If you’re looking for financing, new deal structuring ideas or brand-new investment opportunities in the energy efficiency landscape, this event will offer more information and answer many questions. More info. . .

In addition, the digester owners have generously shared experiences, ideas and innovations that may prove invaluable to those evaluating similar options for their farms.

The report was prepared by Joe Kramer, of the Energy Center of Wisconsin, for the Wiscosin Focus on Energy program.

Download the report (2.5 MB)

The paper, titled “Reinventing Renewable Energy: Toward a Technology Strategy for Improving Security, Creating Jobs & Reducing Emissions”, was released in July 2009 and identifies the challenges facing wider use of renewable energy in the U.S. It encompassed wind power, solar energy, bioenergy, geothermal energy , hydropower, tidal, wave and other ocean power, and waste-energy resources across all application sectors including electricity generation, transportation fuels, and heating and cooling applications.

“This paper represents an interim milestone in our continuing programs to bring industry, government, and institutions together to identify the requirements – in this case research and development to advance the technologies – in order to make renewable energy fully cost-competitive compared to legacy generating technologies,” said Michael Eckhart, president of ACORE.

Note: You can download the discussion paper from the Farm Energy News web site’s Publications page.

Early bird registration has been extended for the 2010 Ag Forum and associated events until December 18, 2009.

Simply go to:www.aceee.org/conf/10ag to get more information about registering, housing arrangements, and this year’s exciting events. Follow the quick and easy steps to register to get the Early Bird rate of $275. Make your hotel reservations by January 8, 2010 to receive the discounted room rate of $125. A draft of the program is also now available.

The 2010 Ag Forum brings together a diverse group of participants to raise awareness, share information, form new collaborations, and establish new visions regarding energy efficiency in agriculture.

The 2010 Forum on Energy Efficiency in Agriculture will focus on the importance of energy efficiency as a “first fuel” not only on the farm or ranch but also in the wider rural community.

Presentations will discuss issues of climate change, on-farm energy efficiency, the human dimensions of agricultural and rural energy efficiency, and efficiency in the dairy industry among other topics.

As a part of this year’s Ag Forum there will be a one-day conference on Wednesday, February 10th, “The Economics of Sustainability and the Dairy Industry.” This event is hosted by the Madison, Wisconsin-based Dairy Business Innovation Center.

Click here to link to download page: “Farm Energy: How Much Energy Is Being Used on Your Farm?” (PM 2089A). The publication is available to download from the Extension Online Store, www.extension.iastate.edu/store/. The publication offers initial steps that help farmers analyze their farm energy use. Go to “environment” category under main topics section.

Also, AgSTAR is planning its next conference for spring of 2010 at a Midwest location. AgSTAR will notify folks via email when the date and location are selected. To be added to AgSTAR’s distribution list, please fill out the form on the Contact Us Web page.