Colorado Wind & Distributed Energy: Renewables for Rural Prosperity Conference 2004; April 13 & 14, 2004-The Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs-World Arena; Presented By Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation U.S. Department of Energy.

Energy Editors/Business Editors

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 2004

Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management & Conservation

Sponsors Second Biennial Wind and Distributed Energy Conference

The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC), along with the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America, is hosting its second biennial conference on wind and other distributed energy technologies. This educational Colorado Wind & Distributed Energy: Renewables for Rural Prosperity Conference 2004 is being held April 13-14, at the Doubletree Hotel Colorado Springs-World Arena. Other primary sponsors include the Western Area Power Administration and Holy Cross Electric.

Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, Colorado Governor Bill Owens, and Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera have been invited to kick off the conference on Tuesday morning. Other prominent city, state and government officials and leading local and national energy experts plan to attend the conference. Case studies and discussions will help educate farmers, ranchers, Colorado citizens, corporate leaders, municipalities and rural electric cooperatives about the economic and environmental benefits of utilizing these distributed energy sources.

"Colorado is rich in renewable energy resources and has been a leader in spearheading many emerging energy initiatives," said Governor Bill Owens. "In addition to promoting economic and national security, wind and other distributed energy can greatly benefit the environment, our citizens and future generations."

The agenda for Tuesday, April 13, will focus on Wind Energy and is designed to provide participants with a practical "nuts-and-bolts" approach to harnessing wind energy and stimulating an increased use of wind energy. Experts from across the country will provide farmers, ranchers, rural electric cooperatives, municipal and investor-owned utilities, businesses, lenders and public agencies with step-by-step "how-to" guidance and tools for successful wind project development and operation, including public ownership, local equity, and public and private partnerships.

Wednesday's event, April 14, will feature Distributed Generation topics, such as creating power from forest thinnings, which result from fire prevention measures. Hydrogen creation and applications will be discussed, including upcoming hydrogen projects in Ft. Collins and Leadville. Participants will also learn about the different distributed generation devices, such as fuel cells, microturbines, and Stirling Engines. Colorado features several applications of these devices and the local experts involved in these projects will discuss these demonstrations. Lastly, anaerobic digestion experts will discuss this technology, its benefits and costs. An update on the anaerobic digester at the hog farm near Lamar will also be provided.

Bill Becker, Director of the Denver Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Energy, said, "We are extremely proud that Colorado can once again host a conference that attracts such strong attention to distributed and renewable energy. The 2002 conference was a huge success, and our goal is to draw attendance from several hundred people around the state who will help play a key role in Colorado's energy stewardship."

Various levels of sponsorship are available for those attendees wishing to display an exhibit or poster session at the workshop. Field trips to key distributed energy sites will also be available to participants. The conference is open to the general public at a cost of $85 for advance registration, and $95 after March 22. For further information visit the OEMC website www.state.co.us/oemc/events/cwade/, which will continue to be updated with conference information, or call 1-800-632-6662 or 303-894-2383.

Become an active participant in the Colorado Wind & Distributed Energy: Renewables for Rural Prosperity Conference 2004 and lead the way for Colorado's distributed generation opportunities.