HomeMy WebLinkAboutNWAB Noatak Solar Array _AEA Round 7Renewable Energy Fund Round VII
Grant Application -Standard Form
SECTION 1 -APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
Northwest Arctic Borough
Type of Entity: Local Government Fiscal Year End June 30th
Tax 10 I 92.0116661 Tax Status:_For-profit __LNon-profit _Government ( check one)
Date of last financial statement audit:
Mailing Address Physical Address
P.O. Box 1110, Kotzebue, Ak, 99752 163 Lagoon st
Telephone 907-442-2500 Fax 907-442-2930 Email IMathlasson@nwabor.org
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT I GRANTS MANAGER
Name Title
Ingemar Mathlasson Energy & Resource Coordinator
Mailing Address
P .O. Box 1110, Kotzebue, Ak, 99752
Telephone Fax Emai l
907-445-2031 907-442-2930 IMathlasson@nwabor.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)
A n 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
X A loca l government, or
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A governmental e ntity (Which includes tribal councils and housing authorities):
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Yes 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 1.2.3 As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and
follow procurement standards that comply with t he standards set forth in the grant
agreement (Section 3 of the R:FA)_
I; Yes 1.2.4 J;f awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and condit ions of the award as
identified in the Standard Grant Agreement template at
httl;!:llwww.akenerg~autho rit~.org/V~eQ/Gra nt-Tem(;!la te.Qdf. (Any exceptions
shoul d be clearly noted and submitted with the appltcati on.)
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No 1.2.5 We i ntend 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-Standard Form
We intend to tum over ownership and operation to the current utility in the community.
SECTION 2-PROJECT SUMMARY
T/1fS section is intended to be no more than a 2-3 page overview of your project.
2.1 Project Title -(Provide a ~ to 1 word title for your project). Type in space below.
Noatak Utility size Photovoltaic Array Construction Project
2.2 Project Location -
Include the physical location of your project and name(s) of the community or communities that will
benefit from yolJr project ;n 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 projecrs location on the map
and then right clicking with the mouse and selecting "Wha t is here? The coordinates will be displayed in tile Googfe
search window above the map in a fonnat as follows: 61 .195676.-149.898663. If you would like assistance obtaining
this infonnation please contact AEA at 907-771-3031 .
The project will be located in the village of Noatak, Alaska (population 514 ).
Noatak is 50 miles north of Kotzebue. The Community coordinates are 67.572031 North and
-162.975085 W. Longitude.
2.2.2 Community benefiting~ Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
It will benefit the village of Noatak.
2.3 PROJECT TYPE
Put X in boxes as appropriate
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
Wind Biomass or Biofuels (excluding heat-only)
Hydro, Including Run of River Hydrokinetic
Geothermal, Excluding Heat Pumps Transmission of Renewable Energy
X Solar Photovoltaic Storage of Renewable
Other (Describe) Small Natural Gas
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Pre-Construction Construction
Reconnaissance Final Design and Permitting
Feasibility and Conceptual Design X Construction and Commissioning
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Grant Application -Standard Form
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
I
Provide a brief one paragraph description of the proposed project.
Northwest Artie Borough is seeking $447,800.00 from this Grant Program on behalf of Noatak
and Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AVEC), to add a solar e nergy component to the
existing diesel power generation system that serves the community. Northwest arctic Borough
will construct a new 52 .5 kW array of 210 pc. 250W, Photovoltaic (PV) modules in Noatak,
Alaska. The array will be inclined at 34 degrees from May through September, and 90 degrees
the remainder of the year to take advantage of the solar angle at this northerly location. The
annual power production of the a rray is estimated to be approximately 49,500 kWh (with
shading). The solar array will be located on a lot of land under discussion near the powerplant.
A Feasibility study was performed for a system of similar size in 2008, see attached.
A request for funding was turned in at that time for round 1, Renewable Energy Fund.
Since that time fuel prices have increased and equipment( Solar Arrays) have come down in
price. This have made the project more economically feasible.
Considering that no other renewable energy option is available for Noatak as Wind and Hydro is
below development stage, Solar-PV is a good match for this community.
Additionally Solar-PV is being successfully installed and integrated for the regions Water-plants
to help offset the use of Diesel fuel and lower the cost of living .
2.5 PROJECT BENEFIT
Briefly discuss the financial and public benefits that will result from this project, (such as reduced fuel
costs, lower energy costs, local jobs created, etc.)
This project will lower energy costs in Noatak 3 ,667 Gallons per year. Calculated from diesel
efficiency of 13.5 Kwh/g.
Using AVEC's 2013 fuel price of $7.45/gallon, this project will save approximately $
27,319.00/year.
Currently, diesel-fuel power generation is the only source of electricity in Noatak. In general, the
cost of fuel is affected by two variables: the price of oil and the cost of delivery. The high cost of
fuel transportation is the primary factor behind high fuel costs in the remote communities.. Air
deliveries are complicated by a periodic shortage of aircraft that are equipped to deliver fuel. As
a result, fuel delivery costs are high. In 2011-2013, all fuel deliveries to Noatak were made by
air.
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.
Northwest Arctic Borough is proposing to construct two new 52.5 kW array of solar panels in
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Grant Application -Standard Form I
Shungnak and Noatak, Alaska. The project will cost$ 447 ,BOO . Northwest Arctic Borough
requests$ 447,800 from the State of Alaska through a Renewable Energy Fund award.
If needed NANA Regional Corporation(NRC) will contribute gravel as an in kind source.
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 requestecl)
2.7.1 Grant Funds Requested In this application $ 447,800.00
2.7.2 Cash match to be provided $
2.7.3 In-kind match to be provided $
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) $ 447,800.00
Project Costs & Benefits
(Summary of total project costs including work to date and future c ost estimates to get to a fully
operational project)
2 .7 .7 Total Project Cost Summary from Cost Worksheet, Section $ 447,800.00
4.4.4, i ncluding es timates through construction.
2.7.8 Additional Performance Monitoring Equipment not covered $
by the project but required for the Grant Only applicable to
construction phase projects.
2.7.9 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) $ 27,319.00/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
calcula ted that number in Section 5 below.
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 th e application.
3.1 Project Manager .
Tell us who will be managing the project for the G rantee 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 appl icant expects project management assistance from
AEA or another government entity, state that in this section.
Proj ect Manager for NAB.
Ingemar Mathiasson
Energy & Resource Coordinator
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Grant Application ... Standard Form I
Email; IMathiasson@nwabor.org
Tel. 907-445-2031
Resume'
Graduated 1978 Electronicsffelecommunications, Sweden
1978-80 Electronic Engineer for the Swedish Army
1980-82 Communication Engineer for Swedish Radio
1982 Emigrated to USA
1982-87 Owner and operation manager for "R&R Communications Inc. in Kalamazoo Mi.
1987 Moved to Alaska
1987 -today , owner & Operation manager of "Electronic Service" a telecommunication
Company.
Jan 2009-today, Energy & Resource Coordinator for the Northwest Arctic Borough.
During the 2009-2013 timeframe, managed multiple Energy projects including:
• Smart meters installations in all NAB Households
• Solar PV-Arrays for all 11 water-plants in the borough .
• Wind diesel project for Buckland, Noorvik and Deering.
• Eocycle emerging wind technology project.
Also developed the Northwest Arctic Borough's Energy Steering Committee with over-site of the
Northwest Arctic Energy Plan.
References will be forwarded as needed.
Milestones Tasks Start Date End Date
Final Design Complete 12/31/12
All Permits Received 12/31/12
Bid Documents Complete 12/31/12
Contractor and Vendors Vender Request for Quotes Prepared
Selection and Award Complete and Sent. Bid Docs Sent to Interested
Contractors. 4/1/2014 5/1/2014
Vender and Contractor Bids Received
and Reviewed 5/1/2014 6/1/2014
Equipment and Materials Orders Written, Reviewed, Placed
Ordered 6/1/2014 6/15/2014
'
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Grant Application -Standard Form
Equipment and Materials Shipping
Received
Construction/Installation Hire Locals
I
Tra i ning Concurrent wit h Installation
Surveying/subdivide lot
Site Work
Construction
Installation of Panels
Integration and Testing
Final Acceptance,
Commissioning and Start Up
All Fi nal Reporting
3.3 Project Resources
6/16/2014 7/16/2014
7/16/2014 9/15/2014
7/16/2014 9/31/2014
7/16/2014 7/31/2014
7/16/2014 8/30/2014
7/16/2014 9/31/2014
7/16/2014 9/31/2014
10/1/2014 10/15/2014
10/15/2014
12/31/2014
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.
Northwest Arctic Borough will use the personal in the Energy & Economic Development
Department. Using a regional approach that has proven successful in previous projects to
support the borough communities .
Selection Process for ContractorsNendors: The construction contractor/vendor selection will
be made from a pre-qualified list of contractors/vendors with a s uccessful track record with the
Borough. Pre-qualified contractors/vendors have been selected based upon technical
competencies, past performance, written proposal, quality, cost, and general consensus from an
internal NAB technical steering committee.
An RFP process will be used to select Contractor.
The selection process of contractor would be based on:
• Total cost
• Equipment avai lability
• Warranty
• Previous work done by contractor, if any.
A project manager will be selected and local hire will take place as needed .
3.4 Project Communications
Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authorit y Informed of the status.
Please provide an alternative contact person and their contact information.
Updates on the project will be forwarded as required by AEA, monthly or quarterly.
Uf?dates will a lso be delivered to the Borough Assembl~ on a monthly basis.
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Grant Application .. Standard Form
3.5 Project Risk
I
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
Northwest Ar'Ctic Borough recognizes and makes plans to avoid major consequences for falling
behind schedu le on this project. Since -for the most part-installation cannot occur in the
winter, missing upfront tasks like ordering parts and assigning labor could result in missing the
summer window. The project could be delayed an entire year if the tasks are not completed on
schedule.
Weather could delay shipping materials Into the community; weather can impact the
construction schedule. However. experienced Alaskan contractors, expecting bad weather, will
be selected and will be prepared for weather-related problems.
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 mar1<et 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.
According to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) sola r data, and data from existing Solar-PV
projects in the region , Northwest Arctic Borough expects about 49,500 kWh to be produced each year by a
52 .5 kW array in stalled in Noatak. This assumes that the array is tilted to 49 degrees from May-
September and 85 degrees from October-April, and there is minimal shad ing of the panels. This would
offset about 3% Noatak's present annual electric energy.
Northwest Arctic Borough decided to explore photovoltaic solar energy as a possible energy source after
considering other options. Wind power is not a feasible solution, since the wind resource in this area is
very l ow. Biomass (wood) has been suggested as an alternative heating source for all the villages;
however, its use for electricenergy production is unproven in this region.
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Grant Application-Standard Form
4.2 Existing Energy System
4.2.1 Basic configuration of Existing Energy System
I
Briefly discuss the basic configuration of the existing energy system . Include infonnation about
the number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
Basic configuration of the existing electric utility is:
AVEC currently provides power to the community of Noatak with diesel generators.
A 1210-kW diesel power plant is the present producer of 277/480 VAC electric power. The plant
has a 314 kW (new 1996), a 499 kW {2004) and a 397 kW (1990) kW generator. According to
AVEC's end-of-year 2007 generation statistics, the peak demand recorded to date at the Noatak
power plant is 365 kW, with an overall average plant load in 2007 of 170 kW.
For the community of Noatak, the total production of the AVEC plant in 2011 was 1,847,119 kWh.
The Noatak plant generated 13.64 kWh for each gallon of fuel consumed in 2011.
The cost of fuel in Noatak was $ 5. 78/g
The cost of fuel in Noatak is currently 7.45/g (2013)
4.2.2 Existing 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.
The community of Noatak uses diesel and heating oil as the primary energy resources. They
also use wood heat to a limited degree. Annual diesel fuel consumption for power generation for
FY2007 [PCE report] was 121,434 gallons that produced 1,486,154 kWh
In 2011, 135,419 gallons of diesel fuel were used to generate 1,847,119 Kwh.
At a cost of$ 5.78/gallon
By 2013 the fuel cost have risen to$ 7.45/gallon
Installation of a 52.5 kW solar array, in the community, will help to offset the operations at the power
plant. In addition, this project would help AVEC and AEA to determine whether solar power is a viable
resource in the NANA region and other locations in the state. This project could lead to installations of
other 50 kW arrays in communities where diesel is very expensive and where no other renewable energy
options are readily available.
We anticipate a full integration of the array into the existing power grid.
4.2.3 Existing Energy Market
Discuss existin ener use and its market. have on ener
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