SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL ENERGY

Northeast Engineers & Consultants - RI Wind and Solar

Sustainable Energy

o Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such

that it meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs.

o Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded

as including all renewable sources, such as biofuels,
solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal
power and tidal power. It also includes technologies
that improve energy efficiency.

o Renewable energy and energy efficiency are

sometimes said to be the “twin pillars” of
sustainable energy policy.
 US Department of Energy

“The United States has enough wind

resources to generate electricity for every
home and business in the nation.”
Wind Power

o Wind Power avoids negative impacts of

electricity generated by fossil fuels which
accounts for 40% of all air pollution:

n Emissions of Carbon Dioxide

n Emissions of Mercury and other heavy metals
n Emissions from extracting and transporting fuels
n Lake and streambed acidification
n Production of toxic solid wastes, ash and slurry
n Coal mining
Benefits of Wind Power

o No emissions

o Least expensive form of alternative energy

o Limitless

o Energy dollars stay in-country

o New economic opportunity

o Control over electrical rate

Wind Power Challenges

o Political

o Regulatory

o Financial
Political

o Evolving National goal of 20% renewable

energy by year 2030

o State Renewable Portfolio Standards* (RPS)

n RI 16% by 2019
n MA 15% by 2020
n NH 25% by 2025
n VT 20% by 2017
n ME 40% by 2017
n NY 27% by 2020

* Source DSIRE Review 1/30/2009

Political continued…

o 30% federal-level incentive passed with Stimulus

(will lead to sustainable growth, estimated 40-
50% in small wind market)

o State Grant Programs

Regulatory

o Local Zoning and Planning regulations

o Grid connection/Net metering/Power Purchase

Agreements

o State by State variable support

o Utility Company requirements

Financial

o Start up costs are the largest challenge

… But there are profitable models

o 100kW: $500,000 to install, $25,000 per year in revenue

o 1.5MW: $4,200,000 to install, $500,000 per year in revenue
Wind Energy Fast Facts
Wind Energy Fast Facts continued…
Wind Basics

o Adequate wind speed

n 10% increase in wind speed equals 33%

increase in wind turbine power generation

n Proximity to shoreline

n Height of tower
Wind Basics

o Power Curve
Wind Basics

o Wind Mappers

Rhode Island
Does Wind Power work here?

o First Step: Site Assessment for “fatal flaws”

n Site limited (no fall zone, too many buildings)

n Environmental (super fund site, wetlands, etc)

n Soils (foundation cost)

n Zoning and Planning regulations

n Access (roads and electrical grid)

n Wind mapper
What is Wind Power worth?

o Second Step: Wind Resource Assessment

n Meteorological Equipment Tower (MET) study

n Analytical evaluation of power production

n Determine wind turbine options and costs

n Determine pay back period and future rate of

return
Utility Rates
The Future of Wind Turbines
Concluding Remarks and Questions