Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) recognized four Vermonters for their outstanding efforts promoting renewable energy business this year at Renewable Energy 2014: “Leading the Change in Energy,” an annual renewable energy conference.RE2014 is Vermont’s annual convention bringing together key players in the clean energy sector. The conference was held Thursday and Friday at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington.
Governor Shumlin speaks at RE2014 Friday. Photo by James K Buck.
This year’s awardees include: The Renewable Energy Public Sector Awardee for 2014 is Governor Peter Shumlin. Governor Shumlin has an extensive history of supporting renewables – while serving as Pro Tem in the Senate and now, as Governor. Under his tenure, the state has established a strong State Comprehensive Energy Plan that recommends that Vermont set a path to obtain 90% of our total energy from renewable sources by 2050. Additionally, Governor Shumlin has advocated for expanding the state’s net-metering program, which allows every Vermonter the opportunity to “go renewable” at their home or business; the state has “led by action” through contracting to install solar at numerous state facilities, saving taxpayer dollars; and thousands of new renewable energy jobs have been created during his tenure as governor – the Solar Foundation rates Vermont first for solar jobs per capita.
The Renewable Energy IndustryAward highlights the advancements that individuals working within the energy business, have made to increase renewables deployment in Vermont. This year, REV celebrates two Awardees.
Ken Nolan speaks in September at the announcement that BED had bought the Winooski One hydro facility in Winooski. With him are Mayor Miro Weinberger and BED GM Neale Lunderville. VBM photo.
Ken Nolan is a life-long Vermonter who has spent his entire career supporting Vermont’s move toward a clean, efficient energy supply. As a Resource Planner at Burlington Electric Department a decade ago Ken developed the framework for how BED could cost effectively purchase 100% of its supply portfolio from renewable generators. More recently, as BED’s Manager of Power Resources, he has been responsible for implementing that vision. Under Ken’s leadership BED has contracted for wind power from Vermont Wind in Sheffield, Georgia Mountain Community Wind, and Hancock Wind in Hancock, Maine. Contracts that allowed each of those projects to get built. At the same time he has worked to expand BED’s support for solar generation. BED is constructing solar projects at both Burlington International Airport and at its Pine Street headquarters, and has signed Power Purchase agreements for several additional projects throughout the city, in addition to using its recent smart grid investments to reduce barriers for net metering projects. With its purchase of the 7.4 MW Winooski One hydroelectric project on September 1stBED became the first city in the nation to purchase 100% of its generation from renewable resources, a feat that has received international press coverage. Not only have Ken’s efforts helped get individual renewable projects constructed, they have helped shine a spotlight on the benefits of renewable energy and created an example for other communities to follow.
Andrew Savage, Chief Strategy Officer at AllEarth Renewables and elected member of the Board of Directors of the national Solar Energy Industry Association, has worked tirelessly on behalf of promoting policies to cultivate a strong renewable economy in Vermont. Since returning to Vermont having served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Peter Welch in Washington, DC, Savage has helped advance policies that have led to our state’s four-fold growth in solar in the last four years, including expanding our net metering program, standardizing permitting for small-scale solar systems, and working in partnership with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to establish a fair method of taxation of solar.He has served as Chair of REV’s legislative committee in 2011 and 2014. Savage has also led in development of the initiative to supply Vermont state government facilities with solar, saving taxpayers and creating local jobs.
The Jim GrundyAward, established in 2011, is named for Jim Grundy, one of the founders of REV, a renewable designer and businessman, and beloved husband, family and community member.Jim was known for his integrity of spirit, kindness of soul and ingenuity and craftsmanship in renewable energy technologies, as well as a willingness to personally invest in advancing renewable energy in Vermont through his daily actions and throughout his community. The 2014 The Jim Grundy Award goes to Trevor Parsons, a project manager at Housing Vermont who has been the driving force behind the deployment and implementation of renewables for affordable housing units, ultimately helping to levelize the cost of living for our states' most vulnerable people.Through Parson’s work, Housing Vermont has installed countless solar hot water, solar electric and modern wood heating systems - in very large part due to Parson's efforts.
“The Annual Renewable EnergyAwardsallows Renewable Energy Vermont to recognize and pay appreciation to leaders in the renewable energy sector,” said Gabrielle Stebbins, REV’s Executive Director. “This year’s awardees have all contributed significantly to the sustainable energy future of Vermont. Their dedication and perseverance have proven to be an enormous asset to the renewable energy sector and the creation of clean energy and good local jobs.”
About Renewable Energy 2014 (RE 2014)
RE2014 is Vermont’s annual convention bringing together key players in the clean energy sector. The conference was held on October 16 & 17 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, VT.
The conference includes more than 25 sessions featuring 65 expert speakers from throughout the region covering issues from community solar and energy permitting, to energy storage and grid infrastructure opportunities, case studies in efficiently heating and cooling our homes with renewable sources, and the future of electrified transportation. The tradeshow floor – which is open to the public - will feature some 50 exhibitors showcasing modern wood heating, solar hot water and electricity, cold climate heat pumps and geothermal systems, financing opportunities and more of the latest technologies, products and services.
This year’s conference theme is “Leading the Change in Energy.” Nationwide and here in Vermont, the closure of coal and nuclear facilities, concerns around "fracked" gas, instability in oil-rich regions and the climate change imperative, are driving markets to implement renewable energy and efficiency-based solutions to address our energy demands. RE 2014 is bringing together leaders and experts from throughout the region to address the challenges and opportunities ahead, Vermont’s leadership role in the energy industry, and the steps needed to implement an integrated energy infrastructure.
More information at www.revconference.org
About Renewable Energy Vermont (REV)
REV is Vermont’s only non-profit, non-partisan renewable energy trade association working to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and expanding the availability of renewable sources of energy throughout the state and region.
Soruce: REV 10.17.2014