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News and Media Archive

Media

Members of the Media: We are happy to speak with you about any stories regarding such topics as combined heat and power, cogeneration, trigeneration, distributed generation, onsite power generation, fuel cells, microturbines, stationary reciprocating engines, small gas turbines, thermally-driven absorption chillers, integrated energy systems, and so on. We will also gladly chat about certain types of renewable energy, such as from biomass, biogas, “opportunity fuels”, “waste fuels”, and methane from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural & livestock operations, forest thinnings, and food & beverage processing waste. Subject matter can include technologies, economics, regulations, policies, efficiency & environmental advantages, regional status, etc. Contact at 303-440-0714 or at 801-278-1927.

FREE Heat and Steam Assessments for Large Industrial Energy Users – from DOE’s SaveEnergyNow Program
As part of the Save Energy Now initiative, DOE will be sending teams of qualified efficiency experts to 200 of the nation's most energy-intensive manufacturing facilities to conduct Energy Savings Assessments. This initial round of assessments will focus primarily on identifying immediate opportunities to reduce natural gas consumption in steam and process heating systems. There is no charge for these assessments, but participants must agree to actively participate in the process and they must be willing to implement cost-effective measures that are identifies. An assessment such as this is an essential prerequisite for evaluating the potential benefits of CHP in an industrial application. There is no deadline – applications will be accepted until all 200 spots are filled. Additional information on this program and the online application form is available at www.eere.energy.gov/industry/saveenergynow/assessments.html.

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2005 National CHP Action Agenda
As part of the 6th Annual CHP Roadmap workshop held in October, the 2005 National CHP Action Agenda has been released by DOE and Oak Ridge national Lab. This is an essential read on the progress of CHP so far and the action items for moving forward.

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New Directory of CHP Vendors and Suppliers
The Intermountain CHP Initiative is pleased to announce the launch of the CHP Buyers’ Guide at www.CHPbuyersguide.net. The Buyers’ Guide is an online directory of service providers, equipment providers, professional services, government agencies, non-profit organizations and other entities who offer goods and services in support of combined heat and power. All companies, non-profits, and government agencies involved in the combined heat and power market are invited to submit a listing. Regular listings are $100 per year and can be in up to six subcategories. Premium listings are $250 per year, offer up to ten subcategories, show up first in a category, and include your company logo and a link to your website. As an incentive to sign up early, listings will be permanently displayed in the order that they are entered. Government agencies, CHP initiatives, regional application centers, and non-profits can list for free.

For a downloadable brochure about the CHP Buyers’ Guide, click here.

For more information, see the website or contact Dennis Roundtree, Onsite Power Inc, (303) 690-8486, droundtree@onpwrres.com.

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New Website for CHP Grants, Incentives, and RFPs
The Intermountain CHP Center has created a new, regularly-updated web page listing all available grants and incentives for which CHP installations in the region could qualify. The page also lists requests for proposals (RFPs). The center is willing to help companies in the region with their applications for these grants and incentives. Contact us for more info.

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Biomass Research & Development Initiative
Deadline: The letter of intent due date is 11/22/2005, pre-application are due 12/20/2005, and applications are due 04/03/2006.
DOE has issued a funding opportunity notice for biomass R&D. The primary objectives of the Initiative are to develop technologies and processes necessary for commercial production of bio-based fuels and high-value bio-based products. The four technical areas identified in the solicitation are:

  • Feedstock production
  • Technologies for converting cellulosic biomass into intermediates that can subsequently be converted into bio-based fuels and bio-based products.
  • Technologies relevant to production of a range of bio-based products (including chemicals, animal feeds, and cogenerated power) that can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a bio-refinery.
  • Analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of biomass technologies.

To be cost effective, biofuel production will need to operate at maximum efficiency. CHP is one of the best tools available for achieving the essential high efficiency levels in these facilities. DOE expects to make 6 awards valued between $250,000 and $2,000,000 over a 3 yr period. Additional details are available here.

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FREE Heat and Steam Assessments for Large Industrial Energy Users – from DOE’s SaveEnergyNow Program
Deadline: Applications accepted until all 200 spots are filled
As part of the Save Energy Now initiative, DOE will be sending teams of qualified efficiency experts to 200 of the nation's most energy-intensive manufacturing facilities to conduct Energy Savings Assessments. This initial round of assessments will focus primarily on identifying immediate opportunities to reduce natural gas consumption in steam and process heating systems. There is no charge for these assessments, but participants must agree to actively participate in the process and they must be willing to implement cost-effective measures that are identifies. An assessment such as this is an essential prerequisite for evaluating the potential benefits of CHP in an industrial application. There is no deadline – applications will be accepted until all 200 spots are filled. Additional information on this program and the online application form is available at www.eere.energy.gov/industry/saveenergynow/assessments.html.

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Innovative Energy Systems in the Chemical Industry
Deadline: January 25, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is seeking applications for cost-shared research, development, and demonstration of Innovative Energy Systems that can be widely applied throughout the U.S. Chemical Industry. Energy Systems, referred to in this announcement as the Energy Supply Chain, are defined as those technologies and systems, located on or near the chemical plant, that produce and/or transport energy (electrical, thermal, mechanical) to the process, and/or recycle waste energy streams resulting from the chemical process. The Energy Supply Chain in this announcement excludes the chemical process itself. DOE is requesting applications for only those projects that do not duplicate development of technologies currently being funded elsewhere within DOE’s Industrial Technologies and Distributed Energy Programs. This is an excellent opportunity for innovative CHP projects in an industry that is facing major problems due to high energy costs. Estimated total funds available are $4,000,000 and DOE expects to make 8 awards. Additional details are available here.

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FERC Approves Small Generator Interconnection Standard
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued standard procedures for the interconnection of small power generating equipment to power grids. The rule applies only to interconnections with facilities already subject to FERC jurisdiction and does not apply to local distribution facilities. The new procedures are meant to reduce the uncertainty, time, and costs associated with connecting systems to the grid. The rule applies to systems 20 megawatts or less. It allows simpler interconnection for systems of 2 megawatts or less, and even simpler procedures for systems of 10 kilowatts or less that use inverters. (In July 2003 FERC issued a separate rule for systems above 20 MW). The rule directs public utilities to offer non-discriminatory, standardized interconnection service for small generators and to provide technical procedures for connecting to the grid. Public utilities will also have to provide a Small Generator Interconnection Agreement, which contains the contractual provisions for the interconnection and spells out who pays for improvements to the utility's electric system, if needed to complete the interconnection.

The rule reflects input from a broad-based group of utilities, small generators, state commission representatives, and other interested entities who came together to recommend a unified approach to small generator interconnection. This rule reflects many of these consensus positions as well as those of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). The rule harmonizes state and federal practices by adopting many of the best interconnection practices recommended by NARUC. It should help promote consistent, nationwide interconnection rules for small generators, the Commission said.

See the FERC press release and the final rule.

Note from the Intermountain CHP Center: This ruling is a step towards much-needed standardized interconnection procedures. But it is incomplete without states adopting matching or similar standards for generating systems connected to distribution lines. We encourage states to adopt these measures.

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WADE & USCHPA’s 6th Annual World CHP/Decentralized Energy Conference, Oct. 24-27, New York City
This year, the conference will be held in conjunction with the annual U.S. CHP Roadmap Workshop, which is focused on charting national progress toward the 2010 goal of doubling CHP capacity in the U.S. For more information, see www.internationalchp-de.net.

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Guaranteed Loans from USDA
Deadline: August 31, 20005
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that up to an estimated $200 million in guaranteed loan funds are now available for investments in renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements by agriculture producers and rural small businesses.

The funds will be available to support a wide range of technologies encompassing biomass (including anaerobic digesters), geothermal, hydrogen, solar, and wind energy, as well as energy efficiency improvements. CHP systems using agricultural opportunity fuels clearly are eligible for these grants, and CHP systems using natural gas may be eligible as well (as an energy efficiency measure).

These funds will be set aside through August 31, 2005. Any funds not obligated under the guarantee loan program by August 31, 2005, will be reallocated to the competitive grant program. Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects by agricultural producers and rural small businesses are eligible for the competitive grant program.

The press release is available at www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/07/0261.xml. The Federal Register notice is available at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/farmbill/section9006rule.html.

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STAC Grants for 2-State Efforts to Research, Develop, Demonstrate, & Deploy CHP
Deadline: July 15, 2005
The State Technologies Advancement Collaborative (STAC) is a joint project of the US DOE, National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and the Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions (ASERTTI). STAC is offering up to $4.95 million in grants for the research, development, demonstration, & deployment of CHP, waste heat recovery, and other categories. In order to facilitate state cooperation & collaboration, applications must be submitted jointly by at least two state entities (state energy offices, state-funded universities, tribal governments, etc.) in separate states. Other entities (such as manufacturers, utilities, non-profits, etc.) are encouraged to be partners in a project but can’t be one of the two main applicants. For details see www.stacenergy.org.

The Intermountain CHP Center is willing to assist with STAC grant applications for CHP projects in our region, on a limited basis. Contact us if interested.

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Fuel Cell Grants -- $1,000 per kW
Deadline: July 15, 2005
The Department of Defense Climate Change Fuel Cell Program is again offering grants of up to $1,000/kW to help buy down the costs of fuel cells. It is not required that the fuel cell be installed at a Department of Defense facility, though those applications receive some preference.

Information and application materials are at www.bpa.gov/Energy/N/projects/fuel_cell/dod_climate_change/.

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2005 Farm Bill Grants – for CHP Projects in Rural Areas
Deadline: June 27, 2005
The 2005 Farm Bill section 9006 offers grants of up to 25% of project costs (up to a maximum of $500,000 each project) for renewable energy and energy efficiency in rural areas, including anaerobic digestion/CHP projects at feedlots, hog farms, and poultry operations. Natural gas-fired CHP projects should also be eligible, as an energy efficiency measure. Last year, 167 of 172 eligible applications received funding. For further details about the grants and application, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html or view a presentation by USDA’s Richard Carrig.

See our Grants Page for more CHP grant opportunities.

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NY Grocery Store Installs 1st PureComfort Integrated Cooling, Heating, and Power System
An A&P supermarket in Mt. Kisco, NY has installed a 240-kW PureComfort system from UTC, converting more than 80 percent of its fuel input to useful electric, cooling and heating output. This high efficiency is expected to produce 40 percent less carbon dioxide emissions and 90 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions than the average central generation plant.

“This event recognizes the value of partnerships dedicated to technological innovation between government and business,” said Douglas L. Faulkner, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy. “The use of technology to improve efficiency is a key objective of President Bush’s energy plan and public-private partnerships like this one can be the model for others as we work together to secure America’s energy future.”

Chuck McCutchan, president of the A&P banner group, said, “Our new Mount Kisco fresh store demonstrates our company’s commitment to providing the best food shopping experience for our customers and their families. We also are proud to serve our community by employing this excellent technology to make more efficient use of energy, and to protect the environment by minimizing emissions.”

A&P operates 650 stores in 10 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada.

For more info on the UTC PureComfort system, see www.utcpower.com.

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International Utility Efficiency Partnerships Grants for Energy Efficiency and Methane Reduction
Deadline: May 31, 2005
IUEP has released its 2005 RFP for developing and implementing international energy efficiency projects and methane reduction projects that will result in the reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of greenhouse gases (GHG). The IUEP will provide funding for approximately six to eight GHG reduction projects with a total value of $2,000,000 including a 50/50 cost share requirement. The RFP is open from March 31, 2005 thru May 31, 2005. Grant winners are expected to be announced in July 2005.

Projects awarded funding under this year's RFP will be those that demonstrate quantifiable emission reductions that can be immediately implemented in host countries. RFPs in previous years have placed an emphasis on renewable energy technologies and other high-efficiency, lower-GHG power technologies that reduced, avoided, or sequestered GHG emissions. A major change reflected in this year's RFP is to include projects that meet the criteria for inclusion in the Methane to Markets program. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (each metric ton of methane emitted to the atmosphere is the equivalent of twenty- three tons of carbon dioxide). The IUEP will award a significant share of this year's funding to methane-related projects.

For more information or to download this year's RFP, please visit the IUEP Web site at www.iuep.org/RFP2005/index.htm. Note that a list of 2004 awards is available at www.iuep.org/2004project.html.

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Mainstay Energy Offers Payments for Biomass Energy
11/01/2004
Mainstay Energy is a private company offering customers who install, or have installed, biomass or other renewable energy systems the opportunity to sell the green tags (also known as renewable energy credits, or RECs) associated with the energy generated by these systems. These green tags will be brought to market as Green-e* certified products. Through the Mainstay Energy Rewards Program, participating customers receive regular, recurring payments. The amount of the payments depends on the type of renewable energy technology, the production of electricity by that system, and the length of the contract period. Payments are made quarterly. There is a $100 Certification Fee to get started with Mainstay Rewards. This fee does not need to be paid in cash; the fee may be paid with future green tag sales. However, this fee is generally waived for participants who opt for a 10-year contract. The requirements are:

  1. The system must be grid-connected, but does not need to be a net "exporter" of electricity;
  2. This incentive is available in addition to any net metering agreement with the utility;
  3. The system owner must still have title to the green tags, or renewable energy credits. They cannot have been sold or transferred to any other entity;
  4. The system must be a new renewable, which in most states means powered up on or after 1/1/1999.
  5. The system generation must be metered separately for any systems over 10kW.

Mainstay Energy is the first company in the U.S. to purchase green tags from small-scale renewable producers on a national scale. The Mainstay Rewards Program currently has about 200 participants -- both commercial and residential. For more information, contact:

John King
Mainstay Energy
161 E. Chicago Ave. Suite 41B
Chicago, IL 60611-2624
Phone: (877) 473-3682
E-Mail: john.king@mainstayenergy.com
Web site: www.mainstayenergy.com/index.php

Source: DSIRE database (www.dsireusa.org)

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Free Workshop on Applying for the Farm Bill Section 9006 Grants, May 12 & 13, Utah
The Farm Bill section 9006 offers grants of up to 25% of project costs for renewable energy and energy efficiency in rural areas, including anaerobic digestion/CHP projects at feedlots, hog farms, and poultry operations. The Intermountain CHP Center is co-presenting a workshop to help interested parties successfully apply for the grants, including step-by-step processes and examples of projects funded in past years. Click here for more information.

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USCHPA 6th Annual CHP Policy Summit, May 3-5, 2005, Madison Hotel, Washington DC
See uschpa.admgt.com/conferences.htm to view the program and register.

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Livestock and Agriculture Producers: New CHP and Bio-energy Information
12/07/2004
The Intermountain CHP Center has added substantial information resources for evaluating and installing CHP at livestock and agricultural operations. These applications can use an anaerobic digester to turn waste products such as manure – which otherwise causes odor-, air-, and water-quality problems – into methane, which can then be used to generate electricity, heating, and cooling on-site. Click here for more information. Contact us for free technical feasibility studies, free economic evaluations, information about available grants, or any other questions.

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Microturbine Saves University of Colorado-Boulder $10,000 per Year in Energy Savings
11/17/2004
The Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) announced the installation of a 30-kW microturbine at the University of Colorado at Boulder Recreation Center. The Capstone C30 microturbine, fueled by natural gas, will provide electricity and heat for operating the center’s swimming pool pumps and heating the water. The microturbine will also be used to familiarize engineering students with distributed power generation. This retrofit installation demonstrates the relative ease of how emerging energy technologies, like microturbines and fuel cells, can work in synchronization with existing systems, while boosting energy efficiency and savings. The microturbine is estimated to save more than $10,000 per year for CU and provide over 200,000 kWh power annually.

This installation represents a continuation of efforts by OEMC and Tri-State G&T to highlight the value of local power generation and clean energy choices for commercial applications. The University of Colorado at Boulder was selected as a location for the microturbine because of its ability to expose students and the public to this emerging energy technology.

"This microturbine installation is another demonstration of how traditional fuels can be used with higher efficiency. As energy costs increase, it is important to utilize the most efficient technologies. OEMC is proud to provide Coloradans an opportunity to see how well these technologies can work in real applications," said Rick Grice, OEMC executive director.

Microturbine technology is an efficient, compact, ultra-low-emission way to produce power and heat for combined heat and power applications. The CU microturbine is fueled by high-pressure natural gas, which powers the turbine engine. The engine has just one moving part, a shaft with a turbine wheel on one end, a permanent magnet generator on the other and an air compressor wheel in the middle.

“CU is committed to conserve energy and energy costs campus-wide. The microturbine installation will help save money and continue our efforts to be more energy efficient,” said Moe Tabrizi, University of Colorado at Boulder, energy conservation officer.

To learn more about microturbine technology visit: Capstone MicroTurbine, www.microturbine.com; CU Conservation, www.colorado.edu/conservation; and OEMC, www.state.co.us/oemc.

Demonstration Information: The microturbine can be viewed from outside the CU Recreation Center. Contact Herb Kienle, Associate Director of Facilities, CU Recreation Services at 303-492-5472 for more information.

About Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC):
As the lead state agency on energy efficiency and conservation issues, OEMC serves the people and businesses of Colorado through demonstration and education of viable, real-world solutions to the need to reduce our reliance on foreign energy. OEMC serves as a statewide advocate of energy efficiency through its programs and partnerships that benefit Colorado's economic and natural environment. OEMC receives federal funding, including U.S. Department of Energy, but no Colorado state tax dollars to support its activities. Contact OEMC at www.state.co.us/oemc or call toll-free, 800-632-6662. OEMC Contact: Megan Castle at (303) 894-2383 or megan.castle@state.co.us.

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Cogen Opportunity: Army Issues Notice of Intent to Lease a Cogeneration Plant at Ft. Detrick
The U.S. Army has issued a notice that it intends to enter into an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) for a commercial cogeneration power at Ft. Detrick in Frederick, MD. The Army is seeking a private sector developer and property manager to participate in the development, maintenance and management of this cogeneration power plant. The complete solicitation and additional details on the project are available at eul.army.mil/detrick/index.htm.

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Colorado Fuel Cell Center RFP – Deadline March 7th, 2005
12/07/2004
The Colorado Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) is soliciting proposals from organizations with expertise in the emerging fuel cell industry to take the lead in fulfilling the State's goal to expand fuel cell related research, development, education, and commercial application in Colorado. For more information on this RFP, click here.

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IDEA Campus Energy Conference, March 9-11, 2005
The 18th annual Campus Energy Conference is geared specifically to the needs of the people responsible for the operation of district energy systems in a campus or institutional environment. The conference provides educational sessions and networking opportunities to discuss issues specific to campus district energy systems. Tabletop exhibits offer attendees the opportunity to meet with vendors and suppliers showing the newest technologies available to the industry. For more information, please contact IDEA at idea@districtenergy.org or visit www.districtenergy.org.

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Biomass Research and Development Initiative - Deadline February 15, 2005
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announce the availability of fiscal year 2005 funds and solicit applications for financial assistance for research, development, and demonstration of biomass based products, bioenergy, biofuels, biopower, and related processes. This funding opportunity is intended to promote greater innovation and development related to biomass, and to support federal policy calling for greater use of biomass-based products, feedstock production, and processing and conversion.

The funding solicitation's focus is on development and demonstration projects that lead to greater commercialization. Pre-applications are due by February 15, 2005. For full details, read the complete solicitation at http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/ls/9.html.

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EPA CHP Partnership Seeking Award Nominees
01/03/2005
Do you or one of your customers have a district energy CHP system? Would you like to be recognized for your environmental leadership and commitment to excellent and efficient campus energy design? Then submit an ENERGY STAR CHP Award and CHP Certificate of Recognition application to the EPA CHP Partnership!

The EPA CHP Partnership and IDEA are planning a special Awards Luncheon for ENERGY STAR CHP Award and CHP Certificate of Recognition winners at the upcoming IDEA 18th Annual Campus Energy Conference in Washington, DC, in March 2005. You are encouraged to submit an application for an Award or Certificate. Applications must be received by February 1, 2005 to be recognized at this event.

For more information and to download an application, please go to http://www.epa.gov/chp/energystar_chp.htm

For application questions, please contact Bob Sidner at bob.sidner@erg.com. To be recognized at this event, please submit all completed applications to:

Bob Sidner
ERG
35 India Street
Boston, MA 02110
Fax: 703-263-7280
Email: bob.sidner@erg.com

For more information on the EPA CHP Partnership, please visit www.epa.gov/chp or email chpteam@epa.gov

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DOE and Natural Resources Canada’s 5th Annual Microturbine Applications Workshop
January 25-27, 2005 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Intermountain CHP Center recommends the Annual Workshop on Microturbine Applications, now in its 5th year. This workshop showcases practical experience with microturbine technology. Check out the agenda and registration form at www.microturbineapplicationsworkshop.ca.

Workshop highlights include:

  • Experience with the Ingersoll-Rand 250-kW using landfill gas
  • Experience with the Capstone 200-kW
  • Reports on two PureComfort Chiller installations
  • Field experience from Europe and Australia
  • Presentations on business models that get technology into the marketplace

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EPA Grants for Waste-Fueled CHP Projects – Deadline January 14, 2005
12/07/2004
EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response has set aside at least $500,000 to fund creative proposals testing innovative approaches to one or more of the following priority areas: assessing, cleaning up, and restoring contaminated sites to sustainable and beneficial use; reducing waste, increasing recycling, recovering energy or products from waste, fostering “green” consumer and business decisions, and properly managing waste and petroleum products; enhancing homeland security related to chemical emergency prevention preparedness and response. Proposals can be submitted by EPA employees; public authorities (Federal, State, interstate, intrastate, and local); public agencies and institutions; non-profit private organizations, agencies, and institutions; academia; and federally recognized Tribes. A template is available to aid applicants in the development of proposals. Up to $75,000 can be requested per pilot, average funding per pilot is $47,000. Proposals are due January 14, 2005. For more information click here.

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Veterans Administration CHP Solicitation
10/22/2004
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the issuance of Request for Proposals No. 101-004B-05-01 for the financing, development, construction, operation, management and maintenance of a proposed cogeneration energy center at one or more of the following VA VISN 4 facilities in the state of Pennsylvania:

  • VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
  • H. John Heinz III Progressive Care Center, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • Coatesville VA Medical Center, Coatesville, PA
  • Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center, Wilkes Barre, PA

Proposals are due no later than 3:00 p.m. EST January 27, 2005.

A pre-proposal conference will be scheduled to take place approximately 4-6 weeks from the RFP issuance date. Notification will be placed on the website identified below.

To access the complete RFP and additional information, please visit www.faacllc.com/bid.

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