Community Corner

Matching Innovative Technologies to NJ's Clean Energy Needs

Working group advises state to focus on smaller-scale systems that can be quickly commercialized.

The most cost-effective way to promote clean energy technologies in New Jersey is to encourage smaller-scale, localized, renewable energy and energy efficiency systems that are likely to be commercialized quickly, a special advisory panel has recommended to state officials.

In the latest report of a working group appointed by the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU), a panel exploring innovative technologies that could help New Jersey curb energy use and produce cleaner electricity suggested that small-scale systems that could be quickly implemented with the correct support and incentives from the state could create the most jobs, new businesses, and economic activity.

The goal of creating green jobs and reducing energy use in a state with steep electric bills is in line with the overarching theme of a revamped draft Energy Master Plan (EMP) released by the Christie administration this past June. Some of its recommendations, however, have been criticized by clean energy advocates, particularly for its lukewarm backing of solar and support for expanding the use of natural gas.

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In its report, the 14-member working group cited solar as one of the top 10 highly rated technologies the state should pursue, behind tidal power and small hydropower systems. The report, however, recommended that whatever technologies the state promotes, it must focus on testing and verification by independent parties to assure reliability and promised performance.

The report also suggested that the state ramp up efforts to reduce energy usage by encouraging the development of energy-monitoring systems, advanced metering, and advanced energy systems and controls for buildings.

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While identifying technologies that offer promise, the working group also indicated that they pose challenges state policymakers must overcome. For instance, the panel suggested that smart meters that give homeowners and businesses a clearer picture of how much energy they use and what it costs should be looked at together with a smart grid system that moves power over distribution and transmission lines. Both have the potential to reduce energy losses and improve New Jersey's energy efficiency, but deciding how to pay for those technologies could hurt near-term viability of the technologies.

Continue reading this story in NJ Spotlight.

NJ Spotlight is an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.


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