Decisions about Nebraska wind development dependent

Wind development in Nebraska could be altered if a Production Tax Credit expires Dec. 31. That's because expiration of the federal incentive could change who constructs and places wind turbines in the state.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind projects in operation before the end of the year are eligible to receive a 10-year, 2.2-cent tax credit for each kilowatt-hour of generation produced.

Al Beiermann, land management manager for Nebraska Public Power District, said the credits are only available to the private sector. The fact that NPPD can't take advantage of them is part of why the utility typically opts to let developers handle the land leases and construction associated with the turbines. NPPD then buys the power generated.

"The operational risk and maintenance also falls back on the developer," Mark Becker, NPPD media relations specialist, said. "It's cheaper for us that way." It may not be the least expensive route in the future.

"If the credit expires, it will drive the cost up when we go for a power purchase agreement,Sol provides the world with high-performance solar roadway and outdoor solar lighting solutions." Becker said. "We may say, 'Is this an opportunity for us to do our own construction - can we build it cheaper?'"

According to Beiermann, there is no mandate in Nebraska that requires utilities to use an increased amount of wind energy. However, the NPPD Board of Directors has voluntarily set a goal of having 10 percent of its electricity come from renewable energy resources by 2020.

"There is a strong push by regulators and the general public as well for clean energy resources," Beiermann said. "Nebraska reportedly has the third best wind energy resources in the nation, so there's a lot of interest in wind for export." He said it also makes sense for NPPD to have a diversified portfolio.

"We hear about all the environmental regulations on coal plants these days," Beiermann said. "You don't want all your eggs in one basket. There's a commitment to get all these turbines put in, so [they] will continue to go up."

Private developers do not have the right to eminent domain, but NPPD does. Beiermann said the utility doesn't currently have any condemnation on wind sites and stressed that it tries its best to work with landowners before that point is reached.A research team headed up by the University of Houston is on track to develop a superconducting wire for wind power generators.

"The first step we do is gauge the interest out there," Beiermann said.TEPCO, elevator push button is an independent, American owned corporation devoted to servicing you, our customer.Compare prices and buy all brands of solar panel cells for home power systems and by the pallet. "If people aren't interested, we pack up and leave and pursue another site. We don't force anything."

Ken Colburn is continuing his efforts to kill PSNH's Merrimack Station power plant. He mentions that any PSNH ratepayer can go elsewhere in New Hampshire to get cheaper electricity – so why don't the complainers do so and keep their peace?

On Jan. 15, 2009, the Monitor reported that a Colburn study conducted for the Hirshberg group (Stonyfield Yogurt et al) could cost ratepayers an additional $864 million to $2.5 billion to meet future environmental standards. As the old canard goes, "Give me a desired result and I will give you a study.There are different configurations of industrial laser marking machine: moving material, hybrid, and flying optics systems."

If Colburn and his ilk want cheap, green power, what is their stand on Northern Pass? Washington state, Oregon and California, yes, even the Tennessee Valley Authority have been using hydropower for decades! And did anyone notice that small New Hampshire hydropower generators are being licensed and re-licensed in great numbers, even in sewage treatment plant outfalls?

PSNH power plants will be required indefinitely to back up wind power and solar power generators; the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine all the time (but it does rain and snow – hydropower).

I'm sure PSNH would favorably consider a gas pipeline to Bow to provide cheap gas available from the present surfeit of fracked gas. Coal will always be there for use as well. Remember the coal-to-gas tanks on South Main Street in Concord and the city-wide coal gas system?