Federal funds coming to Snohomish PUD for energy research
Published on Thu, Mar 26, 2009Read More Local News
Snohomish County PUD gained vital support for geothermal and tidal energy projects as President Obama signed a spending bill that will provide $951,500 in funding for research and development of these renewable energy sources in Western Washington.
The tidal energy project was backed by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), while Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) helped secure funding for geothermal energy research. Each project will receive $475,750. The funding comes as part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, approved by the U.S. Senate in early March.
The development and ongoing operation of these renewable energy projects, supported by the federal funding, could result in hundreds of construction and permanent operations and maintenance jobs in the Pacific Northwest.
"Snohomish PUD's work to generate power from Puget Sound tides has already made this region a leader in clean electricity generation," said Inslee. "Geothermal and marine renewable energy both have great potential for clean energy production and job creation in Washington State. I'm proud to support this new geothermal study, as it will help further diversify our regional clean energy supplies, while spurring the economy and benefiting local ratepayers."
"It's more important than ever that we explore ways to harness renewable energy sources," said Murray. "I'm excited by the possibilities of tidal energy generation and its potential benefits to customers across Snohomish County. I'm also pleased that Snohomish PUD is using this funding to go about exploring this technology in the right way - by being good stewards of the Puget Sound."
The PUD is studying five tidal energy sites in the Puget Sound, which, if developed, could produce enough energy for up to 70,000 homes. The utility launched a multi-year study in 2007 to assess the technical, economic and environmental viability of the underwater sites. It plans to install a pilot project in the sound as early as 2011. The utility is working with several technical partners, including the University of Washington and the Electric Power Research Institute. In 2008, the utility received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the tidal energy effort.
Geothermal energy also holds considerable promise as a significant resource for future energy supplies in the Northwest. The PUD has completed an initial assessment of geothermal resources in Western Washington, and is currently developing the next phases of its exploration and development plan. If developed, geothermal resources could provide enough energy for nearly 65,000 homes by 2020. Geothermal energy is a well-understood technology that's consistent, predictable and a major energy source in other parts of the world.
Both geothermal and tidal development are projected to result in hundreds of additional green jobs in the Pacific Northwest in the coming years.
The PUD is actively pursuing the development of geothermal and tidal energy and other resources as part of its effort to meet growing energy needs through conservation and renewable energy. Initiative 937, passed by voters in fall 2006, also requires utilities to obtain a greater share of their energy supply from green renewable sources in the coming years (15 percent of their supply by 2020).
The tidal energy project was backed by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), while Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) helped secure funding for geothermal energy research. Each project will receive $475,750. The funding comes as part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, approved by the U.S. Senate in early March.
The development and ongoing operation of these renewable energy projects, supported by the federal funding, could result in hundreds of construction and permanent operations and maintenance jobs in the Pacific Northwest.
"Snohomish PUD's work to generate power from Puget Sound tides has already made this region a leader in clean electricity generation," said Inslee. "Geothermal and marine renewable energy both have great potential for clean energy production and job creation in Washington State. I'm proud to support this new geothermal study, as it will help further diversify our regional clean energy supplies, while spurring the economy and benefiting local ratepayers."
"It's more important than ever that we explore ways to harness renewable energy sources," said Murray. "I'm excited by the possibilities of tidal energy generation and its potential benefits to customers across Snohomish County. I'm also pleased that Snohomish PUD is using this funding to go about exploring this technology in the right way - by being good stewards of the Puget Sound."
The PUD is studying five tidal energy sites in the Puget Sound, which, if developed, could produce enough energy for up to 70,000 homes. The utility launched a multi-year study in 2007 to assess the technical, economic and environmental viability of the underwater sites. It plans to install a pilot project in the sound as early as 2011. The utility is working with several technical partners, including the University of Washington and the Electric Power Research Institute. In 2008, the utility received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the tidal energy effort.
Geothermal energy also holds considerable promise as a significant resource for future energy supplies in the Northwest. The PUD has completed an initial assessment of geothermal resources in Western Washington, and is currently developing the next phases of its exploration and development plan. If developed, geothermal resources could provide enough energy for nearly 65,000 homes by 2020. Geothermal energy is a well-understood technology that's consistent, predictable and a major energy source in other parts of the world.
Both geothermal and tidal development are projected to result in hundreds of additional green jobs in the Pacific Northwest in the coming years.
The PUD is actively pursuing the development of geothermal and tidal energy and other resources as part of its effort to meet growing energy needs through conservation and renewable energy. Initiative 937, passed by voters in fall 2006, also requires utilities to obtain a greater share of their energy supply from green renewable sources in the coming years (15 percent of their supply by 2020).
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