January 26, 2011

Nuts and Bolts of Technology: Closer Look at Utility-Scale Solar Power

Co-sponsored by:
The Environmental Law Institute
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Berkeley Law Center for Law, Energy & the Environment

UNPLUGGED: THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SPEAKER SERIES
California is today experiencing a "Gold Rush" in renewable energy. Many energy companies, attorneys, consultants and environmental organizations are working with federal, state and local governments to find ways to design and develop renewable energy projects that benefit the public while protecting the environment and natural resources. Berkeley Law Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, The Environmental Law Institute and Farella Braun + Martel held a series of bimonthly panel discussions to address the issues involved in renewable energy project development.

Session 2: Nuts and Bolts of Technology: Closer Look at Utility-Scale Solar Power

Utility-scale solar power is coming into its own as various technologies compete for market share. Focusing on thermal and photovoltaics, panelists considered the different technologies as their proponents deal with legal and policy challenges. Among the issues discussed: permitting and siting on federal versus private lands, transmission, environmental impact considerations, and the potential for future growth in relation to other renewable energy sources.

Panelists:
Sara Kamins, Senior Policy Analyst, Renewables Procurement, Policy and Resource Planning, California Public Utilities Commission (moderator)
Lisa Belenky, Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
Alice L. Harron, Vice President, project Development, Solar Millennium LLC
Arthur Haubenstock, Chief Counsel and Director, Regulatory Affairs, BrightSource Energy, Inc.
Tom Starrs, Managing Director, Utilities and Power Plants, SunPower Corporation

Additional Materials:
Sara Kamins- RPS forecast graph
Lisa Belenky- Technology Matters
Arthur Haubenstock-Bright Source Energy Overview
Tom Starrs- SunPower Technology
Audio recording