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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeldovia Wind Grant Final AEA 10-015 Application Page 1 of 14 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: 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. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 2 of 1414 10/7/2009 SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal) City of Seldovia Type of Entity: Government Mailing Address PO BOX B Seldovia AK 99663 Physical Address 148 Dock Street Seldovia, AK 99663 Telephone 907-234-7643 Fax 907-234-7430 Email info@cityofseldovia.com 1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT Name Tim Dillon Title City Manager Mailing Address PO BOX B, Seldovia AK 99663 Telephone 907-242-9709 Fax 907-234-7430 Email citymanager@cityofseldovia.com 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 X A local government, or 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. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 3 of 1414 10/7/2009 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) Type in your answer here and follow same format for rest of the application. Seldovia small wind generation facility 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. Answer here. The community of Seldovia 2.3 PROJECT TYPE Put X in boxes as appropriate 2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type X Wind 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) Reconnaissance x Design and Permitting x Feasibility x Construction and Commissioning Conceptual Design 2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Provide a brief one paragraph description of your proposed project. The city of Seldovia would like to ask for grant funding to study the feasibility of utilizing wind energy to help alleviate the winter demand and temporary failure of the current gas generation facilities. The city of Seldovia sees an increase of demand for electricity in the winter months that has outpaced their production capabilities. The proposed plan calls for the study and possible installation of Four 15kw Proven wind generators. The city would like to test several sites for wind and accessibility, the relatively small size of the turbines is beneficial in helping the city locate an area that will be readily accessible with the current infrastructure, this may reduce overall costs while maintaining performance of the wind systems. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 4 of 1414 10/7/2009 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.) The proposed plan will take advantage of wind regimes that are available in Seldovia. The systems proposed have a low start up speed and are designed to produce power in turbulent and gusty winds. During periods of sustained winds the fuel demands for Seldovia will be lessened resulting in a savings of both money and fuel that could be used at a later date when there may be a low wind period. The city of Seldovia will benefit from such a system in several ways, after the initial payback period has been achieved the power generated from the turbines will be virtual free to the city and residents, the city may qualify for further granting opportunities as the benefits are realized from the wind, several jobs will be created in the community during construction, and a direct savings in fuel demand and expense. The city of Seldovia may also realize increased savings from future spikes in raw fuel prices and maintenance costs of current generation facilities. Further savings may be realized from less demand on current utilities which will lessen the occurrence of emergency power conditions, such as rolling blackouts and complete failure. 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 general cost to procure the equipment needed to generate power is roughly $100,000.00 per unit, with tower. Associated cost are installation fees about 10,000 each unit depending on which tower option, crane and equipment fees hopefully to be sourced locally approximately 6,000 per unit, foundation costs approximately 10,000 per unit, with engineering, feasibility studies, utility connection fees and electrical work the costs are estimated to be approximately 40,000 per unit. With a total estimated cost of 164,000 each unit installed. Yearly inspection and maintenance 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. $508,000.00 2.7.2 Other Funds to be provided (Project match) $150,000.00 2.7.3 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 and 2.7.2) $658,000.00 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) $658,000.00 2.7.5 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) $25,000 @ .20 per KWH 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.) $ AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 5 of 1414 10/7/2009 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. We are planning to solicit publicly for our project manager that lives in the Seldovia Community. 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.) Feasibility studies for approximately 6 months, coupled with current data from other sources. We plan to start this as early as January 2010 with our own funds and continue this until Sept 2010. Foundation work to begin August 2010 Utilities prep work to begin August 2010 Equipment procurement September 2010 Installation of units Late September 2010 Electrical completion Early October 2010 Commissioning Early October 2010 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.) Upon determination of the feasibility of this project and location determination, the basic infrastructure will begin to be established. This will determine the size and type of tower that the units will be installed upon, as maintaining the units and access to units will be discussed. Procurement of the units with corresponding towers will then occur. Contracts will be written regarding personnel to deliver and operate equipment necessary to job completion. Erection and installation of units will begin, followed by electrical work completion and final commissioning. 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. The project construction will be managed by Standard Steel and its partnership with Alaskan Wind Industries, Union ironworkers Local 751 will be a source utilized for trained personnel during the construction phase. Members of this Union are trained in tower climbing and rescue procedures as well as being competent with rigging and various other key facets of construction needed to complete this project safely. Depending on location determination and tower choice farther equipment may need to be purchased to obtain access to units once installed. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 6 of 1414 10/7/2009 3.5 Project Communications Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status. The project will be broken into phases of construction once a feasibility study has been completed and a location determined. Communication will be via direct communication, emails and project daily reports along with projected scheduling reports. 3.6 Project Risk Discuss potential problems and how you would address them. Logistics may become an issue depending on site evaluation, this project will be pursued with using existing infrastructure such as ease of transportation of units and equipment via existing roads or short road expansion. We intend to use a low impact foundation system where access of heavy traffic will be very limited. The use of existing transition lines will also be perused and taken into account during site evaluation. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 7 of 1414 10/7/2009 SECTION 4 – PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND TASKS  Tell us what the project is and how you will meet the requirements outlined in Section 2 of th e 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. The resource that is available using wind will be determined to a better understanding as soon as the feasibility study is completed Pros of wind for this project are the minimal footprint needed for the kw production projected. The ease of deployment and permitting of these units. The low maintenance of these units compared with the maintenance heavy other systems currently on market. The relatively small size of these units compared with the robustness and production capabilities during both daytime hours and nighttime hours. Alaska has a solar window of about three hours on a yearly average. Educational potential is very high for a project such as this as accessibility is projected to be able to facilitate school trips and educational presentations. Cons for such a project may include personal objections to such systems being implemented. Concerns over bird injuries or deaths (all studies point to this being a very unwarranted concern) 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. The wind energy systems are four new 15kW Proven Energy Wind Generators that are over 80% efficient. 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. These turbines will help the existing infrastructure as the resources are becoming harder and harder to keep in the winter months from HEA. The production from these turbines will provide the PEAK load needed from HEA to be less than normal which is becoming more and more of a desperate need each year. 4.2.3 Existing Energy Market Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy customers. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 8 of 1414 10/7/2009 It is projected that the impact will be a more stable energy system for the residents of Seldovia and ease the demand for resources that are currently unstable in price and in need during the winter months. 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 The Wind Turbines in suggestion consists of four 15kW Provens. The optimum Installed Capacity at the rated wind speed is 60kW’s. The anticipated capacity is based on the projected wind speed of around 12mph. The production will be approximately 160,000 kWh’s a year. We feel that there should not be too many barriers as AKWI also has confirmed to participating in community discussions about these wind turbines to help the community understand the impact. Seldovia Community plans to integrate these turbines directly into HEA’s electrical grid lines. The delivery method of the turbines will be by barge to the community. 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. Land owned or leased by the city of Seldovia will be studied first to determine feasibility. Private land may be considered if city land is not feasible. This may result in a case by case study to find a solution that best benefits the city and land owner/owners. Current road accessible property will be studied as a first priority easily expanded roads secondly and remote locations that are close to needed utilities as a third option. 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 City planning and zoning will handle most permitting issues State/ Federal park land may become a barrier and will be addressed during the feasibility period. 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 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 9 of 1414 10/7/2009  Habitat issues  Wetlands and other protected areas  Archaeological and historical resources  Land development constraints  Telecommunications interference  Aviation considerations  Visual, aesthetics impacts  Identify and discuss other potential barriers There does not appear to be threatened or endangered species in area. The foot print is expected to create very minimal impact to existing habitats Wetlands may not be considered in feasibility studies Historical information can be reviewed to determine if land has historical value Land constraints will be reviewed during feasibility studies Communications interference will be reviewed during feasibility study FAA considerations and regulations will be followed Sites will be established outside of direct conflict with businesses and homes Other considerations will be address during feasibility studies 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 Project total cost is estimated at or around $658,000.00. Feasibility studies at or around $25,000.00 this entail the first amount requested to proceed with testing sites. The city of Seldovia will be providing $150,000 in local contributions, other nonprofit grant sources and in-kind sources for this project. 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.) There will be a yearly service requirement to maintain the 5 year warranties offered by the manufacturers. It will entail visual inspection of blades and service to several moving parts. A checklist can be provided. The installers will also service the units as required. Fees are expected to minimal as service of unit will be scheduled at a once yearly interval. AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 10 of 1414 10/7/2009 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 The city of Seldovia will be the distributor of the power generated from the turbines. The power will be sold to the end users. Retail price is expected to average around .20 per KW Projected payoff of system will be around 26 years at the current rates applied. 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 here. 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 Approximately 12,184 gallons of fuel will be displaced by these turbines each year at an average of $3.00 a gallon or more. Anticipated Annual reviews are going to be only a few $2,000 or so as we plan to use all the electricity produced. If grant is approved however, the City of Seldovia will look into a larger Power Purchase Agreement with HEA above the normal rate of .18. The City Of Seldovia would also like to apply for the 30% tax rebate if qualified and will be applying with Benneville to sell green credits to. With these turbines lacing the hillside of Seldovia and providing the town with clean and environmentally friendly power, the sustainability from these turbines will make Alaska a cleaner and more reliable place to live. SECTION 6– SUSTAINABILITY Discuss your plan for operating the completed project so that it will be sustainable. Include at a minimum: AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 11 of 1414 10/7/2009  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 City of Seldovia plans to hire a local project manager for this project that will help with the design and project. With a 5 year warranty our city council will be appropriating funds to take care of maintenance issues for the life of the turbine s. Possible blade repairing or replacing a slip ring in the future would be funded through our city budget. These systems do not have a maintenance that is needed monthly and the yearly maintenance will be completed locally. There will be no battery backup and will be hooked directly to the grid. Our committee will be committed to reporting the benefits and savings to the AEA. 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. Seldovia will be installing a data logging anemometer this January to start testing for feasibility way before the grant will be funded. Once feasibility is reached, Seldovia is ready to install these turbines and to start construction immediately. 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. Seldovia has the local support from the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor and City Manager of Seldovia. The City Council of Seldovia is in complete support of this project and will be gathering more local support as progress is being met with feasibility studies and grant approvals. 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 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 12 of 1414 10/7/2009 Provide a narrative summary regarding funding sources and your financial commitment to the project. The city of Seldovia plans to match funds from the communities budgets as well some for inkind feasibility studies after July 2010. The City of Seldovia is extremely committed to this project and would like to start the projects as soon as possible AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 13 of 1414 10/7/2009 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 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 14 of 1414 10/7/2009