HomeMy WebLinkAboutSolicitation Letter Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group 01-16-15-WOOD
September 2014
Dear Community Leader:
The Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group (AWEDTG)* is accepting a Statement of Interest
for a PRE-feasibility assessment from organizations that would like to explore the feasibility of heating
facilities with high-efficiency, low-emission, wood-fired systems. The goal of this request is to identify
cost-effective heating projects that will displace fossil fuels with sustainable wood and/or wood residues.
The information from the Statements of Interest will be used to rank projects and determine which ones
may receive further consideration.
Eligible Applicants include all non-federal government entities (including State, municipal and tribal
governments), schools, not-for-profit organizations and commercial enterprises in Alaska. Federal
facilities may be considered for inclusion as part of a district energy system if applied for by an eligible
applicant. Eligible projects are those that displace more than 2500 gallons of heating fuel annually, or
spend more than $25,000 per building annually for heat. The value of any individual prefeasibility
assessment will not exceed $15,000. Larger projects will be considered on a case -by-case basis and may
require financial participation by the applicant and/or other partner(s). It is intended that funds will be
allocated across both public and private sectors, and distributed geographically throughout the State.
At this time, the AWEDTG is accepting Statements of Interest for projects that will displace fossil fuels
through direct combustion of wood (logs, chunks, chips, bark, sawdust, pellets, etc.) for heating
applications. The period for application shall be year-round, and applications may be submitted at any
time. The selection committee will meet twice a year to review applications that have been submitted.
Generally the committee will meet in the Spring and the Fall. The AWEDTG will evaluate the
Statements of Interest and select projects to be considered for a pre -feasibility assessment. Applicants
may be contacted directly and asked to provide additional project information prior to final selection.
It is preferred that organizations submit their application electronically, although paper copies will be
accepted. Electronic copies of the form can be downloaded from the Alaska Energy Authority web site at
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/biomasswoodenergygrants.html . Electronic applications can be e -
mailed to Karen Petersen at khpetersen@alaska.edu. If you have any questions, please contact Karen
Petersen at (907) 821-2681. Paper applications should be sent to:
Karen Petersen
University of Alaska
Cooperative Extension Service
P.O. Box 19190
Thorne Bay, AK 99919
*The Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Group consists of a coalition of federal and state agencies and other not-for-profit organizations
that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities to increase the utilization of wood for ener gy and biofuels
production in Alaska. These organizations include: the Alaska Energy Authority; Alaska Village Initiatives; Denali Commission ; National
Renewable Energy Lab; State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry , State of A laska Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Division, Division of Economic Development ; USDOC Economic Development Administration: USDA Forest Service,
Alaska Region & Pacific Northwest Research Station; The Nature Conservancy; Tanana Chiefs Conference; USDA Farm Service Agency, Alaska;;
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; USDA Rural Development, Alaska; USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs, Alaska; USDI Bure au of Land
Management, Alaska; Southeast Conference, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.