of wind energy development.
Applications can be “behind the meter” (providing electricity directly to the home /business/school), or mini-wind farms selling power to the local utility. Community wind projects usually range in size from less than 1 megawatt (MW) to 20 MW, and are sometimes larger. Wind projects owned by public power entities (cooperatives and municipalities) are considered community wind, as they are owned by the local electricity customers.
“This partnership will serve to strengthen our relationship with DWEA while better serving our collective members through efficiencies and communication,” said Tom Kiernan, AWEA CEO.
“We are pleased to partner with AWEA on their distributed and community wind work.” said DWEA Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins. “We look forward to fostering a collaborative network of community and distributed wind members and continuing to build and expand this growing industry together.”
By joining forces, AWEA and DWEA will be able to more effectively secure and allocate resources to support the growing community wind energy market. As members of both DWEA and AWEA, distributed and community wind companies, will have even greater opportunity to take advantage of targeted publications, reports, policy initiatives and networking opportunities offered by both organizations.
“All sizes and models of development are important if the US wind industry is to grow to at least 20% of our nation’s electricity portfolio. AWEA encourages all business models so that more people have a stake in the future of this technology,” said Kiernan.
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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
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 is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates 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
About the American Wind Energy Association
AWEA is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry, with over 1,000 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show, the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America. Look up information on wind energy at the AWEA website. Find insight on industry issues at AWEA’s blog Into the Wind. Join AWEA on Facebook. Follow AWEA on Twitter.
For more information:
Lauren Glickman Communications Manager
Distributed Wind Energy Association
Email: Lglickman@distributedwind.org Phone: 504-258-7955
Lindsay North
Manager, Media Relations and Outreach
American Wind Energy Association
Email: lnorth@awea.org
Phone: 202.431.4587
Two weeks ago the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) hosted their 2014 Distributed Wind Annual Lobby Day and Conference. Emily Stiever from Community Power Network attended and pulled together some notes and updates on new developments in the distributed wind space.
If you’re working on distributed wind energy issues, we’d love to hear from you. One of our goals is to build out the wind resource section of our website and highlight the work of distributed wind organizations around the country.
Tal Mamo, President of United Wind, discussed their newly developed wind leasing program.
The large upfront cost of projects is a significant barrier to many people, particularly small farmers that would otherwise benefit immensely from in developing small wind projects on their land (because wind is a drought resistant cash crop!).
Even if famers have the upfront capitol, many can’t take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit because they don’t have enough of a tax liability. Farmers are eligible for large write offs and many put any unused income towards purchasing assets (like a new tractor) at the end of year to avoid paying taxes.
By offering a wind lease, farmers and other small businesses are able to develop a wind project with zero money down AND take advantage of all tax savings. United Wind is also offering a partial prepay, or full prepay option, which further maximizes returns.
In the last six months, United Wind has committed $25 million in the first ever tax equity fund for distributed wind. This fund will be used to finance individual projects. They currently have $5.2 million in projects under contract and interest in wind leases has taken off.
Wind leasing is a huge development for the distributed wind market because it addresses some of the key barriers to developing projects.
Ian Baring-Gould with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) talked about the deployment of wind-diesel systems for rural applications.
Wind hybrid systems combine wind turbines with other energy generation or storage technologies, providing consistent power production even when the wind isn’t blowing.
Many isolated rural villages, especially those in Alaska, get electricity from local diesel power plants that bring in fuel and supplies by airplane. Fuel delivery is extremely expensive and poses environmental risks. Energy prices in some villages are $1.00/kWh (10xs the US average). Check out this report on wind-diesel applications in Alaska.
Communities are exploring wind-diesel hybrid systems as a means to reduce reliance on diesel fuel and costs, particularly in the face of oil price spikes.
There are currently challenges to scaling up wind-diesel projects, since each system requires custom engineering, there is no streamlined method for financing projects, and there is limited funding for project follow-up and evaluation.
There are limited steps that could be taken to improve adoption of systems, but there is currently no clear path forward for scaling up the wind-diesel market.
Rusty Haynes with the law firm of Keyes, Fox & Wiedman discussed rebate and RPS policy changes that impact the distributed wind market.
29 states and the District of Columbia currently have Renewable Portfolio Standards. Of those, 17 and DC have a solar or distributed generation carve outs.
2013 and 2014 have been characterized by a number of attacks on RPSs, although the general trend has been towards “good” legislation that strengthens state RPSs.
Check out the Powerpoint for an overview of state net metering and interconnection policies and see the types of regulatory changes that have happened in key states around the country.
Hannah Masterjohn with Vote Solar presented on the concept of shared solar and how it can open up access to a large portion of Americans who can’t install solar on their own homes.
Currently only about 20% of residents and businesses are able to install solar on their own property. Shared solar allows individuals or businesses to receive the benefits of a solar system installed elsewhere in their community.
Shared solar opens up access to solar and makes it much easier for an individual to benefit from solar. It also creates opportunities for crowdfunding and other creative project financing approaches.
Check out the powerpoint for a great map of states that have already adopted shared solar legislation.
IREC’s Model Program Rules serve as a starting point for stakeholders looking to launch programs. The website includes draft legislative language and explanations of best practices.
SharedRenewables.org is a central info source on shared renewables policies and projects across the U.S.
Libby DeLucia with the Clinton Climate Initiative discussed how their organization provides technical support to Caribbean nations looking to develop distributed wind projects.
Currently the region is highly reliant on expensive diesel-fired generation for power. Electricity prices are around $0.35 to $0.45/kWh.
Utilities such as Jamaica Public Service (JPS) have begun developing distributed wind systems and have been able to profit from these types of systems.
JPS has also begun providing some financing for projects and is considering a third-party finance model that has the potential to encourage expansion on other islands.
There are a number of opportunities for distributed wind to expand into the Caribbean market. Check out the powerpoint for more details!
April 3rd – Distributed Wind Energy Association Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins issued the following statement today as Senate Bill 1456, a bill that would add a new surcharge for distributed generation moved through a House subcommittee:
“It’s disappointing to see Senate Bill 1456 moving forward in Oklahoma. This legislation does nothing but jeopardize renewable energy growth in the state. Distributed forms of energy generation like small and community wind and solar power help to keep the lights on and Oklahomans at work. The state legislature should be examining legislation that will support this growing industry, and utilities should be encouraging distributed generation instead of trying to penalize it.”
DWEA’s president, Mike Bergey, president & CEO of Bergey Windpower in Norman, OK added: “It is unfortunate that some utilities that enthusiastically support wind power for their own use are promoting a regressive policy that will make it harder for their customers to use wind power on their own. Oklahoma offers tax credits for large wind turbines, which are built elsewhere, but wants to penalize small wind which we manufacture here in the state? That makes no sense to me. The truly ironic thing is that net metering, a standard policy in 42 states, saves utility administration costs and, because so little small wind and solar capacity is installed in Oklahoma, implementing SB 1456 through the Corporation Commission would cost ratepayers and taxpayers $5 for every $1 that it could theoretically save the utility.”
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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
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 is the use of wind turbines at homes, farm and ranches, businesses, public and industrial facilities, off-grid and other sites connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter to offset all or a portion of local energy consumption or to support grid operations. DWEA seeks to represent members and associates 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
Over 100 representatives and nearly 30 senators deliver unified message to Congress asking for immediate extension of investment tax credit
Washington, D.C., March 21st – Distributed Wind Energy Association Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins issued the following statement today as nearly 30 Senators and over 100 Representatives delivered letters requesting immediate extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for distributed American wind energy:
“I want to thank Representatives King and Loebsack and Senators Udall and Grassley for their leadership on this issue along with their colleagues in the House and Senate for fighting for American wind jobs. They understand that distributed wind power is providing Americans with clean and affordable electricity in every state while putting Americans to work. The ITC is an effective, job-creating tax policy, but allowing it to expire has put these American jobs at risk. That is why Congress must act now to extend the ITC and keep this American success story moving forward.”
What is Distributed Wind?
Distributed wind energy systems are commonly, but not always, installed on residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and community sites and can range in size from a few-hundred-watt, off-grid turbine at a remote cabin or a 5-kW turbine at a home to a multi-MW turbine at a manufacturing facility.
Distributed wind energy systems are connected either physically or virtually on the customer side of the meter (to serve onsite load) or directly to the local distribution or micro grid (to support grid operations or offset large loads nearby). This distinction differentiates distributed wind power from wholesale power generated at utility-scale wind farms and sent via transmission lines to substations for subsequent distribution to loads.
FOR MORE INFO: Lauren Glickman Email: Lglickman@distributedwind.org
Tel: 504-258-7955
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About the Distributed Wind Energy Association
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 seeks to attract members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org
Industry advocates often talk about wind farms contributing revenue to local communities, so it’s nice to hear specific and tangible examples of wind power at work on the ground (that is, as opposed to 80-plus meters in the air, working to generate clean electrons). So here’s one.
In Ohio Iberdrola Renewables, along with State Senator Cliff Hite and State Representative Tony Burkley, this week presented checks to local officials in both Van Wert and Paulding counties to commemorate the first of the annual payments the wind power company’s Blue Creek Wind Farm will be making to the counties.
Speaking of tangible examples, it’s interesting to take a look at both the sheer dollars contributed as well as how those funding levels are calculated (usually by number of turbines).
Photo credit: Iberdrola Renewables
Iberdrola injected Van Wert County, which hosts 115 turbines, with over $2 million, making the wind farm the largest single taxpayer in the county. That figure, in fact, is equal to the current top 11 revenue contributors combined as of 2012. Wind farms often generate revenue for communities that need it most, and so the statistic concerning the top 11 revenue contributors is a case in point. Paulding County, meanwhile, received $666,000, based on the 37 turbines located in the county that each pay $18,000 per year.
As the wind farm is spread across two counties, six townships – Tully, Union, and Hoaglin in Van Wert County and Benton, Blue Creek and Latty in Paulding County – and four school districts, the project’s contributions to localities will be spread far and wide. The townships will each see an average of $1,400 per year per turbine. With 76 wind turbines, Union Township will see a revenue boost of 25-30 percent in 2014 compared to 2013.
“These funds support projects and services that benefit everyone across the region, from schools, public safety and public health programs, to road repairs,” said State Representative Tony Burkley (R-Payne). “It’s great to see this kind of investment in northwest Ohio, and it’s better to see the benefits have such a positive impact on the people who live and work here.”
The school districts will see the lion’s share of revenue. With 81 turbines spinning within its boundaries, Crestview Schools will see about $850,000 per year in new revenue, a boost of about 10 percent.
“This is my 40th year in education and I don’t think I have ever seen a source of revenue like this offer itself to a school district like this,” said Crestview Superintendent Mike Estes. “It’s really a windfall for us.”
Now, just imagine the additional community revenue trickling through from the 500 jobs created during construction, the $25 million spurred in local spending, the 30 local companies that worked on the project, et cetera et cetera. Those are some good, tangible benefits. And we haven’t even begun to talk about what the wind farm is built for, the product it will give the region: clean, fuel-free electrons.
As a footnote, here are some extra-curricular initiatives Iberdrola has sponsored in the community:
Flat Rock Creek Festival
Friends of the Paulding Chamber, Inc.
Iberdrola Renewables Scholarship Fund administered by the Van Wert County Foundation
John Paulding Historical Society
Paulding County Youth Baseball
Van Wert County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau’s Rib Fest
Van Wert County Historical Society
Van Wert Elementary School book fair
Van Wert County Junior Fair
Vantage Career Center
Village of Convoy Fire Department
Iberdrola is not unique among developers in its good-neighbor giving. First Wind, for example, is just one name that comes to mind for reaching out to the community in multiple ways. Does your company have some community-participation information you’d like to share? Share your story in the comments.
Rusty Haynes with the law firm of Keyes, Fox & Wiedman discussed rebate and RPS policy changes that impact the distributed wind market.
