California has decided to obtain 33% of its total electricity by 2020 from renewable energy. To obtain the goal a list of 244 proposed renewable energy projects that could produce up to almost 70,000 megawatts of clean energy annually has been announced. These proposed projects consist of solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric plants. The projects will not only help in meeting with long-term environmental goals but will also open avenues for green jobs and new, clean investment in California’s economy.
As many as 53 out of the 244 proposed projects will get its backing from funds before the end of 2010. At least 22 of them will have an installed power capacity of more than 200 MW, with a total of more than 9,000 MW. Many of the projects are currently under local and federal control procedures. By signing an agreement with the Department of the Interior, California is the first American state to do so. The MOU will let the state to cooperatively develop long-term renewable energy plans and to guide eligible projects through state and federal permitting processes that can receive 30 percent federal tax credits under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
Via: Instalbiz