Missouri Voters Approve a Renewable Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released new estimates of the United States’ wind energy potential, which tripled previous estimates of the size of the nation's wind resources. The new study, which was carried out by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and AWS Truewind, finds that the contiguous 48 states have the potential to generate up to 37 million gigawatt hours annually. To put that in perspective, total U.S. electricity generation from all sources was roughly 4 million gigawatt hours in 2009. The estimates show the total energy yield that could be generated using current wind turbine technology on the nation's windy lands. (The estimates show what is possible, not what will actually be developed.)


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Along with the state-by-state estimates of wind energy potential, NREL and AWS Truewind have developed wind resource maps for the United States and for the contiguous 48 states that show the predicted average wind speeds at an 80-meter height. The wind resource maps and estimates provide local, state, and national policymakers with accurate information about the nature of the wind resource in their areas and across the nation, helping them to make informed decisions about wind energy in their communities.

Why Has Wind Energy Potential Gone Up?

The new estimates reflect substantial advances in wind turbine technology that have occurred since the Department of Energy's last national wind resource assessments were conducted in 1993. For example, previous wind resource maps showed predicted average wind speeds at a height of 50 meters, which was the height of most wind turbine towers at the time. The new maps show predicted average wind speeds at an 80-meter height, the height of today's turbines. Because wind speed generally increases with height, turbines built on taller towers can capture more energy and generate more electricity. The new estimates also incorporate updated capacity factors, reflecting improvements in wind turbine design and performance.

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Mo Dept Natural Resources,MISC Renewable Energy Info, Funding Information

Missouri Missouri Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency Printable Version Back Energy Loan Program Last DSIRE Review: 04/14/2009 Incentive Type: State Loan Program State: Missouri Eligible Efficiency Technologies: Lighting, Air conditioners, Building Insulation, Windows, Custom/Others pending approval, Other Unspecified Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Passive Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Wind, Biomass Applicable Sectors: Schools, Local Government, Institutional, Public Hospitals, Water Treatment Facilities Amount: Varies Maximum Amount: $1 million Terms: Rates set 0.5% below 20-Bond Index interest rate (see website for details); Terms of up to 15 years Program Budget: $3.8 million (FY 2009 application cycle) Expiration Date 10/15/2008 (FY 2009 application cycle, now expired) Web Site: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/financial/loan.htm Authority 1: R.S. Mo. § 640.651 et seq. Date Effective: 1989 Summary: This loan program, administered by the Energy Center of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is available for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for public and governmental buildings and structures. Loan amounts are based on projected energy savings, resulting in monetary savings that is used to repay the loan. Financing is available at a fixed interest rate below the market rate, and repayment schedules are determined on an individual project basis. Repayment schedules may not exceed 15 years. Loans under this program are determined on a competitive basis according to sector and payback period. Up to $3.8 million in loan funding was available for the FY 2009 funding cycle (expired October 15, 2008) in amounts of up to $1 million. Sector allocations are listed below, with unused funds being made available to other other eligible sectors. * Public Schools (K-12) - 50% * City and County Governments - 25% * Public Higher Education Institutions - 25% Since the program's inception in 1989, loans totaling over $80 million have been made to the applicable sectors, resulting in an estimated savings of $146 million. The Missouri DNR released the list of FY 2009 awardees in December 2008. Contact: Program Information Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (800) 361-4827 Fax: (573) 751-6860 E-Mail: energy@dnr.mo.gov Web Site: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/index.ht