Recently in Kentucky Category

Governor Steve Beshear released Kentucky's first-ever comprehensive energy plan in November. The plan suggests strategies for both traditional and alternative energy sources and "calls for diversification, conservation and efficiency to reduce demand, and an increasing reliance on renewable and alternative sources." The plan focuses on the following:

• Improved energy efficiency in all sectors
• Increased use of renewable energy
• Sustainably increased production of biofuels
• Investment in and development of coal-to-liquids and coal-to-gas technologies
• Initiation of carbon sequestration projects for coal-generated electricity
• Examination of nuclear power for electricity generation.

The full press release and fact sheet can be found here.

The Department of Energy will invest up to $86 million over four years to support small-scale cellulosic biorefineries in Old Town, Maine; Vonore, Tennessee; and Washington County Kentucky. The biorefineries are expected to be operational within four years and produce approximately 10 percent (2.5 MMGY) of a commercial-scale biorefinery. The facilities will produce not only liquid fuels, but also bio-based chemicals and bio-based products. Last year DOE funded six commercial scale biorefineries focused on near-term commercial processes, while these small-scale pilot plants will "verify integrated operations at a reduced size with diverse feedstocks using novel processing technologies." The three plants will be operated by RES Pulp and Chemical LLC, Mascoma Corporation, and Ecofin LLC. The full announcement can be found here.

In October 2006, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) released the report Energizing Appalachia - A regional blueprint for economic and energy development. The report focused on promoting energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy resources, and supporting the development of conventional energy sources. The paper state that

The commission's objective was to provide a strategic framework for the promotion of new energy-related job opportunities through the stimulation of sustainable energy production, efficiency measures, and innovation efforts throughout the region.

The report reviews the energy landscape for the ARC region and identifies strategies for reaching their objectives.

In August 2007, Kentucky released a status report of their 2005 energy plan and follows up on the 54 recommendations made in the original report.

Kentucky's state energy report, Kentucky's Energy - Opportunities for our future, was released in 2005 with the focus on:

• Maintaining low-cost energy
• Responsibly developing Kentucky's energy resources
• Preserving Kentucky's commitment to environmental quality

The plan focuses on energy efficiency, biofuels, infrastructure investment, and clean coal technology.