RENEWABLE ENERGY LOCATIONS FOR EXISTING AND POTENTIAL FACILITIES WITHIN BLM LEASED LAND
The Western Governors Association (WGA) collaborated with numerous stakeholders to develop the Western Renewable Energy Zones, identifying areas in 11 western states with vast renewable energy resources. The next steps support commercial transmission projects and their markets along with building interstate cooperation for transmission approvals, cost recoveries, and the evaluation of transmission strategies. A goal will be to facilitate the development of high voltage transmission to areas with high renewable energy and low or easily mitigated environmental impacts.
The processing of renewable energy applications (existing and potential) for solar and wind applications and transmission lines were improved by providing complete, accurate, and easily accessible source documents, records, digital data and map products. Environmental analysis included balancing the benefits of renewable energy with the needs to protect other resources such as crucial wildlife habitat. Census records, cities, roads, and wildfire urban interface areas data show areas of increased community growth.
The potential energy records are derived from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory models provided by the WGA. The probability classification system relates to electricity that could be produced (1500 MW of solar or wind and 500 MW of geothermal generating capacity), which is needed to support the delivery of energy to major centers. The United States Geological Survey provided estimates for the geothermal energy sites.
The Western Interconnection is the electricity grid that includes the western states and is overseen by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council.
Additional information is available at:
http://www.westgov.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=219&Itemid=81