HomeMy WebLinkAboutSt Paul 80% Feasibility Study application 2015 Ref9 - 15 Sept 2015
Renewable Energy Fund Round IX
Grant Application - Standard Form
AEA 15003 Page 1 of 26 7/8/14
Application Forms and Instructions
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form for
Round VIII of the Renewable Energy Fund. A separate application form is available for projects
with a primary purpose of producing heat (see RFA section 1.5). This is the standard form for all
other projects, including projects that will produce heat and electricity. An electronic version of the
Request for Applications (RFA) and both application forms is available online at:
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/Programs/Renewable-Energy-Fund/Rounds#round9.
If you need technical assistance filling out this application, please contact Shawn Calfa, the
Alaska Energy Authority Grants Administrator at (907) 771-3031 or at scalfa@aidea.org.
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.
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 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, power sale agreements,
relevant data sets, and other materials. Please provide a list of supporting documents in
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 your
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 application 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
IX 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.
REMINDER:
Alaska Energy Authority is subject to the Public Records Act AS 40.25, and materials
submitted to the Authority 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.
Renewable Energy Fund Round IX
Grant Application - Standard Form
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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 the Authority. 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.
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Renewable Energy Fund Round IX
Grant Application - Standard Form
Tax ID # 92-0167220
Tax Status: X For-profit ☐ Non-profit ☐ Government (check
one) Date of last financial statement audit: May 2015
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)
TDX Power, Inc.
Type of Entity: Fiscal Year End:
Electric Utility Sept. 30th
Mailing Address: Physical Address:
615 E. 82nd Ave., Suite 200 615 E. 82nd Ave., Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99518 Anchorage, AK 99518
Telephone: Fax: Email:
907-762-8450 907-278-2332 jlyons@tdxpower.com
1.1 Applicant Point of Contact / Grants Manager
Name:
John Lyons
Title:
General Manager
Mailing Address:
615 E. 82nd Ave., Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99518
Telephone: Fax: Email:
907-762-8478 907-278-2332 jlyons@tdxpower.com
1.1.1 APPLICANT SIGNATORY AUTHORITY CONTACT INFORMAT ION
Name:
Kord Christianson
Title:
President TDX Power
Mailing Address:
615 E. 82nd Ave., Suite
Anchorage, AK 99518
Telephone:
907-762-8450
1.1.2 Applicant Alte
Name
200
Fax: Email:
907-278-2332 kord@tdxpower.com
rnate Points of Contact
Telephone: Fax: Email:
Travis Hammond 907-762-8439
1.2 Applicant Minimum Requirements
thammond@tdxpower.com
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Renewable Energy Fund Round IX
Grant Application - Standard Form
Please check as appropriate. If applicants do not meet the minimum requirements, the application
will be rejected.
1.2.1 Applicant Type
X An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05, or
□ An independent power producer in accordance with 3 AAC 107.695 (a) (1), or
□ A local government, or
□ A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities)
1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (continued)
Please check as appropriate.
X 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 by checking the box)
X 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 by checking the box)
X 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
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/Programs/Renewable -Energy-Fund/Rounds#round9. (Any
exceptions should be clearly noted and submitted with the application.) (Indicate by
checking the box)
X 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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Renewable Energy Fund Round IX
Grant Application - Standard Form
SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
2.1 Project Title
Provide a 4 to 7 word title for your project. Type in the space below.
St. Paul Island 80% Renewable Energy Feasibility Study.
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 at 907-771-3031.
57.122962,-170.279317
2.2.2 Community benefiting – Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
St. Paul, St. Paul Island, AK 99660
2.3 Project Type
Please check as appropriate.
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
X Wind ☐ Biomass or Biofuels (excluding heat-only)
□ Hydro, Including Run of River ☐ Hydrokinetic
□ Geothermal, Excluding Heat Pumps X Transmission of Renewable Energy
X Solar Photovoltaic X 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
X Reconnaissance ☐ Final Design and Permitting
X Feasibility and Conceptual Design ☐ Construction
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2.4 Project Description
Provide a brief one paragraph description of the proposed project.
TDX owns and operates three 225 kW wind turbines that provide wholesale power the City of St.
Paul Utility as well as the TDX owned and operated St. Paul Airport and TDX facilities. However,
most of the electric power on the island is generated by diesel generators. Diesel fuel is
expensive and generates harmful emissions in the combustion process. TDX is committed to
reduce emissions and energy cost and at the same time establish a sustainable source of energy
that makes the island essentially independent of imported energy. In order to achieve this, TDX
proposes to install additional renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels etc.
to increase the generation capacity of renewable energy sources. On the demand side TDX
proposes to promote, facilitate and install energy savings measures such as LED lighting, electric
heaters and/or heat pumps with storage capacity to make use of excess wind energy, energy
efficient appliances and improved building insulation. Declared goal is to generate 80% of the
energy consumption (electricity, heating, ground transportation) of the entire island locally with
renewable energy sources. To initiate the project, TDX proposes a detailed feasibility study to
assess the current situation and identify the most cost effective means and timelines to achieve
the declared goal.
2.5 Scope of Work
Provide a 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.
1) Document existing situation. Reconnaissance of possible wind and solar sites. Study of electric
distribution.
2) Feasibility study. Establish size, placement, equipment, cost estimate, economic viability.
3) Conceptual Design
4) Public presentation
5) Identification of pilot sites.
SECTION 3 – Project Management, Development, and Operation
3.1 Schedule and Milestones
Criteria: Stage 2-1.A: The proposed schedule is clear, realistic, and described in adequate detail.
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 in 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 of your proposed project. Add additional rows as needed.
Milestones
Tasks
Start
Date
End
Date
Deliverables
Initiate Study
Submit Study 1) Define Existing Energy Consumption Sept 2016 Feb 2017
1.1) Community Workshops
1.2) City Power Consumption Review
1.3) Define Existing Energy Consumption Island Energy Usage Study
Completed
Submit Comprehensive Plan 2) Develop Comprehensive Plan Feb 2017 Jul 2017
2.1) Community Formulation Meetings
2.2) City Power Plant and Distribution
Meetings
2.3) Prepare Comprehensive Plan and Goals Comprehensive Plan and Goals
Submit Feasibility Study 3) Develop Feasibility Study Jul 2017 Dec 2017
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3.1) Define Path Towards Comprehensive
Goals
3.2) Define Feasibility Design and Cost
Estimates
3.3) Present to Community
3.4) Finalize Feasibility Study Feasibility Study
3.2 Budget
Criteria: Stage 2-1.B: The cost estimates for project development, operation, maintenance, fuel,
and other project items meet industry standards or are otherwise justified.
3.2.1 Budget Overview
Describe your financial commitment to the project. List the amount of funds needed for project
completion and the anticipated nature and sources of funds. Consider all project phases, including
future phases not covered in this funding request.
Total Project cost is estimated at $331,500. TDX will provide a cash/in-kind match of $66,300
(20%)
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 at 907-771-3031 or by emailing the
Grants Administrator, Shawn Calfa, at scalfa@aidea.org.
Milestone or Task
RE- Fund
Grant
Funds
Grante
e
Matchi
ng
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 )
$
$
$
Submit Study $ $ $
1)Define Existing Energy Consumption $ $ $
1.1) Community Workshops $ 19,400 $ 4,850 Cash $ 24,250
1.2) City Power Consumption Review $ 19,200 $ 4,800 Cash $ 24,000
1.3) Define Existing Energy Consumption $ 43,000 $ 10,750 Cash $ 53,750
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
TOTALS $ 81,600 $ 20,400 $ 102,000
3.2.2 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. The
milestones and tasks should match those listed in 3.1 above.
Renewable Energy Fund Round IX
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Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ 81,600 $ 20,400 Cash $ 102,000
Milestone or Task
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 )
$
$
$
Submit Comprehensive Plan $ $ $
2) Develop Comprehensive Plan $ $ $
2.1) Community Formulation Meetings $ 19,200 $ 4,800 Cash $ 24,000
2.2) City Power Plant and Distributions
Meetin $ 19,200 $ 4,800 Cash $ 24,000
2.3) Prepare Comprehensive Plan and
Goals $ 24,000 $ 6,000 Cash $ 30,000
Submit Feasibility Study $ $ $
3) Develop Feasibility Study $ $ $
3.1) Define Path Toward Comprehensives
Goal $ 35,920 $ 8,980 Cash $ 44,900
3.2) Define Feasibility Design with Cost
Estim $ 38,800 $ 9,700 Cash $ 48,500
3.3) Present to Community $ 18,240 $ 4,560 Cash $ 22,800
3.4) Finalize Feasibility Study $ 28,240 $ 7,060 Cash $ 35,300
TOTALS $ 183,600 $ 45,900 $ 229,500
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $ 118,600 $ 29,650 Cash $ 148,250
Travel & Per Diem $ 65,000 $ 16,250 Cash $ 81,250
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $ $ $
Construction Services $ $ $
Other $ $ $
TOTALS $ 183,600 $ 45,900 $ 229,500
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3.2.3 Cost Justification
Indicate the source(s) of the cost estimates used for the project budget.
Cost estimates are based upon prior project experience
3.2.4 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 $265,200
Cash match to be provided $66,300
In-kind match to be provided $
Total costs for project phase(s) covered in application (sum of above) $331,500
3.2.5 Total Project Costs
Indicate the anticipated total cost by phase of the project (including all funding sources). Use actual
costs for completed phases.
Reconnaissance $88,000
Feasibility and Conceptual Design $243,500
Final Design and Permitting $
Construction $
Total Project Costs (sum of above) $331,500
3.2.6 Operating and Maintenance Costs
O&M costs can be estimated in two ways for the standard application. Most proposed RE 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.
Options O&M Impact of proposed RE project
Option 1: Diesel generation ON
N/A 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.
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3.3 Project Communications
Criteria: Stage 2-1.C: The applicant’s communications plan, including monitoring and reporting, is
described in adequate detail.
Describe how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status.
TDX Power's project management team will closely monitor project performance with
regular internal progress and results reporting. Since the community will be involved in the
information gathering, periodic communication will be made as required. Technical and
budgetary progress will be reports to AEA monthly throughout the projects, or as directed
by AEA. Report findings will be issued at the completion of the project.
3.4 Operational Logistics
Criteria: Stage 2-1.D: Logistical, business, and financial arrangements for operating and maintaining
the project throughout its lifetime and selling energy from the completed project are reasonable and
described in adequate detail.
Describe the anticipated logistical, business, and financial arrangements for operating and
maintaining the project throughout its lifetime and selling energy from the completed project.
A community that is energy self-sufficient is able to supply its own needs without external
assistance. How many truly self-sufficient communities are there? By 2020, the island
community of St. Paul, Alaska intends to become extraordinarily close. The use of reliable
wind turbines, a Class 7 wind resource, and competent management by TDX Power position
St. Paul for success.
Wind is abundant in Alaska, and a growing number of rural communities are incorporati ng wind
into their islanded electric utility systems. These wind -diesel systems provide electricity, yet
most homes, buildings and facilities in rural Alaska are still heated with fuel oil (diesel) in a
stove or furnace that produces heat directly, or via forced air or hot water. Fuel oil generally
comes via barge, or in very remote villages by plane; fuel costs in remote areas of Alaska often
range between $5-$10 per gallon.
In order to meet its goal of utilizing 80% renewable energy for electricity, heat ing and
transportation by 2020, St. Paul must capture as much wind power as possible, and utilize
high-penetration renewable integration controls that provide both heat and power, increasing
wind-only, diesel-off generation time. Incorporating fast acting dispatchable loads, flywheel
electric energy storage, microgrid controls, will allow St. Paul to increase its wind power
resource utilization and provide effective regulation of the electric grid.
Fast Dispatchable Loads
Combined heat and power concepts can be successfully used to operate and control high-
wind-penetration wind-diesel systems on remote or isolated “islanded” grid systems without the
use of electrical energy storage.
Fast dispatchable loads such as water heating act as ‘thermal batteries’. Excess energy is
stored as heat as wind energy production fluctuates into the grid: given signals from the utility,
heaters shed load or take on additional load. In essence this is a wind powered heating system
– under normal operation the heater is only powered by renewable energy sourced from wind,
and if the wind isn’t blowing the heating system utilizes conventional heating methods only
after the stored renewable energy is exhausted.
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Flywheels
Flywheels may be used to store electrical energy generated by wind turbines during off-peak
periods or during high wind speeds. During periods of excess wind the flywheel absorbs
energy, then recycles it back into the system during subsequent drops or lulls in wind
production. Flywheels allow for an increased amount of available wind energy to be utilized by
the local grid, decreasing reliance on diesel-powered generators.
Funding from the Alaska Energy Authority’s Emerging Energy Technology Fund has provided
TDX Power the opportunity to demonstrate the compatibility of flywheel energy storage with
hybrid power plants. Successful flywheel integration will reduce wind curtailment, as well as
reduce diesel fuel consumption. TDX’s flywheel technology will enable TDX to further improve
wind utilization by increasing diesel-off, wind-only time by +15%.
Microgrids
TDX Power has been awarded a contract with National Electric Testing Laboratory (NETL), a
division of the US Dept. of Energy, to engineer, design, simulate and build a microgrid
controller for the St Paul community. The microgrid’s component libraries will provide the
platform necessary to control distributed fast dispatchable loads and integrated energy
resources in both grid connected and island modes; the system will be designed to operate as
a partial feeder, as a full feeder, and as a substation area microgrid.
Microgrids are sections of the utility that can be disconnected from the utility and still maintain
power. When the utility returns to normal operations, the isolated microgrid can once again be
reconnected and the system returns to the normal configuration. The deployment of microgrid
technology can increase utility resiliency and reliability of service.
(next section)
Installed and operated in 1999 by the Tanadgusix Corporation (TDX), S t. Paul is currently
home to a stand-alone hybrid wind-diesel power system. This high-penetration renewable
system differs from low and medium-penetration renewable systems because when wind
power is sufficiently strong it can operate with its diesel generators turned off. Improving
strategies for operating in off-diesel mode has clear benefits for the community and the
environment – however, high-penetration wind-diesel systems require a high level of system
integration and advanced controls.
The current stand-alone system provides electricity and primary space heating for the airport
and industrial complex where it is located, the St. Paul Airport Business Park, and Renewable
Technology and Training Center. The core components of the plant include three 2 25-kW
Vestas V27 wind turbines, a pair of 150-kW Volvo diesel-engine generators, a 160 kW, 30 kWh
Beacon flywheel, a 300kVA synchronous condenser, a 6,000-gallon hot water tank, with
immersion water heating elements acting as fast dispatchable loads that m anage integration of
wind energy into the electrical grid.
Under favorable wind conditions, the St. Paul Island Business Park can be serviced entirely by
wind energy – without any use of the diesel engines – one of the first demonstrations of this
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type of system architecture in the world. The plant takes advantage of low-cost thermal storage
to maintain system stability. A thermal network redirects excess wind energy – via fast
dispatchable loads (Thermal Storage) – to generate hot water for commercial and domestic
use throughout the site’s more than 80,000 square feet. Redirecting excess wind energy to fast
dispatchable loads via an automatic control system is nearly instantaneous.
The system has been in continuous operation since 1999 and on average has cut diesel fuel
consumption by more than 50 percent. In order to meet the 80% renewable by 2020 goal for
the entire community, TDX Power expand the existing windfarm to match the load.
Stability
Increasing wind generation presents the challenge of effective grid regulation. Incorporating a
power source that inherently varies its supply into a grid that inherently varies its demand
highlights the stability challenge faced by the operator.
Renewable energy resources are naturally variable in their gener ation. Wind ramps up and
down quickly – and isn’t often, if ever, in sync with the ups and downs of the demands on the
grid. A productive use is needed for the ‘extra’ energy created during periods of high wind and
low demand; at the same time, stored energy is needed during periods of low wind and high
demand. Fast acting dispatchable loads provide this tool.
Fast dispatchable loads alleviate the variability of the generation side, while also addressing
the need for grid management and the ability to regu late available power. Loads must be
increased or decreased quickly in order to meet the shifting demands of the grid, and fast
dispatchable loads provide a fast regulation/balancing resource that is responsive in a short
time period. Fast dispatchable loads interface with microgrid controllers, responding to load
and generation changes, , and legacy load management relays to either add or shed load. The
microgrid can report how much dispatchable load they is available for a determined period of
time, and when dispatchable loads across the community are aggregated a sizeable ‘battery’
is created.
Environment
???. The TDX-operated high-penetration wind-diesel system operates 20% to 30% of the time
wind-only, diesel-off using only fast dispatchable loads (resistive heaters mounted in a 6,000
gallon insulated water tank). Preliminary results utilizing a flywheel with 15-20 minutes of
stored electricity indicate that in the future this facility will be able to operate wind -only, diesel-
off +35-45% of the time. As a result overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduces by
over 70%. As TDX increases St. Paul’s renewable capacity in order to reach its 2020 goal, the
incorporation of fast dispatchable loads will reduce generator fuel consumption and associated
emissions.
Community
Additional wind turbines, and corresponding meters and controls – as well as a robust
distributed dispatchable load scheme- will be required to meet St. Paul’s sustainability goal.
Realizing this goal will create design, construction, management, operations jobs, with
significant ancillary benefits for the community. TDX’s as the developer and operator of a
successful high-wind penetration utility system in rural Alaska that community support and
operator interest is critical for sustainable success. Because TDX is the local Alaska Native
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village corporation created to provide economic wellbeing for the people of St. Paul, TDX
Power is well positioned to successfully engender community support.
TDX Power has had significant success developing hybrid power systems in remote locations,
demonstrating the cost effectiveness of renewables. Over the past 15 years TDX has installed
three hybrid wind-diesel systems in remote Alaskan communities. All three locations had
existing diesel generators and also benefited from excellent wind-resources. Importantly, these
three remote sites required continuous energy availability, as even temporary power lapses
could be damaging to valuable equipment.
Demonstrating power stability and proving the viability of hybrid systems has allowed TDX
Power to enter into a relationship with the City of St. Paul Municipal Electric Utility, and
recently connecting two of the site’s three 225kW wind turbines to the city’s power grid. Over a
two month period TDX Power supplied 160,000 kWh to the City of St Paul Municipal Electric
Utility grid, reducing the utility’s fuel usage by approximately 12,000 gallons.
While TDX is still in the early phases of its project with the St. Paul municipal utility, the proven
success of the hybrid system performance has caught the attention of other parties throughout
Alaska who guide power-infrastructure decisions. Dependable systems that deliver
demonstrable value are of clear interest to forward-thinking municipalities.
Renewable energy generation must be sustainable: TDX Power will continue its long term
commitment of improving infrastructure over time. With self -sufficiency by 2020 on the
horizon, the time for St. Paul’s energy infrastructure improvement is now.
4.1 Project Team
Criteria: Stage 2-2.A: The Applicant, partners, and/or contractors have sufficient knowledge and
experience to successfully complete and operate the project. If the applicant has not yet chosen a
contractor to complete the work, qualifications and experience points will be based on the applicant’s
capacity to successfully select contractors and manage complex contracts.
Criteria: Stage 2-2.B: The project team has staffing, time, and other resources to successfully
complete and operate the project.
Criteria: Stage 2-2.C: The project team is able to understand and address technical, economic, and
environmental barriers to successful project completion and operation.
Criteria: Stage 2-2.D: The project team has positive past grant experience.
SECTION 4 – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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4.1.1 Project Manager
Indicate who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include contact information, and a
resume. In the electronic submittal, please submit resumes as separate PDFs if the applicant would
like those excluded from the web posting of this application. 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.
Travis Hammond, Senior Project Manager, TDX Power, will serve as the Project Manager for this
project. Mr. Hammond also has 8 years specialized experience in protective relay design and interface
of AC/DC systems used in utility transmission and distribution systems. He has performed and led
product testing, working with technicians to troubleshoot problems. He has designed analog and
digital circuits for new products, schedules for software, manufacturing, and hardware teams; and
prepares operational and functional test documents. Mr. Hammond’s hands-on experience will be
beneficial in engineering design, construction and implementation for remote systems worldwide.
4.1.2 Expertise and Resources
Describe the project team including the applicant, partners, and contractors. Provide sufficient detail
for reviewers to evaluate:
• The extent to which the team has sufficient knowledge and experience to successfully
complete and operate the project;
• Whether the project team has staffing, time, and other resources to successfully complete
and operate the project;
• How well the project team is able to understand and address technical, economic, and
environmental barriers to successful project completion and operation.
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. Include brief resumes for known key personnel and contractors 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
Jan Tierson PE, Engineering manager/Lead EE
Steve Hoskins PE, Lead EE
Daniel Lenel, Lead ME
Jason Motyka, EE
Please refer to the attached resumes NEED RESUMES
4.1.3 Project Accountant(s)
Indicate who will be performing the accounting of this project for the grantee and include a resume.
In the electronic submittal, please submit resumes as separate PDFs if the applicant would like those
excluded from the web posting of this application. If the applicant does not have a project accountant
indicate how you intend to solicit financial accounting support.
Laura Bain, Controller
Cindy L. Byfield, Project Costs and Controls
4.1.4 Financial Accounting System
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
Renewable Energy Fund Grant Program.
TDX Power has stringent accounting policies and procedures in place which are according to GAAP.
All charges are reviewed for accuracy and for appropriate coding for the grant. Each cost must pass
an approval process to insure that it is allowed by the terms of the grant. Additional review occurs
when the grant reports are completed.
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4.2 Local Workforce
Criteria: Stage 2-2.E: The project uses local labor and trains a local labor workforce.
Describe how the project will use local labor or train a local labor workforce.
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5.1 Resource Availability
Criteria: Stage 2-3.A: The renewable energy resource is available on a sustainable basis, and project
permits and other authorizations can reasonably be obtained.
5.1.1 Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the potential extent/amount of the energy resource that is available, including average
resource availability on an annual basis. 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. 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.
There is no proposed system for this grant application. Grant proceeds will be used to fund the
feasibility study. The study will form the basis for future energy design, production, and
distribution.
5.1.2 Permits
Provide the following information as it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues.
List of applicable permits
Anticipated permitting timeline
Identify and describe potential barriers
TDX Power will identify permits at the feasibility stage.
5.2 Project Site
Criteria: Stage 2-3.B: A site is available and suitable for the proposed energy system.
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.
As the major land owner on St Paul, TDX has committed that excess property is available on St
Paul near the existing TDX windfarm that will be made available for renewable development.
TDX has also received permission from the FAA to located additional metrological towers on
proposed wind farm expansion areas. Final new windfarm sites will be determined once all
permitting and community approvals are obtained
5.3 Project Risk
Criteria: Stage 2-3.C: Project technical and environmental risks are reasonable.
5.3.1 Technical Risk
Describe potential technical risks and how you would address them.
TDX Power will identify technical risks at the feasibility stage.
SECTION 5 – TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
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5.3.2 Environmental Risk
Explain whether the following environmental and land use issues apply, and if so how they will be
addressed:
Threatened or endangered species
Habitat issues
Wetlands and other protected areas
Archaeological and historical resources
Land development constraints
Telecommunications interference
Aviation considerations
Visual, aesthetics impacts
Identify and describe other potential barriers
All of the above environmental issues will be addressed and included as part of final site selection in
this feasibility study.
5.4 Existing and Proposed Energy System
Criteria: Stage 2-3.D: The proposed energy system can reliably produce and deliver energy as
planned.
5.4.1 Basic Configuration of Existing Energy System
Describe the basic configuration of the existing energy system. Include information about the
number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
The City of St. Paul operates a diesel power plant with the following diesel generators:
2 diesel generators Caterpillar Model 3512, rated at 830 kW each
1 diesel generators Caterpillar Model 3512, rated at 650 kW
1 diesel generator Caterpillar Model 3406, rated at 200 kW
1 diesel generator Caterpillar Model 3412, rated at 300 kW
TDX power operates the POSS facility with the following generation assets:
2 generators Volvo Model TWD710G, rated at 150 kW each
3 Wind turbines Vestas V27, rated at 225 kW each
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Existing Energy Generation and Usage
a) Basic configuration (if system is part of the Railbelt1 grid, leave this section blank)
i. Number of generators/boilers/other
ii. Rated capacity of generators/boilers/other
iii. Generator/boilers/other type
iv. Age of generators/boilers/other
v. Efficiency of generators/boilers/other
vi. Is there operational heat recovery? (Y/N) If yes
estimated annual displaced heating fuel (gallons)
N/A
b) Annual O&M cost (if system is part of the Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Annual O&M cost for labor N/A
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor N/A
c) Annual electricity production and fuel usage (fill in as applicable) (if system is part of the
Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Electricity [kWh] N/A
ii. Fuel usage
Diesel [gal] N/A
Other N/A
iii. Peak Load N/A
iv. Average Load N/A
v. Minimum Load N/A
vi. Efficiency N/A
vii. Future trends N/A
d) Annual heating fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Diesel [gal or MMBtu]
ii. Electricity [kWh]
iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu]
iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu]
v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons]
vi. Other
N/A
1 The Railbelt grid connects all customers of Chugach Electric Association, Homer Electric Association, Golden Valley
Electric Association, the City of Seward Electric Department, Matanuska Electric Association and Anchorage
Municipal Light and Power.
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5.4.2 Future Trends
Describe the anticipated energy demand in the community over the life of the project.
It is hoped that if the community of St Paul can reach 80% utilization of renewable energy for
electricity, heating, and ground transportation it will make the community more economically
sustainable, prosperous, and thus promote long-term economic growth.
5.4.3 Impact on Rates
Briefly explain what if any effect your project will have on electrical rates in the proposed benefit area
over the life of the project. For PCE eligible communities, please describe the expected impact would
be for both pre and post PCE.
The basic assumption (based upon TDX’s own history of owning and operating a high wind
penetration wind-diesel system for the past 15 years at its airport facility) is that renewable energy
can be generated and delivered at a lower cost than conventional diesel fueled power sources. From
past experience pre PCE rates will be reduced, post PCE rates will remain about the same.
Residential heating costs and ground transportation (using electric vehicles) cost should be reduced
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
Optimum installed capacity
Anticipated capacity factor
Anticipated annual generation
Anticipated barriers
Integration plan
Delivery methods
Each of the above issues will be addressed as part of this feasibility study.
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Proposed System Design Capacity and Fuel Usage
(Include any projections for continued use of non-renewable fuels)
a) Proposed renewable capacity (Wind,
Hydro, Biomass, other)
[kW or MMBtu/hr]
In order to reach 80% renewable for the community of St
Paul it is expected that 4 MW – 8 MW’s of additional
renewable nameplate generation capacity will be
required
b) Proposed annual electricity or heat production (fill in as applicable)
i. Electricity [kWh] ~ 80% of community load or ~ 2.5 MWh/yr
ii. Heat [MMBtu] ~ 80% of community heating or 250,000 gallons/yr
c) Proposed annual fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Propane [gal or MMBtu] N/A
ii. Coal [tons or MMBtu] N/A
iii. Wood or pellets [cords, green tons,
dry tons]
iv. Other
d) i. Estimate number of hours renewable
will allow powerhouse to turn diesel engines
off (fill in as applicable)
N/A
5.4.5 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.
This will be evaluated as part of the overall feasibility study.
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6.1 Economic Feasibility
Criteria: Stage 2-4.A: The project is shown to be economically feasible (net positive savings in fuel,
operation and maintenance, and capital costs over the life of the proposed project).
6.1.1 Economic Benefit
Explain the economic benefits of your project. Include direct cost savings, and how the people of
Alaska will benefit from the project. The benefits information should include the following:
Anticipated annual and lifetime fuel displacement (gallons and dollars)
Anticipated annual and lifetime revenue (based on i.e. a Proposed Power Purchase Agreement
price, RCA tariff, or cost based rate)
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)
The economic model used by AEA is available at
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/Programs/Renewable -Energy-Fund/Rounds#round9. 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.
Purpose of the feasibility study is to identify generation and demand improvement opportunities that
are economically viable.
6.1.2 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
Proposed rate of return from grant-funded project
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.
This will be included as part of the overall project economic feasibility analysis
SECTION 6 – ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND BENEFITS
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6.1.3 Public Benefit for Projects with Private Sector Sales
For projects that include 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.
Lowering overall energy costs to a community leave more dollars available to be spent on other
goods and services within the community. The purpose of finding ways to improve and increase
renewable utilization in remote communities like St Paul is that fundamentally renewables can and
should be a lower cost source of energy than conventional diesel fuel. This feasibility study will help
define when adding additional renewable resources may no longer be cost effective (too much
renewable) and when implementation of energy conservation measures (reduce energy demand) is
most cost effective. In addition, this feasibility study will establish an energy baseline that can be
used to measure and verify future energy reductions or utilization of renewable energy.
Renewable energy resource availability (kWh per month) N/A
Estimated sales (kWh) N/A
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use at private sector businesses ($) N/A
Estimated sales (kWh) N/A
Revenue for displacing diesel generation for use by the Alaskan public ($) N/A
6.2 Financing Plan
Criteria: Stage 2-4.B: The project has an adequate financing plan for completion of the grant-funded
phase and has considered options for financing subsequent phases of the project.
6.2.1 Additional Funds
Identify the source and amount of all additional funds needed to complete the work in the phase(s)
for which REF funding is being applied in this application. Indicate whether these 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.
6.2.2 Financing opportunities/limitations
If the proposed project includes final design or construction phases, what are your opportunities
and/or limitations to fund this project with a loan, bonds, or other financing options?
Project financing will be determined at the feasibility stage
6.2.3 Cost Overruns
Describe the plan to cover potential cost increases or shortfalls in funding.
TDX is prepared to absorb any additional cost increases beyond what is stated in this proposal.
6.2.4 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.
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This feasibility study will a complete project on its own merits.
However, it may be used as a base for future projects.
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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
See 6.1.3
The feasibility study in itself will not benefit the public other than raise public awareness of the benefit
renewables can provide. However, projects borne from the conclusions of the feasibility study will
benefit the public and lead to stronger more economically sustainable community with better paying
jobs. Once large scale renewable projects are implemented positive there should be positive global
exposure as to how remote Alaskan communities are addressing the high cost of energy and finding
cost effective renewable and sustainable solutions.
6.3 Other Public Benefit
Criteria: Stage 3-4.C: Other benefits to the Alaska public are demonstrated. Avoided costs alone will
not be presumed to be in the best interest of the public.
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SECTION 7 – SUSTAINABILITY
Describe your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable throughout its
economic life.
Include at a minimum:
Capability of the Applicant to demonstrate the capacity, both administratively and financially, to
provide for the long-term operation and maintenance of the proposed project
Is the Applicant current on all loans and required reporting to state and federal agencies?
Likelihood of the resource being available over the life of the project
Likelihood of a sufficient market for energy produced over the life of the project
The results from this feasibility study will be used as the basis to implement a larger renewable
project for the community of St Paul. TDX has successfully developed and implemented previous
renewable projects and intends to do so again.
SECTION 8 – PROJECT READINESS
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
Once the grant is awarded, work on the feasibility study may begin immediately.
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. The Documentation of support must be dated within one year of the RFA date of July
8, 2015.
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SECTION 10 – COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER AWARDS
Identify other grants that may have been previously awarded to the Applicant by the Authority 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 requests.
TDX Power competitively won a $1.2 million Microgrid grant for DOE that will help identify and control
issues associated with fast, medium, and slow response renewable dispatchable loads.
TDX successfully intertied 2 x 225 kW wind turbines into the City of St. Paul’s electrical distribution
system and has the City’s support for Microgrid implementation.
TDX has successfully owned and operated a 550 kW high wind penetration wind-diesel system for
the last 15-years (since 1999) that operates >20% of the time in wind-only mode (diesel-off) without
any electrical storage. This system supplies reliable electricity and heat to the Business Park and
industrial area next to the St. Paul airport.
SECTION 11 – LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR PRIOR PHASES
In the space below please provide a list additional documents attached to support completion of prior
phases.
No prior project phases.
SECTION 12 – LIST OF ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION
In the space below please provide a list of additional information submitted for consideration.
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Community/Grantee Name:
Regular Election is held: Date:
Printed Name Title Term Signature
Kord Christianson President, TDX Power
I authorize the above person(s) to sign Grant Documents:
(Must be authorized by the highest ranking organization/community/municipal official)
Printed Name Title Term Signature
See Attached TDX Board
Resolution
Mailing Address:
615 E 82nd Ave, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99518
Phone Number:
907-762-8439
Fax Number:
E-mail Address:
kord@tdxpower.com
Federal Tax ID #: 92-0167220
Please submit an updated form whenever there is a change to the above information.
Grantee Contact Information:
Authorized Grant Signer(s):
SECTION 13 – AUTHORIZED SIGNERS FORM
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A. Contact information and resumes of Applicant’s Project Manager, Project
Accountant(s), key staff, partners, consultants, and suppliers per application form
Section 3.1, 3.4 and 3.6.
Applicants are asked to provide resumes submitted with applications in separate electronic
documents if the individuals do not want their resumes posted to the project web site.
B. Letters or resolutions demonstrating local support per application form Section 9.
C. For projects involving heat: Most recent invoice demonstrating the cost of heating
fuel for the building(s) impacted by the project.
D. Governing Body Resolution or other formal action taken by the applicant’s governing
body or management per RFA Section 1.4 that:
- Commits the organization to provide the matching resources for project at the
match amounts indicated in the application.
- Authorizes the individual who signs the application has the authority to commit the
organization to the obligations under the grant.
- Provides as point of contact to represent the applicant for purposes of this
application.
- Certifies the applicant is in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local,
laws including existing credit and federal tax obligations.
E. An electronic version of the entire application on CD or other electronic media, per
RFA Section 1.7.
F. CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certifies that this application for a renewable energy grant is truthful and
correct, and that the applicant is in compliance with, and will continue to comply with, all
federal and state laws including existing credit and federal tax obligations and that they
can indeed commit the entity to these obligations.
Print Name Kord Christianson
Signature
Title President, TDX Power, Inc.
Date 9/15/2015
SECTION 14 – ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION
SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION: