Distributed Generation: Policies, Initiatives and Projects

When
May 25, 2011 12:27 pm — 12:27 pm
Where
San Francisco, CA

Co-sponsored by:
The Environmental Law Institute
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Berkeley Law Center for Law, Energy & the Environment

UNPLUGGED: THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SPEAKER SERIES
California is today experiencing a "Gold Rush" in renewable energy. Many energy companies, attorneys, consultants and environmental organizations are working with federal, state and local governments to find ways to design and develop renewable energy projects that benefit the public while protecting the environment and natural resources. Berkeley Law Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, The Environmental Law Institute and Farella Braun + Martel held a series of bimonthly panel discussions to address the issues involved in renewable energy project development.

Panel Session 4: Distributed Generation: Policies, Initiatives and Projects

California's new Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM) aims to jump-start the market for up to 1GW of wholesale, renewable distributed generation. Renewable distributed generation (or "DG") projects -- those with capacities of 20MW or less -- have the potential to address many siting, transmission and timing concerns associated with utility-scale projects. Nevertheless, DG projects face their own challenges. An expert panel discussion focused on the future of renewable DG in California including:

  • The impact and implementation of the RAM;
  • Current and future DG policy landscape;
  • Utility procurement and interconnection of DG energy;
  • The market reality of developing DG projects.

 

Panelists:
Paul Douglas, Supervisor, Renewable Procurement and Resource Planning, California Public Utilities Commission (moderator)
Adam Browning, Executive Director, Vote Solar
Luke Dunnington, Director of Development - Western Region, Recurrent Energy, Inc.
Alex Levinson, Senior Attorney and Energy Program Leader, Sierra Club
Valerie Winn, Manager, Renewable Energy Policy and Planning, Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Additional Materials:
mp3 recording