Clean Energy Opportunities in Western NC

Western North Carolina has the potential to become a center for the development and application of alternative energy. As most of you know, there is an obstacle to the development of wind generated electricity on the ridges of western NC. An interpretation of the so-called "ridge law" by NC's attorney general has inhibited the development of one of the two areas in NC with significant wind potential. The challenge that the US will face should wind resources be developed (as I understand the plan) will be in the development of an adequate electrical grid capable of transporting the western US generated electricity to those areas of the country that currently meet their peak electrical demand through the use of natural gas powered turbines. Compressed natural gas is being successfully used as a transportation fuel in fleet applications where the fleet returns to a CNG fueling facility each night. The development of the CNG fueling infrastructure for non-fleet transportation will be a challenge, but one that can be addressed. In parallel with the development of the CNG fueling infrasturcture, the development of adequate natural gas pipeline capacity serving western NC will require a financial investment that the current uncertainty in the equity and credit markets may present problems. In short: Infrastructure requires money and the availability of money requires a strong business case and a market capable of acting on a strong business case. I look forward to comments on this regional blog and the opportunity to generate interest in how western NC may help and benefit from clean energy opportunities.