Energy

Ohio is blessed with vast renewable and alternative energy resources, and we have the unique intellectual capital and capacity to make real strides and improvements in alternative and renewable energy production.

In northwest Ohio, wind energy can produce a veritable windfall in energy savings and profits for Ohio farmers, in southeast Ohio we have coal of grades that are perfect for IGCC coal energy production, a cleaner coal technology, and in central Ohio we have the capacity to sequester vast amounts of carbon in underground geologic formations.

This change is necessary if Ohio wants to be a leader in the new economy. Right now Ohio’s focus on conventional coal power plants as a primary energy source has Ohio leading the nation for pollution from power plants, ranking #1 for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions and #2 for carbon dioxide and mercury pollution. This can and must change.

The OEC will continue to lead the fight to make Ohio successful economically and environmentally.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CSS)
CSS shows tremendous potential and should be pursued, but is only a partial solution. Read the fact sheet. (PDF)

Integrated Gassification Cycle (IGCC)
IGCC is a bridge technology - it is a substantial environmental improvement over current coal-based options and its adoption in the U.S. could have vast, positive global impacts. Read the fact sheet.(PDF)

IGCC, Costs, and Jobs
IGCC will be a cheaper method of energy production than traditional pulverized coal in a few years. Read the fact sheet. (PDF)

The OEC fully endorses an Alternative Energy Standard for Ohio.

Alternative energy standards (AES) are legally binding statewide mandates for electric utilities, requiring them to produce or purchase a certain percentage of the power they sell in a state from clean renewable or alternative sources.

These standards are powerful tools. They spur technological development, green power business, competition among utilities, and improvement in environmental conditions. Real progress is the result of a well thought-out and implemented renewables portfolio standard or AES system.

A strong Ohio alternative energy standard will promote job growth, help clean our air and water, and make Ohio a renewable production and technology leader.

The Ohio AES should be a three-tiered system including renewables, energy efficiency, and a higher standard for coal:

• TIER ONE: wind, solar, biomass, low-impact hydroelectric, wave, and geothermal energy, landfill gas and other methane-gas recovery and digestion applications, and energy produced by micro- turbines in distributed generation applications with high electric efficiencies, by combined heat and power applications

• TIER TWO: energy efficiency measures

• TIER THREE: higher-standard coal measures, such as IGCC with carbon capture or an equivalent such as coal waste electricity production

Read the AES fact sheet. (pdf)

In spring 2009, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) adopted rules that will govern Ohio's energy efficiency requirements and its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS).

The OEC has worked diligently for years to help craft these rules and is now fighting to defend them and have them implemented as written. Read the rules fact sheet. (pdf)