http://www.harvestcleanenergy.org/enews/enews_0505/enews_0505_Cellulosic_Ethanol.htm. Discussion with Southern Company, March 31, 2009. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. USDA will leverage its resources to support these efforts including programs to strengthen small businesses, broadband, renewable energy production, local foods and agriculture production, water and sewer infrastructure, healthcare, housing, outdoor tourism, silviculture support and others as appropriate. LockA locked padlock It is not only an investment in communities, but also recognizes the critical role of tribes in the co-stewardship of our lands and waters and sustainability of our communities. The successful deployment of renewable energy in Europe is often credited to FIT provisions.16. Generation sources within seven states in the Southeast RTO model. Figure 1. March 2022 SASS meeting in Juneau, Alaska. It also includes a proposal to restore the 2001 Roadless Rule protections on the Tongass and to engage in meaningful consultations with Tribal Nations and Alaska Native corporations. Southeast Asia used construction equipment market is expected to reach a value of $1,470 billion in 2029 from $1,012 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of approximately 5.48% The Earthmoving. However, numerous studies have found that renewable energy development has a negative impact on the . Diversity of biomass resources seems likely to be key to the economic production of biomass-fired power generation. The terms RPS and RES (renewable electricity standard) are often used interchangeably, as no material difference exists in program goals. Incremental progress may be on the horizon. Picking up where federal research and development dollars left off, states are using the concept of a Renewable Portfolio Standard8 (RPS) to create a market for renewable energy via mandatory goals. This important step towards more battery deployments will increase the penetration of renewable energy, reduce pollution from fossil fuels, and help develop an electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting Thailands transition towards a carbon-neutral country. By 2012, at least 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel must be blended into motor-vehicle fuel sold in America. Lignin is the "glue-like" substance which holds woody plant fibers together. Personal communications with Southern Company. Southeast Agriculture & Forestry Energy Alliance, Southern Bioenergy Roadmap, 2009, p. 5, http://www.saferalliance.net/projects/bioenergy_roadmap.pdf. First, with heavy reliance on fossil resources, Southeast Asian governments are promoting renewable energy as the region is endowed with a rich variety of natural resources [15][16][17]. Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE). SCCO Biomass boiler greenhouse. 1998 D. Renne. Unless some balancing mechanism is in place, such as the Bingaman discussion draft proposal to return federal penalties to those states with less renewable energy resources to specifically develop such resources, southeastern states and electric utilities fear that they will become net purchasers of RECs, which will result in a "transfer of wealth" to the sunny and wind-rich states of the Southwest and Midwest, respectively.21 Given the identified concerns over biomass supplies in the southeastern states and the pivotal role the region will likely have in a federal RES debate, issues in this region will be used as the focus of this report. The level playing field that markets provide is critical to customers being able to access the clean and renewable power they need to meet their goals.. Worked with the Government of Laos to support the countrys first-ever solar auction, from auction design to submission of the final auction announcement package. In addition to looking at replacing generation with wind or solar, Energy Innovation looked at pairing local solar resources with battery storage to replace some or all of the capacity of each coal plant without costing more than the continued operation of the plant. Today, biomass is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. Grants, guaranteed loans and tax incentives from the federal government may be viewed by such parties as the best ways for the federal government to encourage renewable energy growth. As a part of the strategy, the Secretary of Agriculture made. Although biomass-fueled power plants are not immune to such challenges, they are capable of offering base-load capacity, and a viable clean energy alternative for utilities in the Southeast should climate change considerations officially become part of the rationale for a Renewable Electricity Standard. We look to be part of an inclusive, responsive approach that complements existing efforts toward practical, common-sense solutions. In 2015, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam . "The Economic Availability of Biomass in the Southeastern United States," by T. Young, D. Ostermeier, J. Thomas, R. Brooks. May 2008. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/alternate/page/renew_energy_consump/table1.html. "We have to keep our eyes on the prize and actually achieve something," Inslee said. This discussion provides an overview of the Southeast Asian region's renewable energy resources like solar energy, wind power, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, by considering their. Because every Southeastern coal-fired power plant is unable to compete in an open market scenario, PM 2.5 pollution - one of the most damaging pollutants for human health - drops to near zero by 2040 along with other harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. Virginia has a statewide program to convert coal plants to biomass, with several plants that converted during 2013. Biomass power plants are tied to a "geo-economic zone" in which it is cost-effective to collect and deliver the biomass feedstock to the boiler. Renewable energy development is constrained by strong economic growth. The Production Tax Credit13 and the Investment Tax Credit14 have been used by the federal government to support renewable energy.15 Recent consideration has also been given to implementing a federal "Feed-in Tariff" (FIT) law. Growing at an average pace of more than 5% per annum, power demand in Southeast Asia is projected to keep rising over the next decade. Feb 27, 2023 - Mar 1, 2023. Introduced by Senators Udall and Udall on February 12, 2009. They are finishing up installing a solar panel array at the Aurora Apartments to help offset electrical demand in certain buildings. KINGSTON TN - MARCH 31: Kingston Fossil Plant, commonly known as Kingston Steam Plant, is a [+] 1.4-gigawatt coal-fired power plant located in Roane County, just outside Kingston, Tennessee. Competition alone, however, will not achieve the rapid electricity sector decarbonization needed to avoid climate changes worst impacts. Historically, most electric power has come from base-load generation in large, central station plants using fossil fuels (principally coal) as the source of energy. Abstract Southeast Asian countries stand at a crossroads concerning their shared energy future and heavily rely on fossil fuels for transport and electricity. The people who live and work here have inspiring visions for the future, and USDA will continue to support them with investments that promote long-term economic sustainability and honor their values, communities and cultures., For years Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) has worked with private landowners in southeast Alaska to enhance the health and vigor of private forestlands and improve fish and wildlife habitat, said NRCS Alaska State Conservationist Alan D. McBee. Southeastern Region Report - American Council on Renewable Energy From 2016 to 2021, USAIDs $16.3 million Clean Power Asia program also: For the past five years, USAID Clean Power Asia has been working with Lower Mekong countries and other Southeast Asian nations to encourage power sector investments in environmentally friendly, clean energy sources, focusing on incorporating renewable energy into planning, promoting smart incentives, building an enabling environment for renewable energy policies, and mobilizing finance. By blending suitable biomass into coal boilers for steam generation, "co-firing" with biomass can reduce the amounts of coal used by as much as 20%. Inorganic wastes are reduced to low volume, inert solids.41 The technology is being used commercially in several installations around the world, with the first U.S. facility scheduled to be operational in 2011.42, A potential national renewable electricity standard would rely on biomass as one of the nation's most widely available resources that could be used to meet requirements.43 With many states already moving forward on advancing renewable energy goals, the acceptability of an RES may come down to regional views on the availability and suitability of renewable energy resources for meeting RES requirements. Click on a state or scroll down to access relevant conservation resources and state-specific climate change information. Addresses critical community capacity needs and/or increases capacity. http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=1975. Georgia Power Company, Georgia Power Seeks Approval for Coal Plant Conversion to Biomass, August 22, 2008, http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-22-2008/0004871944&EDATE=. The costs of delivered biomass fell into an estimated range of $1.66 to $2.01 per thousand BTUs, which was seen as competitive with coal energy costs for power generation. Because China's solar and wind energy resources are rich in northwest region, and the electricity load center is concentrated in the southeast region, the imbalance between the resource and demand intensifies the contradiction of renewable energy generation and grid operation. EIA, Monthly Energy Review, September 2008. For additional information, see the discussion of these tax credits in the federal incentives section of the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy website at http://www.dsireusa.org/. Yes We Can: Southern Solutions for a National Renewable Energy Standard. Below are lists of the states and territories in the Land Trust Alliance's Southeastern Region, which includes the Atlantic Islands and the Gulf Coast. Billions of dollars in savings for customers. Creating hundreds of thousands of high-wage jobs in clean energy. But this modest proposal appears to extend rather than limit utilities power to retain expensive coal generation, ignoring billions in annual savings. Approximately 53% of all renewable energy comes from biomass sources, represented by biofuels, landfill gas, municipal solid waste, wood and wood-derived fuels, and other biomass feedstocks. Today, biomass [electric power] generation is mainly associated with the use of mill and agricultural wastes. This generally means that there could be only one large "industrial" user of biomass (whether forest product manufacturer or biomass power production) in a given geo-economic zone, and growth of renewable electricity from biomass to meet RES requirements will be bound by such zones. They have also been critical to integrating variable renewable energy wind and solar and capitalizing on resource diversity over larger geographical areas. Discussions also focused on identifying administrative barriers to federal funding. This is a BETA experience. 29 Inorganic chemicals are used to dissolve the lignin holding together wood fibers, thus making the cellulosic fibers available for the manufacture of paper products. Creating a Southeast Renewable Energy Manufacturing Powerhouse With a national renewable standard, the Southeast will become a manufacturing leader in the U.S. renewable energy industry. See http://www.esri.com/library/fliers/pdfs/measuringbiofuel.pdf. Other technologies, such as "open-loop" biomass, incremental hydropower, small irrigation systems, landfill gas, and municipal solid waste (MSW), receive a lesser value tax credit. Another option may be to upgrade power production at some existing forest products industry mills solely for the purpose of power sales. Listening to the importance of the sustainability strategy to local communities, learning about southeast Alaska culture, and meeting Tribal members and partners is an honor for me, said Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Dr. Homer Wilkes. Download CCC Permissions USAID Clean Power Asia collaborated with diverse stakeholders, partners, and regional organizations to share lessons learned and best practices across Southeast Asia to accelerate the regional transition to a high performing, low carbon power sector. President Biden is placing climate change at the center of U.S. foreign policy, he said. Lets dive in to see what this Coal Cost Crossover analysis can tell us about coal plants in the Southeast. The Southeastern United States, one of the countrys only regions without a competitive wholesale electricity market, is dominated by monopoly utilities, which have favored expensive and polluting fossil fuel generation over cheap clean energy. A region with some of Americas highest poverty rates, which may suffer more economic loss from COVID-19 than any other area of the country cannot afford to miss out on the economic stimulus that comes from simply introducing competition. Representation of a priority economic sector. These states have ample forest resources, generally poor wind resources, and relatively unfavorable solar resources (compared to the Southwest), making biomass among the more readily available renewable energy resources in the region. In Alabama, for example, people of color are exposed to roughly twice as much PM 2.5 pollution as white people. The Montreal-based international . The resultant gas is then used to provide heat for electric power generation. While new jobs more than replace those lost in coal and gas, some communities will be disproportionately impacted by the transition. Combustion of fossil fuels also produces the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. However, renewable energy from biomass is the exception. Our long-term strategy will include establishing an interagency lead for the Sustainability Strategy, establishing a team charter for the Alaska-based OneUSDA team, and empowering shared leadership within the region by aligning programs with locally developed strategies such as the Blueprint for Southeast Alaska, the Visitor Products Cluster Working Group, the 2025 Economic Development Plan, and the All Landowners Working Group, among others. While a fully restructured, organized market would take time to establish, the companion policy report recommends ways state legislatures and public utility commissions can introduce competitive behavior in advance of a traditional RTO/ISO. Despite being "green" resources, renewable energy installations are not without aesthetic or environmental challenges of their own. CRS Report RL34059, The Carbon Cycle: Implications for Climate Change and Congress, by [author name scrubbed]. The investments in the three regional strengthening agreements are a critical component of the full $25 million commitment, now fulfilled, which is part of USDAs promise to serve the broader economy of Southeast Alaska and continue to be part of an inclusive, responsive partnership that complements existing efforts toward practical, common-sense solutions. Southern Company is considering converting three additional small coal plants to biomass, similar to Plant Mitchell. 's biomass plants, Globe and Mail, March 25, 2009, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090325.wforestry0325/BNStory/National/. United States. The agricultural resources of the Midwest and the forest-based resources of the Southeast feature prominently. 32+T9LPs))bRBbZ3H9%D1"za;V+*vJ) |FU8pr!DMf'!IHR Rn?Q&i( =ET/v,yb9j1xZiKM_at$qJ{Dgny? Energy Innovation has released updated analysis comparing the cost of continuing to operate coal plants to replacing them with solar, wind, or batteries. See http://www.house.gov/jct/x-39-08.pdf. AMERICAN COUNCIL ON RENEWABLE ENERGY With high electricity prices, a reliance on imported energy, and ongoing retirements of fossil fuel power plants, the Northeast has a strong incentive to develop local, renewable sources of energy. On July 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the newSoutheast Alaska Sustainability Strategy to support a diverse economy, enhancecommunity resilience, and conserve natural resources in Southeast Alaska. http://www.dsireusa.org/glossary/glossary.cfm?CurrentPageID=8&EE=1&RE=1#con. Alaska Project Supports President Bidens Energy Goals, Baytex/Ranger Oil Combination First Of Its Kind In Almost A Year, International Energy Week Is A Lesson In Cognitive Dissonance. New financing instruments and tools have been employed to generate wider market participation. After 2012, renewable fuel use is required to grow in volume as gasoline demand grows. The definition of what constitutes biomass has varied over time with changes in law and regulations, reflecting policy goals and evolution of potential uses. The majority of that capacity is expected to come from new energy crops.46, Opponents of an RES say goals for new renewable energy generation are unfair and cannot be easily met in the timeframes under discussion. So basically using the savings from switching from coal to local solar to add storage to make the grid more resilient. United States government. Coal-fired power plants are major sources of toxic air pollution, so phasing out uneconomic coal dramatically improves air quality. http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/faqs/index.html#overview4. Federal support for research and development is believed by many policymakers to be crucial in making renewable energy technologies more cost-competitive. Tom Darin Liskey, Georgia Power seeks to convert coal plant to biomass, ReCharge News, February 3, 2009, http://www.rechargenews.com/energy/biofuels/article171226.ece.   U.S. Energy Project in Southeast Asia Increased Renewable Energy Investments by $7 Billion, USAID and FHI 360 join PMAC to enhance data integration in decision-making at the climate-health nexus, United States Launches SERVIR-Southeast Asia, a USAID-NASA Initiative to Fight Climate Change, USAID Smart Infrastructure for the Mekong Program Restores Fish Passage Across the Mekong, USAID, DNP, and WildAid Launch Media Campaign to End Demand for Ivory Products. The needs of other, possibly competing, uses for biomass are considerations if biomass resources are to be sustained while meeting projected uses. For Tlingit & Haida, the agreements are an example of USDAs renewed commitment to its Federal Trust responsibilities and what can be done when partners work together on common goals of sustainable, community-led economic development in Southeast Alaska. Analysts from energy think tank Energy Innovation recently published a report showing that it is now more expensive to continue to run most coal plants than to replace them with renewable energy. % 2;|Q2C2hH;_2 The team used a two-pronged approach to gather public input. 796 (17)(E)]. Will Lithium Follow The Super-Cycle Of Mining? The analysis does not account for ripple effects of reduced electricity rates on consumer and business spending or the increased attractiveness of Southeastern states to the growing number of companies with 100% clean energy goals. Biomass grown for energy is commonly seen as carbon neutral and most biomass sources are low in sulfur content, so sulfur dioxide emissions are reduced. Tribal and Indigenous Interests - $12.5 million, Community Capacity - $3.125 million (12.5%), Resilient Peoples & Place: When a time for peace is facilitated through partnership, Creating a Tribal Restoration Workforce - Fish Alaska Magazine, Forest Service to start improvements on Wrangell blueberry lands next spring - Wrangell Sentinel, Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $37 Million to Improve Recreational Sites and Cabins on National Forests and Grasslands | USDA, The SalmonState: Bringing the sockeye home | Juneau Empire, Local priorities and USDA funding strategies meet up in Southeast Alaska High Country News Know the West (hcn.org), Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategys webpage, Guiding Recommendations & Potential Long-Term Investments, Initial Investment and Recommendations Summary, Traditional Technical Knowledge and Cultural Use of Forest Products. Renewable energy in Southeast Asia is a growing sector with a market size of $205 billion and capital investments totaling $11 billion between 2020 and 2022. November 30 - December 2, 2022. . Municipal solid waste contains significant portions of organic materials that produce a variety of gaseous products when dumped, compacted, and covered in landfills. See http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090226/testimony_gruenspecht.pdf. Gasification. The development of solar and wind resources in the power sector was relatively slow as renewables were not cost-competitive over thermal power plants. [F|39$~0 #4 Myanmar reported its access to energy as 50 per cent in 2019. Virginia has a 12% RPS requirement by 2022. to support a diverse economy, enhancecommunity resilience, and conserve natural resources in Southeast Alaska. The Southeast has also mostly retained a vertically integrated utility model, and most utilities in the region have not joined a Regional Transmission Organization or Independent System Operator (collectively known as, RTO). Bioenergy and Biomass Frequently Asked Questions. A USDA intra-agency team consulted with Tribal Nations and Alaska Native corporations, and engaged with municipal governments, local partners and communities, and the public to support an integrated approach to economic development planning and implementation. All renewable energy sources combined account for about 10% of the U.S. total energy production. Renewable Natural Gas Market Report Contains 2023: - Complete overview of the global Renewable Natural Gas Market Renewable Natural Gas Market provides high-class data, info, vital statistics . website belongs to an official government organization in the Georgia Power estimates it will require 160 to 180 truckload deliveries per day to supply the 1 million tons of biomass needed for the 96 MW facility. These markets are far from perfect in practice, but have directly connected customers to least-cost renewable energy. Identifying short- and long-term opportunities for investments that reflect the diverse opportunities and needs in the region. Arguments against the need for a national RES have been made in the past that this is a matter for state or regional self-determination. Targets for biofuels production from a Renewable Fuels Standard may mean that increased amounts of biomass would be dedicated to meet the needs of that program, if the trend away from corn-based ethanol persists and gasoline demand increases. Federal funding from recent and proposed legislation, like the Great America Outdoors Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, and other agency appropriations, can likely fund many of the investment ideas that were not quite ready for short-term support. For the purposes of this discussion, southeastern states include Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. renewable energy, also called alternative energy, usable energy derived from replenishable sources such as the Sun ( solar energy ), wind ( wind power ), rivers ( hydroelectric power ), hot springs ( geothermal energy ), tides ( tidal power ), and biomass ( biofuels ). But this result is indicative of what should be on the table for each utilitys next resource plan. "Hog fuel" is a mixture of wood and bark, usually reduced to 50-75 millimeter-size chips and produced by a "wood hog" (i.e., grinder), from which it derives its name. 26 These definitions have varied over time with changes in the law and regulations, reflecting policy goals and technological change. A principal argument made by supporters of an RES is that it would provide benefits to the environmental goals. The American Renewable Energy Act, H.R. Not only are there immediate investments that will benefit the region, but there is also an eye toward the future with support for capacity building and technical assistance that will make these projects sustainable.. Meets USDA commitment to ecological, economic, and cultural sustainability. Generators of existing renewable energy facilities (placed in service before January 1, 2006) would receive non-tradable credits for the power they generate under the proposal in Senator Bingaman's RPS discussion draft. Cellulosic ethanol can be produced from the same types of biomass feedstock as could be used for biomass electric power generation. Today, biomass is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States. The terms RES and RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) are often used interchangeably as no material difference exists in program goals. Developed and published financial models for utility-scale and rooftop solar, wind, and biomass power, which were downloaded over 3,000 times and used to help renewable energy project developers identify critical factors that impacted project profitability and bankability. The Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy is USDAs approach to support economic, cultural, and natural resources sustainability in the region. Introducing a Southeast regional competitive market that optimizes regional transmission and shares resources (key features of other RTOs) would save $384 billion dollars with approximately $17.4 billion average yearly savings through 2040 - 23% lower electricity costs compared to today. North Carolina has enacted a 12.5% requirement by 2021 for electric utilities and a 10% requirement for municipal and cooperative utilities. Southeast Asian countries stand at a crossroads concerning their shared energy future and heavily rely on fossil fuels for transport and electricity. Sustainable management of forest resources is likely to be both a basic consideration and a possible constraint. "It is very active." To understand geography . Alaska Regional Office Competition in these markets has reduced wholesale energy costs while creating an entry point for low-cost renewable energy to provide power to the grid. Daniel Cusick, "Southern utilities led effort to squash Senate RPS proposal," Earth News, June 26, 2007. By converting biomass, waste materials, or other carbon-containing materials into a synthesized gas (synthesis gas or syngas) comprised mostly of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, the syngas can be burned directly to generate electricity.39 Further processing via Fischer-Tropsch methods40 or other forms of catalysis can convert the syngas into higher value chemicals or transportation biofuels such as ethanol, methanol, or a form of biodiesel called di-methyl ether. The pulp and paper industry has another wood waste fuel source in "black liquor," a by-product of the pulping process. Interact with the entire Southeast renewable energy community and hear from key players Effective Networking Connect with speakers and attendees in the Networking Lounge or via secured, private messages Schedule 1-on-1 meetings or group calls using built-in video chat features on our virtual platform FEATURED SPEAKERS Kathryn Arbeit