In US, California has some best resources for geo-thermal, solar and wind power. Unfortunately, these sources are positioned far away from the electricity grid. To make things accessible, California has established RETI or Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative. This will aid creating new transmission lines to make renewable sources reachable.
Dian M. Grueneich, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Commissioner, “We’ve made tremendous progress developing the transmission plan to bring electricity from the wind-rich Tehachapi Mountain area to Southern California customers,” he further added, “Our goal with RETI is to identify the next Tehachapi.”
The main purpose of RETI is too develop renewable energy for generating 20 percent of state electricity by the year 2010 and approximately 33 percent by 2020. Transmission lines for electricity generated from renewable sources are important. They are immediately required, as the amount of electricity generated by coal fired power plants is reduced to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases contribute a lot to global warming.
Jeffrey Baron, Energy Commissioner stated, “Rapid development of renewable resource areas throughout California is necessary to meet this renewable energy goal,” he also stated that, “RETI should result in transmission solutions that everyone can agree on to bring renewable energy resources to the grid.”
This initiative will also help in deciding the major renewable zones. RETI will also give active support to Energy Commission energy policy development and work effectively with POUs or Public-Owned Utilities.
SMUD’s Jim Shelter, “will help the municipal utilities gain better access to renewable resources in order to meet both aggressive renewable energy targets and eventual greenhouse gas reduction goals.”
On September 20, first public forum will be held and all its stakeholders as well as sponsors will meet.
