Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force

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Please mark your calenders:

The October meeting of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force will be held Thursday, October 8th at 12:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Lorain County Administration Building, 226 Middle Avenue, Elyria. 4th Floor, Meeting Rooms A & B. Parking garage is for county employees only.

Free parking is available on the corner of 3rd and Middle and 2-hour parking on the street. There is another county lot 3 blocks away. Pay parking is available east of Middle Avenue on Broad Street for $3.00


Minutes of meeting:

GREAT LAKES ENERGY DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE

Bill Mason, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor,
Chair Nortech
September 10, 2009

Meeting called to order- 12:15 p.m.

Attendance: Task Force Members

Steve Dever
Christine Nelson
Dave Karpinski
Michael Challender
Mike Wise
John Mitchell
Paul Stanard
Lorry Wagner
Bill Davis
Courtney DeOreo
Stacey Polk
Lorna Wisham
Rose Allen
Seth Mason
Larry Viterna
Mike Gallagher
Garth Woodson
Bob Klaiber
Robert Zadkovich
Greg Zucca

Guests

Neil Dick Dick Consulting
Ed Oliveros
James Sabrey, Esq.
Scott Corniuk SCI
Sarah Taylor Windustrious
Dave Nash McMahon Dugulis
Laurie Atkins Cuyahoga County
Paul Kadis Metal Tech
Eric Rahnenfuehrer
Joe Rustic
Gregg Cullings Cullings Inc.
Jack Krebs
Nick Willis Cuyahoga County
Wasseem Abuzu Interior Designs
Steve Holland
Ron Buzzelli
Jim Gottfried
Henry Butler Attorney at Law
Cris Wright Wright Wind
Allison Mike
Michael Dever Cuyahoga County
Lou McMahon McMahon Dugulis
Ron Chambers
TJ Dillon
Steve Alexander
Emily Aman Tri-C
Matt Cooperrider Sustainable Summit
Jennifer Fenderbosch Lorain Co.
Tom Breckenridge Cleveland PD

Introductions

The minutes from the August meeting were approved.

Steve Dever thanked NorTech for hosting the meeting and encouraged all committees to meet.

Dave Nash spoke about some on-going permitting meetings. We are looking forward to conducting some avian studies that will help with the pilot project and also for commercial projects in the future. We will be sending out an RFP for the studies.

Lorry Wagner chairs the Engineering, Construction and Logistics Committee. Their objective is to compile technical information of relevance to offshore wind energy development in Lake Erie, identify key gaps in relevant technical information, and undertake activities to close such information gaps, to facilitate private sector parties to develop the offshore wind industry in the region.

The issues that they are closely looking at in Europe pertaining to cost are installation, operation and maintenance. This committee is looking at vessels, whether it be locating one or building one. This committee found out that there are only 2 ships in the world that can transport a 5mw turbine. Also, we need to explore available land for staging- where would these turbines be assembled.

Sarah Taylor asked if we are dovetailing with the Canadians regarding collaborating and sharing information. Lorry said we would be interested in doing that.

Ed Oliveros gave a report on the Energy Sustainability Committee. This committee met on September 8th and developed a mission statement. This committee will give recommendations on researched projects, programs and incentives. This committee will also reach out to organizations, institutions and academic strongholds in the region.

Steve Dever told the meeting that the Task Force is constantly researching and checking on grant opportunities.

Larry Viterna gave us an update on the Drive train Facility. This facility will test drive trains that generate gear boxes. The proposed facility could handle up to 15mw. There was a recent proposal submitted to the Department of Energy (Case Western Reserve University, State of Ohio Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland-partners). This money is part of the Recovery Act and the 2 advantages that Cleveland has are:

1. The proposed pilot project
2. Depressed Area

The 3 users of the Drive train Facility would be turbine manufacturers, gearbox manufacturers and testing organizations.

Mike Gallagher, Bayer Material Science, recently received a grant from the Department of Energy. This is an investment in developing lighter blades.

Mike Challender, Lorain County, thanked the Task Force for being regional leaders. Ed Weston has been working hard with Lorain County and developing supply chain and component manufactures. The October Task Force meeting will be held in Lorain County and they are very happy to host. On October 14, 2009 Lorain County will be holding a summit regarding Wind Zoning issues. Please contact Mike Challender for details: mchallender@loraincounty.us

Dave Karpinski spoke about a new and exciting Energy Incentive for the region. Nortech and the Fund for Economic Future with the help of Richard Stuebi from the Cleveland Foundation are looking to drive the grown of economic development through Alternative Energies. They will be looking to Academic Institutions and Manufacturers to help funnel new companies, talent and funding into the region. Also, this incentive will attempt to breakdown the opportunities for alternatives and be their catalyst. For more information, please check on Nortech’s website: www.nortech.org

On September 30, their will be a community engagement in Lakewood including an off-shore wind presentation. Please check lakewoodalive.com for further details.

Rose Allen asked if one of the Task Force committees should include a Legislative committee. Steve Dever explained that all legislative issues should be covered by the Outreach committee. David Geyer has recently been hired by the Cleveland Foundation to execute a regional community engagement plan. He will be at the October Task Force meeting with further details.

Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

We will be offering a boxed lunch for $10.00. Please be mindful that when you are confirming your attendance, we are ordering a lunch for you.

Please RSVP for the Task Force meeting by Monday, October 5th.


PLEASE NOTE MY EMAIL ADDRESS HAS CHANGED TO: mjoyce@cuyahogacounty.us


If you have any questions, please call.
Thanks, Maureen
216-443-7868

Meeting to Focus on Wind Turbine Legislation

Lorain County Growth Partnership Convenes Meeting Focused on Wind Turbine Legislation
Renewable energy has been a hot topic over the last 12 months. The Federal Government and State of Ohio have provided millions to support renewable energy projects. This money has increased the number of companies installing renewable energy technologies and the number of homeowners, businesses, schools, and municipalities interested in purchasing these technologies to save money on their energy costs and conserve the environment. Of these technologies, wind turbine installations present several challenges for local governments.

On Wednesday, October 14th, 9:00 a.m. on the 4th Floor of the Lorain County Administration Building, officials will hold a meeting to discuss legislation that will protect property owners while encouraging growth in a relatively new industry in Lorain County.

This meeting will be helpful for those stakeholders involved in the legislative process of planning and zoning throughout Lorain County. Agenda will include: the installation steps for a wind turbine, sample ordinances, residential/commercial vs utility scale turbines and a panel discussion with questions and answers. Panel discussion will include officials from: Lorain City, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake and Lorain County and several wind turbine installation companies.

Reservations are requested. Please contact Michael Challender, Sustainability Coordinator, GLIDE / Lorain County Growth Partnership at (440) 328-2361

Going Global
"a discussion of international trade"

Topic: Ohio's Global Markets

Speaker: Sean Corson, Senior Trade Manager

Ohio Department of Development - Global Markets Division


Here is your invitation to join us at the first "Going Global" International Trade Forum. Our September gathering features the "Global Markets Division of the Ohio Department of Development. We begin at 7:30am and will end by 9:00am on Friday, September llth. We meet in The Stocker Foundation Boardroom, 401 Broadway (first floor)n Lorain, Ohio 44052.

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. These seminars are free.

Sean Corson is the Senior Trade Manager with the Ohio Department of Development Global Markets Division. He serves as the liaison between Lorain area firms and Ohio's 11 overseas trade offices in Canada,Mexico,Belgium,Chile,Brazil,Israel,
South Africa,Hong Kong,China,Japan and India. These offices promote the exports of Ohio goods and services as well as investment into the state of Ohio.

Ohio is the seventh-largest exporting state in the USA with exports worth $45 billion in 2008, a 7% increase from 2007. Ohio is the only state in then nation that has increased exports every years since 1998.

Please join us at this inaugural event of our monthly series devoted to helping area companies develop their export opportunities.

Please RSVP by noon Wednesday,September 9th,
mvinesky@internationaltransport.com
or call Mark 800.783.7871

Hello everybody,
hope to see you there!

Please mark your calenders:

The August meeting of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force will be held Thursday August 13th at 12:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Sustainable Cleveland 2019: Building an Economic Engine to Empower a Green City on a Blue Lake. Cleveland Convention Center, 500 Lakeside Avenue, Room 212B.

We will not be offering lunch at this meeting. If you have already registered and will be attending the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Summit- your will be receiving lunch from the Summit.

If you did not sign up, there will be no lunch available for you.

Please RSVP for the Task Force meeting by Tuesday, August 11th.

Please see attached: the July meeting minutes.

If you have any questions, please call.
Thanks, Maureen
216-443-7868

Green Energy & Green Collar Jobs Regional Workshop & Tradeshow
Saturday, August 1st from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East
4400 Richmond Rd, Warrensville Heights

The Workshop and Tradeshow will include an all-day session devoted to ‘Wind Powering Ohio’ with expert national and local wind speakers. The Overview of Clean Energy Technologies session will focus on solar electric, solar hot water, and passive house application, design, and incentives. An afternoon session will examine Policies and Job/Training Opportunities that are driving Ohio’s Advanced Energy Market. The ‘Cool Congregations’ session conducted by Ohio Interfaith Power & Light will inform the faith-based communities about energy efficiency measures to save congregation’s money.

Interact with clean energy companies at the tradeshow. Hear from Keynote Speaker, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown. Learn from home/business owners living and working with clean energy during the informal lunch roundtable discussions.
AGENDA Contact: Athan Barkoukis at athan@greenenergyohio.org or Call 216-526-5545.



Pre-Registration Deadline = Wed. July 29th. If you register after Wednesday, plan to bring your own lunch.





Thank you for your time and support of GEO!



Kemp Jaycox

Wind Program Manager

Green Energy Ohio

216-789-5248

Kemp@greenenergyohio.org

GREAT LAKES ENERGY DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE

Hello everybody,

Please mark your calenders:

The July meeting of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force will be held Thursday, July 9th at 12:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Progressive Field.


Parking in Gateway East Garage - $4, Enter the Club Lounge under the green canopy on Carnegie Ave. The meeting will be held in the Press Function Room on the service level, there will be staff to direct you.

Lunch will be provided at a cost of $10.00 per person. No checks or credit cards will be accepted and correct change would be appreciated.

Please RSVP by Thursday, July 2nd
This is very important. We must give the caterers the lunch order by Thursday.
If you RSVP after Thursday, July 2, please do not expect a lunch.

If you have any questions, please call.
Thanks, Maureen
216-443-7868


The June meeting minutes:


GREAT LAKES ENERGY DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE

Bill Mason, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, Chair
June 11, 2009, Thompson Hine, LLP

Meeting called to order- 12:20 p.m.

Attendance: Task Force Members

Steve Dever
Joyce Burke-Jones
Greg Zucca
Paul Oyaski
Lorry Wagner
Nick Willis
Dave Karpinski
Ed Weston
Harry Conard
Richard Stuebi
Shilpa Kedar
Michael Challender
Harriet Applegate

Guests

1. Paul Stanard Great Lakes Construction
2. Cynthia Trotta IBC Solar
3. Dave Sterio Lincoln Electric
4. Seth Mason Lincoln Electric
5. Hon. Ken Callahan
6. Bill Eger City of Cleveland
7. Jennifer Fenderbosch City of Avon Lake
8. Katie Arthurs Green Energy Ohio
9. Aaron Godwin Renaissance Group
10. Krystal Naylor Renaissance Group
11. Mike Gallagher Bayer Material
12. Ed Oliveros
13. Christine Nelson Team Neo
14. Dean Williams Thompson Hine
15. Dennis Flores City of Lorain, Ohio
16. Tom Whitby Lake Erie Electric
17. Jamie Callender Buckley King
18. Robert Zadkovich Great Lakes Towing
19. Margie Flynn Brown Flynn
20. Ron Buzzelli
21. Neil Dick
22. Jim Cusick Ironworkers
23. Jack Krebs
24. Nick Scarietta
25. Lou McMahon McMahon Dugulis
26. Athan Barkoukis
27. Rich Barton
28. Mick Wise Ocean Energy Systems
29. Paul Alsenas Cuyahoga County
30. Erin Davis Cuyahoga County
31. Heidi Spackman
32. Marcia Koly
33. Scott Sanders
34. Rose Allen
35. James Sabrey
36. Stefanie Spear
37. Stacey Polk
38. Henry Butler
39. Taylor Makmacher
40. Lorna Wisham First Energy



Introductions

Steve Dever welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The minutes from the May meeting were approved.

Steve introduced Christine Nelson, Director Team NEO, to the podium. Christine is very optimistic about the feedback from the recent AWEA 2009 conference. She explained that Ohio is a hot spot in the industry because of our supply chain manufacturers. Ohio registered over 500 leads from the conference. Out of those 500 leads, 63 were established to be “A” leads. An “ A” lead is a manufacturer or developer that could start up within 12 to 18 months. Out of the 63 leads, 10 are considered true leads because they are willing to consider Ohio within a year. Team NEO, the Ohio Wind Network and the Greater Cleveland Partnership are all working with these leads.

Richard Stuebi asked if anymore help was needed with the 10 leads and how do we strengthen our case in Ohio? Christine said right now we do not have shovel ready sites. We also need to concentrate on workforce training.

Attached to the agenda is a Task Force survey. Appointments and re-appointments to the 2009-2010 Task Force will be approved by the Commissioners in August. Please take a moment to fill out the survey, which will also be sent out by e-mail.

Steve Dever was recently in Milwaukee and emphasized the need to build a wind market here in Ohio. We also need to create a predictable, known permitting process and we are currently in talks with ODNR and the Army Corp of Engineers.

Lorry Wagner spoke about the fast path to the pilot project is a process of pioneering permitting. There are currently 400 square miles in Lake Erie. We need to determine which sites are best for development. There is no way to tell which Great Lakes states are ahead in the wind fight, because all states have different Natural Resource requirements. We need to keep an eye on what is happening around us and be prepared to adjust our legislation accordingly.
Aaron Godwin reminded the meeting that ODNR and Fish and Wildlife language has changed and that these groups are currently pre-prioritizing.

Steve showed the Task Force a screen which showed favorable sites for the pilot project. The slide was created by ODNR. Steve also showed a screen from ODNR which listed required studies and their timelines, depending on site selection. Lou McMahon said environmental agencies are scrambling to help developers boost the wind industry.

Richard Stuebi gave a brief overview on a recent visit to Washington DC to meet with Ohio congressional representatives and delegations. Also attended by Steve Dever, Greg Zucca and Jim McCafferty. One of the key messages was this project was not all about generating wind, but job creation and creating an sustainable industry. Washington is now really focusing on clean energy and we need a commitment from our government leaders that they will help build a wind market. The Department of Energy really needs to design a roadmap for off-shore wind. No research and development monies have been spent by the government for off-shore and we need to get competitive. Northeast Ohio needs to work on tightening their messaging for off-shore.


Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call.
Thanks, Maureen
216-443-7868

Will the World's First Freshwater Wind Farm Be Built in Lake Erie Off the Shore of Cleveland?

The Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force
released its final feasibility study on its Offshore Wind Pilot
Project.

In early 2008, juwi, a renewable energy projects
developer, was hired by Cuyahoga County to perform a
feasibility study for the Great Lakes Wind Energy Center.

The proposed pilot offshore wind energy project in Lake
Erie would generate 5 to 20 megawatts three to five miles
from downtown Cleveland.

The final report presents a summary of results from the
feasibility study across a variety of technical and economic
disciplines following a one year
study period. The report indicates
that a pilot project is technically
and environmentally feasible,
pending further studies of selected
issues, approvals by regulatory
agencies, and solutions to make
the project more economically
viable.

The study estimates capital
costs of a potential pilot project
between $77.2-92.7 million
(depending on turbine size),
representing design and construction,
associated infrastructure and
onshore facilities, as well as other
costs. The investments associated
with a potential pilot project will
help accelerate an offshore wind
industry in the Great Lakes, provide
solutions to technical challenges, and further identify
the viability of large-scale wind energy development. With
a strong manufacturing base, and many companies already
supplying components to the wind industry, Northeast Ohio
is primed to become a leader in research, manufacturing
and job growth related to wind energy development.
Below are some questions and answers that provide additional
information about the Offshore Wind Pilot Project.


Q. Why does Cuyahoga County want to be the
first to create a freshwater wind farm?

A. The county is committed to driving economic development
in our region. With a long history of industrial
manufacturing and dozens of companies already supplying
components to the wind industry, our region is primed
to become a leader in the offshore wind industry, and is
dedicated to become active in this pursuit.


Q. If Cuyahoga County wants to establish a hub
for wind energy here in Cleveland, how many
jobs will it bring to Northeast Ohio?

A. It is impossible to precisely quantify how many jobs will
be created through an offshore wind industry. However, to
illustrate the potential economic impact, the British Wind
Energy Association retained Bain & Company in 2008 to
conduct a study on this issue. The study concluded that
aggressive development of offshore wind energy markets
in the U.K. by 2020 (34 gigawatts) would generate about
57,000 jobs. Given the theoretical wind resource potential
in the Great Lakes is well over 100 GW, it is not a stretch to
say that tens of thousands of jobs could be possible in the
coming decades to serve a Great Lakes offshore wind
industry. We, in Northeast Ohio, can capture a disproportionate
share of that opportunity, if we move promptly to
maintain a leadership position.


Q. Who is going to pay for the pilot project? And
how much will it cost?

A. The task force and its project partners will continue to
investigate funding sources for a potential pilot project.
In the final report, a total of eight potential pilot project
scenarios were evaluated, representing a range in capital
investment of $77.2 - $92.7 million. While capital estimates
can be made regarding a potential pilot project, other
indeterminate factors, including federal stimulus money,
grant funding availability, policies to enhance the economic
appeal of offshore wind, and other private and public
investments could contribute to the overall amount required
for financing.
Q. Who is going to buy the power generated by
the turbines?
A. The task force is continuing to explore opportunities
with Cleveland Public Power and Cleveland Electric Illuminating
Company. The task force is pleased by the interest
expressed by these two companies, and by their cooperation
in completing the feasibility study.
Q. How would the pilot project wind turbines
affect Lake Erie’s bird populations?
A. Based on the conclusions of the avian risk assessment
for the proposed project site, the findings do not indicate
that habitat loss, barrier effect and collision mortality pose
significant risk to the current avian populations inhabiting
the project site and its surrounding area. Except in winter,
when waterbirds concentrate at warm-water outlets that
remain ice-free, and in fall migration, when large numbers
of common waterfowl and gulls stage on Lake Erie, waterbird
diversity and abundance along the highly developed
Cleveland lakefront is dominated by a few common species.
Studies indicate that this diversity and abundance decrease
with distance from the lakefront as
water becomes deeper offshore. Few
waterbirds are able to forage farther
from the lakeshore. At the project site,
two to five miles offshore in water
depths exceeding 33 feet, very few
birds will be using these waters. In winter,
the site will lack waterbirds; however,
when the lake is ice-free, some
species, mainly gulls, may forage or
even attempt to perch on the turbines.


Q. How will the potential turbine
locations affect recreational
users of the Lake?

A. As the final feasibility study shows,
all of the proposed turbine configurations
are preliminary pilot project recommendations,
not absolute locations.
In addition, the proposed sites include
considerations for sailboat race courses,
the Audubon Ohio Important Bird Area, shipping lanes and
other issues. While the sites are merely preliminary locations,
the task force and its project partners will consult
commercial and recreational users of the lake before making
any recommendations for moving forward with a pilot
project.


Q. What is the time line associated with the
construction of the pilot project?

A. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason, chair of the
Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force, emphasized
much has to be done before turbines are in the water but
hopes to see it happen in 2010. Negotiations are ongoing
with manufactures. Mason said he believes that by the end
of 2009 a turbine manufacturer will be on board.


Q. How will the public be engaged in the future
development of this project?

A. The task force is committed to engaging the public and
all valued stakeholders in the future development of a pilot
project. Our course of action will depend on a variety of
factors, but we look forward to maintaining transparency in
all efforts to share information with the public.


For more information, visit www.development.
cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/energy-task-force.aspx.

Green wave hits Sheffield Lake,Ohio

Wind turbines in Sheffield Lake!




Congratulations Sheffield Lake!



The wave of the future was a welcomed site today with the installation of 2 small wind turbines in Sheffield Lake, Ohio.



Under the sound of the waves crashing against the boat launch pier a low humming was evident as the winds swept over head.




















the 45 ft tower of power...


















the base


"Tuesday's Gone With The Wind" Lynyrd Skynyrd
1973 lyrics written by Allen Collins & Ron Van Vant


MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW AS UPDATES BECOME AVAILABLE.

Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force

The June meeting of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force will be held Thursday, June 11th at 12:00 p.m.

The meeting will be held at Thompson Hine, LLC 3900 Key Center, 127 Public Square.

A picture ID will be required to enter the building.

Lunch will be provided at a cost of $10.00 per person.

No checks or credit cards will be accepted and correct change would be appreciated.Please RSVP by Monday, June 8. This is very important. We must give the caterers the lunch order by Monday. If you RSVP after Monday June the 8, please do not expect a lunch.

If you have any questions, please call.
Maureen 216-443-7868

Business in Cleveland set to capture wind!

EMBARGOED UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 11, 2009

Groundbreaking Set for Pearl Wind Project, a First for Cleveland, Cleveland, OH

A groundbreaking ceremony is set for 10 a.m. May 15 to install a 140-foot-high wind turbine at Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking, which will become the first business in Cleveland to capture the wind to generate electricity.

The wind turbine, which will sit atop a 140-foot tower, will be installed on a 4.7 acre auto recycling yard at Pearl Road Auto Parts, a fourth generation family-owned business at 5000 Pearl Rd., along Interstate 480. Teaming up on the $295,000 wind project are Jon Kaplan, vice president of Pearl Road and sustainability advocate Stefanie Spear, the project manager and executive director of EcoWatch Ohio.

"Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking is an early adopter and leader in our region for on-site renewable energy generation," Spear said. "This wind turbine project will help to generate other wind projects throughout the region by showing businesses the advantages and viability of investing in wind energy. The Pearl wind project sends a resounding message for the future—we can reduce Ohio’s coal-based energy production through the use of non-polluting, renewable energy." The Vestas V-20 remanufactured wind turbine will generate nearly 100 percent of Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking’s electricity needs and will result in a net annual reduction of more than 100,000 kWh of electricity demand.

This project will also help lower Northeast Ohio’s carbon footprint by reducing carbon dioxide emissions which contribute to global warming and climate change. With an estimated pay back of 6.3 years, the project represents a long-term business decision that is expected to help insure economic viability for Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking.

"This project will reduce demand for carbon-based energy production, increase regional renewable energy generation and create an economic model that proves the investment in wind energy makes good business sense," Kaplan said.
Pearl Road Auto Parts and Wrecking was approved for a grant from the Advanced Energy Fund Program through the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Energy Office. The wind turbine is scheduled to begin operating in July.

"This project is especially important because it will be seen by thousands of motorists daily on I-480. The turbine will serve as a vivid reminder that wind energy is playing an important role in the economic revitalization of the Cleveland area, while also indicating that wind energy can be viable for individual businesses or institutions to pursue at their own sites," said Richard Stuebi, Cleveland Foundation’s BP Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement.

The Pearl Wind Project has been the catalyst for Cleveland City Council, City Planning Commission and Office of Sustainability, with the help of Spear, to write wind turbine legislation. "Upon the adoption of Chapter 354A - ‘Wind Energy Facilities’ the city of Cleveland will establish predictable guidelines for the installation of wind turbines in our municipality," said Councilman Matt Zone, the primary sponsor of the legislation. "We want to be a leader in our region in renewable energy sources and make it easier for those who would like to erect wind turbines."

The project has contracted with Northeast Ohio businesses to work on this wind turbine project. Engineering plans were designed by Cleveland’s Alber & Rice, Inc. Great Lakes Construction in Hinckley has been hired to do the foundation and excavating. Donald L. Geitz Architect and Associates in Medina has played a key role in the planning for this project. Affiliated Metals in Cleveland has been hired to fabricate a 60-foot tower extension and foundation rings.
"Our commitment to supporting Northeast Ohio businesses plays an important role in the creation of Ohio’s green economy," Spear said.

Jon Kaplan - As a fourth generation Cleveland business establishment, Pearl Road Auto Parts is pursuing the installation of a small-scale wind turbine and associated commercialization opportunities of this system to many small businesses and farms throughout Ohio and the U.S.

This 21st Century vision belongs to Jon, one of the owners of Pearl Road Auto Parts. In the planning stages for many years, Jon’s perseverance has held this vision and his steadfastness will see it through to its fruition. Pearl Road Auto Parts has been implementing innovative and sustainable business practices for more than 75 years. This business has played a major role locally in solid waste reduction and recycling. In addition, Jon has initiated implementing green building design elements in structures, discarded fuel recycling and reduced off-site discharges at Pearl Road. For more information, visit http://www.pearlroadautoparts.com/

Stefanie Spear is founder and executive director of EcoWatch Ohio, publishers of the bimonthly newspaper EcoWatch Journal. Spear has been actively working on environmental issues for more than 20 years. More recently, Spear’s work has focused on ways to expedite the renewable energy industry in Northeast Ohio. Spear will create a model from the Pearl Wind Project that will help other businesses streamline the process of investing in renewable energy technologies and implement energy efficiency. She is working with Cleveland city council members and the planning commission on wind turbine zoning regulations to help expedite wind energy projects in Cleveland. For more information, visit http://www.ecowatchohio.org/

Alber & Rice Inc. is a professional engineering consulting firm located in Cleveland, Ohio. We have been providing Civil and Structural Engineering services for commercial, retail, institutional, industrial and residential projects since 1998. We are professional engineers registered in OH, PA, NY and WV and have successfully completed over 1,000 projects. For more information, visit http://www.alberandrice.com/

The Great Lakes Construction Co. is a 100% Employee Owned, Heavy Civil Construction firm established in Cleveland, Ohio in 1948. We are actively seeking BOP Wind Power contracts in Ohio and the surrounding Great Lakes region. Our skilled union workforce is committed to being the safest, most capable, low cost contractor while continuing to build Ohio’s transportation, industrial and energy infrastructure. For more information, visit http://www.tglcc.com/

Affiliated Metal Industries, Inc. is proud to be the steel fabrication partner for the Pearl Wind Project as we celebrate our 50th year of serving manufactures, contractors, governmental bodies and project owners around the world. We are a provider of domestic fabricated steel for wind turbine supports, large scale solar and thin film PV tension fabric structures. As we embark on our next half century, we are dedicated to providing cost effective solutions for alternative energy markets by promoting and working with these innovative and environmentally friendly technologies while also creating economic benefits for the State of Ohio. For more information, visit http://www.affiliatedmetal.com/

Donald L. Geitz & Associates - Donald L. Geitz has been a local architect for 38 years.
He is registered in several states, and specializes in residential and commercial projects.
The Job Shop is owned and operated by Phillip Kraft and is located in Northeast Ohio. Phillip is an electrical contractor with more than 30 years experience with electrical and hi-rise lighting. Phillip is interested in helping other businesses with wind turbine projects or any other electrical services including residential and commercial. For more information, email pkraft52@yahoo.com

Contact Information:

Stefanie Spear

216-387-1609

spear@earthwatchohio.org

Councilman wants Green Business Council


Alicia Castelli
The Chronicle-Telegram

LORAIN - City Council­man Dennis Flores, D-2nd Ward, is urging his fellow leg­islators to form a green busi­ness council to educate and train the public on green jobs, to help existing busi­nesses become more energy efficient and to, attract "green" industry to Lorain Flores said Monday that he plans to put his idea on Council's agenda soon. A let­ter from Flores on the topic was accepted by Council dur­ing Monday's meeting. Flores, in conjunction with the nonprofit group Legions of Light, wants to make Lorain a greener place to live, and he said it's a practical pursuit because he believes more and more jobs will be found in the green industry. "Local legislation will not only create an excellent bridge to employment for the unemployed, but it will help make a shift to green industry in this city, "Flores said. Robert Ben­son, Legions of Light Foun­dation program director, said the group's vision is multifac­eted. " For current businesses, we want them to be more sustainable, " Benson said. " We want to help them find ways to reuse materials and recy­cle. The less we waste, the more we save for the future. "Training and education for these new types of jobs will be a key part of the green business council's work, Ben­son said. ''A training program and environmental education to prepare the unemployed for the jobs of the future is an important step," Benson said." It could also be useful in housing retrofitting with wind turbines and solar pan­els' for example. "Flores said he'd like to see the building department incorporate energy-efficient design in any building rehabbed. In particular, he wants to see it happen with buildings rehabbed through the feder­ally funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program that is about to start in Lorain, in which the city will have access to more than $3 mil­lion to demolish or buy and rehabilitate blighted proper­ties that are in foreclosure." This is very important to me, " Flores said. " It's high on my priority list. We need jobs. We need to start talking about bringing jobs to Lorain."

Citizen training features internationally-recognized pollution prevention expert

Are you tired of industrial odors wrecking your home life? Do you want some answers about your industrial neighbors? Ohio Citizen Action is planning a one-day event, Saturday, March 28, to share techniques Ohio neighbors have used to win pollution prevention investments from companies. Bob Pojasek, an internationally-recognized pollution prevention expert, and other trainers will help you develop skills to challenge Ohio's worst polluters and win. Pojasekwill share his expertise in getting companies to reduce pollution and save money at the same time. Pojasek has been working with companies on business sustainability for 35 years and has been recognized as a “Pollution Prevention Champion” by the National Pollution Prevention Round Table in the United States.

The Good Neighbor Campaign Training Project will give regular citizens information and training to hold their industrial neighbors accountable and provide valuable networking opportunities with grassroots organizers. Two field trips following the day-long training will provide hands-on experience in research and community organizing. Participants at the March 28 event will have an opportunity to sign up for one or both of the field trips.

Saturday, March 28
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Cleveland State University, Main Classroom room 438

For more information, contact Liz Ilg, Cleveland Area Program Director, 216.861.5200, lilg@ohiocitizen.org. Also, watch our website at www.ohiocitizen.org for more details.

Green Energy Ohio

2009 WORKSHOPS & TRADE SHOWS

The 5 Regional Workshop & Tradeshow Events focus on attracting companies and organizations centered around energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Targeting a broad demographic of attendees, the audience will include general consumers, energy trade professionals, energy managers, installers, general contractors, industry leaders and more. Attendees from the region will have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers, get information on opportunities in the green collar job industry, and interact with local, regional and national companies and organizations representing the clean energy sector. A variety of activities will be available for any interest level for those who are eager to learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency's crucial role in Ohio's economic future.

LOCATIONS, DATES & TIMES


Columbus State Community College (Central) Saturday, March 28 10:00 - 5:00
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College (NW) Saturday, April 25 10:00 - 5:00
Owens Community College (NW) Saturday, June 20 10:00 - 5:00
Cuyahoga Community College (NE) Saturday, August 1 10:00 - 5:00
Hocking College (SE) Saturday, September 12 10:00 - 5:00

ATTENDANCE

In 2008, GEO conducted five regional workshops to give ~ 1,300 homes and business owners access to industry experts that provided practical clean energy installation information. These workshops included the 2nd Annual Ohio Renewable Energy Showcase in Columbus, Managing Your Caron Footprint – Clean Energy Strategies for Consumers in Cincinnati, Clean Energy Advocates Mainstream Renewable Energy in Nelsonville, Green Energy for Homes and on the Farm in Toledo, and the Northeast Ohio Green Energy Expo in Akron. As the demand for information on renewable energy and energy efficiency continues to build and grow in Ohio, Green Energy Ohio and community partners expect similar attendance for these Workshop & Tradeshow Events.


BOOTH PRICING

Booths will be assigned on a first come first served basis. All booths include a booth ID sign, (1) 8' table and (2) chairs per 10’ x 10’ area. Electricity must be ordered separately. The booth prices and dimensions available:

Business1 $ 200 per 10 x 10 booth per Tradeshow
Non-Profit: $ 75 per 10 x 10 booth per TradeshowSpecial (5 for 4)2 $ 800 per 10 x 10 booth per Tradeshow
1Green Energy Ohio Business Members - Receive discounts on the price for booth
2Special (5 for 4) Offer: Confirm Exhibiting at All 5 Workshop & Tradeshows
Before 3/25/09 for the Price of Exhibiting at 4 Events
TO RESERVE BOOTH SPACE

Complete the form below if paying by credit card or check. Make your check payable to: Green Energy Ohio. For more information visit http://www.greenenergyohio.org/. For questions, contact the GEO Main office at 614-985-6131 or toll free at (866) GREEN OH.

UPDATED: Lorain,Ohio's first wind turbine ready for installation.

Curiosity got the best of me so I took a drive to Turtle Plastics and what a surprise! As I arrived at the site a sense of euphoria that I've never experienced before took over. What started as casual conversation a long time ago and through legislation is now set to becoming a reality.

I do believe they call that progress!

You can't help but notice the tower on it's side ready to be hoisted.

The top of the tower with no blades... http://www.redriven.net/

The blades...

The base, the tower and the blades in the background...


The inside cabling...

looks like a cable pull from here to the electrical box



The concrete base is 12' by 15' and 4 ft deep.

_________________________________________________________
Monday, February 2, 2009

The City of Lorain,Ohio has it's first wind turbine.

My day started at 9am with a phone call from Michael D. Specek, General Manager of Engineered Process Systems, LTD. He call to tell me LeMeister Crane & Storage the boom crane was onsite at Turtle Plastics to begin the wind turbine installation.

securing the ropes...

up, up and away...

working fast to bolt me down...

get these ropes off me I'm ready to go to work...

Wind Power Now a Reality In Lorain

Green Company at 7400 Industrial Pkwy Is The First To Use Wind Power

In February of 2008 I attended a Lorain Sustainability meeting on Advanced Renewable Energy and Energy Alternatives held at Jackalope’s Restaurant. In attendance were state, county and locally elected officials as well as businesses, citizens, wind turbine consultants, developers and energy entrepreneurs. The discussions were about Ohio’s Energy future, State of Ohio’s SB 221 the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, Advanced Renewable Energy Technologies and the green wave that was surging across the country.

It was after the sustainability council meeting that I felt the urgency to introduce the Green Team Lorain Resolution (pg 26). I met with the law department to review SB221 along with other cities policies. It was in March of 2008 that I drafted and submitted the Green Team Lorain resolution where it was held in committee for 6 months. After the resolution was sent to a second reading for the building and lands committee review it was later passed unanimously (pg 7) as Res 37-08 on Oct. 6, 2008.

Also, around the same time frame I met with a wind consultant about a proposed commercial wind turbine in the City of Lorain’s Industrial Park off of Baumhart Rd., but because the City of Lorain presently did not have any ordinances in regards to wind turbines. I saw an immediate need to draft an amending ordinance (pg2) that would allow for the first ever small wind turbine in the city of Lorain.

The planning commission reviewed and recommended (pg 1) the change on May 19th and on June 23 2008 a Public Hearing was held to discuss a proposed amendment to Codify Ordinance 1173.04. After the Public Hearing the ordinance went to first reading and was passed unanimously.

The foundation for a small wind turbine has been poured at Turtle Plastics, the turbine is on site and construction is to begin next week!

Executives from wind-turbine makers to attend Obama visit

Magnet for executives
Executives from major wind-turbine manufacturers and distributors will attend today's visit by President-elect Barack Obama.

These companies are expected to send representatives:

AAER, Montreal, Canada
Acciona Energy, West Branch Iowa
Clipper Windpower, Carpinteria, Calif.
Fastenal (a distributor), Winona, Minn.
Gamesa, Fairless Hills, Pa.
Mitsubishi Power Systems, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Nordex USA, Chicago
Repower Systems, Portland, Ore.
Suzlon, Chicago
Vestas America, Portland, Ore.
Williams Fastener & Supply, (a distributor), Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Representatives from the American Wind Energy Association, a trade group, and the Great Lakes Wind Network, a manufacturing advocacy group, also are expected to attend.

Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co. in Bedford Hts. fired up about Obama visit

John Funk
Plain Dealer Reporter

Bedford Heights -- Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co. makes bolts for the energy industry. And jobs. Today, its 65 workers will help President-elect Barack Obama make a bit of history.
Obama will visit the company before beginning a journey to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration. The president-elect is expected to talk more specifically about his Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

The Obama administration wants to help U.S. industry create 3 million to 4 million jobs, many of them tied directly to the nation's new emphasis on renewable energy such as wind turbines and solar panels. Cardinal is already a success story in those areas. The company makes high-strength bolts for products such as wind turbines and oil drilling platforms.

Gov. Ted Strickland introduced its president, John Grabner, and Cardinal as an example of green jobs to an audience of more than 800 last month at a meeting of the American Wind Energy Association held in Cleveland. The governor plans to attend today's event.
Since Cardinal's foray into the wind business two years ago, it has added 15 jobs, not counting the two people hired this week, Grabner said Thursday at the plant, as a swirl of workers tried to prepare for Obama's visit.

The mood at the small company ran from tense to excited to jubilation. Phones rang constantly. Staffers ran in and out of Grabner's chilly office worrying about Secret Service agents and whether press kits for more than 100 reporters would arrive in time.
Out back, a worker with a floor scrubber the size of a Zamboni scrubbed the oily plant floor. Workers were setting up displays of Cardinal's products - custom-made bolts of any length not only for oil rigs and wind towers but also for bridges, heavy equipment and industrial machines. All of it from the best U.S.-made steel.

Some workers were still turning out bolts that had to be shipped Thursday. And Brandon "Smokey" Delafosse, a 14-year veteran who supervises forge production of the bolts, worried about his role today introducing Obama.
"I am thoroughly excited," he said. "If you had asked me earlier, I would not have been able to respond."

Asked what he might say personally to Obama if given the chance, Delafosse, an African-American, said, "I am proud of him, and it is an honor to be able to introduce him to millions of people in the world."