renewable resources in the southeast region renewable resources in the southeast region

890, S. 433). Renewable energy currently accounts for about 10% of U.S. total energy production according to the U.S. Department of Energy.1 Biomass is the largest source of renewable energy2 in the United States. 210 0 obj <>stream See Plasma Gasification at http://www.recoveredenergy.com/d_plasma.html. One portfolio would be to continue to operate these coal plants, and another would be to phase them out while replacement generation and capacity from solar, wind, and storage come online. An official website of the United States government. For the purposes of this discussion, southeastern states include Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. 890 (111th Congress) 101, the Federal Renewable Electricity Standard. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Retrieved from Raysonho . For more information, please visit www.usaidcleanpowerasia.org. Introducing a Southeast regional competitive market that optimizes regional transmission and shares resources (key features of other RTOs) would save $384 billion dollars with approximately. This exciting new partnership will allow us to bring even more conservation benefits to southeast communities that address food security and local agricultural production.. Increased battery storage and system flexibility also reduces the need for seldom-used gas peaking resources, which are mostly eliminated in the RTO by 2040. F^"jDq2)r3#%_uM5wnZf;A6i{mag2CHs.]tv;e|>un .naf`n_^q $X,J,nE}|2|9?-__6/I:U http://www.eia.doe.gov/glossary/glossary_c.htm. Energy consumption in Southeast Asia nearly doubled between 1995 and 2015, growing at an average pace of 3.4% annually. "There have been at least three different proposals back and forth," Stupak said in a short interview yesterday. US Department of Energy, Biomass Cofiring in Coal-Fired Boilers, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/fta_biomass_cofiring.pdf. This analysis compares a simple metric, the cost per megawatt-hour (MWh) of generation, from existing coal plants and new wind and solar plants. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/jul/23/germany.greenbusiness. 890, would return amounts collected from penalties for noncompliance or alternative compliance payments to retail electricity suppliers that have submitted renewable energy credits20 (REC) for compliance. However, biomass would have to be utilized from a variety of sources, with forestry residues and stumps within a 45-minute haul range, and urban wood residues within a 135-minute haul.64, In comparison, Georgia Power's biomass conversion at the former Mitchell coal plant is expected to draw upon waste wood from a 100-mile radius around the facility. The people who live and work here have inspiring visions for the future, and USDA will continue to support them with investments that promote long-term economic sustainability and honor their values, communities and cultures., For years Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) has worked with private landowners in southeast Alaska to enhance the health and vigor of private forestlands and improve fish and wildlife habitat, said NRCS Alaska State Conservationist Alan D. McBee. Dana Kenney, Chief of Party for USAID Clean Power Asia, said, USAID Clean Power Asia collaborated with local and international partners to share lessons learned and best practices to overcome policy and technical barriers that have limited the deployment of clean energy technologies to support increasing demands for electricity, which are set to double by 2040. A principal argument made by supporters of an RES is that it would provide benefits to the environmental goals. Vietnam has a high potential for renewable energy, including hydro, solar, wind, biomass, and waste. Virginia and North Carolina are the only two southeastern states to have enacted RPS requirements, but at levels below current federal RPS proposals. The agricultural resources of the Midwest and the forest-based resources of the Southeast feature prominently. By 2025, the desired regional target is securing 23 percent of primary energy from renewable sources. (907) 586-8806, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=FSEPRD950023, What is the OneUSDA Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy, On July 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A USDA intra-agency team consulted with Tribal Nations and Alaska Native corporations, and engaged with municipal governments, local partners and communities, and the public to support an integrated approach to economic development planning and implementation. After 2012, renewable fuel use is required to grow in volume as gasoline demand grows. A lock () or https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Because every Southeastern coal-fired power plant is unable to compete in an open market scenario, PM 2.5 pollution - one of the most damaging pollutants for human health - drops to near zero by 2040 along with other harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. Recent technological developments are improving yields from cellulosic production and bringing down production costs61 which, when coupled with incentives for ethanol production, may further increase demand and possibly prices for biomass. Ending large-scale old-growth timber sales on the. 890, would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES).10 In the Senate, a renewable electricity standard was introduced in S. 433.11 Senator Bingaman had previously released a draft bill to discuss a federal renewable portfolio standard on February 11, 2009.12. This visit reinforces USDAs commitment to locally driven collaborative work towards shared outcomes in southeast Alaska communities. The production tax credit is an incentive to business developers of renewable energy projects producing electricity whereby a developer can apply for a credit against taxes for each kilowatt-hour of renewable energy produced. It also eliminates all coal generation by 2040. The region is committed to renewable energy and integrating sustainable practices into legacy industries. Wave, tidal energy, and ocean thermal energy conversion could be tapped, to provide alternative sources of clean and dependable energy in the region. The latter study used geographic information system (GIS) techniques to examine the theoretical effects of transportation infrastructure, distance, and biomass types on potential bioenergy projects in the 27 counties. Biomass Resources Available per Square Kilometer in the United States, Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. See http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090226/testimony_gruenspecht.pdf. Doesn't it make more sense to be producing cleaner power, closer to home?," said Stephen Smith, head of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, one of the groups that released the study with WRI. http://www.eia.doe.gov/glossary/glossary_r.htm. This incentivizes monopolies to over-build power plants, thereby increasing profits for their shareholders. Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand have achieved 100 per cent or near 100 per cent energy access. Chapter 4 highlights regional and national targets and examines the policy and institutional frameworks for scaling up renewables across the region. Three regional utilities Tennessee Valley Authority (a federal entity), Southern Company has suggested that increasing the penetration of renewable . The issue of whether there is enough biomass to meet both an RES and RFS is beyond the scope of this report. Today, biomass is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. Gasification. 796 (17)(E)]. Through February 2009, RPS requirements or goals have been established in 29 states plus the District of Columbia.9, A major argument that has been advanced for a national renewable energy (or electricity) standard is that it would encourage increased use of renewable energy. States and electricity suppliers in the southeastern United States have been most vocal in their concern that they may be unfairly burdened by an RES. Today, biomass is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. Generation sources within seven states in the Southeast RTO model. The costs of delivered biomass fell into an estimated range of $1.66 to $2.01 per thousand BTUs, which was seen as competitive with coal energy costs for power generation. Planning for biomass resources that fails to consider competing uses, may have unintended economic, ecological and environmental consequences. 26 USC 48. The Montreal-based international . It is concerned that competition for biomass resources from new power generation facilities and from transportation fuel uses could drive up prices to the economic detriment of forest product companies. This cooperative agreement is truly an innovative approach taken by the USDA, said Richard Chalyee esh Peterson, President of Tlingit & Haida. Forest Biomass and its Role in a National Renewable Electricity Standard. The legislation also calls for building 450 megawatts of renewable capacity in the county to help replace lost tax revenue from closing coal operations. 29 Inorganic chemicals are used to dissolve the lignin holding together wood fibers, thus making the cellulosic fibers available for the manufacture of paper products. The provisions of such a lawincluding definition of eligible biomass resources, price incentives for renewable electricity, and tax treatmentwould all affect the economic viability of possible projects and could affect demand for biomass resources. Increasing electricity generated from biomass sources may be a viable route for compliance with RES requirements nationally, especially as biomass is already the largest source of renewable energy in the United States today. Together, this significant duplication and overbuild of infrastructure costs customers billions. North Carolina has enacted a 12.5% requirement by 2021 for electric utilities and a 10% requirement for municipal and cooperative utilities. This qualitative assessment included review of the following elements: The depth of interest, and diversity of communities and partners that submitted investment ideas, indicates that USDA is well-positioned to support economic, cultural, and ecological resiliency in Southeast Alaska for the long-term. Virginia has a statewide program to convert coal plants to biomass, with several plants that converted during 2013. Our initial Economic Investment effort will commit up to $25 million in federal funding based on local priorities for short-term, project-based investments. However, the region's major user of woody biomass and producer of wood wastes is the forest products industry. Energy Information Administration, How is my electricity generated, delivered, and priced?, July 10, 2008, http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energy_in_brief/electricity.cfm. Overall outcomes anticipated include stronger relationships with Tribal Nations, Alaska Native corporations, and municipal governments; inclusive, diverse engagements that represent the people, communities, and cultures of Southeast Alaska; an understanding of administrative barriers that continue to impact funding distribution and may include changes to policies, laws, and regulations; and be able to use input gained from engagements to determine short- and long-term investments for the region. The Production Tax Credit13 and the Investment Tax Credit14 have been used by the federal government to support renewable energy.15 Recent consideration has also been given to implementing a federal "Feed-in Tariff" (FIT) law. As a result, developing a large green power project in a traditionally regulated state and claiming renewable energy use can often be challenging. Climate change mitigation goals may have additional impacts on the value of renewable energy credits, and eventual impacts on biomass demand nationwide. Municipal solid waste contains significant portions of organic materials that produce a variety of gaseous products when dumped, compacted, and covered in landfills. USDA will leverage its resources to support these efforts including programs to strengthen small businesses, broadband, renewable energy production, local foods and agriculture production, water and sewer infrastructure, healthcare, housing, outdoor tourism, silviculture support and others as appropriate. http://www.eia.doe.gov/glossary/glossary_b.htm. Thestrategy to be undertaken on the Tongass National Forest and in Southeast Alaska includes four primary components: As a part of the strategy, the Secretary of Agriculture made an initial commitment of $25 million to the region. By blending suitable biomass into coal boilers for steam generation, "co-firing" with biomass can reduce the amounts of coal used by as much as 20%. Still new to solar, the markets in Southeast Asia are almost the inverse of Australia, Director of Solar Distribution Junrhey Castro tells pv magazine Australia. It is not only an investment in communities, but also recognizes the critical role of tribes in the co-stewardship of our lands and waters and sustainability of our communities. Introduced by Senators Udall and Udall on February 12, 2009. Under the regional agreements, the entities are collaborating with USDA to promote economic diversification and workforce development projects for themselves and other smaller organizations in Southeast Alaska. While new jobs more than replace those lost in coal and gas, some communities will be disproportionately impacted by the transition. Much of the impetus for the contribution of biomass sources and technologies to the national energy picture originated in a federal law5 originally viewed as a natural gas conservation measure, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). A competitive RTO would add 149 total gigawatts of clean energy resources in the Southeast including 62 GW of solar, 41 GW of wind, and 46 GW of battery storage. They have also been critical to integrating variable renewable energy wind and solar and capitalizing on resource diversity over larger geographical areas. A market was created for firms outside of the electric utility industry with a preference or opportunity for producing energy from alternative fuels, especially for qualifying small power facilities that could use biomass, waste, or other renewable resources (including wind, solar energy, and water).6 Investments and advances in combustion turbine technology preceded the growth of cogeneration.7 Nowadays, combined heat and power turbine-generator sets are a mainstay of several industries and industrial applications. The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) released the Southeastern Region Report, the final portion of ACORE's 6th annual Renewable Energy in the 50 States report. However, numerous studies have found that renewable energy development has a negative impact on the . The definition of what constitutes biomass has varied over time with changes in law and regulations, reflecting policy goals and evolution of potential uses. AF&PA points to a study of the effects of a 20% RPS by their counterparts in Europe, which concluded that simple power generation from biomass (i.e., wood and recovered paper) should only be considered when recycling is no longer feasible to maximize economic and environmental benefits.56, In contrast, the Biomass Power Association says that its members cannot profitably compete with the pulp and paper industry for supplies of woody biomass at existing prices of $60 per bone dry ton (BDT), and must seek alternative supplies in the $40 per BDT range, or lower.57 Thus, other sources of biomass are targeted. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from biomass sources are considered practically neutral, as biomass sources take in CO2 during their growing cycle and release it when burned. A nationwide renewable electricity standard is a major goal for Democratic leaders and environmentalists. The OneUSDA team is continuing to work with Tribal Nations, Alaska Native corporations, and other partners to distribute all funds in 2022. But customers across the Southeast are still beholden to vertically-integrated utilities that own every aspect of electricity generation, transmission, and delivery. Diversity of biomass resources seems likely to be key to the economic production of biomass-fired power generation. Waxman had offered a lower renewable target of 17.5 percent, according to Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), a member of the committee. The needs of other, possibly competing, uses for biomass are considerations if biomass resources are to be sustained while meeting projected uses. United States. Electricity not used on-site to power equipment may be made available for sale on the grid. The Renewable Fuels Program requires increased use of renewable fuels every year through 2012. This resource potential represents the theoretical, upper bound of renewable energy resource available at a given locationnot considering technical or economic constraints to development (such as land-use constraints). Identifying short- and long-term opportunities for investments that reflect the diverse opportunities and needs in the region. Today, coal is the most widely used fuel for electric power generation in the United States. Burning approximately one million tons of biomass annually, Plant Mitchell would be one of the largest biomass power plants in the United States.51, Collection of waste wood for biomass power plants may require a coordinated effort with forestry companies. This important step towards more battery deployments will increase the penetration of renewable energy, reduce pollution from fossil fuels, and help develop an electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting Thailands transition towards a carbon-neutral country. Feed-in Tariffs are incentive structures for generating renewable electricity usually at above-market rates for a set number of years, reducing the payback period and adding certainty to the return on the investment. Energy Information Administration (EIA). 45, According to SACE's analysis, biomass is potentially seen as meeting 60% of a near-term RES goal of 15% of all generation in the Southeast (by the year 2015). See http://www.ferc.gov/market-oversight/mkt-electric/overview/2009/03-2009-elec-ovr-archive.pdf#xml=http://search.atomz.com/search/pdfhelper.tk?sp_o=4,100000,0. The OneUSDA team employed a four-step assessment process to inform its recommendation for the initial investment of $25 million. \+e|We8yx8!x=LO\50f%*H(\(I$ xB8 dg@JH5@fzI:zX&?}`s:9w&Z[FmP}NrLbaYX1s(]l]dhol LtE{ 6&$vu_ZcU5a*rvPmM5clTRI~Q1 Meanwhile, broad public engagement, in the form of a 30-day public outreach period, was held in mid-September through mid-October with several of platforms offered for additional engagement. November 30 - December 2, 2022. . The Alaska-based, USDA intra-agency team is co-led by Rural Development, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Forest Service. RPS requirements oblige electric utilities to provide electricity from renewable energy sources in increasing amounts over a specified period of years. Energy Innovation has released updated analysis comparing the cost of continuing to operate coal plants to replacing them with solar, wind, or batteries. Alternatively, new or existing power generation facilities at closed pulp and paper mills could be evaluated as options, and configured strictly for power generation.67 Existing woody biomass stocks could be augmented by biocrops or other types of biomass to help fuel new power generation facilities. Investments in energy production in the southeastern United States have long favored base load technologies due to increasing economies of scale from large generation units. In these states, most renewable energy projects are utility-owned. Considering fuel cost inputs in this range and continuation of the Production Tax Credit58 and RECs producing power valued around $0.08 per kilowatt-hour, biomass power plants could be built in the 25 megawatt size range and produce power economically, according to the Biomass Power Association.59. corporations in a process that reflects the immediate and long-term needs and opportunities in the region. These investments speak to the opportunities for partnershipthis isnt the first time USDA has invested in southeast Alaska, and it wont be the last, Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small said. The investments in the three regional strengthening agreements are a critical component of the full $25 million commitment, now fulfilled, which is part of USDAs promise to serve the broader economy of Southeast Alaska and continue to be part of an inclusive, responsive partnership that complements existing efforts toward practical, common-sense solutions. Methane is the primary component of natural gas which is used in cooking, heating, chemicals production, and electric power generation. The Southeast already has a strong base of companies that can make and assemble the key components of wind turbines and other renewable energy equipment. AF&PA contends that additional income from trading in RECs by biopower companies could lead to increased demand and higher prices for biomass, thus forcing forest products companies nationwide to pay more for its raw materials. Conversely, this situation could potentially benefit landowners in the region who have seen prices for wood fall with the economic decline of the forest products industry. Sign up to receive clean energy updates in your inbox. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Energy demand also grew an average of 6% per year, one of the fastest growth rates in the world. installed electrical wiring at a solar array he recently installed at a job site in East Charlotte. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process, when done well, is the best tool the electricity sector has for comparing the utilitys overall system costs across different portfolio options. The Southeast Asian renewable energy market is changing rapidly. (Photo by Logan Cyrus for The Washington Post via Getty Images), 1.4-gigawatt coal-fired power plant located in Roane County, just outside Kingston, Tennessee. These recovery and biomass boilers are responsible for most of the energy generated by the forest products (biomass) sector, either as steam heat for process uses, or electricity generated for on-site use. At least 29 U.S. states have set renewable portfolio standardspolicies that mandate a certain percentage of energy from renewable sources, More than 100 cities worldwide now boast at least 70 . CHARLOTTE NC - June 2, 2017: CREDIT: Mike Catanzaro, panel installer at Accelerate Solar, finishes [+] installed electrical wiring at a solar array he recently installed at a job site in East Charlotte. All rights reserved. The terms RPS and RES (renewable electricity standard) are often used interchangeably, as no material difference exists in program goals. When examined from a regional perspective, a number of questions have been raised as to the potential impacts on the supply and demand of biomass resources under a renewable energy standard. In addition to the Economic Investment component, the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy also involves ending large-scale, old-growth timber harvest and focusing resources to support forest restoration, recreation, climate resilience, and sustainable young-growth management. The results for the Southeast make it abundantly clear that solar and storage is a cost-effective and resilient replacement for retiring coal plants across the region. Juneau, AK 99802-1628 As a part of the strategy, the Secretary of Agriculture made. They are finishing up installing a solar panel array at the Aurora Apartments to help offset electrical demand in certain buildings. Figure 1. Each idea or proposal was read by multiple reviewers. Biomass has been characterized by advocates for an RES in the Southeast (i.e., Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) as the region's main renewable resource which could be used to meet a standard. These markets are far from perfect in practice, but have directly connected customers to least-cost renewable energy. Danielle Jackson, EPA Report Applauds Waste-to-Energy Plants, Waste Age magazine, June 25, 2002, http://wasteage.com/news/waste_epa_report_applauds/. http://www.dsireusa.org/glossary/glossary.cfm?CurrentPageID=8&EE=1&RE=1#con. Targets for biofuels production from a Renewable Fuels Standard may mean that increased amounts of biomass would be dedicated to meet the needs of that program, if the trend away from corn-based ethanol persists and gasoline demand increases. It also includes a proposal to restore the 2001 Roadless Rule protections on the Tongass and to engage in meaningful consultations with Tribal Nations and Alaska Native corporations. More recently, a study released in 2006 assessed the economic feasibility of bringing in biomass resources for bioenergy projects. Drill Baby Drill 2.0: The EPA Needs To Start Permitting Wells For Carbon Dioxide Sequestration, Asias Hunger For Energy Will Not Save Russias Economy, all Southeast coal plants cost more to run, proposed the voluntary Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM), New research from Energy Innovation and Vibrant Clean Energy, establishing a competitive wholesale electricity market, investigate the benefits of establishing organized markets, Competitive wholesale electricity markets, These markets are far from perfect in practice, ambitious long-term climate announcements, heavily reliant on expensive-to-run coal plants, doubling down on risky new gas infrastructure investments, a competitive regional Southeast market through 2040, one of the countrys fastest growing economic sectors, offering higher than average wages, the growing number of companies with 100% clean energy goals, may suffer more economic loss from COVID-19 than any other area of the country, 1.5 times as much PM 2.5 compared to white Americans, one of the most damaging pollutants for human health, up to $60 billion each year in 2050 and up to $99 billion in 2090 in costs, only North Carolina has a meaningful renewable portfolio standard. , and Duke Energy A decision in the Georgia Power rate case last week failed to provide age-appropriate policy and will ensure Georgia remains a bottom-10 state for rooftop solar. I am pleased to have been able to highlight some of the first projects to receive funding, and I will be watching as the rest of the investments move forward in a demonstration of the difference we can make as a collaborative team working toward a common goal.. No, of course not. "Right now we are depending on other regions of the country, and foreign countries like Columbia and Venezuela, to supply us with coal. An online data explorer allows users to compare scenarios and understand state-level impacts: By contrast, current utility plans add virtually no wind or storage, only 21 GW of additional solar by 2040, maintain existing coal, and drastically expand gas generation. Energy demand in Southeast Asia has increased on average by around 3% a year over the past two decades, and this trend continues to 2030 under today's policy settings in the STEPS. Southeast Alaskas culture, people, and economy are interwoven with the Tongass National Forest. The .gov means its official. Community Capacity total commitment of $3.125 million, which includes about $1.7 million for five projects announced today. See page 4 of presentation at http://files.eesi.org/cleaves_030409.pdf. The American Renewable Energy Act, H.R. The alkaline spent liquor from the digesters in the production of sulfate or soda pulp during the manufacture of paper. www.eenews.net, 202-628-6500. RENEWABLE RESOURCES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (SEA . Renewable Portfolio Standards. Much of the debate over an RES revolves around whether there is a need for a federal requirement for renewable energy use by electric providers and whether the momentum in the states is truly moving the use of renewable energy forward. P Although some renewable energy technologies have an impact on the environment, renewables are considered environmentally preferable to conventional sources and, when replacing fossil fuels, have significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE). See http://www.epa.gov/oms/renewablefuels/420f07062.htm. Analysts from energy think tank Energy Innovation recently published a report showing that it is now more expensive to continue to run most coal plants than to replace them with renewable energy. These proposals reflect the broad and deep need for economic stimulus in Southeast Alaska. A dozen or so moderate and conservative committee Democrats want to lower the target. But the World Resources Institute paper argues the target is more than achievable, finding that renewable energy could supply as much as 30 percent of the region's power needs within 15 years. The projects announced today have been allocated in the categories below: Tribal and Indigenous Interests total commitment of $12.5 million, which includes about $2.3 million for the six projects announced today. http://www.harvestcleanenergy.org/enews/enews_0505/enews_0505_Cellulosic_Ethanol.htm.