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Wind is the future of power in Nebraska
Many of us have spent the last week transfixed by events unfolding in Japan. As the Gazette recently noted (Nuclear troubles puts wind power in spotlight, March 16), much of this focus has turned to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where workers are struggling to contain further catastrophe.
While our thoughts and sympathies are with those in danger, we can't help but wonder whether a similar disaster could happen here in the heartland.
Nebraska is home to two operating nuclear power reactors: the Cooper Nuclear Station, near Brownville, and the Fort Calhoun Station, which can be found just north of Omaha. Each of our nuclear power reactors is regularly inspected, and by all accounts are in good repair.
But despite our greatest precautions, Japan reminds us that we can't always be prepared for what's next. As we grapple with the threat of nuclear disaster, it's important to consider the ways in which we generate the energy we depend on, and the sacrifices we are willing to make.
It's time to take seriously the safe and affordable options we have here at home, in many cases right in our own back yard. Nebraska ranks 6th in terms of wind energy potential and fourth in land most suitable for wind development. In spite of these tremendous resources, we rank only 22nd in installed wind capacity.
These statistics tell us, first and foremost, that we are leaving both money and opportunity on the table. Simply put, we are failing to capitalize on the vast natural resources at our disposal.
But these statistics also tell us that there is potential here -- that we have room to grow.
A U.S. Department of Energy study concluded that utilizing wind resources for up to 20 percent of the nation's electricity would create nearly 3,100 permanent and 25,000 temporary jobs in Nebraska alone. Expanding wind generation is projected to increase property tax revenues by $31 million annually for Nebraska schools and local governments.
This news comes at a good time. A recent report shows that the price of wind turbines has fallen 7 percent since 2009, and 19 percent since 2007. The cost of wind-generated electricity is now on par with both nuclear and coal-fired power, and as technology improves, so do our prospects.
The Gazette correctly noted that transmission limitations remain an obstacle to realizing our wind energy potential. Updating and expanding our electric grid is inevitable and will take place whether the power we produce is home-grown wind or imported fossil fuel. For that reason, investment in electric transmission infrastructure remains among the nation's highest priorities.
But it's important to remember that the need to upgrade our transmission grid isn't unique to renewable energy. True, an improved grid facilitates the development of renewable sources such as wind. But an updated grid also improves reliability and energy security, and assumes an important role as we focus on ways to ensure access to safe and affordable energy for years to come.
When considering upgrading our transmission system, it's important to find an approach that works for everyone. We must first start by making effective use of the existing transmission system. If expansion is necessary, then we should do so in key locations by adding capacity to existing corridors or other public right of ways. New routes should avoid sensitive natural areas and land important to the local community.
The cost of new transmission should be broadly allocated, to those who will benefit from the increased capacity as well as improved reliability. Property owners and communities affected should receive a fair share of the economic benefits from the venture, in the form of ongoing lease payments or an actual equity ownership stake in the development. Local development of smaller scale projects should be promoted with interconnection standards that ensure equal access for all.
Most importantly, landowners and community groups with a stake in a proposed transmission line should be engaged early in the planning process. Your voice matters. Remember, our best chance to find a solution that works for everybody is to share the solution that works best for you.
Hladik is the Energy Policy Advocate for the Center for Rural Affairs (www.cfra. org) in Lyons, Nebraska. The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, family farms and ranches.