EDC to discuss energy report

EDC to discuss energy report
Published by The Reporter
Posted: 11/11/2009

Researchers will highlight energy growth opportunities in Solano County at the Nov. 19 Solano Economic Development Corporation meeting in Fairfield.

Doug Henton, president of Collaborative Economics, and his firm recently completed research on energy accomplishments and opportunities in Solano County. It is part of the ongoing Index of Economic and Community Progress, funded by Solano County and managed by EDC.

"This report brings us some much-needed good news, and our efforts to capitalize on it will be bring us some positive economic energy," said Solano County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Vasquez.

The Energy Cluster Report will provide both public and private officials the insight into this industrial cluster's growth potential, and areas of best "return for effort."

Michael Ammann, president of EDC, said "...we have a great story to tell, and growth in the energy sector has been very high, but this report shows how much better growth can be with better coordination and cooperation between our communities and businesses."

Clean energy, is a small, but fast growing sector of Solano's economy, increasing 72 percent in employment since 1995.

Ammann said this growth rate is much higher than the carbon-based energy sector, at 45 percent, or even the county's 30 percent growth rate.

"There's so much more we can do to interest outside sources in our clean energy opportunities," Ammann said. "This Energy Cluster report gives us the important history and up-to-date statistics we need to move forward."

"In the Bay Area, Solano has both the resources and the land available for clean energy development projects," he said.

The meeting will be held at 8 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Cost is $25 for Solano EDC members and $35 for non-members. To register, call 864-1855.