HomeMy WebLinkAboutUAA Hydrokinetic Energy Rural Alaska App
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application
AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 1 of 15 9/2/2008
SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
University of Alaska Anchorage
Type of Entity:
State Controlled Institute of Higher Education
Mailing Address
3211 Providence Drive
Physical Address
3211 Providence Drive, School of Engineering
Telephone
907-786-1065
907-786-1021
Email
ankrd2@uaa.alaska.edu
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT
Name
Thomas Ravens, Ph. D.
Nyrée McDonald, Ph. D.
Title
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Mailing Address
3211 Providence Drive, School of Engineering
Telephone
907-786-1993
907-786-1964
Fax
907-786-1079
Email
aftmr@uaa.alaska.edu
afnvm@uaa.alaska.edu
1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Please check as appropriate. If you do not to meet the minimum applicant requirements, your
application will be rejected.
1.2.1 As an Applicant, we are: (put an X in the appropriate box)
An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS
42.05, or
An independent power producer, or
A local government, or
X A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities);
Yes
or
No
1.2.2. Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for its project by
its board of directors, executive management, or other governing authority. If a
collaborative grouping, a formal approval from each participant’s governing
authority is necessary. (Indicate Yes or No in the box )
Yes
or
No
1.2.3. As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and
follow procurement standards that comply with the standards set forth in the grant
agreement.
Yes
or
No
1.2.4. If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the attached
grant form. (Any exceptions should be clearly noted and submitted with the
application.)
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Grant Application
AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 2 of 15 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.
This project will conduct Resource Assessment of hydrokinetic energy potential in rural Alaska.
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has recognized the need to determine the hydrokinetic
potential for in-stream sources in their Alaska Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Development Short- to Mid-term objectives Working Drafti. Alaska has over 300 rural villages
that are located near a river. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has performed
conceptual feasibility studies for sites which showed that the economics for River In-Stream
Energy Conversion are potentially quite promising. However, the economics of a hydrokinetic
energy plant are a direct function of river velocities and associated power densities at the river
sites near these villages. Velocity data for most of these sites is non-existent. This project will
assess the potential hydrokinetic energy resources for many sites in rural Alaska by collecting
velocity and bathymetric data.
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.
We propose a 2 year project to estimate in-line (hydrokinetic) renewable energy potential for
rural Alaska. We will begin creating a list of about 24 sites/communities which appear to have the
greatest potential. We plan to study 8 sites in year 1 and 16 sites in year 2. At this point, Alaska’s
larger rivers (i.e., the Yukon, Koyukuk, Kuskokwim and Susitna Rivers) are obvious places to look
for in-stream energy. We will examine available data, and work with project partners (including
Re vision, AEA and ANSEP) to come up with a list of river stretches and community partners. The
UAA-SOE Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) has well established
relationships with many communities throughout Alaska and has agreed to assist the faculty in
establishing working relationships with the communities. Following site selection, we will select
student research assistants (3 in year 1 and 5 in year 2) who will be trained in hydrographic
surveying and velocity measurement. Then, working in cooperation with the communities, we will
survey the selected river stretches during the summer of 2009 and 2010 to obtain bathymetric and
current distribution data. Next, using data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauging
stations, we will estimate the long term hydrologic (i.e, velocity/depth) conditions at the selected
rural sites. The USGS provides discharge rates at nearly 400 sites around the state, covering most
river systems. The long-term velocity/depth distribution data obtained will be used to determine
the hydrokinetic energy available for power generation.
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.
The total amount of funds requested is: $565,439 ($275,879 for year 1, and $289,560 for year 2).
The breakdown of these costs into the various budget categories and the budget items in those
categories are indicated in the table below. In the Direct Labor and Benefits category, the costs
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Budget category Item Year 1 Year 2
Direct Labor and Benefits PI salary, 2 months per yr $19,162 $20,024
Co-PI salary 2 mo. per yr $15,492 $16,189
Temp. research assist. (1 mo., yr 1) $3524
Student res. Assist. (3 yr 1, 5 yr 2; 2.5 mo./yr) $23,490 $40,325
Fringe, all workers $13,259 $14,810
SUBTOTAL $74,927 $91,348
Travel, Meals Airflights ($1200/roundtrip) $19,200 $38,400
Per diem ($200/person/day) $6400 $12,800
SUBTOTAL $25,600 $51,200
Equipment See list in text $34,000 $34,000
Supplies Clamps, straps and miscellaneous hardware $500 $500
Boat fuel $500 $1000
Water proof containers for instrumentation $200 $200
batteries $200 $200
Satellite receiver rental for CNAV $3000 $6000
Satellite phone $2000 $2000
Field capable laptop computers $4000 $4000
Frame to hold sensors $2000 $2000
SUBTOTAL $12,400 $15,900
Contractual services Mirko Previsic, Re vision $60,720
Shipment of equipment to rural sites $16,000 $32,000
Subscription for CNAV (C&C Technology) $3000 $6000
Safety Training (Alaska Fish and Game) $8000 $8000
SUBTOTAL $87,720 $46,000
TOTAL DIRECT COSTS $234,647 $238,448
Modified Total Direct Cost $164,927 $204,448
Indirect costs $41,232 $51,112
TOTAL COSTS $275,879 $289,560
include: 2 months of salary for the PI and co-PI in years 1 and 2; 1 month of a temporary
research assistant in year 1 to assist with the development of the instrument platform; 2.5 months
of salary for 3 undergraduate research assistants in year 1 and 2.5 months of salary for 3
undergraduate research assistants in year 2; and fringe benefits. Staff benefits are applied
according to UAA’s proposed benefit rates for FY07. Rates are 45.7% for senior salaries and
8.9% for graduate students (summers only). A copy of the rate proposal is available at:
http://www.alaska.edu/controller/cost-analysis/negotiated_agreements.html.
Travel costs are calculated assuming 1 survey team (consisting of two research assistants) visit
the field eight times during the first summer and each field trip consists of two full days in the
field. In the second year, there will be two survey teams so the costs double.
Equipment costs in each year include: The Sontek River Surveyor for velocity/bathymetry
measurement ($23,000), a zodiac with a pressure bottom ($5000), and a 25 hp outboard motor
($6000).
Supplies costs and contractual services costs are itemized in the table above.
Modified total direct costs exclude the equipment costs and exclude the amount of the Mirko
Previsic (Re vision) subcontract that exceeds $25,000 ($35,720).
Indirect costs are calculated as 25% of the Modified Total Direct Costs.
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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.
Alaska has over 300 rural villages that are located near a river. The Electric Power Research
Institute (EPRI) has performed conceptual feasibility studies for sites which showed that the economics for
River In-Stream Energy Conversion are quite promising, potentially reducing the cost of electricity by 50-
70%. However, the economics of a hydrokinetic energy plant are a direct function of river velocities and
associated power densities at the river sites near these villages. Velocity data for most of these sites is
non-existent.
Hydrokinetic technology manufacturers and energy project developers require information on the
water velocity and depth. This project will provide this information and all results will be available to the
public and private entities such as consultants, in-stream tidal companies, communities and the state of
Alaska. This means that any organization interested in evaluating in-stream renewable energy technologies
will be able to select a system that is appropriate for the water body in question. It will also enable a
“market pull” by informing device developers of the site conditions (i.e. water depth, velocity distribution
and infrastructure availability) and therefore allow them to optimize their device technology to meet a
majority of the site conditions in Alaska.
In addition, providing the necessary preliminary information on a large number of sites suitable for
hydrokinetic power generation will demonstrate to the state and the manufacturers the hydro-kinetic
potential within Alaska. This may help the development of small scale hydrokinetic plants for communities
and organizations such as the UAA-SOE Renewable Energy Test Station in Girdwood, Alaska and may
help the state develop a comprehensive hydrokinetic research, study and implementation plan.
The project design includes training for university and community personnel and transferring know-
how from leading organizations in the area of River In-Stream Conversion (i.e. re vision and EPRI) to the
University. The faculty, students and community representatives will engage in a training program to
operate a wide variety of technical equipment such as GPS, ADCP and HEC-RAS. The training and
experience will improve the state’s ability to become more self sufficient in the development of its own
renewable energy resources.
Finally, by using University resources for the project, the State of Alaska will be able to obtain high
quality bathymetric and velocity data for about $20,000 per site. The commercial rate would be $50,000 to
$70,000 per site. Assuming a $40,000 differential between the commercial and University cost, the State of
Alaska would save about $1 million, by supporting this project. Note, due to time and administrative
constraints, we have elected not to explicitly enter a match amount below. However, there are numerous
contributions that UAA will make to the project. For example, this will be a year round project so the UAA
faculty will be spending significant time in the fall, winter, and spring. The value of the faculty time(beyond
that included in the budget) will be on the order of $100,000 over the life of the project. In addition, we will
use significant amounts of UAA survey equipment (~$20,000 over the life of the project).
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.)
$565,439
2.5.2 Grant Funds Requested in this application. $565,439
2.5.3 Other Funds to be provided (Project match) $ 0 (see above)
2.5.4 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.5.2 and 2.5.3) $565,439
2.5.5 Estimated Benefit (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.)
$960,000
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Grant Application
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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 indica te how you intend to
solicit project management Support. If the applicant expects project management assistance
from AEA or another government entity, state that in this section.
The project will be managed by Nyrée McDonald, Ph.D. and Thomas Ravens, Ph.D, both on the
faculty in the School of Engineering (SOE) at the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA). Dr.
Ravens will be responsible for managing the technical content of the project as well as the
student training program, in collaboration with Mirko Previsic (of Re vision). He will design the
measurement system that will acquire the bathymetric and velocity data that will be used to
assess the hydro-kinetic potential of the various river systems. In addition, Dr. Ravens will be
responsible for data quality control with a particular focus on the predictability of site
hydrologic conditions based on available USGS gauge data, given that the USGS gauge site may
be quite far from the rural site of interest. He will communicate with local and national experts
(e.g., USGS personnel) to ensure that the best possible estimates of hydro-kinetic potential are
made. Dr. Ravens earned a Ph.D. from MIT in Civil and Environmental Engineering and was a
tenured research professor at Texas A&M University before joining the UAA School of
Engineering in 2007. Since 2000, he has conducted and directly supervised over $1 million of
research projects focusing on: hydrographic surveying, deployment of oceanographic sensors
including velocity sensors, and development of hydrodynamic, hydrologic, and sediment
transport models. He has published numerous research papers in leading peer-reviewed journals
and is a regular reviewer of papers for these journals (see c.v. for more details).
Dr. McDonald will be responsible for managing logistics (e.g., travel and shipment of supplies),
hiring and supervision of student research assistants, organization of data collection and
processing, and collaboration with UAA’s ANSEP (Alaska Native Science and Engineering
Program). Dr. McDonald directs the Environmental Science program at UAA and is an active
researcher in the area of chemical transport processes.
3.2 Project Schedule
Include a schedule for the proposed work that will be funded by this grant. (You may include a
chart or table attachment with a summary of dates below.)
The data will be gathered over a two year period, with the field work completed during the
summer of 2009 and 2010. The following table shows the project milestones.
March 2009 Equipment procurement
April 2009 Community partners selected
April 2009 Sites selected for survey
April 2009 Student research assistant selection
May 2009 Conduct training session
June 2009 Begin field work
September 2009 Discontinue field work
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December 2009 First interim report
March 2010 Equipment procurement
April 2010 Community partners selected
April 2010 Sites selected for survey
April 2010 Student research assistant selection
May 2010 Conduct training session
June 2010 Begin field work
September 2010 Discontinue field work
December 2010 Second interim report
May 2011 Final report
3.3 Project Milestones
Define key tasks and decision points in your project and a schedule for achieving them.
March 2009, equipment procurement/fabrication and testing. All equipment required for year 1
of the project will be purchased or fabricated. The principal components are the survey boat
(zodiac with pressurized floor), outboard motor, Sontek-River Surveyor (for depth sounding and
velocity measurement), satellite receiver, and a frame for deploying the River Surveyor and the
satellite receiver. The system will be tested for basic functionality at this time.
April 2009, study sites, community partners, and research assistants selected. We will gather
and examine data and consult with project partners (e.g., AEA, ANSEP), and others to select the
sites (river stretches) and communities for year 1 and year 2. In addition, we will select 3 student
research assistants for year 1. Note, two UAA Honors students (Natasha Hayden and Garret
Yeager) are currently developing a survey that will determine the communities with the most
need and potential for in stream energy conversion. The survey will include a variety of
questions designed to benchmark (rank) the communities. Questions may include but are not
limited to: community size, proximity to river, estimate of the river speed, river debris, and icing
conditions. The survey will be conducted in February and March of 2009 and the results will be
available by May 2009. This activity will help us with the community/site selection process.
May 2009 training. We will conduct a one week intensive training session for our student
research assistants. Note, many of our students have already been trained in hydrographic and
land surveying through our Geomatics Department. The training will include operation of the
system on a river (probably Knik River).
June 2009. We will begin to conduct surveys of 8 identified river stretches in collaboration with
local communities. We anticipate conducting about 1 survey per week using 2 students on the
survey crew.
August 2009. This summer’s survey work will be completed.
March 2010, equipment procurement/fabrication. All equipment required for year 2 of the
project will be purchased or fabricated. We anticipate purchasing the same equipment as in year
1.
April 2010, study sites, community partners, and research assistants selected. We will review the
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selection of sites and community partners for year 2, which was initiated the previous year. Any
necessary changes will be made. We will recruit 5 student research assistants. With the 5
students, we will form two teams of surveyors (2 students per team) with one student an
alternate.
May 2010 training. We will conduct a one week intensive training session for our student
research assistants. Note, many of our students have already been trained in hydrographic and
land surveying through our Geomatics Department, and some of the selected students may have
worked the previous summer with us.
June 2010. We will begin to conduct surveys of 16 identified river stretches in collaboration with
local communities. We anticipate conducting about 2 surveys per week using our two survey
teams.
August 2010. This summer’s survey work will be completed.
December 2010. Calculations of renewable energy potential at the eight sites will be complete
and an interim report will be submitted.
May 2011. Our final report will be submitted to AEA
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.
Mirko Previsic of re vision consulting, LLC and Idaho Power will provide consulting services to
guide these efforts and make sure that the data collected will be useful to the end-user groups.
This will include: establishing a measurement protocol, assisting in establishment of post-
processing routines, helping to train the student team, project support over the project duration
and review of the final report. This strategic involvement of personnel will insure that the data
collected (1) is of the highest accuracy possible, (2) meets the requirements to assess the
potential of different sites, (3) is presented in a format useful to device developers and (4)
leverages previous efforts in this field and allows for the transfer of technology and State of the
Art Know-How to local University resources.
Mirko is the Technology Lead of the EPRI Ocean Energy Programs, which includes wave, tidal and river
in-stream (RISEC) conversion. He has 10 years experience with the design, evaluation and optimization
of renewable power generation systems, theoretical modeling, resource assessments, feasibility studies
and environmental impact studies with a focus on wave and tidal power conversion. He also serves as a
technical advisor to the California Energy Commission, PG&E, Chevron, SnoPUD, NREL and various
other organizations. He has published over 30 reports and papers in the field of renewable power
generation and energy efficiency for IEEE, EPRI and various other expert publications. Most recently
(2007-2008) he lead the efforts on a RISEC program for Idaho Power and the Alaska Energy Authority
(AEA), performing site assessments,conceptual design, performance cost and economic analyses. Final
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reports for the Alaskan study can be obtained from the Alaska Energy Authority.
Idaho Power Company is an independent, investor-owned utility that began operating in 1916. Idaho
Power Company provides service to a 20,000 square-mile area encompassing parts of southern Idaho
and eastern Oregon. The company currently has over 1,500 employees, which include hydrologic
engineers, communication engineers and electrical technicians. Their staff also includes many other
talented individuals such as divers trained in river diving, who are very instrumental in our streamflow
gaging program.
Their water management department began a streamflow gaging program in 1996 as a way to
reduce costs, and have been successful with this goal. They are currently maintaining over 40 Idaho
Power Company stream monitoring stations. In 1997 they began providing stream flow monitoring
services for outside interests. Over the years, they have successfully completed contract work for state
agencies and other hydro-utilities in Idaho, Oregon and California. Currently, they are maintaining 47
stream monitoring stations for outside agencies.
They are familiar with USGS methods and are improving on the efficiency and accuracy of these
methods wherever possible. Conformance to USGS standards is very important to the success of any
streamflow gaging program. At several Idaho Power Company sites throughout the state they are
required by FERC license to measure and record streamflows to USGS standards.
Idaho Power has actively collaborated with the Electric Power Research Institute to assess the viability
of RISEC technology in their state and have jointly developed methods to assess RISEC sites in a cost-
effective way. They will provide resources to make sure that procedures, measurement standards and
equipment will provide the highest quality data possible.
3.5 Project Communications
Discuss how you plan to monitor the project and keep the Authority informed of the status.
Field personnel will be provided with a notebook to record general site conditions including
community contact information. In addition to providing detailed bathymetry and current
profiles, students and their community partner will report the general site conditions and upon
their return the information will be entered into a database, which will include raw data, interim
reports will be provided to AEA that include preliminary results with a brief summary and
lessons learned. AEA will receive the final report by May 2011.
3.6 Project Risk
Discuss potential problems and how you would address them.
Field work is always challenging, and it can be particularly difficult in remote areas of the state.
Prior to any field assignments the students, faculty, and community members (if possible) will
participate in a one week training course designed to (1) familiarize them with the various
measuring system components and how they fit together, (2) teach them how to verify that data
gathering is happening, and (3) teach students basic safety protocols. The training session will
provide the students ample opportunity to practice using the data collection system in a nearby
water body (e.g., Goose Lake). We will also ensure that at least one person per survey team is a
capable boatman, and have all students complete a safety training course (focusing on boating
hazards and bears). Each survey team will be provided with a satellite phone so that they can
communicate with us if any problems develop. An important part of this project will be the
development of relationships with host communities. Ideally, each survey team will be
accompanied by a village resident who will be able to act as a guide. Prior to each field season,
a safety protocol will be developed based in part on conversations that we have with the Coast
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Guard and other emergency personnel. The safety protocol will be an integral part of the
weeklong training program. UAA-SOE has a number of personnel (e.g., Orson Smith, William
Lee, Garrett Yeager) with considerable experience with hydrographic survey work in remote
locations. These resources will be engaged to help us develop the best possible training session
and work protocol.
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.
This project is a preliminary survey of the hydrokinetic potential of various rivers around the
state.
4.2 Existing Energy System
4.2.1 Basic configuration of Existing Energy System
Briefly discuss the basic configuration of the existing energy system. Include information about
the number, size, age, efficiency, and type of generation.
This project is a preliminary survey of the hydrokinetic potential of various rivers around the
state.
4.2.2 Existing Energy Resources Used
Briefly discuss your understanding of the existing energy resources. Include a brief discussion of
any impact the project may have on existing energy infrastructure and resources.
Many of the communities impacted rely on diesel generators for power generation. The project
can potentially demonstrate the amount of available hydrokinetic energy that may be used to
offset some of the energy produced by the diesel generators, wind turbine farms or other
renewable energy technologies.
4.2.3 Existing Energy Market
Discuss existing energy use and its market. Discuss impacts your project may have on energy
customers.
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This project will promote the development of hydrokinetic energy development in rural Alaska by
providing an assessment of the potential energy sources. The findings can be used by
communities and energy system developers to help determine the feasibility of hydrokinetic
energy in particular rural locations. Thus, this project facilitates the development of low cost,
carbon neutral energy technologies. It will lead to the reduction of energy costs in the future.
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
For this project, we plan to acquire two complete hydrographic/velocity survey systems
consisting of (1) a portable (i.e., transportable) survey boat (a zodiac with a pressurized floor),
(2) a 25 hp, 2 cycle outboard motor (which is easier to ship than a 4-cycle due to crankcase oil
issues), (3) a satellite receiver for positioning data which we will rent from C&C Technology
(Houston), (4) a Sontek River Surveyor with bottom tracking capability which will provide both
depth and velocity profile data, and (5) an aluminum frame that will attach to the zodiac and will
provide a platform for the River Surveyor and the satellite receiver. The frame will be built in
Anchorage according to our specifications. We will purchase the satellite subscription service
from C&C Technology. The satellite receiver will provide a GPS NMEA data string to the River
Surveyor which will integrate the survey vessel position data, the depth data, and the velocity
data. A conventional survey total station and rod (owned by UAA) will be used to survey the near
shore area in order to extend the bathymetric survey to the high tide line.
During the first summer, we plan to operate with just one survey team and one hydrographic
survey system. During the second summer, we will operate with two teams and two systems. If
conditions permit, we will expand the program to two survey teams and two systems during the
first year.
4.3.2 Land Ownership
Identify potential land ownership issues, including whether site owners have agreed to the
project or how you intend to approach land ownership and access issues.
This project has no land ownership concerns..
4.3.3 Permits
Provide the following information as it may relate to permitting and how you intend to address
outstanding permit issues.
List of applicable permits
Anticipated permitting timeline
Identify and discussion of potential barriers
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This project has no permitting considerations.
4.3.4 Environmental
Address whether the following environmental and land use issues apply, and if so how they will
be addressed:
Threatened or Endangered species
Habitat issues
Wetlands and other protected areas
Archaeological and historical resources
Land development constraints
Telecommunications interference
Aviation considerations
Visual, aesthetics impacts
Identify and discuss other potential barriers
This project has no environmental considerations.
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
The project costs for this Resource Assessment project were discussed in great detail in section 2.3.
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
This project has no operating and maintenance costs.
4.4.3 Power Purchase/Sale
The power purchase/sale information should include the following:
Identification of potential power buyer(s)/customer(s)
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Potential power purchase/sales price - at a minimum indicate a price range
Proposed rate of return from grant-funded project
This project will not generate energy/power. It will determine the amount of hydrokinetic energy
available and provide consultants, communities, governmental entities and hydrokinetic turbine
manufacturers with more detailed information about Alaska specific conditions such as; velocity
distribution and water depth.
4.4.4 Cost Worksheet
Complete the cost worksheet form which provides summary information that will be considered
in evaluating the project.
The cost worksheet form is not applicable for a resource assessment project such as ours. Our
detailed project budget was presented in section 2.3.
The equipment cost estimates are based on quotes from vendors or based on estimates from
colleagues that have recently purchased the same or similar equipment. Supplies costs are based
on the professional judgment of the PI. Travel costs and shipping costs are based on estimates
provided by colleagues that have traveled extensively in rural Alaska.
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application
AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 13 of 15 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.
The project will be managed by two faculty members within the UAA-SOE. Dr. Ravens will serve
as the principal investigator, he is responsible for administrative tasks related to the budget and
procurement of supplies and other university affairs. Dr. McDonald, Co-Principal Investigator
will be responsible for establishing and maintaining community contacts and managing the pool
of student employees. The project takes a community centered approach and aims to help the
community develop its workforce while raising awareness of renewable energy technology and
opportunities. The two faculty members mentioned above will communicate frequently and work
in tandem to achieve the project goals. Prior to departure the students will meet with the faculty
to verify that all persons involved are ready to perform their tasks and that the equipment is
properly prepared for transfer to the destination. Upon their return students will prepare the
equipment for storage and deposit the equipment in its assigned place. The students and their
community partner will provide a summary of their assigned sites with a detailed description of
site conditions and lessons learned.
4.4.6 Analysis and Recommendations
Provide information about the economic analysis and the proposed project. Discuss your
recommendation for additional project development work.
Future work should include the evaluation of additional sites. In addition, gathering information
on ice and debris flows (with bottom-mounted, upward looking sensors) in important Alaskan
rivers would provide critical information for the timing of energy system deployments and the
depth of deployment for year round systems.
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
The project benefits were discussed in detail in section 2.4.
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
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application
AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 14 of 15 9/3/2008
applicant.
Include an estimate of budget costs by tasks using the form - GrantBudget.xls
Provide a narrative summary regarding funding sources and your financial commitment to the
project.
The grant budget is discussed in detail in section 2.3.
Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application
AEA 09-004 Grant Application Page 15 of 15 9/3/2008
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
Signature
Title
Date
i Alaska Energy Authority, www.aidea.org, retrieved September 24, 2008, Alaska Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency Development Short- to Mid-term Objectives, September, 2007.