Energizer Newsletter
February 6, 2009
Volume 2, Issue 5
Extension Clean Energy Outreach
by Leigh Fortson
Extension Regional Communications Coordinator and REA (Renewable Energy Advocate)
New Clean Energy Team Seeks Your Participation
Good news! There is now an “official” (and funded) Clean Energy Strategic Initiative Team (CESIT). Irene Shonle and I will head up the team, and we’re looking for both Extension agents and campus faculty or specialists who can work with us. The CESIT has two goals:
- To educate a core group of Extension agents about renewable energy options and energy efficiency. This is accomplished by creating seven subcommittees, each of which is responsible for a different topic:
- Wind (Irene Shonle, lead)
- Biofuels/bioenergy (Dan Fernandez, lead)
- Solar
- Geothermal/hydropower
- Homes/community (Rusty Collins, lead)
- 4-H & school
- Grants & funding
These subcommittees will develop educational materials and training for the public and for other agents. They will also be able to help answer questions that Extension agents outside the core group may not be able to address.
- Next, to broadly educate all extension agents (or at least those interested) on the basics of renewable energy so they know where to turn and where to find resources. Ultimately, they will become general information brokers--not experts- so that they can effectively answer to the needs of their communities in regard to energy issues.
We’re in the process of talking to several interested people about how they would like to participate—either as a leader or a subcommittee member. But there are many spots to fill and we’d love to hear from you. Please email or call me at 970-241-3346 (Mon-Wed) or Irene at 303-582-9106. We’ll talk you through what we need.
CESIT cannot work without participation from a range of people. Please consider it and give us a buzz. We’ll keep you posted about our progress.
CSU-Pueblo Turns to Solar Power
Governor Ritter celebrated the opening of a new solar system at Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo)--one of the nations largest at an educational institution. This joint project between CSU-Pueblo, BP Solar and Black Hills Energy will provide more than 10% of the university's future power needs, or roughly enough electricity to supply 225 homes.
"This project is an excellent example of how the New Energy Economy leverages private and public partnerships in developing clean energy projects. Most importantly, it will help the university control its long-term energy costs and direct those funds back into the classroom," said Governor Ritter.
The CSU-Pueblo solar facility will abate approximately 1,600 tons of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent of removing 330 cars from area roads, or more than 4 million vehicle miles traveled. The solar array covers some three acres with 6,800 photovoltaic panels and is capable of generating approximately one megawatt of electricity.
This is one more example of how CSU leads the nation as a Green University.
Extension Agent to Study Biofuels Crops
(From Biomass Magazine: www.biomassmagazine.com/index.jsp)
The Golden Plains Area Extension office has been awarded a $50,000 research grant from the Colorado Agricultural Value Added Development Board of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. It will go toward evaluating how energy crops should be rotated on northeastern Colorado dryland farms.
“What we're trying to do is take the potential renewable energy crops—whether its biodiesel, ethanol, or cellulosic sources—and see how they fit into a cropping sequence,” said Alan Helm, area extension agent for CSU. “Which crops follow which best? Which crops don't follow? If we start growing some of these alternative-type crops, whether it's canola or camelina, where do they fit into our cropping systems?”
Helm said canola, camelina, and sunflower will be rotated with dryland corn, grain sorghum, forage sorghums, winter wheat, and other crops at the Central Great Plains Research Station to determine how well the crops grow in sequence. “Every crop will be planted into every residue,” he said.
The grant covers the first two years of the project, but Helm said additional grants will be sought to extend the project for an additional three to four years.
Congrats to Alan!
Xcel Radiates Interest in Big Solar Projects & Offers Residential Rebates
(From coloradoenergynews.com/)
There’s a good chance that Colorado could become one of the world’s largest solar producer. Xcel is seeking bids from companies to build solar projects that could produce 600 megawatts of power, enough to serve 150,000 customers.
Solar specialists and industry leaders disagree about whether that much power could be produced by one large project or whether it more likely would come from a combination of smaller projects.
The largest solar plant to date is a 280-megawatt project being built in Arizona.
Mark Mehos of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden seriously doubts whether anyone can build one large project to produce 600 megawatts. On the other hand, he said two adjoining plants producing 300 megawatts each would be possible and would be the largest solar park in the world.
“If we can achieve the distinction of having the world’s biggest solar plant at some point in the future, Xcel would certainly welcome it,” Xcel spokesman Mark Stutz said.
Xcel also is seeking bids from companies to produce 700 megawatts of wind power and 900 megawatts from other sources, including coal and natural gas.
Bids must be submitted by April 10 and the new projects could be operating as early as next year.
***
In addition to looking skyward for energy, Xcel Energy is also offering several new residential energy efficiency programs for Coloradoans. These programs will help the company reduce electricity demand on its system by nearly 700 megawatts by 2015, while reducing natural gas use by more than 7.2 million therms in the next two years.
The state’s largest utility will spend $63 million in 2009 and $80 million in 2010 as it seeks to reduce customer demand for electricity and natural gas in Colorado. The programs are expected to save consumers approximately $450 million in 2009-2010. Xcel Energy will file an updated DSM plan in 2010.
Additional residential programs to be launched later this spring will include home energy audits; energy efficiency upgrades, including replacement of appliances, heating/cooling equipment and insulation for new and existing homes; a program for energy efficient showerheads; and several educational programs.
Contact your local Xcel office to learn more. Or go to www.xcelenergy.com
Capturing Wind Data for Homeowners & Rural Businesses
If you’re getting calls from community members who want to learn more about how to power their home or ag operation with wind, check this out: CSU is now partnering with the GEO and the U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America program to provide the Colorado Anemometer Loan Program (ALP). Anemometers are devices that measure wind speed—crucial data for determining whether or not the site in question can actually do the job of powering the place.
There are 65 locations around the state that already have anemometers up and running. You can either find a location nearby that will determine the class of wind available to your clients, or you can encourage them to apply for an anemometer themselves. In this case, individuals receive an anemometer that’s installed (for free) for a year. There is no cost for the entire program.
Interest in the program is high and the number of towers required for the year-long data collection process is low. That means people who want to participate may be on the wait list for a while. That said, it’s worth the wait. The data collected is run through a software program that reveals exactly how much electricity a small wind turbine can generate at any given site. To learn more about it, advise your clients to go to: www.engr.colostate.edu/ALP/index.htm.
Thanks to Irene Shonle, Gilpin County Director, for this news.
Reduce GHG Emissons: Gain Tax Credits
In a news release from the Alliance to Save Energy, new energy efficiency tax credits will allow homeowners to lower both their monthly home energy bills and their federal income taxes in 2009. Homeowners must make specific energy efficiency improvements to be eligible for a $500 tax credit. The result will be a more comfortable home, as well as a reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The overall $500 cap can be reached in several ways with the purchase and installation of energy-efficient products. The following information is general, but to find specifics, go to: www.ase.org/taxcredits.
- Insulation, exterior doors, or roofs: 10 percent of the cost of the product (but not the installation), up to $500. Includes seals to limit air infiltration, such as caulk, weather stripping, and foam sealants, as well as storm doors.
- Central air conditioner, heat pump, water heater, or bio gas (e.g. corn) stove: up to $300 towards the full purchase price, including installation cost. Heating and cooling equipment, including water heaters, must meet stringent efficiency requirements.
- Exterior windows: 10 percent of the total cost, up to $200. Includes skylights and storm windows. All ENERGY STAR qualified windows are eligible.
- Furnace or boiler: up to $150 towards the full purchase price, and/or $50 for an efficient air-circulating furnace fan, including installation cost.
- In addition, windows, doors, insulation, and roofs must be expected to last at least five years (a two-year warranty is sufficient to demonstrate this).
There also is a separate credit, through 2016, for ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps – 30 percent of the cost, up to $2,000. All improvements must be installed in or on the taxpayer’s principal residence in the US.
Wood Pellets Fuel Colorado Schools
In May, 2008, the South Routt School District installed the first geo-exchange and woody biomass heating system in a Colorado school system. Wood pellets will fuel the system which replaced old coal-fired furnaces. Replacing the old systems will mitigate health concerns by freeing the environment of coal dust, ash and soot, while also reducing school maintenance and utility costs of $15,000 per year. It will also emit 977 fewer tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Several partners helped fund the heating system including state grants as funneled the GEO, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, and the Colorado Department of Education. The overall project cost $4.1 million.
Governor’s Energy Office Update (www.colorado.gov/energy)
Gov. Bill Ritter and Energy Office Director Tom Plant announced more than $370,000 in New Energy Economic Development (NEED) grants awarded to eight organizations in biomass, energy efficiency, wind, solar and other projects to help create jobs and strengthen local economies.
The eight winners are:
- City of Greeley: The City of Greeley received $82,489 to conduct a feasibility analysis for the development of a "Greeley Clean Energy Park." Contact: John Pantaleo, City of Greeley, john.pantaleo@greeleygov.com, 970.350.9702, www.greeleygov.com.
- Colorado Brownfields Foundation: Located in Jefferson County, this organization received $25,000 to create a model for the feasibility of using multiple renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and methane, at a former landfill site in Colorado Springs. Contact: Raena Blumenthal, Colorado Brownfields Foundation, raena@ColoradoBrownfieldsFoundation.org, 303.962.0941, www.coloradobrownfieldsfoundation.org.
- Energistic Systems: Based in Golden, this company received $100,000 for a new and innovative solar thermal system called SunTrac. Contact: William Lowstuter, Energistic Systems, blowstuter@energisticsystems.us, 303.807.3497, www.energisticsystems.us.
- GARNA and The Global Biomass Network Project, Inc. - non- profit partners: Located in Salida, this organization received $100,000 in matching funds to support the development of a waste wood diversion/gasification project at the Chaffee County landfill. Contact: Patricia St. Germain, Executive Director, pstgermain@globalbiomassnetwork.org, 719.207.7058 or Alison Ramsey, 719.539.5106, www.garna.org.
- Hybrids Plus, Inc.: This Boulder-based company received $25,000 to design and develop a second generation extended-range battery for plug-in hybrid vehicles, in correlation with Xcel Energy's Smart Grid City Project. Contact: Susan Nedell, Hybrids Plus, Inc. susan@hybrids-plus.com, 303.444.0569, www.hybrids-plus.com.
- Lotus Energy Solutions: Based in Telluride, this company received $832.00 in matching funds to acquire a duct blaster and Manual J Software that will be housed in San Miguel County. This will allow homes in the area to receive Home Energy Rating System ratings and to become ENERGY STAR certified. Contact: David Allen and Kim Wheels, dgallen2@gmail.com, kimwheels@gmail.com, 970.708.7071.
- Nexajoule, Inc.: This Boulder-based company received $25,000 to refine designs and conduct field testing on an energy efficient evaporative chiller that can supplement or replace refrigerant-based air conditioning systems. Contact: Eric Jarvis, Nexajoule, Inc., ejarvis@nexajoule.com, 303.641.1119, www.nexajoule.com.
- Southeast CO RC&D: Based in Lamar, this organization received a $12,800 grant to install "Fat Spaniel" technology on farm-scale wind turbines to increase the agriculture community's knowledge base, heighten interest and demonstrate the application of wind technology in eastern Colorado. Contact: Misty George, Southeast Colorado RC&D Council, misty.george@co.nacdnet.net, 719.523.4522.
Clean Energy Jobs Now and in the Future
The American Solar Energy Society and the Management Information Services, Inc. released a report stating that Colorado is well positioned to take advantage of new growth in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, creating long-term opportunities in rapidly growing fields. This from the GEO.
According to the report, Colorado's renewable energy and energy efficiency industries (RE&EE) generate $10.2 billion in annual revenue and provided more than 91,000 jobs in Colorado (2007) with potential for these industries to grow sixfold by 2030.
In the advanced scenario in the report, which represents the upper limit of what is technologically and economically feasible, RE&EE would generate about 613,000 jobs and $61.5 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Under the base case (business as usual) scenario, which assumes no major change in policy or initiatives, the green job forecast is about 192,000 jobs and nearly $20 billion in revenue in Colorado by 2030 - less than one third the jobs and revenue than the advanced scenario. The third scenario assumes moderate policies and initiatives and forecasts 238,000 jobs and more than $24 billion in revenue by 2030.
An abridged and full version of the report can be downloaded on the GEO website in the Publication Section: www.colorado.gov/energy/resources/publications.asp
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The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden will add to job growth cited in the previously mentioned report. Unlike many workplaces today, NREL is growing. The growth is driven by a critical need to find clean energy solutions. While NREL has been pursuing this mission for its entire 32-year history, the need for clean energy technologies is more urgent than ever. NREL is at the forefront of developing energy solutions and delivering innovative technologies to the marketplace.
To meet these challenges, NREL is seeking qualified scientists, engineers, analysts, project managers and other energy innovators. If you get calls asking about work in the clean energy field, suggest they log on to: www.nrel.gov/employment/
USDA to Promote Market Driven Sustainability
The USDA reported that Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer intends on establishing a Conservation and Land Management Environmental Services Board. These entities would assist the Secretary of Agriculture in the development of new guidelines and methods to, ultimately, assess environmental services and mitigate climate change.
"Our Nation's farms, ranches and forests provide goods and services that are vital to society - natural assets we call "ecosystem services," said Schafer. "The Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets will enable America's agriculture producers to better compete, trade their services around the world, and make significant contributions to help improve the environment."
Agriculture producers provide many ecosystem services which have historically been viewed as free benefits to society - clean water and air, wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and scenic landscapes. Lacking a formal structure to market these services, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are not generally compensated for providing these critical public benefits. Market-based approaches to conservation are proven to be a cost-effective method to achieve environmental goals and sustain working and natural landscapes. Without financial incentives, these ecosystem services may be lost as privately-owned lands are sold or converted to development.
* * *
The USDA is also supporting efforts in the way of wind. Spearheaded by the US Department of Energy, a new report claims that wind power is capable of becoming a major contributor to America’s electricity supply over the next three decades. The groundbreaking report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy’s Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply, looks closely at one scenario for reaching 20% wind energy by 2030 and contrasts it to a scenario of no new U.S. wind power capacity. To learn more, go to: www.20percentwind.org/
Federal Lands Open for Development of Geothermal Energy
The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management plans to make more than 190 million acres of federal lands available for leasing and potential development of geothermal energy resources.
The approved development scenario anticipates a potential 5,500 megawatts of new electric generation capacity from resources in the 12 western States (including Alaska) by 2015. It also estimates an additional 6,600 megawatts by 2025 for a total of 12,100 megawatts.
All but 10 percent of geothermal resources are found on federal lands and facilitating their leasing and development is crucial to supplying the secure, clean energy American homes and businesses need, according to the DOI.
Replenished by heat sources deep in the earth, geothermal energy is a renewable resource that generates electricity with minimal carbon emissions. Direct use of geothermal energy is used to heat buildings, plus many other uses such as in greenhouses and aquaculture, offers additional possibilities for reducing the need for conventional energy sources. The approved development scenario envisions as many as 270 western communities that could benefit from such direct uses.
Lands withdrawn from or administratively closed to geothermal leasing will remain so. For example, lands within a unit of the National Park System, such as Yellowstone National Park, will continue to be unavailable for leasing.
The Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement is online at www.blm.gov/Geothermal_EIS.
FYI
For those interested in the literal nuts and bolts of wind technology, visit www.powernaturally.org/Programs/Wind/toolkit/9_windturbinetech.pdf. Power Naturally,Wind Technology Overview is a free, downloadable wind energy toolkit produced by New York State Energy Research & Development Authority.
Thanks to Fred Petersen, Weld County Extension Director, for providing this resource.
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The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) has brought Solar Energy to Colorado since 1989. Here you will find the latest infomation on solar energy news, rebates, events, legislation, and education and outreach. 303-333-7342.
Upcoming Events
Webcast: Basics of Farm/Residential Small Wind Turbines
February 13, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Sponsored by High Plains Energy CRD Team. Hosted by Antonio C. Jimenez of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory/National Wind Technology Center
To connect: Computer with Internet access. At meeting time, click on the following link or copy and paste into your browser to enter the meeting: connect.extension.iastate.edu/nebraska/
When you go to that URL you will find yourself at a login page. Simply click on “Click to Enter” under the “Enter as a Guest” heading. You will then be prompted for your name—please follow that by your County. Then click “Enter”. The instructions that detail how to join the integrated phone audio conference will be on the screen when you join the meeting.
The audio portion of the presentation requires that you to have speakers on your computer. Check your ability to hear the audio by connecting to connect.extension.iastate.edu/p48538028/ Audio volume can be adjusted by going to “Start”, then “Control Panel”, then “Sounds and Audio”.
Anytime before the meeting, visit the following URL to confirm that you can connect: breeze.extension.iastate.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Webcast: Wind Energy Development: Key Financial Considerations
February 27, 11:00 - 12:30 CST
Sponsored by High Plains Energy CRD Team. Hosted by Larry Leistritz and Cole Gustafson, North Dakota State University and Carol Goodman, Executive Director for the Cavalier County Job Development Authority in Langdon, ND.
connect.extension.iastate.edu/nebraska/
Invite local community or economic development officials to participate in this workshop.
Archived Workshop
If you missed the first educator in-service on Wind Energy and Land Owner Issues, you can watch the archived webinar at sustainablegreatplains.wikispaces.com/Energy. Our team is also making plans for a distance learning workshop targeting extension clientele that will combine elements of our first two in-service trainings. We hope educators will consider hosting this workshop for clientele or at a minimum market this opportunity within your county or region. More details later.
2nd Annual AEE Solar Dealer Conference
February 18-21, 2009, Mesa, Arizona.
Sponsored by solar Energy International www.solarenergy.org
Optimizing GSHP Systems: A commercial Design Course
February 24 – 26, Omaha, NE
Practical GeoExchange Solutions is hosting a ground source heat pump (GSHP) design course. The course will provide overviews and examples of real-world commercial projects, how these projects were approached, how to identify solutions and how to test these solutions using commercial loop design software. To learn more about the course, visit www.practicalgeo.com/workshops.html
Renewable Energy Technology Conference and Exhibition
February 25-27, Las Vegas, NV
25x25 is partnering with the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) to present this seminar
www.retech2009.com
National Renewable Energy Summit
March 31-April 2 Washington, DC
Sponsored by 25x25. The first day is a plenary session that focuses on the opportunities and challenges to producers in agriculture and the forestry industry to lower their emissions and carbon footprint. Subsequent days offer break out sessions covering a wide range of issues.
www.25x25.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Renewable Energy for Educators (4-H Agents Take Note!!)
June 22 – 25, Carbondale, CO
Sponsored by Solar Energy International, educators attending this seminar will learn about the impacts that our energy use has on the planet and how to best teach youth about solutions: energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies.
Each day will include a hands-on element that can be employed in the classroom. In addition, participants will walk away with practical knowledge that they can apply in their own lives. Integrating renewable energy education into youth development can provide an element of excitement for science education and hope for the future.
Teachers who teach any age group will benefit greatly from this special workshop. This workshop has been designed to meet the 5th-9th grade Colorado Science Standards.
Receive Two Extended Studies Credits through Mesa State College!!
The cost of the credits is included in the tuition for this workshop.
Each participant will receive:
- Access to SEI's renewable energy kits for use in the classroom
- Curriculum and lesson plans on renewable energy and energy issues
- A variety of teaching tools and materials to help engage students
- Experience creating hands-on projects that can be implemented in the classroom
To register for this course please call SEI - 970-963-8855. There is currently no on-line registration.
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.
Send me anything that’s newsworthy that you’re doing in the world of clean energy and renewables. We need to keep our colleagues up to date on what’s going on in Extension and the value of our role!
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
