·  

February 5, 2009

May the sun shine on new energy project

A united effort among the Vineland Municipal Electric Utility, Conectiv Energy and Landis Sewerage Authority to build a 4-megawatt solar-generating plant looks like a good deal for everyone involved.

Vineland Municipal Electric Utility benefits because the project would enable the utility to get closer to meeting the state's goal for municipalities to be 30 percent renewable energy by 2020. Besides making the utility greener, it would generate enough power at maximum output to provide service for up to 500 average-sized homes. Vineland wins because the solar plant will save the utility about $100,000 a year by providing it discounts on capacity and transmission charges. Better yet for utility ratepayers, Conectiv will foot the bill for the multimillion-dollar project.

It's beneficial to Conectiv, too. With the solar-generating plant, the company expands its green energy portfolio and earns tax benefits from the federal government. The Landis Sewerage Authority, on whose property the project would be built, wins because it would make the authority an "environmental power park," with this solar project and its co-generation plants that treats wastewater and returns it back to the ground.

Members of The Daily Journal's virtual Community Advisory Board also were impressed with the solar project.

"Wow, what a great plan!" said one board member. "It's nice to see that Vineland is ahead of the curve with the forthcoming solar-generating plant and that the different utilities are able to work together. This is definitely the way to go -- the way of the future ... This has got to be better than spewing coal fumes in the air we breathe. In addition, it will bring some jobs to the area and save money. We need more environmentally kind projects on the books ... Go green; go Vineland!"

Another was very hopeful.

"Having the Landis Sewerage Authority involved is a big plus for this initiative. It is one of the best-run entities in the state and its location is perfect. However, the VMEU still faces enormous DEP fines on its current operations. This new initiative should be supported, but not serve as a distraction for its current failings ."

This is definitely a worthwhile project at the local level, but if the country is going to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, a lot more has to be done at the federal level.

What's required is a strong commitment from state and federal governments to promote, develop and use renewable energy -- solar, wind, hydrogen technology -- on a much bigger scale. A key ingredient needs to be either grants, loans or tax incentives to stimulate American businesses to produce the new technology.

We can't continue to rely on oil, coal and natural gas for generating power. The Bush administration's energy policy was, essentially "drill, baby, drill." But the Obama administration must reverse that direction and get serious about investing in renewable energy sources, increasing mileage on vehicles and improving public transportation.

The United States consumes 25 percent of the world's oil. That number must be significantly reduced or energy independence (which directly affects our national and financial security) will remain just an elusive dream.