Energizer Newsletter
October 16, 2008
Volume 1, Issue 15
The Live Wire EmPowered E3 (Extension’s Energy Exchange)
by Leigh Fortson
Extension Regional Communications Coordinator and REA (Renewable Energy Advocate)
Extension Teams Clean Energy Supercluster
About 25 Extension agents met at the Engines and Energy Conversion Lab on the Monday prior to Forum to learn more about what Dr. Bryan Willson and the Clean Energy Supercluster are doing in the way of cutting-edge clean energy research and technology. Dr. Willson took the group on a tour of the lab showcasing the engines and stoves that he and select students are working on to improve clean burning efficiency. He also showed the group another work in progress: the algae farm outside of the lab that they convert into fuel.
The group then gathered in a conference room to brainstorm about how Extension can work with the Clean Energy SuperCluster. Dr. Willson is interested in partnering with Extension to increase knowledge and understanding of Clean Energy Supercluster technology so they can take that knowledge into their communities. He also elaborated that entrepreneurship and business are the best ways for penetrating an international market.
Dr. Ron Sega, Vice President for Energy, the Environment and Applied Research at the CSU Research Foundation, emphasized that few people know about the work being done at the labs and in the Supercluster and it’s a big task to get the word out.
Dr. Jim Sites, Associate Dean for Research, College of Natural Sciences told the agents about the efforts of the new Collaboratory between CSU, CU, NREL and the School of Mines, as it relates to Clean Energy.
Dr. Keith Paustian, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Natural Resource Ecology Lab, gave a presentation on Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation opportunities in Colorado. Dr. Paustian stated that gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) have increased dramatically over the past 150 years at a notably increasing rate. The Clean Energy Supercluster wants to move toward to a more sustainable future, and Extension can help foster that change. Dr. Paustian then demonstrated a downloadable program that farmers and ranchers can access to get involved in greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon sequestration. If you’d like to learn more, go to www.cometvr.colostate.edu.
The result of the meeting was an understanding that more on-campus faculty need to be involved to help educate Extension agents about the research they are doing. Meanwhile, a group of about 60 Extension agents and specialists have expressed interest in either getting involved in a work group or at least staying apprised of what the group will do. When Dr. Willson gets commitments from faculty, there will be a meeting to discuss how to proceed.
The very good news is that everyone agreed that forming a working group that bridges the gap between campus faculty, the Clean Energy Supercluster and Extension is an enormously important goal that will pay off for everyone. Especially for the people of Colorado.
CSU In the News
The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) announced that the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory, which is a joint venture between CSU, CU, the Colorado School of Mines and NREL, is launching 12 novel solar research projects totaling more than $1.1 million in its inaugural round of research and development funding. The Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion (CRSP) is the newest research center in the Collaboratory and will oversee the projects. The center concentrates on ways to directly convert the sun's energy to clean, low-cost electricity and fuels, a research area called Solar Photoconversion. For more information, go to www.nrel.gov/news/press/rss.html.
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The Larimer County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of new regulations creating a public process for large energy projects. This means CSU can now prepare an application for developing a wind farm on the Maxwell Ranch.
As part of its efforts to be 100 percent sustainable, Colorado State announced in March 2007 that it wanted to build a wind farm - called the CSU Green Power Project - on the university's 9,000-acre Maxwell Ranch near the Colorado-Wyoming border. The ranch was donated to the university by the Maxwell family in the 1970s for use by the university and for conducting research.
"The wind farm furthers the university's dedication to practicing, researching and developing clean-energy solutions and environmental stewardship," said Bill Farland, the university's vice president for Research. "It also provides unsurpassed opportunities to study both energy systems and environmental systems that encompass a variety of university departments and societal interests.”
CSU’s commitment to sustainability has taken the form of a three-part strategy: green campus operations, educating tomorrow's green workforce and deploying research through enterprise-based solutions. Learn more by visiting www.green.colostate.edu/green-power-project.aspx.
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The Rocky Mountain Institute in Snowmass has selected CSU for a national study on best practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on college and university campuses.
Colorado State is the only university selected in the Rocky Mountain West and one of a dozen institutions selected nationally for the study, which is co-sponsored by 
the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, or AASHE.
Other colleges and universities selected for the study include:
- Yale University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Missouri
- University of Vermont
- Tufts University
Ultimately, the Institute aims to develop a Web-based guide for other universities interested in the barriers and solutions for successful climate-change mitigation initiatives.
Feds Pass Renewable Tax Credit Bill
According to 25x25, the oft-stalled legislative package of renewable energy and energy efficiency Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) extensions has finally been adopted. President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, a financial recovery measure that also incorporated the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, a package of tax credit extensions that have been bandied back and forth between the House and Senate for the last two years. The U.S. small wind industry projects that the enactment of this federal credit, combined with a forthcoming equipment certification program, will provide thousands of new jobs and could foster U.S. market growth of more than 40 percent annually, according to Senator Ken Salazar’s office.
“Cutting edge small wind systems can play an important role in our efforts to expand the production of clean, homegrown energy,” said Senator Salazar. “These tax credits will provide America’s consumers, small business owners, and farmers and ranchers the opportunity to bring down their energy costs, while helping to advance us toward an energy independent future. With this tax credit in place, more consumers around the country will be able to generate their own clean, renewable energy while at the same time reducing their energy bills."
25x25 reported that Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, said the bill "is a major step in our long journey toward energy independence and ensures that solar energy will be a significant part of America’s energy future. This long-term extension of the solar tax credits will create a domestic solar industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs while providing clean, affordable, carbon-free energy to millions of American families, businesses, and communities."
As signed into law, the legislative package:
- Extends the wind energy production tax credit for one year, through December 31, 2009.
- Extends the production tax credits for other renewable sources – solar power, geothermal energy and hydropower through December 31, 2010. The bill also expands the definition of facilities to include new biomass facilities.
- Authorizes $2 billion of new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) for facilities producing electricity from all types of biomass, wind, geothermal, hydropower, landfill gas, trash combustion, marine and other small water-to-electricity projects.
- Extends biodiesel Production Tax Credit for one year, modifying eligibility to include any type of diesel, irrespective of the process involved in making the diesel. This expands the field for non-vegetable oil diesel producers, although does not allow credit for renewable diesel co-produced with petroleum.
- Continues the alternative fuel excise tax credit of $0.45 per gallon through December 31, 2009 for all fuels except hydrogen (the latter currently expires at the end of 2014).
- Continues E85 station and fossil-free alcohol production tax credits.
- Allows taxpayers to write off 50 percent of the cost of facilities that produce cellulosic ethanol, if such facilities go into operation before January 1, 2013.
- Establishes a credit for plug-in hybrid vehicles at $2500.
- Continues credits for energy efficiency improvements in homes, new homes, and appliances.
- Extends green building bonds, and institutes new smart meter cost-recovery mechanisms.
- Provides $2.5 billion in new tax credits for carbon capture and sequestration demonstration projects.
The bill is offset partially by establishing an excise tax on removal of price of crude oil and natural gas from offshore sites, and repealing manufacturing deductions for large oil and gas companies.
To read the legislation, go the House of Representatives Web site, www.house.gov/, click on the link to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and scroll down to "Division B," the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.
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For Information on federal tax credits, go to the Solar Energy Industry Association web page: www.seia.org/cs/federal_issues/the_investment_tax_credit_itc.
Governor’s Energy Office Update (www.colorado.gov/energy)
Green Jobs
Gov. Bill Ritter says preliminary figures from a new report show that renewable energy has generated about 90,000 jobs directly and indirectly in Colorado.
Ritter said that Jefferson County alone has about 500 renewable energy companies. He cited the giant wind turbine maker Vestas, which employs at least 200 people in Colorado and expects to eventually employ 2,400.
The governor says he wants to diversify the state's economy, which has been bolstered by a natural gas boom. A state-funded study last year said the oil and gas industry generated about 71,000 jobs in 2005.
Energy Awareness Month
Recognizing that homeowners will face higher heating and utility costs this winter, Gov. Bill Ritter has proclaimed October as "Energy Awareness Month" and is promoting 10 energy saving tips for homeowners during the upcoming winter heating season. Here are ten things you can do to save energy this winter:
*No Buck
Set your thermostat to 68°. Set your water heater to 120°. To make the most of natural sunlight, open window coverings on south-facing windows to warm your home. Use the cold water setting on your washing machine.
*Low Buck
Replace your furnace or heat pump filter regularly. Install water-efficient showerheads and faucets.
Switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Weatherize your home and save up to 10% of your heating and cooling costs.
*Bigger Buck
Insulate your home! Find out if you qualify for an Insulate Colorado rebate on the GEO website.
Purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances.
Learn more about all of these tips on the GEO website at www.colorado.gov/energy.
* * *
The GEO “Insulate Colorado” Program is now being sponsored by more than 55 Colorado cities and counties. Through the program, Colorado homeowners can receive rebates of up to $300 each for installing attic or wall insulation in their homes. Learn more at www.colorado.gov/energy.
The Governor’s Solar Rebate program is currently soliciting new program partners from across Colorado interested in receiving matching grant funds for the creation of local solar hot water (SHW) or photovoltaic (PV) rebate programs for their local residents.
New categories have been added to the program including Small Business PV and Solar Hot Water, and an "Orphan" Solar Hot Water program to assist with assessments and repairs of old SHW systems.
To learn more information on how to become a Solar Rebate Program partner, visit www.coseia.org or www.colorado.gov/energy.
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October 30th is the national "Weatherization Day." The Governor's Energy Office Energy $aving Partners (E$P) Program manages eight local Colorado agencies that implement weatherization throughout the state.
Weatherization has provided Colorado's neediest families with safe, warm, comfortable homes through energy saving measures and has weatherized more than 100,000 homes in Colorado. The average monthly energy bill is reduced by 15 to 30 percent after weatherization.
To learn more about the GEO's E$P program, visit: www.colorado.gov/energy/residential/income-upgrades.asp.
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The GEO, in partnership with Climatemaster and the Market Development Group, is working to create a database of geothermal heat pump system installations in Colorado. The findings will be used to create case studies that document representative examples of typical system installations across the state to articulate actual system costs and benefits, in energy and non-energy terms. Efforts will be coordinated with other organizations to verify performance characteristics of the installed systems, where possible.
Organizations interested in providing support to this study should contact Katherine Johnson at (301) 461-4865 or kjohnson@marketdevelop.com, or Ed Thomas at (970) 209-8347 or ethomas@marketdevelop.com.
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The GEO is taking applications for the third "New Energy Economic Development" (NEED) round of grants.
The NEED III grants will be used to target investments in emerging technologies, grow the market penetration of well established technologies and attract New Energy Economy investment to Colorado. For the competitive NEED III application process, the GEO will consider funding requests for the following purposes:
- To attract renewable energy industry investment to the state of Colorado
- To assist newly developed energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in transferring to the marketplace
- To provide market incentives for the purchase and distribution of energy efficiency and renewable energy products
- To facilitate widespread implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies
- To assist in any other manner that serves the purposes of advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the state.
The NEED grant program deadline is November 3, at 5pm. For more information about the NEED III grants, including the application information and deadlines, visit the GEO website and check under "Resources" at www.colorado.gov/energy.
Fort Carson Shines
Fort Carson, near Colorado Springs, has erected the largest solar project at any U.S. Army Base in the country. Covering 12 acres, the solar panels are also among the largest displayed anywhere in the state.
The panels will deliver two megawatts of power, enough to supply 540 homes, or 2% of the base’s power consumption. It will save an estimated $300,000 on energy bills.
Thanks to Teller County Agent Mark Platten for supplying the photos and the update!
Upcoming Events
October 26-29th, Denver
The National Renewable Energy Conference: A New Climate for Change will provide learning and networking opportunities for anyone involved in propelling the clean energy industry forward. Each year the most influential key players, including power marketers, renewable energy developers, large purchasers, retail and wholesale green power suppliers, electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, energy consultants and nonprofit experts gather to listen to their peers present on the major issues facing the industry. This year's conference promises to be our largest yet. For more information or to register, go to: www.renewableenergymarketing.net/.
November 5-6th, Atlanta, Georgia
The Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Symposium 2008 will highlight the latest technologies and applications of green and energy efficient products and services. The two-day program will focus on industrial, manufacturing and facilities operations and will provide in-depth sessions on these topics, as well as numerous networking opportunities.
Learn Best Practices and New Opportunities in:
- Green Building Practices
- Corporate Sustainability
- Green Manufacturing
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
- Financing for Green and Energy Efficient Projects
- How to Make Your Products and Services Green and Sustainable
Details about presentations and times are available online. www.greentechnewsmag.com/energy08_program.php.
You can also download the program in PDF format: www.greentechnewsmag.com/images/EESPreliminaryBrochure.pdf
For questions regarding the program, please contact Joanna Larez at joannal@infowebcom.com.
Solar Energy International
Sustainable Home Design Online
October 27 - December 5
CSU Energy Website
To learn more about wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels, visit our energy website at: www.ext.colostate.edu/energy.
Furthermore
Go to hes.lbl.gov/hes/db/zip.shtml and you can do an online calculation of your own energy use and carbon footprint. It’s easy to use. Tell your communities about it.
Leigh Fortson
Extension Regional Communications Coordinator and REA (Renewable Energy Advocate)
Colorado State University Extension
2764 Compasss Drive, Suite 232
Grand Junction, CO 81506-8746
(970) 241-3346, FAX (970) 241-3643
leigh.Fortson@ColoState.EDU
Updated Monday, August 29, 2011