Center for Renewable Energy Research and Environmental Stewardship

CRERES

November 6, 2009

1 - Improve the Energy Efficiency of Kentucky’s Homes, Buildings, Industries, and Transportation fleet

2 - Increase Kentucky’s Use of Renewable Energy

3 - Sustainably Grow Kentucky’s Production of Biofuels

4 - Develop a Coal-to-Liquids Industry in Kentucky to Replace Petroleum-Based Liquids

5 - Implement a Major and Comprehensive Effort to Increase Gas Supplies, Including Coal-to-Gas

6 - Initiate Aggressive Carbon Capture/Sequestration Projects for Coal-Generated Electricity in Kentucky

7 - Examine the Use of Nuclear Power for Electricity Generation in Kentucky

Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s FutureKentucky’s 7-Point Strategy for Energy Independence

November 2008

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Using energy more efficiently

• Integrating our agricultural & energy sectors

• Using coal cleaner and more efficiently

• Achieving energy independence

• Diversifying electricity generation

What we are accomplishing…

Establishment of the Center

• The Center was established by HB 2 of the 2008 Regular Legislative Session.

• KRS 152.713 defines the purpose of the center and the duties and membership of the board of directors.

Purpose of the Center• Provide leadership, research, support, and policy

development in renewable energy; • Advance the goal of renewable energy; • Promote technologies, practices, and programs that

increase energy efficiency in homes, businesses and public buildings;

• Emphasize energy policies that would result in cost-conscious, responsible development of Kentucky's energy resources and a commitment to environmental quality;

• Promote partnerships among the state's postsecondary education institutions, private industry, and nonprofit organizations to actively pursue federal resources that are dedicated to renewable energy;

Purpose (cont.)• Promote the continued development of public-private

partnerships dedicated to promoting energy efficiency through education and outreach;

• Establish research priorities relating to renewable energy, and develop procedures and processes for awarding research grants to eligible recipients as defined by the board and to the extent that funding is available;

• Collaborate with the Department for Energy Development and Independence to avoid duplication of efforts, provide appropriate data and information, and support the implementation of Kentucky's comprehensive energy strategy; and

• Carry out other activities to further the efficient and environmentally responsible use of renewable energy.

Membership• Membership of the board of directors is comprised of:

– Department for Energy Development and Independence – Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation – Economic Development Cabinet – Three members representing postsecondary education – One member from an energy conservation organization – A consumer advocate – Three (3) members to represent companies that are focused on

renewable energy – One member who shall represent environmental interests – One member to represent local government interests

Responsibilities of DEDI

• The Commissioner of DEDI shall coordinate the development of the Center and serve as the board’s chair

until the Center is established.

• DEDI will provide consultation, coordination services, technical assistance, and staff support to the board of directors on an as-needed basis until the center is

deemed fully operational.

Responsibilities of the Board• Adopt operating procedures and a meeting schedule • Meet at least quarterly• Select a chair and co-chair annually who may be reelected,

not to exceed three (3) consecutive terms• Establish working groups or subcommittees as needed • Establish qualifications and job descriptions, set the

compensation and benefits, and employ staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities

• Report to the Legislative Research Commission within 90 days of the close of each fiscal year