Sustainable Energy Economy Will Require Profound Transformation

Denver - December 8, 2009 - The subject of renewable energy was on the table at a recent client breakfast hosted by Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy Group. Robert Noun, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, spoke about the important intersections between technology, policy and markets that are necessary for our country to achieve a sustainable energy economy.

"The presentation was fascinating," noted Eric Drummond, who leads Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy practice. Drummond added that "Bob's discussion and analysis regarding markets and technology went to the core of the issues that we are addressing on behalf of our alternative energy and CleanTech clients, while providing an overview of the critical work being performed at the Golden, Colorado lab."

Noun discussed the near-term, mid-term, and long-term changes that will need to be made in order to affect our country's transformation to a sustainable energy economy. These included harvesting past energy research and development investments, accelerating next-generation technology to market and generating new scientific breakthroughs.

Globally, Noun noted that renewable energy installations, including hydropower, had more than tripled between 2000 and 2008. Renewable energy accounts for 18 percent of all global electricity generation - most of that generated by hydropower. Without hydropower, renewable energy accounts for only 2.5 percent of global generation. Noun noted that wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy technology worldwide. He also noted that in 2008, the United States led the world in wind, geothermal, biomass and CSP installed renewable energy generation capacity. Germany led the world in cumulative solar PV installed capacity.

About the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development (R&D). NREL's mission and strategy are focused on advancing the U.S. Department of Energy's and our nation's energy goals. More information about the NREL can be found on its website.

About Sherman & Howard

Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy Group is a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys with solid experience addressing the wide range of legal and business issues relevant to alternative energy businesses. They have worked with entities to draw upon funding resources available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, including Clean Energy Renewable Bonds, and have provided advice regarding Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, Innovative Technology Loan Guarantees and other funding mechanisms available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. They have also represented clients in critical proceedings with public utility commissions, environmental commissions, licensing authorities and other important state and federal agencies, as well as in connection with power purchase agreements, project development and financing for wind, gas and hydro-electric generation projects. The Sherman & Howard's Alternative Energy Group hosts regular educational events on issues affecting the industry.

Sherman & Howard, established in 1892, is the oldest law firm in Denver. The Firm assists its clients in most aspects of law affecting businesses and public institutions. Sherman & Howard's more than 200 attorneys currently practice law from offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs, Aspen and Vail, Colorado; Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada; and St. Louis, Missouri.

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