Department of Energy Selects Montana for Wind Energy Program

Press Release

Department of Energy Selects Montana for Wind Energy Program

Montana's Response To "20% Wind by 2030: Overcoming the Challenges"

Governor Schweitzer today acknowledged the U.S. Department of Energy's selection of Montana as one of 53 recipients of funds for new wind energy projects around the nation. The DOE program addresses market and deployment challenges identified in the 2008 report: "20% Wind Energy by 2030" and involves up to $8.5 million in federal funding.

"Montana has developed wind energy faster than any other state in the nation over the last four years," Governor Brian Schweitzer said. "We intend to continue leading the way for this clean, green resource to help meet the goal of 20% wind energy by 2030."

The award, which totals $100,000 for two years, will be utilized by two of the state's energy programs housed in the Department of Commerce and the Department of Environmental Quality. The application was submitted by Commerce's Energy Promotion and Development Division for both agencies on behalf of the Governor's Office.

"Wind energy is a significant driving force of the Montana economy," Department of Commerce Director Tony Preite said. "We are very proud of the work our Energy Division has been doing to leverage state resources and advance this new industry in Montana."

The Energy Promotion and Development Division, created in 2007, is currently assisting and monitoring about 50 industrial wind energy projects of various sizes and stages of development. These projects may total an additional 5,000 MW of installed wind energy. The EPDD, working closely with the Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau of DEQ, will utilize the funds from this grant to further advance the wind industry in Montana.

"There is no doubt that wind energy potential in Montana is great," said Richard Opper, Director of the Department of Environmental Quality. "We are lucky in Montana to have not only a significant amount of industrial sized development, but also communities and residents across the state that are coming to us to learn how they can take advantage of this resource."

The Montana DEQ maintains and makes available wind data, offers loans for small wind turbines and makes recommendations on wind power and other energy issues to local, state, and federal decision makers.

"I'd like to thank President Obama for taking a bold stance in supporting wind energy development across the country," said Schweitzer. "Increased renewable energy development has always been a priority of my administration and I'm proud of the recognition Montana has received."

Information on the DOE programs and the "20% Wind Energy by 2030" report can be found at www.doe.gov

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