HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPPLICATION - Final Napaskiak REF ApplicationRenewable Energy Fund Round 15
Grant Application – Standard Form
AEA 23046 Page 1 of 37 10/04/2022
Application Forms and Instructions
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form for
Round 15 of the Renewable Energy Fund (REF). A separate application form is available for
projects with a primary purpose of producing heat (see Request for Applications (RFA) Section
1.5). This is the standard form for all other projects, including pr ojects that will produce heat and
electricity. An electronic version of the RFA and both application forms is available online at :
https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Grants-Loans/Renewable-Energy-Fund/2022-
REF-Application.
What follows are some basic information and instructions for this application:
• If you are applying for grants for more than one project, provide separate application forms for
each project.
• Multiple phases (e.g. final design, construction) for the same project may be submitted as one
application.
• If you are applying for grant funding for more than one phase of a project, provide milestones
and grant budget for each phase of the project (see Sections 3.1 and 3.2.2).
• In order to ensure that grants provide sufficient benefit to the public, AEA may limit
recommendations for grants to preliminary development phases in accordance with 3 Alaska
Administrative Code (ACC) 107.605(1).
• If some work has already been completed on your project and you are requesting funding for
an advanced phase, submit information sufficient to demonstrate that the preceding phases are
completed and funding for an advanced phase is warranted . Supporting documentation may
include, but is not limited to, reports, conceptual or final designs, models, photos, maps, proof
of site control, utility agreements, business and operation plans, power sale agreements,
relevant data sets, and other materials. Please provide a list of supporting documents i n
Section 11 of this application and attach the documents to your application.
• If you have additional information or reports you would like the Authority to consider in
reviewing your application, either provide an electronic version of the document with y our
submission or reference a web link where it can be downloaded or reviewed. Please provide a
list of additional information; including any web links, in Section 12 of this application and attach
the documents to your application. For guidance on applica tion best practices please refer to
the resource-specific Best Practices Checklists; links to the checklists can be found in the
appendices list at the end of the accompanying REF Round 15 RFA.
• In the Sections below, please enter responses in the spaces provided. You may add additional
rows or space to the form to provide sufficient space for the information, or attach additional
sheets if needed.
• If you need assistance with your application, please contact AEA’s Grants Coordinator by email
at grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 15
Grant Application – Standard Form
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REMINDER:
• AEA is subject to the Public Records Act AS 40.25, and materials submitted to AEA may be
subject to disclosure requirements under the act if no statutory exemptions apply.
• All applications received will be posted on the Authority web site after final recommendations
are made to the legislature. Please submit resumes as separate PDFs if the applicant would
like those excluded from the web posting of this application.
• In accordance with 3 AAC 107.630 (b) Applicants may request trade secrets or proprietary
company data be kept confidential subject to review and approval by AEA. If you want
information to be kept confidential the applicant must:
o Request the information be kept confidential.
o Clearly identify the information that is the trade secret or proprietary in their application.
o Receive concurrence from the Authority that the information will be kept confidential. If
the Authority determines it is not confidential, it will be treated as a public record in
accordance with AS 40.25 or returned to the applicant upon request.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 15
Grant Application – Standard Form
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SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Please specify the legal grantee that will own, operate, and maintain the project upon completion.
Name (Name of utility, IPP, local government, or other government entity)
City of Napaskiak – Napaskiak Electric Utilities
Tax ID #
Date of last financial statement audit:
Mailing Address: Physical Address:
PO Box 6078
Napaskiak, AK 99559
Telephone: Fax: Email:
907-737-7989 napaskiak@cityofpka.org
1.1 Applicant Point of Contact / Grants Coordinator
Name: Title:
Joseph Amik City Administrator
Mailing Address:
Same as above
Telephone: Fax: Email:
1.1.1 Applicant Signatory Authority Contact Information
Name: Joseph Amik Title: City Administrator
Mailing Address:
Same as above
Telephone: Fax: Email:
1.1.2 Applicant Alternate Points of Contact
Name Telephone: Fax: Email:
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1.2 Applicant Minimum Requirements
Please check as appropriate. If applicants do not meet the minimum requirements, the application
will be rejected.
1.2.1 Applicant Type
☐ An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05
CPCN # , or
☐ An independent power producer in accordance with 3 AAC 107.695 (a) (1)
CPCN # , or
☒ A local government, or
☐ A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities)
Additional minimum requirements
☒ 1.2.2 Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for the project by the
applicant’s board of directors, executive management, or other governing authority. If the
applicant is a collaborative grouping, a formal approval from each participant’s governing
authority is necessary. (Indicate yes by checking the box)
☒ 1.2.3 As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and follow
procurement standards that comply with the standards set forth in the grant agreement
(Section 3 of the RFA). (Indicate yes by checking the box)
☒ 1.2.4 If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the award as
identified in the Standard Grant Agreement template at
https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Grants-Loans/Renewable-Energy-
Fund/2022-REF-Application (Any exceptions should be clearly noted and submitted with the
application.) (Indicate yes by checking the box)
☒ 1.2.5 We intend to own and operate any project that may be constructed with grant funds for
the benefit of the general public. If no please describe the nature of the project and who will
be the primary beneficiaries. (Indicate yes by checking the box)
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SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
2.1 Project Title
Provide a 4 to 7 word title for your project. Type in the space below.
Napaskiak Reconnaissance and Wind Assessment Project
2.2 Project Location
2.2.1 Location of Project – Latitude and longitude (preferred), street address, or
community name.
Latitude and longitude coordinates may be obtained from Google Maps by finding you project’s
location on the map and then right clicking with the mouse and selecting “What is here? The
coordinates will be displayed in the Google search window above the map in a format as follows:
61.195676.-149.898663. If you would like assistance obtaining this information, please contact
AEA’s Grants Coordinator by email at grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771 -
3081.
Latitude Longitude
[Other description of location]
Napaskiak is located at 60°42′25″N 161°45′39″W on the Kuskokwim River, 7 miles from Bethel.
2.2.2 Community benefiting – Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
Napaskiak, Alaska
2.3 Project Type
Please check as appropriate.
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
☒ Wind ☐ Biomass or Biofuels (excluding heat-only)
☐ Hydro, Including Run of River ☐ Hydrokinetic
☐ Geothermal, Excluding Heat Pumps ☐ Transmission of Renewable Energy
☒ Solar Photovoltaic ☒ Storage of Renewable
☐ Other (Describe) ☐ Small Natural Gas
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Pre-Construction Construction
☒ Reconnaissance/ Wind Assessment ☐ Final Design and Permitting
☒ Feasibility and Conceptual Design ☐ Construction
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2.4 Project Description
Provide a brief, one-paragraph description of the proposed project.
The City would like to know the economic viability of renewable energy, specifically wind
+solar+battery storage with our diesel system by conducting this two phase project:
Reconnaissance and Wind Assessment. By conducting these efforts together as one
project, we can realize a feasibility study and conceptual design to move our community
towards substantially reduced dependence on diesel.
2.5 Scope of Work
Provide a short narrative for the scope of work detailing the tasks to be performed under this
funding request. This should include work paid for by grant funds and matching funds or performed
as in-kind match.
To understand the economic viability and create a conceptual system design, the City is
proposing to install a reference 50m meteorological tower as well as a LIDAR or SODAR
meteorological unit to simultaneously collect and correlate wind data across the
community at heights greater than or equal to 50 meters. This is because the average
wind speeds are more suitable for development at this elevation.
This proposed monitoring program will evaluate specific sites in and around Napaskiak.
We can then serve as a reference station for other communities that want to explore wind
as an energy resource. This monitoring program needs to be conducted over 12 months.
Monthly wind resource reports will be produced with a final report summarizing the data
collection and opportunities for the application of low inertia wind turbines on taller towers.
The City of Napaskiak has requested IES to conduct the wind assessment and the
necessary activities for a Reconnaissance Study that results in a Feasibility Study and
Conceptual Design Report for our future hybrid renewable energy-diesel system.
2.6 Previous REF Applications for the Project
See Section 1.15 of the RFA for the maximum per project cumulative grant award amount
Round
Submitted
Title of application Application
#, if known
Did you
receive a
grant? Y/N
Amount of REF
grant awarded
($)
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Grant Application – Standard Form
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SECTION 3 – Project Management, Development, and Operation
3.1 Schedule and Milestones
Please fill out the schedule below (or attach a similar sheet) for the work covered by this funding
request. Be sure to identify key tasks and decision points, including go/no go decisions, in your
project along with estimated start and end dates for each of the milestones and tasks. Please
clearly identify the beginning and ending of all phases (I. Reconnaissance, II. Feasibility and
Conceptual Design, III. Final Design and Permitting, and IV. Construction) of your proposed
project. See the RFA, Sections 2.3-2.6 for the recommended milestones for each phase. Add
additional rows as needed.
Phase 1: Reconnaissance Study
Task
# Milestones Tasks
Start
Date
End
Date Deliverables
1 Preliminary
report and
project
plan
Collect studies and
mechanical electrical
drawings related to
existing base system
Identify site condition,
community information
Research and writing to
develop a project plan
and site description.
Within
1
month
of start
Within
4
month
s of
start
Base systems, as-
builts and energy
studies
Base System Design
Documentation Binder
Draft Conceptual
Design
Fee: $16,000
2 Procure
monitoring
equipment
Within
1
month
of start
Within
4
month
s of
start
Equipment and
Shipping Invoice
Equipment: $15,000
3 On-site data
collection
-Travel to site with team
to verify site conditions -
Confirm as-built
drawings and survey
electrical distribution,
select site
-Data collection plus
travel to Napaskiak from
Anchorage with a
project team consisting
of an electrical engineer,
diesel mechanic, project
manager and research
assistant
Within
1
month
of
start
Within
4
month
s of
start
Condition report
System condition
report
Fee: $14,000
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Task
# Milestones Tasks
Start
Date
End
Date Deliverables
4 Install
monitoring
equipment
-Field support. This
includes installing
reference weather station
at the power plant and
electric load monitoring
equipment, including data
logger for and sensors for
wind speed, direction, solar
insolation, and temperature
with 12 months of data
collection and a resource
report. Estimated 10 days
of equipment.
-Data gateway for load
information at power plant
-Map of electrical
distribution
Within
1
month
of start
Within 6
months
of start
Installation report
on monitoring
equipment
Load profile
Distribution map
Fee: $35,000
5 Options
Analysis and
Cost Estimates
-Develop draft operating
descriptions, operations
and maintenance
expectation for proposed
wind,solar,battery
systems.
Includes descriptions of
site requirements, remote
troubleshooting and
diagnostics, training,
maintenance support.
- Technology survey of
proposed renewable
system components.
- Options Analysis
Within 3
months
of start
12-18
month
s from
start
Draft operational
and maintenance
manuals
Identify potential
system
components
HOMER and PV
Watts analysis
Fee: $13,000
6 Feasibility and
Conceptual
Design Report
-Compile and write
resource assessments
-Compile and write
conceptual design
-Compile and write
projected costs/financing
Within 6
months
of start
18
month
s from
start
Resource
Assessments
Conceptual
Design
Projected Costs/
Financing
Fee: $11,500
Total Fees & Equipment: $104,500
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Grant Application – Standard Form
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Phase 2: Wind Assessment- Feasibility & Conceptual Design
Milestone
Task
Deliverables
Projected
Completion
Date
1
Procure Monitoring
Equipment for Project
Assessment
3 months from
start
IES offers to supply and install a fully functional wind monitoring tower with new, calibrated
anemometers, as well as a Wind Cube Lidar or equivalent unit. The unit will be equipped
with an I-Pack for daily downloading of wind data. The equipment will be needed for about
18 months.
Milestone 1 Total $194,000
2 Plan base system design and
instrumentation procurement Onsite assessment report 3 months from
start
Prepare a plan for base system design and instrumentation procurement information
needed for this effort and site characterization.
Milestone 2 Total $ 12,000
3 Installation of monitoring
equipment Monitoring system report 6 months from
project start
Equipment will be installed in Napaskiak on a fixed price basis. The installation will consist of
the following tasks:
• Install anchors
• Assemble and erect towers
• Program loggers
• Activate cellular loggers
• Prepare site installation report
Assumptions:
• Sites are level and cleared and are accessible by skid steer and trailer
• Equipment will be delivered to Napaskiak by barge.
• Ground is assumed to be appropriate for the use of screw anchors, embedment with
up to two anchors per guy and 4 per tower base. Tower base will require a ballasted
foundation frame.
FAA permitting requires painting of tower and the installation of navigation lights, which
require ordering
Milestone 3 Total $ 41,000
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4
Data collection and analysis
Options analysis report
12 to 18
months from
project start
$2000/ month/site/12 months
Additional Equipment needed Cell phone/ ISP - $160/month
2-3 redeployments of Lidar/Sodar
Milestone 4 Total
$ 39,000
5
Wind Resource Modeling and
site report
Final design report
18 months
from project
start
Milestone 5 Total $ 24,000
6
Remove equipment
Remove Tower
18 -20
months from
project start
Milestone 6 Total $ 32,000
TOTAL
$342,000
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3.2 Budget
3.2.1 Funding Sources
Indicate the funding sources for the phase(s) of the project applied for in this funding request.
Grant funds requested in this application $ 446,500
Cash match to be provideda $
In-kind match to be provideda $ 3,000
Energy efficiency match providedb $
Total costs for project phase(s) covered in application (sum of
above)
$ 449,500
Describe your financial commitment to the project and the source(s) of match. Indicate whether
these matching funds are secured or pending future approvals. Describe the impact, if any, that
the timing of additional funds would have on the ability to proceed with the grant.
In-kind for housing and transportation for contractors when in our community.
a Attach documentation for proof (see Section 1.18 of the Request for Applications)
b See Section 8.2 of this application and Section 1.18 of the RFA for requirements for Energy Efficiency
Match.
3.2.2 Cost Overruns
Describe the plan to cover potential cost increases or shortfalls in funding.
Contractor is providing a firm fixed cost for its proposal.
3.2.3 Total Project Costs
Indicate the anticipated total cost by phase of the project (including all funding sources). Use actual
costs for completed phases. Indicate if the costs were actual or estimated.
Reconnaissance [Actual/Estimated] $104,500
Feasibility and Conceptual Design [Actual/Estimated] $342,000
Final Design and Permitting [Actual/Estimated] $
Construction [Actual/Estimated] $
Total Project Costs (sum of above) Estimated $
Metering/Tracking Equipment [not included in project
cost]
Estimated $446,500
3.2.4 Funding Subsequent Phases
If subsequent phases are required beyond the phases being applied for in this application,
describe the anticipated sources of funding and the likelihood of receipt of those funds.
• State and/or federal grants
• Loans, bonds, or other financing options
• Additional incentives (i.e. tax credits)
• Additional revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable energy subsidies or
programs that might be available)
This information is part of the Reconnaissance Study final report.
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3.2.3 Budget Forms
Applications MUST include a separate worksheet for each project phase that was identified in
Section 2.3.2 of this application — I. Reconnaissance, II. Feasibility and Conceptual Design, III.
Final Design and Permitting, and IV. Construction. Please use the tables provided below to detail
your proposed project’s total budget. Be sure to use one table for each phase of your project, and
delete any unnecessary tables. The milestones and tasks should match those listed in 3.1 above.
If you have any question regarding how to prepare these tables or if you need assistance preparing
the application please feel free to contact AEA’s Grants Coordinator by email at
grants@akenergyauthority.org or by phone at (907) 771-3081.
Phase 1 — Reconnaissance
Milestone or Task
Anticipated
Completion
Date
RE- Fund
Grant Funds
Grantee
Matching
Funds
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
TOTALS
(List milestones based on
phase and type of project. See
Sections 2.3 thru 2.6 of the
RFA )
$
$
$
Preliminary report and
project plan
Within 4
months of
start
$ 16,000
$
$ 16,000
Procure monitoring
equipment
Within 4
months of
start
$15,000
$
$ 15,000
On-site data collection
Within 4
months of
start
$14,000
$1,500
$ 15,500
Install monitoring
equipment
Within 6
months of
start
$35,000
$1,500
$ 36,500
Options Analysis and
Cost Estimates
Within 12-18
months of
start
$13,000
$
$13,000
Feasibility and
Conceptual Design Report
Within 18
months of
start
$ 11,500
$
$11,500
$ $ $
TOTALS $104,500 $3,000 $107,500
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ $ $
Travel & Per Diem $ $3,000 $3,000
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $ $104,500 $104,500
Construction Services $ $ $
Other $ $ $
TOTALS $ $ $107,500
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Grant Application – Standard Form
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Phase 2 — Wind Assessment Feasibility and Conceptual Design
Milestone or Task
Anticipated
Completion
Date
RE- Fund
Grant Funds
Grantee
Matching
Funds
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
TOTALS
(List milestones based on
phase and type of project.
See Sections 2.3 thru 2.6 of
the RFA )
$
$
$
Procure Equipment
to Project
$144,000
$
$194,000
On-Site Assessment
Report
$12,000
$
$ 12,000
Install monitoring
equipment
$41,000 $ $ 41,000
Data collection and
analysis
$39,000 $ $ 39,000
Final Report: Wind
Resource Modeling and
site report
$24,000
$
$ 24,000
Remove equipment $32,000 $ $ 32,000
$ $ $
$ $ $
TOTALS $ $ $342,000
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ $ $
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $ $ $ 342,000
Construction Services $ $ $
Other $ $ $
TOTALS $ $ $
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3.2.4 Cost Justification
Indicate the source(s) of the cost estimates used for the project budget, including costs for future
phases not included in this application.
Detailed cost justifications and project quotes are provided in attachments. The quotes are from an
experienced consultant/contractor well versed in the constraints of rural energy construction
projects.
3.3 Project Communications
3.3.1 Project Progress Reporting
Describe how you plan to monitor the progress of the project and keep AEA informed of the status.
Who will be responsible for tracking the progress? What tools and methods will be used to track
progress?
Project will be monitored and reported as required by AEA. Napaskiak will require
reports from contractor and will provide these and Napaskiak oversight reports to AEA.
All grant funds will be expended on costs directly related to the performance of the
scope of work and administration and reporting of grant activities.
3.3.2 Financial Reporting
Describe the controls that will be utilized to ensure that only costs that are reasonable, ordinary
and necessary will be allocated to this project. Also discuss the controls in place that will ensure
that no expenses for overhead, or any other unallowable costs will be requested for reimbursement
from the REF Grant Program.
Quotes for project services are attached. Napaskiak is confident that the quoted amount
for these services is reasonable. Work will be completed by a highly experienced
Alaskan firm very familiar with AEA grant reporting requirements. Only contractual costs
will be requested from the REF Grant Program.
The City of Napaskiak is capable and prepared to enter into an agreement with the
State Government. Previous state funding awards have been managed to successful
completion through in-house or subcontracted services.
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SECTION 4 – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
4.1 Project Team
Include resumes for known key personnel and contractors, including all functions below, as an
attachment to your application. In the electronic submittal, please submit resumes as separate
PDFs if the applicant would like those excluded from the web posting of this application.
4.1.1 Project Manager
Indicate who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include contact information. If the
applicant does not have a project manager indicate how you intend to solicit project management
support. If the applicant expects project management assistance from AEA or another government
entity, state that in this section.
City of Napaskiak: Mr. Joseph Amik, City Administrator will serve as the City’s point of
contact and lead. Mr. Amik has been active in the City’s administration for many years. In
addition, Mr. Amik serves on the advisory board for the local school and is active in many
community efforts.
Tony D’Aoust (Lead Project Manager and Assessment Specialist) Is responsible for all
Milestones being accomplished. For over 20 years Tony has specialized in remote solar and
battery installations and operations, primarily aboard marine research vessels deployed for 3 -6
months at a time. Deciding to transfer these skills and capabilities to remote communities, Tony is
supporting these communities’ efforts to increase their sustainability by reducing dependence on
diesel fuel. His work includes the first ever installation of Al aska’s coastal remote powered
autonomous HF radar system; this design was later incorporated into similar Antarctica
deployment. In addition to being well-versed in remote renewable energy systems, he has
substantial experience working with research teams from universities and federal agencies
requiring detailed documentation of the projects for which he is responsible.
Tony will lead the IES team to coordinate feasibility and conceptual design activities by
drawing on experience with over 20 years of experience in remote Alaska. IES intends to
establish the same level of on-going commitment to Napaskiak as it has to other remote,
rural communities in Alaska. (Milestone Tasks 1-5 and Associated Tasks)
4.1.2 Project Accountant
Indicate who will be performing the accounting of this project for the grantee. If the applicant does
not have a project accountant indicate how you intend to solicit financial accounting support.
Pati Crofut (Grants Manager) is a highly experienced rural utility accounting consultant
and trainer. She has been solely responsible for the grant accounting and financial
management on numerous USDA High Energy Cost grants awarded to villages in
Western Alaska and administered through IES. She is familiar with all reporting
requirements for the REF program.
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4.1.3 Expertise and Resources
Describe the project team including the applicant, partners, and contractors.
For each member of the project team, indicate:
• the milestones/tasks in 3.1 they will be responsible for;
• the knowledge, skills, and experience that will be used to successfully deliver the tasks;
• how time and other resource conflicts will be managed to successfully complete the task.
If contractors have not been selected to complete the work, provide reviewers with sufficient detail
to understand the applicant’s capacity to successfully select contractors and manage complex
contracts.
Project Team – Resumes can be found in the attached Cost Quote
Key Personnel
The following individuals and organizations will be the technical support for this project.
Intelligent Energy Systems, LLC
Tony D’Aoust (Lead Project Manager and Assessment Specialist) Is responsible for all
Milestones being accomplished. For over 20 years Tony has specialized in remote solar and
battery installations and operations, primarily aboard marine research vessels deployed for 3 -6
months at a time. Deciding to transfer these skills and capabilities to remote communities, Tony is
supporting these communities’ efforts to increase their sustainability by reducing dependence on
diesel fuel. His work includes the first ever installation of Alaska’s coastal remote powered
autonomous HF radar system; this design was later incorporated into similar Antarctica
deployment. In addition to being well-versed in remote renewable energy systems, he has
substantial experience working with research teams from universities and federal agen cies
requiring detailed documentation of the projects for which he is responsible.
Tony will lead the IES team to coordinate feasibility and conceptual design activities by drawing on
experience with over 20 years of experience in remote Alaska. IES intends to establish the same
level of on-going commitment to Napaskiak as it has to other remote, rural communities in Alaska.
(All Milestones and Tasks)
Terrance Meyer, Mechanical Engineer is a veteran of renewable energy having run his own
development company and consulting company as well as working for some of the major players in
the field. His inspiration was hydro power, interned in solar power, grew his career with the wind
energy boom, and has supported community scale and biomass pro jects. He has participated in
assessments for hundreds of renewable energy projects and various technologies. These include
system design, strategic planning, feasibility studies, due diligence investigations, performance
testing, technical and financial analyses, product development research, market analyses, and
patent writing. The projects have been a wide variety of generation technologies from utility scale to
distributed generation and include wind, hydroelectric, biomass, pumped hydro energy storage,
ultracapacitors, batteries, renewable fuels, cogeneration, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal,
hydroelectric, in addition to conventional energy technologies. (Co -Lead for All Milestones and
Associated Tasks)
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Carl Brothers, P.E., (Power Integration and Wind Energy Specialist) President of Frontier Power
Systems. Mr. Brothers is the former director of the Atlantic Wind Test Site, Canada’s premier wind
energy test facility. He has been responsible for the development of over 100 MW of large scale
grid connected wind systems and is familiar with the full range of wind technologies. Mr. Brothers
has evaluated the performance of over 20 wind turbines, and is responsible for some of the most
successful community scale and off grid wind diesel systems in Eastern Canada. Mr. Brothers has
been responsible for design improvements to mid -sized wind turbines, and is familiar with cost,
deployment, installation and integration issues. He is involved with the growth of high penetration
wind diesel systems across the Arctic. Mr. Brothers will assist with equipment and site selection,
evaluation of data and comparison with similar projects in other parts of the Arctic and Alaska. Mr.
Brothers will assist with program design and site selection. (Reconnaissaince: Milestones 4 -6
Consultant; Wind Assessment: Milestones 1 -5 Consultant)
Dale Letourneau (Electrical Engineer), with more than 30 years of electrical and power system
design experience in Alaska. Dale has experience with controls, switchgear, electrical distribution,
and power systems integration design, and has worked with IES over the last 15 years.
Specializing in standalone power energy generation and grid integration. Dale has managed large
and small projects across Alaska, and his projects benefit from his years of practical experience,
working with his family’s electrical business. (Reconnaissance: Milestones 4-6 Consultant; Wind
Assessment: Milestones 3, 4 and 5 and Associated Tasks)
Greg Egan (Senior Solar PV Specialist), President of Remote Power, Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska.
Greg was the first NABCEP certified PV installer in Alaska and a journeyman electrician. Over the
last 25 years, Greg has been responsible for the design and installation of hundreds of photovoltaic
power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications across the state. It is not
unreasonable to state that Mr. Egan is the most experienced solar designer and installer in Alaska.
This includes the design of the solar power systems and custom array racking that were installed at
the Water Treatment Facilities located in Deering, Kobuk, Noatak, and Noorvik and Shungnak.
(Reconnaissance: Milestones 4-6 Consultant; Wind Assessment: Milestones 3, 4 and 5 and
Associated Tasks)
Ian Knapp (Technical Specialist), Ian skills range from data collection to technical analysis. Ian
will be responsible for data collection, mapping, data analysis, load monitoring, and aggregation of
data for analysis. Ian will develop methods of data collection and analysis. He specializes in
control and communications systems architectures, and maintaining system reliability.
(Assistance and Support for All Milestones and Associated Tasks)
Pati Crofut (Utility Financial Management Specialist and IES Grant Manager) Responsible for
IES (the contractor) reporting requirements and determination of business operating plans for
standalone community microgrids. Pati has spent the last 20 years of her career as a rural
Alaskan utility accounting consultant and trainer. She has been responsible for assisting
communities like Napaskiak to develop financial accounting and management practices. She
provides QuickBooks training and consulting services to the State of Alaska Department of
Commerce & Rural Development. For the past 6 years, Pati has been IES’s financial operations
manager. (All Milestones and Associated Tasks)
Patrick Boonstra (Senior Project Manager. Intelligent Energy Systems, LLC (IES). Patrick is
an experienced and dedicated project manager and operations manager for IES. He has 20+ years
of experience bringing complex, remote projects to successful completion. He has 10 years’
designing, managing, constructing, and commissioning hybrid microgrid projects. Patrick has a
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keen sense for the practicalities of remote construction and this experience is invaluable to plan
and develop remote hybrid microgrids from budgeting, to knowing vendor capabilities to working
with subcontractors - including those locally hired from the remote communities IES works in. In
2022 Patrick led the IES team to complete a similar system in Kokhanak. This experience is
important for efficient installation, integration, and commissioning of the BESS and ETS units with
the wind-diesel system. (Available for all Milestones and Tasks as needed.)
Dennis Meiners (Principal and Founder of Intelligent Energy Systems, LLC (IES). Dennis has
25+ years developing alternatives to diesel -power generation for remote Alaskan communities.
This project will benefit from Dennis’s many years of experience, and his understanding of the
importance of system practicality, reliability, and ability to support field deployed technology. Over
the years, Dennis has developed IES into one of the most experienced and capable teams of
renewable microgrid technologists and specialists in North America. IES has demonstrated its
ability to assist communities to develop high penetration renewable projects from concep t to
operations. (Available for all Milestones and Tasks as needed.)
4.2 Local Workforce
Describe how the project will use local labor or train a local labor workforce.
Project personnel will interact with the local utility manager and operators to
understand how Napaskiak’s power plant functions and to collect accurate
information/data. However, there are no plans to hire local individuals for the
Reconnaissance Study. Local forces will be used to the greatest extent possible for all
field and utility work required for the Wind Assessment.
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SECTION 5 – TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
5.1 Resource Availability
5.1.1 Assessment of Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the potential extent/amount of the energy resource that is available, including average
resource availability on an annual basis. For pre-construction applications, describe the resource to
the extent known. For design and permitting or construction projects, please provide feasibility
documents, design documents, and permitting documents (if applicable) as attachments to this
application (See Section 11). Likelihood of the resource being available over the life of the project.
See the “Resource Assessment” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for add itional
guidance.
A prior wind resource assessment was conducted for the Community of Napaskiak in 2013.
There are several factors which indicate that the community and the surrounding communities
could benefit from a re-evaluation of the wind resource in this area. This proposed project is
responsive to both a local and regional need to develop renewable resources as well as
evaluate the potential for expanding effective ways to harvest wind energy across the state,
and specifically where diesel costs are very high. Napaskiak has a $.70 residential rate
according to the FY21 PCE report.
This proposed study is especially relevant considering advances in wind technology, which
have demonstrated the economic viability of large rotor diameter wind turbines on taller towers
and the cost of fuel in Napaskiak to our residents.
The previous wind resource assessment was conducted using a 30 meter tower. That earlier
study – already10 years old – indicated that wind resource was marginal, and at the time, less
than what was needed to economically deploy wind power. However, the community is
located only ~20 air miles from Bethel, in similar terrain and topography, where there is a
definite commercial wind resource. Extrapolating the wind resource from earlier studies to
higher levels, say 50 to 60 meters, is estimated to be significantly improved beyond 5.6 m/sec.
The re-evaluation of the resource is proposed for the following important reasons.
Wind technology, specifically for low wind speed, has and continues to improve. T he 100 kW
wind turbines recently installed in Atmautluak, and Kwethluk are installed on 40 and 50 meter
meter tilt-up towers respectively. These turbines are equipped with low inertia, high efficiency
24 meter rotors are able to harvest wind energy across a broad spectrum of lower average
wind speeds. Technical developments are underway from several companies to increase this
and other 100 kW machine’s rotor diameter to 30 meters. These advances are designed to
improve turbine capacity factors in low wind speed regimes, (4.0 m/s measured at 30 meters)
in the 30% range. Additionally, more development is underway which scales these platforms
to the 40 meter rotor and 250 kW range. Technical improvements in rotor efficiency,
increased rotor diameter combined with taller guyed towers are making the use of wind
power in communities like Napaskiak, and other nearby communities with more moderate
wind resources, are potentially economically viable.
1. The community of Napaskiak and other nearby communities, have few renewable energy
opportunities, beyond wind and solar. Solar is unlikely to provide sufficient energy to meet the
majority of the community’s needs throughout the year , or represent significant potential for
large scale fuel displacement. Since Napaskiak is geographically close to other communities
with a viable wind resource (Kwethluk, Bethel), IES is proposing that the potential for wind
resource at or above the 50 meter height is possible.
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2. This study proposes to install and instrument a 50 meter meteorological tower in Napaskiak.
This tower will be installed with navigational lighting, and used as a subregional reference
tower. A Lidar or Sodar unit will be placed in various locations around the community to collect
simultaneous data, and compare the wind potential at various heights and locations around the
community. This method would benefit multiple communities, and more accu rately define the
actionable wind resources.
This work requires installing both an instrumented 50 -meter wind monitoring tower and a Lidar or
Sodar unit. The 50-meter tower will serve as the reference station and the Lidar/Sodar unit will be
moved around the community to identify the most optimal sites. Together the taller met tower, and
the Lidar/Sodar unit will be used for simultaneous correlation of wind speed, temperature and wind
direction and shear data at rotor reference heights 30, 40, 50 meters and beyond.
The project is designed around the installation of a traditional 50 meter met tower, with FAA paint
and lighting. The mast will be instrumented at 20, 30 and 50 meters. The wind resource met tower
measurements will be correlated with a 3D scanning lidar unit to provide a vertical wind profile
excess of 80 meters. The Met Tower will serve as reference base station, and Lidar Sodar unit will
be deployed at different locations across the community and to nearby communities validate higher
level wind speed measurements. The Lidar/Sodar unit can be redeployed approximately every 3
months to prospect for efforts to improve and test local wind conditions. The base met tower data
and Lidar/Sodar data will be correlated for direction, speed, and shear.
The wind resource assessment provides crucial information for wind energy development. Legacy
technologies, and legacy studies which employed 20 to 30 meter met masts, have shown
limitations with today’s improved turbines, especially projects.
This study proposes to use a combination of reference met tower (50-meter) plus a LIDAR/Sodar
unit to correlate time series vertical profiling to accurately and more rapidly and rigorously,
validate the wind resource in Napaskiak. While the reference tower is fixed, the Lidar/Sodar unit
can easily be relocated on a periodic basis to prospect for the most productive location in the
community. Once Napaskiak has been accurately characterized, the Lidar/Sodar data can be
used to accurately define the resource s, reduce deployment, and improve decision-making.
Because this region has limited renewable resources, this detailed study will be of great value to
Napaskiak and likely to surrounding communities, both up and down river.
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5.1.2 Alternatives to Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the pros and cons of your proposed energy resource vs. other alternatives that may be
available for the market to be served by your project.
Due to our remote location and isolation, there are few options to heat homes in
Napaskiak, and what options do exist are inevitably expensive and logistically
challenging.
Residents in Napaskiak currently use diesel to heat their homes. Heating fuel costs over
$5.00 per gallon.
The high cost of heat is a significant burden for residents, whose average earnings
according to the 2020 ACS Survey about 20% of the population live below the poverty line.
According to the State of Alaska Energy Authority’s 2020 Power Cost Equalization
Report, the average cost of electricity per kWh in Napaskiak was $0.70 compared to less
than $0.17 which is the national average.
5.1.3 Permits
Provide the following information as it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues. See the “Environmental and Permitting Risks” section of the appropriate
Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
• List of applicable permits
• Anticipated permitting timeline
• Identify and describe potential barriers including potential permit timing issues, public
opposition that may result in difficulty obtaining permits, and other permitting barriers
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Part of the purpose of the Reconnaissance Study is to identify permitting requirements/needs.
5.2 Project Site
Describe the availability of the site and its suitability for the proposed energy system. Identify
potential land ownership issues, including whether site owners have agreed to the project or how
you intend to approach land ownership and access issues. See the “Site control” section of the
appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
Regarding the suitability of the project site for the proposed feasibility study, the WAsP
model and Wind Farmer are the two most widely used wind power analysis software
models in the world. These models use met tower wind data (or wind atlas) reference data
placed on a digital elevation base map. The model assigns a wind turbine location, and
uses the published wind turbine power curves to perform annual energy production
calculations. WAsP uses available data to determine terrain effects on the wind resource.
The modeling software has a number of limitations especially when evaluating surface
roughness, obstacles and increases and decreasing in wind velocity at specific heights
due to changing terrain features and obstacles, such as buildings, trees, hills, etc. The
model outputs incorporate the assumption the overall wind regime of the turbine site is
same as the met tower reference site, and that prevailing weather conditions are stable
over time, and surrounding terrain at the wind data reference po int and turbine sites is
sufficiently gentle and smooth to ensure laminar, attached wind flow.
What is learned from this level of study will be valuable for establishing the wind
potential of our community.
5.3 Project Technical & Environmental Risk
5.3.1 Technical Risk
Describe potential technical risks and how you would address them.
• Which tasks are expected to be most challenging?
• How will the project team reduce the risk of these tasks?
• What internal controls will be put in place to limit and deal with technical risks?
See the “Common Planning Risks” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
Technical risks are low (installing the 50-meter met tower, data logger and sensor).
This will likely be weather/wind dependent and we may need to have an extra dose of
patience if there is a storm when these tasks are due to be conducted.
5.3.2 Environmental Risk
Explain whether the following environmental and land use issues apply, and if so , which project
team members will be involved and how the issues will be addressed. See the “Environmental and
Permitting Risks” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
• Threatened or endangered species
• Habitat issues
• Wetlands and other protected areas
• Archaeological and historical resources
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• Land development constraints
• Telecommunications interference
• Aviation considerations
• Visual, aesthetics impacts
• Identify and describe other potential barriers
N/A
5.4 Technical Feasibility of Proposed Energy System
In this section you will describe and give details of the existing and proposed systems. The
information for existing system will be used as the baseline the proposal is compared to and also
used to make sure that proposed system can be integrated.
Only complete sections applicable to your proposal. If your proposal only generates electricity, you
can remove the sections for thermal (heat) generation.
5.4.1 Basic Operation of Existing Energy System
Describe the basic operation of the existing energy system including: description of control system;
spinning reserve needs and variability in generation (any high loads brought on quickly); and
current voltage, frequency, and outage issues across system. See the “Understanding the Existing
System” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional guidance.
Part of the Reconnaissance Study is to detail the existing energy system.
5.4.2.1 Existing Power Generation Units
Include for each unit include: resource/fuel, make/model, design capacity (kW), minimum
operational load (kW), RPM, electronic/mechanical fuel injection, make/model of genset
controllers, hours on genset
Unit 1:
Unit 2:
Unit 3:
Unit 4:
Unit 5:
Unit 6:
5.4.2.2 Existing Distribution System
Describe the basic elements of the distribution system. Include the capacity of the step -up
transformer at the powerhouse, the distribution voltage(s) across the community, any transmission
voltages, and other elements that will be affected by the proposed project.
5.4.2 Existing Energy Generation Infrastructure and Production
In the following tables, only fill in areas below applicable to your project. You can remove extra
tables. If you have the data below in other formats, you can attach them to the application (see
Section 11).
Is there operational heat recovery? (Y/N) If yes estimated
annual displaced heating fuel (gallons)
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5.4.2.3 Existing Thermal Generation Units (if applicable to your project)
Generation
unit
Resource/
Fuel type
Design
capacity
(MMBtu/hr)
Make Model Average
annual
efficiency
Year
Installed
Hours
5.4.2.4 O&M and replacement costs for
existing units
Power Generation Thermal Generation
i. Annual O&M cost for labor
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor
iii. Replacement schedule and cost for
existing units
5.4.2.5 Annual Electricity Production and Fuel Consumption (Existing System)
Use most recent year. Replace the section (Type 1), (Type 2), and (Type 3) with generation
sources
Month Generati
on (Type
1)
(kWh)
Generatio
n (Type 2)
(kWh)
Generatio
n (Type 3)
(kWh)
Fuel
Consumptio
n
(Diesel-
Gallons)
Fuel
Consumptio
n
[Other]
Pea
k
Loa
d
Minimu
m Load
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Septembe
r
October
November
December
Total
5.4.2.6 Annual Heating Fuel Consumption (Existing System)
Use most recent year. Include only if your project affects the recovered heat off the diesel
genset or will include electric heat loads. Only include heat loads affected by the project.
Month Diesel
(Gallons)
Electricity Propane
(Gallons)
Coal
(Tons)
Wood
(Cords,
green tons,
dry tons)
Other
January
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February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
5.4.2.3 N/A
5.4.2.4 N/A
5.4.2.5 N/A
5.4.2.6 N/A
5.4.3 Future Trends
Describe the anticipated energy demand in the community, or whatever will be affected by the
project, over the life of the project. Explain how the forecast was developed and provide year by
year forecasts. As appropriate, include expected changes to energy demand, peak load, seasonal
variations, etc. that will affect the project.
Part of the purpose of the Reconnaissance Study is to identify potential future trends
and impacts on a future energy system.
5.4.4 Proposed System Design
Provide the following information for the proposed renewable energy system:
• A description of renewable energy technology specific to project location
• The total proposed capacity and a description of how the capacity was determined
• Integration plan, including upgrades needed to existing system(s) to integrate renewable
energy system: Include a description of the controls, storage, secondary loads, distribution
upgrades that will be included in the project
• Civil infrastructure that will be completed as part of the project—buildings, roads, etc.
• Include what backup and/or supplemental system will be in place
See the “Proposed System Design” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
Part of the purpose of the Reconnaissance Study is to detail the proposed system design.
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5.4.4.1 Proposed Power Generation Units
Unit # Resource/
Fuel type
Design
capacity
(kW)
Make Model Expected
capacity
factor
Expected
life
(years)
Expected
Availability
5.4.4.2 Proposed Thermal Generation Units (if applicable)
Generation
unit
Resource/
Fuel type
Design
capacity
(MMBtu/hr)
Make Model Expected
Average
annual
efficiency
Expected
life
5.4.5 Basic Operation of Proposed Energy System
• To the best extent possible, describe how the proposed energy system will operate: When will
the system operate, how will the system integrate with the existing system, how will the
control systems be used, etc.
• When and how will the backup system(s) be expected to be used
See the “Proposed System Design” section of the appropriate Best Practice Checklist for additional
guidance.
Part of the purpose of the Reconnaissance Study is to identify basic operation of the proposed
energy system.
For the Wind Assessment, the study proposes to use a combination of reference met
tower (50 meter) plus a WindCube® type of LIDAR unit or equivalent to correlate time
series vertical profiling to accurately, and more rapidly and rigorously, validate the wind
resource in Napaskiak. While the reference tower is fixed, the Lidar/Sodar unit can
easily be relocated on a period basis to prospect for the most productive location in the
community. Once Napaskiak has been accurately characterized, the Lidar/Sodar unit
can be cost-effectively deployed to other locations, and other communities as a
replacement for met masts. The Lidar/Sodar data can be used to accurately define the
resources, reduce deployment, and improve decision -making. This region has limited
renewable resources. This level of study will be of great value to surrounding
communities, both up and downriver.
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Wind Monitoring Equipment
The wind monitoring equipment consists of a guyed 50m tubular steel mast.
Anemometers are mounted at the 30, 40, and 50 meter levels. Direction vanes are
mounted at the 40 and 50m levels. A data logger and temperature sensor are mounted
at 2m. The data logger is equipped with a cellular data transmission device which
transmits recorded data to an email account on a daily basis.
The configuration and type of instrumentation will include site photos, vegetation
heights and types, GPS, location, elevation, and sensor descriptions, orientations,
logger type, collection channels and installation and placement details.
A LIDAR Unit: WindCube® type or equivalent, will be mounted on a small trailer with
an accompanying power supply. Both the NRG data logger cell modem. The Lidar unit
will initially be deployed adjacent to the met tower, and then redeployed to other
locations across the community.
Please see attached cost justification proposal from contractor IES for more complete
information.
5.4.5.2 Annual Electricity Production and Fuel Consumption (Proposed System)
Month Generation
(Proposed
System)
(kWh)
Generation
(Type 2)
(kWh)
Generation
(Type 3)
(kWh)
Fuel
Consumption
(Diesel-
Gallons)
Fuel
Consumption
[Other]
Secondary
load
(kWh)
Storage
(kWh)
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
5.4.5.3 Annual Heating Fuel Consumption (Proposed System)
Month Diesel
(Gallons)
Electricity Propane
(Gallons)
Coal
(Tons)
Wood
(Cords,
green tons,
dry tons)
Other
January
5.4.3.1 Expected Capacity Factor
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February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total
5.4.6 N/A
5.4.6 Proposed System Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Costs
O&M costs can be estimated in two ways for the standard application. Most proposed renewable
energy projects will fall under Option 1 because the new resource will not allow for diesel
generation to be turned off. Some projects may allow for diesel generation to be turned off for
periods of time; these projects should choose Option 2 for estimating O&M.
Option 1: Diesel generation ON
$ For projects that do not result in shutting down
diesel generation there is assumed to be no
impact on the base case O&M. Please indicate
the estimated annual O&M cost associated with
the proposed renewable project.
Option 2: Diesel generation OFF
1. $
2. Hours diesel OFF/year:
3. $
For projects that will result in shutting down
diesel generation please estimate:
1. Annual non-fuel savings of shutting off
diesel generation
2. Estimated hours that diesel generation
will be off per year.
3. Annual O&M costs associated with the
proposed renewable project.
5.4.5.2 N/A
5.4.3.1N/A
5.4.5.3 N/A
5.4.7 N/A
5.4.7 Fuel Costs
Estimate annual cost for all applicable fuel(s) needed to run the proposed system (Year 1 of
operation)
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Diesel
(Gallons)
Electricity Propane
(Gallons)
Coal
(Tons)
Wood Other
Unit cost
($)
Annual
Units
Total
Annual
cost ($)
5.5 Performance and O&M Reporting
For construction projects only
5.5.1 Metering Equipment
Please provide a short narrative, and cost estimate, identifying the metering equipment that will be
used to comply with the operations reporting requirement identified in Section 3.15 of the Request
for Applications.
Reconnaissance Study will provide recommendations for metering
5.5.2 O&M reporting
Please provide a short narrative about the methods that will be used to gather and store reliable
operations and maintenance data, including costs, to comply with the operations reporting
requirement identified in Section 3.15 of the Request for Applications
Reconnaissance Study will provide recommendations for O&M reporting
SECTION 6 – ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND BENEFITS
6.1 Economic Feasibility
6.1.1 Economic Benefit
Annual Lifetime
Anticipated Diesel Fuel Displaced for Power
Generation (gallons)
Anticipated Fuel Displaced for Heat
(gallons)
Total Fuel displaced (gallons)
Anticipated Diesel Fuel Displaced for Power
Generation ($)
Anticipated Fuel Displaced for Heat ($)
Anticipated Power Generation O&M Cost
Savings
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Anticipated Thermal Generation O&M Cost
Savings
Total Other costs savings (taxes, insurance,
etc.)
Total Fuel, O&M, and Other Cost Savings
An accurate understanding of the wind resource at higher elevations is necessary for
determining wind system viability. The data analysis will enable accurate evaluation of resource
potential and choices optimized around parameters of interest such as, turbine production
compared to local and regional reference sites, These options will be compared to the diesel
operational base lines, and evaluated with respect to the community’s goals.
·The turbines to be included in the evaluation include, but are not limited to
Frontier, 24.4, and 30
·EWT 54, 61
The final report will include an estimate of expected annual energy production from these turbines at
various locations and configurations as potential renewable energy sources for the community. The
report will also include an initial construction cost estimate for the most productive options.
The outcome of this project will provide a basis for determining the economic viability of wind
energy for this and other similarly situated communities in the Yukon and Kuskokwim regions.
6.1.2 Economic Benefit
Explain the economic benefits of your project. Include direct cost savings and other economic
benefits, and how the people of Alaska will benefit from the project. Note that additional revenue
sources (such as tax credits or green tags) to pay for operations and/or financing, will not be
included as economic benefits of the project.
Where appropriate, describe the anticipated energy cost in the community, or whatever will be
affected by the project, over the life of the project. Explain how the forecast was developed and
provide year-by-year forecasts
The economic model used by AEA is avai lable at https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-
Do/Grants-Loans/Renewable-Energy-Fund/2022-REF-Application. This economic model may be
used by applicants but is not required. The final benefit/cost ratio used will be derived from the
AEA model to ensure a level playing field for all applicants. If used, please submit the model with
the application.
Reconnaissance Study will identify and elaborate on potential economic benefits of renewable
energy implementation. Feasibility study will provide accurate and reliable estimates of true wind
potential.
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6.1.3 Economic Risks
Discuss potential issues that could make the project uneconomic to operate and how the project
team will address the issues. Factors may include:
• Low prices for diesel and/or heating oil
• Other projects developed in community
• Reductions in expected energy demand: Is there a risk of an insufficient market for energy
produced over the life of the project.
• Deferred and/or inadequate facility maintenance
• Other factors
Reconnaissance Study will provide insights about Economic Risks.
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6.1.4 Public Benefit for Projects with Direct Private Sector Sales
For projects that include direct sales of power to private sector businesses (sawmills, cruise ships,
mines, etc.), please provide a brief description of the direct and indirect public benefits derived from
the project as well as the private sector benefits and complete the table below. See Section 1.6 in
the Request for Applications for more information.
These projects do not benefit any private sector businesses. All benefits will be captured by the
Napaskiak community and other communities with wind resources across Alaska. These benefits will
go a long way toward helping to lower the high energy costs experienced in our community.
Renewable energy resource availability (kWh per month)
Estimated direct sales to private sector businesses (kWh)
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use at private sector businesses ($)
Estimated sales for use by the Alaskan public (kWh)
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use by the Alaskan public ($)
6.2 Other Public Benefit
Describe the non-economic public benefits to Alaskans over the lifetime of the project. For the
purpose of evaluating this criterion, public benefits are those benefits that would be considered
unique to a given project and not generic to any renewable resource. For example, decreased
greenhouse gas emission, stable pricing of fuel source, won’t be considered under this category.
Some examples of other public benefits include:
• The project will result in developing infrastructure (roads, trails, pipes, power lines, etc.) that can
be used for other purposes
• The project will result in a direct long-term increase in jobs (operating, supplying fuel, etc.)
• The project will solve other problems for the community (waste disposal, food security, etc.)
• The project will generate useful information that could be used by the public in other parts of the
state
• The project will promote or sustain long-term commercial economic development for the
community
Reconnaissance Study will address Other Public Benefits.
The wind resource assessment is a crucial factor in wind energy development. Legacy
technologies, and legacy studies which employed 20 to 30 meter met masts, have shown
limitations with today’s improved turbines, especially projects.
This study proposes to use a combination of reference met tower (50 meter) plus a WindCube®
type of LIDAR unit or equivalent to correlate time series vertical profiling to accurately and more
rapidly and rigorously, validate the wind resource in Napaskiak. While the reference tower is
fixed, the Lidar unity can be easily be relocated on a period basis to prospect for the most
productive location in the community. Once Napaskiak has been accurately characterized, the
Lidar unit can be cost-effectively deployed to other locations, and other communities as a
replacement for met masts. The Lidar data can be used to accurately define the resources,
reduce deployment costs, and improve decision-making. This region has limited renewable
resources. This level of study would be of great value to surrounding communities, both upriver
and down river.
The study area could easily be expanded to other nearby communities, through redeployment
of the Lidar/Sodar unit. This method would benefit multiple communities, and more accurately
define the actionable wind resources.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 15
Grant Application – Standard Form
AEA 23046 Page 33 of 37 10/04/2022
SECTION 7 – SUSTAINABILITY
Describe your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable throughout its
economic life.
At a minimum for construction projects, a business and operations plan should be attached and the
applicant should describe how it will be implemented. See Section 11.
7.1.1 Operation and Maintenance
Demonstrate the capacity to provide for the long-term operation and maintenance of the proposed
project for its expected life
• Provide examples of success with similar or related long-term operations
• Describe the key personnel that will be available for operating and maintaining the
infrastructure.
• Describe the training plan for existing and future employees to become proficient at operating
and maintaining the proposed system.
• Describe the systems that will be used to track necessary supplies
• Describe the system will be used to ensure that scheduled maintenance is performed
Reconnaissance Study will address Sustainability and Finances.
7.1.2 Financial Sustainability
• Describe the process used (or propose to use) to account for operational and capital costs.
• Describe how rates are determined (or will be determined). What process is required to set
rates?
• Describe how you ensure that revenue is collected.
• If you will not be selling energy, explain how you will ensure that the completed project will be
financially sustainable for its useful life.
Reconnaissance Study will address Power Purchase/Sale options, but all benefits will be retained
by the public. No private entities or businesses are involved in these projects.
7.1.2.1 Revenue Sources
Briefly explain what if any effect your project will have on electrical rates in the proposed benefit
area over the life of the project. If there is expected to be multiple rates for electricity, such as a
separate rate for intermittent heat, explain what the rates will be and how they will be determined
Collect sufficient revenue to cover operational and capital costs
• What is the expected cost-based rate (as consistent with RFA requirements)
• If you expect to have multiple rate classes, such as excess electricity for heat, explain what
those rates are expected to be and how those rates account for the costs of delivering the
energy (see AEA’s white paper on excess electricity for heat).
• Annual customer revenue sufficient to cover costs
• Additional incentives (i.e. tax credits)
• Additional revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable energy subsidies or
programs that might be available)
N/A
Renewable Energy Fund Round 15
Grant Application – Standard Form
AEA 23046 Page 34 of 37 10/04/2022
7.1.2.2 Power Purchase/Sale
The power purchase/sale information should include the following:
• Identification of potential power buyer(s)/customer(s)
• Potential power purchase/sales price - at a minimum indicate a price range (consistent with the
Section 3.16 of the RFA)
Identify the potential power buyer(s)/customer(s) and anticipated power purchase/sales price
range. Indicate the proposed rate of return from the grant-funded project. Include letters of support
or power purchase agreement from identified customers.
Reconnaissance Study will address Power Purchase/Sale options.
SECTION 8 – PROJECT READINESS
8.1 Project Preparation
Describe what you have done to prepare for this award and how quickly you intend to proceed with
work once your grant is approved.
Specifically address your progress towards or readiness to begin, at a minimum, the following:
• The phase(s) that must be completed prior to beginning the phase(s) proposed in this application
• The phase(s) proposed in this application
• Obtaining all necessary permits
• Securing land access and use for the project
• Procuring all necessary equipment and materials
Refer to the RFA and/or the pre -requisite checklists for the required activities and deliverables for
each project phase. Please describe below and attach any required documentation.
We have sought a quote for this work from a highly experienced team. The quote
provides good and sufficient details including tasks and milestones for this
Reconnaissance Study, and a pathway forward for this work to be conducted within a
reasonable timeframe.
8.2 Demand- or Supply-Side Efficiency Upgrades
If you have invested in energy efficiency projects that will have a positive impact on the proposed
project, and have chosen to not include them in the economic analysis, applicants should provide
as much documentation as possible including:
1. Explain how it will improve the success of the RE project
2. Energy efficiency pre and post audit reports, or other appropriate analysis,
3. Invoices for work completed,
4. Photos of the work performed, and/or
5. Any other available verification such as scopes of work, technical drawings, and payroll for
work completed internally.
N/A
Renewable Energy Fund Round 15
Grant Application – Standard Form
AEA 23046 Page 35 of 37 10/04/2022
SECTION 9 – LOCAL SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION
Describe local support and opposition, known or anticipated, for the project. Include letters,
resolutions, or other documentation of local support from the community that would benefit from
this project. Provide letters of support, memorandum of understandings, cooperative agreements
between the applicant, the utility, local government and project partners. The documentation of
support must be dated within one year of the RFA date of October 4, 2022. Please note that letters
of support from legislators will not count toward this criterion.
Local support is verified as this application is being submitted by the City of Napaskiak.
SECTION 10 – COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER AWARDS
Identify other grants that may have been previously awarded to the Applicant by AEA for this or
any other project. Describe the degree you have been able to meet the requirements of previous
grants including project deadlines, reporting, and information re quests.
N/A
SECTION 11 – LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR PRIOR PHASES
In the space below, please provide a list of additional documents attached to support completion of
prior phases.
N/A
SECTION 12 – LIST OF ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION
In the space below, please provide a list of additional information submitted for consideration.
Quote from experienced contractor/consultant submitted in separate document.