Google Invests 188 Million In Solar Project

According to Green Tech Lead, 'Google is investing in Utah Red Hills Renewable Energy Park, which is touted as the largest solar power plant in Utah.' The project, costing close to 188 million, is being developed by Scatec Solar, a Norwegian solar energy project developer. The project, expected to be operational by the end of 2015, will generate 210 million kilowatt-hours of solar power annually and produce sufficient electricity to power 18,500 average homes in Utah. As part of the deal, Google will pay a share of the cost of the project in return for tax incentives in addition to a share of the income. According to US policy, the Red Hills project will be eligible for a 30% solar investment tax credit after its completion. The Utah Red Hills solar power station is a part of a target set by Scatec Solar, to install 750MW of PV generation capacity by the end of next year. Luigi Resta, managing director, Scatec Solar said that the Utah location is well suited to solar because of its sunny climate, which is situated at about 5,800 feet from sea level. This is important because solar power systems don't perform as well when it is very hot. Source: http://www.greentechlead.com/2015/01/07/google-invests-188-million-utah-solar-project-20709

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Illinois Wind Advocates Advise Wisconsin Renewable Energy Developers To Escape To Illinois

"From a news release issued by The Illinois Wind Energy Association:"

(CHICAGO) -- Today the Illinois Wind Energy Association (IWEA) invited wind power developers working in Wisconsin to focus their efforts on Illinois, where Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly have worked to streamline regulations for the wind energy business.

Wind developers have been apprehensive about investing in Wisconsin since Governor Scott Walker proposed legislation that would effectively ban wind development from the Badger State. With these new job-destroying regulations on the table, IWEA is happy to highlight the much more business-friendly climate just to the south.

Recently introduced in the Wisconsin legislature, the War on Wind Initiative would dramatically extend setback distances from wind turbines in the state. If adopted, the bill would mandate a minimum setback requirement of 1,800 feet from neighboring property lines, far exceeding the setback distance from occupied dwellings specified in a rule issued by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

"Even the strictest county setbacks in Illinois are nowhere near as extreme as what Wisconsin would have if this bill passes," said IWEA Executive Director Kevin Borgia. "Illinois has no statewide minimum setbacks."

As Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, said to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel last week, "it is one of the most onerous regulations we have ever seen."

"In light of Wisconsin's War on Wind, IWEA invites developers to focus their resources on Illinois," Borgia said. "Businesses with wind farm proposals in both states are likely to focus their efforts on locations with the most beneficial regulatory climate. If the legislation is adopted, that location will not be Wisconsin."

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