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| Overview | Back to Top |
Texas is the leading producer of wind energy among all 50 states, with solar development about to take off, and geothermal prospecting in the early stages. Now in its fifth year, the Institute expands beyond wind energy to include solar and other renewable development.
The 2010 program blends law, economics, technology, finance, tax and regulatory policy, and is aimed at industry participants, legal and financial advisors, and key legislative and regulatory policymakers and staff.
Highlights include:
• FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff on Federal Transmission Initiatives for Renewables
• Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Barry Smitherman
• Wind, Water, Oil, Gas and Whitetails: A Comparison of Property Rights and Theories
• Solar technologies, development and deployment
• Will Texas be the Next Giant in Geothermal?
Hear from Google Climate and Energy, leading researchers and private developers on geothermal geology, prospects and economics in Texas
Come a day early for the Wind, Solar and Renewables Fundamentals—a primer on the basics.
Also of interest: February 1 — ERCOT-sponsored seminar on the economics of locational marginal pricing with Prof. Ross Baldick in Austin. For more information and to register »
| Program for Wind, Solar and Renewables Institute | Back to Top |
WEDNESDAY
MORNING
Presiding Officer(s)
Lisa Chavarria, Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP - Austin, TX
Presiding Officer(s)
Lisa Chavarria, Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP - Austin, TX
| 8:00 am | Registration Opens |
| 8:45 am | Welcoming Remarks |
| Keynote Presentation |
| 8:55 am | Introduction of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jon Wellinghoff |
Barry T. Smitherman Public Utility Commission of Texas - |
| 9:00 am | Federal Transmission Initiatives for Renewables: The View from FERC Chairman Wellinghoff shares his views on new transmission initiatives and proposals that affect wind, solar and other renewable energy. |
Jon Wellinghoff Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - |
| 9:40 am | Crossing the Line: Regional Challenges and Initiatives in Exporting Wind, Solar and Other Renewables across State and International Lines A panel discussion of the unique challenges faced by areas such as the Panhandle and El Paso regions which possess an abundance of wind and solar resources but lack the infrastructure necessary to harness and deliver those resources to load. The panel also discusses policy initiatives such as SPP's X Plan and the Midwest's Green Power Express. |
Moderator: Julie Caruthers Parsley Parsley Coffin Renner LLP - Panelist: Hon. John Cook City of El Paso - Panelist: Bruce Rew Southwest Power Pool - Panelist: Beth Soholt Wind on the Wires - |
| 10:40 am | Break |
| 10:55 am | CREZ 2010 - 2013 In 2008 the Texas Public Utility Commission approved a 2,300-mile transmission plan to deliver energy to customers in Texas from five "Competitive Renewable Energy Zones" in West Texas and the Texas Panhandle. The target date for completion of this massive renewable energy project is the end of 2013. This session reviews the plan's progress to date and identifies the challenges that remain. |
Steven Baron Consulting and Legal Services - |
| 11:25 am | The Impact of Electricity Markets and Pricing on Renewables An examination of select issues of electricity market prices, particularly nodal pricing, relating to renewables, including: pricing variations over the time of the day and location; day-ahead versus real-time prices; negative prices, both locally and ERCOT-wide, with the CREZ transmission development; and the interaction of wind and solar on prices. The session concludes with commentary from Dan Jones on the impact of renewables on electricity markets and as time permits, a short Q&A opportunity. |
Ross Baldick University of Texas, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Commentator: Dan L. Jones Potomac Economics - |
WEDNESDAY
AFTERNOON
Presiding Officer(s)
Karl R. Rábago - Austin, TX
Presiding Officer(s)
Karl R. Rábago - Austin, TX
| Follow the Money — DOE Treasury Loan Guarantees, Grants, and Credit Programs |
| 12:10 pm | Pick up Box Lunch |
| 12:30 pm | The Financing of Renewable Energy Projects in a Post-Stimulus Environment A discussion of how developers are financing their projects in this post-stimulus market, through the use of DOE loan guaranties and Treasury cash grants, including the opportunities, challenges and pitfalls for effective use of these programs. |
Adam S. Umanoff Chadbourne & Parke LLP - |
| 1:30 pm | Break |
| 1:45 pm | Solar Development and Deployment: Technology, Economics and Short-Term Market Potential This session opens with a 30-minute overview and briefing on solar technologies and deployment trends and continues with a follow-up discussion on the Texas solar market including the views and goals of market participants. |
Lisa Frantzis Navigant Consulting, Inc. - Commentator: John Bonnin CPS Energy - Commentator: Judith Kim Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. - |
| 2:45 pm | Break |
| 3:00 pm | Integrating Renewables into the Grid: The New Texas "TRIP" The rules for building and operating wind farms and other variable generation technologies in Texas are rapidly evolving. This session explores the Texas Renewables Integration Plan (TRIP), ERCOT's blueprint to manage the interconnection and operation of 20 gigawatts of wind and other renewable generation technologies. The overview includes recent, major changes to ERCOT system planning activities, grid operations procedures, market design elements, and new compliance metrics for renewable generators as well as previews possible future changes in these key areas. |
Mark Bruce MJB Energy Consulting - |
| 3:30 pm | Will Texas be the Next Giant in Geothermal? Google is working on a wide variety of ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and develop low-cost renewable energy and has identified Texas as a potential leading producer of geothermal energy. The Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory is a renowned leader in geothermal research and in 2008, received a major grant from Google to support their work on geothermal resource assessments. Representatives from SMU, Google and a firm leading in commercializing new geothermal concepts provide an overview of geothermal geology, prospects and economics in Texas. |
Charles Baron Climate and Energy, Google.org - David D. Blackwell Southern Methodist University, Dept. of Geology and Geological Services - Martin Kay Texatherm Energy, Inc. - |
| 4:20 pm | Developers' Panel A discussion of the latest market trends and issues facing wind and solar developers from some of the market leaders. |
Moderator: John Moore Stratus Energy Group - Panelist: Michael Bowring NextEra Energy Resources - Panelist: Glenn Allen Hodges Pattern Energy Group LP - Panelist: Shalini Ramanathan RES Americas Inc. - Panelist: Patrick Woodson E.ON Climate & Renewables - |
| 5:30 pm | Adjourn to Sponsored Reception |
THURSDAY
MORNING
Presiding Officer(s)
John K. Arnold, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP - Houston, TX
Presiding Officer(s)
John K. Arnold, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP - Houston, TX
| 7:45 am | Conference Room Opens |
| 8:00 am | Let the Sun Shine In! Breakfast with Solar Technology Companies Join us for a breakfast with an informal panel discussion with three leading solar technology companies. |
Moderator: Mark Kapner Austin Energy - Panelist: Iga Hallberg HelioVolt Corporation - Panelist: Randy Etheridge Tessera Solar - |
| 8:30 am | Which Way Do We Go?: Grants, ITC & PTC for Renewable Energy Projects A description of the Treasury grant, investment tax credit and production tax credit programs available to renewable energy projects and the financing structures using these programs. The session provides guidance for selecting the best match for the circumstances of a project and its sponsors. |
Stephen Krebs Baker Botts L.L.P. - |
| 8:50 am | Understanding and Working with Revenue Streams: Key Issues in Negotiating and Drafting Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) An analysis of key issues and typical points of conflicts that arise in negotiating and drafting power purchase agreements. |
William H. Holmes Stoel Rives LLP - Jennifer H. Martin Stoel Rives LLP - |
| 9:20 am | Renewable Project Acquisitions: Pitfalls, Tips and Best Practices A checklist and discussion of the pitfalls, tips and best practices for renewable project acquisitions. |
Woody Jones Andrews & Kurth LLP - |
| 9:50 am | Break |
| 10:05 am | Wind, Water, Oil, Gas and Whitetails: A Comparison of Property Rights and Theories A comparison of the judicial treatment of rights in oil, gas, water and game animals, all of which have significant economic and monetary value to a landowner, but which frequently cross over or beneath property boundaries. Which, if any, of these judicial approaches may be applied to wind and why a determination of rights in wind is both inevitable and legally important, especially in light of deeds that purport to sever wind rights from other interests in land. |
Ernest E. Smith The University of Texas School of Law - |
| 10:50 am | Legal Issues Related to Wind, Solar and Geothermal Development As the wind industry matures, practitioners face new legal issues related to wind project development and operation and are expanding their practices into solar and geothermal. At the center of these renewable energy transactions are surface and subsurface rights and the instruments necessary to secure those rights. This session focuses on issues related to surface and subsurface leases including due diligence considerations, the severance of property rights, the accommodation of oil and gas development, and siting issues. |
Moderator: Lisa Chavarria Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP - Panelist: Lila C. Marsh Vinson & Elkins LLP - Panelist: Bonnie McMurtry Andrews Kurth LLP - Panelist: Roderick E. Wetsel Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP - Panelist: Robert P. Wright Baker Botts L.L.P. - |
| 12:00 pm | Federal Legislative Update: Wind, Solar and Other Renewables A report on the current status of federal legislation related to renewable energy policy. |
Monty Humble Mesa Power Group - |
THURSDAY
AFTERNOON
Presiding Officer(s)
Michael G. Grable - Austin, TX
Presiding Officer(s)
Michael G. Grable - Austin, TX
| Keynote Lunch Presentation |
| 12:30 pm | Pick up Box Lunch |
| 12:45 pm | Introduction |
Michael G. Grable |
| 12:50 pm | Texas Policy Makers Perspectives Two leading Texas policy makers address a range of public issues that are contributing both enhancements and challenges to the development of renewable energy in Texas. |
Barry T. Smitherman Public Utility Commission of Texas - Burt R. Solomons Texas House of Representatives - |
| 1:45 pm | Break |
| 2:00 pm | Regulatory Enforcement Challenges for Renewable Developments Increases in renewable generation capacity and potential development have heightened interest in the effect of renewable energy on electric reliability and markets. This has coincided with expanded federal jurisdiction and enforcement of national electric reliability standards. This session explores enforcement jurisdiction, procedures and standards as they relate to renewable energy in Texas. |
Elizabeth H. Drews Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. - |
| 2:30 pm | Out of State Wind Deals: Wind Energy Laws, Incentives and Rules in Selected States An examination of 17 key wind states' wind energy laws, incentives, and rules relating to project development and operations. Topics covered include economic and tax incentives, wind energy lease and easement laws, renewable portfolio standards, and related development issues. A detailed paper by Brent Stahl and Lisa Chavarria is included in the course materials. |
Moderator: Brent G. Stahl Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP - Panelist: Reed Armstrong Iberdrola Renewables - Panelist: Kevin Borgia The Illinois Wind Energy Association (IWEA) - Panelist: Robert Crowell E.ON Climate & Renewables - Panelist: Vanessa C. Kellogg Horizon Wind Energy - Panelist: Theodore D. Matula Duke Energy - |
| 3:30 pm | Storage Technologies: Batteries and Compressed Air — Where Are We? The opportunity to leverage and increase the value of intermittent generation from wind and solar resources is dependent upon the ability to store the initial output in a resource that can be dispatched. Considerable industry research and development efforts are being focused on key technologies. |
Moderator: John Moore Stratus Energy Group - Panelist: Darrell Hayslip Xtreme Power - Panelist: Robert Schainker Electric Power Research Institute - |
| 4:15 pm | Adjourn |
| Conference Faculty | Back to Top |
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Reed Armstrong
Iberdrola Renewables Austin, TX Ross Baldick University of Texas, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Austin, TX Charles Baron Climate and Energy, Google.org Mountain View, CA Steven Baron Consulting and Legal Services Austin, TX David D. Blackwell Southern Methodist University, Dept. of Geology and Geological Services Dallas, TX John Bonnin CPS Energy San Antonio, TX Kevin Borgia The Illinois Wind Energy Association (IWEA) Chicago, IL Michael Bowring NextEra Energy Resources Juno Beach, FL Mark Bruce MJB Energy Consulting Round Rock, TX Lisa Chavarria Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP Austin, TX Hon. John Cook City of El Paso El Paso, TX Robert Crowell E.ON Climate & Renewables Chicago, IL Elizabeth H. Drews Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. Austin, TX Randy Etheridge Tessera Solar Houston, TX Lisa Frantzis Navigant Consulting, Inc. Burlington, MA Michael G. Grable Austin, TX Iga Hallberg HelioVolt Corporation Austin, TX Darrell Hayslip Xtreme Power Kyle, TX Glenn Allen Hodges Pattern Energy Group LP Bee Cave, TX William H. Holmes Stoel Rives LLP Portland, OR Monty Humble Mesa Power Group Dallas, TX Dan L. Jones Potomac Economics Austin, TX Woody Jones Andrews & Kurth LLP Houston, TX Mark Kapner Austin Energy Austin, TX Martin Kay Texatherm Energy, Inc. Bellaire, TX |
Vanessa C. Kellogg
Horizon Wind Energy Houston, TX Judith Kim Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Bentonville, AR Stephen Krebs Baker Botts L.L.P. Houston, TX Lila C. Marsh Vinson & Elkins LLP Dallas, TX Jennifer H. Martin Stoel Rives LLP Portland, OR Theodore D. Matula Duke Energy Austin, TX Bonnie McMurtry Andrews Kurth LLP Houston, TX John Moore Stratus Energy Group Austin, TX Julie Caruthers Parsley Parsley Coffin Renner LLP Austin, TX Shalini Ramanathan RES Americas Inc. Austin, TX Bruce Rew Southwest Power Pool Little Rock, AR Robert Schainker Electric Power Research Institute Palo Alto, CA Ernest E. Smith The University of Texas School of Law Austin, TX Barry T. Smitherman Public Utility Commission of Texas Austin, TX Beth Soholt Wind on the Wires Saint Paul, MN Burt R. Solomons Texas House of Representatives Carrollton, TX Brent G. Stahl Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP Austin, TX Dahl C. Thompson Andrews Kurth LLP Houston, TX Adam S. Umanoff Chadbourne & Parke LLP Los Angeles, CA Jon Wellinghoff Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Washington, DC Roderick E. Wetsel Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP Sweetwater, TX Charles Christopher Wilson Baker Botts Houston, TX Patrick Woodson E.ON Climate & Renewables Austin, TX Robert P. Wright Baker Botts L.L.P. Houston, TX |
| Planning Committee | Back to Top |
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Lisa Chavarria —CHAIR
Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP Austin, TX Karl R. Rábago —CO-CHAIR Austin, TX David E. Adelman The University of Texas School of Law Austin, TX Reed Armstrong Iberdrola Renewables Austin, TX John K. Arnold Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP Houston, TX Ross Baldick University of Texas, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Austin, TX Steven Baron Consulting and Legal Services Austin, TX Andy Bowman Austin, TX Mark Bruce MJB Energy Consulting Round Rock, TX Kimberlee Smith Centera AES Wind Generation San Diego, CA Trey Cox Lynn Tillotson Pinker & Cox, L.L.P. Dallas, TX Kara Cubbage RES Americas Austin, TX Roy Daniel Energy Storage and Power LLC Bridgewater, NJ Elizabeth H. Drews Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. Austin, TX Michael J. Esposito The University of Texas School of Law Austin, TX Rich E. Germain ConocoPhillips Houston, TX Michael G. Grable Austin, TX Richard Gruber First Solar, Inc. Tempe, TX Teresa A. Hill Stoel Rives LLP Boise, ID Glenn Allen Hodges Pattern Energy Group LP Bee Cave, TX William H. Holmes Stoel Rives LLP Portland, OR |
Monty Humble
Mesa Power Group Dallas, TX Stephen Krebs Baker Botts L.L.P. Houston, TX Robert Bob Lukefahr Stirling Energy Systems (SES) Scottsdale, AZ Theodore D. Matula Duke Energy Austin, TX Bonnie McMurtry Andrews Kurth LLP Houston, TX Colin Meehan Environmental Defense Fund Austin, TX M. Bradford Moody Watt Beckworth Thompson & Henneman, L.L. Houston, TX John Moore Stratus Energy Group Austin, TX Philip Moore RES Americas Austin, TX Heather Otten Invenergy LLC Austin, TX Walter J. Reid Austin, TX Ned Ross Direct Energy Austin, TX Ernest E. Smith The University of Texas School of Law Austin, TX Barry T. Smitherman Public Utility Commission of Texas Austin, TX Brent G. Stahl Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP Austin, TX Adam S. Umanoff Chadbourne & Parke LLP Los Angeles, CA Roderick E. Wetsel Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP Sweetwater, TX Stephen Wieland Vestas Americas Denver, CO Pat Wood III Wood3 Resources Houston, TX Patrick Woodson E.ON Climate & Renewables Austin, TX |
| Hotels/Venues | Back to Top |
| AUSTIN | ||
Parking: $7 Self-parking in nearby public parking garages at 201 E. 2nd Street, and 601 E. 5th Street
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Nearby accommodations:
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Special rate:
$215
good through Jan 06, 2010 (subject to availability) Parking: Self-parking $16/overnight; Valet $25/overnight |
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| Key Dates: Cancellations, last-minute registrations, and related charges | Back to Top |
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Austin
Last day for early registration:
Jan 28, 2010, 5 p.m.
— Add $50 for registrations received after this time Last day for full refund: Jan 29, 2010, 5 p.m. Last day for partial refunds: Feb 1, 2010, 5 p.m. $50 processing fee applied |
| Credit Hours | Back to Top |
| MCLE |
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Texas MCLE: Course #901188615 14.50 hrs, includes 0.00 hrs ethics
Credit is submitted to the State Bar of Texas within seven business days following the conference. To claim immediate credit, self-report via the SBOT web site at http://www.texasbarcle.com/CLE/home.aspLegal Specialization: Administrative Law, Real Estate Law California MCLE: Provider #1944 14.50 hrs, includes 0.00 hrs ethics
This course is approved for California MCLE credit. A Certificate of Completion and related course reporting documentation for CA MCLE credit will be available at the conference.
See http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10964&id=4991#recordkeeping for more information.
Other Jurisdictions: LA, NM, OK, NV, etc.
Many jurisdictions accept courses offered by the University of Texas School of Law, and approved by the State Bar of Texas, for CLE credit. Please check with your state bar association. A Certificate of Completion, and related course reporting documentation for MCLE credit will be available at the conference.
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| Other Credit |
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TX CPE-Accountants: Sponsor #250 17.00 hrs (50-min. hrs)
Texas CPE credit is calculated based on 50 minute hours, and must be self-reported. A Certificate of Completion will be available at the conference.
Registered Landman (AALP): 14.50 hrs and 0.00 hrs ethics credit
Landman credit hours are approved for this event; an AAPL affidavit of attendance will be provided at the conference. Registrant to self-report hours.
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| Sponsors | Back to Top |
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Watson Professional Group Inc is synonymous with Renewable Energy Surveying and Engineering. Beginning in 1976, under the name of Watson and Associates of Midland, and becoming WPG in 2008, we continue to be dedicated to innovation and to pursue the highest standards of accuracy and precision possible. At WPG, our goal is simply to render an incomparable product to our clients. We can meet all of your Civil, Structural, Environmental, Geotechnical, and Geophysical Engineering needs as well as all your Surveying and Fence Construction needs. Trust your next renewable energy project to Watson Professional Group Inc. wam-elsp.com
GOLD SPONSORS
Austin Energy is the nation's 9th largest community-owned electric utility. We serve 388,000 customers and a population of more than 900,000. We provide service within the City of Austin, Travis County, and a small portion of Williamson County. Austin Energy powers the capital city of Texas through a diverse generation mix. Our portfolio includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. That's just over 2,600 megawatts (MW) of total generation. We created the top performing renewable energy program in the nation. We own the nation's first and largest green building program. And we're home to one of the nation's most comprehensive residential and commercial energy efficiency programs. www.austinenergy.com
Chadbourne & Parke LLP is one of the leading U.S. law firms in the renewable energy market. The Firm has worked on wind farm transactions both in the United States and abroad and has worked with most of the major U.S. wind developers. Our lawyers include a former general counsel and CEO of wind turbine manufacturer/project developer Zond (later of Enron Wind) and the past president of the American Wind Energy Association. Chambers USA—America's Leading Lawyers for Business honored Chadbourne at its 2008 Awards for Excellence as the winning law firm in the category of Energy Projects: Power Including Renewables. www.chadbourne.com
Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES Americas) is a fully-integrated renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates projects across the United States (US) and Canada. RES Americas has constructed more than 3,400 MW, which represents approximately 14% of the operating installed wind capacity in the US, and has over 15,000 MW in development. RES Americas' corporate office is located in Broomfield, CO with regional offices located in Austin, TX; Portland, OR; Minneapolis, MN; and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. RES Americas continues to seek new locations for wind and solar projects as well as opportunities to participate in other forms of renewable energy. For more information, please visit www.res-americas.com
Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP has been serving clients in the wind industry since 2000. We have assisted clients in the development, finance, acquisition and sale of wind energy projects in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado, North Carolina and Kansas totaling over 3,000 MW. Our lawyers are highly experienced in the preparation of wind energy leases, option agreements, and access, transmission, collection system, and non-obstruction easements. We analyze and resolve the myriad of legal, title and survey issues arising in the development of wind energy projects and help clients plan for future challenges to their operations. We work closely and collaboratively with counsel for project lenders and tax equity investors in coordinating the range of real estate instruments, governmental approvals, surveys, title policies, and legal opinion letters necessary to close deals. www.sbaustinlaw.com
SILVER SPONSORS
© 2010 The University of Texas School of Law Continuing Legal Education PO Box 7759 Austin, Texas 78713-7759
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