Blue Sphere's NC AD Project Ramps Up and Receives Incentive Tax Credits
Charlotte, North Carolina based Blue Sphere Corp., an international independent power producer (IPP) that is globally active in the clean energy production and waste to energy markets, announced the anaerobic digestion (AD) facility that it has been developing in Charlotte, North Carolina, has received confirmation that Duke Energy has accepted the notice of or commercial operations date (COD). Once fully operational, the facility is estimated to produce annual revenue of approximately US $10.0 million and Operating Income of approximately US $7.3 million. Blue Sphere owns 25% of the Charlotte project. Once online and at full operating capacity, the Blue Sphere cash flow participation from the projects will take the form of equity dividends. In addition, the project qualifies for and has received incentive tax credits. Blue Sphere and its financial partners will receive the benefits of these incentives by either taking credits against project earnings or potentially selling the benefit to another user at a discount.
Haywood Moves to Solve Affordable Housing Crisis with Bond Resolution
At retiring Chairman Mark Swanger's final meeting as chairman on Nov. 21, Swanger and the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to begin addressing what many see as the county's most pressing issue — affordable housing. The conglomerate's plan is to create about 50 senior housing units at the former hospital, and also build in some office space on the first floor. The other two parcels will eventually contain a hundred or more units each in a development now known as Brookmont Lofts.
How NC Co-ops Help Drive the Energy Future
While much of North Carolina's energy focus is on Duke Energy, advancements made by the state's 26 electric cooperatives, should not be overlooked. Co-op officials say their organizational structure allows them to be nimble, enabling them to incorporate new technology more quickly than large investor-owned utilities, technology that gives consumers added control while helping them to become more energy efficient. And, what they're learning from a couple of microgrid pilot programs will guide their future renewable energy investments.
Opinion: Investing in Roads a Bipartisan Idea in NC
Throughout our state's history, great governors have built roads. Regardless of who wins the governor's race, the fact is that North Carolina needs to build some roads and improve others. Building and updating our road system isn't a partisan issue. It's probably one issue that Republicans and Democrats can agree upon because both political parties understand that investing in our infrastructure with surface roads is good for our economy, good for job creation and good for small businesses from Manteo to Murphy.
Haywood County Board of Commissioners Approve First Step in Affordable Housing
In one of his final acts as Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, Mark Swanger oversaw the first step of many in boosting the availability of affordable housing for low-income residents. Up for consideration was a "resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of revenue bonds to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, construction and equipping of affordable housing developments in Waynesville, including the Historic Haywood County Hospital, subject to public hearing and further board approval before the issuance of bonds."
Duke Energy Funding 200 Car-Charging Stations as Result of EPA Settlement
Duke Energy is sending notice to about 80 cities and organizations that they have won grants totaling $1 million to set up charging stations for electric vehicles.The grants are the result of an agreement Duke made last year with the Environmental Protection Agency to settle a 15-year-old lawsuit over allegations the Charlotte-based power company violated the Clean Air Act.
Public Gives Input on Developing Imperial Site
A group from the UNC School of Government is gathering public input to help create potential development and economic reinvestment projects for the former Imperial Tobacco processing plant on Atlantic Avenue.
Representatives with the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) held a series of meetings on Wednesday to discuss a marketing and development plan for the property, which is in the center of the city's efforts to revitalize the downtown and west Greenville areas.
Federal Grant to Help Homes Reduce Energy in NC
A more than $400,000 federal grant has been designated to reduce energy use for economically challenged homes in several Eastern North Carolina areas, including the Twin Counties.
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