Renewable energy is no longer considered “alternative energy” More and more people are looking for sources like wind and solar to power their homes and businesses. The demand for clean energy is strong and growing. Although the cost for new renewable energy development is currently more than delivering dirty fossil fuel energy, it’s because the fossil fuel industry has an established infrastructure that was created at mass scale many years ago, partially through government subsidies. (1)

Now more and more people are seeking and demanding cost-effective clean energy, partially because we see the devastating effects of climate change and also rising costs. Although we do not know what the new administration will do to try to stop the will of the people as well as the health and well-being of our country, but presently there are still government incentives and programs which are helping subsidize clean energy. We need to take advantage of these incentives now!

We notice large-scale solar and wind farms popping up around our region. Large scale projects are preferred because they offer a significant way to combat climate change by producing clean, renewable energy at a large scale, with the ability to generate substantial electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, while also providing economic benefits like job creation and potential cost reductions for consumers, particularly when implemented in areas with optimal wind and solar conditions; making them a key component in transitioning to a cleaner energy grid. 

Siting of these large-scale projects is extremely important. Siting refers to a series of decision-making processes and actions that determine the location and design of new wind, solar, or other clean energy generating facilities. Environmental advocates are concerned with the protection of, among other things, open space, trees, wetlands and endangered species. Some citizens are concerned that the impact on their properties, views and neighborhoods will be affected. That is why the siting process needs to be extensive but reasonable. (2)

The siting of large-scale land-based renewable energy projects on private property brings together a combination of stakeholders from local, state, federal, and Tribal governments, renewable energy developers, landowners, and other community members to consider how all factors will affect the outcomes of a given project. State and local officials work with stakeholders to consider a facility’s entire lifecycle, from permitting and approval to construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the project.

When it comes to siting, no two projects are the same. Locally there are several large-scale renewable projects our group is studying, mainly solar and wind. If you are interested in learning more about large scale renewable projects, Peter Plumley is our committee chair for the group and is presently working on large scale renewable energy projects in our region. He would welcome input from our members.

For further information or to get involved, contact Peter Plumley or rjezer@gmail.com.

1. https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/corporations-bypass-politics-lead-clean-energy-2017
2. https://www.energy.gov/eere/siting-large-scale-renewable-energy-projects