Renewable and Alternative Energy Outlook

Transcription

1 Renewable and Alternative Energy Outlook Mary Doswell Senior Vice President Alternative Energy Solutions Governor s Conference on Energy October 13, 2010

2 Dominion: One of America s Leading Energy Companies ~27,500 MW of electric generation 6,000 miles of electric transmission 12,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline 942 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage operated Cove Point LNG Facility 2.4 million electric customers in VA and NC 1.3 million natural gas customers in OH & WV 2.0 million non regulated retail customers in 12 states

3 Alternative Energy Solutions: Role Within Dominion Conduct technology research in renewables and conservation and load management to support business units Foster the evaluation of new and emerging technologies from a Dominion wide perspective Participate in shaping the nation s energy policy Identify business opportunities Provide an information and idea sharing forum for the Company

4 Alternative Energy Solutions: Areas of Focus Smart Grid System Reliability Energy Conservation Electric Vehicles

5 Industry Trends in Alternative Energy

6 Today s Vertical Utility Grid Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) Generation Transmission Substation Distribution Customer Loads Automated only from the central generation to the substation Limited data with one way customer communication

7 Tomorrow s Integrated Smart Grid Customer Dominion Virginia Power Web Portal Energy Management PCT Distributed Intelligence Substation Automation Distributed Renewable Generation Battery Storage Voltage Conservation Plug in Vehicle Advanced Transformer & Feeder Monitoring Smart Appliances AMI Meter Automated Switchgear Distributed Renewable Generation Advanced Two Way Communications Infrastructure

8 Distributed Solar Generation Solar PV one of the most rapidly growing renewable energy sectors. Solar resources becoming more cost competitive Rapidly dropping costs of solar modules Standardization of installation Federal tax credits available through January 1, 2017 Solar PV is not a dispatchable resource and contributes less to peak load and reserve requirements than conventional resources. Solar distributed generation (DG) penetration is rapidly increasing across the country. DG proliferation has occurred largely outside the utility sector; current trend toward increased utility involvement. Maximize benefits of DG that is otherwise disaggregated and costs that may be allocated inequitably.

9 Halifax Solar and Advanced Energy Storage Project 4 MW ground mounted solar photovoltaic project in Halifax County. 12 MWhrs of nickel iron battery storage Objective to test the integration of solar and battery storage on Dominion s system Submitted $5 million grant application to the Virginia Tobacco Commission to help fund the project. If approved by the SCC, project would be operational in 2012.

10 Emerging Technology: Offshore Wind: Why Virginia? Economic development opportunity for Virginia World greatest natural harbor Premier maritime community Potentially one of the largest sources of renewable, carbon free energy in Virginia Offshore winds stronger, more consistent than onshore Substantially more costly to install and maintain than onshore wind Transmission challenges Interference with DOD operations and defensive radar must be resolved Awaiting Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement Request for Interest Potential BOEMRE Lease Blocks

11 PHEV Marketplace Regional Vehicle Electrification Initiatives Virginia Project Get Ready Major automobile manufacturers increasing hybrid production lines for 2010 through 2013 delivery More than 35 new EV models DC initial launch site for Chevy Volt beginning in late fall 2010 VA and DC are target launch sites for Nissan Leaf beginning April 2011 Electric Vehicle Policy Issues Should an electric rate be offered to incent off peak charging to mitigate peak load impacts? How will electric infrastructure costs be recovered for charging installations? Who should be responsible for public charging facilities? How will states capture the lost tax revenue from gasoline sales? 11

12 Renewable Energy: Cost Comparison Average Levelized Cost 2008 $/MWh Plants Entering Service 2016 **Tax incentives not included** Source: DOE Energy Information Administration 2010 Annual Energy Outlook Report

13 Renewable Energy: Challenges and Opportunities Challenges Costs Renewable generation is more costly when compared with conventional sources Virginia s low electric rates make renewable generation even less cost competitive Intermittency Regulatory approval process geared towards centralized, large scale projects Opportunities A more balanced, diverse fuel supply for our customers Satisfaction of Virginia s voluntary renewable goals Additional economic development through creation of jobs and tax revenue

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