Study: Northwest poised to lead clean-energy transition

A study released Wednesday indicates that the Northwest is uniquely positioned to make a relatively painless transition to clean-energy sources, retiring all coal and nuclear power generation in the region by 2040.

The study, developed by Synapse Energy Economics for the Civil Society Institute think tank, outlines a transition scenario that would involve the addition of 12,000 megawatts of wind energy capacity, modest increases in hydropower and relatively small contributions from geothermal- and biomass-related energy sources.

The lack of federal action on climate legislation that would include price signals to stimulate renewable energy development, leaves the door open for state and regional action, said Grant Smith, the Civil Society Institute's energy adviser, on a conference call with reporters.

"The Northwest is uniquely positioned for action," he said.

Read the whole story in Sustainable Business Oregon