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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNWAB School Alternate Energy Soloar Awareness Project App Renewable Energy Fund Round 3 Grant Application AEA 10-015 Application Page 1 of 16 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. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 2 of 16 10/7/2009 SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal) Northwest Arctic Borough Type of Entity: Local Government Mailing Address P.O. Box 1110, 163 Lagoon st.,Kotzebue Ak 99752 Physical Address 163 Lagoon st. Kotzebue Ak 99752 Telephone 907-442-2500 Fax 907-442-2930 Email Imathiasson@nwabor.org 1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT Name Ingemar Mathiasson Title Energy & Resource Coordinator Mailing Address Box 48 Ambler Ak 99786 Telephone 907-445-2031 Fax 907-445-2031/ 907-442-2930 Email Imathiasson@nwabor.org 1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Please check as appropriate. If you do not to meet the minimum applicant requirements, your application will be rejected. 1.2.1 As an Applicant, we are: (put an X in the appropriate box) 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 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. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 3 of 16 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) NWAB School Alternate Energy Solar Awareness Project 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. Location on the High-schools in Northwest Arctic Borough Alaska. Being in the Communities of Kotzebue, Ambler, Kobuk ,Shungnak, Kiana, Noorvik, Selawik, Buckland, Deering, Kivalina & Noatak. 2.3 PROJECT TYPE Put X in boxes as appropriate 2.3.1 Renewable Resource Type 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 x Solar Storage of Renewable Other (Describe) 2.3.2 Proposed Grant Funded Phase(s) for this Request (Check all that apply) Reconnaissance Design and Permitting Feasibility x Construction and Commissioning Conceptual Design Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 4 of 16 10/7/2009 2.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION NWAB School Alternate Energy Solar Awareness Project: This proposal is for a 4Kw Solar PV array, to be installed on each of the 11 NWAB High-schools in the Borough, Co-generating with the grid. The project explores modular inverter technology for redundancy and also provides a platform for understanding Solar(PV) technology for our student base, supporting an upcoming curriculum-addendum at High-school level and a class at Chuchi College. With an ongoing program for Alternate Energy in our curriculum, the Schools could expand the arrays every spring to the extent allowable by the local utility (KEA) and AVEC and also communicate the technology and teachings to the other schools in the State of Alaska. Over time the Schools would become more and more efficient in their use of Energy as each high-school finishing class would contribute a project to offset the Energy usage in the School. As we incorporate Alternate Energy sources in Alaska’s rural communities, it is important to make a way available for our coming generations to become proficient in the new implementation of the resources. After all, they will live with what we create and have to be able to understand and work with the systems. If this doesn’t happen and we have to rely on outside expertise to service the new Energy systems, then the cost of operation will be excessive and our effort of lowering Energy cost for the Region will be hampered. We need to take responsibility, now for what we create for the future generations. This project will be a start.. 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.) Projects benefits 1. Reduced cost of electricity for the Schools. 2. Of high value as a teaching tool for the student body regarding alternate energy sources and their effect on the environment. 3. Once established the project could be ongoing and a model to the other schools in the State of Alaska. 4. Evaluation of the modular concept for redundancy and efficiency regarding grid connected inverter technology. 5. Less fossil fuel needed for power generation. 6. Less CO2 released into the environment Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 5 of 16 10/7/2009 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. Funds needed.. As the project proposal is the same for all the 11 High Schools the total cost is $ 561,887.00 funding needed is $ 549,387.00 and in kind contribution $ 12,500.00 See Grant budget attachment. In kind contributions include installation labor by qualified School personal and students. 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. $ 549,387.00 2.7.2 Other Funds to be provided (Project match) $ 12,500.00 2.7.3 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.7.1 and 2.7.2) $ 561,887.00 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) $ 561.887.00 2.7.5 Estimated Direct Financial Benefit (Savings) $ 997,425.00 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.) Invaluable tool for teaching students about alternate energy sources. Will prove concept of letting the students take the school of the grid, incrementally year by year. Will make the students more responsible for their own school. Will teach Energy Awareness Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 6 of 16 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. Project Manager for NWAB Ingemar Mathiasson Engineer Energy & Resource Coordinator for the Northwest Arctic Borough E-mail Imathiasson@Nwabor.org Tel. 907-445-2031 Resume’’ 1978-80 Electronic Engineer for the Swedish Army 1980-82 Electronic Engineer for “Swedish Radio” 1982 Emigrated to USA 1982-1987 Owner and operation manager for “R&R Communications Inc.” KALAMAZOO MI, 1987 MOVED TO ALASKA 1987- TODAY, OWNER & OPERATION MANAGER OF “ELECTRONIC SERVICE” JAN 2009 – TODAY, ENERGY & RESOURCE COORDINATOR FOR THE NORTH WEST ARCTIC BOROUGH References will be forwarded as needed.. Co manager for the project: Craig Mcconnell Maintenance manager Northwest Arctic Borough School system Kotzebue E mail cmcconnell@nwarctic.org Tel 907-442-3472 References will be forwarded as needed. Project Plan As funding become available, a conference would be scheduled with the 11 Science teachers involved with the students, The project would be incorporated into the ongoing Science-alternate Energy class and studied as the solar-arrays gets assembled.. Due to probable late funding, ( after the end of the school year ) the project may have to be scheduled for August. The 2 Managers would coordinate the distribution and oversight of the projects material and assembly. Reports would be generated on a milestone basis.. See milestone attachment Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 7 of 16 10/7/2009 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.) The project would be scheduled as a summer installation for the finishing high-school class It is estimated that 7 days would be used for installation after equipment have arrived at the sites. 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.) Milestones: 1. Reconnaissance 2. Feasibility study 3. Conceptual design 4. Ordering Of Equipment and materials 5. Construction 6. Integration of arrays onto the grid 7. Commissioning 8. Operations report See separate attached milestone document.. 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 maintenance personal of NWAB-School would be installing the Solar–array and inverters, together with the students Final connection to grid, would be done with the participation of the local utility (KEA) and (AVEC). 3.5 Project Communications Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status. The Solar-array would be connected to a Web-portal for study on incoming solar energy. The student body would collect data and report quarterly on the status of the project. Reports would be generated and submitted to AEA on the success of the project, both regarding actual energy savings and the value to the student body as an Alternate Energy project. 3.6 Project Risk Discuss potential problems and how you would address them. None Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 8 of 16 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 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. The proposed Energy Resource is Solar-PV Available resource is 4.51 kWh/m2/day average for the year The proposal explores the idea of matching incoming energy directly to the load in a facil ity, thereby maximizing the use of the alternate energy source and minimize line losses. This “Solar array” would offset 10 % of the electricity need for the School building in question and would demonstrate to our communities that solar is a viable solution to our energy needs on public buildings. It would be connected inside the utility meter and would send any excess power back to the Grid and the community. The solar-array will operate at a much higher efficiency than if it is connected to the Grid as a stand alone, alternate energy generator. The payback is greater. To use alternate energy sources with maximum efficiency, they need to be implemented were the energy will be used, (no line losses). The construction proposal would put the solar panels on 2 tracking pedestals. This is a tracking “array”. The modular design of the inverter-technology also makes the array resistant to failures as each panel-inverter combo is a stand alone unit. Approximated generated power per 4 Kw array = 5,580 Kwh for the year, this is according to PV- Watts.com calculator and Kotzebue area average solar output available, for 2 way tracking arrays. This corresponds well with existing data collected from a local solar array at ATC Kotzebue. A highly modular design is used, so that each individual panel is grid connected using an “Enphase” inverter that also reports its power generation to a common Web -portal. This makes the whole design lower cost and easier to install due to smaller wires, eliminating the need for a DC-bus with associated losses. The web-portal also makes it easy to view the generated power from anywhere with Internet. This would also be good for the students that are studying alternate energy sources. And this would connect to our coming “Alternate Energy Class” at the High School and at Chuchi College . Solar-PV was chosen for this project as it is one of the most benign and easy to study resources, Future projects may be different from year to year as the student body changes.. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 9 of 16 10/7/2009 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. Energy system in the community consist of a Diesel only or Diesel-Wind combined system. The Schools are connected to the grid with back-up emergency-generators. 4.2.2 Existing Energy Resources Used Briefly discuss your understanding of the existing energy resources. Include a brief discussion of any impact the project may have on existing energy infrastructure and resources. The current Diesel only or Wind-diesel systems in each community can according to the local utilities KEA and AVEC, handle a Co-generating grid connected PV-array of up to 10Kw without adverse effect. 4.2.3 Existing Energy Market Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy customers. There should be no impact to other customers connected to the Grid. 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 project consist of 20pc. 200watt Solar-PV panels with each panel having it’s own “Enphase”AC-inverter direct connected to grid @ 240V AC . The panels are on 2 tracking array pedestals @ 10 pc. each. Optimum installed capacity would vary from School to school and would be dependant on how much co-generating the utility could allow. However according to current tariffs, up to 10Kw/school should be within acceptable limits. Capacity factor around 18 % as the “Enphase” inverter technology has a higher “derate” factor @ 0.819 than the average inverters @ 0.77. Anticipated annual generation 5,580 Kwh/school for a total of 61,380 Kwh for the project. We have been testing the “Enphase” Inverter technology since July and it has proven very easy to work with and integrate with the Grid.. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 10 of 16 10/7/2009 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. No issues 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 No issues 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 No issues Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 11 of 16 10/7/2009 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 Total anticipated project cost is $ 561,887.00 This is at current prices of equipment and shipping. Requested funding is a total of $ 549,387.00 in kind matching @ $ 12,500.00 Projected savings over 25 years is $ $ 997,425.00 The equipment has an approximate lifespan of 25 years.. No development cost was incurred .. 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.) Anticipated O&M would be taken care of by the School maintenance department, very low maintenance cost is anticipated, 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 Not applicable 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. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 12 of 16 10/7/2009 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 Electricity produced 5,580 Kwh per array annually, gives 61,380 Kwh for all 11 schools combined. Over 25 Years that gives 1,534,500 Kwh The electric rate is different for the schools, but the average electric rate between the 11 schools is @ about $ 0.65/Kwh average. This gives $ 997,425.00 as the value of displaced electricity over the lifespan of the project. Fuel displacement annually is anticipated to be 4,547 gallons of Diesel @ 13.5G/Kwh Over 25 Years this gives 113,667 Gallons of fuel saved. This gives 22.38*113,667=2,543,867 lbs of CO2 not released Non economic benefits are: Invaluable tool for teaching students about alternate energy sources. Will prove concept of letting the students take the school of the grid, incrementally year by year. Will make the students more responsible for their own school. Will teach Energy Awareness Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 13 of 16 10/7/2009 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 As this project is of high value as a teaching tool for students, and the cost of operating the Schools in rural Alaska is high, we will continuously look for funding to create one new project every year. Over time this will help the Schools with day to day operations and the students of the communities will acquire skills necessary to operate the alternate systems that are installed in their communities. As they modify their schools they will also acquire a sense of ownership and will ultimately take better care of the school. The maintenance of the system would be incorporated in the regular maintenance schedules of the schools. As this is intended as a study tool for the students , the reporting of savings and benefits would be ongoing.. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 14 of 16 10/7/2009 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. NWAB School Alternate Energy Solar Awareness Project In the Northwest Arctic Borough we have started an Energy Awareness project, that consist of installing an Energy Meter (TED 1001) in every High-school students household. A contest will be launched (The biggest Energy Looser), were the students will compete to find ways to lower the Energy footprint of the Households. In addition to this there is an ongoing collaboration between the NWAB, Chuchi College, ATC and the utility provider KEA to create a study path for the students that wants to pursue an education as Alternate Energy Technicians or Engineers. This project would fit perfect for our ongoing effort of teaching Energy Awareness .. We would immediately use funding, if made available, to create the project for the current high- school graduating class in each of our 11 communities. 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. Local support for this project is high, as all involved agree that we have to involve the students in the Energy issues. Letter of support attached,, And additional letters from the utilities are forthcoming. 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 Total Grant funds requested $ 561,887.00 See attached form Grant budget3.doc Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 15 of 16 10/7/2009 Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application Round 3 AEA10-015 Grant Application Page 16 of 16 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