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NE Wind Power 2010 Conference Dates Set

Posted on | June 22, 2010 | No Comments

The Nebraska Wind Power 2010 Conference will be held in Kearney at the new Younes Conference Center November 9-10.  The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Wind Working Group (NWWG), a state and federal partnership funded by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America to help develop the state’s wind resources.

Dr. James A. Walker, Vice Chairman of the Board of enXco, and past President of AWEA (American Wind Energy Association) will keynote the Conference.  Dr. Walker has over 30 years experience in energy in public and private entities, and pioneered wind project development in Greece, Turkey, and Mexico.  He was awarded “Industry Person of the Year” in 2007 by AWEA.

The two day conference will focus on Nebraska’s future wind energy development challenges and opportunities, including the recently passed LB1048 that clarifies the roles and responsibilities between private sector developers, public power, and the Power Review Board for wind generated electricity for export. It will include multiple tracks of programs that will provide participants multiple opportunities to attend the sessions that interest them the most.  The entire spectrum of wind energy development will be addressed, with tracks and workshops on state and national wind energy policy, commercial wind energy development, transmission and integration, small wind energy systems, economic development opportunities, jobs, careers, and wind energy training programs and workforce potential.

The NWWG Co-Chairs are State Senator Cap Dierks, sponsor of LB629, the Community-Based Energy Development passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2007, Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen, and Dan McGuire, Facilitator for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Wind Powering America’s “Wind for Schools” program in Nebraska.

“This conference is a progress report on wind energy development in our state, and this an exciting time for wind energy development because we have made a lot of progress this year.  Nebraska has come a long ways in the past three years.  Our state has some of the best wind energy resources in the country, and we need to work together to figure out the best way to develop it,” said Sen. Cap Dierks.

“If you are interested in wind energy development in Nebraska, this conference is a “must attend”.  The past two conferences have been well attended and received first class evaluations,” said Dan McGuire.  “Participants have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, exchange ideas and get acquainted with other wind energy players in our state and nation.”

John Hansen concluded “Dr. James Walker is a nationally recognized and respected expert on many aspects of wind energy development.  His experience in wind energy development ranges from an academic background, to federal government, state government, and private sector wind energy development.    We are excited about Dr. Walker coming to Nebraska.  In addition, the new Younes Conference Center gives us the opportunity to expand our program options and our already large commercial exhibits.”  Registration details will be posted on the Nebraska Farmers Union website at: www.nebraskafarmersunion.org or the Nebraska Energy Office Home page at:  www.neo.ne.gov or the NWWG home page at:  http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/nwwg.htm.

For Immediate Release:   June 21, 2010  Contact:  John Hansen at Nebraska Farmers Union — 402‑476‑8815

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