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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMcGrath Harvest Application FinalMcGrath Wood Harvest Program Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 1 of 20 9/2/2008 Application Forms and Instructions The following forms and instructions are provided for 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.html The following application forms are required to be submitted for a grant recommendation: Grant Application Form GrantApp.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 Costworksheet.doc Summary of Cost information that should be addressed by applicants in preparing their application. Grant Budget Form GrantBudget.xls A detailed grant budget that includes a breakdown of costs by task and a summary of funds available and requested to complete the work for which funds are being requested. Grant Budget Form Instructions GrantBudgetInstr.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 a plan 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. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 2 of 20 9/3/2008 SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal) McGrath Power and Light Type of Entity: Utility Mailing Address McGrath Light & Power P.O. Box 52 McGrath Alaska 99627 Physical Address Telephone 907-524-3009 Fax 907-524-3062 Email Ernie Baumgartner <ernie@raventechservices.com> 1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT Name William A. Wall, PhD Title Project Manager Mailing Address PO Box 988 Seeley Lake, MT 59868 Telephone 406-210-9984 Fax Email Williamwall11@gmail.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) X An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05, or X An independent power producer, or 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 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.) Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 3 of 20 9/3/2008 SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY Provide a brief 1-2 page overview of your project. 2.1 PROJECT TYPE Describe the type of project you are proposing, (Reconnaissance; Resource Assessment/ Feasibility Analysis/Conceptual Design; Final Design and Permitting; and/or Construction) as well as the kind of renewable energy you intend to use. Refer to Section 1.5 of RFA. Develop a Wood Harvest, conversion, storage and delivery system in support of a district heating system: Final Business Plan, Final Design, and Construction of Wood Harvest, Conversion and Delivery System and wood yard. 2.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Provide a one paragraph description of your project. At a minimum include the project location, communities to be served, and who will be involved in the grant project. This application specifically develops the capacity to harvest and deliver 2000+ tons of wood annually to the Village of McGrath, Alaska and to process the wood into usable form and store the wood for later use. The biomass project will link and integrate with the heat recovery project in future iterations of design and cost analysis in order to capture the synergies from both to create an optimum design. A side by side analysis of both chip boilers (Köb) and stick fired boilers (Garn) with estimated cost analysis and net simple payback for individual buildings was conducted in the feasibility assessment (calculations attached). This application supports a district wood heating project already in development in a previous application. The funding will be used to purchase harvest and processing equipment and develop a wood processing, storage and delivery system and storage yard. Matching funding will be used for development of a forest harvest plan, training and technical support. Since the harvest system must integrate to the boiler system installed, final decision on specific harvest equipment and design of wood yard will be determined in coordination with the development of the final design of the boiler systems. An initial list of the harvest equipment, with costs, is attached with a diagnostic of harvest and delivery costs. Local partners include the School District, City of McGrath, Village Safe Water, MTNT Corporation, and McGrath Power and Light (applicant). A wood energy supply analysis, and a Level 2 Feasibility (in writing phase) and conceptual design analysis has been completed for a district heating loop for downtown McGrath to include the School, Gym, AC Store, School District Office, Captain Snow building, Water Plant, Post Office, New clinic (to be built). This Level 2 study has not been coordinated with an analysis for a heat recovery project being proposed by MP&L and AE&E. This project is planned to be conducted in concert with the Village Safe Water project to replace the entire water main and sewage system in McGrath in 2009-2011. The integration of these two projects has the potential to produce significant cost savings for installation of piping, the most expensive portion of the project. Both projects have been developed through technical support from Alaska Village Initiatives, and McGrath Power and Light and e-Four Engineering. Principle personnel to date include Bill Wall, PhD, Peter Olsen, Ernie Baumgartner, and Greg Koontz, ME, George Wilson, ME of Village Safe Water. Linkages are planned with Steven J. Stassel, P.E., and president AE&E. 2.3 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. Include a project cost summary that includes an estimated total cost through construction. This application requests $822,950 of state funds for a project totaling $1,590,092 of which $492,142 is anticipated federal funding and $275,000 coming from local cash and in-kind match. State funds will be used to purchase and deliver harvest equipment, project management, travel Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 4 of 20 9/3/2008 and administration costs. Local and Federal funding will support forest management planning, technical support, training, business plan development, final system design, and wood yard and storage construction. The business plan will be developed in a collaborative interactive process with MTNT staff and Board as well as with MP&L staff and Board. Alaska Village Initiatives expects to receive a DOE earmark in the amount of $492,000, which will be used to support this project. These funds will be used for developing a forest harvest plan, training, support for a forest technician, and a regional forest management seminar based in McGrath. Details will be determined with the final harvest business plan and a final list of equipment to be purchased. MTNT Limited, the local native corporation, will donate the land for the wood yard and MP&L will construct the wood yard. Funds from the state will be used to purchase harvest and wood conversion equipment for the harvest group as well as technical support and project management. Purchase of harvest equipment and development of the following key elements for management of wood energy procurement will be developed under this project. 1. Create 5 year harvest and regeneration plan 2. Develop and install wood storage/wood yard in the village 3. Equipment storage 4. Training and technical support a. Forest Technician training b. Harvest training and technical support c. Development of a harvest methods manual d. 2 years of technical support to make sure chip harvest system is well established and operating efficiently. 2.4 PROJECT BENEFIT Briefly discuss the financial benefits that will result from this project, including an estimate of economic benefits (such as reduced fuel costs) and a description of other benefits to the Alaskan public. A wood energy project in McGrath will affect energy costs at two scales in the village. The first are local households and the second, which is the key economic driver, are major commercial buildings. A reliable source of firewood at a cost of approximately $250 per cord, split and delivered to households, will help displace fuel oil in the village and reduce heating costs to households. A full cord of seasoned spruce burned at 80% efficiency will displace approximately 100 gallons of heating fuel at $7.00/gallon. This benefit is not reflected in the savings and cost analysis of the project in section 2.5 as it would be only an approximation. The key to this household benefit is that wood delivery is reliable and split ready for use. A household that burns 500 gallons of fuel will spend $3500 on fuel. If that is displaced by 80% with wood, then there is a savings of $2800 per household. Reliable sources of wood in combination with house heating education (a planned village workshop) will encourage investment in cleaner wood burning appliances, thus yielding an environmental benefit as well. A feasibility and side by side comparison of chip fired boilers and stick fired boilers in progress is supported by McGrath Power and Light (see attachment tables) Expected optimum initial installation would be a district heating loop in downtown in conjunction with the replacement of the water mains, and in conjunction with a waste heat project to capture the heat form the power plant generators. The following are the potential savings: ƒ Target Savings: displace 123,550 gallons with 2 boilers @ one plant @ $7.00/gallon = $864,850 annual displacement of fuel oil importation. ƒ Wood cost: 2000 tons @ $175/ ton @ 40% moisture = $350,000 for wood ƒ Total net savings: $514,850 per year or $7,722,750 net savings over 15 year life of project. A wood energy program can also reduce wildfire risk through forest thinning, enhance wildlife habitat and, most importantly, create local jobs and economy through import substitution. Schools are one of the most expensive buildings to heat in the village and a client that will help Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 5 of 20 9/3/2008 with economies of scale for supporting development of a wood energy business model. Reducing energy costs for schools and clinic reduces public support costs for education and health care. Wood energy business fits with subsistence lifestyles and creates a greater level of self sufficiency within the village. The process of developing and creating business, management and planning capacity enhances opportunities for increasing long term opportunities for youth to stay in the village with well paying resource based jobs. An integrated wood energy system is one of the best energy and community economic develop projects available to villages with good wood resources and high cost of heating fuels. Equipment selection will be based on the types of lands and forest to be harvested, the transportation system identified, and the type of boilers installed. A fully integrated process from the forest to boiler operation is critical for efficiency and sustainable success of the installation. 2.5 PROJECT COST AND BENEFIT SUMARY Include a summary of your project’s total costs and benefits below. 2.5.1 Total Project Cost (Including estimates through construction.) $1,590,092 2.5.2 Grant Funds Requested in this application. $822,950 2.5.3 Other Funds to be provided (Project match) $767,142 2.5.4 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.5.2 and 2.5.3) $1,590,092 2.5.5 Estimated Benefit (Savings) $864,850 gross savings 2.5.6 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.) $12,972,750 15 year gross saving Target Savings: displace 123,550 gallons with 2 boilers @ one plant @ $7.00/gallon = $864,850 annual displacement of fuel oil importation and $12,972,750 over life of project Wood cost: 2000 tons @ $175/ ton @ 40% moisture = $350,000 for wood Total net savings: $514,850 per year or $7,722,750 net savings over 15 year life of project Community public benefit based on multiplier of new infusion of funds into the community is just slightly over 1.0 in the potential creation of new jobs, primarily because of the many resources which are imported into rural Alaskan Villages. A wood energy utility is a new sustainable business that is created out of local resources and acts as an energy import substitution. The largest leakage of funds out of the village is for energy costs paid to outside vendors. The specific multiplier on creation of direct jobs has not been calculated. The wood energy utility will create 4-6 1/2 jobs and one full time at a rate of $15-25 per hour. Public benefit was noted in two ways. First direct fuel cost savings to public commercial buildings such as the school and clinic over a 15 year life of the project based on current fuel prices and a stable cost of wood. Second, these savings are paid locally as salaries and profit to the local wood energy utility, which then pays dividends to local share holders. The importance of a wood energy utility and the jobs that it creates is demonstrated by the below quotes form a report on rural community economic benefit multipliers. In the case of commercial or public buildings such as the school, money now being spent outside the community for energy is being redirected into the community for wood energy and local jobs. Report Quotes: “A community can add new wage paying jobs in three ways: · Goods or services produced locally, sold to non-residents, bring money into the community to pay wages · Money from outside the region can directly pay the wages of local jobs · Money already in the region can be re-spent there, supporting local jobs” “The economic multiplier in these small places has a value little more than 1.0. For a larger market like Anchorage, the multiplier would be in the range from 1.3 to 1.6. An important Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 6 of 20 9/3/2008 consequence of a small multiplier is that the only way to create jobs in a small community is to bring more money into the economy from outside the community. Almost none of the jobs in areas with low multipliers result from re-circulation of purchasing power already within the community.” Quotes from an interim report produced by UAA at website: http://www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu/publications/client/afnjobs/ecmu 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. Ernie Baumgartner, ML&P General Manager, will be the Grant Manager. He will be the single point of contact with AEA and will execute all grants, contractual and administrative responsibilities. The project manager will be Bill Wall, PhD. Dr. Wall will work cooperatively with Ernie Baumgartner, Donne Fleagle, CEO of MTNT, and Natalie Baumgartner, City Manager as the primary local liaisons to manage the project. 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.) A Table of Milestones, Decisions and Activities is attached. The project will be initiated immediately after notification of a positive response to this application. The intent is to complete this project over a two year period (2009-2010) in concert with the installation of a new water system. Harvest equipment will be ordered and delivered in 2009 if this project is funded in time for this to occur. Wood yard construction will be initiated in summer of 2009. 3.3 Project Milestones Define key tasks and decision points in your project and a schedule for achieving them. A Table of Milestones, Decisions and Activities is attached. Decisions to be made: ƒ Initial analysis on harvest equipment has been made, a final list must be decided upon based on boiler configuration and amount of material needed on annual basis. This will be done in time for ordering equipment for delivery in summer of 2009. ƒ General location for wood yard is known, but specific location and design are still needed. Tasks to be completed in Phase 3: ƒ Finalize project implementation plan – Dynamic planning. As soon as grant is approved a facilitated planning process will be initiated to help keep the project on track. ƒ Complete design for wood yard. This will be done in conjunction with design of the boiler system; it is anticipated that the wood yard will be associated with the boiler location. ƒ Complete design for harvest equipment integrated with boiler types. A final configuration of harvest equipment will be developed prior to moving into wood yard construction in phase IV and purchase of equipment ƒ A final harvest Business Plan will be developed in phase 3 ƒ Land ownership agreements will be set. Completion may not be until Phase IV. ƒ Environmental Analyses will be completed ƒ Wood Purchase & Sales Agreement will be agreed to between MP&L and MTNT. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 7 of 20 9/3/2008 ƒ Development of Forest Management and Harvest plan. This will be an ongoing process throughout the entire project. Tasks to be completed in Phase 4: ƒ Permission to proceed to Construction will be sought by end of month four. ƒ Decision –Purchase and delivery of equipment. This may be highly variable depending on timing or permission to purchase and ability to get equipment to McGrath. ƒ Implement Wood Energy Utility Business Structure. This business structure will be determined in the business planning process and will be finalized in phase 4 by the end of month 6. ƒ Wood Yard construction and storage will be completed by the end of the project depending on timing relative to summer construction season. 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. Key personnel: (resumes attached) Donne Fleagle –CEO of MTNT Corporation has significant business management experience and has served on several non-profit boards. The business management capacity of MTNT is high. Ernie Baumgartner – Manager of McGrath Power and Light and Principle in Raven Tech Services which operates eight power plants in the region. Ernie has experience in energy related management and has long supported the development of alternative energy sources. Bill Wall, PhD: Contractor and Project Manager coauthored the Forest Stewardship Plan for MTNT and has worked to develop a sustainable wood energy model for interior villages. He has coordinated a Rural Business Enterprise Grant to develop a business model and for a local harvest company and transportation plan for delivery of wood into McGrath both summer and winter. He has coordinated the development of a Level 2 feasibility study to determine optimum boiler installation in Fort Yukon to maximize fuel oil displacement for heat. Peter Olsen: Contractor and Forester coauthored the Forest Stewardship Plan for MTNT and has developed a cost model for wood harvest. Peter will support the Forest Harvesting and Management portion of the program. Greg Koontz, ME: Engineer contractor conducting the feasibility analysis and side by side comparison of stick and chip fired boilers. Has experience in biomass operations and energy savings analysis. Greg will develop the optimal schematic design for the boiler installations. Steven J. Stassel, P.E., AE&E president, engineer putting in heat recovery from power plant. Coordination will occur between the engineers to optimize the system. Doug Johnson: Professional Growth Systems will support the business develop, business plan and board/employee training, dynamic planning process to increase business capacity for MTNT and MPL boards and employees. The McGrath City Council has passed a resolution in favor of the wood energy program and has been kept up to date on progress of the program development. A city wide meeting was held at the initiation of project development and was well received by the entire community. Meetings with the tribe have met with strong support. Alaska Village Initiatives helped initiate the process with funding to support the initial model. AVI expects a DOE earmark in 2009 which will be used to support this project. Funding has come through AVI, State and Private Forestry and Rural Development to support development of the project to date. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 8 of 20 9/3/2008 3.5 Project Communications Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status. Project communications will focus on three areas: ƒ Support team and local implementation partners ƒ McGrath Community ƒ Funding Partners A detailed implementation matrix of activities, responsibilities and due dates will be developed using a dynamic planning process once full funding is secured. This will be developed as part of a planned training and planning exercise with the MTNT and MP&L Boards. The planning process will be integrated with the Village Safe Water schedule for replacing water mains in Downtown. The matrix will be kept current by the project manager and shared monthly with key members of the team. The City Council will be updated on a regular basis. Another community meeting will be scheduled in Spring of 2009 at the prior to implementation to discuss any final issues with the community. The schedule matrix will be used as the basis to for a quarterly report to inform all granting agencies of implementation progress and any key issues. Thus AEA will receive a quarterly report and informal discussions and calls to the AEA project manager. 3.6 Project Risk Discuss potential problems and how you would address them. There are two key types of risks associated in creating a sustainable wood energy project in rural Alaska: Technical and Management Capacity / Fuel supply. This project specifically addresses the supply component of a wood energy program. Harvest equipment, wood conversion equipment, storage and handling are critical to a successful program. Forest Management and harvest planning for a commercial harvest operation of this scale is also very important for long term sustainability. Technical: technical risks for a chip fired boiler installation are making sure that reliable chip storage and feed systems are developed for the climatic conditions in rural Interior Alaska. This is being developed with close attention in the design phase and will be designed for the worst case scenario wet chips at -50F. The project will utilize European boiler manufacturers with high quality and proven reliability. Systems will be designed so that oil fired systems serve as a redundant back up. Management Capacity: The most critical risk associated with installation of wood burning appliances in rural Alaska is whether there is a sustainable and reliable supply of fuel being delivered to the boiler. Simply stated, someone has to get the fuel to the village and into the boiler. Chip fired systems create more complexity than stick fired boilers for harvest and delivery of chips. Creating a system that displaces a significant amount of fuel also creates a much greater need for harvest planning and actual harvesting in both summer and winter. This key risk is the focus of this application - to set up a wood harvest and delivery company owned by the MTNT Corporation for delivery of wood to MP&L. A team has been formed for technical support and training. A harvest planning system will be created within the MTNT Resource Department with additional training for current GIS capacity and a forestry technician to layout harvest boundary areas. A five year harvest plan will be developed cooperatively to develop local capacity. Employees will spend time outside of the village working on a harvesting crew prior to full scale harvesting within the village. Board and business training will be conducted for the MTNT and MP&L Boards and key employees. A final business plan will be developed and used as a planning and training exercise as part of the implementation of the harvest project as well as boiler operations. MP&L has experience in effectively and efficiently operating the power plant as a utility which will have parallels in the operation of a wood energy utility. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 9 of 20 9/3/2008 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 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 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. A forest stewardship plan is under development for MTNT Corporation, with expected completion of fall 2008 by Peter Olsen and Bill Wall, PhD. An extensive forest resource review was conducted. An average of 18 tons/acre of harvestable woody biomass is available on fully stocked stands of mixed hardwoods and white spruce. It was determined that MTNT lands could easily sustain a harvest of up to 15-20,000 tons of wood per year in chips and round fire wood. This is 4-5 times the projected needs for the initial proposed project. A 5-year harvest plan will be developed in association with this project. A recent fire left standing fire killed black spruce on the road system just behind the town and will serve as an excellent starting point for harvesting of dry chips. Moisture content of standing dead wood has been determined to be 15% in McGrath. Wood is the only alternative source of energy readily available to displace fuel oil on a village scale in McGrath. The positive attributes of a wood energy program are that the program is both an alternative energy program and an economic development program. Harvest and conversion of wood for energy is import substitution, and creates local jobs. The greatest local economic benefit occurs when ownership and operations are kept local. A key limiting factor which must be addressed with implementation is development of the local capacity business, planning and forest management for harvesting operations and feeding boilers. 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. Current forest harvest for wood is being done by local entrepreneurs with various types of equipment. This project will create a commercial operation capable of supplying 2000-5000 tons of wood annually in both round wood and chip form. All commercial buildings in McGrath are heated with oil boilers at an efficiency of approximately 85%. Age varies significantly from new to about 15 years old. Each building has a dual installation of Weil McClain or Burnham Boilers. Sizes by BTU/ hour output has been inventoried and used for feasibility analysis. These are in the AEA sponsored reconnaissance study Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 10 of 20 9/3/2008 conducted by the Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Force as well as previous studies conducted on coal and woody biomass. It is the intent of this project to continue to use the current oil boilers as a back up system to wood boilers and as a turn down support if there is not enough of a load for the chip boiler to operate. Large chip boilers turn down at a 3:1 ratio. The feasibility study is exploring options of installing one large and one small boiler in the downtown district heat system to displace a larger percentage of fuel oil during shoulder months. 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 existing heat energy resources are locally harvested wood and fuel oil purchased at rack prices for houses and bulk fuel for most of the major commercial buildings. At the household level, a wood energy program as described in this project, will create a consistent supply of fire wood for households and may positively affect the willingness of households to invest in efficient and clean burning appliances. At the commercial scale, displacing approximately 150,000- 170,000 gallons of fuel will reduce, but not eliminate, the need for bulk deliveries of fuel into the village. This reduction in the amount of fuel may increase the costs or at least reduce the frequency of deliveries into the village. McGrath, last year, was not able to get a barge up river due to low flows. Fuel prices skyrocketed when fuel had to be flown in. Prices went as high as $9.00 per gallon. All current modeling is being done based on $7.00 per gallon. 4.2.3 Existing Energy Market Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy customers. There are two levels of market for each village, households and commercial buildings. The commercial buildings will drive the actual economies of scale for a feasible project to include a harvesting group. Current prices are over $7.00 rack price. This project will reduce the cost of heat and stabilize the continuous increases being experienced to date. This project is proposing to create a consistent, inexpensive supply of fire wood for residences and to displace up to 90% of the heating fuel used by 6-11 commercial buildings. In a typical year, at least 2 barges of fuel are scheduled. However, last year no barges were able to access McGrath due to low water. Based on recent trends, it is more difficult to count on barges annually. 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 • A description of renewable energy technology specific to project location A Level 1 feasibility analysis has been conducted, but not available in report form as yet. A tradeoff analysis between Garn 3200 boilers and various models of Köb chip fired boilers has been conducted for individual buildings. A side by side analysis is attached. The second analysis focuses on a District Heating system for Downtown. Paybacks are Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 11 of 20 9/3/2008 higher for the District heating system due to long piping runs. However, optimum installation configuration is still being determined in the final boiler feasibility analysis. A final schematic design with costs will be conducted prior to going to a full design for each installation. • Optimum installed capacity Optimum capacity is based on two factors. Creating an economy of scale for profitable sustainable wood harvest, which is approximately 2000-3000 tons or more annually; and displacing a significant amount of fuel oil in commercial buildings. This will create an economically viable program of harvest and sales of BTUs to buildings based on cost savings for each building participating. Projected fuel to be displaced is up to approximately 135,000 gallons using up to 2000-3000 tons of wood chips (actual amount depends on moisture). Optimum installed capacity and configuration has yet to be decided upon regarding the downtown district heat system. Initial conservative (meaning high) costs estimates have been determined for each building for both a stand alone chip system and stick boiler, as well as 6 scenarios for district system heating from 6-11 buildings. A final optimum design is yet to be decided upon. This proposal will address the maximum District Heat system and two stand alone chip fired boilers one at the clinic and one at the Voc Ed. • Anticipated capacity factor The anticipated capacity factor displacement of current fuel consumption for a centralized plant ranges from 75% to 98% using a chip fired system. Final capacity will be determined in final feasibility and decision processes in development of the final business plan in conjunction with development of the water main replacement project. • Anticipated annual generation Total maximum annual generation is based on 210 days of heating and BTUs to displace up to 135,000 gallons of heating fuel. • Anticipated barriers There are two key barriers: o a reliable supply of good quality reasonable low moisture chips delivered to the boiler installation; o a reliable automated storage and feeding system to the boiler; Both of these issues can be dealt with in the design. The first one, quality chips, is a design of the harvest, delivery and wood yard storage of the chips. This is being dealt with in the wood harvest system project. The second will be dealt with in the final boiler design process which will include on site chip storage and delivery systems. • Basic integration concept Heat integration in each of the installations will be designed where the wood boiler is the primary, and the existing oil boilers are back up. Project integration will occur with the wasted heat recovery project. • Delivery methods Two methods of wood chipping will be employed. Chipping in the woods with delivery to a storage facility in the village or chipping of round material brought into the village. A front end loader will be used to scoop chips into a dump truck. The chips will then be delivered to each of the boilers. Specifics of chip bin design are still in design phase. 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. There are three issues regarding land ownership for the two concurrent projects: ƒ biomass ownership; ƒ wood yard; ƒ Boiler installation sites. Most important with this specific proposal are the biomass ownership and wood yard installation Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 12 of 20 9/3/2008 sites. MTNT Corporation owns the forest land base surrounding McGrath, where all of the biomass will be harvested. As they will be a vertically integrated harvesting and wood energy utility, they are in full support of the sustainable utilization of forest biomass from their lands. Model contracts have been developed to support a legal basis for harvest. The second issue is location of the wood yard for storage and conversion of biomass into usable forms. A primary location has been identified on property owned by MTNT adjacent to the school and clinic. The wood yard, wood storage and the primary district heating plant will be located there. MTNT has agreed to donate the land to the project. The third ownership issue is the location of satellite boilers if they should be installed. Although all potential commercial customers are interested in participating, the initial feasibility study numbers have just been completed and discussions have not occurred as yet. No significant issues are expected. 4.3.3 Permits Provide the following information is 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 List of permits – • Permits for wood boilers are not required by the State of Alaska for the expected boiler size. However, once a final design and boiler size is determined, the state will be consulted to determine what, if any, regulations apply. A clearance from the Alaska State DEC Division of Air Quality will be sought as soon as a final design is developed and prior to construction on boilers. • Forest harvesting – The provisions of the Alaska State Forest Practices Act will be incorporated into harvest and delivery of biomass plans. Development of stream crossings, ice roads and summer and winter harvest operations may require special permits. These permits are granted annually based on harvest and transportation plans. The permitting request process will begin at least one month prior to seasonal operations allowing for 30 days in which the plan can be adjusted based on State suggests. • No major barriers are expected on permitting 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 This section will address both the current application for boilers and the project for biomass harvesting: • Threatened and Endangered Species – no listed species in the project area • Habitat issues – a Forest Stewardship Plan is in preparation for the MTNT ownership and a five year forest management and harvest plan will be completed as part of the Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 13 of 20 9/3/2008 biomass harvesting project. Opportunities for enhancing moose habitat will be sought and developed. No significant negative habitat impacts outside the natural range of variation in this fire driven ecosystem are expected. Harvesting of over mature spruce and hardwood stands are not expected to be a major portion of the target for biomass production, but their use could have some small scale local impacts on Neotropical migratory bird species. A major focus will be on use of recent fires and rehabilitation of those fires into productive new stands for future biomass production. • Wetlands and other protected areas – The Alaska State Forest Practices Act will be followed in all harvest operations. Accessing or crossing wetlands will only be done during winter when frozen. MTNT Limited Lands Department has an excellent GIS system and has done mapping on key sensitive areas for each of the villages in MTNT Limited region. These will be noted during forest harvest transportation planning. Classified SPOT imagery is expected to be secured through DNR Forestry for use in planning. • Land Development Constraints – none are anticipated at this time. • Telecommunications Interference – none are anticipated at this time. • Aviation Considerations – none are anticipated at this time, • Visual and aesthetic impacts – Harvesting of biomass can create unaesthetic impacts on the forest. FPA required buffers keep harvesting from banks and visibility corridors. Forest planning can deal effectively with these issues. The wood yard will be fenced and located in the edge of the village with forested buffers retained around the yare. Wood chip deliveries to sites such where noise maybe an issue will be scheduled such that minimum impact will occur. • Potential Project Barriers – The approach that the project developers have taken in the development of the McGrath program to date is that this will be a model project of converting a village to substantial wood use for heating. We have tried to anticipate many of the barriers and provide ways to bridge these barriers. However, some additional barriers will emerge as the project moves forward. Key barriers identified: o Organization cooperation: developing cooperation among the various key organizations that are now acting as partners was critical. The City Council has hosted several meetings to discuss the project. An MOU among the Tribe, City, MTNT Limited Corporation, the School District and other major organizations in McGrath has been developed to support coordination of multiple projects. As a final business plan is developed, even more specific roles will be spelled out and agreed upon. This is an ongoing process with good cooperation thus far. o For Profit Model Simultaneous Development of Supply and Delivery/Demand Creating a local structure for a for-profit model for harvesting and converting biomass and a wood energy utility was key to being confident that both the biomass supply side and BTU demand side were installed in sync. Thus we have 2 projects: biomass harvest – supply; and boiler installation and operations – demand. Appropriate economic incentives are being put in the correct places for economic sustainability. A final business plan will be developed which constructs, within MTNT Limited Corporation, a vertically integrated biomass harvest conversion and delivery and boiler Operations Company. This model fits in McGrath and the same components must be developed in other villages, but may not be vertically integrated. The more local ownership in the overall process the more benefits accrue to the community. o Business Management Capacity: MTNT Limited Corporation owns MP&L which operates the electrical utility in McGrath. Operations of wood fired boilers fits within their current management capacity of operating the power plant and billing. New personnel will be hired and trained for boiler operations. However, Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 14 of 20 9/3/2008 development of a commercial level biomass harvest company is a new enterprise which will require new expertise and management of a labor intensive and planning intensive field operation. A 5 year forest harvest plan will be developed with an annual implementation plan. Annual harvest plans will be managed based on summer and winter operations and variation in annual weather patterns. Operation timing will vary depending on ice thickness, temperature in winter and dry ground patterns and river levels in summer. Management of transportation of equipment and supplies back to the village are critical to final costs of the supply. These capacities must be developed locally. Training is planned in business management and structure, forest planning, and harvest management. McGrath has a good pool of skilled machine operators. 4.4 Proposed New System Costs (Total Estimated Costs and proposed 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 Cost Phase III & IV: $1,590,092 Total grant funding requested: $822,950 Matching Funds: MTNT and ML&P is proposing a $275,000 cash and in-kind match. Other funding Sources: Alaska Village Initiatives is anticipating a $492,000 earmark from DOE in 2009. These funds will be used to support the project. Capital Cost: $796,000 Development Costs: $794,888 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. • Total anticipated project cost for this phase • Requested grant funding A table of wood harvest costs is attached. O&M is part of a wood harvest and delivery system. These costs have been modeled and are built into the expected price of wood delivery costs at $250/cord and $200/ton for chips. 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 It is expected that there will be a vertically integrated wood harvest, wood handling and delivery Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 15 of 20 9/3/2008 and a wood utility operating the boilers. Final decisions have not been made, but this is expected to be a subsidiary of MP&L. The agreements which must be made are a harvest agreement between MP&L and MTNT for harvest of wood from MTNT Limited lands, and delivery costs agreement between the harvesting group and the boiler operator group of the company. These are expected to be internal transfer costs. However, model agreements have been developed in a previous project. Wood delivered to the household in cord form is expected to be $250. Chips delivered to the boiler are expected to be $200 per green ton. Harvest and delivery costs are expected to be between $140-180 per ton including a 25% markup over base costs. Modeling has been done conservatively, since there are no current harvest operations in the interior to use as examples. Tracking actual harvest costs, conversion costs, and delivery costs will be imperative to learn actual wood energy savings over fuel oil. 4.4.4 Cost Worksheet Complete the cost worksheet form which provides summary information that will be considered in evaluating the project. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 16 of 20 9/3/2008 4.4.5 Business Plan 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. Financial modeling to date includes an initial harvest cost analysis which includes cost of forest harvesting equipment, labor, maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs. The models for wood harvest and boiler performance are attached. A final business plan will be developed in collaboration with the MP&L Board as a business training exercise with the following major topics: • Executive summary • Community information • Management infrastructure • Financial data • Key assumptions • Capital replacement schedule • Funding legal authority and issues • Inter-agency and organization relationships. 4.4.6 Analysis and Recommendations Provide information about the economic analysis and the proposed project. Discuss your recommendation for additional project development work. A tremendous amount of effort and learning has gone into the development of this project on the part of the project developers and MTNT Corporation and MP&L. The purpose of the Wood Energy Program in McGrath is not only to establish a local wood energy utility and displace a significant amount of fuel oil, but to develop, demonstrate, and perfect by doing an integrated sustainable approach to converting a village from primarily fuel oil for heat to primarily wood. This project addresses the wood harvest, conversion, storage, and delivery side of the program. The potential synergy with a water system replacement project creates the opportunity to do a much larger district heating system than could be afforded separately. There are two primary economic models that have been developed: A wood harvest and delivery model for chips and round wood and multiple boiler installation models including a side by side comparison of chip versus stick fired boilers for individual buildings, and eight scenarios for a district heating plant in downtown McGrath. These models were developed using very conservative numbers such as 40% moisture for wood chips actual production goal is 15-30%, $175-200/ton for a delivered chip cost actual production goal is $150. These models in combination demonstrate that installations of boilers and development of an integrated wood harvest company are absolutely economically feasible. Potential Net Simple Payback analysis for both stick fired boilers, stand alone chip fired boilers and district heating range from as short as 4.1 to 12 years with nothing over 12 years considered. Pricing for piping and installations has been set very high. No consideration has been given to the integration of the water replacement project and the pipe installation for boilers as yet. A final business plan developed in conjunction with MTNT Limited and ML&P Corporation staff and board will finalize business structure and economic projections. During the development of the business plan a decision on the specific boiler installations will be made. An implementation tracking system will be devised to determine actual costs versus projected to help streamline and improve the overall village based model for future installations. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 17 of 20 9/3/2008 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 avoided cost of ownership) • 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 Project Benefit: • Fuel Displacement: Annual fuel displacement is up to 135,539 gallons @ current price of $7.00 per gallon is $948,773. At a project life of 15 years total maximum gallons displaced are 2,033,085 with a total gross savings of $14,231,595. • Anticipate Revenues: At a delivered wood fuel price of $200/ton for 30% moisture wood chips and total demand of 2200 tons the wood harvest and delivery company will derive an annuls gross income of $440,000 which is equal to $21.76 per million BTUs. At $7.00 per gallon for fuel oil, a million BTUs of heat costs $50.54. The wood utility operators of the boilers will develop a long term BTU agreement with the commercial buildings to stabilize the heat equivalent price at a range of $4.00-$5.00 per gallon of fuel or thus the commercial price of a million BTUs will be $28.88 - $36.10. An annual gross savings of $509,773 will be divided by the Wood Energy Utility and major commercial customers based on agreed upon rate and escalator. Final determination of how displacement savings will be derived and dispersed as savings to customers will be developed in the final business plan. The intent of the program is to be both an economically viable wood utility and a service to the community. • Annual Incentives: Tax credits or other annual incentives have not been explored as yet. • Green Credits: Until the scope of the project and the need for additional incentives has been fully understood within the context of the partners, Green Credits have not been explored as yet. Non-economic benefits: These two projects, woody biomass harvest and boiler installations, in combination, create the significant non-economic benefits. In multiple discussions and presentations, community members have commented on how wood energy will create local jobs that are consistent with their subsistence lifestyles. Community leaders have commented on how utilizing local resources helps create a culture of sustainability and self sufficiency, and reduce dependence on outside energy sources. A wood energy program can also reduce wildfire risk through forest thinning, enhance wildlife habitat and, most importantly, create local jobs and economy through import substitution. Schools are one of the most expensive buildings to heat in the village and a client that will help with economies of scale for supporting development of a wood energy business model. Reducing energy costs for schools and clinic reduces public support costs for education and health care. Wood energy business fits with subsistence lifestyles and creates a greater level of self sufficiency within the village. The process of developing and creating business, management and planning capacity enhances opportunities for increasing long term opportunities for youth to stay in the village with well paying resource based jobs. An integrated wood energy system is one of the best energy and community economic develop projects available to villages with a sustainable source of wood. Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 18 of 20 9/3/2008 SECTION 6 – GRANT BUDGET Tell us how much your total project costs. Include any investments to date and funding sources, how much is requested in grant funds, and additional investments you will make as an applicant. Include an estimate of budget costs by tasks using the form - GrantBudget.xls Funding to date includes the following: ƒ State and Private Forestry - $45,000. Development of a Forest Stewardship Plan for MTNT Limited lands in progress; ƒ Rural Business Enterprise Grant - $75,000. Support the development of a set of model contract agreements, wood harvest transportation plan, and develop of an initial harvest equipment list. ƒ MP&L - $15,000. Development of a level one analysis for a district heating system to be installed simultaneously with replacement of the village water system. Phase III & IV: Project Development Task One: Project Initiation, Dynamic Planning, and Final Business Plan – A facilitated planning meeting will be held at the outset of the project to develop a specific dynamic planning outline among all the major partners to coordinate work, responsibilities, and timing of activities. A second meeting will be held to finalize the business plan with key staff. • Total costs = $30,000 ƒ Requested Funds = $0 ƒ Federal Funds = $25,000 ƒ Cash Match = $ ƒ In-Kind = $10,000 MP&L Task Two: Forest Management Plan Process – This is a major process to support the establishment of a sustainable forest management and harvesting program. Developing a GIS forest stand analysis which includes the cost of purchase and classification of 3 satellite imagery scenes. A five year stand based harvest plan will be produced, forest fire rehab plan will be developed and initiated, technical support for harvest operations as training, business agreements will be finalized, a region forest management workshop will be conducted, support for a forest technician will be provided, and technical support and local training will occur. Land owner agreements will be finalized. • Total Costs = $283,000 • Requested funds = $0 • Federal Funds = $253,000 • In-kind support = $30,000 Task Three: Wood Yard Design and Tech Support – Develop a wood yard flow pattern and final design for storage of round wood and chips. ƒ Total Cost = $20,000 ƒ Requested Funds = $0 ƒ Federal Funds = $20,000 ƒ In-kind = $ 0 Task Four: Purchase Harvest Equipment and delivery to community ƒ Total Cost $646,000 ƒ Requested funds = $616,000 ƒ Federal funds = ƒ Cash Match = ƒ In-kind support = $30,000 Task Five: Harvest equipment and harvesting process training ƒ Total costs = $20,000 ƒ Requested funds = $ ƒ Federal funds = Renewable Energy Fund Grant Application AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 19 of 20 9/3/2008 ƒ In-kind Match = $20,000 Task Six: Project Management, facilitation, communications, reporting, environmental analysis, and permitting. ƒ Total cost $160,000 ƒ Requested funds = $100,000 ƒ Federal Funds = $25,000 ƒ Cash = $25,000 ƒ In-kind = $10,000 Task seven: Project administration, insurance, accounting. ƒ Total costs: $88,950 ƒ Requested funds: $88,950 ƒ Federal Funds: SECTION 7 – 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 6. D. An electronic version of the entire application per RFA Section 1.6 E. Governing Body Resolution per RFA Section 1.4 Enclose a copy of the resolution or other formal action taken by the applicant’s governing body or management that: - authorizes this application for project funding at the match amounts indicated in the application - authorizes the individual named as point of contact to represent the applicant for purposes of this application - states the applicant is in compliance with all 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 William A. Wall, PhD Signature Title Authorized Project Manager Date 11/10/08  Renewable Energy Fund   RFA AEA 09-004 Application Cost Worksheet Page 1 Application Cost Worksheet Please note that some fields might not be applicable for all technologies or all project phases. Level of information detail varies according to phase requirements. 1. Renewable Energy Source – Wood for Heat The Applicant should demonstrate that the renewable energy resource is available on a sustainable basis. Annual average resource availability. 15-20,000 tons Chips and cord wood annually is sustainable 2500 tons is expected. Unit depends on project type (e.g. windspeed, hydropower output, biomasss fuel) 2. Existing Energy Generation a) Basic configuration (if system is part of the railbelt grid, leave this section blank) i. Number of generators/boilers/other 2 boilers per building x up to 16 = 32 boilers ii. Rated capacity of generators/boilers/other Range from 135KBTU/hr – 805KBTU/hr iii. Generator/boilers/other type Oil fired iv. Age of generators/boilers/other 1 year to 15 years v. Efficiency of generators/boilers/other Oil boilers range between 80-85% b) Annual O&M cost i. Annual O&M cost for labor 16 different ownerships of boilers – not known ii. Annual O&M cost for non-labor 16 different ownerships of boilers – not known c) Annual electricity production and fuel usage (fill in as applicable) i. Electricity [kWh] $.55/kwh commercial ii. Fuel usage (if system is part of the Railbelt grid, leave this section blank Diesel [gal] 212,000 gallons for power plant Other iii. Peak Load 500 Kwh iv. Average Load 305 Kwh v. Minimum Load 225 Kwh vi. Efficiency 32% vii. Future trends Electrical use has gone down in recent years d) Annual heating fuel usage (fill in as applicable) i. Diesel [gal or MMBtu] 125,000 gal. targeted for displacement at commercial ii. Electricity [kWh] iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu] iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu] v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons] current usage not known local use for firewood only vi. Other  Renewable Energy Fund   RFA AEA 09-004 Application Cost Worksheet Page 2   3. Proposed System Design a) Installed capacity Displace 125,000 gallons of fuel oil with district heat b) Annual renewable electricity generation i. Diesel [gal or MMBtu] ii. Electricity [kWh] iii. Propane [gal or MMBtu] iv. Coal [tons or MMBtu] v. Wood [cords, green tons, dry tons] 2500 tons @ 40% moisture projected for displacement of oil vi. Other 4. Project Cost a) Total capital cost of new system $796,000 b) Development cost $794,888 c) Annual O&M cost of new system $50,000 d) Annual fuel cost $20,000 = diesel fuel to run harvest machinery 5. Project Benefits a) Amount of fuel displaced for i. Electricity ii. Heat 125,000 gallons iii. Transportation b) Price of displaced fuel $875,500 @ $7.00/gallon annually c) Other economic benefits Local employment, import substitution d) Amount of Alaska public benefits Reduce costs of heating school, district office, clinic 6. Power Purchase/Sales Price a) Price for power purchase/sale Sell heat BTUs @ between $28.88 – $36.10/MMBTUs Sell chips @ $175-$200/green ton & $250/cord split 7. Project Analysis  Renewable Energy Fund   RFA AEA 09-004 Application Cost Worksheet Page 3 a) Basic Economic Analysis Project benefit/cost ratio 2:1 over 15 year project life Payback 4.5 years Alaska Energy Authority ‐ Renewable Energy FundBUDGET INFORMATION ‐ Anticipated AVI DOE Earmark ‐ McGrath Forest Management, Wood Harvest  Project BUDGET SUMMARY:Project Initiation Jan 1,2009 ‐ End Sept 30, 2010TaskAnticipated DOE Federal Funds ‐ AVIState FundingLocal Match Funds (Cash)MP&L & MTNT Local Match Funds (In‐TOTALSProject Dynamic Planning & Business Plan $25,000 $10,000 $35,000Forest Management Planning and Tech sup$253,000 $30,000 $283,000Wood Yard Design & Tech Support $20,000 $20,000Wood Yard Installation $50,000 $100,000 $150,000Travel support $25,000 $18,000 $43,000Purchase Harvest Equipment & Delivery $616,000 $30,000 $646,000Training on Harvest Equipment $20,000 $20,000Project Management & Program Fascilitatio$25,000 $100,000 $25,000 $10,000 $160,000Administration and other direct costs $88,950 $88,950Total Direct $348,000 $822,950 $105,000 $170,000 $1,445,950Indirect AVI $144,142 $144,142Total $492,142 $822,950 $105,000 $170,000 $1,590,092Milestone # or Task #BUDGET CATAGORIES:5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 TOTALSDirect Labor and Benefits $10,000 $30,000 $10,000 $50,000Travel, Meals, or Per Diem $6,000 $10,000 $2,000 $5,000 $6,000 $14,000 $43,000Equipment$630,000 $630,000Supplies $30,000$30,000Contractual Services $25,000 $218,000 $20,000 $16,000 $125,000 $404,000Construction Services$0Other Direct Costs $10,000$30,000$150,000$20,000$88,950$298,950TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES $51,000 $318,000 $22,000 $150,000 $0 $651,000 $26,000 $149,000 $88,950 $1,455,950RFA AEA09-004 Budget Form McGrath Wood Harvest Program Milestone & Activity Table MILESTONES, DESCISIONS & ACTIVITIES WHO* START Month END Month EXPECTED OUTCOMES 1st Quarter (January – March 2009 ) Phase III Complete contract with AEA & MPL Finalize project implementation plan – Dynamic planning Complete Design for wood yard Complete design for harvest equipment integrated with boiler types Final Business Plan Land ownership agreements Environmental Analyses Wood Purchase & Sales Agreement Development of Forest Management and Harvest plan Quarterly report due WW, EB, MP&L WW, MP&L, GK, DJ WW, MP&L, PO, WW, PO, GK WW,PO, MP&L WW, MP&L, PO WW, MPL WW, MPL WW, MP&L, PO WW, MP&L, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 4 3 4 5 12 3 Initialize work on Alternative Energy Grant Establish work completion timelines and responsibilities Schematic Design delivered to MP&L Coordinate with boiler design process Facilitated collaborative development of final business plan All necessary land agreements are made with cooperators All necessary applications made for permits as required Finalize agreements needed to start wood harvest On going for entire project GIS based Quarterly Report due to AEA 2nd Quarter (April – June 2009) Phase IV Permission to proceed to Construction Decision –Purchase and delivery of equipment Implement Wood Energy Utility Business Structure Quarterly report due WW, MP&L, AEA WW, MP&L, PO WW, MP&L, DJ WW, MP&L, 4 4 4 4 9 6 6 Provide enough info to AEA to move to construction phase Initiate Purchase process for equipment delivery Legal Development for wood energy utility Write report 3rd Quarter (July- September 2009) Phase IV Wood Yard construction initiated Harvest Equipment Training Quarterly report due WW, MP&L, PO WW,PO,MP&L 7 7 9 9 9 Construction of wood yard Harvest process developed Quarterly Report due to AEA 4th Quarter (October – December 2009) Phase IV Track Project Costs Environmental Monitoring Permitting Final Annual Report WW, MP&L WW, MP&L WW,MP&L WW,MP&L 1 1 1 12 12 12 12 12 Actively track project costs and report any issues quarterly Monitor and report as needed Monitor and report as needed Final report 5th-8th Quarters (January-December 2010) Phase IV * WW William Wall – Project manager PO Peter Olsen – Forester GK Greg Koontz – Engineer MPL McGrath Power and Light EB Ernie Baumgartner Cont. Contractor – to be selected – Final Design Engineer and Construction Supervisor DJ Doug Johnson – Training and facilitation – Professional Growth Systems McGrath Biomass Harvest Economics The following spreadsheet Table 2 is a model based on production estimates using the above equipment configuration. It is believed to be a reasonable estimate but it must be recognized that it is untested. The yellow cells represent data input assumptions, and the blue cells represent the resultant calculations of high interest. Maintenance and Operation costs are listed and built into the production model. For demonstration purposes, an assumed volume of 2,000 tons of seasoned wood is to be produced annually for firewood and stick or chip boilers. This would take approximately 89 fully productive working days. Additional labor will be required to move equipment from one community to another, as well as transportation expenses if done by barge. A local contractor with a river freight boat will be use to move equipment and wood chips during summer. The boat will handle a load of 20,000 pounds in it current configuration and has been in business for three years. Theoretically, the entire annual production could be done within 120 days (4 months) at this production level. Under these and the other set of assumptions displayed in the spreadsheet, approximately 2,000 tons or 1,657 cords of Spruce is produced. When burned in wood boilers with an equal efficiency as the heating oil boilers, approximately $500,000 of diesel at $3.50 per gallon can be displaced with a total savings of $244, 370. These numbers are based on a calculated delivered wood cost of $155 per cord that has been marked up 25% above actual production costs. The model displays production cost estimates and includes an annual capital equipment cost of $132,000. Table 2. Calculated Harvest Costs and Revenue Data in Tons and Cords Wood Yard The implementation project addresses the development of a wood yard in the village. The wood yard will have a heated shop for maintenance of equipment, a wood storage area, an equipment storage area, an automated firewood processor, and perhaps a small sawmill for producing house logs and dimension lumber. A chipper for chip production will be used in the wood yard. There are two potential sites located for the wood yard and marked on the map (Figure 4) Fire wood production in the village is currently by various individuals with a “village cord” selling for approximately $150. This of course is far less than an actual cord. By adding another $25-50 per cord for processing firewood could be sold for $200-250 per full cord. Economies of Scale Generally speaking, the more volume that is produced using the same equipment, the less expensive the wood per unit is to produce. See Figures 1 and 2 below. The inflection point for reasonably priced wood produced with an automated system is around 2000 tons per year. Expected annual wood utilization for firewood and boilers at all major buildings will be approximately 15-1800 cords or 1815-2178 tons per year. Figures 1 and 2. Economies of scale for chips and cord wood production. Annual Chip Production Effect on Cost $715.29 $392.79 $285.29 $231.54 $199.29 $177.79 $162.43 $150.91 $141.95 $134.79 $128.92 $124.04 $- $100.00 $200.00 $300.00 $400.00 $500.00 $600.00 $700.00 $800.00 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 Tons Produced Annually@23 Tons Daily Production Cost/ton Annual Cordwood Production Effect on Cost $863 $474 $344 $279 $241 $215 $196 $182 $171 $163 $150 $156 $- $100.00 $200.00 $300.00 $400.00 $500.00 $600.00 $700.00 $800.00 $900.00 $1,000.00 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750 3000 Tons Produced Annually @ 23 Tons Daily Production Cost Per Cord Species mix will shift with the need to produce large quantities of chips from Spruce to various deciduous species. A 20-25 year willow rotation is quite possible for chips producing approximately 15 tons per acre See page 40 in McGrath FS Plan. Willow harvest and other deciduous species such as cotton wood, and aspen have the potential to reduce the overall harvest of spruce. Figure 3. Break Even Analysis for Cord Wood Production. Total Cost/Revenue Breakeven Analysis $239,957 $256,784 $273,611 $290,438 $307,265 $324,092 $340,919 $357,746 $391,401 $408,228 $425,055 $41,425 $82,850 $124,275 $165,700 $207,125 $248,550 $289,975 $331,400 $372,825 $414,250 $455,675 $497,100 $374,574 $- $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 207 414 621 829 1036 1243 1450 1657 1864 2071 2278 2486Annual Cordwood ProductionTotal DollarsTotal Production Costs Revenue At $200/Cord Break even analysis Figure 3 above, also demonstrates that with the proposed harvest equipment configuration, 2000 tons need to be sold annually at a price of $200 per ton. There are two scenarios which make this level of production feasible. The first is to move the harvest equipment to additional villages in the region as they convert to more wood usage and the second which is the intent of this program is to build a biomass diesel hybrid power plant. Displacing 50-70,000 gallons of fuel oil for heat in wood boilers is a mid size economy of scale and could be achieved with some smaller equipment and less capital costs but production is slower and operations costs remain very similar. However, displacing an additional 200,000 gallons of diesel in a power plant with a vertically integrated business model is the end target of this project. McGRATH, ALASKA Level 2 Study, Biomass Heat B x B Summary C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Wall VWCS\My Documents\Alaska Documents\Funding\Alaska Energy Authority Grant Applications\McGrath MTNT Contract\application\McGrath_Calcs_3 Summary McGrath >These buildings were looked at individually, and, the case of the IASD Bldgs, as a mini-plant. In each case, a stick-fired option and a chip-fired option was studied. In general, the chip-fired options require a large building (or DH plant) to have enough economy of scale to be cost effective. >See the TAB "McG Inputs" for base assumptions for the model, including the cost of oil and wood chips. >Estimated project costs include construction, as well as design, construction admin, commissioning, and contingency (soft. costs). Only the major line items are shown here. >Only the No. and Size of Boiler should be changed on this sheet -to change other parameters, go to McG Inputs TAB. Summary of Results School IASD Off School + Off MTNT Off Cap'n Snow Water Treat Stick-fired Performnace baseline oil consumption :31,947 7,987 39,934 13,069 16,467 11,617 proposed biomass, cords/yr :290 72 355 121 149 109 fraction of oil displaced :1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 Garn model :WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 No. of boilers :414222 Maximum wood loads per day req. :3.2 3.2 4.0 2.6 3.3 2.3 Stick-fired Cost and savings : boilers, shipped and installed :$536,441 $134,110 $536,441 $268,221 $268,221 $268,221 Slab/Building for Boilers :$30,000 $15,000 $30,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 direct buried piping :$32,800 $32,800 $131,200 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 interconnection :$35,000 $35,000 $70,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 other :$25,000 $25,000 $35,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 subtotal :$659,241 $241,910 $802,641 $381,021 $381,021 $381,021 soft costs :$258,752 $94,950 $315,037 $149,551 $149,551 $149,551 total :$917,993 $336,860 $1,117,678 $530,571 $530,571 $530,571 baseline oil cost :$239,606 $59,901 $299,507 $98,020 $123,506 $87,129 final oil cost : cord wood cost :$72,390 $18,097 $88,806 $30,225 $37,210 $27,240 total savings :$167,216 $41,804 $210,701 $67,795 $86,296 $59,889 Chip-fired Performnace : baseline oil consumption :31,947 7,987 39,934 13,069 16,467 11,617 proposed biomass, tons/yr :351 76 428 137 186 131 fraction of oil displaced :0.743 0.643 0.725 0.712 0.763 0.763 Kob model :Pyrot 300 Pyrot 100 Pyrot 400 Pyrot 100 Pyrot 150 Pyrot 100 No. of boilers :111111 Chip-fired Cost and savings : boilers, shipped and installed :$259,347 $202,537 $285,120 $202,537 $216,184 $202,537 Slab/Building for Boilers :$5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 direct buried piping :$32,800 $32,800 $131,200 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 interconnection :$20,000 $20,000 $40,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 other :$25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 subtotal :$342,147 $285,337 $486,320 $285,337 $298,984 $285,337 soft costs :$134,293 $111,995 $190,881 $111,995 $117,351 $111,995 total :$476,440 $397,332 $677,200 $397,332 $416,335 $397,332 baseline oil cost :$239,606 $59,901 $299,507 $98,020 $123,506 $87,129 final oil cost :$61,464 $21,384 $82,306 $28,252 $29,247 $20,678 chip cost :$61,410 $13,278 $74,874 $24,051 $32,493 $22,907 total savings :$116,732 $25,240 $142,327 $45,718 $61,765 $43,544 Net Simple Payback stick-fired :5.5 yrs 8.1 yrs 5.3 yrs 7.8 yrs 6.1 yrs 8.9 yrs chip-fired :4.1 yrs 15.7 yrs 4.8 yrs 8.7 yrs 6.7 yrs 9.1 yrs efour, PLLC 1 of 2 McGRATH, ALASKA Level 2 Study, Biomass Heat B x B Summary C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Wall VWCS\My Documents\Alaska Documents\Funding\Alaska Energy Authority Grant Applications\McGrath MTNT Contract\application\McGrath_Calcs_3 Summary (cont)McGrath >These buildings were looked at individually, and, the case of the Cap'n Snow Bldgs, as a mini-plant. In each case, a stick-fired option and a chip-fired option was studied. In general, the chip-fired options require a large building (or DH plant) to have enough economy of scale to be cost effective. The Bldgs after Snow are the larger commerical bldgs >See the TAB "McG Inputs" for base assumptions for the model, including the cost of oil and wood chips. >Estimated project costs include construction, as well as design, construction admin, commissioning, and contingency (soft. costs). Only the major line items are shown here. >Only the No. and Size of Boiler should be changed on this sheet -to change other parameters, go to McG Inputs TAB. Summary of Results Snow + WT Clinic AC Store Hotel McG Restaurant FAA Bldg Stick-fired Performnace baseline oil consumption :28,085 19,909 8,434 7,476 9,776 17,252 proposed biomass, cords/yr :251 177 76 68 87 155 fraction of oil displaced :1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 Garn model :WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 WHS 3,200 No. of boilers :321112 Maximum wood loads per day req. :3.8 4.0 3.4 3.0 3.9 3.5 Stick-fired Cost and savings : boilers, shipped and installed :$402,331 $268,221 $134,110 $134,110 $134,110 $268,221 Slab/Building for Boilers :$25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $20,000 direct buried piping :$98,400 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 interconnection :$70,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 other :$35,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 subtotal :$630,731 $381,021 $241,910 $241,910 $241,910 $381,021 soft costs :$247,562 $149,551 $94,950 $94,950 $94,950 $149,551 total :$878,293 $530,571 $336,860 $336,860 $336,860 $530,571 baseline oil cost :$210,635 $149,318 $63,256 $56,068 $73,319 $129,387 final oil cost : cord wood cost :$62,769 $44,284 $19,017 $17,047 $21,775 $38,821 total savings :$147,866 $105,034 $44,239 $39,021 $51,545 $90,566 Chip-fired Performnace : baseline oil consumption :28,085 19,909 8,434 7,476 9,776 17,252 proposed biomass, tons/yr :312 209 84 68 105 196 fraction of oil displaced :0.751 0.712 0.675 0.612 0.726 0.770 Kob model :Pyrot 220 Pyrot 150 Pyrot 100 Pyrot 100 Pyrot 100 Pyrot 150 No. of boilers :111111 Chip-fired Cost and savings : boilers, shipped and installed :$228,898 $216,184 $202,537 $202,537 $202,537 $216,184 Slab/Building for Boilers :$5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 direct buried piping :$98,400 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 $32,800 interconnection :$40,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 other :$35,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 subtotal :$407,298 $298,984 $285,337 $285,337 $285,337 $298,984 soft costs :$159,864 $117,351 $111,995 $111,995 $111,995 $117,351 total :$567,162 $416,335 $397,332 $397,332 $397,332 $416,335 baseline oil cost :$210,635 $149,318 $63,256 $56,068 $73,319 $129,387 final oil cost :$52,462 $43,037 $20,566 $21,765 $20,056 $29,703 chip cost :$54,526 $36,638 $14,716 $11,825 $18,361 $34,363 total savings :$103,647 $69,644 $27,974 $22,478 $34,902 $65,320 Net Simple Payback stick-fired :5.9 yrs 5.1 yrs 7.6 yrs 8.6 yrs 6.5 yrs 5.9 yrs chip-fired :5.5 yrs 6.0 yrs 14.2 yrs 17.7 yrs 11.4 yrs 6.4 yrs efour, PLLC 2 of 2 McGRATH, ALASKA Level 2 Study, Biomass Heat McG Summary C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Wall VWCS\My Documents\Alaska Documents\Funding\Alaska Energy Authority Grant Applications\McGrath MTNT Contract\application\McGrath_Calcs_3 Summary of results for full District Heating Plants for Downtown McGrath >four different plants were modeled, and each plant had two configurations, for a total of eight options. In all cases, the "B" option for a given plant size was the addition of a second (smaller) boiler to pick up the low summer loads, and to add capacity at the top end. The primary boiler was chosen to displace as much oil as possible. >See Page 2 for a description of each plant >The piping mains are oversized to allow future connections to the Plant, perhaps on a commercial basis >See the TAB "Inputs" for base assumptions for the model, including the cost of oil and wood chips. >Estimated project costs include construction, as well as design, construction admin, commissioning, and contingency Summary of Results DT P A DT P B DT/FAA P A DT/FAA P B DT/McG Dr P A DT/McG Dr P B Boilers 68 (284) 57 B-1 :Pyrtec 720 Pyrtec 720 Pyrtec 1,250 Pyrtec 950 Pyrtec 950 Pyrtec 950 B-2 :Pyrot 220 Pyrot 400 Pyrot 300 Financial : marginal cost add to DT P A :$1,136,903 $1,478,192 $593,059 $954,200 estimated project cost :$2,916,416 $3,235,156 $4,053,319 $4,394,608 $3,509,475 $3,870,616 estimated annual savings :$300,587 $390,604 $482,659 $604,003 $362,775 $447,598 net simple payback, yrs :9.70 8.28 8.40 7.28 9.67 8.65 : Performance : No. buildings connected :6 6 11 11 9 9 peak load heating, kBTU/h :3,175.3 3,175.3 4,938.2 4,938.2 3,713.5 3,713.5 peak losses to heating fuel, kBTU/h :40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 peak piping losses, KBTU/h :51.6 51.6 86.5 86.5 84.0 84.0 total peak losses, kBTU/h :91.6 91.6 126.5 126.5 124.0 124.0 total losses, as a fraction of load, winter :0.029 0.029 0.026 0.026 0.033 0.033 total losses, as a fraction of load, summer :0.145 0.145 0.155 0.155 0.199 0.199 current oil consumption, gal/yr :88,823 88,823 138,597 138,597 103,391 103,391 proposed consumption, gal/yr :22,123 882 31,818 3,057 22,523 1,473 estimated savings, gal/yr :66,700 87,940 106,779 135,539 80,867 101,917 fraction of oil displaced :0.751 0.990 0.770 0.978 0.782 0.986 : estimated wood chips, tons/yr :1,027.7 1,360.8 1,640 2,096 1,256 1,597 : pumping energy, kWh/yr :36,033 56,009 56,627 83,147 43,390 67,841 electrical energy cost :$19,818 $30,805 $31,145 $45,731 $23,864 $37,312 : Fuel Properties and Cost : heat content of No. 1 oil :134,000 BTU/gal cost of oil used in study :$7.50 per gal : moisture content of wood chips :40.0% heat content of wet chips :4,252 BTU/lb cost of chips used in study :$175.00 per geen ton : cost of electrical energy :$0.550 per kWh efour, PLLC 1 of 2 McGRATH, ALASKA Level 2 Study, Biomass Heat McG Summary C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Wall VWCS\My Documents\Alaska Documents\Funding\Alaska Energy Authority Grant Applications\McGrath MTNT Contract\application\McGrath_Calcs_3 Summary McGrath The Base Plant (downtown, or DT) would be located near the school. The mains would run along the water piping route from the school to Chinana Ave, then SE to the intersection of Chinana and the North-South water main that runs directly to the AC store. The DT / FAA plant adds an additional main that runs from the School/Chinana pipe intersection NW to the street in front of the FAA Bldg, then due north to McGuire Drive. The DT / McG Dr plant is also an adder to the DT plant - it does not include the FAA mains, but does include the DT mains. In this Plant, the end of the DT main (at the AC Store) would be extended due west along the entire length of McGuire Drive Finally, the DT / Captain Snow Plant is also an adder to the DT Plant. At the piping intersection where the DT main heads due north, the main would be extended to the intersection with Takotna Ave, then along Takotna to the Cap'n Snow Center Summary of Results DT/CS P A DT/CS P B Plant Buildings Boilers 57 DT School B-1 :Pyrtec 1,250 Pyrtec 950 Clinic (future) B-2 :Pyrot 300 IASD Offices Financial : MTNT Offices marginal cost add to DT P A :$984,724 $1,290,125 AC Store estimated project cost :$3,901,140 $4,206,541 Hotel McGrath estimated annual savings :$435,948 $546,074 net simple payback, yrs :8.95 7.70 DT / FAA all in DT, plus : Community Center Performance : Library (also called University) No. buildings connected :99 FAA Building peak load heating, kBTU/h :4,481.2 4,481.2 FAA Shop peak losses to heating fuel, kBTU/h :40.0 40.0 FAA Flight Service peak piping losses, KBTU/h :96.6 96.6 total peak losses, kBTU/h :136.6 136.6 DT / McG Dr all in DT, plus total losses, as a fraction of load, winter :0.030 0.030 McGuires Tavern total losses, as a fraction of load, summer :0.192 0.192 Restaurant FAA Flight Service current oil consumption, gal/yr :125,141 125,141 proposed consumption, gal/yr :28,329 1,591 DT / CS all in DT, plus estimated savings, gal/yr :96,812 123,550 Post Office fraction of oil displaced :0.774 0.987 Captain Snow : Water Treatment estimated wood chips, tons/yr :1,497.7 1,930.5 : pumping energy, kWh/yr :50,991 77,648 electrical energy cost :$28,045 $42,706 : Fuel Properties and Cost : heat content of No. 1 oil :134,000 BTU/gal cost of oil used in study :$7.50 per gal : moisture content of wood chips :40.0% heat content of wet chips :4,252 BTU/lb cost of chips used in study :$175.00 per geen ton : cost of electrical energy :$0.550 per kWh efour, PLLC 2 of 2 .