HomeMy WebLinkAboutPart 3-Birch Creek AEAriaZip ALASM
ENERGY AUTHORITY
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application
IRHA's experience, solar gain can be realized in the months of February through October. IRHA
examined a similar test rack installed under similar circumstances to those at Birch Creek in
February of 2007. The rack produced an average of .54kw per day per Kyocera 130 panel. A 21
panel rack will produce approximately 10.8 kwh per day.
There are no other alternative energy resources currently available to the community. The
community participated in a number of site specific Energy Savings and Planning Workshops
through Interior Regional Housing Authority and a US DOE grant. All conservation measures
have been adopted; the remaining strategy is to reduce costs of energy production in a
sustainable fasion.
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.
Power in Birch Creek is produced through diesel generators. The Power plant is currently
running a 65kW generator and a 50kW generator. The load is not balanced on the overhead
primary and needs to be balanced before solar can be effective. The 65kW generator is
considered efficient; it is approximately 20 years old.
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 energy resource in Birch Creek is electricity produced through diesel generation. The power
plant (utility) is operated by the Birch Creek Village Council. Power is provided to residential
units, the DOT Storage Building, DOTAirport Lighting, GCI and UII in Birch Creek. Birch
Creek is a remote village and is accessible only by air during the winter months. It is
approximately 25 miles southwest of Fort Yukon, its closest neighbor.
4.2.3 Existing Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
Existing energy usage and the market is described in 4.2.2 Replacing diesel generated power
with solar power will impact the entire community. Diesel usage will decline and the cost per
kWH will be reduced, resulting in a savings to commercial, community and residential users.
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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 renewable energy technology is solar electric power generation in conjunction with reduced
sized generation. The optimum installed capacity is 5740 watts total maximum output. The
anticipated capacity factor is approximately 30% during optimum hours. The anticipated annual
generation is 10260 kw hours. There are no likely anticipated barriers; however large.forest
fires or extremely cloudy weather will impact the system. The basic integration concept is a grid
tie inverter to the existing utility grid, Delivery methods are used in conjunction with the existing
utility grid.
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.
The land is owned by Birch Creek Village Council, the organization supports this grant
application and has agreed to the project.
4.3.3 Permits
Provide the following informationas it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues.
• List of applicable permits
• Anticipated permitting timeline
• Identify and discussion of potential barriers
This project requires no permits, nor are there any other potential barriers.
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 impa
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�) ENERGY AUTHORITY Grant Application
• Identify and discuss other potential barriers
The proposed project has no environmental or land use issues. The generator will go into an
existing structure and the solar arrays will be placed on existing structures within the developed
area of the village.
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
This project has one phase — purchase and installation of equipment. All costs reflect total
project costs through power generation.
Total cost is $112,200.00. This includes $54, 300.00 to purchase solar equipment; $7000.00 for
air_fare_for installers and air freightfor the solar equipment; $10,900,00 for labor and perdiem
for installers while in Birch Creek; $2500.00 for solar array foundations; $2500, 00 for
miscellaneous electrical and construction materials; and $35, 000.00, for a new 35kw generator.
Birch Creek Village Council is seeking 80% of the project total, or $89, 600.00. The remaining
20%, or $22, 600.00 will be provided through in -kind and cash from the Tribal Council.
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
By installing solar arrays and a smaller, more efficient generator, operating and maintenance
costs will be reduced. There are no new O & M costs, instead the utility will enjoy a reduction in
fuel consumption, and thus fuel costs.
4.4.3 Power Purchase/Sale
The power purchase/sale information should include the following:
• Identification of potential power buyer(s)/customer(s)
• Potential power purchase/sales price - at a minimum indicate a price range
• Proposed rate of return from grant -funded project
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