Project objective is to develop and disseminate accurate, objective information on critical wind energy issues impacting market acceptance of hundreds of land-based projects and vast off-shore wind developments proposed in the 6-state New England region, thereby accelerating the pace of wind installation from today's 140 MW towards the region's 20% by 2030 goals of 12,500 MW. Methodology: This objective will be accomplished by accumulating, developing, assembling timely, accurate, objective and detailed information representing the 'state of the knowledge' on critical wind energy issues impacting market acceptance, and widely disseminating such information. The target audience includes state agencies and local governments
utilities and grid operators
wind developers
agricultural and environmental groups and other NGOs
research organizations
host communities and the general public, particularly those in communities with planned or operating wind projects. Information will be disseminated through: (a) a series of topic-specific web conference briefings
(b) a one-day NEWEEP conference, back-to-back with a Utility Wind Interest Group one-day regional conference organized for this project
(c) posting briefing and conference materials on the New England Wind Forum (NEWF) web site and featuring the content on NEWF electronic newsletters distributed to an opt-in list of currently over 5000 individuals
(d) through interaction with and participation in Wind Powering America (WPA) state Wind Working Group meetings and WPA's annual All-States Summit, and (e) through the networks of project collaborators. Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC (lead) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory will staff the project, directed by an independent Steering Committee composed of a collaborative regional and national network of organizations. Major Participants - the Steering Committee: In addition to the applicants, the initial collaborators committing to form a Steering Committee consists of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust
Maine Public Utilities Commission
New Hampshire office of Energy & Planning, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
, ISO New England
Utility Wind Interest Group
University of Massachusetts Wind Energy Center
Renewable Energy New England (a new partnership between the renewable energy industry and environmental public interest groups), and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (conditionally). The Steering Committee will: (1) identify and prioritize topics of greatest interest or concern where detailed, objective and accurate information will advance the dialogue in the region
(2) identify critical outreach venues, influencers and experts
(3) direct and coordinate project staff
(4) assist project staff in planning briefings and conferences described below
(5) identify topics needing additional research or technical assistance and (6) identify and recruit additional steering committee members. Impacts/Benefits/Outcomes: By cutting through the clutter of competing and conflicting information on critical issues, this project is intended to encourage the market's acceptance of appropriately-sited wind energy generation.