New York draft energy plans calls for more renewable energy
By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Feb. 11 -- New York would boost investment in renewable energy and commit to a greenhouse gas reduction target under a proposed 2002 draft energy plan.
Noting New York state imports 89% of total energy utilized by the state which costs $38.4 billion/year, the plan calls for utilizing in-state resources whenever possible. The draft plans calls for a diversified energy portfolio that includes wind, solar, hydroelectricity expansions, waste methane, geothermal, and sustainable biomass.
The plan drafted by the New York State Energy Planning Board proposes the state solicit 60-120 Mw of renewable electricity generation under an executive order that calls for up to 10% of state facilities' electricity needs to be supplied by renewable resources by 2005 and 20% by 2010.
Specifically, it calls on the New York Power Authority to solicit long-term contracts with an emphasis on wind generation in upstate areas and photovoltaic generation in New York City. The Long Island Power Authority should emphasize wind generation, it said.
Richard J. Bolbrock, LIPA vice-president of power markets, said LIPA has already adopted a 5-year, $170 million program looking into deployment of energy efficient technologies and the development of clean distributed generation technologies such as photovoltaics, wind, and fuel cells.
These renewable energy programs should emphasize greenhouse gas reduction potential, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as a criteria for the state public benefits programs, according to the report. It also calls for a registry of various greenhouse gases and a report on progress in meeting emissions targets.
The report also gives a boost to emissions trading, noting the state should support the prospect of tradeable credits for actions already taken, in the event enforceable carbon limits are established nationally. Bolbrock endorsed tradeable credits for actions already taken. He said it makes sense to encourage businesses to enter into voluntary agreements to meet specific energy efficiency targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As of yearend 2001, five generating projects totaling 3,490 Mw had been approved by New York siting authorities, and 19 more had been announced or were in regulatory review. The report recommends the law governing plant siting be renewed when it expires in 2003.