07/30/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. In 1973, one of the first solar panel projects was completed. It ran into many problems. They have continued their research in this area as this is one resource that could have great impact on energy needs. The council could assist -- in increasing passive solar utility possibilities. At the local level, there is a need for land use controls to protect the air space of those who invest in solar energy for their homes. EWEB began developing a research program to determine what geothermal resources are available in the state. They have acquired a large number of private leases in the Cascades, should this prove to be a good commercial venture. They also have 24,000 acres on file with the Federal government. The 1970 Geothermal Act has not yet been fully implemented. It is hoped that the present barriers in developing this resource will diminish in the future so reserve capacity can be determined. . They also have been working with capturing IIdump hydroll from dams that are used for flood control. They have filed for these four times but do not have one yet that is working. Blue River, Dorena, Fall Creek, Minton, and Sunnyside provide 75 megawatts of power for this area. They would only be taking water that flows through the dams with no change in water flow. EWEB has also experimented with wind projects and has been working with other public utilities in this area. There is a 500-kilowatt wind project in operation near Newport which will provide experience on the feasibility of these projects. For a long time EWEB has been actively seeking uses for wood wastes. There is an abundant supply, but the problem is to retrieve it from the forest and use it in energy cost-effective activities. They are now working on one project in cooperation with the State. Much of the problem in this area has been created e by bureaucracy, particularly from the Federal government. They have difficulty accepting change. Congressman Weaver's office is also working on this project. They have also had promises from the Forest Service but nothing has happened yet. He is not certain why this kind of project cannot be accomplished. He says he finds EWEB in a "Catch-22" situation. 'At this time, it would not be possible to build a generating plant such as the co-generation plant with Weyerhaeuser because it would need to be shown that there is a current, not future, need. They are not certain if BPA administrators would then subtract that power from their current allocation, leaving EWEB with higher-cost power. He feels enough studies have been made and it is time for action, but they need help. Improved legislation may help them. No one can say that there will be adequate power in the next decade. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the statement about the reduction of Bonneville alloca- tion by an amount generated by a new alternative source was accurate. Mr. Parks responded that he is not certain but that that would most likely be the case. They would need to prove that this new power is needed as a resource to meet e 7/30/80--4