Energy, including bioenergy, coal, electric power, fossil fuels, fusion, geothermal, hydrogen, hydropower, natural gas, nuclear, oil, and renewables like solar and wind power are primary forces developing and driving the global economy. With its location and wide open spaces, Platte County is poised on the cutting edge of renewables.

There is strong support for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in Wyoming and in Platte County. We address concerns about climate change by reducing our carbon dioxide emissions through a strong commitment to alternative energy. There are numerous grant programs offering assistance for renewable energy. In addition, the state of Wyoming provides financial incentives, including tax exemption, a rebate program, utility rebate program and alternative fuel or vehicle incentives, which are uncommon in other states.

The Department of Energy is helping to lead these advances, particularly in renewable energy sources to accelerate the development and availability of clean energy choices. Renewable energy resources are crucial to businesses, individuals, and the environment. With a diverse mix of resources, the Platte County enjoys an especially reliable supply of renewable energy, a commodity of great importance in today's market.

Energy efficiency improvements and alternative technologies offer unique opportunities for Wyoming residents. There are financial incentives that help offset the cost of installing solar and hybrid systems. Utility companies also offer rebates for energy efficient water heaters and heat pumps. Some of the funds available are administered by the Wyoming Business Council, which provides grants of 50 percent of the cost up to a maximum of $3,000.

The Wyoming Energy Conservation Improvement Program helps business owners implement, finance, and contract conservation measures.

The Variable Air Volume and Boiler Operation organization has sponsored workshops on pneumatic heat controls for over 20 years. These two and three day seminars explore the value of adding electronic heating controls, and are offered at several Wyoming locations, including Platte County.

A residential photovoltaics grant program that promotes the use of photovoltaics offers annual grants for the cost of half the system, up to $3,000.

The small business energy audit program provides 75 percent of up to $4,000 for a level two energy audit, including building shell, lighting, HVAC and process energy.

The anemometer loan program lends towers to property owners for wind assessments and also provides data for commercial sized turbines.

In January of 2007, the National Center for Atmospheric Research announced the creation of a supercomputing center to be based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A partnership among several universities will facilitate the study of climate, weather, and earth sciences, addressing scientific questions regarding climate change and energy research. The center will open in late 2010 or early 2011 and will act as a hub for technology for the region and the country. The initial cost for the 60,000 square foot building to house the facility is $60 million with a projected $530 million cost over the next 20 years. This project will stimulate the economy of the state and the region, attracting businesses as well as the scientific community.

Value Added Agriculture is the process of increasing both economic value and consumer appeal for a specific agricultural commodity. Many programs that focus on this method offer alternative production and marketing strategies and track rapidly changing food industry and food safety practices. Ranchers and farmers in Platte County focus on the keys to success in value-added agriculture.

Creating a high quality product satisfies the increased public demand for commodities such as natural beef and bison. Collaboration between producers has been a key to developing local enterprises and maintaining important relationships. Planning for the future is a key to the strategic development of farms and business owners. Whether it’s a new start-up, or an established business wanting to expand, value-added agriculture programs have succeeded in developing niche markets and enhancing profitability.

Wind power is an exciting renewable source of energy, and Platte County certainly has its share of wind! Wyoming offers unique options for residents and businesses to utilize wind energy opportunities. These programs encourage community participation, promote clean energy, and also bring economic benefits to the region.
Within the next 2-5 years significant wind development is anticipated to take place in Platte County, which is considered by the AWEA to be "...the best wind in North America..." (New York Times, Nov.28, 2008).  Three major transmission lines have been proposed and are in the process of gaining the necessary permits.  Completion for transmission lines is scheduled for 2014 and 2015. 
Southeast Wyoming RC & D has worked to form thirteen wind associations in southeastern Wyoming, and eight of those are in Platte County.  Negotiations are underway with major wind energy companies to take advantage of the world class winds which will ultimately produce at least 3,500 megawatts over the next 10 years in Platte County alone. Several contracts have been signed between wind associations and wind generation companies, and this will push the need for transmission lines to export the wind energy to the southwestern United States.  For further information on wind development in Platte County and southeastern Wyoming, contact Grant Stumbough at Southeast Wyoming RC & D at 307.322.2187 or Bob Whitton at Renewable Energy Alliance of Landowners at 307.331.4606.  You can also visit the S.E. Wyoming RC & D website at www.sewrcd.com.
Did you know...
-More than 2/3 of the Class 6 and 7 wind in the western United States is located in Wyoming?
-Wyoming is rated #1 by NREL in the developable nameplate wind power production potential by class?
-The National Renewal Energy Lab (NREL) has predicted that Wyoming will produce between five and ten gigawatts by the year 2030?