WERC News -Summer 2008

WERC NEWS - SUMMER - 2008
BRAINERD, MN –

Innovative Small Wind Workshop at Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association for its Members
With interest in small-scale wind projects increasing, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WHE) members considering their own small wind turbines (less than 40 kw) were invited to attend a workshop June 12th at WHE headquarters in Rockford, MN. To our knowledge, this is the first time a power co-op has sponsored a workshop encouraging its members to consider small wind machines. Rod Nikula, COO of WHE spearheaded the workshop, calling attention to the Jacobs 20 kw wind turbine installed at WHE in 2008. David Winkelman, construction business owner and small wind turbine expert, was the keynote speaker for this free event. Attendees learned about turbine types, costs, permits, turbine site planning, expenses, installation, tax incentives, payback and much more. An open-floor discussion followed with questions for the speakers. Because of the demand and limited seating, another workshop will be scheduled in the fall for members who could not attend the June 12th workshop. Please look for updates on the fall workshop in future newsletters.

Model Wind Energy Ordinances Could Bring Consistency To Minnesota Counties
Interest and development of wind energy has increased in Minnesota, both in the volume and geographically. During the 1990’s, several counties adopted wind ordinances to address local wind development. Over time, zoning issues have arisen and it was found that modifications to the ordinances were desired to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community. To address these issues and provide consistency between counties for wind development, the development of a model wind ordinance and supporting explanation document were identified as a benefit to all Minnesota counties who are experiencing wind development, and to the Clean Energy Resource Teams who advocate renewable energy development. The Model Ordinance and companion document have been reviewed and approved of by the Minnesota Association of County Planning and Zoning Officials.
http://www.ecowerc.com/MN-model-wind-ordinance.html

Eco-Domes Under Construction as a Sustainable Living & Renewable Energy Technology Center
Starting in 1998, The Water Foundation opened the award-winning conservation showcase and won awards for green building and pollution prevention from State and Federal agencies. Now, ten years later, the Eco-Domes Campus was purchased by the Eco-Domes, LLC and is now being upgraded as ashowcase and consulting center for those who wish to purchase RE technologies or build sustainable buildings. The center will be open for business by October 4, National Solar Day. Complete with three different wind turbines, three solar energy systems, two types of geothermal systems, a four season green house and other sustainable living products, the Eco-Domes Center will continue to be one of the premier green building centers in the nation.

You may be able to sponsor a kiosk or have a display of product or literature in the Center. Generate business for yourself and support a conservation treasure. Together, we help you learn, purchase and install conservation technologies which will help our grandchildren enjoy living in better harmony with nature and each other. For more information call (218) 764-2321.

CERTS Awards Eco-Domes $3,200.00 For Greenhouse
Eco-Domes Co-generation Set for Greenhouse- This project will provide the Eco-Domes campus diesel generator with renewable biofuel for heat and electricity. This biofuel cogeneration system energy would heat an existing four-season greenhouse, which would stimulate a local four-season food market and serve as an educational tool for local community members. The system will be grid-tied to Crow Wing Power Cooperative grid and to the Eco-Domes electrical system. For more information on CERTS http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/.

See You At The Fair(s)!
WERC will be partnering with Minnesota Renewable Energy Society to participate in the
2008 Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair. The fair starts on August 21st and runs through September 1st 2008. WERC will also be at the EcoSquared Fair in Pine River (July 17-19) and the Morrison (Little Falls) County Fair (July 23-26). See you there!

WERC Now Offers Ventera Wind Turbines
WERC offers a number of different types and size of wind turbines. Now, WERC is happy to represent another fine wind turbine product. After 3 years of design, prototyping and field-testing, Ventera is proud to present the all-new 10 kilowatt VT10 Wind Turbine. Ventera brand wind turbines, based in Duluth, MN have over thirty years experience designing and manufacturing small wind turbines.

WERC Writes USDA Grant Applications
WERC has been successful in achieving 18 out of 19 USDA grant awards for applications submitted over the past three years, making them one of the most successful grant writers for the small wind turbine industry in the nation.
This year, WERC’s team of professional grant writers submitted 5 grant applications the first round (April 15th 2008 deadline). In addition, an additional 5 grant applications were submitted for the second round (June 16th 2008 deadline). We will be receiving award notification for the first round of applications soon. Award notification for the second round of applications will be announced around the end of August.
We are excited for our wind turbine prospects because the USDA has not only renewed their Section 9006 renewable energy grant funding, but also has actually increased their funding levels for 2008 and is forecasting another increase for 2009.

Renewable Tax Bill Passes US House, Now On to Senate
The US House passed a new bill aimed at ensuring tax credits will be extended into 2009. The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax of 2008 (HR 5351) passed on a vote of 236-182, but faces long odds amid opposition in the Senate and a White House veto threat. The bill extends and expands tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel, as well as for hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings and appliances. It would also repeal $18 billion in tax subsidies for oil companies. Contact your Senator today.

The following link is a nice summary of state-by-state incentives for solar and wind, http://www.dsireusa.org/.