Stagger Turbines to Raise Output
A University of Delaware researcher says more generous spacing and staggered arrangement of turbines could raise a wind farm’s output by 13% to 33% over conventional arrangements. The issue is pertinent to the state, where offshore wind development is a yet-unrealized goal.
More: ABC Environment; The Naked Scientists
ILLINOIS
Feed-in Tariff Proposed for Chicago Efficiency
The Chicago Infrastructure Trust has proposed a kind of feed-in tariff to help the municipal buildings use less energy. The trust said its plan could help Commonwealth Edison meet the state’s energy efficiency targets, which the utility said it cannot meet with funds from an existing surcharge.
More: Crain’s Chicago Business
KENTUCKY
James River Idles More Coal Mines
James River Coal idled four Kentucky mines at its Buckeye complex, eliminating 1.3 million short tons of annual thermal coal production on top of the 3.7 million tons it idled in September. The company might restart the Buckeye production if markets warrant it, but the earlier shutdowns are meant to be indefinite.
More: Reuters
MICHIGAN
30% Renewables Said Possible By 3035
The Public Service Commission and Michigan Energy Office have told Gov. Rick Snyder that the state could get 15% of its power from renewables by 2020 and 30% by 2035. The agencies will deliver reports on other power issues later, as part of Snyder’s effort to gather information for possible legislative action.
More: North American Windpower
NEW JERSEY
Business Coalition Can Keep Fighting PSE&G Plan
A big-business coalition has legal standing to oppose the Energy Strong program Public Service Electric & Gas is proposing to storm-proof its grid, the Board of Public Utilities ruled in rejecting a PSE&G challenge to the group. The coalition of large energy users object to the utility’s plan to fund the $3.9 billion program with ratepayer money on an ongoing basis instead of submitting the expenses for scrutiny and reimbursement afterward.
More: The Record
NORTH CAROLINA
Waste Argument Aired in NRC Hearing
Anti-nuclear activists and industry representatives wrangled over fundamental issues as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission held one of a series of hearings about its “waste confidence rule,” which governs storage of spent fuel. The Charlotte meeting drew a crowd, spurred by proximity to two Duke Energy nuclear plants. The NRC is weighing its rule, which a federal appeals court vacated last year.
More: The Charlotte Observer
PENNSYLVANIA
Cities, Towns Tackle Solar Issues
Municipalities in Allegheny and Beaver counties have begun to pass solar panel policies to be prepared as interest in installations increases. The municipalities participated last year in a project to develop a model ordinance.
More: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
FE Pa. Utilities File Procurement Plans
FirstEnergy’s four Pennsylvania utilities sent the Public Utility Commission a proposal for buying default-service supply beginning June 2015. CRA International would run quarterly auctions starting in October 2014 and have a bidding process for supply of renewable energy credits.
More: FirstEnergy
