Renewable Working Group Meeting Summary - September 10, 2002
Department of Energy Headquarters, Forrestal Building; Room GH-019
Executive Summary
Extended Summary
FEMP Update
What's Happening in Congress?
Biomass and Alternate Methane Fuels (BAMF) Super ESPC
Counting Toward the Renewable Energy Goal
Possible Inclusion of Low-Impact Hydro in Meeting Renewable Energy Goals
Biomass Challenges for Federal Agencies
Renewable Energy Purchasing Opportunities
Renewable Energy Purchasing at the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC)
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential on Western U.S. Lands
Wind Powering America (WPA)
Executive Summary
The purpose of this meeting was to provide an update of progress towards the Renewable Energy (RE) goal in E.O. 13123, discuss issues needing clarification in relation to the guidance for the RE goal, present information on biomass opportunities for Federal agencies, and provide an update on Federal RE purchasing. Nancy Carlisle opened the meeting. Beth Shearer (Director of FEMP) provided an update on the status of the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reorganization and how it affects FEMP, along with her view of what she hears about the prospects of the Energy Bill now in conference committee. She believes that the bill now in conference will eventually pass, and when it does, it will have a goal that 7.5 percent of the electricity consumed (for facilities) by the Federal government will be generated by renewables in 2010. Nancy Carlisle then summarized some of the details in the Energy bill. There are significant differences between the House and Senate versions of several aspects of the bill relevant to FEMP. Chris Abbuehl (DOE Philadelphia Regional Office) spoke about the Biomass and Alternate Methane Fuels (BAMF) Super Energy Savings Performance Contract. Kevin DeGroat gave a status of how the Federal government is doing in its pursuit of achieving 1422 GWh, the Federal Renewable Energy Goal in 2005. As of June 2000, the figure was 173 GWh; by August 29, 2002, that figure had climbed to 362 GWh—most of that increase attributed to renewable energy purchases/credits and getting more data. Anne Sprunt Crawley gave a presentation on the status of consideration of low-impact hydro in meeting renewable energy goals. The decision had been made to hold off on issuing further guidance until we see the details of the new energy bill. Kevin DeGroat gave a presentation on biomass, its status in the Federal government, potential feedstock on Federal lands, barriers to acceptance, and how it could contribute to the Federal goal. David McAndrew (FEMP) reviewed how Federal agencies can purchase renewable energy, and thereby achieve their agency's Federal goal, meet energy conservation and greenhouse gas goals, and promote national energy security. John Nelson gave an update on renewable energy purchasing at the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC). Doug Dahle (NREL) and Ray Brady, (Bureau of Land Management) gave a project update of the completed assessment of renewable energy power potential on western U.S. BLM public lands. It has spawned significant activity on wind projects in the Western U.S.. Phil Dougherty, Dept. of Energy gave an update on Wind Powering America. Specific goals are to support industry's goal of wind provide six percent of nation's electricity by 2020, 20 MW of wind-produced electricity in 32 states by 2005, 100 MW of wind-produced electricity in 16 states by 2010, and five percent of Federal sector electricity by 2010.
Extended Summary
Welcome/Introductions/Announcements
Nancy Carlisle, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Nancy Carlisle, of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, opened the meeting and asked that attendees introduce themselves and invited anyone to make general announcements.
The next Implementing Renewable Energy Projects Workshop will be in Chicago, Nov 5 & 6, 2002. To find out more or register for this free course, please contact Annett Eiffert at: 916-721-7473 annett@solarstreetfurniture.com.
Dick Walsh, who is a contractor for Sandia National Laboratories, mentioned that there are several hundred serviceable solar water heating panels being removed from buildings at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. These panels could be used at other locations. If you want more information, contact Dick at 301-989-1532, rodmanw@aol.com.
Attendance List: (PDF 70 KB, 1 pp). Download Adobe Reader.
FEMP Update
Beth Shearer, Director, Federal Energy Management Program
Beth Shearer announced that in response to the recent FEMP call for technical assistance, 194 requests had been received—many of them for renewable projects. FEMP is evaluating the proposals now; however, it is clear that FEMP will not be able to support that many requests. Also FEMP has notified the "winners" for the recent call for distributed energy resource projects. Five projects of the 13 accepted were renewable. (Excel 17 KB)
Since Beth last spoke to the RWG, there has been a significant reorganization in the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Two of the major objectives of the new organization are to increase renewable energy use and to reduce dependence on foreign oil. The new EERE organization has offices dedicated to promoting wind, hydro, solar, geothermal, and biomass. An additional emphasis for the new EERE organization is transportation. Beth feels that this is a huge opportunity. Ultimately it is the administration's aim to develop renewable resources to provide distributed resources of supply that can help with security and reducing price volatility. Wind Power is in some cases cost competitive with conventionally generated electricity.
In response to comments and questions from the floor, Ms. Shearer stated:
She is being told that the energy bill now in conference will eventually pass, and when it does, it will require that 7.5 percent of the electricity consumed (for facilities) by the Federal government will be generated by renewables by 2010. It is uncertain when the energy bill will pass. As of September 10, none of the major government departments' appropriations bills had passed; the fiscal year ends on September 30.
The Senate version of the Energy Bill had language about a Federal Energy Bank in which no more than 25% of a loan from the Bank can be loaned for renewable energy and alternative energy projects. During conference, the Federal Energy Bank idea was dropped.
What's Happening in Congress?
Nancy Carlisle (PowerPoint 230 KB, 12 pp)
Note: at the time this summary is being distributed, Congress has adjourned for the election recess, without acting on the Energy bill. There will be a "lame duck" session after the election, but it is uncertain if that session will act on the Energy bill.
Nancy Carlisle gave an update on key provisions of current energy-related legislation. The "Energy Bill" that is in the news these days is technically H.R. 4. The House of Representatives passed its version in August 2001, and the Senate passed its version earlier in 2002. It is currently in Conference committee. Action in the Conference committee began in August, 2002; we are not sure when (or if) a bill will be passed, but most estimates are that it will be at least November before final passage. There are numerous provisions that are relevant to Federal Energy. Some of them are detailed as follows:
Federal Purchase Requirements. The Senate version (Sec. 263) reads: "In 2003, not less than 3% of Federal electrical consumption shall be from renewable energy rising to not less than 7.5 % in 2010." The House version (Sec. 121) reads as follows: "Agencies shall make maximum practicable use of energy efficiency products and services and unconventional and renewable energy to achieve energy use reductions in Federal buildings ranging from 20% in 2000 to 45% in 2020 per GSF compared to 1985 energy use."
Definitions. The Senate defines renewable energy as electric energy generated from solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, fuel cells, municipal solid waste, or additional hydroelectric generating capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of new capacity. The House defines unconventional and renewable energy renewable energy sources as including solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, or biomass power, hydrogen, fuel cells, cogeneration, combined heat and power, heat recovery (including by use of a Stirling engine), and distributed generation.
Federal Purchasing Provisions—Indian Tribe Generation. The Senate has language that says: "To the extent feasible and practical, not less than 1/10 of the Federal renewable energy purchases shall be generated by Indian tribes or corporations." The House has no similar provisions.
Federal Purchasing Requirements; Retention of Savings: The House has language that says that an agency may retain any funds appropriated for energy expenditures at buildings that are not made because of energy savings. Funds may be used only for energy efficiency, or unconventional and renewable energy resource projects. The Senate has no similar language. Beth Shearer commented that the latest information is that if there is an energy bill, then this provision will be in it.
Federal Purchasing Requirements—Review Requirements. The House has language that says that not later than nine months after enactment, each agency shall undertake a comprehensive review of all practical measures for increasing energy and water efficiency and using renewable energy sources. Not less than 180 days after completing the reviews, develop plans to achieve not less than 50% of the savings. The Senate has no similar provision.
National Capitol Complex. The House has provision for the Architect of the Capitol to commission a study to evaluate how to become more energy efficient using unconventional and renewable energy resources to provide reliable utility service. The Senate has no similar provisions.
Energy Sun Renewable and Alternative Energy Program. The House has language that calls for a program to be established at EPA and DOE for a government-industry partnership program to identify and promote the purchase of renewable and alternative energy products. It will establish an Energy Sun label for renewable energy and alternative energy products and technologies. The Senate has no similar provisions.
Both Houses of Congress Address Energy on Federal Land. The Senate (sec. 265) calls for (within 12 months of enactment) the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy and Interior to develop guidelines for a cost-shared demonstration program for the development of wind and solar energy on Federal lands. The demonstration program shall lead to the issuance of rights-of-way for areas with high potential for wind or solar. The House version (sec. 6601) calls for the Secretary of the Interior to encourage use of alternative energy sources, including solar power and power from fuel cells throughout Department of Interior facilities and the U.S. public lands. The House version calls for an inventory of the energy potential of all Federal public lands to be conducted with respect to wind, solar, coal and geothermal power production.
Renewable Portfolio Standard The Senate states that each retail supplier of electricity shall submit renewable energy credits in an amount equal to required annual percentages being generated from renewable energy resources. The required annual percentages range from 1% in 2005 to 10% in 2009-2020 of the electric supplier's base generation. The House has no similar provisions.
Biomass and Alternate Methane Fuels (BAMF) Super ESPC
Chris Abbuehl, DOE Philadelphia Regional Office (PowerPoint 452 KB, 14 pp)
The newest Technology-Specific Super ESPC, Biomass and Methane Fuels (BAMF), emphasizes the use of biomass and alternate methane fuels to reduce energy consumption, energy costs, or both, at Federal facilities. On March 15, 2002, the Department of Energy announced that five energy service companies were competitively awarded the BAMF contracts. They are:
- Constellation Energy Source, Baltimore, Maryland
- DTE Biomass Energy, Inc. Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Energy Systems Group, Evansville, Indiana
- Exelon Services Federal Group, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Trigen Development Corporation, Baltimore, Maryland
Biomass fuels include any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis (excluding old-growth timber), such as dedicated energy crops and trees, agricultural food and feed crop residues, aquatic plants, wood and wood residues, animal wastes, and other waste materials. Alternate methane fuels include landfill methane, wastewater treatment digester gas, and coalbed methane. Projects under this Super ESPC will reduce energy costs at Federal facilities by utilizing biomass and alternate methane fuels in a variety of applications such as steam boilers, hot-water heaters, engines, and vehicles. The biomass or alternate methane fuel resource could be owned by the Federal facility, the energy service company, or a third party. And the fuel may require transport to the end-use equipment, which must be located on Federal property. Some projects will modify or replace existing equipment so that the facility can supplant or supplement their conventional fuel supply with a biomass or alternate methane fuel. Other projects may install equipment that uses these fuels to accomplish something altogether new at a Federal facility, such as on-site power generation. Although the primary component of any project under this Super ESPC must feature the use of a biomass or alternate methane fuel, all projects are also expected to employ a variety of traditional conservation measures, such as retrofits to lighting, motors, and HVAC systems to reduce energy costs. For more information, contact Steve Cooke, of the National Energy Technology Laboratory, steve.cooke@netl.doe.gov at 304-285-5437 or Chris Abbuehl, the National BAMF Program Representative at 215-656-6995; Christopher.Abbuehl@ee.doe.gov
Counting Toward the Renewable Energy Goal
Kevin DeGroat, McNeil Technologies (PowerPoint 146 KB, 4 pp)
Kevin DeGroat summarized the status of how the Federal government is doing in its pursuit of meeting the Federal Renewable Energy Goal. The goal is 1422 GWh, which is equivalent to about 2.5% of Federal facility electricity use by 2005—or an amount equal to about 500 MW of wind (at 31% Capacity Factor). As of June 2000, the figure was 173 GWh; by August 29, 2002, that figure had climbed to 362 GWh, which means that we have 1,060 GWh to go until 2005. According to the data collected by FEMP, the Federal Renewable Technologies and purchases (by technology during the period 1990 - Sept. 2002) were as follows:
| Technology | Purchases - GWh |
|---|---|
| Solar thermal | 6.5 |
| Biomass | 92.5 |
| Wind | 14.1 |
| Re Purchases/Credits | 127.0 |
| Ground Source Heat Pumps | 88.8 |
| Biomass Fuels | 10.3 |
| Total | 361.5 |
Where is the Growth? Based on looking at the various agency's annual reports:
| Technology | Electricity - GWh |
|---|---|
| Solar thermal | 1.8 |
| Photovoltaics | 11.3 |
| GSHP | 16.9 |
| Wind | 2.5 |
| RE Purchases/Credits | 113.5 (since March) |
Significant additions from landfill gas are expected in 2002. Kevin is trying to get as much data as he can from existing sources. However, the data is not always complete. For instance, several projects in Annual Reports are mentioned, but there is insufficient detail to add it to the data base. Kevin distributed EXCEL spread sheets to the representatives from agencies that were represented at the meeting and asked that the data be reviewed and updated. In general, the data that FEMP has indicates more capacity than is being reported by the agencies in their annual reports. Contact Kevin DeGroat, McNeil Technologies, 703-921-1632, kdegroat@mcneiltech.com.
Possible Inclusion of Low-Impact Hydro in Meeting Renewable Energy Goals
Anne Sprunt Crawley, Federal Energy Management Program (PowerPoint 112 KB, 10 pp)
Anne Sprunt Crawley discussed low environmental impact hydropower facilities issues as they are related to the Federal renewable goal. Section 503c of EO 13123 supports efforts to develop standards for the certification of low environmental impact hydropower facilities in order to facilitate the Federal purchase of such power. The Low-Impact Hydropower Institute created and developed a definition of hydropower facilities with environmental impacts that are low compared to other hydropower facilities, based on objective environmental criteria. This is based on eight criteria: (1) river flows, (2) water quality, (3) fish passage and protection, (4) watershed protection, (5) threatened and endangered species protection, (6) cultural resource protection, (7) recreation, (8) facilities recommended for removal. As of today, there are four facilities that qualify: Stagecoach Dam & Reservoir, Yampa River, Colorado, Island Park Facility, Henry's Fork, Idaho, Putnam Hydropower, Quinebaug River, Connecticut, and Falls Creek Project, Falls Creek, Oregon. (None of these facilities are located on Federal property.) Seven more locations are in various stages of approval.
Another approach to increasing hydropower renewable energy usage is to use "incremental hydropower," which is defined as hydropower capacity gained at currently operating hydroelectric facilities by increasing efficiencies or adding new capacity. According to a recent U.S. Department of Energy study, more than 4,300 megawatts (MW) of this "incremental" hydropower potential exists. Further, if generating capacity were added to non-hydroelectric dams, nearly 17,000 MW of new capacity would exist. For more information on this subject, please see:
- Resources Impact Hydropower: http://www.lowimpacthydro.org/
- Incremental Hydropower: http://www2.hydro.org/
- General Hydropower (DOE): http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/
The consensus of the FEMP office is to wait for the outcome of the energy legislation now in Congress before adding anything significant to the guidance on hydropower.
Biomass Challenges for Federal Agencies
Kevin DeGroat, McNeil Technologies (PowerPoint 1.17 MB, 26 pp)
There are a number of existing and pending biomass programs or projects in use in various Federal agencies. These include Fort Stewart, Georgia and Hampton Roads, Virginia (Defense), a landfill gas project (NASA), McMurdo Sound, Alaska (Interior), bio-diesel, E-85 and gasohol for transportation. There are three approaches to achieve credit for using biomass: 1) build projects that use biomass energy, 2) buy green power that uses biomass energy, and 3) facilitate the use or development of biomass on Federal lands or through Federal programs. Bioenergy technologies include electric or thermal, solid fuel or gasification, small-scale systems, distributed generation, large scale generation or cogeneration, co-firing (biomass and coal or natural gas), liquid biofuels, ethanol, methanol, bio-oil, bio-diesel, chemicals and biobased products.
Biomass fuel has some attractive features. It can be stored (unlike wind or solar) which means that it can be dispatched when needed, thereby allowing biomass plants to operate with high capacity factors. Biomass can be substituted for natural gas, blended with conventional fuels—biodiesel and ethanol, or blended with coal. Bioenergy applications include small-scale power or cogeneration systems, large-scale biomass generating plants, combined heat and power, stand-alone power plants (usually 20 MW or larger), wood heating at small facilities such as schools, hospitals, or housing, co-fire in industrial or utility boilers, liquid fuels, specialty chemicals, and green power purchases.
Kevin showed photos and performance figures on three different microgeneration gasifier engines—15, 55, and 280 kW versions. The installed cost varied between $150,000 and $800,000 (See Kevin's charts for more detail). Kevin then showed photos and performance data from three different wood burning heating plants. There are some 1500 of these kind of plants in operation today. North American manufacturers include Taylor Waterstoves, Chiptec, Converta Kiln, Messersmith Manufacturers (Michigan), Grove Wood Heating, Inc (Canada), Industrial Boiler Company (Georgia), and KMW Energy Systems, Inc (Canada). Power produced from biomass power plant systems that are in operation today are typically slightly more expensive than coal or natural gas-fired systems. (See Kevin's charts for more detail).
From a score-keeping perspective, biomass has great potential to help the Federal government meet its renewable energy goal. It does not have to be consumed by the agency to count. For instance, consider forest thinnings; millions of tons of biomass will either fuel wildfires or be removed. Agencies helping private sector use thinnings for energy would be significant for the Federal goal and for U.S. bioenergy development. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Department of Interior are the 800-pound gorillas in this situation. The Departments of Defense and Energy, and others with landholdings to manage have specific local opportunities. The current situation is that fires continue to threaten communities, and there is increased interest and debate over forest restoration and the policies and techniques to balance safety and environmental considerations. For example the Forest Service targeted 46,000 acres for mechanical thinning under National Fire Plan in 2001, just in Urban-Wildland Interface (UWI) and areas to reduce fire threats to communities. Conservatively, this could have supported 436 MW of biomass capacity and over 3000 GWh of generation. Another example is the Bureau of Land Management, where a draft NREL assessment of renewable energy potential on Federal lands (including biomass) used satellite data showing proximity to communities at fire risk to population centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.
There are significant benefits for bioenergy. From a business or economic standpoint, biomass fuel prices are generally stable and serve as a hedge against fuel cost variability. Costs are not subject to control by a single supplier. The revenue generated usually stays in state and local economies, fostering rural economic development and job creation. From a technical and environmental viewpoint, biomass is a baseload renewable resource that reduces SOx and fossil CO2 emissions. Biomass systems are easy to convert to other fuels and serve as an outlet for forest health restoration activities and landfill diversion of urban wood wastes. Despite these benefits, biomass use is not significantly increasing. Barriers to greater biomass use include uncertainty of supply, environmental opposition and distrust, and serious questions about when, where, and how much thinning should be done. Wildfire is the overwhelming focus—not benefits of using thinnings. There is little coordination among agency, state and community plans and investments. Small-scale technologies adaptable to supply uncertainty are just becoming commercial. Interconnection issues and stand-by and buy-back rate disagreements are also complicating factors.
Some suggested approaches to increase biomass use for Federal agencies: 1)seek proposals for energy reuse of removed biomass and industry input on structure of requests for proposals 2) work in coordination with states, communities and environmentalists in promising areas to create reliable supply and 3) support demonstrations of modular technologies that address supply issues. There are some interesting projects and analyses happening—some of them in the Federal sector. The U.S. Forest Services supported work with the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District for a small-scale system. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has a pending project on distributed biomass generation with the Truckee-Donner Public Utility District. The CEC has funded an analysis of renewable energy distributed generation and public benefits.
Renewable Energy Purchasing Opportunities
David McAndrew, Federal Energy Management Program (PowerPoint 123 KB, 11 pp)
David McAndrew reviewed various approaches to purchasing renewable power at Federal facilities. Some reasons why an agency would want to purchase renewable power are: to demonstrate Federal leadership, to provide a relatively easy way to meet energy conservation and greenhouse gas goals, to provide an approach for agencies with limited capital budgets, allows generation to be sited in most economical location, helps grow market to critical size, promotes national energy security, and it provides an opportunity to meet your renewable energy goal.
E.O. 13123 calls for the following Federal energy management goals: reduce facility energy use per square foot by 30 percent in 2005 and 35 percent in 2010 relative to 1985; reduce industrial/laboratory energy use by 20 percent in 2005 and 25 percent in 2010 relative to 1990, and reduce green house gas emissions—30 percent by 2010 compared to 1990. Renewable energy use to is to be expanded to the equivalent of 2.5% of the electrical energy usage by 2005. "Renewable Energy" is defined as energy produced by solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. It does not give a preference to a specific technology, nor does it differentiate between types of biomass. In order for a renewable energy purchase to be counted, the contract must specify that it is a renewable purchase requirement. E.O. 13123 excludes system supply and state renewable energy portfolio standards requirements. The purchase must come from new renewable resources that came on line after 1990. The FEMP Renewable Purchasing Program can support individual agency initiatives. In addition to DOE assistance, the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) and General Services Administration (GSA) can provide assistance, along with regional or utility aggregations, such as the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). Coordination can come from other Federal Agencies such as DESC and GSA who can share experiences or share resources. The EPA Green Power Partnership provides free publicity and an avenue to demonstrate leadership in the Federal sector. Private initiatives include Utility Green Pricing, the Green-e program, and World Resources Institute (WRI).
FEMP provides assistance and encouragement through the Renewable Purchasing Program. This program includes Education & Outreach, Workshops, Presentations, Communications Material, a Guidebook, a Green Power Toolkit, and the Annual FEMP Awards. FEMP helps by making a Federal case for renewable power, doing product development for Federal agencies, and identifying funding opportunities. Federal purchasing methods include utility green pricing and area-wide contracts. Points of contact for solicitation in the competitive electricity market include General Services Administration, Ken Shutika—202-260-9713, the Defense Energy Support Center, and John Nelson—703-767-8333. Renewable energy certificates (which have been used extensively by EPA) are another approach, but they can be a tough sell.
The Federal government has managed several select Federal renewable power purchase contracts. They include a utility green pricing program by 18 agencies in Denver in which 4.1 gigawatt hours (GWH) of wind generated electricity was purchased. In addition, the DOE Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), managed by Sandia at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, purchased 1.5 GWH of wind-generated electricity. Retail competitive electricity procurements include NASA-Johnson Space Center, 10 GWH of wind and a DOE-GSA-Army project in Washington DC in which 44 GWH of Landfill Gas/Wind-generated electricity was purchased. Wholesale competitive electricity procurements include Edwards AFB, California in which 133 GWH of Wind/Biomass-generated electricity is to be purchased. EPA has fostered several renewable certificate initiatives totaling 21.4 GWH in California, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Washington from various renewable energy technologies. Premium funding sources can come from direct appropriations, savings from competitive procurement of electricity or natural gas, bundled into a "best value" electricity procurement. This can also be included as part of FAR Part 23.703 (Environmentally Preferable Purchasing) that can be used as justification for renewables purchases.
Renewable Power Purchasing Lessons Learned. Load aggregations can lead to big purchases but—target big users, don't herd cats, and keep it simple. Utility green pricing should be a partnership; consider customizing product; be up-front and clear on sources and benefits. For assistance, advice, or concerns, contact:
- David McAndrew, FEMP HQ 202-586-7722, david.mcandrew@hq.doe.gov
- Chandra Shah (NREL) 303-384-7557, chandra_shah@nrel.gov
- Bill Golove, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) 510-486-5229, whgolove@lbl.gov
Renewable Energy Purchasing at the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC)
John Nelson, Defense Energy Support Center (PowerPoint 159 KB, 7 pp)
The DESC customer base includes some DoD Installations, some DOE laboratories, the NASA Johnson Space Center, the National Institutes of Health, and Veterans Administration Medical Centers. These are mostly large Commercial/Industrial accounts. Whenever DESC issues a solicitation to purchase electricity, it also "requests" offers of renewable power. Renewable power has been offered in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. Awards have been made in Texas (on the NASA account) and from the PJM (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland) exchange (for the Army). In Texas, the renewable power was purchased as "Renewable/ Hydro/Green". The basic cost was $0.0410919; the additional cost (for renewable energy) was $0.00048 for a total of $0.0415719. Over a period of three years, DESC will purchase renewable electricity at a price that is lower than the as-delivered price on some non-renewable electricity. In the PJM exchange, DESC has contracted for 5,000,000 kWh from wind and 14,000,000 kWh from new landfills for Walter Reed, Adelphi Lab, and Fort McNair at a price of approximately 1¢/kWh premium over contract price. Green-e certification is pending. DESC also procures biodiesel for multiple DoD and Federal civilian activities throughout the country (biodiesel point of contact at DESC is Lula Manley 703-767-9521 lumanley@desc.dla.mil). Other points of contact at DESC are:
- John Nelson—Acting Chief, Installation Support Contracting Division 703-767-8153
- Jim Shillingford—Contracting Officer - 703-767-9416
- Todd Fitzgerald—Contract Specialist 703-767-9418
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Assessment of Renewable Energy Power Potential on Western U.S. Lands—Project Update
Doug Dahle, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Ray Brady, Bureau of Land Management (PowerPoint 109 KB, 5 pp)
In January 2002, NREL was tasked to work with BLM to conduct a renewable energy assessment in the Western U.S.. The BLM/NREL team, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and screening criteria developed by specialists from NREL, BLM, and Industry, identified potential opportunities for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), PV, Wind, and Biomass applications. The team also identified Known Geothermal Resource Areas (KGRAs) for near term geothermal development through site visits and interviews with BLM experts. The analysis resulted in over 60 BLM planning units (of 116 examined) that indicated high potential development for CSP, PV, Wind, and Biomass. In addition, 35 Geothermal Top Pick KGRAs were identified. The plans are to issue a final report with a CD containing the GIS data, GIS maps (.PowerPoint files), Planning Unit tables (.xls files) by October 2002. The Initial BLM objective is to assist in prioritizing inclusion of renewable energy in Land Use Plan revisions. One surprising outcome was very high wind industry interest in BLM lands since draft report issued.
Ray Brady, Bureau of Land Management, Manager, Lands & Realty Group
In response to the President's National Energy Policy, the Department of Interior and BLM initiated a working partnership with DOE. That culminated in a Department of Interior-Energy renewable energy summit in November 2001 in Washington. This was followed by a second renewable energy summit in Palm Springs in February, 2002. There were also discussions at the state level, most notably at the Western States Governors Association meeting in April 2002. Out of those meetings came three distinct action items:
- Develop BLM planning guidance to insure that renewable energy is considered in using public lands. That has been completed.
- Implement the NREL effort previously summarized by Doug Dahle.
- From the feedback from industry, there was a clear message that BLM needed a standard policy with regard to permitting wind energy projects on Federal lands. These included how to process commercial development requests, right-of-way, etc.
Currently, there are 25 authorizations for wind energy commercial operations on public lands—mostly in Southern California. Since release of the resource assessment and in response to discussions with industry, there have been 30 new applications for wind energy on public land. BLM is actively processing those inquiries. BLM also has made a special effort to provide consistent guidance to BLM field units. The final policy was completed in September, 2002. In response to a question, most of the 30 new applications for wind projects are initially for site monitoring. The potential developer then has three years to submit a plan for development.
There have been discussions with Argonne National Laboratories to have Argonne to help BLM prepare programmatic environmental impact statement guidance. Argonne has prepared a proposal and BLM hopes to initiate this effort in FY 2003. NREL will provide some technical assistance.
Wind Powering America (WPA)
Phil Dougherty, Dept. of Energy, Wind Powering America National Coordinator (PowerPoint 1.33 MB, 8 pp)
Wind Powering America is a commitment to dramatically increase the use of wind energy in the United States. This initiative will establish new sources of income for American farmers, Native Americans, and other rural landowners, to meet the growing demand for clean sources of electricity. For more information, see the Wind Powering America website: www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/. Wind energy is being promoted to build on national legacy and investment, to fulfill multiple national needs and to support rural economic development. Public support for wind is provided by investment of public funds in the form of wind research and development programs, outreach programs, and fostering green power purchases. WPA sponsors deliberative polls and surveys, thereby fostering demand for new programs and products. Project development activities include technical and legal siting issues and more subjective issues.
Goals and Principles: Specific goals are to have wind provide six percent of nation's electricity by 2020, 20 MW of wind-produced electricity in 32 states by 2005, 100 MW of wind-produced electricity in 16 states by 2010, and five percent of Federal sector electricity by 2010. Wind Powering America guiding principles are to provide positive messages, leverage existing relationships/expertise, create new partnerships, sponsor or encourage innovative pilot projects, replicate success, support state working groups, address challenging strategic markets, deliver targeted information and tools, and document activities and resources.
2002 Highlights: Four state Wind Working Groups were formed in Washington, Nevada, Virginia, and North Carolina. This brings the total to 14 in addition to the Northeast Regional group. Four more are planned in Oregon, Nebraska, Illinois and Ohio. Eight significant wind events were held. These include major workshops, legislative briefings, and town hall meetings that were held in North Dakota, Nevada, Montana, Hawaii, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Jersey, and Idaho. Five more are planned in West Virginia, Arizona, Alaska, North Carolina, and New Mexico. Wind Resource Maps were updated or validated for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, the Mid-Atlantic Region, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Six more are planned for California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado. An Anemometer Loan Program has been extended to four additional states: Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Massachusetts, and planned for five more states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Maine.
The Federal Sector is an important part of Wind Powering America. Specific initiatives include cooperation with FEMP, Federal load aggregation projects, agency assistance programs, Federal lands, and encouragement of wind projects in the Department of Defense.
For More Information, contact Phil Dougherty 202-586-7950, phil.dougherty@ee.doe.gov or the American Wind Energy Association 202-383-2500 www.awea.org.
For copies of the speaker's presentation charts, please contact Jim Hoelscher, 301-731-1900 jhoelscher@antaresgroupinc.com.