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Madison, WI—Yesterday, the State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 204 relating to resources eligible for renewable resource credits, authored by Representative Rob Brooks (R-Saukville).
Waste heat is generated as a byproduct from all industrial processes that involve combining raw materials into useable product. Too often, heat energy is vented through smokestacks and wasted. Assembly Bill 204 designates heat energy as a renewable resource, as defined under Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standards.
“Investments in heat recovery equipment will provide both economic and environmental benefits to our state and local communities. Assembly Bill 204 ensure that Wisconsin’s manufacturing base remains competitive,” Representative Rob Brooks opined.
Including the new technology under Wisconsin Renewable Portfolio Standards will encourage more industries and manufacturers to promote waste heat recovery procedures to lessen utility expenses and potentially use the recovered heat for future energy investment. A utility could use a waste heat product as both a regulatory compliance tool and a long-term investment. Similarly, a manufacturer investing in waste heat recovery equipment could reduce the payback period with revenue created by Renewable Resource Credits.
The unique characteristics of waste heat power as a fuel-free, combustion-free, and emission-free source of baseload power make it especially well-suited to addressing critical public policy objectives related to increasing industrial efficiency and reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses and pollutants like nitrogen oxide and particulates.
“Assembly Bill 204 will further encourage manufacturers to transform their waste heat into a useful, sustainable byproduct. In so doing, manufacturers, utilities, and local governments will save money on energy costs, create jobs, and protect the environment,” stated Representative Rob Brooks.
This bill will now be sent to Governor Walker for his signature.
