Wind and solar renewable energy will be the focus for first session of a series beginning July 17, 2007

[Wisner, NE] Small farms and homes are the focus for three sessions on renewable energy beginning July 17, 2007 in Pilger, Nebr. Nebraska's use of energy and information on how individuals may utilize renewable energy will be available for all people in northeast Nebraska, including farmers, community leaders, and small businesses.

The Northeast Nebraska Development Network, together with Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems, has planned the first session to be focused on wind and solar energy. This July 17, 2007 event will begin at 9:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pilger, Nebr. After an hour of registration and coffee time, the morning will consist of four speakers. Topics include small wind applications and history (Martin Kleinschmidt of the Center for Rural Affairs), solar energy applications (Randy Schantell, SWT Energy), legislative issues (Robert Byrnes, Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems), and views from a owner/operator of a wind turbine on the grid (Dave Tobias). Information also will be available from NPPD and from federal energy agencies.

At noon, Nebraska Farmer's Union will provide a speaker and a locally grown, organic lunch.

The afternoon session will begin at the farm of Dave Tobias where a 10 Kw wind turbine has been operational since fall 2005. A number of demonstrations and hands on workshops are planned until 3:30 p.m., including solar panels and small wind turbines. An optional tour of a pilot methane digester at an off-grid farm in Lyons will be conducted late-afternoon following the activities at the Pilger farm. Great Plains Communications will host the afternoon refreshments.

The August 21, 2007 event will focus on bio-diesel and biofuels. Its morning session, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Scribner Steakhouse in Scribner, Nebr., will be a discussion outlining technology and oilseeds for bio-diesel at both the commercial and farm scale. Lunch will be available compliments of Nebraska Renewable Energy Systems. Workshops and demonstrations for oilseed crushing, crude oil refining, and bio-diesel production are planned for the afternoon. A tour of the new commercial bio-diesel facility in Scribner will be included for those who pre-register.

On September 13, 2007, Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebr. will host a seminar on regulatory issues with ethanol plants. This ethanol summit, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center, will address such issues as ethanol/biofuel curriculum development and implementation, water quality and quantity, air quality, state agency compliance, OSHA regulations, and spill response. Also, an afternoon tour of a farm-sized ethanol distillation will be open to those who pre-register.

A no-fee pre-registration is requested for the events, but all are welcome to attend all sessions. If the afternoon tours fill up, then only pre-registered persons will able to go on the tours.

For more information or to register, contact Wisner Community Development, PO Box 852, Wisner NE 68791 or send an email to WisEcDev@gpcom.net.