Wind Power

EnerKnol’s alternative energy research focuses on non-fossil fuel and renewable energy industries, covering major U.S. policy developments and industry trends. Detailed insight into the alternative energy industry – biofuels, electric vehicles, energy storage, nuclear power, smart grid, solar power, wave energy, and wind power – provides valuable information for market analysts, clean energy investors, manufacturers supplying the alternative energy industry, and utilities incorporating renewables into their portfolios.

Apr232019

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – A Second Boom in Wind Power Is Coming to the U.S. as Tax Credit Phase-Out Looms

U.S. wind power has more than tripled over the last decade, surpassing hydropower to become the nation's single-largest source of renewable capacity, and that's due in no small part to federal tax incentives. The industry is now poised to enjoy one last hurrah from the tax program as the expiration of the credits this year is setting in motion a rush to build about 11 gigawatts of new projects, accounting for the largest expansion of the sector since 2012.

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April 23, 2019

Apr92019

Maryland Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Double Renewable Standard, Examine Pathways for 100 Percent Goal

The Maryland General Assembly approved a bill on April 8 that would raise the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 50 percent by 2030 from 25 percent by 2020. The measure would require a study to create a comprehensive plan to achieve a 100 percent goal by 2040. The legislation adds to the growing list of state-level…

April 9, 2019

Apr12019

PJM Files Price Formation Reforms for Proper Valuation of Energy Reserves

PJM Interconnection LLC on March 29 filed a proposal with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revise its energy and reserve market rules to properly value the energy reserves that support grid reliability by providing the flexibility needed to accommodate the evolving resource mix. The grid operator said that the growing variability of power demand…

April 1, 2019

Mar312019

Massachusetts Begins Process for Second Offshore Wind Solicitation of Up To 800 Megawatts

The Massachusetts electric distribution companies Unitil Corp., National Grid plc, and Eversource Energy, and the state’s Department of Energy Resources proposed a timetable and procedure to solicit and execute long-term contracts for up to 800 megawatts of offshore wind power, according to a March 29 notice from the Department of Public Utilities. The companies are…

March 31, 2019

Mar252019

Clean Line Energy Wins Missouri Approval for $2.3 Billion Wind Power Line

The Missouri Public Service Commission on March 20 unanimously approved Clean Line Energy Partners LLC’s 780-mile Grain Belt Express transmission system designed to deliver 4,000 megawatts of wind power from Western Kansas to Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and the neighboring states. The move follows a July 2018 ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court, which found that…

March 25, 2019

Mar202019

Nevada State Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Double Renewable Standard, Set Goal for 100 Percent Carbon-Free Electricity

Democratic Senator Chris Brooks introduced legislation on March 18 that would raise Nevada’s renewable portfolio standard to 50 percent by 2030 from the current level of 25 percent by 2025. The bill would also set a goal of achieving all of the state’s electricity from carbon-free resources by 2050. The legislation adds to the number…

March 20, 2019

Mar122019

U.S. Added Over 31 Gigawatts of Electric Generating Capacity in 2018, Largest in 15 Years: EIA

The U.S. added 31.3 gigawatts of generating capacity in 2018, the largest since the 2003 capacity addition of 48.8 gigawatts, according to a March 11 report from the Energy Information Administration. Natural gas accounted for 62 percent of utility-scale additions, while wind and solar photovoltaic represented 21 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Coal accounted for…

March 12, 2019

Mar92019

Ameren Missouri to Acquire 157-Megawatt Wind Farm, Bringing Wind Investment to $1 Billion

The Missouri Public Service Commission approved an agreement allowing Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation, to own and operate a 157-megawatt wind generation project to be built in Atchison County, according to a March 6 press release. The proposed Brickyard Hills Wind Facility, to be developed by EDF Renewables North America, is expected to come…

March 9, 2019

Feb212019

Oregon Regulator to Revise Implementation of Federal Power Purchase Law

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission on Feb. 19 opened a proceeding to examine the implementation of the federal Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA, which requires utilities to purchase power from small independent electricity generators at the “avoided cost” or the cost the utility would spend to procure the electricity itself. The move stems…

February 21, 2019

Feb202019

Midwest Grid Operator Delivered Up To $3.9 Billion in Benefits in 2018: MISO Report

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. estimates that benefits in the range of $3.2 billion to $3.9 billion were realized in its region last year, according to the results of its annual value proposition study released on Feb. 19. The study, which identifies several factors that drive positive value, found that footprint diversity, wind integration,…

February 20, 2019

Feb202019

Alliant Energy Proposes Voluntary Renewable Power Programs for Wisconsin Customers

Wisconsin Power and Light Company is seeking approval of three new tariff options to expand its voluntary renewable energy options for customers, according to its Feb. 18 application filed with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The proposal includes a subscription-based community solar program, renewable energy contracts targeted at large commercial and industrial customers, and a…

February 20, 2019

Feb192019

Maine Governor Lifts Ban on New Wind Power Permits

Democratic Governor Janet Mills signed an executive order on Feb. 14 ending a moratorium on wind turbine permits, authorizing state agencies to resume determining whether proposed projects qualify for approval. The move comes at a time when Northeastern states are planning large amounts of wind power to meet clean energy goals. Maine has a target…

February 19, 2019

Alternative Energy