Easter Weekend Edition

Happy Easter, everyone.

If you live in our close to RI, you probably heard about the R.I Supreme Court allowing Toray Plastics and Polytop Corp to appeal the Deepwater Wind approval to build a off-shore wind farm in the State.

When Renewable Now, our show, looks at the "business side of green", which we do each episode, the calculations get pretty complex and complicated.  Certainly, this case is a good example.

How do these two, unrelated companies get standing in this case?  In essence, the Court found that because they are heavy users of electricity, and the contract between Deepwater and National Grid is expensive, at least in terms of the per-kw-rate agreed to, the companies are entitled to legal standing and can contest the contract.

Interestingly, Toray (I don't know much about Polytop) is well respected, domestically and internationally, for their environmental management.  In fact, we are reaching out to the president of Toray in hopes of having him on a future show. Is it a paradox that a company who has invested heavily in waste reduction and renewable energy might stand in the way of a major, clean wind farm?  Should the State's financial evaluation of the project extend to the increased costs, in this case, of alternative energy?

Clearly, the court answered yes to the second question.  We'll see how the case turns out.  When it is decided, we'll invite members of the PUC, companies, including Deepwater and National Grid, to offer their comments and opinions.

In the meantime, as we argue the economics, there is, sadly, a delay to getting this project built. Maybe, in retrospect, it will end up a good thing if we get the pricing right, and don't burden the few remaining manufactures we have left in the state.

Feel free to comment if you know anything about the companies involved, the case or anything you can add to the pending project.  Also, for those outside the state and country, please share your feedback on wind farms that have been built and operated in your area.

And, thanks to Alex Rello who commented on my blog about the SEED awards.  She was very positive about their growing influence with small and emerging companies.  Please take another look at that blog and her comments.