Fourth Annual Nebraska Wind Power 2011 Conference To Be Held

November 15-16 in Kearney at Younes Conference Center

For Immediate Release                                                                                                August 17, 2011         

For participant registration help contact:                  Terri Donahue at NE Farmers Union (402) 476-8815

                                                                            terri@nebraskafarmersunion.org

For exhibitor or sponsor registration help contact:   Paula or Tom Steenson at (402) 346-3950

                                                                                   ppresents@aol.com

(LINCOLN) – Wind Power 2011, the fourth annual wind conference sponsored by the Nebraska Wind Working Group (NWWG) will be held November 15-16 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.  The NWWG is a state and federal partnership funded by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Powering America to help develop the state’s wind resources.  The NWWG received the “Outstanding State Wind Working Group” in the nation award from Wind Powering America for their work in 2011.  The Wind Power 2011 dates and location were previously announced at last year’s conference.  All participant, exhibitor and sponsorship levels will be the same as last year with pre-registration at $60 and at the door registration at $75. 

The two day conference will focus on Nebraska’s future wind energy development challenges and opportunities, including the pivotal role of transmission.  It will again include multiple tracks of programs that will provide participants multiple opportunities to attend the sessions that interest them the most.  The entire waterfront of wind energy development will be addressed, with tracks and workshops on state and national wind energy policy, commercial wind energy development, farmer and community owned wind, transmission and integration, small wind energy systems, economic development opportunities, jobs, careers, and wind energy training programs and workforce potential.  

The NWWG Co-Chairs are former State Senator Cap Dierks, sponsor of LB629, the first major wind development bill passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2007, Dan McGuire, Facilitator for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Wind Powering America’s “Wind for Schools” program in Nebraska, and Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen. 

“This annual wind conference seems to get better year after year.  Our program focus is on the future, and what is necessary for our state to narrow the gap between current wind development and our third best in the nation ranked wind energy resources,” said Sen. Cap Dierks. 

“This wind conference will again provide the best and latest information on a wide range of topics for people interested in all kinds of wind energy development, including a mix of commercial wind, small wind, and wind education and career opportunities.  This conference brings everyone interested in wind development in Nebraska together.  We have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, exchange ideas and get acquainted with other wind energy players in our state and nation,” said Dan McGuire. 

John Hansen concluded “Nebraska is the only state whose electrical system is 100% publicly owned, so it stands to reason our challenges and opportunities are also unique.  We want to give our state leaders ample opportunities to share their perspectives on how to move wind development forward in our state.  The central location of the Younes Conference Center makes it statewide accessible.  The new conference center can easily accommodate our commercial exhibits, breakout sessions, general sessions, the food is always good, and the quality lodging is affordable.” 

Conference Registration is at: 

http://neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/2011conference/register.htm

Conference announcement information can be found at: 

http://neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/2011conference/2011announce.htm

-30-