Renewable energy
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Clean, renewable energy sources – including wind, solar and geothermal power – do not pollute our air or our water and will never run out, unlike coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels. While fossil fuels are still the dominant source of electricity worldwide, renewable energy development is on the rise. Wind power is the fastest growing new energy source in the world. Widespread use of wind and other renewable power sources will bring costs down, making clean energy even more attractive than fossil fuels. Hydrogen fuel cells and other emerging energy technologies are also blazing the trail to a clean and affordable energy future.
- Montana Renewables at a Crossroads
- In this podcast from the 2008 Spring Conference and Board Meeting in Helena, MT, Moderator Ralph Cavanagh of NRDC and a panel of local and national experts discuss the possibilities and potential pitfalls of renewable energy generation in Montana.
- NWEC Comments on PACIFICORP’S 2007 Integrated Resource Plan
- Renewables-First Generation/Transmission Projects
- Many policy-makers and generation developers think that, especially in theWest and Midwest, renewables cannot be developed on a large scale without coal as a transmission partner. This paper presents a contrary case—that large-scale renewable energygeneration projects (“Mega-Projects”) appear able to economically justify major transmission infrastructure, with no initial participation by coal.
- WA Governor approves Kittitas County wind project
- After a long process of back and forth, Governor Chris Gregoire has approved the Kittitas County wind project, marking a major victory for clean energy advocates...
- New study shows that energy efficiency and renewables can slash U.S. global warming emissions
- The NW Energy Coalition, Sierra Club and other Washington state organizations have joined with the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) and the nation’s preeminent climate scientists in unveiling a new plan for dramatically reducing the nation’s global warming emissions...
- The Transformer - June 25, 2007
- Power Council-BPA study shows feasibility of integrating wind in the Northwest - As more and more wind projects sprout up across the region, planners wonder how much wind the power system can reliably and economically incorporate into the electricity system...
- Rand study
- This report by the RAND Corp. examines the implications of alternative power generation technologies in the Northwest. The results are intended to inform both policy-makers and the public about the role of energy efficiency and renewables in meeting future power needs.
- The Transformer - June 19, 2007
- Study shows region outpacing conservation goal - This edition presents the study’s findings and relays a question from the Council: Should the 5th Northwest Power and Conservation Plan be amended to reflect a significantly larger pool of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities?
- Energy Matters Update - May 30, 2007
- Oregon completes West Coast sweep by passing renewable energy standard
- Energy Matters Update - Apr 26, 2007
- A climate change bill passed by the Washington State Legislature puts a considerable hitch in coal-plant development.