Nebraska Energy Coalition Hosts Panel on Energy Modernization
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 21, 2020
CONTACT:
Jesse Dougherty
New Power Nebraska
jdougherty@strategicelements.com
(608) 807-8619
Josh Moenning
New Power Nebraska
josh@newpowernebraska.org
(402) 580-2471
This year Nebraska has positioned itself as a leader in America’s growing wind energy industry, generating nearly 20% of state electricity production from wind power. Solar power is also growing in the state, with the capacity to power nearly 8,000 homes. But if these renewable energy sources are to continue growing, modernized infrastructure is essential.
A panel hosted by the New Power Nebraska coalition discussed the status of the state’s electricity grid infrastructure, including projects like the R-Line, opportunities for grid improvement, and how modernization will impact industry growth in the coming years. The virtual event featured local leaders and industry leaders discussing the growth of wind and solar in Nebraska and some of the projects and initiatives that will help improve electrical grid transmission.
In Nebraska, wind now supports 4,000 jobs and provides $14.7 million in annual land lease payments. It provides $12 million in tax revenue for state and local governments, leading to new community facilities such as schools and courthouses, improving roads and bridges, and upgrading emergency services. Additionally, Nebraska’s wind projects have powered the equivalent of 680,000 homes while avoiding 1.4 million metric tons of carbon emissions.
“Nebraska is at the center of an emerging national energy renaissance,” said David L. Bracht, former Nebraska Director of Energy and counsel at Kutak Rock. “We as a state continue to see how wind and solar can support our local economies. Having additional natural resources that we can use, develop, and export for value strengthens Nebraska’s economy and benefits the entire state”
Solar power is also having its day in the sun here in Nebraska. There have been nearly 1,500 jobs created by the solar power industry in our state, and prices for consumers have declined by 38 percent in the last five years. The solar industry has invested more than $87 million in Nebraska, including over $20 million in 2019 alone.
“Nebraska presents a significant opportunity for renewable energy development,” said James Williams, Vice President of Renewable Development for Invenergy. “Invenergy is proud of our existing contributions to the State’s renewable energy leadership and look forward to helping Nebraska realize a cleaner energy future.”
Panelists covered topics including transmission improvement needs, initiatives launched by the Omaha Public Power District, the Nebraska Public Power District’s R-Project, and the policy environment related to energy infrastructure and renewable development.
Watch the event here.
“Nebraska’s journey to harvest wind and solar is just beginning, and it comes at a time when the state’s agricultural sector is experiencing significant financial stress,” said Nebraska State Senator John McCollister (R-Omaha). “In the next few years, I am certain that these homegrown resources will become major economic forces in Nebraska.”
Nebraska belongs to the Southwest Power Pool, which is a regional transmission organization. The organization recently conducted a study called the Integrated Transmission Plan that assesses the needs of the entire transmission network within the region over the next 10 years. The R-Project came as a result of that study.
“NPPD’s over 5,000 miles of electric transmission system is a critical component of ensuring ongoing low cost and reliable service to our customers and the people of Nebraska,” stated Tom Kent, President & CEO of Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). “The R-Project will increase the reliability of the transmission system, relieve congestion on the existing system, and provide additional opportunities for the development of clean energy projects if desired at the local level."
Modernization of Nebraska’s power grid requires investment in transmission infrastructure. This will be key to achieving renewable energy goals, followed by affordable energy prices. This enhances both reliability and the opportunity for home-grown energy.
“Many companies now have renewable energy goals, and OPPD can help them reach those goals by having a long-term strategic plan for future low-carbon energy production,” said Janece Mollhoff, member of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) board of directors. “Ultimately, if we do our job right, we can have affordable, reliable, and environmentally sensitive energy, meeting all three legs of OPPD’s mission."
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a New Power Nebraska representative, please contact Jesse Dougherty at jdougherty@strategicelements.com or (608) 807-8619.
New Power Nebraska will be sharing highlights and other content on Facebook and Twitter. Follow along and join in the conversation by using #NewPowerNebraska and #WindBuildsTheFuture.
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About New Power Nebraska
New Power Nebraska, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, shines a light on the benefits wind energy generation brings to Nebraska’s communities and rural places - clean power, farm income, and new jobs. Learn more at www.newpowernebraska.org.
About the American Council on Renewable Energy
Founded in 2001, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is the nation’s premier pan-renewable organization uniting finance, policy and technology to accelerate the transition to a renewable energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.
About the Solar Energy Industries Association
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
About the American Wind Energy Association
AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states. AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. They gather each year at the Western Hemisphere’s most efficient and targeted event for utility-scale renewable companies, the AWEA CLEANPOWER Conference & Exhibition, next in Indianapolis, June 7-10, 2021. An outgrowth of the AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, CLEANPOWER is the first trade show focused exclusively on the utility-scale renewable power sector, bringing together all the major developers, utilities, OEMs, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.