In This Issue:

Department of the Interior gives priority status to 17 renewable projects for 2012; North American PV market set to double year over year in Q4 2011; Pattern Energy abandons California wind project citing impact on birds; Siemens unveils lightweight 6MW offshore wind turbine; Public agencies turning to solar power for energy, use panels to provide shade for parking lots; SCE utility poles spark controversy in Chino Hills; Scientists create a how-to guide to slashing California's GHG emissions by 2050; IEA report: Renewable energy becoming cost competitive; Renewable energy investments surpassing fossil fuels; NOTABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND DEALS - BrightSource Energy, SCE add energy storage capabilities to power purchase agreements; Proposed Fresno County solar site could be one of California's largest; and Morgan Solar raises funds, plans production in California.

Excerpt from Department of the Interior gives priority status to 17 renewable projects for 2012

North American Windpower - Dec 1

In 2012, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will give priority status to 17 renewable energy projects -- six wind, nine solar and two geothermal representing about 7GW. The BLM developed this priority list in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, with an emphasis on early consultation. The priority projects were selected based on a variety of criteria, including progress of the necessary public participation and environmental analysis under the National Environmental Protection Act and applicable state environmental laws.