nuclear-news

Vermont’s comprehensive plan for renewable energy and energy efficiency

Vt. to seek 90 percent renewable energy by 2050 Bloomberg, By DAVE GRAM, 18 Dec 11 MONTPELIER, VT. Gov. Peter Shumlin wants the state to satisfy 90 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2050, largely eliminating its reliance on fossil fuels.

Shumlin joined Public Service Commissioner Elizabeth Miller and other officials on Thursday to unveil a comprehensive energy plan that lifts what had been a moratorium on construction of renewable energy projects on state land; calls for more use of electric vehicles coupled with energy efficiency in the electric sector; says large-scale hydroelectric power like that imported from Canada should be considered renewable; and calls for expansion of piped natural gas
in the state.

“Vermont needs to move forward to protect our
environment, gain greater energy independence and drive innovation and
jobs in the energy sectors. This plan puts us on that path,” Shumlin
said in a statement. “I am proud of the incredible work put in by the
many agencies involved and the thousands of citizens who took the time
to participate in shaping the ideas and actions that are included.”

Key provisions in the document, which resulted from a year of work by
Miller’s department and other agencies, five public hearings and heavy
lobbying by interest groups, include:

— An end to reliance on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. The state
is pushing to close the Vernon reactor when its initial 40-year
license expires in March, but plant owner Entergy Corp. is suing in
federal court to keep the plant open. A judge’s decision is expected
any day. Even if Entergy wins and the plant operates for another 20
years, as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has given it permission to
do, Miller said the state does not plan to rely on it for power
supplies.

— A push to reduce energy use in transportation, which accounts for
more than half the state’s current energy demand, by getting more
residents to use public transportation, ride bikes and walk. At the
same time, many vehicles are expected to be powered by electricity.
Energy planners see this as a way to even out energy use, with cars
charging their batteries overnight, when demand for power currently is
very low.

— Greatly expanded use of biomass fuels, including wood pellets, corn
and other crops grown to be burned, in the heating of buildings.
Shumlin said this is key to the state’s efforts to reduce its reliance
on foreign oil.

— A continued push for energy conservation, a field in which Vermont
frequently has been ranked as a national leader…..
The plan calls for some limited development of renewable energy
projects on public land, providing they meet strict permitting
criteria. http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RLPDLG2.htm

December 19, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | renewable, USA