HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrantApplication7_Heat REV NWAB School District Solar Thermal FINAL-4Renewable Energy Fund Round VII
Grant Application - Heat Projects
Application Forms and Instructions
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form
for Round VII of the Renewable Energy Fund Heat Projects only. If your application is for
energy projects that will not primarily produce heat, please use the standard application form
(see RFA section 1.5). An electronic version of the Request for Applications (RFA) and both
application forms is available online at: www.akenergyauthority.org/REFund7.html.
• If you need technical assistance filling out this application, please contact Shawn Calfa,
the Alaska Energy Authority Grant 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 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.
• 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.
• In the sections below, please enter responses in the spaces provided, often under the
section heading. 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.
• 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 is 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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Grant Application - Heat Projects
SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
Type of Entity: School District Fiscal Year End June 30
Tax ID # 92-0056820 Tax Status: For-profit Non-profit X Government ( check one)
Date of last financial statement audit: September 2013
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Physical Address
744 East Third Avenue, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Telephone
907-442-1800
Fax
907-442-2392
Email
cmcconnell@nwarctic.org
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT / GRANTS MANAGER
Name
Craig McConnell
Title
Director of Property Services
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Telephone
907-442-1848
Fax
907-442-2392
Email
cmcconnell@nwarctic.org
1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Please check as appropriate. If you do not to meet the minimum applicant requirements, your
application will be rejected.
1.2.1 As an Applicant, we are: (put an X in the appropriate box)
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
X A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities);
Yes
or
No
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 or No in the box )
Yes
or
No
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).
Yes
or
No
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/veep/Grant-Template.pdf. (Any exceptions
should be clearly noted and submitted with the application.)
Yes
or
No
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.
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
This section is intended to be no more than a 2-3 page overview of your project.
2.1 Project Title – (Provide a 4 to 7 word title for your project). Type in space below.
NWAB School District Solar Thermal Systems
2.2 Project Location – Northwest Arctic Borough
Include the physical location of your project and name(s) of the community or communities that will
benefit from your project in the subsections below.
2.2.1 Location of Project – Latitude and longitude, 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.
Ambler School – Latitude 67.084985, Longitude -157.8632
Buckland School – Latitude 65.899971, Longitude -161.57341
Deering School – Latitude 65.894924, Longitude -162.552567
Kiana School – Latitude 66.971982, Longitude -160.436275
Kivalina School – Latitude 67.654166, Longitude -164.06456
Kobuk School – Latitude 66.90489, Longitude -157.029362
Kotzebue School – Latitude 66.8983, Longitude -162.5959
Noatak School – Latitude 67.624386, Longitude -163.001633
Noorvik School – Latitude 66.833224, Longitude -161.042926
Selawik School – Latitude 66.599159, Longitude -160.014675
Shungnak School – Latitude 66.893844, Longitude -157.159138
2.2.2 Community benefiting – Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana, Kivalina, Kobuk, Kotzebue, Noatak, Noorvik, Selawik, and
Shungnak
2.3 PROJECT TYPE
Put X in boxes as appropriate
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
Wind to Heat Biomass or Biofuels
Hydro to Heat X Solar Thermal
Heat Recovery from Existing Sources Heat Pumps
Other (Describe)
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Pre-Construction Construction
I. Reconnaissance III. Final Design and Permitting
II. Feasibility and Conceptual Design X IV. Construction and Commissioning
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Provide a brief one paragraph description of the proposed heat project.
This project focuses on installing a solar hot water thermal system in each of the eleven
Northwest Arctic Borough schools to provide a year around economical source of hot water.
Currently, each school’s hot water heater is part of the heating plant, which is separate from
each building. For example, the Kotzebue school’s hot water is heated indirectly with hot glycol
from a boiler module, which also provides space heating. The boiler water heats the school’s
two huge plate and frame heat exchangers where the schools glycol/water-heating medium is
heated. Hot glycol is then circulated through a plate type heat exchanger (for 115 degree water)
and an Amtrol hot water maker for 140-degree hot water.
During the warmest months of the school year, the school must run a boiler to make hot water.
One boiler contains 385 gallons of water, the piping that connects it with the plate and frame
heat exchangers contain approximately 200 gallons. Thus there are times when the school does
not need space heating, but does have need for hot water; just as all the other school’s do.
2.5 PROJECT BENEFIT
Briefly discuss the financial and public benefits that will result from this heat project, (such as reduced fuel
costs, lower energy costs, local jobs created etc.)
The main economic benefit of this solar hot water thermal project will be the displacement of
heating fuel that is used to heat water.
Other anticipated benefits include:
1) heating fuel savings will go directly back into the school district budget to educate
students, retain teachers and staff, and buy needed supplies and equipment,
2) helping NANA meet their vision of being 75% reliant on regionally available energy
resources for heating and electricity by 2030,
3) allowing school facilities to be more available to the community, teachers and visitors
during the summer months due to being able to provide for economical hot water,
4) reduced potential for fuel spills or contamination during transport, storage and use,
and
5) improved air quality.
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2.6 PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW
Briefly discuss the amount of funds needed, the anticipated sources of funds, and the nature and source
of other contributions to the project.
The total amount of funding for this project is $467,252, in which $11,000 will be provided as an
in-kind contribution to the project by the Northwest Arctic Borough School District in the form of
project management and project support.
The funding is for procurement and installation of solar thermal systems for hot water and space
heating.
2.7 COST AND BENEFIT SUMARY
Include a summary of grant request and your project’s total costs and benefits below.
Grant Costs
(Summary of funds requested)
2.7.1 Grant Funds Requested in this application $456,252
2.7.2 Cash match to be provided $ 0
2.7.3 Total In-kind match to be provided (sum of lines below) $ 11,000
Biomass or Biofuel inventory on hand $ -
Energy efficiency improvements to buildings to be
heated (within past 5 years or committed prior to
proposed project completion)
$ -
Other In-Kind match to be provided $ 11,000
2.7.4 Other grant funds to be provided $ -
2.7.5 Other grant applications not yet approved $ -
2.7.6 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 through 2.7.4) $456,252
Project Costs & Benefits
(Summary of total project costs including work to date and future cost estimates to get to a fully
operational project)
2.7.7 Total Project Cost Summary from Cost Worksheet, Section
4.4.4, including estimates through construction. $467,252
2.7.8 Additional Performance Monitoring Equipment not covered
by the project but required for the Grant Only applicable to
construction phase projects.
$ 0
2.7.9 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) $ 86,750/year
2.7.10 Other Public Benefit If you can calculate the benefit in terms
of dollars please provide that number here and explain how you
calculated that number in Section 5 below.
$ -
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SECTION 3 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Describe who will be responsible for managing the project and provide a plan for successfully
completing the project within the scope, schedule and budget proposed in the application.
3.1 Project Manager
Tell us who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include contact information, a
resume and references for the manager(s). 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.
The Northwest Arctic Borough School District (NWABSD) will provide the overall project
management, construction and oversight of the proposed project. NWABSD oversees all the
schools and their facilities throughout the eleven Northwest Arctic Borough communities.
Craig McConnell, NWABSD Director of Property Services will be the Project Manager
overseeing this project. Craig will perform all management and oversight functions including,
but not limited to: purchasing of materials, project schedule, construction, budget, and
operations and maintenance of the project. Craig has been in his current role with the
NWABSD since 1998 and has overseen and managed numerous facility projects. Craig’s
contact information is: 907-442-1848, cmcconnell@nwarctic.org
• Steve Sharrow, NWABSD Energy Manager will be working under the Project Manager
as the primary person responsible for building the solar hot water thermal project at each
school along with the NWABSD’s Journeyman Electrician. He will also be the primary
O&M person for each facility. Steve is a long-time NWABSD employee with extensive
knowledge on each school’s energy system and data collection.
• Karen Goodwin, NWABSD Director of Administration, will also be working under the
Project Manager helping to make sure that the budget is adhered too. Karen has been
in this capacity with the NWABSD since 2007 and prior to that, the Director of
Administration with the Lower Yukon School District.
• Kathy J. Christy, NWABSD Capital Projects Manager since 1999 will be available to
lend any type of project management assistance Craig may have. Kathy has a very
extensive background in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of facilities
statewide.
• Deborah Fields, NWABSD Facilities Management Specialist, will be the one
responsible for collecting all project data for each of the solar hot water thermal systems.
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3.2 Project Schedule and Milestones
Please fill out the schedule below. 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.
Please fill out form provided below. You may add additional rows as needed.
Milestones Tasks
Start
Date
End
Date
1. Grant Agreement Signed Finalize milestones and tasks 7/1/14 7/31/14
2. Finalize Solar Hot Water
System Size for Each
Community
Evaluate each school’s hot water use
data and determine most economical
size of system
8/1/14
9/1/14
3. Finalize Solar Hot Water
Thermal System Design
Determine system components and
final design
8/1/14
9/15/14
4. Procurement of System
Components
Place order, shipping, receiving of
system components
10/15/15
1/15/15
5. Install, Test and Commission
Solar Hot Water Thermal
Systems in All 11 Schools
Install mounting hardware, panels,
thermal storage, pumps, etc., test and
commission
6/1/15
9/1/15
6. O&M Planning and System
Training
Plan for operations and maintenance
of systems along with system training 6/1/15 10/1/15
7. Operations Data Collection Collect and evaluate data Start-Up Ongoing
8. Evaluation Reporting to AEA Quarterly report writing 12/1/14 12/30/15
9. Project Close-Out Complete all financial and written
reports to AEA and NWABSD. 1/1/16 4/30/16
3.3 Project Resources
Describe the personnel, contractors, accounting or bookkeeping personnel or firms, equipment,
and services you will use to accomplish the project. Include any partnerships or commitments
with other entities you have or anticipate will be needed to complete your project. Describe any
existing contracts and the selection process you may use for major equipment purchases or
contracts. Include brief resumes and references for known, key personnel, contractors, and
suppliers as an attachment to your application.
The NWABSD will work with each school on all aspects of this project. NWABSD will use its
own staff, including the project manager and installation crew with direction from ABS Alaskan,
Inc. It will be the NWABSD maintenance department that will provide operations and
maintenance of the systems along with pertinent training.
ABS Alaskan, Inc. will work with the NWABSD to finalize the system design, procure system
equipment correct in size and provide installation guidance.
Potential subcontractors could be ABS Alaskan, Inc., and Remote Solutions, LLC.
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3.4 Project Communications
Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status.
Please provide an alternative contact person and their contact information.
Craig McConnell and his team will conduct regular weekly or bi-weekly
meetings/teleconferences to ensure the project milestones and tasks are being met. At times,
these meetings will also include individual community school staff and residents to keep them
appraised of the project installation and operation schedule.
Communication will be by telephone, fax, and email as needed and sometimes on a daily basis
with the project team, school staff and AEA. Written quarterly reports will be filed on a timely
basis with AEA.
Alternate Contact: Steve Sharrow, NWABSD Energy Manager – ssharrow@nwarctic.org, 907-
442-1800
3.5 Project Risk
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
The biggest risk associated with this project is the long-term ownership liabilities and the
associated risk(s) with ownership since the NWABSD is responsible for all aspects of the
project, including ownership.
Other risks include:
• Shipment/receiving delays – would need to adjust installation schedule
• Vandalism of solar panels – try to locate in a visible area or on school roof that would
deter would-be vandals from getting caught
• System under/oversized – make sure system is sized appropriately during the design
phase and have a method in place for excess hot water
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SECTION 4 – PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND TASKS
• The level of information will vary according to phase(s) of the project you propose to
undertake with grant funds.
• 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 satisfied and funding for an advanced phase is warranted.
4.1 Proposed Energy Resource
Describe the potential extent/amount of the energy resource that is available.
Discuss 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.
On average, the daily solar radiation flux for the Northwest Arctic Borough ranges between 2 to 3
kWh/square meter. Due to the high cost of fuel, solar hot water can be practical for up to nine
month of the year.
4.1.2 For Biomass Projects Only
Identify any wood inventory questions, such as:
• Ownership/Accessibility. Who owns the land and are their limitations and restrictions to
accessing the biomass resource?
• Inventory data. How much biomass is available on an annual basis and what types
(species) are there, if known?
N/A
4.2.1 Basic configuration of Existing Heating Energy System
Briefly discuss the basic configuration of the existing energy system. Include information about
the number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
The basic configuration of the existing energy systems is similar for all schools in the Northwest
Arctic Borough School District. One example of this is the Kotzebue school, where water is
heated indirectly with hot glycol from a boiler module, which also provides space heating. The
boiler water heats the school’s two huge plate and frame heat exchangers where the school’s
glycol/water-heating medium is heated. Hot glycol is then circulated through a plate type heat
exchanger (for 115 degree water) and an Amtrol hot water maker for 140 degree hot water.
During the warmest moths of the school year, the school must run a boiler to make hot water.
One boiler contains 385 gallons of water, the piping that connects it with the page and frame heat
exchangers contain approximately 200 gallons. Thus, there are times when the school does not
need space heating, but does need hot water. The proposed solar thermal system will provide
hot water during these times which will not only save heating fuel that would directly be used for
hot water heating but also will prevent the boiler from turning on and wasting fuel to heat up a
large glycol loop.
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4.2.2 Existing Heating Energy Resources Used
Briefly discuss your understanding of the existing energy resources. Include a brief discussion of
any impact the project may have on existing energy infrastructure and resources.
Existing heating energy resources used for space heating and hot water is restricted to heating
fuel.
4.2.3 Existing Heating Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
There will be no impact to any energy customers in the region by the NWABSD installing solar
thermal systems on the school roofs. The only impact will be positive as the school district
realizes reduced heating fuel consumption.
4.3 Proposed System
Include information necessary to describe the system you are intending to develop and address
potential system design, land ownership, permits, energy efficiency and environmental issues.
4.3.1 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
• Basic integration concept
• Delivery methods
• Energy efficiency measures (building envelope)
The purpose of this project is to install a solar hot water thermal system on the roof of every
school in the Northwest Arctic Borough primarily for hot water and secondarily for space heating.
There have been residential solar thermal installations in Kotzebue which have provided the
region with confidence in the technology. These studies have indicated that flat plate designs are
preferential to evacuated tubes. While evacuated tubes have improved performance the flat plate
have a more reliable design and can better withstand the arctic climate with less upkeep.
The Heliodyne GOBI 410 003 is 121.5” high and 47.5” wide for a gross area of 40.15 sq. ft. The
panels have a blue sputter coating which offer optimal heat absorption which makes them suitable
for any climate and region-including Alaska. Each school will have ten panels for a combined
gross area of 401 sq. ft.
The installed capacity for each school is set to meet the summer hot water needs of the janitorial
staff and the summer staff, teachers and visitors. The storage tanks will be approximately 70
gallons.
The collector modules will be rack mounted and collect solar radiation. This thermal energy will
be transferred to a 50/50 glycol mix solution which circulates in a closed loop through a heat
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exchanger. This heat exchanger connects to the domestic hot water loop. Thermal energy from
the solar panels is added to the domestic hot water loop. A secondary water storage tank will
allow for the addition of electrical on demand heat to bump up the temperature of the water when
and if needed. This allows for the standard oil fired boiler to provide hot water when the solar
energy is not available. This also allows for installation to occur with minimum negative impact on
the existing systems at the schools.
Heliodyne’s Helio Pak heat exchanger provides for protection from overheating and/or freezing by
allowing either cold or warm water to circulate around the glycol loop as needed. In addition, all
installations will include Heliodyne’s Delta-T Pro controller, Gundfos flow sensor, and a wi-fi hub.
This will allow for an access to a variety of customizable settings to enable greater control for the
NWABSD.
The anticipated barriers in implementing this technology will be adapting this standardized
technology to each unique school building. In addition, the data from the solar thermal systems
will be integrated to each school’s existing SCADA system for greater system wide monitoring
and control. Integrating the plumbing and the data will represent a hurdle, but not an
insurmountable one.
Energy efficiency measures which have been taken at each and every school on an annual basis.
The maintenance department of the school aggressively seeks out measures to reduce electrical
and thermal energy reduction and the resulting utility costs.
4.3.2 Land Ownership
Identify potential land ownership issues, including whether site owners have agreed to the project
or how you intend to approach land ownership obtain harvest contracts and access issues.
The land and buildings that will be modified to accept the installation of the solar thermal racks
are owned by the NWABSD. There will be no land ownership issues with this project.
4.3.3 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 discussion of potential barriers
There are no necessary permits for the installation of the solar thermal panels on top of the school
district buildings.
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4.3.4 Environmental
Address 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 discuss other potential barriers
There are no environmental issues under consideration for this project. There are no threatened
or endangered species, no habitat issues, no wetland considerations, and no archaeological or
historical resources will be disturbed during this project. There is no land development occurring.
There will be no interference with telecommunications and there are no singles emitted with these
systems. The solar thermal panels are passive and therefore pose no threat to birds.
The solar thermal panels will be installed on the roof of schools in the 11 communities of the
Northwest Arctic Borough. These panels do not pose a safety risk to aviation as the profile is low.
The panels will be secured to the rack mounts and engineered to withstand the harsh winds found
in northwest Alaska.
4.4 Proposed New System Costs and Projected Revenues
(Total Estimated Costs and Projected Revenues)
The level of cost information provided will vary according to the phase of funding requested and
any previous work the applicant may have done on the project. Applicants must reference the
source of their cost data. For example: Applicants records or analysis, industry standards,
consultant or manufacturer’s estimates.
4.4.1 Project Development Cost
Provide detailed project cost information based on your current knowledge and understanding of
the project. Cost information should include the following:
• Total anticipated project cost, and cost for this phase
• Requested grant funding
• Applicant matching funds – loans, capital contributions, in-kind
• Identification of other funding sources
• Projected capital cost of proposed renewable energy system
• Projected development cost of proposed renewable energy system
The system costs have been obtained using a combination of manufacturer’s estimates and post
installation budget data.
The total anticipated project cost is $457,663. The equipment cost per school is $15,373.00.
The development costs per installation is estimated at 40%; shipping is estimated at 40%; travel
for installers (3 installers roundtrip from Kotzebue) will be $2,000 per school.
Project management will be completed partially in-kind by the NWABSD and this is estimated at
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20% of the overall project cost. The total capital cost for each school is approximately $41,600.
To complete the installation in 11 communities the total project cost is $457,662. The NWABSD
will contribute to the project by providing a portion of the project management costs as in-kind
contribution to the project. This will equate to $1,000 per school for a total of $11,000.
Therefore, the grant request is $446,662
4.4.2 Project Operating and Maintenance Costs
Include anticipated O&M costs for new facilities constructed and how these would be funded by
the applicant.
(Note: Operational costs are not eligible for grant funds however grantees are required to meet
ongoing reporting requirements for the purpose of reporting impacts of projects on the
communities they serve.)
The NWABSD already has a significant operations and maintenance budget. Plumbers and
electricians make regular routine trips to village schools for preventative and problematic issues.
The operation and maintenance budget for the school district is $8,272,385 per year and this
includes heating fuel, electricity, communications, garbage, and water and sewer. This can be
broken down per school: Ambler ($312,780), Buckland ($506,900), Deering ($191,000), Kiana
($420,500), Kivalina ($291,500), Kobuk ($151,800), Noatak ($680,000), Noorvik ($572,800),
Shungnak ($315,400), Selawik ($574,000), Kotzebue Elementary ($304,000), and Kotzebue
Middle and High ($616,000).
The solar thermal systems will be added to the list of routine maintenance and will not be a
burden on the current O&M budget. However, in order to be conservative with resources, it is
estimated that these systems will incur an additional cost of $500 per school for a total O&M
increase of $5,500 per year.
4.4.3 Heat Purchase/Sale
The heat purchase/sale information should include the following:
• Identification of potential energy buyer(s)/customer(s)
• Potential heat purchase/sales price - at a minimum indicate a price range
• Proposed rate of return from grant-funded project
The thermal energy generated by the solar thermal systems will not be sold, but rather used for
the generation of hot water which will be consumed by the staff and teachers at the school during
the summer months.
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4.4.4 Project Cost Worksheet
Complete the cost worksheet form which provides summary information that will be considered in
evaluating the project.
Please fill out the form provided below and provide most recent heating fuel invoice that supports
the amount identified in “Project Benefits” subpart b below.
Renewable Energy Source
The Applicant should demonstrate that the renewable energy resource is available on a
sustainable basis.
Annual average resource availability. 3.30 kWh/m2/day average of all 11 schools
Unit depends on project type (e.g. windspeed, hydropower output, biomasss fuel)
Existing Heating Energy Generation and Usage
a) Basic configuration
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
b) Annual O&M cost (if system is part of the Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Annual O&M cost for labor $4,108,226
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor $8,272,385
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] 2,860,219 kWh total with a 260,020 kWh average between the 11 schools
ii. Fuel usage
Diesel [gal]
Other
iii. Peak Load
iv. Average Load
v. Minimum Load
vi. Efficiency
vii. Future trends
d) Annual heating fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Diesel [gal or MMBtu] 409,020 gal total with a 37,184 gal average between the
11 schools
ii. Electricity [kWh]
iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu]
iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu]
v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons]
vi. Other
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
Proposed Sys tem 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]
54.5 kW
b) Proposed annual electricity or heat production (fill in as applicable)
i. Electricity [kWh] 477,785 kWh/yr
ii. Heat [MMBtu] 1,631.3 MMBtu
c) Proposed annual fuel usage (fill in as applicable)
i. Propane [gal or MMBtu]
ii. Coal [tons or MMBtu]
iii. Wood or pellets [cords, green tons,
dry tons]
iv. Other
Project Cost
a) Total capital cost of new system $467,252
b) Development cost $ 0
c) Annual O&M cost of new system $ 5,500
d) Annual fuel cost $ 0
Project Benefits
a) Amount of fuel displaced for
i. Electricity
ii. Heat 17,281 gallons
iii. Transportation
b) Current price of displaced fuel $5.02/gal average of the 11 schools
c) Other economic benefits
d) Alaska public benefits
Heat Purchase/Sales Price
a) Price for heat purchase/sale
Project Analysis
a) Basic Economic Analysis
Project benefit/cost ratio 2.36
Payback (years) 5.4 years
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
4.4.5 Building Efficiency
Please address the following items related to the proposed location of the heating project. If
more than one building will be impacted, please address this information for each building.
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
SECTION 5– PROJECT BENEFIT
Explain the economic and public 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:
• Potential annual fuel displacement (gallons and dollars) over the lifetime of the evaluated
renewable energy project. In order for the applicant to receive credit for heating fuel
displaced the applicant must provide the most recent invoice for heating fuel purchased.
• Anticipated annual revenue (based on i.e. a Proposed Heat Purchase Agreement price,
RCA tariff, or cost based rate)
• Potential additional annual incentives (i.e. tax credits)
• Potential additional annual revenue streams (i.e. green tag sales or other renewable
energy subsidies or programs that might be available)
• Discuss the non-economic public benefits to Alaskans over the lifetime of the project
The main project benefit is the displacement of heating fuel used to heat water. Other
anticipated benefits include:
1) heating fuel savings will go directly back into the school district budget to educate
students, retain teachers and staff, and buy needed supplies and equipment,
2) helping NANA meet their vision of being 75% reliant on regionally available energy
resources for heating and electricity by 2030,
3) allowing school facilities to be more available to the community, teachers and visitors
during the summer months due to being able to provide for economical hot water,
4) reduced potential for fuel spills or contamination during transport, storage and use, and
5) improved air quality.
The GOBI 410 003 (which is 40.15 sq. ft or 3.73 m2) will produce 11.9 kWh/day. This is based
on performance testing completed by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. The
Northwest Arctic Borough has a low average radiation level of 3.3 kWh/m2/day. This coincides
closely with the definition of ‘low radiation’ that SRCC uses during performance testing which
determined that the panel will output 3.1 kWh/m2/day (See Appendix D). Ten such panels will
be installed. Using this average it is estimated that in NW Alaska, the production from 10 panels
will be 119 kWh per day or 43,435 kWh/year. This is equivalent to 148,300,000 Btu/yr. Using
the heating value of #2 diesel (138,500 But/gallon) this is approximately 1071 gallons of heating
fuel saved per school each year. The average savings would be approximately $5,376 per year
based on the FY13 district wide average for heating fuel ($5.02/gal). This equates to a district
wide savings of $59,140 and 11,781 gallons.
Other fuel savings will be realized through increased system efficiency as there will be no need
to turn on the diesel powered boilers during the summer months-as has been done in the
previous years. The estimated savings for this heating fuel per school is 500 gallons per
school. This equates to $27,610 per year for the district or 5,500 gallons.
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The total annual fuel savings will be 17,281 gallons of heating fuel which is $86,750 per year at
current fuel prices. The total capital cost of the project is $467,252. The simple payback of the
project is in 5.4 years.
In these communities, each school is important to the well-being and future of the entire
community and with more affordable heating it allows the school to operate more economically.
This overhead savings can be directed to direct educational expenses.
SECTION 6– SUSTAINABILITY
Discuss your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable.
Include at a minimum:
• Proposed business structure(s) and concepts that may be considered.
• How you propose to finance the maintenance and operations for the life of the project
• Identification of operational issues that could arise.
• A description of operational costs including on-going support for any back-up or existing
systems that may be require to continue operation
• Commitment to reporting the savings and benefits
The NWABSD already has a significant operations and maintenance budget as well as in-house
staff. Plumbers and electricians make regular routine trips to village schools for preventative and
problematic issues.
The solar hot water thermal systems will be added to the list of routine maintenance and will not
be a burden on the current O&M budget. However, in order to be conservative with resources, it
is estimated that these systems will incur an additional cost of $500 per school for a total O&M
increase of $5,500 per year.
SECTION 7 – READINESS & COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER GRANTS
Discuss what you have done to prepare for this award and how quickly you intend to proceed
with work once your grant is approved.
Tell us what you may have already accomplished on the project to date and identify other grants
that may have been previously awarded for this project and the degree you have been able to
meet the requirements of previous grants.
The NWABSD has spent many years discussing ways to reduce their hot water heating costs,
especially in the summertime and solar always seemed to be the answer. However, the cost
benefit of a solar system did not make sense until recently with the falling prices of such a
system.
Once the grant is awarded the NWABSD will be prepared to start working on the grant
immediately with a final system design because a conceptual design has been in place for quite
some time.
NWABSD has been awarded and completed numerous grants.
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SECTION 8 – LOCAL SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION
Discuss local support and opposition, known or anticipated, for the project. Include letters of
support 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 2,
2013.
See Appendix B for Letters of Support.
SECTION 9 – GRANT BUDGET
Tell us how much you are seeking in grant funds. Include any investments to date and funding
sources, how much is being requested in grant funds, and additional investments you will make
as an applicant.
The project will be primarily funded through the Alaska Energy Authority Funds. The Northwest
Arctic Borough School District will contribute a portion of project management support as an in-
kind match.
The project budget was completed using pricing information obtained from Heliodyne Systems
as well as from ABS Alaskan, Inc. The estimates for installation labor, shipping, and contractual
services were obtained through evaluation of similar projects throughout the State of Alaska.
Salary information is included for a Journeyman Plumber and a Journeyman Electrician who will
be completing the installations on site. The contractual services are estimated based on
potential need for outside engineering and support from ABS Alaskan, Inc. For the Kotzebue
Solar Thermal Emerging Energy project the materials and supplies budget were high as the
number of seemingly incidental part and supplies are significant and parts must be flown in from
Anchorage. All work will be performed by the maintenance department of the Northwest Arctic
Borough School District.
Travel between rural Alaska villages is expensive and averages $500 round trip. Therefore,
$2,000 is included for the travel budget during installation. This would allow for three round trip
tickets plus per diem from Kotzebue to the villages. For example, one roundtrip ticket to Kobuk
on Era will cost $475.00. It is expected that two maintenance staff will travel to each site during
installation. A third staff will travel post installation to ensure that the data monitoring system is
functional and that all systems are operational.
Project management and project support funds are attributed to every milestone to ensure that
the proper staff can be allocated to the project as needed to have a successful project.
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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 Milestone list
below. )
1. Grant Agreement Signed 7/31/14 $ 10,000 $ 1,000 In-Kind $ 11,000
2. Finalize Solar Hot Water
System Size for Each Community 9/1/14 $ 10,000 $ 1,000 In-Kind $ 11,000
3. Finalize Solar Hot Water
Thermal System Design 9/15/14 $169,103 $ 1,000 In-Kind $170,103
4. Procurement of System
Components 1/15/15 $ 32,000 $ 2,000 In-Kind $ 34,000
5. Install, Test and
Commission Solar Hot Water
Thermal Systems in All 11 Schools
9/1/15 $197,000 $ 2,000 In-Kind $199,000
6. O&M Planning and System
Training 10/1/15 $ 10,000 $ 1,000 In-Kind $ 11,000
7. Operations Data Collection Ongoing $ 10,000 $ 1,000 In-Kind $ 11,000
8. Evaluation Reporting to
AEA 12/30/15 $ 10,000 $ 1,000 In-Kind $ 11,000
9. Project Close-Out 4/30/16 $ 8,149 $ 1,000 In-Kind $ 9,149
TOTALS $456,252 $ 11,000 $467,252
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $210,149 $ 11,000 In-Kind $221,149
Travel & Per Diem $ 22,000 $ $ 22,000
Equipment $169,103 $ $169,103
Materials & Supplies $ 33,000 $ $ 33,000
Contractual Services $ 22,000 $ $ 22,000
Construction Services $ - $ - - $ -
Other $ - $ - - $ -
TOTALS $456,252 $ 11,000 $467,252
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Grant Application - Heat Projects
Project Milestones that should be addressed in Budget Proposal
Reconnaissance Feasibility Design and
Permitting Construction
1. Project scoping and
contractor solicitation.
2. Resource
identification and
analysis
3. Land use, permitting,
and environmental
analysis
4. Preliminary design
analysis and cost
5. Cost of energy and
market analysis
6. Simple economic
analysis
7. Final report and
recommendations
1. Project scoping
and contractor
solicitation.
2. Detailed energy
resource analysis
3. Identification of
land and regulatory
issues,
4. Permitting and
environmental
analysis
5. Detailed analysis
of existing and
future energy costs
and markets
6. Assessment of
alternatives
7. Conceptual design
analysis and cost
estimate
8. Detailed economic
and financial
analysis
9, Conceptual
business and
operations plans
10. Final report and
recommendations
1. Project scoping
and contractor
solicitation for
planning and
design
2. Permit
applications (as
needed)
3. Final
environmental
assessment and
mitigation plans
(as needed)
4. Resolution of
land use, right of
way issues
5. Permit approvals
6. Final system
design
7. Engineers cost
estimate
8. Updated
economic and
financial analysis
9. Negotiated
power sales
agreements with
approved rates
10. Final business
and operational
plan
1. Confirmation that all
design and feasibility
requirements are
complete.
2. Completion of bid
documents
3. Contractor/vendor
selection and award
4. Construction Phases
–
Each project will have
unique construction
phases, limitations,
and schedule
constraints which
should be identified
by the grantee
5. Integration and
testing
6. Decommissioning
old systems
7. Final Acceptance,
Commissioning and
Start-up
8. Operations
Reporting
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SECTION 10 – AUTHORIZED SIGNERS FORM
Community/Grantee Name:
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
Regular Election is held:
October
Date:
9/24/2013
I authorize the above person(s) to sign Grant Documents:
(Highest ranking organization/community/municipal official)
Grantee Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone Number:
907-442-1848
Fax Number:
907-442-2391
E-mail Address:
cmcconnell@nwarctic.org
Federal Tax ID #: 92-0056820
Please submit an updated form whenever there is a change to the above information.
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SECTION 11 – ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION
SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
A. Contact information, resumes of Applicant’s Project Manager, key staff, partners,
consultants, and suppliers per application form Section 3.1 and 3.4. 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 8.
C. For heat projects only: 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. One paper copy and one electronic version of the entire application on CD or other
electronic media, per RFA Section 1.7.
F. CERTIFICATION
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Appendix B: Letters of Support
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Appendix C: Most Recent Invoices Showing Cost of Heating Fuel (missing invoices for
Ambler, Kivalina, Kobuk and Noatak)
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Appendix D: Equipment Certification
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