In spring 2009, the California Energy Commission awarded a $200,000 grant to plan for renewable-based energy security and prosperity in Humboldt County. Project partners include the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), SERC, and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Project work began in October 2009 and will continue through October 2011.
The goal of the project is to create a strategic plan that will empower Humboldt County to develop its renewable energy resources in an effort to meet 75% to 100% of the county’s electricity demand as well as significant fraction of its heating and transportation needs. The plan will examine a full range of renewable energy resources, energy efficiency and demand management options, and energy storage and conversion technologies. Project work will include engineering, economic, market, regulatory and policy analyses, as well as stakeholder involvement and public outreach.
RCEA, a Joint Powers Authority that serves all of Humboldt County, will oversee the project and will assist with various tasks. SERC will conduct the engineering and economic analyses. PG&E will provide in-kind technical assistance and data and will engage in efforts to explore collaborative partnership opportunities.
This project is a natural follow-on to the Humboldt County Energy Element report prepared by SERC, RCEA and others in 2005. That report found there are adequate renewable energy resources in Humboldt County to meet all of our energy needs. This grant will fund the logical next steps, which are to perform detailed engineering and economic analyses and develop a strategic plan for the orderly, capital efficient development of our local renewable energy resources.
For additional news and information visit the RCEA's RESCO website.
The Economics of Clean Energy Development in Humboldt County: Preliminary Results from a Renewable Energy Secure Communities (RESCO) Study
Humboldt County's Renewable Energy Futures: Preliminary Results from a Renewable Energy Secure Communities Study
Humboldt County RESCO Project: Modeling Framework (PDF)
