Southeast regional clean energy policy analysis
By: Joyce McLaren
Contributors: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Edition: Rev. Apr. 2011.
Series: NREL/TP -- 6A20-49192; NREL/TP -- 6 A 20-49192.
Publisher: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Golden, Colo
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Number of pages: 99
Subjects: Energy policy; Renewable energy sources; Energy consumption
Description: More than half of the electricity produced in the southeastern states is fueled by coal. Although the region produces some coal, most of the states depend heavily on coal imports. Many of the region's aging coal power facilities are planned for retirement within the next 20 years. However, estimates indicate that a 20% increase in capacity is needed over that time to meet the rapidly growing demand. The most common incentives for energy efficiency in the Southeast are loans and rebates; however, total public spending on energy efficiency is limited. The most common state-level policies to support renewable energy development are personal and corporate tax incentives and loans. The region produced 1.8% of the electricity from renewable resources other than conventional hydroelectricity in 2009, half of the national average. There is significant potential for development of a biomass market in the region, as well as use of local wind, solar, methane-to-energy, small hydro, and combined heat and power resources. Options are offered for expanding and strengthening state-level policies such as decoupling, integrated resource planning, building codes, net metering, and interconnection standards to support further clean energy development. Benefits would include energy security, job creation, insurance against price fluctuations, increased value of marginal lands, and local and global environmental paybacks.
Notes: Title from title screen (viewed February 7, 2011).

"The following figures and tables were replaced: Page vii, Figure ES-2 Page ix, Table ES-1 Page 12, Table 1 Page 20, Figure 10 Page 51, Table 11 Page 52, Figure 18"--Errata Sheet, p. 2.

Originally published January 2011.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 88-94).

DE-AC36-08GO28308 IGST.0102

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