25 U.S.C. § 3506 : US Code - Section 3506: Wind and hydropower feasibility study

Search 25 U.S.C. § 3506 : US Code - Section 3506: Wind and hydropower feasibility study

(a) Study
The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of
the Army and the Secretary, shall conduct a study of the cost and
feasibility of developing a demonstration project that uses wind
energy generated by Indian tribes and hydropower generated by the
Army Corps of Engineers on the Missouri River to supply firming
power to the Western Area Power Administration.
(b) Scope of study
The study shall -
(1) determine the economic and engineering feasibility of
blending wind energy and hydropower generated from the Missouri
River dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, including an
assessment of the costs and benefits of blending wind energy and
hydropower compared to current sources used for firming power to
the Western Area Power Administration;
(2) review historical and projected requirements for, patterns
of availability and use of, and reasons for historical patterns
concerning the availability of firming power;
(3) assess the wind energy resource potential on tribal land
and projected cost savings through a blend of wind and hydropower
over a 30-year period;
(4) determine seasonal capacity needs and associated
transmission upgrades for integration of tribal wind generation
and identify costs associated with these activities;
(5) include an independent tribal engineer and a Western Area
Power Administration customer representative as study team
members; and
(6) incorporate, to the extent appropriate, the results of the
Dakotas Wind Transmission study prepared by the Western Area
Power Administration.
(c) Report
Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of
Energy, the Secretary, and the Secretary of the Army shall submit
to Congress a report that describes the results of the study,
including -
(1) an analysis and comparison of the potential energy cost or
benefits to the customers of the Western Area Power
Administration through the use of combined wind and hydropower;
(2) an economic and engineering evaluation of whether a
combined wind and hydropower system can reduce reservoir
fluctuation, enhance efficient and reliable energy production,
and provide Missouri River management flexibility;
(3) if found feasible, recommendations for a demonstration
project to be carried out by the Western Area Power
Administration, in partnership with an Indian tribal government
or tribal energy resource development organization, and Western
Area Power Administration customers to demonstrate the
feasibility and potential of using wind energy produced on Indian
land to supply firming energy to the Western Area Power
Administration; and
(4) an identification of -
(A) the economic and environmental costs of, or benefits to
be realized through, a Federal-tribal-customer partnership; and
(B) the manner in which a Federal-tribal-customer partnership
could contribute to the energy security of the United States.
(d) Funding
(1) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
section $1,000,000, to remain available until expended.
(2) Nonreimbursability
Costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this section
shall be nonreimbursable.