Renewable Sources of Energy a Potential Money-Maker for Utah
None by KCPW
Utah Energy Forum Friday
(KCPW News) Embracing renewable energy policies isn't just eco-friendly politics, it's also a money-maker:
"We show that you could easily save 20 percent by 2015 in our analysis and that had a net economic benefit to the state of over $7 billion."
Sarah Wright, executive director of Utah Clean Energy, says it's a point she'll drive home Friday at the Utah Energy Forum, which is co-sponsored by her group and the Governor's Office. Utah lags behind other states in the region when it comes to energy efficiency. For instance, Wright says the Beehive State can lay claim to less than 1 megawatt of installed wind capacity, while Idaho boasts 75 megawatts; Wyoming 288; Colorado 291; New Mexico nearly 500; and California leads at more than 2,300 megawatts of windpower. Wright says legislation that's being drafted for consideration in 2008 will provide incentives for Utah homebuilders to incorporate renewables into their products:
"What we're looking at is, for homes, a certain percentage for the first 2,000 square feet of home; and if you build 30 percent above code you would get a certain dollar amount per square foot, and then if you build 40 percent above code, you'd get a greater incentive. It would be tiered and rising as you increase efficiency of the home."
Incentives for renewable energy retrofits of existing homes also will be considered in the bill. The Utah Energy Forum will be held Friday morning at the State Office Building.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Richard Stauffer said:
Renewable electric power production could indeed be pushed to the "hallowed goal" of 20 percent. However, trying to increase production by renewables beyond that percentage is a problem. Solar and wind power are limited because the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine. When the 20 percent goal is reached, it will be necessary to rely on other more reliable power sources to supply the remaining 80 percent.
Nuclear power is the only option that can provide the needed 80 percent if greenhouse gasses from fosil plants are to be avoided.
Richard StaufferMurray, Utah
3. Jeda Higgs said:
I'm perplexed by the statement that any one option is the "only option" -- especially nuclear.
Thanks for your thoughts Ed. I agree with you, as technology and education evolve, so will our choices. I'm no expert, but similar to a battery, shouldn't some of these technologies be capable of incoporating a similar type of cell to remedy say, nighttime and/or the stillness of air? I believe innovating a multitude of designs and ideas would more than compensate for the absence of disastrous tech such as nuclear. Simply stated, there MUST be other viable options.
2. Ed Meyer said:
While I personally don't have a problem with responsibile development of nuclear power, it certainly isn't the only option. I agree with Richard that there are limits on solar and wind power though these limits will become less as technology improves. However, there are other options. One great option is hydroelectric power which is still undeveloped in Utah. Every water line or pressurized irrigation system in the state that is outfitted with a pressure reduction valve has the potential to generate power and many streams are still untapped. The flip side of producing new power is, of course, using what we have more effectively. It requires little more than the desire to do so.