Energy Posts

Renewable Energy: Why Tax Incentives Are Essential And Should Be Continued

by David R. Cook Jr.
February 19, 2012February 15, 2022

The renewable energy industry has made great strides over the past few years. Growth has been in the double digits, with the benefits flowing to developers, investors, manufacturers, and the public. The availability of capital for projects has been accompanied by rapid decreases in costs for wind and solar technologies. The result? Renewable energy is making strides toward being an affordable alternative to traditional energy sources. Although nuclear, coal and gas generation still form the bedrock of American energy supply, in light of the push by regulators and the public to require use of renewable energy, reducing the cost of renewable energy sources will not only benefit the climate, but could minimize hikes in energy prices resulting from the imposition of renewable requirements. Read More »Renewable Energy: Why Tax Incentives Are Essential And Should Be Continued

Guest Blogger, David Feldman of NREL, Discusses Treasury Scrutiny of Section 1603 Applications and Grants

by David R. Cook Jr.
January 31, 2012

Recent documents released from the IRS and the U.S. Department of Treasury show increased scrutiny on Treasury’s 1603 Cash Grants in Lieu of Energy Tax Credits program. The program has awarded a significant amount of money to renewable energy project owners. From September 1, 2009 through September 9, 2011, the 1603 program issued around $9 billion to 20,000 projects. This large government expenditure has put an equally large responsibility on the Treasury department to ensure the funds are used correctly.Read More »Guest Blogger, David Feldman of NREL, Discusses Treasury Scrutiny of Section 1603 Applications and Grants

Treasury Identifies Ineligible Costs Under Section 1603

by David R. Cook Jr.
November 2, 2011

The Treasury Department is vested with the authority to review and approve applications for funding by the Section 1603 grant program. In completing such applications, applicants should consider the key areas of concern and past rejection by the Treasury Department. In addition, a recent Chief Counsel Attorney Memorandum explains that the Internal Revenue Service will retain authority to audit Section 1603 grants because excess grants result in understated income. Applicants should review their applications in light of the Treasury Department’s initial review and possible audit by the IRS.Read More »Treasury Identifies Ineligible Costs Under Section 1603

Determining the Basis of Property Under ARRA Section 1603

by David R. Cook Jr.
August 2, 2011

The Treasury Department recently issued guidance on determining the basis of property eligible for ARRA Section 1603’s grant-in-lieu program. The guidance specifically covers solar photovoltaic property; however, it is instructive for any type of “specified energy property.”

Landfill Gas Project To Be Largest In Georgia

by Roland F. Hall
July 12, 2011

Green Power EMC, a Georgia cooperative, recently agreed to purchase the power generated by the expansion of an existing landfill gas project owned and operated by Energy Developments, Inc. in Taylor County, Georgia. The plant will be expanded from MW to 8 MW, making it the largest landfill gas to electricity facility in Georgia. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011. Landfill gas, which is created by the decomposition of organic materials in landfills, is about 50 percent methane and can be converted to generate electricity by being burned in a combustion unit that drives a generator. Such conversion projects are especially beneficial in light of the fact that landfill gas would otherwise be managed as a waste product, since landfill gas that is released into the atmosphere instead of being burned becomes a pollutant associated with global warming. Read More »Landfill Gas Project To Be Largest In Georgia

When Powers Collide: FERC Ruling Discusses ARRA Section 1603

by David R. Cook Jr.
June 4, 2011

A recent administrative order illustrates the intersection (or collision)between the purposes of the Federal Power Act (“FPA”) and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (“ARRA”). In its order, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) halted plans by a municipality (“Municipality”) and two related entities (“Related Entities”) to develop a hydropower project.

GE Plans Largest Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant in U.S.

by David R. Cook Jr.
April 7, 2011

General Electric (GE) plans to build the U.S.’s largest solar panel manufacturing plant. At a cost of over $600 million, the plant will produce the… Read More »GE Plans Largest Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant in U.S.

Federal Budget Negotiation May Affect Renewable Energy Incentives

by David R. Cook Jr.
April 7, 2011

Talks between congressional leaders may impact funding for renewable energy incentives. This Wall Street Journal article by Paul Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee,… Read More »Federal Budget Negotiation May Affect Renewable Energy Incentives

The Impact of Construction Delay and Performance Standards on Energy Projects

by David R. Cook Jr.
March 29, 2011

Most renewable energy projects and energy efficiency projects require expertise from multiple disciplines, such as construction, engineering, business, and law. However, the construction aspects of these projects cannot be overstated, as they will impact two very important risks: project delay and failure to meet performance standards.

Georgia’s Potential For Bioenergy

by David R. Cook Jr.
March 10, 2011

Georgia’s forestry resources are viewed by some as a target for biofuel and biomass-to-energy projects. For example, a German company RWE Innogy is locating the world’s largest wood pellet production facility in the south Georgia town of Waycross.