California launches Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative

Every month brings new breakthroughs and momentum to the renewable energy sector.  Climate change has captured the world's attention, spawning new initiatives, policies and technologies.  The California Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) has launched a critical process towards sustainable energy for California.  This leadership can and should be embraced by all states and nations.

Solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro, and ocean energies are abundant on our planet.  The problem is that these renewables are often in remote locations, far from the cities and industries that need that power.  High-voltage transmission grids are the solution, acting as freeways for the electricity to move from generation source to load centers.  While this solution makes great sense, there are numerous hurdles that can slow or block the process — hence RETI. 

At the launch, California Energy Commissioner Jeffrey Byron said, "RETI should result in transmission solutions that everyone can agree on to bring renewable energy resources to the grid."  The CA Public Utilities Commissioner Dian Grueneich stated, "we've made tremendous progress developing the transmission plan to bring electricity from wind-rich Tehachapi Mountain to Southern California customers.  Our goal at RETI is to identify the next Tehachapi."

Peter Meisen

President

p.s. Next month we'll feature the 5 nations that already run on renewable energy.

p.p.s. Please consider renewing your GENI pledge. It will make a real difference in our work.