HomeMy WebLinkAboutAfognak Biomass complete package w resRenewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA 13-006 Application Page 1 of 24 7/3/2011
Application Forms and Instructions
This instruction page and the following grant application constitutes the Grant Application Form
for Round 6 of the Renewable Energy Fund. An electronic version of the Request for
Applications (RFA) and this form are available online at:
http://www.akenergyauthority.org/RE_Fund-6.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 satisfied 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.
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.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
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SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
Native Village of Afognak
Type of Entity: Tribal Government Fiscal Year End: December 31
Tax ID # 92-01640005 Tax Status: For-profit or non-profit ( check one)
Mailing Address
323 Carolyn St
Kodiak, AK 99615
Physical Address
same
Telephone
907-486-6357
Fax
907-486-6529
Email
Melissa@afognak.org
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT / GRANTS MANAGER
Name
Melissa Borton
Title
Tribal Administrator
Mailing Address
323 Carolyn St
Kodiak, AK 99615
Telephone
907-486-6357
Fax
907-486-6529
Email
Melissa@afognak.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
1.2.2 Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for its project by
its 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 the standards set forth in the grant
agreement.
Yes
1.2.4 If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the attached
grant form. (Any exceptions should be clearly noted and submitted with the
application.)
Yes
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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SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
This is intended to be no more than a 1-2 page overview of your project.
2.1 Project Title – (Provide a 4 to 5 word title for your project)
Afognak Biomass Feasibility Study
2.2 Project Location –
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.
Kodiak Island – City of Kodiak and road system communities
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.
Lat: 57.7934954 Long: 152.393707
2.2.2 Community benefiting – Name(s) of the community or communities that will be the
beneficiaries of the project.
Kodiak Island Borough
2.3 PROJECT TYPE
Put X in boxes as appropriate
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
Wind X Biomass or Biofuels
Hydro, including run of river Transmission of Renewable Energy
Geothermal, including Heat Pumps Small Natural Gas
Heat Recovery from existing sources Hydrokinetic
Solar Storage of Renewable
Other (Describe)
2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply)
Pre-Construction Construction
X Reconnaissance Design and Permitting
X Feasibility Construction and Commissioning
X Conceptual Design
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Provide a brief one paragraph description of your proposed project.
To conduct a study on the feasibility of installing a biofuel system at the Kodiak High School to
provide fuel/heat to the building, decrease the overall waste going into the Kodiak landfill and
provide a biofuel education service through the Kodiak High School Career and Technical
Program.
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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, etc.)
We believe there would be multiple benefits from this project; first by reducing the fuel costs to
the Kodiak High School and the overall diesel consumption in Kodiak. This is a borough
owned/maintained facility that is run through the public school district. Kodiak has only one high
school with approximately 800 students from the entire Kodiak road system, which would give
this project widespread public benefit. In addition, the proposed biomass system has lower
emissions than diesel.
Second, Kodiak is currently undertaking a landfill expansion project. Our landfill has reached
capacity and the borough has contracted to increase the size of the landfill. This project would
assist in reducing the amount of waste going into the landfill and saving the recycling center the
cost of shipping recyclable materials off-island. In addition, there is still a large portion of the
population that doesn’t recycle. We believe the benefits of this project, and if planned efficiently,
could increase the amount of recycling on Kodiak Island.
Finally, Kodiak as a community is nearing 90% renewable energy for electricity. Discovering if
other renewable resources are feasible in Kodiak is the next natural step. However, we’ll be
more self-sufficient if we train our young people to maintain these facilities instead of bringing on
folks from off-island. The school district is currently in the final planning stages of creating
curriculum to accompany a small wind generator that will provide a training opportunity for the
high school students. If this biofuel system gets installed at the high school it would
complement their renewable energy education program by providing instruction in biofuels.
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.
NVA is requesting $170,974.00 to complete Phase I and Phase II of this project. At this time we
are requesting the entire amount from the Alaska Energy Authority. During each of the phases,
NVA will actively pursue other funding to augment the project.
Community Power Corporation (CPC) has agreed to provide technical support to NVA as
needed throughout the life of the project and provide on-site training in maintaining and
operating the system once installed.
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. $170,974.00
2.7.2 Cash match to be provided $0.00
2.7.3 In-kind match to be provided Unsure at this time
2.7.4 Other grant applications not yet approved $0.00
2.7.5 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 through 2.7.3) $170,974.00
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Project Costs & Benefits
(Summary of total project costs including work to date and future cost estimates to get to a fully
operational project)
2.7.6 Total Project Cost (Summary from Cost Worksheet
including estimates through construction)
$1,633,974
2.7.7 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) $ $ 197,625
(Excluding cardboard recycle
cost benefits. Those are
unknown at this time.)
2.7.8 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 your application
(Section 5.)
Unknown at this time.
Economic evaluations must be
completed. We anticipate
benefits from reduced recycle
costs, improved air emissions,
and reduced diesel fuel
transportation costs.
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). 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.
NVA has had their current office structure since May 1998. In that time we have grown our staff
from a single person office to our current 11 positions. The Tribal Administrator provides day-to-
day management of the operations of the Tribe as well as overall supervision. The Program
Administrator provides supervision for all of NVA’s cultural and education programming and the
Office manager provides supervision over the general office operations.
NVA has experienced no audit findings since our first audit in 2005; we maintained a detailed
financial accounting system with a two-person finance department. The Finance Manager
provides direct oversight over the accounting system and ensures staff adheres to policy.
Since 2005, NVA has developed our capacity for providing excellent project management.
From 2005 to 2009, we managed a multi-million dollar environmental clean-up project at the
Afognak Island Coastal Defense Site through the Native American Land Environmental
Mitigation Project with assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, since
inception we have managed over $8 million in government grants and continue to have an
excellent rating with our grantors.
While NVA has the capacity to provide overall management for this project and facilitate
relationship building at the local level, our staff currently lacks the technical expertise to provide
initial oversight for the proposed biomass system. As such, NVA would contract with
Community Power Corporation (CPC), the manufacturers of the proposed biomass system.
CPC is capable of providing all of the technical oversight needed for Phase I and II of this
project and has agreed to mentor the Tribe in taking over the management should the system
get installed.
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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
Formally Commit NVA Resources
to Project
Planning discussions
7/2013 9/2013
Contract Community Power
Corporation technical experts to
support the reconnaissance and
feasibility phases
Draft and sign contract for negotiated
scope of work
8/2013 9/2013
Pre-Kickoff Discussions With Key
Stakeholders
Obtain Formal Buy-in from
Borough/School District
Obtain Formal Buy-In from Current
Recycling Entities 9/2013 11/2013
Site Assessment Assess basic site configuration,
school facility heating system, gas
plumbing integration, electrical
connections.
Assess the end use of the heating
gas, quantity required, min/max
range,
Base heating load assessment
Determine method of heat delivery
required? 1/2014 4/2014
DECISION POINT 1 Is the site location technically
feasible? If “no,” could the site be
redeveloped to accommodate
biomass system? If “no,”
discontinue. If site location is
viable, proceed. 4/2014 4/2014
Assess Identified Feedstock
Material
Determine woody material species (if
required)
Assess cardboard resources (types,
volumes, etc.)
Assess miscellaneous paper
resources (types, volumes, etc.)
Assess Feedstock quality
Assess annual feedstock availability
Identify critical supply risks 4/2014 6/2014
Assess Potential Feedstock
Sources
Coast Guard Feedstock
Assessment, Others 4/2014 6/2014
DECISION POINT 2 Is there adequate feedstock
volume, quality, and availability?
If “no,” could additional sources
be obtained? If “no,” discontinue.
If adequate feedstock is available,
proceed. 6/2014 6/2014
Assess Logistics Determine the transportation needs.
Determine process/storage needs (if
any)
Estimate personnel needs
Estimate management needs 6/2014 7/2014
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Estimate operation and maintenance
needs
Identify Required Permits and
Potential environmental issues
Identify permit requirements and
land ownership requirements.
Determine known environmental
impacts that could prevent project
development 7/2014 9/2014
DECISION POINT 3 Perform economic and
environmental analysis to prove
viability of the project.
Discontinue if current economics
and environmental conditions do
not support further efforts and
development. 9/2014 9/2014
Meeting with key stakeholders Deliver result of initial site
investigations and reconnaissance 9/2014 10/2014
Establish formal agreement with
feedstock sources
Obtain agreement from recycling
entity to supply feedstock material
Obtain agreement from Kodiak
Borough to establish methods of
collecting additional feedstock
supplies.
Obtain formal agreement from
school district for project
development. 10/2014 11/2014
DECISION POINT 4 Agreement achieved? If “yes,”
proceed. If “no,” discontinue. 11/2014 11/2014
Public Meeting(s) (if required) If required, attend public hearing(s)
to answer questions about the
project. 11/2014 1/2015
Conceptual Design Kickoff
Meeting
Extend agreement with Community
Power Corporation for conceptual
engineering design. 1/2015 1/2015
Concept Design Review with Key
Stakeholders
Review Design details with all key
stakeholders. 1/2015 3/2015
Planning Meeting for Detail Design
and Implementation Phase
Develop preliminary detail design
development action plan 3/2015 5/2015
PROJECT STOP Apply for additional project
funding or identify other sources
of funding. 5/2015 5/2015
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.
NVA Personnel
Melissa Borton is the Tribal Administrator for NVA; she has held this position since June of
2006. Prior to NVA she was a department manager for the Kodiak Area Native Association for
over ten years. Ms. Borton has successfully managed and administered approximately $20
million in federal grants since 1993. She provides the overall day-to-day management of the
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Tribe is the primary liaison to the Tribal Council and provides supervision of all staff. *resume
attached.
Project Coordinator: this position is vacant and would be hired solely to supervise the local
operations of this project and be the liaison between the community, the Tribe and CPC.
Contract Personnel
Community Power Corporation (CPC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Afognak Native
Corporation. CPC, based in Littleton, CO has a staff of scientists and engineers who are
experts in the field of biomass gasification. NVA intends to utilize the technical expertise of
CPC’s engineers for the reconnaissance, feasibility, and conceptual design phases if successful
in obtaining grant funding. It will be critical to have expert review of site conditions and
feedstock sources to verify the technical and environmental feasibility of the project. At this
point in time, NVA has no contractual arrangements with CPC but NVA has received basic
technical information about CPC’s BioMax® gasification systems. At present, it appears the
BioMax® systems are well aligned with the goals and scope of this project.
Third-Party Engineering Review
NVA expects that a third-party engineering review and/or support will be necessary to address
state and local requirements to assess mechanical, electrical, land, safety and permitting
requirements. At present, the level of support required from a third-party firm is unknown and
will be investigated during the conceptual design phase.
Partners
NVA has received support letters from Ken Reinke, Executive Director of Threshold Recycling
and Stewart McDonald, Superintendent of the Kodiak Island Borough School District. Both
organizations have agreed to be partners with NVA on this project. The details of the
partnership responsibilities will be designated in the early stages of this project if awarded.
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.
Section 3.2 highlights the critical milestones that must be achieved in order to prove–or
disprove–this projects viability for continued progression and investment. NVA will
communicate the results of each ‘Decision Point’ milestone in a report, supported by all
technical, economical, and environmental details and data necessary for completion of that
milestone. It is expected that a reconnaissance and feasibility study will reveal unknowns that
cannot be identified before project kick-off. NVA will highlight the unknowns to keep the
Authority informed of any potential creep in scope, schedule or budget.
NVA and our technical experts will review the milestones and develop an actionable, detailed
project management plan. The project management plan will address man-hour requirements,
deliverables, and date requirements. The project manager will monitor the completion of each
sub-task and required deliverables to adhere to the projects scope, schedule and budget.
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3.5 Project Risk
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
Social
Recycling and renewable forms of energy are not widely used by traditionalists. Traditionalists
tend to look upon renewables as unproven and unreliable forms of energy. The Kodiak
population has had a long history of exposure to both hydroelectric energy, and more recently,
wind energy. We feel that the community of Kodiak, with its history of renewable energy use,
will embrace our project since it offers to reduce the amount of waste in our landfills and the
level of diesel exhaust in our air. As with many social risks, communication is critical.
Political
Non-traditional activities in a public environment tend to create questions in public populations,
leading to political backlash if activities are not properly communicated.
It is NVA’s intent to work with the school district and borough representatives, as key project
stakeholders, since they will most likely receive many inquiries from local citizens. This project
requires cooperation from all to achieve maximum public benefit.
Economic
A key component of this reconnaissance and feasibility study must prove that both the waste
management services and the end gas product can be delivered to the point of use in
economical manner such that the public achieves a benefit. Biomass feedstock (cardboard,
paper, and wood waste) must be collected and processed effectively and efficiently. Due to
current recycling practices in Kodiak, it is expected that feedstock sources can be redirected at
a lower cost than current efforts require.
Technological
Biomass gasification systems have been identified. One system, developed by CPC, has
proven operations in-field. However, as with all equipment, it must be maintained and operated
appropriately to achieve maximum benefit. CPC trains owners to maintain and operate its
product, and the typical skills required are readily found in personnel with automotive mechanics
training, a skill-set readily available on Kodiak. Other risks include feedstock contamination. As
the incoming fuel to a gasifier, feedstock material quality must be controlled to minimize cross-
contamination with unknown substances to maintain optimum emissions standards.
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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.
Energy resource is biomass in the form of cardboard, miscellaneous paper, and wood, estimated
to be generated in 707 tons per year, respectively.
Pro: Biomass, as a source of energy, has many advantages over other renewables such
as solar, wind and tidal. Biomass can be utilized 24 hours per day, 7 days per week,
providing a highly reliable, reasonably price energy for its customers. It does not require
the sun to shine, the wind to blow, the waves to break or similar activities to lower facility
costs and reduce the facilities carbon footprint.
Pro: Biomass sources can be located based on customer needs and are less dependent
on geographical positioning to deliver a source of energy. Other forms of energy require
optimum placement and environmental conditions to deliver solar, wind or tidal energy.
Pro: Biomass can be used as method of managing waste in remote communities.
Pro: Biomass synthesis gas can offset the use of diesel, propane, and other petroleum
based products.
Pro: Biomass synthesis gas is clean burning.
Con: Requires a continuously available source of biomass in an economical manner.
Con: Requires storage of feedstock material to ensure clean and dry resources are
available as needed. Storage facilities can be large, depending on local conditions and
deliveries.
Con: Aesthetics can be disagreeable to some people.
4.2 Existing Energy System
4.2.1 Basic configuration of Existing Energy System
Briefly discuss the basic configuration of the existing energy system. Include information about
the number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
Currently the Kodiak High School operates three diesel fired HB Smith series 28 boilers installed
in 1966. The burners model power flame C4-OA HBS-18, 30 gph. Kodiak recently bonded to
renovate and add to our high school, with this major renovation, new boilers are on the horizon.
If funded, we believe the timing of the feasibility study will work perfectly with the preparation for
purchasing new boilers.
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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.
As a user of diesel fired boilers, the Kodiak School District relies on the singular source of heat
for the school buildings. Implementing a biomass gasification system would require the
installation of a duel fuel boiler such as the natural gas and diesel fired boilers available on the
market. NVA proposes utilizing one of these systems, supplemented with synthesis gas, to
offset the use of diesel. The Kodiak School District has indicated that one of the schools is in
dire need of upgrading its obsolete boiler system so the timing for the installation of a duel fuel
boiler system is ideal.
4.2.3 Existing Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
The school utilizes a diesel boiler system. The diesel is acquired through competitive bidding
based on quantity consumed. Since biomass will offset the consumption of diesel, economic
factors may increase the cost per gallon of diesel purchased since a biomass system should not
completely replace the use of diesel.
4.3 Proposed System
Include information necessary to describe the system you are intending to develop and address
potential system design, land ownership, permits, 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
Renewable Technology Description
NVA proposes the use of proven downdraft gasification technology that has the capability to
convert onsite or nearby waste streams and/or residues such as wood chips, nut shells and
briquetted dry and wet waste streams (cardboard, paper, cartons, spoiled produce and food
scraps from commissaries, exchanges and feeding operations) into power, heat and cooling.
Gasification is a thermo-chemical process that converts carbon-rich, biomass feedstocks
into a clean syngas containing equal amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a small
amount of methane and the balance nitrogen. Proprietary systems, such as those
developed by Community Power Corporation, are fully automated systems that use software
to precisely control the material flow, gasification, gas cooling and filtration to produce
extremely clean syngas.
Unlike thermal energy derived from incineration of organic feedstocks, syngas is a clean burning
renewable fuel gas that can be used as a substitute for gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil or propane.
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Additionally, syngas can be further processed into a number of chemical products including
synthetic diesel, jet fuel and more.
Optimum Installed Capacity
Modern gasification systems have varying levels energy producing capacities, and typical offer
up to 80% availability. The optimum gasification system for this project will be identified through
the reconnaissance and feasibility phase. The goal is to assume as much of the project school
base heating load as possible.
Anticipated Capacity Factor
The anticipated capacity factor will need to be determined as part of the reconnaissance and
feasibility phase of this project.
Delivery Methods
Heating energy will be delivered through the direct injection of syngas into a dual fuel boiler
system, similar to natural gas or propane systems. Feedstock material will be delivered in a
manner best suited to the site conditions and economics of the project location, as determined
through reconnaissance and feasibility studies.
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 and access issues.
NVA proposes to locate the system on the high school property nearest the boilers. The Kodiak
High School is in agreement. However, if awarded, we would need to approach the borough
assembly to get final approval of locating our system on their property. Early discussions with
borough staff seem favorable, but final decision will be up to the assembly.
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
At this time, NVA expects that both the Kodiak Borough and Alaska State permits will be
required for air emissions and land use. As a public entity, it is expected that local permits may
be required to for various hot-work and cold-work activities such as plumbing and electrical work.
The reconnaissance and feasibility phase will identify all required permits. We anticipate up to
90 days lead time for each permit.
Renewable energy sources often encounter some level of incompatibility with state or local
guidelines as most were not written with renewable energy technologies in mind. As such, NVA
will need to identify state or local guidelines which may impact permitting of this project.
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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
At present, land development constraints and aesthetics are the only known potential issues. As
a biomass system could actually improve air emissions as opposed to the current, all-diesel
system, environmental, habitat and aviation considerations is not expected to be a concern. The
reduction of landfill waste is also a positive benefit for the Kodiak Borough.
The reconnaissance and feasibility phases must address these considerations for further
discussion.
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
At this point, we are estimating that the total project cost would be $1,633,974. We are
requesting $170,974 for Phase I and Phase II from the Alaska Energy Authority. The remaining
costs are estimates at this time: Purchase of gasification system: $950,000; shipping to site, site
prep, tie-ins, etc: $450,000; O&M: $28,000; Annual fuel cost: $35,000. Throughout Phase I and
Phase II we will research and identify other potential grant sources and identify new and
potential partners.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 14 of 24 7/3//2012
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.)
O&M costs are estimated to be $28,000 annually based on materials and labor expenses of
$20,000 and $8,000, respectively.
4.4.3 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
NVA intends to sell synthesis gas to the Kodiak Borough/Kodiak School District for the
purposes of providing heating service.
Power Sales Price (synthesis gas) estimates are based on a diesel equivalent price of
$1.50/gal.
ROR targets are 15% to 20% for the customer. (based on CPC’s private consumer
projects)
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
Renewable Energy Source
The Applicant should demonstrate that the renewable energy resource is available on a
sustainable basis.
Annual average resource availability. Last year, the Kodiak community including the
Coast Guard base recycled 707 tons of fiber waste.
Unit depends on project type (e.g. windspeed, hydropower output, biomasss fuel)
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 Three boilers
ii. Rated capacity of generators/boilers/other 3.6MMBtu/hr @ 36.4gph, each
iii. Generator/boilers/other type N/A
iv. Age of generators/boilers/other 46 years
v. Efficiency of generators/boilers/other 68-72%
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.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 15 of 24 7/3//2012
b) Annual O&M cost (if system is part of the Railbelt grid, leave this section blank)
i. Annual O&M cost for labor Data unavailable at this time
ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor Data unavailable at this time
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] 155,000 gal
ii. Electricity [kWh] N/A
iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu] N/A
iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu] N/A
v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons] N/A
vi. Other N/A
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]
Biomass source providing up to 1.4MMBtu/hr
(Based on producer gas generated at 300m^3/hr; could add
additional blocks if required.)
b) Proposed annual electricity or heat production (fill in as applicable)
i. Electricity [kWh] N/A
ii. Heat [MMBtu] 10.1 x 10 9 Btu/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 [cords, green tons, dry tons] Possibly, but unknown at present
iv. Other Cardboard [rate of 700 tons/yr, for a BioMax® 100]
Project Cost
a) Total capital cost of new system $950,000 [gasification system]
b) Development cost $450,000 (shipping, site prep, tie-ins, etc.)
Cost of feedstock collection unknown at this time.
c) Annual O&M cost of new system $28,000 (excluding collection point O&M, if required)
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AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 16 of 24 7/3//2012
d) Annual fuel cost $35,000 ($50/ton feedstock cost estimate)
Project Benefits
a) Amount of fuel displaced for
i. Electricity N/A
ii. Heat 85,000 gallons per year (@ 80% availability over entire year)
iii. Transportation N/A
b) Current price of displaced fuel $3.85/gallon
(based on average 2011 price)
c) Other economic benefits Cardboard Disposal/Recycling Savings = $unknown
(waste management benefit unknown at present
d) Alaska public benefits $197,625 in fuel + “other”
(Total would be the sum of b & c, fuel benefit based on
equivalent diesel
purchase at $1.50)
Power Purchase/Sales Price
a) Price for power purchase/sale $126,144.00 @ $1.50/gal equivalent of diesel
Project Analysis
a) Basic Economic Analysis
Project benefit/cost ratio 1.176
Payback (years) 9 years (excluding benefit from cardboard recycle/disposal costs)
4.4.5 Proposed Biomass System Information
Please address the following items, if know. (For Biomass Projects Only)
What woody biomass technology will be installed (cord wood, pellets, chips, briquettes,
pucks). Briquettes (approx.. 1.5” to 2” dia)
Efficiency of the biomass technology: Community Power Corporations downdraft gasification
system is highly efficient, converting approximately 98% of all feedstock into synthesis gas.
Actual cycle efficiency varies by site location, and method of capturing and transferring heat
energy.
Thermal or electric application: Thermal application
Boiler efficiency: Gasifier is 98% efficient in thermochemical conversions
Displaced fuel type and amount: Diesel fuel, 84,096 gallons displaced per year, per each
BioMax 100 unit.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 17 of 24 7/3//2012
Estimated tons of wood pellets or chips (specify) to be used per year, and average moisture
percentage. BioMax 100 will process approximately 700 tons/year. Moisture content ranges
from 40% acceptable for wood chips and cardboard. Entering moisture contents are 7
to12%.
Estimated cords of wood to be used per year, specify whether dry or green and the moisture
percentage: No wood sources are anticipated to be used at project commissioning, although
the resource is available.
Ownership/Accessibility: Who owns the land and are their limitations and restrictions to
accessing the biomass resource? The Kodiak Borough/School District owns the land for the
BioMax® site placement. The cardboard sources are actively recycled at this time. No
known restrictions exist.
Inventory data: How much biomass is available on an annual basis and what types (species)
are there, if known? According to local recyclers and Coast Guard base info, 707 tons of
fiber waste was recycled last year.
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
Anticipated annual revenue (based on i.e. a Proposed Power 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
Fuel Displacement : 840,960 gallons (over 10 years) equal to $3.2MM @$3.85/gal
Anticipated Annual Revenue: $126,144, based on $1.50/gal equivalent diesel cost
provided as producer gas.
Incentives: Renewable projects are known to benefit from tax credits. The
reconnaissance and feasibility phase studies will help determine potential benefits.
Additional Revenue Stream: It is expected that the waste management activities will
generate additional revenues, but the economics of these activities are not known at this
time. These studies are part of the reconnaissance and feasibility phase.
Non-economic benefits: Community Power Corporations patented gasification systems,
meet or exceed every air emission standard in the U.S., with exception of Southern
California. The displacement of diesel with synthesis gas (a.k.a. producer gas) is a
cleaner burning alternative to diesel combustion and is considered a carbon-neutral
source of energy. Furthermore, remote communities like Kodiak Island rely on local
landfills to dispose of waste. Other times, waste is shipped off island. In either scenario,
diverting wastes away from landfills helps protect the local environment, and eliminating
the need to ship waste off island saves energy by reducing barging activities.
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Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 18 of 24 7/3//2012
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
Business Structure
NVA proposes create a business focused on waste management and energy services.
Threshold Recycling, Kodiak Island Borough and Kodiak Island School District have been
approached to discuss this concept. Initial discussions of support are positive. If successful,
NVA would seek to do the following: 1) partner with the recycling entity to source the cardboard
volumes currently under management, 2) collaborate with the Borough to encourage additional
recycling from the local resident, a resource that is largely untapped, and 3) collaborate with the
Borough and School District to install a biomass gasification system for conversion of the
collected biomass. In essence, NVA seeks to manage waste and waste disposal by working
across the biomass energy value-chain. With the high cost of liquid fuels and the logistical costs
of recycling and waste disposal, NVA intend to build a strong economic argument for this project.
Financing
Throughout the feasibility study, NVA will research and pursue viable financing options which
include: potential grant sources, BIA loan guarantee options, corporate financing, etc. No final
decisions or applications will be submitted until feasibility is decided.
Operational Issues
Cardboard feedstock resources can vary based on the level of consumer activity and recycling
efforts. It is essential to understand the volume and frequency of resource availability to establish
the proper collection and processing system.
A clean, contaminant free, feedstock results in air emissions of the highest quality. Accordingly,
staff must be trained to identify potential feedstock contaminants.
Hardware breakdowns can and will occur. Maintaining a strict preventive maintenance schedule
will minimize these occurrences. The skill-set required for the maintenance of processing and
biomass equipment is similar to that of automotive technicians, a skill available in the community.
All critical components required as spares should be inventoried to optimize system availability,
estimated to be 80%.
Operational Costs
Operational and maintenance expenses are estimated to be $28,000 per year for the gasification
system. This includes all scheduled maintenance downtimes and labor costs. Additional
operational costs are related to a collection and processing activities. The logistical requirements
and level of activity are not known at this time but are expected to consist of vehicle maintenance,
shredder maintenance, and briquette equipment maintenance.
Commitment to Reporting
NVA is very familiar with completing and complying with grant reporting requirements. If
awarded, NVA would submit all required reports in a timely fashion.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 19 of 24 7/3//2012
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.
This is a relatively new project idea for NVA, to date all we have done is connect with potential
partners, identify potential viability through research resource availability and prepare this grant
proposal. NVA intends to continue to seek other funding opportunities but hasn’t completed any
others to date.
SECTION 8– LOCAL SUPPORT
Discuss what local support or possible opposition there may be regarding your project. Include
letters of support from the community that would benefit from this project.
We don’t anticipate too much opposition to this project. Kodiak currently has two recycling
operations one non-profit and one for-profit. We have spoken to and garnered support from the
non-profit recycler (Threshold), the for-profit organization we will develop a relationship if the
project gets awarded. In addition, we have received written support from our local school district
but didn’t think we had enough time to discuss this as a potential project with the borough. The
Borough will be a major player if awarded because they are the building and land owners;
however, the school district’s budget pays for utility costs and would realize the greatest benefit
from this project.
SECTION 9 – GRANT BUDGET
Tell us how much you want 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.
Provide a narrative summary regarding funding sources and your financial commitment to the
project.
At this time, NVA is seeking $170,974.00 from the Alaska Energy Authority to complete
Phase I and Phase II. Throughout these phases, NVA will actively research and seek out
other potential funding sources.
CPC has agreed to provide needed technical assistance and on-site training should the
project prove feasible, however, the exact value of the in-kind is unknown at this time.
Applications should include a separate worksheet for each project phase that was identified in
section 2.3.2 of this application, (Reconnaissance, Feasibility, Conceptual Design, Design and
Permitting, and Construction). Please use the tables provided below to detail your proposed
project’s budget. Be sure to use one table for each phase of your project.
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 Grant Administrator,
Shawn Calfa, at scalfa@aidea.org.
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 20 of 24 7/3//2012
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. )
$ $ $
Formally Commit NVA
resources to project 9/2013 $251 $ $251
Contract CPC to support
phase I and phase II 9/2013 $12,190 $ $12,190
Hire NVA staff to complete
project 9/2013 $28,164 $ $28,164
Pre-kickoff Discussions with
key stakeholders 11/2013 $0.00 $ $0.00
Decision Point 1 4/2014 $12,190 $ $12,190
TOTALS $52,795 $$52,795
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $22,464 $ $22,464
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $200 $ $200
Contractual Services $22,350 $ $22,350
Construction Services $ $ $
Other Indirect $7,781 $ $7,781
TOTALS $52,795 $
$52,795
Milestone or Task
Anticipated
Completion
Date
RE- Fund
Grant Funds
Grantee
Matching
Funds
Source of
Matching
Funds:
Cash/In-
kind/Federal
Grants/Other
State
Grants/Other
TOTALS
(List milestones based on
phase and type of project.
See Milestone list below. )
$ $ $
Assess Identified feedback
material 6/2014 $3,520 $ $3,520
Assess potential feedstock 6/2014 $3,520 $ $3,520
Decision point 2 6/2014 $9,096 $ $9,096
TOTALS $16,136 $$16,136
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $5,616 $ $5,616
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $8,338 $ $8,338
Construction Services $ $ $
Other Indirect $2,182 $ $2,182
TOTALS $16,136 $
$16,136
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
AEA13-006 Grant Application Page 21 of 24 7/3//2012
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. )
$ $ $
Assess Logistics 7/2014 $5,280 $ $5,280
Identify required permits 9/2014 $5,280 $ $5,280
Decision point 3 9/2014 $13,644 $ $13,644
TOTALS $24,204 $$24,204
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $8,424 $ $8,424
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $12,506 $ $12,506
Construction Services $ $ $
Other Indirect $3,274 $ $3,274
TOTALS $24,204 $$24,204
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. )
$ $ $
Meeting with key stakeholders 10/2014 $3,520 $ $3,520
Establish formal agreement
with feedstock sources 11/2014 $3,520 $ $3,520
Decision point 4 11/2014 $9,096 $ $9,096
TOTALS $16,136 $$16,136
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $5,616 $ $5,616
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $8,338 $ $8,338
Construction Services $ $ $
Other $2,182 $ $2,182
TOTALS $16,136 $$16,136
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. )
$ $ $
Renewable Energy Fund Round 6
Grant Application
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Public Meetings 1/2015 $12,340 $ $12,340
Conceptual design kickoff 1/2015 $12,341 $ $12,341
Conceptual design review with
key stakeholders 3/2015 $12,341 $ $12,341
Planning meeting for detail
design and implementation
phase
5/2015 $12,341 $ $12,341
Project stop 5/2015 $12,341 $ $12,341
TOTALS $61,704 $$61,704
Budget Categories:
Direct Labor & Benefits $16,848 $ $16,848
Travel & Per Diem $ $ $
Equipment $ $ $
Materials & Supplies $ $ $
Contractual Services $37,200 $ $37,200
Construction Services $ $ $
Other Indirect $7,656 $ $7,656
TOTALS $61,704 $$61,704
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