New England States Could Reduce Risk By Banding Together on Wind Projects

A cooperative regional approach to reaching renewable energy goals among New England states would be the most effective way for them to succeed. That's the word from Gordon van Welie, president and CEO of regional grid operator ISO New England, Inc. A regional approach would allow the states to share the risk of expensive wind energy projects and would give them more clout than they would have individually. He cautioned, however, that results will be far from immediate. "There's not going to be a big bang here. It's going to be an evolution," he was quoted as saying in the Boston Herald newspaper. The region has the potential to generate 12,000 MW of wind power, but to date active project proposals total just 3,000 MW. The states — Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island — together have a goal of meeting 30% of total electricity demand with renewable energy in 2020.

Quick Take: While by no means a brand new concept, it certainly makes sense for regions with similar resources and renewable energy goals to pursue them cooperatively. Midwestern states also are looking at a similar approach.

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