APS Announces Wind and Solar RFPs
On January 27, Arizona Public Service (APS) announced two requests for proposals (RFPs), one for new sources of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy and the other for Arizona-based wind.
The RFP for solar PV seeks proposals for projects that are between 15 and 50 megawatts and that employ commercially proven technology. APS's goal is to procure approximately 220,000 megawatt hours per year from this PV solicitation. Respondents are required to provide proposals for long-term power purchase agreements and/or "turn-key" agreements. The latter are sometimes called BTAs (Build-Transfer Agreements) or DBS (Design-Build-Sell) agreements--however named, APS anticipates that the agreement would require the developer to build the project and transfer it to APS when the project is completed. (As an aside, turn-key agreements that do not transfer the asset until commercial operation require very careful attention to "notice to proceed" clauses and conditions, lest defects in title, permits or some other matter thwart the closing and leave the developer's asset unsold or, worse, stranded.)
In its press release, APS encouraged parties to participate in the photovoltaic RFP bidder's conference on March 12, 2010. Additional information about the conference and the RFP is available online at www.aps.com/rfp. RFP submissions are due April 7, 2010.
On the wind side, APS is looking for wind projects between 15 and 100 megawatts located entirely within Arizona. Respondents are required to provide proposals for long-term power purchase and/or "turn-key" agreements. Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the Arizona-based wind RFP bidder's teleconference on March 17, 2010. Additional information about the conference and the RFP is available online at www.aps.com/rfp. RFP submissions are due April 14, 2010.
NV Energy Issues RFI for Short Term (1 Month to 3 Years) Energy Supply
On August 21, NV Energy issued a press release reminding renewable energy developers of that it has issued a Request of Information (RFI) for renewable energy that can be provided on a short-term basis. This solicitation is separate from NV Energy's recently announced 2009 Renewable Energy Request for Proposals. NV Energy will consider proposals for solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and other resources eligible for portfolio energy credits under the Nevada renewable portfolio standard.
NV Energy is now looking for proposals from entities that can deliver renewable energy to its system on or after Oct. 1, 2009 and for a period of one month to three years.
Parties interested in submitting a response to the RFI, or those seeking more information related to the RFI or renewable energy laws can contact NV Energy at: ShortTermRFI@nvenergy.com . In addition, prospective bidders can email any questions to Ron Helbing, rhelbling@nvenergy.com.
Bidders must submit their responses to NV ENergy's short term renewables solicitaion by 9:00 AM (PPT) on Sept. 2, 2009.
Detroit Edison Issues RFP Seeking Additional Renewable Energy Resources
On August 18, 2009, Detroit Edison issued request for proposals (RFPs) seeking additional renewable energy resources for its portfolio.
The first RFP involves development of a Michigan-based wind farm (or farms) capable of producing up to 75 MW of new wind power. The facilities must be operational by Dec. 31, 2011. Detroit Edison plans to take ownership of the facilities upon completion of construction, and to receive 100 percent of the wind energy and renewable energy credits. Responses to this RFP are due by Nov. 2, 2009.
The second RFP seeks long-term (20-year) agreements for the purchase of capacity, energy and renewable energy credits from approximately 106 MW of renewable energy resources. Eligible facilities include wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass. Responses to this RFP are due by Oct. 23, 2009.
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.
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
Detroit Edison Issues RFP for Renewable Energy
Activity is underway in Michigan to implement the state's recently-enacted renewable portfolio standard, which requires the state's electric utilities to serve 10 percent of their retail sales from renewable energy resources by 2015. In late December, Detroit Edison issued a Request for Proposals to purchase Michigan-based renewable energy credits that will help the utility meet the RPS requirements.
The RFP specifies that the renewable energy certificates must come from resources located in Michigan. Under the state's RPS, qualifying renewable technologies include energy produced from wind, solar, landfill gas, biomass, anaerobic digesters, geothermal, hydroelectric dams, industrial cogeneration and gasification facilities. Detroit Edison states that it is seeking long-term agreements with providers.
Bidder questions, which must be posted to the Power Advocate website, are due by Jan. 13, 2009. Responses to the RFP are due by Jan. 23, 2009.
