Montana is a large state with large potential for the development of renewable energy. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) owns significant land in its right of way (ROW). This research project would complete financial analysis of variable renewable energy generation components, as wells as costs for installation and O&M, and a comparison of generated output to grid electrical costs.
The research would identify ROW that may be close to the electrical grid that has good solar and wind exposure. Proper candidates could include interchanges, rest areas, MDT Maintenance Facilities, and other large tracks of open ROW land that are unshaded, have good wind exposure, and have easy access.
Implementing renewable projects can reduce agency operational costs, and those cost reductions can be allocated to other essential agency activities. There are tangible economic benefits associated with renewable resources.
Proposed: Topic Statement
Project Overview
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