October marks another great month for progress on renewable energy throughout Vermont. Fresh off of the release of a report by the Public Service Department illustrating rapid renewable energy sector growth, with 6.2% job growth between the first quarters of 2014 and 2015 compared to 1.8% statewide average, Vermont is poised for more good news to follow with multiple events this month.  Events include:

 

Saturday, October 3: “Georgia Mountain Community Wind” Tours, Georgia/Milton

Following up on the success of last year’s tours that drew over 600 visitors GMCW is hosting tours from 1pm to 4pm at their 10MW wind farm. To date in 2015, GMCW is producing at 36% capacity factor, making it one of the most productive wind projects in the region. Park at the Husky facility at 288 North Rd. in Milton and take a free shuttle bus from 1-4.

 

Tuesday, October 6: Al Gore at UVM, Burlington  

The 45th Vice-President of the United States who has transitioned into one of the world’s most notable climate change activists speaks at University of Vermont’s Ira Allen Chapel as part of their Energy Action Seminar Series.  

 

Thursday-Friday, October 8 & 9: RE2015: “Leading the Energy REVolution”, Burlington

The region’s largest and most comprehensive annual conference and exhibition focused on all things energy related is again hosted by Renewable Energy Vermont, Vermont’s non-profit renewable energy trade association. The two day event, being held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, features over 25 conference sessions with more than 65 expert speakers from throughout Vermont and the region. Topics covered include: wind, solar, bioenergy technologies, transportation, heat-pumps, energy efficiency and renewable energy policy. Conference sessions will look at hurdles to implementing renewables as well as untapped opportunities, technological innovations and tools for financing renewable energy. For more information visit www.revconference.org

 

Tuesday, October 13: “Renewable Energy and the Aesthetics of Vermont” Artists Panel, Shelburne  

After years of limited, polarizing discussion pitting our desire for local sustainability against a changing local aesthetic landscape, Of Land & Local hosts a panel to discuss ways artists might forge a deeper and more constructive level of conversation as our values of sustainability move us away from reliance on traditional fuels and change the aesthetic of the Vermont working landscape through increased, visible renewable energy projects.  Hosted at Shelburne Farms Coach Barn at 6:30 pm. Free but registration is required. http://www.burlingtoncityarts.org/Event/land-and-local-panel-discussion-new-working-landscape-renewable-energy-and-aesthetics-vermont

 

Wednesday, October 21: “National Bioenergy Day” In celebration of National Bioenergy Day, Renewable Energy Vermont and local businesses showcase various Modern Wood Boiler systems throughout the state.

 

 

Five Public Hearings on the draft Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan, 6 – 8 pm

The Public Service Department has released the draft Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP) and is holding five Public Hearings.  All hearings are from 6 – 8 PM. Plan is available here: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/sites/psd/files/Pubs_Plans_Reports/State_Plans/Comp_Energy_Plan/2015/CEP_Public_Review_Draft_092215.pdf

 

 

Renewable Energy Vermont (REV)

www.revermont.org