Change is on the horizon for Colorado’s “energy economy,” as
traditional fossil fuels share the stage with the state’s ever-diversifying
alternative energy portfolio.
From wind energy to ethanol, the primary goal of today’s state legislators is to lead the nation in its quest to become independent from foreign energy.While Colorado’s geography seems to be a magnet for alternative energy providers, the real appeal is in the supportive environment provided by its populace.
SAFEbuilt Colorado has been providing building department services for Windsor since 1993. |
Support from the State
Just a few short months into his term, Governor Bill Ritter has ramped
up Colorado’s commitment to renewable energy through lawmaking—such
as House Bill 1281, which increases the state’s requirements for
renewable energy sources—and through incentives for businesses
that contribute to green practices.
For example, gas stations that want to offer E85 ethanol-based fuel can receive a state grant from the E85 Coalition—as well as federal and state tax credits—in order to help them do so.
Colorado currently has 17 E85 fuel stations and there are plans to include ethanol capabilities at more than 20 additional gas stations before the end of the year.
With as many as 6 million ethanol-capable vehicles nationwide, the demand for E85 stations and the ethanol they distribute continues to boom. Colorado has erected several corn-ethanol plants in the last few years, including the recently completed Front Range Energy plant near Windsor. Bolstering the economy, the plant has brought jobs as well as additional attention to the region’s advantages as a desirable host for renewable energy sources.
Why Windsor
Vestas Wind Systems, the Danish wind turbine manufacturer, has cited the
educated workforce of the nearby universities, as well as the proximity
to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Wind Technology Center,
as significant deciding factors for identifying Windsor as the site of
their newest manufacturing plant.
In addition to location, abundant wind and sun, established agriculture, and access to rail transportation, the alternative energy companies desire a highly efficient process provided by only the most receptive of local governments.
As plans develop for Vestas’ 180,000 square foot plant, it is important for the company to know that the project will go smoothly and finish on time, ensuring an economically viable start to operations in the United States. Because a lot is riding on the permitting, compliance and building process, Vestas carefully considered Windsor’s willingness and capability to handle a project of this magnitude in a competent manner.
“SAFEbuilt Colorado has worked closely and prudently with and for the Town of Windsor in providing responsive, customer-friendly plan review and inspection services, which, in turn, are conducive to the healthy commercial growth that Windsor has been experiencing,” says Joe Plummer, Town Planner, Windsor.
“Windsor has not specifically targeted energy-related industries, per se. The Town looks at each individual industrial prospect on a case-by-case basis relative to Windsor’s needs as well as the individual prospect’s needs.”
