Monday, March 08, 2010
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial last week led a CNMI delegation to the Pacific Territorial Governor's workshop on renewable energy solutions at NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden Colorado.
NREL, a laboratory of the Department of Energy, is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The laboratory focuses on wind, solar, and biomass sources for renewable energy and on energy efficiency solutions.
To set the stage for the workshop, DOI Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta reviewed Federal goals for renewable energy, the urgent need for alternatives to expensive fossil fuel in Insular Areas, and identified the purpose of the workshop, which was to begin a dialogue between decision makers and experts on renewable energy. DoD Assistant Secretary Chip Greggson reviewed the importance of renewable energy to national security, and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter presented an impressive progress report on his state's forward-looking plan to develop renewable energy to minimize dependence on fossil fuel and lower CO2 emissions. Under Ritter's leadership, Colorado is moving aggressively to develop its estimated 122 gigawatts of wind, solar, and geothermal energy resources.
NREL staff outlined strategies for development of renewable energy in the Pacific Territories. Required are assessments of resource potential for all feasible alternative energy sources, followed by cost-benefit analysis of each, and deployment of cost-effective solutions. Participants visited NREL's experimental wind farm where the laboratory tests wind-turbine designs under extreme conditions. Presentations were given of successful integration of wind and diesel power in remote settings where wind-generated electricity reduced dependence on fossil fuel. Preliminary data was presented indicating for the first time that wind generation of electricity may be feasible at some sites on Guam. James Quick, Special Assistant to Fitial for Renewable Energy, noted however, that while the average wind velocities are capable of generating power at some sites, they are still low and would only produce energy at about 1/3 of their full capability. For example, installation of 10 1.5-megawatt wind turbines at these optimal sites would produce on average only about five megawatts of electricity. The ability of large wind turbines to survive typhoons remains a concern.
Fitial addressed the workshop attendees, speaking of his goal to eliminate the dependence of the CNMI on imported diesel to generate electricity. The governor pointed out that the CNMI is unique among the U.S. Pacific Territories in having significant geothermal resources, which will continue to be the focus of CNMI's drive to solve its energy problems. Unlike wind generators and solar photo-voltaic systems, which produce power intermittently, geothermal power stations provide continuous, reliable power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and is the only source of renewable energy capable of fully eliminating diesel generation of electricity in the islands.
Other Pacific leaders participating in the workshop included Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono, and University of Guam President Robert Underwood. Also in attendance were Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roger Natsuhara and DoE Senior Advisor Steve Lindenberg . Members of the CNMI delegation included Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Director Tony Muna, First Lady Josie Fitial, Acting President of Northern Marianas College Lorraine Cabrera, and Special Assistant James Quick. In addition to Camacho, Guam was represented by First Lady Joann Camacho, Simon Sanchez, and Shawn Gumataotao. Participating from American Samoa were Reno Vivao and Ted Leiato. (PR)
Source: http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=97756&cat=1
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial last week led a CNMI delegation to the Pacific Territorial Governor's workshop on renewable energy solutions at NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden Colorado.
NREL, a laboratory of the Department of Energy, is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The laboratory focuses on wind, solar, and biomass sources for renewable energy and on energy efficiency solutions.
To set the stage for the workshop, DOI Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta reviewed Federal goals for renewable energy, the urgent need for alternatives to expensive fossil fuel in Insular Areas, and identified the purpose of the workshop, which was to begin a dialogue between decision makers and experts on renewable energy. DoD Assistant Secretary Chip Greggson reviewed the importance of renewable energy to national security, and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter presented an impressive progress report on his state's forward-looking plan to develop renewable energy to minimize dependence on fossil fuel and lower CO2 emissions. Under Ritter's leadership, Colorado is moving aggressively to develop its estimated 122 gigawatts of wind, solar, and geothermal energy resources.
NREL staff outlined strategies for development of renewable energy in the Pacific Territories. Required are assessments of resource potential for all feasible alternative energy sources, followed by cost-benefit analysis of each, and deployment of cost-effective solutions. Participants visited NREL's experimental wind farm where the laboratory tests wind-turbine designs under extreme conditions. Presentations were given of successful integration of wind and diesel power in remote settings where wind-generated electricity reduced dependence on fossil fuel. Preliminary data was presented indicating for the first time that wind generation of electricity may be feasible at some sites on Guam. James Quick, Special Assistant to Fitial for Renewable Energy, noted however, that while the average wind velocities are capable of generating power at some sites, they are still low and would only produce energy at about 1/3 of their full capability. For example, installation of 10 1.5-megawatt wind turbines at these optimal sites would produce on average only about five megawatts of electricity. The ability of large wind turbines to survive typhoons remains a concern.
Fitial addressed the workshop attendees, speaking of his goal to eliminate the dependence of the CNMI on imported diesel to generate electricity. The governor pointed out that the CNMI is unique among the U.S. Pacific Territories in having significant geothermal resources, which will continue to be the focus of CNMI's drive to solve its energy problems. Unlike wind generators and solar photo-voltaic systems, which produce power intermittently, geothermal power stations provide continuous, reliable power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and is the only source of renewable energy capable of fully eliminating diesel generation of electricity in the islands.
Other Pacific leaders participating in the workshop included Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono, and University of Guam President Robert Underwood. Also in attendance were Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roger Natsuhara and DoE Senior Advisor Steve Lindenberg . Members of the CNMI delegation included Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Director Tony Muna, First Lady Josie Fitial, Acting President of Northern Marianas College Lorraine Cabrera, and Special Assistant James Quick. In addition to Camacho, Guam was represented by First Lady Joann Camacho, Simon Sanchez, and Shawn Gumataotao. Participating from American Samoa were Reno Vivao and Ted Leiato. (PR)
Source: http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=97756&cat=1
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