HomeMy WebLinkAboutUAA statewide hydro assesment app
Renewable Energy Fund Round 3
Grant Application
AEA 10-015 Application Page 1 of 21 10/7/2009
Application Forms and Instructions
The following forms and instructions are provided to assist you in preparing your application for
a Renewable Energy Fund Grant. An electronic version of the Request for Applications (RFA)
and the forms are available online at: http://www.akenergyauthority.org/RE_Fund-III.html
Grant Application
Form
GrantApp3.doc Application form in MS Word that includes an outline of
information required to submit a complete application.
Applicants should use the form to assure all information is
provided and attach additional information as required.
Application Cost
Worksheet
Costworksheet3
.doc
Summary of Cost information that should be addressed by
applicants in preparing their application.
Grant Budget
Form
GrantBudget3.d
oc
A detailed grant budget that includes a breakdown of costs by
milestone and a summary of funds available and requested to
complete the work for which funds are being requested.
Grant Budget
Form Instructions
GrantBudgetInst
ructions3.pdf
Instructions for completing the above grant budget form.
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 completion of each phase.
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:
oRequest the information be kept confidential.
oClearly identify the information that is the trade secret or proprietary in their
application.
oReceive concurrence from the Authority that the information will be kept
confidential. If the Authority determines it is not confidential it will be treated as a
public record in accordance with AS 40.25 or returned to the applicant upon
request.
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Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application Round 3
AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 2 of 21 10/7/2009
SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
University of Alaska Anchorage
Type of Entity:
State Controlled Institute of Higher Learning
Mailing Address
3211 Providence Drive
Physical Address
3211 Providence Drive
Telephone
(907) 786 1065
Fax
(907) 786 1021
Email
ankrd2@uaa.alaska.edu
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT
Name
Thomas Ravens, Ph.D.
Title
Associate Professor, UAA School of Engineering
Mailing Address
3211 Providence Drive, School of Engineering, Anchorage AK, 99508
Telephone
(907) 786-1943
Fax
(907) 786-1943
Email
aftmr@uaa.alaska.edu
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 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
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.
Yes
or
No
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
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.
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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)
Statewide run-of-river hydropower assessment
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.
This project will study surveyassess the hydropower potential of thousands of rivers and streams
all around the state. However, the project team will be based in Anchorage, Fairbanks and
Burnaby, BC.
2.3 PROJECT TYPE
Put X in boxes as appropriate
2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type
Wind Biomass or Biofuels
X 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)
X Reconnaissance Design and Permitting
X Feasibility Construction and Commissioning
Conceptual Design
2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Provide a brief one paragraph description of your proposed project.
This GIS-based project will conductould be a detailed statewide run-of-river hydropower
resource assessment with, but a particular focus on southwest, south central and southeast
Alaska. If the project scope and budget do not allow for a full statewide assessment, the project
team will indentify priority areas for study in consultation with AEA staff. The study will
determine the current hydropower resource and estimate the future hydropower resource (in
2060) using available data on climate trends. The project will benefit from synergies with the
active AEA-funded statewide hydrokinetic energy assessment and with the AEA-supported and
DOE-funded nationwide hydrokinetic energy assessment project which wilthat willl begin in
Dec. 2009.
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The study will be conducted using river/stream discharge data generatedconsolidated by the
University of Alaska team and using the Rapid Hydro Assessment Model (RHAM), a GIS tool
developed by Kerr Wood Leidal of Burnaby, BC. RHAM calculates the amount of hydroelectric
power available on all streams in a study area, screening out sites within protected or
environmentally sensitive areas, and estimates project costs. RHAM can also assess the
suitability of hydroelectric development in a given area, taking into account economic,
environmental and social factors, and can assess storage hydro and clustered developments. The
resulting data and GIS maps would improve and build upon existing public data sources on
Alaska hydropower including:
· Alaska Energy Authority hydroelectric site database
· US Department of Energy, Hydropower Program (Idaho National Laboratory): statewide
hydropower resource computer models done in 2006, 2004 and 1997.
· USGS hydrology data from all over the state
· Other data sources from state and federal agencies such as topographic maps (digital
elevation models, and existing public GIS files with layers for existing road and power
transmission line and generation infrastructure, power plants, land status, protected areas, and
fish habitat information.
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.)
[Summarize from section 5]
This project will provide a detailed n inventory of hydro resources in Alaska that will enable the
a reductionreduce of diesel fuel use and lower the a reduction in energy costcost of energy
consumption. The determination ofailed data on hydropower resources for the state of Alaska
will be obtained at a relatively low cost as much of the hydropower assessment work is
automated in the RHAM model. Run-of-river hydropower is an established energy source in
Alaska so there is a high likelihood that the data provided will lead to many new, successful
energy development projects.
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 funds requested is $675,185. This includes: $173,699 for the UAA portion,
$151,486 for the UAF portion, and $350,000 for the WH Pacific portion. The WH Pacific work
will include a subcontract to Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. for the RHAM modeling portion
of the project.
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Renewable Energy Fund
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The cost of developing a detailed run-of-river feasibility study for a given site is about $200,000.
If about twenty of these assessments were conducted in Alaska, the total cost would be about $4
million.
[Summarize from section 9]
WHPacific engineering/GIS/project management support: $100,000
Rapid Hydro Assessment Modeling: $250,000
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. $675,185
2.7.2 Other Funds to be provided (Project match) $
2.7.3 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 and 2.7.2) $675,185
Project Costs & Benefits
(Summary of total project costs including work to date and future cost estimates to get to a fully
operational project)
2.7.4 Total Project Cost (Summary from Cost Worksheet
including estimates through construction) $675,185
2.7.5 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) $4,000,000
2.7.6 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.)
$
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 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.
The UAA principal investigator, : Prof. Tom Ravens, will be responsible for the overall
management of the project. Dr. Ravens was a tenured Associate Professor at Texas A&M
University before joining the UAA faculty in 2007. In the past 10 years, Dr. Ravens has
managed over $2 million of research projects in the areas of hydrokinetic energy assessment,
hydrographic and land surveying, surface water hydraulics and hydrology, and numerical
modeling of flow, waves, sediment transport, and geomorphic change. The ongoing AEA-funded
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hydrokinetic energy assessment project is proceeding ahead of schedule with 17 village sites
surveyed in the first year of the two- year project (the project scope called for 24 village sites
over 2 years).
Dr. Ravens will work collaboratively with the three other project managers including the
UAF principal investigator, : Jessica Cherry, the WH Pacific project manager, Brian Yanity, and
the Kerr Wood Leidal project manager, Ron Monk. Drs. Ravens and Cherry, and their assistants,
will work together to generate the runoff surfaces in a GIS framework. These will serve as inputs
to the RHAM model. Brian Yanity will provide Alaska-based project management, engineering,
and GIS support. Ron Monk will manage the running of the RHAM model.
UAA and UAF faculty will be responsible for hiring and supervision of student research
associates.
The RHAM project will be managed by Ron Monk of Kerr Wood Liedal, with Alaska-based
project management, engineering, and GIS support from WHPacific, Inc.
3.2 Project Schedule
Include a schedule for the proposed work that will be funded by this grant. (You may include a
chart or table attachment with a summary of dates below.)
Start date: July 2010
Task No. Description Start Finish
1 Collect GIS Data Jul 2010 Sep 2010
2 Evaluate hydrology to create runoff surface
for State
Jul 2010 Jun 2011
3 Evaluate climate change impact on runoff
estimates and perform uUncertainty analysis
for runoff estimates
Jul 2011 Jun 2012
43 Set up Rapid Hydro Assessment Model May 2011 Jun 2011
54 Run Rapid Hydro Assessment Model Jul 2011 Nov 2011
65 Screen for environmental and land use issues Oct 2011 Jan 2012
76 Cost estimating and economic analysis Nov 2011 Mar 2012
87 Report writing Mar 2012 Jul 2012
End date: July 2012
3.3 Project Milestones
Define key tasks and decision points in your project and a schedule for achieving them. The
Milestones must also be included on your budget worksheet to demonstrate how you propose to
manage the project cash flow. (See Section 2 of the RFA or the Budget Form.)
1. Discharge calculations for State of Alaska – Jun 2011
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2. Raw hydro results using RHAM – Nov 2011
3. Cost estimates and economic evaluation using RHAM– Mar 2012
4. Final report including climate change and uncertainty analysis– Jul 2012
Run off surface for State of Alaska – Jun 2011
2. Raw hydro results – Nov 2011
3. Screened results – Jan 2012
4. Uncertainty analysis – Mar 2012
4. Cost estimates and economic evaluattion – Mar 2012
3. Final report – Jul 2012
3.4 Project Resources
Describe the personnel, contractors, 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.
University of Alaska Anchorage, School of Engineering
The UAA Principal investigatorInvestigator will be :Prof. Tom Ravens. Dr. Ravens will work with Dr.
Cherry (UAF) to assemble the hydrologic data that will be fed into the RHAM computer model. He will
also work with Dr. Cherry to estimate the impact of climate change on the river/stream hydrology and
run-of-river hydropower energy potential. Dr. Ravens will also oversee the work of the subcontractor
(WH Pacific).
– river hydraulics and hydrologic, hydrokinetic energy assessment.
Dr. Ravens is PI of an AEA-funded hydrokinetic assessment project for the state of Alaska. He is also co-
PI of a DOE-funded hydrokinetic energy assessment for the United States including Alaska. For the
hydrokinetic assessment projects, Dr. Ravens is surveying the major rivers of Alaska for velocity and
water depth. On the basis of these measurements, he is developing hydraulic and hydrologic models of the
major rivers and using those models to estimate hydrokinetic energy. These models and measurements
will be used in the current project to validate the hydrology-based flow calculations. Dr. Ravens will be
assisted by two graduate students (including Garrett Yager who is currently working on the hydrokinetic
project) as well as by a Postdoctoral Researcher who is currently being recruited. estimate run-of-river
hydropower.
Prof. Muhammad Ali- turbine studies/hydrology, preliminary design of hydropower facilities
Prof. Sun-Il Kim- computer modeling, databases, presentation of data on the web.
[need brief bios from each]
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Water and Environmental Research Center
Prof. Jessica Cherry will assemble Alaska hydrological data for RHAM computer model, and perform
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hydrological analysis and predictions of climate change/variability. Dr. Cherry is an expert in Arctic
hydroclimatology and water resources, and is affiliated with the International Arctic Research Center
(IARC) and the Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC) of the Institute of Northern
Engineering, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She uses field methods, data analysis, and complex
distributed modeling to study hydrology and climate problems. Her related projects include:
1. Estimation of snowfall and snow distributions in Alaska and the Pan-Arctic (JAMSTEC);
2. Estimating snow distributions on Alaska’s North Slope for Transportation Networks
(DOE/NETL);
3. Evaluation of the Total Precipitation ‘Hot Plate’ sensor in Alaska (DOE/ARM);
4. Southeast Alaska hydropower: reconsidering climate variability and change in the development
process (NOAA-NMFS);
5. Developing a strategy for delivery of improved near real time and forecast snow products for
Alaska (NOAA-NESDIS);
6. North Slope, AK remote sensing in support of water management (BLM).
7. Impacts of Climate Variability on Supply, Demand, and Price for Hydropower in Scandinavia
(Columbia University).
IARC's mission is to foster Arctic research in an international setting to help the nation and the
international community to understand, prepare for, and adapt to the pan-Arctic impacts of climate
change. WERC's mission is to perform basic and applied research related to water and environmental
resources, to train graduate students at master's and PhD levels in this field, and to disseminate pertinent
research information to the public. Dr. Cherry’s group currently includes three Master’s students, a part
time research assistant, and a full time scientific programmer. For this project, she will oversee the
collection of hydrologic data into a geo-referenced database, create the statewide runoff estimates
(including those in ungauged basins), and analyze the spatial and temporal distributions of
hydroclimatological uncertainty.
WHPacific, Inc.: Anchorage, Alaska
WHPacific, Inc. will serve as a liaison between the University of Alaska researchers and Kerr Wood
Liedal, providing project management, engineering and GIS support, environmental screening of
hydropower sites, and cost estimation/economic analysis.
WHPacific project manager: Brian Yanity, EIT
Brian is an electrical engineer with experience in energy planning and hydropower, wind, and geothermal
resource assessment. For several years, he has been involved in several hydropower research and
feasibility study projects in Alaska, and in April 2009 presented a paper reviewing regional hydropower
and transmission line development strategies in Southeast Alaska/Northwest BC at the Small Hydro 2009
conference in Vancouver. Brian has also has experience working with with Alaska Energy Authority’s
hydroelectric project site database.
Jay Hermanson- Manager, Energy and Sustainable Development.
Jay has more than 17 years of project management experience. This experience consists of business
management (accounting, strategic management, finance, and human resource management); client-
focused business development; economic and rural infrastructure development; financial and economic
analysis (modeling and estimating); program planning (strategic and business plans, pre-engineering
assessments, feasibility studies, monitoring and evaluation); quantitative/ qualitative data collection; and
socio-economic studies.
Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd.
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Kerr Wood Leidal Associates (KWL) Ltd., based in Burnaby, BC, provides consulting engineering
services in infrastructure planning, design and construction, project administration, and resource
management to government and small communities, industry, First Nations, and developers. KWL’s
Hydro Power Engineering Team provides complete hydro power engineering solutions, providing
services such as project identification, flow measurement, feasibility studies, permitting approvals,
preliminary and detailed design. The team also provides services during project construction such as
tendering, engineering field review, and commissioning.
KWL would apply its RHAM to asses the run-of-river hydropower potential of Alaska.
Ron Monk, M.ENG., P.ENG. - KWL’S Energy Sector Leader.
Ron’s expertise includes feasibility, design and construction of micro and small hydro projects. Key
projects include Moses Inlet Hydro (85 kW), Clayton Falls Hydro (2 MW), Kitasoo Hydro (1.7 MW),
Tyson Creek Hydro (9.3 MW) and the assessment of run-of-river hydro potential for BC Hydro and
BCTC. Prior to returning to KWL in 2007, Ron’s key accomplishments at BC Hydro included leading the
2004 Integrated Electricity Plan, co-initiating the hydrogen program and co-developing BC Hydro’s
sustainability vision. Ron has intimate knowledge of BC Hydro’s Net Metering Program (for sale of
generation up to 50 kW) and their Standing Offer Program (for sale of generation from 50 kW to 10
MW). Ron is leading the generation resource cluster assessment for BC Hydro and BCTC as part of the
Section 5 Long Term Transmission Planning Inquiry.
Stefan Joyce, P.ENG. – Hydrotechnical Engineer
Mr. Joyce is a hydrotechnical engineer with over 10 years of consulting experience in water resources
modeling and analysis, project management, design, and construction. He has managed or played a key
role in many large and small water resources engineering projects, of which two won awards in BC in
2008 including the CEBC award of Merit for the GIS based run-of-river hydropower resource assessment
for BC Hydro, and the APEGBC Sustainability Award for the habitat restoration project at Stoltz Bluff on
the Cowichan River. His work encompasses hydrologic studies, flood hazard assessment, mitigation, and
restoration, dam safety and decommissioning, and hydroelectric resource assessments, feasibility and
design. He is also active with the Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) and is presently the
Vice President of the BC Branch of the CWRA.
Mike Homenuke, P.ENG.-
Mike has been with KWL for approximately 5 years since graduating from UBC, and specializes in GIS-
based infrastructure analysis and planning. He has developed a number of computer models, capital plans
and feasibility studies for BC municipalities including Abbotsford, Burnaby, Langley Township,
Richmond and Surrey. Mike is currently involved in the development of GIS applications for engineering
services, including asset management, hydroelectric resource assessment and infrastructure planning. He
has also recently been involved in the Capital Regional District’s (i.e. Victoria, BC) Core Area
Wastewater Management Strategy.
3.5 Project Communications
Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status.
Representatives of the project team would meet at least monthly with AEA staff, and may include
teleconferences with project partners in Fairbanks and Burnaby, BC. The UAF team has budgeted for
travel to Anchorage to work with UAA and WH Pacific in person. The project team will provide monthly
progress reports, with preliminary results. AEA will receive a final report and GIS data files by July 2012.
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3.6 Project Risk
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
This project does not involve any field work.
SECTION 4 – PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND TASKS
Tell us what the project is and how you will meet the requirements outlined in Section 2 of
the RFA.
The level of information will vary according to phase(s) of the project you propose to
undertake with grant funds.
If you are applying for grant funding for more than one phase of a project provide a
plan and grant budget form for completion of each phase.
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.
This project is a feasibility and reconnaissance survey of the run-of-river hydropower potential of
thousands of rivers and streams around the state.
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.
This project is a feasibility and reconnaissance survey of the run-of-river hydropower potential of
thousands of rivers and streams around the state.
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.
Many of the communities located near potential run-of-river hydropower sites rely on diesel
generators for power generation. The project can potentiallywill demonstrate the amount of
available hydroelectric energy that may be used to offset some or all of the energy produced by
the diesel generators.
4.2.3 Existing Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
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This project will promote the development of run-of-river hydropower plants. It will determine
the amount of run-of-river hydroelectric energy available and provide consultants, communities,
and governmental entities with more detailed information about the feasibility of hydropower in
particular Alaska locations. It will lead to reduced energy costs in the future by displacing the use
of diesel and natural gas fuel.
A number of Alaska communities are currently benefitting significantly from run-of-river
hydropower including: Illiamna, Newhalen, Nondalton, Pelican, Gustavus, Larsen Bay, King
Cove, and Ouzinkie.
This project will promote the future development of run-of-river hydropower plants. It will
determine the amount of run-of-river hydroelectric energy available and provide consultants,
communities, governmental entities and with more detailed information about the feasibility of
hydropower in particular Alaska locations. It will lead to reduced energy costs in the future by
displacing the use of diesel and natural gas fuel.
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
This run-of-river hydropower assessment project has two main components: (1) the determination of
stream/river discharge or runoff throughout Alaska in a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework,
and (2) the determination of the run-of-river hydropower potential in Alaska based on the Rapid
Hydropower Assessment Model (RHAM), using the discharge and other data. The discharge will be
determined on a monthly basis using available USGS and other gauge data and using a hydrologic model.
The hydrologic model will be developed in a GIS framework. First, the major and as many minor
watersheds as practical will be delineated using the best available digital elevation model (DEM) and
using specialty GIS analysis software (e.g., Rriver tools GIS software). Then, available precipitation and
other meteorological data (e.g., from the Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning, ‘SNAP’ project) will be
brought in as GIS layers. Finally, discharge will be determined by developing a water balance model in
GIS using visual basic. Parameters in the water balance model, e.g., runoff and evapo-transpiration
coefficients will be estimated and adjusted by comparing modeled and measured discharge in gauged
watersheds. The discharge calculations will also be validated using the detailed discharge measurements
from the ongoing AEA-funded hydrokinetic energy assessment project. These value-addede
hydrologicdischarge data products, in and of themselves,so-obtained will be of interest to government
agencies, energy developers, universities and many others. TheyIt will be made available to the public
perhaps through the SNAP project, or another appropriate distribution point. Finally, we will do error
analysis and estimate the future discharge using the SNAP-projected conditions for a time period 2055-
2065.
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The ability to identify renewable energy resources is of paramount importance in reducing fossil fuel
dependency and addressing climate change. The Rapid Hydropower Assessment Model (RHAM, Monk et
al., 2009) reference – who created it? will make use of the discharge data and other geo-spatial data (e.g., a
DEM) in a GIS framework uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify the run-of-river
hydroelectric power opportunities. Using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and regional hydrologic data,
RHAM calculates the amount of hydroelectric power available on all streams in a study area, screening out
sites within parks and in environmentally sensitive areas. The model estimates hydropower project costs
based on cost data from similar, previously constructed projects. Finally, , and estimates project costs.
RHAM can also assesses the suitability of hydroelectric development in a given area, taking into account
economic, environmental and social factors.
, and can assess storage hydro and clustered developments.
In 2007, project-participant Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) used RHAM was used to assess
run-of-river hydroelectric potential for the Province of British
Columbia, Canada, an area of approximately 95 million hectares. Alaska and British Columbia are about
the same size and it is expected that the application of RHAM in Alaska would be similar. In British
Columbia, over 8,000 potential run-of-river hydroelectric sites were identified. Altogether, these sites
amounted to a potential installed capacity of over 12,000 MW and annual energy of nearly 50,000 GWh.
The Consulting Engineers of British Columbia recognized RHAM with an Award of Merit in 2008.
In Alaska, KWL and the University of Alaska/WH Pacific team will use RHAM to analyze every river
and stream in 100 m sections, identifying potentially good locations for projects. This information will
then be used to estimate the size and cost of hydroelectric projects. Using RHAM’s GIS capabilities, this
information will be quickly compared with ecological mapping and land use information to determine site
suitability. For linear infrastructure such as roads, penstocks and power lines, RHAM will be able to locate
optimal alignments and estimate costs by analyzing slope, geology and land cover datasets. Cost estimates
will include access roads and power lines to connect to the existing power grid. Using both capital costs
and annual energy estimates, the unit energy cost will be estimated for each project.
Reference:
Ron Monk, M.Eng., P.Eng.; Stefan Joyce, P.Eng.; and Mike Homenuke, P.Eng. Kerr Wood
Leidal Associates Ltd., Burnaby, BC Canada. Rapid Hydropower Assessment Model Identify
Hydroelectric Sites Using Geographic Information Systems. Technical paper, published by KWL.
Over 8,000 potential hydroelectric opportunities were identified. The Consulting Engineers of
British Columbia recognized RHAM with an Award of Merit in 2008. RHAM is being applied in
other parts of the world to unlock hydroelectric potential, reduce carbon fuel dependence, and
help ensure a sustainable energy future for the world.
In 2007, BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) retained Kerr Wood Leidal
Associates Ltd. (KWL) to conduct an inventory of potential run-of-river hydroelectric sites in
British Columbia, Canada. KWL completed the hydroelectric resource assessment using the
Rapid Hydropower Assessment Model (RHAM), a Geographic Information System (GIS)
program developed by KWL. KWL completed the assessment in four months; without RHAM,
the assessment would have taken over a year.
Over 8,000 potential run-of-river hydroelectric sites with a potential installed capacity of over
12,000 MW and annual energy of nearly 50,000 GWh per year were identified. KWL estimated
the cost for each project, which included access roads and power lines to connect to the BC
Hydro/BCTC power system. Using capital cost and annual energy estimates, the unit energy cost
was estimated for each project.
Commented [JC1]: This section should describe the
proposed work, not past work, even if they are similar.
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RHAM, a GIS application, provides several key capabilities for hydroelectric applications. Nearly
all aspects of a hydroelectric project can be spatially referenced to a geographic location, and the
attributes of that project or location described using a database. RHAM can link data to a
geographic location and enables engineers to develop computational models that significantly
increase the speed at which large volumes of data are processed into useful information.
Using RHAM, KWL analyzed every stream in 100 m sections, identifying potentially good locations for
projects. This information was then used to estimate the size and cost of hydroelectric projects. Using
RHAM’s GIS capabilities, this information was quickly compared with ecological mapping and land use
information to determine site suitability. For linear infrastructure such as roads, penstocks and power lines,
RHAM can locate optimal alignments and estimate costs by analyzing slope, geology and land cover
datasets.
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.
This project has no land ownership concerns.
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
This project has no permitting considerations.
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
This project has no environmental impact considerations.
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.
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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 total cost of this resource assessment project is $675,185get cost numbers from budget,
Section 9.]
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.)
This project has no operating and maintenance costs.
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
This project will not generate energy/power, but provide information on potential future power
generation sites.
4.4.4 Project Cost Worksheet
Complete the cost worksheet form which provides summary information that will be considered
in evaluating the project.
Download the form, complete it, and submit it as an attachment. Document any conditions or
sources your numbers are based on hereNot applicable for our energy assessment project.
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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 (gal and $) 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
Alaska has the greatest hydropower potential of any state in the nation, and possesses roughly
40% of the USA’s flowing fresh water. The bulk of existing engineering feasibility studies and
cost estimates of potential Alaska hydropower sites were done between the mid-1970s and the
mid-1980s. Many of these cost estimates are now out of date, although no new studies have been
conducted on many potential hydro sites for two or three decades. The US Department of
Energy’s Hydropower Program produced a statewide assessment report in1997 and a nationwide
resource assessment of low head/low power resources in 2004, and of small hydro in 2006. A
more detailed, Alaska-focused statewide hydropower assessment is needed, taking into account
up-to-date hydropower technologies and construction methods, and cost estimates, and
hydrological models.
Improving cost estimates for potential hydro sites, including different cost estimates for several
alternative configurations of the same hydropower site, would determine which of the potential
sites might be feasible.
Modeling the impacts of climate change for both existing and proposed hydroelectric plants in
Alaska would help assess future energy options for many communities in the state. Predictions for
how hydrological conditions could change over the next few decades will aid utilities in planning
hydropower generation.
The assessment of hydropower resources across a region can aid the planning of future
transmission lines in Alaska, and in regional energy planning. For example, co-development of
multiple new hydro sites, along with new power lines, is being proposed in Southeast Alaska.
Numerous large untapped hydro sites, and those near communities, have been well -studied.
However, many run-of-river and small-scale hydropower sites along proposed transmission line
routes remain unexamined. Related to the planning of new transmission lines is the identification
of “resource clusters” of run-of-river hydropower and other renewable energy resources such as
wind, tidal, wave, wood biomass or geothermal energy. Regional transmission and power
development must be carefully planned to maximize the economic, environmental and social
benefits to the people of Alaska.
The project plan includes education and hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and
graduate students at both the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF). Faculty involved with this statewide hydro resource assessment project would
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use the knowledge and experience to enhance courses in hydrology and, civil, electrical,
mechanical, and computer systems engineering.
The UAA School of Engineering is seeking to develop a research and education program focused
on hydropower. This statewide RHAM would assist UAA in developing in-house expertise in
hydropower resource assessment techniques, and develop research collaborations with UAF’s
Water and Environmental Research Center. A critical part of an Alaska-wide university research
effort in hydropower would be developing resource data and information in collaboration with the
Alaska Energy Authority’s hydropower program, state and federal agencies, communities,
utilities, developers and other stakeholders.
The project will generate high quality hydrologicdata on river/stream dischargeproducts
throughout Alaska under current conditions and in the future. Theise data will be useful for
manya variety of differenthydropower-related and other applications.
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 statewide run-of-river hydropower assessment project will be completed by mid-year 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.
The UAA and UAF teams plans to proceed immediately with the proposed work, pending grant
approval. This includes assembling the hydrologic data, estimating runoff surfaces, and
estimating the uncertainty and variability of these estimates. Other team members will proceed
according to schedule in section 3.
Led by the RHAM experience of KWL, the project team can begin the resource assessment
project as soon as summer 2010.
No grants or other funding haves been previously been awarded for this project.
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SECTION 8– LOCAL SUPORT
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.
[how should we show “local support” for a statewide project?]
A letter of support from Robert Venables, energy coordinator of the Southeast Conference will be
submitted separately.Do we have any communities that we could identify who are strongly in
favor of a run of river system?
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.
Include an estimate of budget costs by milestones using the form – GrantBudget3.doc
Budget Justification for UAA portion (total UAA budget = $173,699):
Milestones: Resource Identification and Analysis and Final Report and Recommendations (UAA
portion): Project management, geospatial hydrologic data products, climate change and uncertainty
analysis Completion date of June 30, 2012
Direct Labor and benefits for Dr. Ravens, Research Assistant Professor, and graduate student for two
years: $158,014
Travel & Per Diem: $3,740
Tuition, etc. for student: $11,945
Budget breakdown:
UAA
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UAFBudget justification for UAF portion ($151,486):
Milestones: Resource Identification and Analysis and Final Report and Recommendations (UAF portion):
Geospatial hydrologic data products and uncertainty analysis
Completion date of June 30, 2012
Direct Labor and benefits for Dr. Cherry and PhD Student for two years: $109,828Salaries:
We request 1 month per year for PI Jessica Cherry ($36.68/hour) who will design and direct the UAF
effort including data collection, management, analysis, and delivery to the UAA, WH Pacific, and KWL
team members. She will also supervise the graduate student and attend in person meetings and
teleconferences with the other team members. We also request salary support for a grad student such as
Katrina Bennett ($24.14/hour) who will assist Dr. Cherry in the data collection and analysis.
A 1.7% leave reserve is included for faculty. Faculty salaries include a 4.5% inflation increase each year.
Benefits:
Staff benefits are applied according to UAF’s fixed benefit rates for FY10. Rates are 31.9% for faculty
salaries and students are at 8% during the summer months only. A copy of the rate proposal is available
at: http://www.alaska.edu/controller/cost-analysis/negotiated_agreements.html
Travel:
Domestic: Funding for three trips per year to travel to Anchorage is requested for meetings and
collaborations with the UAA and WH Pacific team members. Each trip is estimated to be approximately
3 days with per diem $44/day for meals, $181/night for lodging, $200/trip for car rental/ground
transportation and $400/airfare.
All travel is in accordance with the UA Board of Regents regulations for Alaska in-state travel and
GSA/JTR Regulations. Airfare and taxis assume a 10% inflation increase per year.
Equipment:
No equipment is budgeted in this proposal.
Materials and Supplies:
For Years 1 and 2, funds of $3,000 total are requested for materials and project supplies which will
consist of a computer in Year 1 and various storage media devices for the data processing.
Other Direct Costs:
$500 per year is requested for fees associated with communication charges, such as postage, toll-charges,
and copies. Mandatory grad-student tuition is budgeted at $12,602 per year with an estimated 5%
increase per year.
Travel & Per Diem $10,050
Materials & Supplies: $3,858
Contractual Services (photocopies, phone, fax): $1,286
Tuition, etc. for student: $26,464
Indirect Costs:
Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs are calculated at 28.6% of the Modified Total
Direct Costs (MTDC) for the International Arctic Research Center, which is determined by space
on campus. MTDC includes Total Direct Costs minus tuition, stipends, scholarships, subaward
amounts over $25,000, participant support costs, and equipment. A copy of the agreement is
available at:
http://www.alaska.edu/cost-analysis/negotiation-agreements/
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Budget justification for WH Pacific portion ($350,000):
WHPacific:
Project management, engineering support (250 hours*120)- $30,000
GIS support (550 hours*90)- $50,000
GIS-based environmental screening of hydropower sites (110 hours*90) - $10,000
Cost estimation/economic analysis (80 hours*120)- $10,000
Total for WH PacificP- $100,000
Kerr Wood Liedal:
Raw hydro results- $100,000
Screened results- $50,000
Cost estimates and economic evaluation -$50,000
Final report- $50,000
Total for KWL- $250,000
[need estimate of budget costs by milestones of section 3.3]
Direct labor and benefits [to UAA and UAF faculty]-
Travel, meals-
Contractual services-
KWL
WHPacific, Inc.
Total Direct Costs:
Indirect Cost (UAA/UAF overhead?):
Total Costs:
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SECTION 9 – ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATION
SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
A. Resumes of Applicant’s Project Manager, key staff, partners, consultants, and
suppliers per application form Section 3.1 and 3.4.
B. Cost Worksheet per application form Section 4.4.4.
C. Grant Budget Form per application form Section 9.
D. Letters demonstrating local support per application form Section 8.
E. An electronic version of the entire application on CD per RFA Section 1.6.
F. 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.
F. CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certifies that this application for a renewable energy grant is truthful
and correct, and that the applicant is in compliance with, and will continue to comply
with, all federal and state laws including existing credit and federal tax obligations.
Print Name
Signature
Title
Date
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