Insights from our Editorial Team

  • Canadian wind a hedge
    Sep 30, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    NextEra Energy Resources will set a U.S. record by adding 1,500 MW of wind generation assets this year while it prepares for the dramatic slowdown as the federal production tax credit (PTC) lapses at the end of the year.

  • Plans to add 210 MW over three years
    Sep 27, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    The Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative (GPASI) is the largest voluntarily developed solar portfolio from an investor-owned utility in the United States.

    Comments: 1
  • Ruling preempts pending changes to Idaho Power tariff
    Sep 26, 2012 | Carl Dombek

    FERC ruled Sept. 20 that utilities cannot unilaterally curtail wind energy purchased from a qualifying facility (QF) under a long-term fixed avoided-cost power purchase agreement (PPA) (Docket No. EL12-74).

    Comments: 1
  • Groups petition Texas PUC for more emphasis on non-wind development
    Sep 25, 2012 | Barry Cassell

    Several environmental groups - including the Sierra Club, Public Citizen and Environment Texas – have petitioned the Public Utility Commission of Texas to pass new rules calling for more development of non-wind renewable energy in the state.

    Comments: 2
  • Nation’s second-largest site dedicated
    Sep 24, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    The United States’ second largest wind farm, Caithness Energy’s Shepherds Flat Wind Farm, at 845 MW, is now operating.

    Comments: 3
  • Facing the abyss
    Sep 23, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Jan Blittersdorf has seen the ups and downs of the wind industry for 30 years, so the expected slump that will hit the sector when a key subsidy expires for the fourth time in two decades shouldn't be anything new.

  • Conservation group recommends go-slow approach
    Sep 20, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    A conservation group says the rush to develop large solar projects in the desert Southwest has endangered wildlife habitat and landscapes due to faulty reviews by state and federal agencies currently in place.

    Comments: 2
  • Tax credit lapse dries up orders
    Sep 19, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Siemens is the latest, and by the far the biggest company to announce layoffs in its U.S. wind operations caused by the lapse of a popular tax credit that has killed project development for 2013. The company also cited competition from low natural gas prices and power demand suppressed by the sluggish economy.

    Comments: 1
  • Will build, operate and maintain 170-MW California project
    Sep 18, 2012 | Bill Opalka

    Fluor Corp. (NYSE: FLR) has won a contract for a 170-MW solar project in California’s Imperial Valley.

  • 250-MW wind project can yield 1,100 jobs, according to study
    Sep 17, 2012 | Wayne Barber

    A 250-MW wind power project can create 1,100 jobs and add tens of millions of dollars in new taxes and other benefits to the community where it’s located, according to two reports recently announced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).