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Symposium outlines wind-power rewards |
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Symposium outlines wind-power rewards
By Chelsea Michels • TOMS RIVER BUREAU • April 8, 2009
The Asbury Park Press
TOMS RIVER — The winds of change might sometimes blow slowly, but every step toward converting to renewable energy is one more step toward a greener planet, according to wind-power advocates.
Environmental and wind-energy experts spoke Tuesday at the second annual Ocean County Wind Energy Symposium about the environmental benefits of wind power, as well as credits and rewards that municipalities can reap by electing to use renewable energy.
"Once (wind turbines) are installed, it's free energy. You can't beat free," said Mark Loeser, account manager of the Conservation Service Group.
Loeser told the audience of approximately 30 people that a Wells Fargo solar-oriented study found that every dollar saved off the electricity bill raises the value of the home by $20.
Benjamin Scott Hunter, the renewable energy program administrator for the Office of Clean Energy in the state Board of Public Utilities, said the first wind symposium was held last year in Ocean Gate, the small nearby borough that has been the leader in "small wind," or wind that is harnessed for individual homes, farms or small businesses.
"They have promoted small wind with a model ordinance and organized the first annual symposium here last year," he said. "We are trying to encourage municipalities to consider helping us to advance small wind in our communities."
Hunter said wind is typically stronger along the coast but varies depending on the site.
He mentioned several incentives to make wind energy more cost-effective for municipalities, including rebates and net metering, in which ratepayers who install wind or solar power get credit for what they produce.
Jim Fry, a retired Navy engineer, wind-power advocate, and charter member of the N.J. Small Wind Working Group, was instrumental — along with Ocean Gate Mayor Paul J. Kennedy — toward converting the borough's municipal building to wind power use. Fry spoke on Tuesday about the Small Wind Energy System Zoning Ordinance.
"It's import
ant to keep getting the message out," Fry said. He added that wind ordinances need to be more workable for residential wind power, such as those ordinances that have been adopted in Ocean Gate, Galloway, Stafford and Brigantine.
"There's a lot of interest in Ocean County for wind power, and there's a lot of projects in Ocean County that could happen," he said. "Everybody's waiting to see the first one go up. Having the first one up will be a huge boost for this.
"There's a lot of inquiries and increased interest is taking place in New Jersey."
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