Clean Energy Jobs Focus of New Manufacturing Solicitation Issued by the DOE
On August 12, 2010, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a new loan guarantee solicitation for renewable energy manufacturing projects. The Commercial Technology Renewable Energy Manufacturing Projects solicitation (the "Solicitation") is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the "Recovery Act") through Section 1705 of the Loan Guarantee Program and is focused primarily on providing new green energy jobs and the deployment of renewable energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The solicitation specifically identified "Eligible Projects" to include renewable energy manufacturing projects or facilities located in the United States that:
- Manufactures Commercial Technology products that support the generation of electricity or thermal energy from renewable resources;
- Has Project Costs greater than seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000);
- Is able to obtain a credit rating equivalent of "BB" or better from Standard & Poor's or Fitch, or "Ba2" or better from Moody's, as evaluated without the benefit of any DOE guarantee or any other credit support;
- Will create or retain jobs in the United States; and
- Otherwise meets all applicable requirements of Title XVII, including Section 1705, the Solicitation, including all attachments and all applicable requirements of the Recovery Act.
The Solicitation also provided, for illustrative purposes, examples of the types of Eligible Projects that may qualify, which include the following:
- wind energy component or systems manufacturing facilities;
- solar photovoltaic (PV) component or system manufacturing facilities;
- concentrated solar power component or system manufacturing facilities;
- hydropower component or system manufacturing facilities;
- geothermal component or system manufacturing facilities;
- other geothermal power cycle component or system manufacturing facilities; or
- ocean wave, tidal, and river current (e.g. hydrokinetic) component or system manufacturing facilities
Of primary importance for any potential applicants under this Solicitation is the timeline for making application and the requirement that projects commence construction no later than September 30, 2011. Specifically, the Solicitation consists of a two-step process with rolling deadlines. The first Part I deadline is September 30, 2010, and the first Part II deadline is November 30, 2010. Final Part I applications are due November 30, 2010 and final Part II applications are due January 31, 2011. Applicants are strongly encouraged to get their applications in early -- particularly in light of the commence construction deadline. In addition, the DOE will make available up to $750 million to pay the credit subsidy costs of loan guarantees issued through this solicitation.
It should be noted that the DOE recently implemented a number of improvements to its loan guarantee program that will help facilitate a more efficient application process through the launch of a "user-friendly" online application portal. The application portal can be accessed directly from the DOE's loan guarantee program website. According to the DOE, this on-line application system is designed to:
- guide the applicant through the development and submission of a loan or loan guarantee application;
- assist the applicant in determining basic program eligibility;
- assist the applicant in preparing an application suitable for DOE review;
- highlight areas of the applicant’s proposal that may require additional information; and
- provide the applicant with guidance on how to prepare a stronger application.
Puget Wind Integration Charge REJECTED.
With a swift 13-page order today, FERC rejected Puget Sound Energy’s proposed wind integration rate, stating that the rate was not shown to be “just and reasonable” under section 205 of the Federal Power Act. “Changing system conditions, such as an increasing amount of wind generation described by Puget, present unique challenges that may require novel solutions. However, such solutions must fit the problems they are intended to solve, and the Commission must ensure that ratepayers are protected from rate proposals—such as the one proposed by Puget here—that are not shown to be related to the actual, demonstrable costs incurred in providing service.”
To determine the rate, Puget had used a proxy rate calculated using hypothetical capacity costs from a hypothetical generator. Puget chose its proxy from a group of five commercially available peaking units in the area. FERC stated that although it will allow for the recovery of legitimate and verifiable opportunity costs, Puget’s proposed rate was not a “reasonably accurate representation of the opportunity costs Puget incurs” in providing wind integration service. Because FERC cannot permit Puget to over-recover its costs in providing the service, the rate was rejected. Puget will undoubtedly be back to FERC with a rate that attempts to be consistent with FERC’s order.
Click here to read the order.
New Tool for Renewable Energy Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Companies
On June 30, 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") launched its Technology Commercialization Portal (the "Portal"). The Portal is an online resource that provides a mechanism for investors, entrepreneurs and companies to identify new technologies coming out of DOE laboratories and other participating research institutions. Relevant technologies include:
- Advanced Materials
- Biomass and Biofuels
- Building Energy Efficiency
- Electricity Transmission and Distribution
- Energy Analysis Models, Tools and Software
- Energy Storage
- Geothermal
- Hydrogen and Fuel Cell
- Hydropower, Wave and Tidal
- Industrial Technologies
- Solar Photovoltaic
- Solar Thermal
- Vehicles and Fuels
- Wind Energy
The Portal contains marketing summaries about the various DOE technologies that are available for licensing. Each marketing summary describes a technology's applications, advantages, benefits and state of development. Further, the Portal also provides access to information on patents and patent applications that have been created using DOE funding since 1992.
The Portal is located at http://techportal.eere.energy.gov/
Nevada State Office of Energy Seeks Renewable Energy Proposals
The Nevada State Office of Energy (“NSOE”) announced on March 16, 2010, that is it has issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for renewable energy projects under the $8M+ Revolving Loan Program. Projects must be no more than 60kW in size for solar PV and 20kW maximum for wind turbines and solar thermal. Loan terms will be less than 15 years and interest rates three percent or lower. Applicants may apply for a minimum of $200,000 and a maximum of $1,645,000, and must be able to enter a loan contract prior to June 30, although projects may begin after that date. It is the intent of the RFP to approve a minimum of five applications. The solicitation may close at any time upon determination by the Director of the Nevada State Office of Energy that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received to satisfy the needs of the RFP. If the RFP fails to produce a sufficient number of eligible applicants the Director may consider granting loans exceeding the published maximum amount.*
Interested parties should go to http://energy.nv.gov/recovery/RevolvingLoan.htm or contact Robert Nellis, Energy Program Manager at (775) 687-1850 x7304 for more information.
*Request For Proposal No. 0001 for ARRA Revolving Loan Program For Renewable Energy Systems Release, dated March 15, 2010.
Optimizing Tax Benefits in Financing Renewable Energy Projects
Federal tax benefits, such as the Section 1603 Grant, investment tax credits and production tax credits, continue to be an important driver in financing renewable energy projects. Several of my colleagues will be discussing these tax benefits and other incentives related to project financing in a webinar hosted by Infocast on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Here is full description of the topics that will be discussed, the speakers and a link to the Infocast website for registration:
The section 1603 grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 recently entered its second year. Section 1603 has transformed the renewable energy industry from one in the doldrums to an industry revitalized. But what does the future hold for section 1603 and will recent legislative efforts to limit the grant program create a new uncertainty in renewable energy financing?
Unfortunately, section 1603 is set to expire at the end of 2010, except for projects that have commenced construction. Recently, the prospects for extending section 1603 were dimmed when Senator Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.), and three other Democratic senators, sponsored a bill that would place limitations on receipt of the grant. Developers, lenders, investors and their counsel all need to know whether and how they can fit under section 1603 and, if they can, how to optimize their deal structures, including the interface between the section 1603 grant and the Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Programs and any related NEPA compliance issues. Those who, for whatever reason, cannot qualify for section 1603 need to understand what comes next: PTCs, ITCs, or maybe some variation on 1603, and how those transactions should be designed.
Please join Infocast and Stoel Rives for a 90-minute webinar and panel discussion on project financing of renewable energy projects to maximize the benefit of tax and other incentives that may be available. Stoel Rives is a Chambers-rated leader in renewable energy law.
Moderator:
Edward Einowski, Partner, STOEL RIVES LLP
Panelists:
Erica Egan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance, HELABA
LANDESBANK HESSEN-THURINGEN
Gregory Jenner, Partner, STOEL RIVES LLP
Kevin Pearson, Partner, STOEL RIVES LLP
Gary Barnum, Partner, STOEL RIVES LLP
Registration: http://www.infocastinc.com/index.php/conference/287
RFP for Renewable Resources.
NV Energy issued its Spring 2010 Request for Proposals seeking new renewable resources. NV Energy hopes to use the RFP to meet its RPS requirement of serving 12% of retail load with renewable energy in 2010. Bidders should also be aware that NV Energy's non-refundable bid deposits have changed: projects 10 MW of larger must submit a $10,000 deposit ($7,500 if the same facility was bid into the 2009 RFP); projects under 10 MW must submit a $5,000 deposit ($3,500 if the same project was bid into the 2009 RFP). Responses to the RFP are due April 16.
Details regarding NV Energy's Spring 2010 RFP can be found by clicking here.
Southern California Public Power Authority RFP
Here's a new opportunity for renewable energy developers. The Southern California Public Power Authority has issued a request for proposals seeking renewable energy generation "with supporting infrastructure(s) as structured projects through (i) facility ownership; or (ii) power purchase agreement with ownership option(s), in one or more facilities." SCPPA is a California joint powers authority that plans to purchase an undivided equity share in facilities, issue tax-exempt debt financing, and sell output at cost to its municipal utility members. SCPPA will also consider straight or pre-pay power purchase agreements that include a facility purchase option.
Responses are due May 28, 2010. Follow the link for the solicitation materials: www.scppa.org/Downloads/RFP/Renewable_Energy_Projects_052810.pdf
FERC Determines That Battery Storage Devices Qualify as Transmission Facilities. Is the Door Open for Other Energy Storage Devices?
In late January, FERC issued an order in response to a filing by Western Grid Development LLC that asked FERC to declare that Western Grid's proposed battery storage devices are transmission facilities eligible for certain rate incentives. Western Grid described its battery technology as 10 to 50 MW sodium sulfur batteries that would be installed at strategic places on the California ISO transmission grid in order to provide voltage support and protect against transmission overloads. In a description that seemed significant to FERC, Western Grid stated that its batteries would only enhance transmission reliability at the California ISO's direction, and that the batteries would not operate or participate in energy markets or provide electricity for commercial sale.
FERC examines energy storage devices on a case-by-case basis because storage devices don't fit squarely within the traditional transmission, distribution, or generation categories of assets. In this case, FERC gravitated to the notion that the battery devices would not provide capacity or energy to be sold in the energy market, and that Western Grid would not retain any revenues outside of the transmission access charge (unlike generators). For these and other reasons, FERC distinguished Western Grid from similar filings (see Nevada Hydro II--pumped storage), and determined that Western Grid's technology will act enough like transmission assets to warrant eligibility for transmission rate incentives. FERC's approval of rate incentives, however, was conditional upon the California ISO approving Western Grid's projects in the transmission planning process.
Although FERC repeated numerous times that its decision was based on the "specific circumstances and characteristics" of Western Grid's projects, the order shows potential for energy storage devices. If such devices can show that they act sufficiently like traditional transmission assets (like capacitors), they may be able to obtain very valuable transmission rate incentives. Whether this opens the door for compressed air energy storage and pumped hydro (but see Nevada Hydro II) is still up in the air, but rest assured that these questions will be at FERC before too long.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules that Third-Parties Challenging Energy Contract Rates Must Clear the Mobile-Sierra Hurdle
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an important ruling clarifying how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must apply the Mobile-Sierra doctrine. The Mobile-Sierra doctrine informs how FERC should evaluate whether a contract rate for energy is just and reasonable, and the doctrine provides that FERC's sole concern should be whether the contract rates being challenged adversely affect the public interest--a high hurdle. Until today, some people questioned whether the Mobile-Sierra doctrine was limited to parties to a contract, and whether non-contracting parties bringing a challenge would be held to a lower standard. The Court, however, made clear that the Mobile-Sierra doctrine should apply to any party (including FERC) challenging whether energy rates are just and reasonable, stating that a presumption that applies to contracting parties only, but not anybody else, fails to establish the contractual stability that Mobile-Sierra aimed to secure.
To read more about today's U.S. Supreme Court decision, click here.
Colorado Division of Property Taxation Considers Proposed Tax Treatment of Transmission Lines
The Colorado Division of Property Taxation will hold an important open public meeting Thursday, January 14, 2010, to discuss the "tax treatment of transmission lines". Details of the proposed options will be posted on the Division's website under the "state assessed tab." In the notice provided by the Division, the agenda for the meeting will include addressing the following questions:
- Is the value of the transmission lines accounted for anywhere using the current valuation methodology?
- If not, how should this be accounted for?
- Pick up locally.
- Add to the value of the renewable energy facility determined by the state.
- Increase the capital cost threshold to account for the transmission line.
While the details of the proposed tax treatment have not been disclosed publicly, it is currently unclear how this will impact new and existing transmission lines, including gen-tie lines from renewable energy projects. The Division has provided a remote access opportunity to participate in the meeting. For those interested in attending in person, the meeting will be held at the Division of Property Taxation Office, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 419, Denver, Colorado 80203. It is anticipated that key parties involved in the development of renewable energy projects will be in attendance, along with representatives from the Interwest Energy Alliance.
To the degree that the proposed change in tax treatment increases the taxes borne by existing facilities--most of which have already entered into power purchase agreements--the experience underscores a topic that developers ought to consider when negotiating long term PPA's: if a tax or other charge imposed after the PPA's effective date materially increases a project's cost burden, does the developer have the right under the PPA to pass any or all of the costs onto the buyer? If not, does the developer have any right to renegotiate or terminate the PPA so as to reprice it to account for the unexpected tax burden? Or must the developer absorb the cost for its own account?
Utility pro forma PPAs rarely allow the developer to pass such "change of cost" risks through to the buyer, but the Seller should nonetheless carefully consider such risks (e.g., changes in taxes or integration charges) and its willingness to absorb all of those risks over the life of a long term PPA--it is sometimes possible to negotiate a sharing of unexpected costs that arise after the effective date of the PPA, especially if the utility offtaker is in a position to resist the imposition of such costs.
Show me the Money: $564 Million Awarded to Integrated Biorefinery Projects
In an earlier blog post, Debra Frimerman reported that the U.S. Department of Energy was seeking applications for grants to help promote the construction and operation of pilot, demonstration, and commercial scale integrated biorefinery projects. Today, DOE announced the selection of 19 projects to receive up to $564 million in grant money authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Notable awards include the following:
· $81 million to Bluefire LLC for a Mississippi project to produce up to 19 million gallons of ethanol fuel annually from woody biomass, mill residue, and municipal solid waste.
· $50 million to Sapphire Energy, Inc. for a New Mexico project to produce algal fuels using the Dynamic Fuels refining process.
· $23 million to Clearfuels Technology Inc. for a Colorado scale project to produce renewable diesel and jet fuel from woody biomass.
A complete list of awards is available here.
Public Service Commission of Utah Investigates Third-Party Power Purchase Agreements For Renewable Energy Generation
On October 12, 2009, the Public Service Commission of Utah ("PSC") joined the ranks of several other states in the west, including Oregon, when it established a docket to investigate whether, and the extent to which, certain third-party arrangements for renewable energy generation are subject to the PSC's jurisdiction. www.psc.utah.gov/utilities/misc/miscindx/0999912indx.html, Pursuant to the notice, the PSC may consider the following issues:
- Whether the third-party is a public utility under Utah law;
- Whether the third-party is a public utility under Utah law when arrangements are entered into primarily as a financing mechanism for distributed renewable energy generation systems whereby a third-party owns the renewable generation equipment, which is installed on a utility customer's premises, there is a long-term contract with the customer to supply a portion of that customer's electricity use, and payments are based on kilowatt-hours;
- Whether the third-party is a public utility under Utah law when (i) there is a single relationship between the third-party owner of the generation and a customer or (ii) there are multiple customers taking power from the same third party;
- Whether the third-party is a public utility under Utah law when arrangements involve the leasing of distributed generation equipment from non-utility lessors to lessees that are also retail customers of utilities.
Comments and/or legal briefs regarding the above issues must be filed with the PSC by November 16, 2009. A technical conference to discuss the specific terms and conditions surrounding third-party financing arrangements and other issues will be held on November 23, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fourth Floor Hearing Room Room 401, Heber M. Wells State Office Building, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Minnesota Renewable Energy Projects RFP
The State of Minnesota’s Office of Energy Security (OES) is requesting proposals from organizations that are engaged in or will engage in the manufacture of renewable energy systems or fuels, energy storage systems, geothermal energy systems for heating and cooling, components of these systems, or equipment for the manufacture of these systems or components.
The maximum award is $1 million. Up to a total of $2 million is available to all recipients. OES anticipates that two to six projects will be selected for awards under this solicitation.
All work to be performed within a proposed scope of work must be completed no later than June 30, 2011. An applicant must provide at least 40 percent of the total cost of the proposed scope of work. Applicant’s match may be cash or in-kind.
Each applicant must submit a notice of intent no later than December 4, 2009 to be eligible. Final proposals are due on December 18, 2009. OES anticipates provisional notification of successful applicants no later than January 29, 2010. Final selection will be contingent on determination by U.S. Department of Energy of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
For more information and to download a copy of the RFP, please visit www.energy.mn.gov and click on Active Request for Proposal (RFP).
Show Me the Money: State Energy Programs for Seven States and Territories Awarded $119 Million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Recovery Act")
On August 14, 2009, the Department of Energy ("DOE") State Energy Program ("SEP") announced that more than $119 million in funding from the Recovery Act to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects has been awarded to Alabama, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota and Wyoming.
Here is a summary of how the monies will be used by each of the states and territories:
- Alabama has been awarded $22,228,000 in federal stimulus funds. Alabama will utilize the Recovery Act SEP funding to promote energy efficiency of businesses (with a particular focus on the automotive supplier industry), schools, and correctional facilities and the development of renewable energy resources in the state. The state will also use funds to create a new "energy revolving loan fund" to stimulate the creation and retention of jobs and increase the generation of renewable energy by providing low-interest loans for new and existing industries in the state. The loans will be used for the installation of renewable energy systems and the implementation of energy efficiency measures. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Alabama will receive nearly $28 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $55 million. Click here for more information regarding Alabama's state energy program and use of Recovery Act funds.
- American Samoa was awarded $7,420,000 in federal stimulus funds. American Samoa will utilize the Recovery Act SEP funding to expand the use of renewable energy across the territory, as well as to supplement weatherization funds to improve home energy efficiency for low-income residents. Specifically, the territory will install a 1,000 kW photovoltaic solar-energy array near the Tafuna Power Station, 19 smaller 28 kW solar arrays on the roofs of government and other buildings, and a solar water heating system at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center. American Samoa is also interested in expanding its use of wind power, and will use Recovery Act funds to set up eight anemometers to measure and quantify the territory's wind potential. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the territory will receive more than $9 million in additional funding, for a total of $18 million.
- The District of Columbia was awarded $8,808,800 in federal stimulus funds. The District of Columbia will utilize the Recovery Act SEP funding to improve energy efficiency in government buildings and support numerous public energy education initiatives. Specifically, the state will use funds to replace existing mechanical and electrical equipment at various DC properties with new energy efficient equipment and controls. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the District will receive an additional $11 million, for a total of more than $22 million.
- Illinois has been awarded $40,528,400 in federal stimulus funds. Illinois will utilize the Recovery Act SEP funding for energy efficiency retrofits and the biofuels industry. Specifically, the state will provide grants to support new biomass manufacturing capacity or retrofits to existing facilities that will help reduce operating expenses and the environmental impact of biofuels manufacturing. The state will also use the Recovery Act SEP funds to provide grants to various entties including schools, public buildings, and industrial facilities to improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, facilities, equipment, and processes. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Illinois will receive more than $50 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $101 million. Click here for more information on Illinois's state energy program and use of Recovery Act funds.
- Maryland has been awarded $20,708,880 in federal stimulus funds. Maryland will utilize the Recovery Act SEP funding to promote clean and efficient energy usage in the transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The state will also provide grants to support cost-effective and environmentally responsible building retrofits, along with innovative public-financing programs such as the EmPOWER financing initiative that will enable property owners to leverage private capital in order to implement efficiency improvements. Other uses for the funding will focus on supporting educational and workforce training efforts that will help familiarize the state's workforce with important sustainable energy approaches. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Maryland will receive $26 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $51 million.
- North Dakota has been awarded $9,834,000 in federal stimulus funds. North Dakota will utilize the Recovery Act SEP funds to promote various energy efficiency and conservation efforts, including providing energy education resources for North Dakota's agricultural and industrial sectors that will help farmers, ranchers, contractors and building tradesmen reduce their energy use. The state will also lead by example by improving energy efficiency of state buildings and installing renewable energy systems at state facilities. Funds will also be used to create a statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy rebate program, in partnership with investor-owned and municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives. In addition, the state will establish an Emergency High Efficiency Furnace Rebate Program, which will assist victims of the 2009 spring floods with the incremental cost of installing a high efficiency furnace to replace standard efficiency furnaces and heating systems. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, North Dakota will receive over $12 million in additional funding for a total of more than $24 million.
- Wyoming has been awarded $9,976,400 in federal stimulus funds. Wyoming will use its Recovery Act SEP funds to promote energy efficiency in buildings and homes across the state. The state will make grants to governmental and tribal entities, nonprofit organizations, and others for the purpose of retrofitting existing facilities to improve their energy efficiency by a minimum of 25%. Wyoming will also use the Recovery Act funds to provide rebates to help middle-income homeowners that are not eligible for low-income weatherization assistance to increase energy efficiency of their homes. In addition, Wyoming will provide rebates of up to $5,000 to homeowners for installing residential renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic, wind and geothermal systems. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $12 million in additional funding, for a total of nearly $25 million.
Show me the Money: DOE Proposes Amendments to its Loan Guarantee Program
Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend 10 CFR Part 609, the rule regulating the loan guarantee program authorized by section 1703 of Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The two principal goals of section 1703 of Title XVII are to encourage commercial use of new or significantly improved energy-related technologies and to achieve substantial environmental benefits. (See these recent alerts regarding the DOE loan guarantee program and the related application process)
After reexamining Title XVII, the DOE has concluded that the statute does not require a first lien on all project assets. DOE has discovered that its current requirement that it be in lien position is in conflict with the financing structure of many energy projects. For example, many utility scale power plants are jointly owned by public power agencies, cooperative power systems and investor-owned utilities. In these cases, it may not be commercially feasible to obtain a lien on all project assets or the credit of a sponsor may be sufficient to support a more modest pledge of assets.
Furthermore, DOE has found that other parties are interested in participating as co-lenders, co-guarantors, or insurers of Title XVII loans. However, these other parties expect to share, on a pari passu basis, in any collateral securing such loans.
Consequently, DOE proposes two amendments to the current rules:
- Delete the requirement of a first priority lien on all project assets and leave to the Secretary (of DOE) the determination of an appropriate collateral package, as well as intercreditor arrangements; and
- Allow the Secretary (of DOE) to determine if pari passu lending is in the best interests of the United States
Interested parties have 30 days to provide comments to the proposed rule. Comments may be submitted in the following manner:
- Through the Federal Rulemaking Portal
- Email to lgprogram@hq.doe.gov
- Postal Mail / Hand Delivery / Courier to:
David G. Franz, Director, Loan Guarantee Program Office
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
1000 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585-0121
More information may be had by contacting David Franz at the above address or by calling 202-586-8336
RFPs Galore.
The following RFPs for renewable energy and RECs came to my attention today.
1. Dayton Power and Light Company is seeking to acquire up to 313,000,000 kWh of eligible RECs by 2013 in order to meet Ohio's RPS requirements. Deadline for submissions is August 7, 2009. Click here for more information.
2. The Western Area Power Administration is seeking RECs on behalf of certain WAPA regional offices and federal agencies. Deadline for submissions is August 7, 2009. Click here for more information.
3. Southern California Edison seeks to acquire energy from eligible renewable resources. Click here for more information.
4. AEP Ohio is looking to acquire 30,000,000 kWh of eligible RECs to use toward compliance with Ohio's RPS requirements. Interested parties must submit a Notice of Intent to Bid by July 31, 2009. Click here for more information. AEP Ohio also has an active RFP for renewable energy, which you can learn about here.
5. Puget Sound Energy seeks to acquire 30,000,000 kWh of eligible RECs. Interested parties must submit a Notice of Intent to Bid by July 31, 2009.
6. Bryan Texas Utilities hopes to acquire up to 10 MW of utility-scale solar energy and the associated RECs generated within ERCOT. The deadline for submissions is August 24, 2009.
7. Seattle City Light is looking to acquire 50 MW of new renewable resources to meet Washington RPS requirements. Submission deadline is August 28, 2009. You can find more information here.
8. The US General Services Administration seeks to acquire 40,000,000 kWh per year of RECs for the Architect of the Capitol and other federal agencies. Submission deadline is September 1, 2009. You can find more information here.
FERC Aims to Accelerate Smart Grid Deployment
On July 16, 2009, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Policy Statement on smart grid technologies, providing guidance on future smart grid interoperability standards and establishing an interim incentive rate policy that applies to near-term smart grid deployments (even those used in pilot or demonstration projects). Notably, FERC identified four technologies as being key to smart grid development: (1) digital devices and software that provide system operators with the near real-time ability to react to bulk power system conditions; (2) demand response; (3) electric storage devices, such as batteries and pumped storage, that will help integrate new resources into the grid; and (4) electric vehicles. FERC intends that these technologies will inform both the smart grid standards development process as well as the Department of Energy's release of stimulus funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In addition, FERC established an interim rate policy that, once certain showings are made, will provide public utilities with the ability to recover the costs of FERC-jurisdictional smart grid technologies and the legacy systems being replaced. The interim rate policy also allows public utilities to apply accelerated depreciation to smart grid deployments and recover the full cost of smart grid technologies that are later abandoned or made obsolete. Public utilities seeking incentive rate treatment must file an appropriate application with FERC before it adopts smart grid interoperability standards.
For more information on FERC's Policy Statement, click here for our recently-released client alert.
If you would like to read the Policy Statement itself, click here.
$22 Million for Community Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced this week that up to $22 million from the Recovery Act would be allotted to up to 4 eligible communities nationwide in order to encourage utility-scale renewable energy systems that provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy supplies for their communities, while creating jobs and new economic development opportunities. The projects will demonstrate how multiple renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal systems, can be deployed at scale to supply clean energy to communities. Eligible applicants are local and state governments, Indian Tribes and Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations or Groups.
Successful applicants will be awarded financial assistance to support the implementation of an integrated renewable energy deployment plan for a community, and the construction of renewable energy systems. DOE expects each project to also have substantial private sector investment in addition to the funds from DOE. Completed applications are due September 3, 2009 and the DOE will select awardees by the end of November 2009.
Algal Fuels Developments
The recent blog posting (available here) regarding Exxon's $600 million investment in biofuels served as a reminder to me that comments are due soon (August 3, 2009) on the Department of Energy's draft "National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap" (the "Roadmap").
The Roadmap was prepared by a working group commissioned by DOE. The working group was commissioned to assess the current state of algae technology and to determine the next steps toward commercialization. For more information, see my earlier blog.
To submit comments, complete the "Algal Road-Mapping: Request for Information (RFI) Response Form" and submit it as an attachment to an e-mail message addressed to algaeRFI@go.doe.gov
Further, Gary Hunt has reported (available here) that Prize Capital, LLC has issued a $10 million algae fuel prize to encourage the development of advanced algal fuels. For more information about this contest, click here.
Show me the Money: Applications Available for the Washington State Energy Program
Washington previously received $60.9 million in Recovery Act funding for its State Energy Program (“SEP”). The Washington Legislature later provided $38.5 million to the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development (“CTED”) agency to administer a loan and grant program for eligible projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean energy innovation (see our earlier blog entry here for more details). The deadline for submitting a notice of intent to apply is July 27, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, and the application is due August 17, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.
I attended an informational meeting held by CTED on July 13, 2009. The meeting provided an overview of the loan and grant program, as well as funding details, eligibility guidelines and evaluation criteria. Eligible projects can receive between $500,000 to $2 million in loans and grants in the first round, with the requirement that applicants provide other sources of funding at least equal to the amount of the loan or grant request. The non-SEP funding may include amounts spent or committed to the project since January 1, 2009. Projects will be evaluated based on the feasibility and quality of the project plan, the experience and qualifications of the project team, the ratio of matching funds to SEP funds, job creation, and energy savings/production. CTED intends to announce award decisions in September 2009.
Show Me the Money: $141 Million Awarded Under State Energy Program
From our colleague Christina Asavareungchai:
Today, the Department of Energy announced more than $141 million in Recovery Act funding to six states and territories under its State Energy Program (“SEP”). Here is how the funds will be used in Hawaii, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Texas:
Hawaii will use its SEP funds to directly finance high-performance buildings, retrofits, and other energy-saving measures, in addition to training professionals in the building and design industry about energy efficiency. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Hawaii will receive additional funds of nearly $13 million, for a total of almost $26 million.
Maine will use its SEP funds to improve energy efficiency across multiple sectors. The funds will facilitate the establishment of more energy-efficient building codes, as well as the expansion of programs that aim to improve the energy efficiency of businesses and homes. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Maine will receive additional funds of more than $13 million, for a total of over $27 million.
Nebraska will use its SEP funds to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The state will establish more efficient building energy codes, offer energy efficiency training, and fund programs that offer low-interest loans to the commercial and industrial sector. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Nebraska will receive additional funds of more than $15 million, for a total of over $30 million.
New Mexico will use its SEP funds to offer financial incentives for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles, alternative fuels, and investments in related infrastructure. The state will also fund building retrofits, energy audits, the establishment of energy codes, and the expansion of the Weatherization Assistance Program. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, New Mexico will receive additional funds of nearly $16 million, for a total of almost $32 million.
The Northern Mariana Islands will use its SEP funds to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings, establish energy efficiency policies, and educate the public about energy efficiency. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, the territory will receive additional funds of more than $9 million, for a total of over $18 million.
Texas will use its SEP funds to establish a revolving loan program for improving energy efficiency at public facilities and to offer competitive grants to state agencies, schools, hospitals, and communities for the implementation of renewable energy technologies. Texas will also use its funds to provide training for green jobs and to launch an educational campaign designed to teach the public about the link between energy conservation, reduced emissions, and job creation. After demonstrating success in the execution of its plan, Texas will receive additional funds of $109 million, for a total of almost $219 million.
Show Me the RMBs: Analysis of Foreign Investment Opportunities in China's Stimulus Package
Stoel Rives attorneys Geoff Revelle and Jerry Chiang have written a detailed analysis of how foreign investors and companies can take advantage of China’s $4 trillion RMB stimulus package. Enacted in November 2008, the package focuses on 10 sectors of the Chinese economy, including rural infrastructure and health care, with the goals of creating jobs and increasing China’s GDP.
Revelle and Chiang note that while the main beneficiaries of the stimulus funding are government-owned or privately-owned Chinese companies, opportunities for foreign companies will still emerge in areas such as high-tech products and value-added services that Chinese firms cannot provide. In his analysis, Revelle provides an overview of investing in China, a review of the major sectors of the Chinese economy targeted by the stimulus package, and best practices recommendations for foreign companies interested in China's stimulus funding.
Revelle has also prepared a PowerPoint on the topic, which can be found at http://www.stoel.com/showarticle.aspx?Show=5678.
Show me the Money: Applications Available now for Washington's State Energy Program
On July 1, 2009, Washington State’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (“CTED”) issued application guidelines and forms for its State Energy Program (“SEP”) (available by clicking here). The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Recovery Act”) provided $60.9 million in new funding for Washington’s SEP. Subsequently, the Washington Legislature allocated $38.5 million to CTED to administer a loan and grant program for energy efficiency and renewable energy program (see our client alert, available here, regarding the legislative action).
Eligible energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy projects may be eligible for SEP funding between $500,000 and $2 million.
Eligible energy efficiency projects are those that use technologies that have been deployed at commercial scale that result in the reduction in energy consumption through increases in the efficiency of energy use, production, or distribution, and high-efficiency cogeneration. Ineligible projects are those that are eligible for Recovery Act Funding for community wide urban residential and commercial energy efficiency upgrades as described in (i) Chapter 379, Laws of 2009; (ii) Low income weatherization projects and programs which are eligible for funding through the state’s low-income weatherization program; (iii) Loans support to financial institutions for energy efficiency projects as described in Chapter 379, Laws of 2009; (iv) state energy efficient appliance rebates; and (v) green jobs training as described in Chapter 536, Laws of 2009.
Eligible renewable energy projects are those that are located in Washington and use existing commercial scale technologies that generate liquid fuels, process heat or electricity using algae, bark, biodiesel, biomass, biosolids, food waste, fresh water, gas from sewage treatment facilities, landfill gas, geothermal, pulping liquors, sawdust, solar, hydrokinetics, wind, wood chips and various other waste products. Ineligible projects include those that use the following feedstocks: municipal solid waste, wood from old growth forests, and chemically treated wood.
Eligible clean energy innovation projects include are those that offer innovative new technologies or service delivery models for energy efficiency, renewable energy, or other areas of clean energy. Projects must have a solid chance at commercial scale deployment within two to three years. Ineligible projects include carbon sequestration projects, lab scale projects, and those excluded under federal SEP guidelines.
Interested parties must file a notice of intent to apply by July 27, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific.
Full applications are due on August 17, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific.
Information workshops will be held on July 13, 14, 15, and 16. Click here for the specific dates and times. I will be attending the July 13 workshop in Everett, WA. An informational webinar will also be held on July 23.
Treasury, Energy Announce More than $3 Billion in Recovery Act Funds for Renewable Energy Projects
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury") and the U.S. Department of Energy (the "DOE") announced an estimated $3 billion for the development of renewable energy projects around the country. Funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("ARRA"), the program will provide direct payments in lieu of tax credits in support of an estimated 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities.
ARRA authorized the Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. A company can only apply for payment after the renewable energy property has been placed in service. Previously these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project's costs; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo tax credits down the line in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. This direct payment program allows for an immediate stimulus in local economies.
In recent years, the tax credit has been widely used. As an example, in 2006, approximately $550 million in tax credits were provided to 450 businesses. However, the rate of new renewable energy installations has fallen since the economic downturn, as projects have had a harder time obtaining financing. The Treasury and DOE expect a fast acceleration of businesses applying for the announced energy funds in lieu of the tax credit.
To expedite implementation of the program, the DOE and Treasury have made the terms, conditions, guidance, and sample application available at www.treas.gov/recovery/1603.shtml. The Treasury and DOE are not accepting applications yet, but these available forms will allow companies to prepare applications and expedite the implementation of the program when the government is ready for submissions on August 1, 2009. The DOE and Treasury have 60 days to process the application once submitted.
DOE Announces $59 million in Conditional Loan Guarantees
On July 2, 2009, the Department of Energy ("DOE") announced $59 million in conditional loan guarantees in the form of $16 million for a wind turbine assembly plant and $43 million for a 20 megawatt flywheel energy storage plant.
Nordic Windpower, USA has been conditionally offered a $16 million loan to support the tooling and commercial-scale set up of its assembly plant in Pocatello, Idaho. This assembly plant produces one megawatt two blade turbines which are 10% less costly to manufacture, install, operate, and maintain than competing systems.
Beacon Power was conditionally offered a $43 million loan to support the construction of a 20 megawatt flywheel energy storage plant in Stephentown, New York. The flywheel system is utilizing a newly developed technology to provide frequency regulation services by absorbing and discharging energy to maintain the consistency of power on the electric grid.
United States Joins the International Renewable Energy Agency
The United States officially joined the International Renewable Energy Agency (“IRENA”) last week, increasing the number of countries participating in the organization to 136, including several African countries, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Greenland, India, Japan, and parts of South America. The new agency will engage governments in making a rapid transition toward using renewable energy in their respective countries.
The United States is also expanding its international efforts north of the border. Last week, DOE hosted the first U.S.-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue Roundtable, with clean energy leaders from private industry and from the U.S. and Canadian governments present, to discuss how the two nations can work together to develop clean energy technologies and combat climate change. Specific areas for further bilateral cooperation under the Clean Energy Dialogue include renewable and energy efficiency technologies, carbon capture and sequestration, and smart grid technologies.
Show me the Money: $10.5 Million for Solar America Cities
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced new funds of up to $10.5 million to inform and educate local governments nationwide about solar energy. As part of the Solar America Cities program, a joint effort with 25 cities dedicated to increasing their use of solar energy, the DOE has assembled educational materials about the benefits and value of solar energy. The DOE will now work with outreach organizations to share these materials and tools with local government officials, with the aim of speeding up the implementation of solar energy. The application deadline is October 15, 2009, with selections expected to be announced no later than December 15, 2009.
For more information, click here for our recent Energy Alert.
San Diego Gas & Electric Issues RFO for Renewable Resources
Today, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) issued a Request for Offers seeking eligible renewable resources that the utility will use to meet its California Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements. Respondents may submit one or more of three alternative proposals:
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Respondents are asked to propose a 10, 15, or 20-year PPA for capacity and/or energy, but SDG&E will nevertheless consider proposals with shorter or longer durations. Eligible Resources must be delivered to a point within California and must be begin deliveries sometime between 2010 and 2013.
- PPA with Buyout. Respondents offering PPAs may also submit an option price that SDG&E may exercise to purchase the resource as well as associated environmental attributes, land rights, permits, and other licenses upon conclusion of the PPA term. This alternative is limited to resources located in San Diego County, parts of Orange County within SDG&E's service territory, or Imperial Valley areas. Like respondents offering under the PPA alternative, respondents interested in offering resources under the PPA with Buyout alternative must begin delivering energy and/or capacity between 2010 and 2013.
- Turnkey Facilities. Respondents to the RFO may also propose to develop and construct a new renewable energy generation facility that SDG&E will acquire. SDG&E is proposing the same locational requirements that apply to PPA with Buyout projects.
A limitation that applies to all respondents is that resources located in SDG&E's service territory must be no smaller than 1.5 MW, and resources outside of SDG&E's service territory must be no smaller than 5 MW.
This RFO may be a great opportunity to transact with SDG&E as it endeavors to comply with California's ever-increasing RPS standards. SDG&E will hold two pre-bid conferences: one in San Diego on August 5, 2009, and the other in El Centro on August 12, 2009. Those interested in attending a pre-bid conference should register by July 31.
For more information, click here: SDG&E 2009 RFO Info
Show Me the Money: Minnesota, South Carolina, and South Dakota State Energy Programs Received $51.4 Million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
On June 24, 2009, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) announced more than $204 million in ARRA funding to ten states for their State Energy Programs (“SEPs”).
Here is a summary of how the monies will be used in Minnesota, South Carolina and South Dakota:
Minnesota has been awarded $21.7 million in federal stimulus funds for retrofitting existing public buildings and homes, renewable energy and energy efficiency programs and to develop new training opportunities. Minnesota’s SEP will award grants to small, medium, and large businesses to help provide for the design, financing and installation of various energy efficiency improvements and retrofits. The state will also administer grants to work with utilities to develop programs that leverage ARRA funds to promote energy efficiency with customers, such as low-interest loans and grants. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, Minnesota will receive more than $27 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $54 million. This money is in addition to the $132 million the state will receive for weatherization grants for low-income households.
South Carolina has been awarded $20.2 million in federal stimulus funds. South Carolina’s SEP will utilize the funding to provide grants and loans to improve energy efficiency in public school districts, public colleges and universities, and state agencies to reduce the burden of energy bills for taxpayers, while creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. South Carolina also intends to provide financial assistance to various industrial, commercial and small business entities to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This financial assistance, along with education and training programs included in the SEP, will help create clean energy jobs in the state and make business and industry more economically stable. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $25 million in additional funding, for a total of over $50 million.
South Dakota has been awarded $9.5 million in federal stimulus funds. South Dakota’s SEP will use its funding to support the Energy Efficient Government program and to provide revolving energy loans to state institutions. The programs will promote energy efficiency efforts while reducing energy costs in state owned buildings, which will directly benefit state residents. The state’s energy office will administer the funds, provide technical guidance, and assure accountability and transparency for the state institutions who apply for the two programs. These programs coordinate with South Dakota’s energy goals to promote and encourage energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels. After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, the state will receive more than $11 million in additional funding, for a total of more than $23 million.
My colleagues have blogged on the other seven states that received funds including: Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Utah, Connecticut, Washington and Arizona.
Cowlitz and Klickitat PUDs Share DOE Public Power Wind Pioneer Award
The U.S. Department of Energy Wind Powering America Program today announced that two Washington state public utility districts, Cowlitz County PUD and Klickitat PUD, are the co-winners of the 2009 Public Power Wind Pioneer Award for their outstanding teamwork and innovation in the development of the White Creek Wind Farm. The annual award was created in conjunction with American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED) Program to recognize pioneers in wind power.
A panel of wind, government, national laboratory, and public power experts from across the United States selected Cowlitz and Klickitat from sixteen public power utilities nominated for the award.
Navy Seeking Proposals for Geothermal Investigations
The Naval Air Warfare Center has issued a presolicitation for geothermal investigations at Eastern Lava Mountains, Almond Mountain, and Southern Slate Range Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California.
The investigations shall be conducted in two phases. The first phase consists of a geologic field study, fault trenching, thermochonologic sampling and analysis, and geologic modeling. The second phase will be for resource refinement, drilling support, and other exploration.
The final request for proposal is expected to be issued on June 22, 2009. For more information, contact sue.casey@navy.mil and reference solicitation # N6893609R0076
Show me the Money: USDA funded Research for Small Businesses
The Department of Agriculture ("USDA") is now accepting proposals for its Small Business Innovation Research Program ("SBIR"). SBIR has $18.5 million available to fund research projects that address important problems facing American agriculture. Research areas include, but are not limited to:
- Biofuels and biobased products;
- Air, water, and soils;
- Rural development;
- Aquaculture; and
- Animal Manure management
Individual awards can be as high as $90,000 and proposals are due September 3, 2009. For more information click here.
Click here for more information on USDA funding opportunities.
Strategies for Tapping the West's Renewable Energy Potential
The Western Governors' Association ("WGA") gathered in Park City, Utah for its annual meeting, which was held on June 14-16, 2009. Attendees at the meeting included Governors Bill Ritter (Colo.); C.L. "Butch" Otter (Idaho); Brian Schweitzer (Mont.); Dave Heineman (Neb.); Bill Richardson (N.M.); Benigno Fitial, Northern Mariana Islands; Ted Kulongoski (Ore.); Mike Rounds (S.D.); Dave Freudenthal (Wyo.); and Jon Huntsman, Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert (Utah) , along with Canadian Premiers Ed Stelmach, Alberta; Gary Doer, Manitoba; and Brad Wall, Saskatchewan.
The morning session on Monday, June 15, 2009, was kicked off with the unveiling of the Western Renewable Energy Zones-Phase 1 Report, which was a product of a joint initiative between the WGA and the U.S. Department of Energy (the "WREZ Initiative"). The intention of the WREZ Initiative is twofold: (1) to identify Western Renewable Energy Zones in the Western Interconnection and (2) to facilitate the development of high voltage transmission to those areas with abundant high-quality renewable resources and low environmental impacts. Governor Schweitzer provided an overview of the WREZ Phase I report, which included a summary of the process for obtaining feedback from a diverse group of stakeholders to provide the analysis and tools for constructing a plan to facilitate the construction of new, utility scale renewable energy facilities and any needed transmission to deliver that energy across the Western Interconnection. The WREZ Initiative has developed a modeling tool for evaluating the relative economic attractiveness of costs of delivered renewable energy, including transmission costs, from specific renewable resource areas delivered to specific load centers.
With the WREZ Phase I Report as the backdrop, the Western Governors were joined by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, and FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff for an insightful and fulsome discussion on the current challenges faced by the Western states in developing renewable energy projects and building the necessary transmission infrastructure, along with policy recommendations to assist in overcoming those challenges through collaboration between the federal and state agencies.
Governor Freudenthal indicated that from his perspective, there were several major challenges to building transmission in the West, but that the largest hurdle was permitting transmission lines or other renewable energy projects on federal lands. Another issue of concern for Governor Freudenthal was in "right sizing" the transmission lines and how Stimulus monies could be used to jumpstart the process of transmission upgrades. Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar responded that the Department of Interior will be establishing renewable energy offices throughout the West, including one in Wyoming, that will be staffed by employees familiar with renewable energy project development. The goal is to be able to fast track renewable energy applications and to obtain quick decision making. Secretary of Energy Chu indicated that the Department of Energy would be announcing funding opportunities related to transmission, including:
- $80 Million for Regional and Interconnection Transmission Analysis and Planning
- $50 Million for Assistance to State Electricity Regulators
- Approximately $40 Million to Support Energy Assurance Capabilities for States
Secretary Chu also indicated that several of the federal agencies under his watch, including WAPA and BPA, are not moving in a timely manner in facilitating funding opportunities for renewable energy and transmission development. Secretary Chu expressly requested that the Governors contact him directly if any of these agencies are taking actions that will deter private investment in renewable energy and related transmission projects so that he can address these potential impacts immediately.
Overall, the presence of the three cabinet members from the Obama Administration, along with FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghof and Council on Environmental Quality Chairwoman Nancy Sutley at this conference was a strong indication of the Administration's desire to partner with the Western Governors to address the country's long-term energy challenges, create jobs, and to cut the country's carbon emissions by unlocking the enormous potential for renewable energy in the Western United States. The Western Governors passed Policy Resolution 09-1 (Energy Policy, Renewable Energy and Transmission for the West) with directives to WGA staff:
- To work with Congress, the Administration, and other appropriate entities to implement the policies contained in the resolution;
- To continue to implement the Western Renewable Energy Zones initiative and to report on the progress of the initiative at the next scheduled meeting;
- To work with the federal government as necessary to create and implement a long-term, comprehensive-energy policy that ensures that the WGA moves toward affordable and environmentally responsible energy security and independence;
- To work with WECC to establish future transmission scenarios;
- To work with Congress to extend the duration and amount of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) existing federal loan guarantee program and to expedite the issuance of loan guarantees in all energy sectors.
Show me the Money: Seminar for Identifying Funding for Renewable Energy Projects
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides almost $94 billion dollars in direct and indirect spending to clean energy company and projects. See Show me the Money: A Guide to Sources of Funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
On June 17, 2009, I will be speaking in Cle Elum, Washington about how to get your project "shovel ready" for Stimulus Funding. The seminar will also include sessions on identifying sources of funding and application mechanics.
Annual Meeting of the Western Governors' Association: June 14-16, 2009, Park City, Utah
The Western Governors' Association ("WGA") will hold its annual meeting in Park City, Utah on June 14-16, 2009. Based on a review of the Agenda posted to the WGA's website, the focus of the meeting will be on developing regional and global strategies for addressing important issues related to energy resources, climate change and water. I will be attending the annual meeting this year and reporting on the outcome of discussions on the following topics:
On June 14, 2009, there will be a panel discussion on policies and technologies to address water use in an era of declining water supplies due to climate change. Panelists include: Dr. Peter H. Gleick, co-founder and president of the Pacific Institute; Professor Eilon Adar, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Resources, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Doug Miell, Principal, Miell Consulting; Cameron J. Brooks, Ph.D., Director of Solutions and Business Development for IBM Corporation's Big Green Innovations initiative.
On June 15, 2009, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff will provide their perspectives on developing large amounts of clean energy in the West and the transmission lines needed to bring it to market. Following their remarks, they and the Governors will have the opportunity to discuss what cooperation is needed between states and the federal government to accelerate progress. An outline of discussion points that might be expected from the Governors during this session could include topics addressed in the letter dated May 1, 2009 from the WGA to the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee.
In addition, there will be a panel discussion on international, U.S. and regional strategies for addressing climate change. Panelists for this discussion include: Robert B. Zoellick, President of The World Bank; Joan Ruddock, British Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy; and Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Attendees at the conference will also have the opportunity to hear a briefing from Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, on "Creating a National Climate Service."
On June 16, 2009, Susan Shirk, Director of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, University of California, San Diego, will be a Keynote speaker, followed by a panel discussion on ways national and subnational governments can cooperate to expedite the deployment of new technologies and policies to address energy and climate change. Panelists include: Eric Heitz, President of The Energy Foundation; Susan Shirk, Director of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation; Charles Freeman, Freeman Chair in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The meeting is being hosted by Utah Governor and Western Governors' Association Chairman Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., and his wife Mary Kaye and Lt. Governor Gary Herbert. Expected at the meeting are eleven Western Governors and three Western Canadian Premiers and 500 attendees including Obama Administration officials, other VIPs and industry and non-governmental leaders from around the West, across the country and around the world.
Show me the Money: $24 million Funding Opportunity for Wind Energy Research and Development
On June 2, 2009, the Department of Energy ("DOE") issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement ("FOA") providing $24 million for the development of consortia between universities and industry to focus on critical wind energy challenges.
DOE intends on awarding two to three grants of $8-12 million. The grants will be used to address two areas:
- Partnerships for Wind Research and Turbine Reliability. Universities in wind resource areas are encouraged to apply with industry partners to study major challenges facing today's wind industry. DOE is highly encouraging research in turbine reliability, but projects are eligible if they meet one or more challenges described in the 20% Wind Energy by 2030 report.
- Wind Energy Research & Development. Universities are encouraged to apply with industry partners for grants to fund R&D to advance material design, performance measurements, and analytical models related to wind energy development. The goals of this research shall be to improve power systems operations, wind turbine and/or component manufacturing, and interdisciplinary systems integration.
Applicants interested in either area must file a letter of intent by June 16, 2009 and FOA applications are due by July 29, 2009.
*****UPDATE******
On June 19, 2009, DOE announced an extension to the deadline for submittal of a letter of intent for this program. Letters of intent must now be submitted by June 29, 2009. Applications are due on July 29, 2009.
Show me the Money: $350 million in Stimulus Funds Available Now for Geothermal Projects
On May 27, 2009, President Obama announced that the Department of Energy ("DOE") would deploy $350 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Recovery Act") to be used to expand development, deployment, and use of geothermal energy throughout the United States. Four recent DOE Funding Opportunity Announcements ("FOAs") have been issued in conjunction with this announcement. The recently announced Recovery Act funding will support projects in five areas: (1) geothermal demonstration projects, (2) enhanced geothermal systems ("EGS") research and development, (3) innovative exploration techniques, (4) the creation of a national geothermal data system and a resource assessment and classification system, and (5) ground source heat pumps.
For more specific information, see this alert
Show Me the Money: Renewable Energy Financing in the Farm Bill
In an earlier blog, my colleague, Debra Frimerman reported about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems.
REAP is a program under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the "2008 Farm Bill"). The 2008 Farm Bill also includes numerous other programs to help develop renewable energy in rural areas and promote the production of sustainable feedstocks for renewable energy production. Please see this recent alert for specifics.
National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap
The Department of Energy ("DOE") has issued a Request for Information ("RFI") to solicit feedback on the DOE's draft "National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap" (the "Roadmap").
The Roadmap was prepared by a working group commissioned by DOE. The working group was commissioned to assess the current state of algae technology and to determine the next steps toward commercialization.
DOE is specifically seeking feedback related to the following questions:
- What areas omitted by the Roadmap would be important in defining R&D needs as they pertain to the following topics?
a. Algae biology
b. Algae cultivation
c. Algae processing (harvesting and dewatering)
d. Extraction
e. Fuel conversion
f. Fuel end-use - Are there any additional, key areas that should be included or any areas that need further elaboration?
- Are there errors or misrepresentations of any information that need to be addressed?
- Is there over-representation of certain barrier areas relative to other areas that warrant editing?
To submit comments, complete the "Algal Road-Mapping: Request for Information (RFI) Response Form" and submit it as an attachment to an e-mail message addressed to algaeRFI@go.doe.gov
Comments must be provided by no later than 11:59 PM EDT on August 3, 2009.
Vermont Passes Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff
Vermont has enacted into law legislation that establishes minimum rates to be paid by electric customers for certain renewable energy sources in long-term fixed-price contracts.
Key elements of the bill include a project size cap of 2.2 MW, for a total program cap of 50 MW, a specified contract term of 20 years (except solar contracts, which will be 25 years), and tariffs in the following amounts: wind energy projects less than 15 kW, $0.20/kWh; landfill and biogas, $0.12/kWh; solar, $0.30/kWh; and wind projects greater than 15 kW, hydropower, or other biomass, a formula using the state's average residential electricity rate. A regulatory examination of the tariffs will begin by September 15, 2009, with new rates to be set by January 15, 2010.
Apply Now for REAP Grants and Loan Guarantees
The USDA announced today that it is accepting applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”). REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems.
REAP funds are available in the following amounts:
- Grants for energy efficiency projects are available for up to the lesser of $250,000 or 25% of the project costs.
- Grants for renewable energy systems are available for up to the lesser of $500,000 or 25% of the project costs.
- Grants for feasibility studies for renewable energy systems are available for up to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of the costs of the study.
- Loan guarantees are available for up to the lesser of $25 million or 75% of the project costs.
Applicants must be agricultural producers or rural small businesses. Agricultural producers are farmers or ranchers that obtain more than half of their gross income from agricultural operations. Small rural businesses are small businesses, as determined in accordance with the Small Business Administration's small business size standards, located in rural areas. Applications are due July 31, 2009.
Washington's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Comprehensive Application
On May 11, the Washington Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (“CTED”) filed an application with the United States Department of Energy to receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) funds for Washington’s State Energy Program (“SEP”). The application contains funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and farm energy assessments. Once the SEP is approved, funding will commence through CTED with advice from the Clean Energy Leadership Council.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loans and Grants Program
Washington’s SEP dedicates $38.5 million to a loan and grant fund for innovative renewable energy projects that use commercial or near commercial energy technologies. These funds may also be used for cost-effective energy efficiency projects. The goal of this program is to produce renewable energy or reduce energy consumption in a manner which leverages ARRA funds to create or retain as many jobs as possible. The first request for proposal (“RFP”) under this program should be issued in June 2009. CTED anticipates issuing up to 25 loans and 15 grants.
Community-Wide Urban Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Program
Washington’s SEP dedicates $14.5 million for the development and deployment of at least three large neighborhood based building energy efficiency projects. This will further the state’s policy goal of annually weatherizing twenty thousand homes and business over the next five years. The Washington State University Extension Energy Program will coordinate and collaborate with CTED on the design, administration, and implementation of the projects.
Energy Efficiency Credit Enhancement
Washington’s SEP provides $5 million toward credit enhancement mechanisms to generate high levels of leverage for energy efficiency projects that go beyond direct loans. CTED will create risk reduction mechanisms that allow financial institutions to lend to a broader pool of applicants with lower rates and longer loan terms. The risk reduction mechanisms include loan guarantees, loan loss reserves, credit enhancements, and leverage revolving loan funds.
The Farm Energy Assessments Program
Washington’s SEP directs $500,000 to increase on-farm energy efficiency. These funds will be used to create tools for farm energy analysis, and to train staff in the use of such tools. Afterwards, farmers will be provided with a tool to analyze current farm practices and proposed changes.
Clean Energy Leadership
Washington’s SEP will be carried with advice from the Clean Energy Leadership Council. The Clean Energy Leadership Council will consist of representatives from Washington’s major clean energy companies, supporting organizations, and the state’s legislature. The council will be co-chaired by the director of CTED. The Council will develop strategic recommendations to develop clean energy industries within Washington, review energy investments, and recommend potential clean energy programs and projects for possible federal funding through the SEP.
$480 Million Available for Integrated Biorefinery Projects
Last week DOE released a new funding opportunity announcement for up to $480 million for pilot-scale and demonstration-scale integrated biorefinery projects. An integrated biorefinery uses an “acceptable feedstock” to produce a biofuel or bioproduct as the “primary product.” Acceptable feedstocks include:
- Algae
- Certain woody biomass
- Renewable plant materials so long as it is not generally intended for use as food
- Crop reside (cobs, stover, etc.)
- Yard and food waste
- Certain post-sorted MSW
The projects must be either pilot-scale (processing at least one dry tonne of feedstock per day) or demonstration-scale (processing at least 50 dry tonnes of feedstock per day).
The maximum award for a pilot-scale project is $25 million and the maximum award for a demonstration-scale project is $50 million. Generally, the cost share requirements from non-Federal sources are 20% for pilot-scale projects and 50% for demonstration-scale projects.
Applications are due June 30, 2009. Although not required, DOE suggests all prospective applicants submit a notice of intent to apply, which can be submitted through May 29, 2009.
Visit www.grants.gov or www.fedconnect.net for more information on this opportunity.
President Obama Directs USDA to Promote and Expand Biofuels
On, May 5, 2009, President Obama announced federal efforts to increase investment and use of advanced biofuels. The President signed a Presidential Directive establishing the Biofuels Interagency Working Group, ordering the Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) to implement financing opportunities from the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (“FCEA”), and announcing additional Recovery Act funds for renewable fuel projects.
The Biofuels Interagency Working Group will be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Biofuels Interagency Working Group will coordinate existing policies and identify new policies to support the development of sustainable next-generation biofuels production.
President Obama has directed the USDA to immediately begin restructuring existing renewable fuels investments in order to preserve industry employment and develop a comprehensive approach to accelerate the production of American biofuels. Further, the USDA has 30 days to begin deployment of renewable energy financing opportunities from the FCEA. Financing opportunities under the FCEA include loan guarantees and grants for research, development, construction and retrofitting of demonstration and commercial scale biorefineries.
President Obama also announced that $786.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (for more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act please see Show Me the Money: The Law of the Stimulus) will be used to expand commercial biorefineries and jumpstart advanced biofuels research and development. The money will be divided as follows:
- $480 million for integrated pilot and demonstration scale biorefinery projects
- $176.5 million for commercial-scale biorefinery projects
- $110 million for fundamental research
- $20 million for ethanol research
Green Power Express Receives Green Light from FERC
On April 10, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a request for various transmission infrastructure investment incentives submitted by Green Power Express LP (GPE), a transmission-only partnership that proposes to build a 765 kV "green superhighway" consisting of three interconnected loops in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. GPE's proposal will also extend radially into Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, making use of existing substations in some locations and constructing high voltage substations in others. In total, the project will include approximately 3,000 miles of transmission lines that reach 12,000 MW of wind and stored energy. GPE estimates the project's cost at $10-12 billion and hopes the project will be in service in 2020.
FERC's approved the following (non-exhaustive) key incentives that reduce GPE's exposure to risk in moving the project forward.
Abandoned Plant. FERC granted GPE's request to recover prudently incurred expenses if the project is abandoned for reasons outside of GPE's control. FERC stated that the recovery of abadonment costs is a means for encouraging transmission development, reducing the risk that GPE's investors may lose their entire investment.
Regulatory Asset. FERC will allow GPE to create initial and subsequent vintage regulatory assets in order to defer pre-construction, development, and start-up costs until GPE has customers from which it may later recover those costs. Such cost deferral will also help GPE attract financiers.
Construction Work in Progress. FERC approved GPE's request to include 100 percent of construction work in progress in its revenue requirement, allowing GPE to service its debt and reduce borrowing over the project's development--something that would otherwise be difficult for a $10-12 billion project with a 2020 in-service date.
The incentives granted to GPE, as well as other recent changes to FERC's transmission policies, show that the agency is becoming increasingly serious about spurring transmission development forward. If we are to reach the 62 GW of wind currently in the Midwest ISO interconnection queue, as well as other renewable resources elsewhere, transmission developers will need creative regulatory solutions to help attract financiers and gain firm commitments from generation developers. FERC continues to take positive steps forward.
A Superconductor Pipeline for Renewable Energy
Among all the interesting presentations at this month's AWEA transmission and wind workshop, American Superconductor's presentation about developments with superconducting transmission lines was particularly noteworthy. Superconducting direct current lines offer greater efficiency, as well as siting and aesthetics benefits, but have historically fallen victim to much higher costs when compared to traditional overhead transmission lines. However, with talks of extra-high voltage "green superhighways" transmitting renewable energy from the nation's interior to load zones, it appears from American Superconductor that the costs of a 5 GW, 200 kV superconductor line are nearly equivalent to 765 kV overhead lines when built on a 1,000 mile scale. Perhaps we will see a superconducting pipeline instead of an extra-high voltage overlay.
For more information about the viability of superconducting transmission lines, look for American Superconductor's White Paper in the near future.
Governor Kulongoski's Climate Change Agenda Unveiled
Earlier this week, I attended Climate Solutions’ Business Briefing on the Governor’s Proposed Climate Change Policy. Hosted by Gerding Edlen, the briefing offered a snapshot of the Governor’s legislative agenda for 2009 and beyond, and gave the sustainable business community the opportunity to offer feedback on what needs to happen to move the plans forward.
The Governor’s Climate Change Agenda (the “Agenda”) covers four major areas: greenhouse gas (“GHG”) reductions, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and energy efficiency. Some highlights follow.
Greenhouse Gas Reductions
There are three major components to the GHG reduction plan: a cap and trade program, an emissions performance standard, and an authorization of the development of Environmental Quality Commission (“EQC”) regulations. Included in the proposed 2009 legislation is the authorization for Oregon’s participation in a regional cap and trade program. Once authorized, the plan calls for a statewide public process to gather input on how best to structure the program. The program design recommendations will be brought back to the 2011 Legislature for approval, with the regional program scheduled to go into effect in 2012.
Renewable Energy
In the renewable energy realm, the Agenda includes a solar feed-in tariff, a beefed-up Business Energy Tax Credit (“BETC”), and initiatives to help the state meet the Governor’s goal of 100% renewable energy for state government. Following Germany’s lead, which has had amazing success with the solar energy incentive program known as a “feed-in tariff”, the Governor’s proposed legislation will create a production incentive pilot program to help pay for the electricity produced by a solar project.
The Governor also plans to create a BETC Energy Fund to offer up-front project funding. As with the Cultural Trust program, this proposal will enable citizens to donate money into the fund and take a tax credit on the donation.
Sustainable Transportation
Thinking about buying a Prius? If you are hoping for a state tax credit, you may want to revise your wish list. The Governor’s plan calls for a shift toward vehicles that produce less carbon and that have not yet permeated the market, such as plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles. In addition, the Agenda would authorize the EQC to develop and phase in a low-carbon fuel standard, that will require fuel providers to lower the average carbon intensity of fuels sold by 10%. The plan also includes an Expanded Transportation Options program and the development of a least carbon planning model.
Energy Efficiency
Because energy efficiency investments are such a cost-effective way to reduce both our energy demand and GHG emissions, a large chunk of the Agenda is devoted to this area. The Governor has put forth several proposals, such as the creation of energy performance certificates, the expansion of the BETC for energy efficiency investments, and the authorization of bonding authority for local governments to finance energy efficiency projects.
Proposed legislation seeks to establish a goal of net-zero emissions homes and buildings by 2030. As a start, the legislation seeks to increase energy efficiency in commercial and residential building codes by 30 percent and 15 percent, respectively. The Agenda also calls for expanding the BETC for industrial energy efficiency projects from 35 percent to 50 percent of the total project costs, up to $20 million.
The various pieces of the Governor’s Agenda will add teeth to existing state programs aimed at addressing climate change, and help keep Oregon at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship in the sustainable business realm.
