Energizer Newsletter

May 5, 2009

Volume 2, Issue 8

Past Issues

Extension Clean Energy Outreach

by Leigh Fortson
Extension Regional Communications Coordinator and REA (Renewable Energy Advocate)

GEO Hosts Meeting for CESIT

The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) invited the newly created Clean Energy Strategic Initiative Team (CESIT) to Denver so they could learn about GEO’s clean energy-related programs.

Here’s a broad overview of what the six GEO staff members briefed Extension agents about and what it means for us and our communities:

**Stimulus package monies: With monies received from the stimulus package, the GEO’s goals are to create more jobs; promote energy efficiency; and develop renewable energy programs. There are four state representatives that will help communities with their programs. They are:


US Department of Energy Efficiency and Conservation block programs will provide funding to cities and counties based on population and energy use. Cities and counties are required to apply for these programs and comply with USDOE rules. Local governments must apply by June 25th. If approved, they will have 36 months to spend the money. The GEO may be contacting County Extension agents about applying for these funds.

Stimulus dollars will be used for a variety of projects including: smart grid infrastructure; transportation electrification; airport grounds systems; R&D projects regarding renewable energy; school modernization; and more. To see the national program for expenditures on clean energy, go to: www.recovery.gov.

**Weatherization and Energy Efficiency: Family & Consumer Science agents may find this especially useful: The GEO approved initial spending for weatherization assistance under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), with an allocation of $1.7 million. Weatherization is intended to cut energy costs primarily for low-income qualified households, but will also be delivered to:

  • the elderly
  • people with disabilities
  • high energy-use homes

Weatherization and energy efficiency The money will not be given directly to homeowners; rather, it will be filtered through regional agencies that specialize in reducing energy costs for households. So, if you get calls from constituents who want to save money by weatherizing their homes, direct them to the appropriate agency.

A list of local agencies can be found at: www.colorado.gov/energy/index.php?/resources/agencies/. Representatives from the agency will conduct an energy audit to determine if it’s a good fit. People who rent rather than own their homes are also eligible as long as they meet the criteria. Residents who already receive financial assistance under programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid can also qualify for the weatherization program.

If agents receive calls about eligibility, annual household income can act as a guide. The following chart discerns who qualifies.

Federal Poverty Level
# of persons		Annual Household Income
1$21,660
2$29,140
3$36,620
4$41,100
appliances

Add $7,480.00 for each additional person in the household after 4 persons

The types of weatherization that can be performed include:

  • insulation and sealing air leaks
  • appliance replacement (furnaces, refrigerators, etc.) as long as the assessor decides there may be a problem with existing equipment, or that the replacement is cost effective
  • energy audits (safety issues are also addressed)
  • client education that includes low-flow showerhead and toilets, light bulbs, etc.
  • more

In addition to assisting low-income households with weatherization and yielding an enormous impact on reducing carbon footprints, the program also employs home builders, contractors and others who assist with carrying out the work.

This is the first step in a program slated to conduct $80 million worth of weatherization in the state over the next three years. Homes can only be weatherized once, so if federal money was used in the past for weatherization purposes, then that home will not be eligible for this money.

For additional information about the weatherization assistance program, visit the GEO website, at www.colorado.gov/energy or www.waptac.org.

**Biofuels & Biomass: Research is being conducted on how to use pine beetle trees for woody biomass. The GEO is looking for commercial and industrial business where a bioheating project would be sustainable. The best profile is a company that currently uses propane or electricity for heat and will switch to wood. Those currently using natural gas would not have as beneficial of a return on investment. Large facilities such as recreation centers, jails, hospitals and so on could effectively heat at least their hot water with woody biomass.

biofuels Biofuels

Any building can be retrofitted for bioheating and the right situation can be very cost effective.

To counteract the notion that burning wood is dirty, we are encouraged to go to the GEO website and read through case studies, purchase books that examine the science, and understand the step-by-step process for putting together a woody biomass project.

If agents believe there may be a good fit in their county, contact the GEO website for specifics then ask the client to fill out the application provided.

The GEO is subsidizing filling stations that want to retrofit for biofuels. In 2006, there were only 11 stations around the state that offered biofuels. In 2008, there were 72. At present we have 120 stations.

The GEO is working with the CSU engines lab to convert straight vegetable oil (SVO) into a fuel for vehicles.

Anaerobic Digestion projects are best for producers who produce high methane output such as a dairy or an operation with intense odors. Carbon credits are available. Colorado is not the best place for anaerobic digesters, but there are some tests being conducted to determine if specific changes in technology can accommodate Colorado’s unique conditions.

The CESIT team leader for biomass and biofuel information is Dan Fernandez.

**Solar & Wind: There are great rebates and incentives available for homeowners and businesses who decide to purchase either solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar hot water systems. Currently, Xcel is offering $3.50 per watt of solar energy while the feds are giving up to 30% of the total cost in tax rebates. For example, a 2500 square foot home with good solar conditions would cost approximately $50,000 for both PV panels to supply electricity and thermal panels for the hot water heater. Between Xcel’s rebates and federal tax credits, the project would end up costing about $30,000. It’s a good time to check out opportunities. Refinancing the property is a good way to feather the cost into the monthly mortgage payment. To find a qualified solar panel installer, go to the Colorado Solar Energy Industry Association website at www.coseia.org. CESIT team leader, Kurt Jones, is the team leader for solar.

Meanwhile, farmers, ranchers and residents in small towns (50,000 people or less) can apply for grants and loans from the USDA to cover the cost of their solar projects.

To learn more about ideal solar conditions and the mechanics of what’s required to use either PV or thermal panels effectively (such as a south facing roof, how much roof space you need, on or off-grid options, what to do about shade and other obstructions, etc.), go to www.pvwatts.org.

If clients are interested in wind energy, go to the GEO’s website to the wind resource map and also to learn about the anemometer program. There are tests being conducted around the state. There is a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the project that can be applied to wind for school programs. Much more information is available at the GEO website. Or contact Irene Shonle, the CESIT team leader for wind at Irene.Shonle@colostate.edu.

Solar and wind

**Opportunities in Agriculture: In addition to the biomass/biofuels and wind opportunities, we were encouraged to help rural communities with energy efficiency at home and in businesses. Helping them to write grants and acting as partners for the grants was also encouraged. Click on the “resources” tab on the GEO website to learn about where funding is available for agriculture.

Coaching operators about carbon sequestration is a great way to get involved. Learning about how to turn both animal and crop waste and turn it into fuel feedstock that creates businesses and income is a main objective. A specific goal is to reduce GHG emissions.

GEO is also interested in enlisting Extension agents to participate in farm energy audits. There is grant money available for that (see resources section of GEO website). Also, this summer they will be working with eastern plains farmers and ranchers to see if and how straight vegetable oil (SVO) works in real, working engines.

There are some solar opportunities for irrigation pumps. NRCS has supplied operators with panels.

**Colorado Carbon Fund: Project C is an educational program developed for communities that want to mitigate GHG emissions with high quality carbon offsets. The program is set up to partner with city and county entities throughout the state. The offsets have true environmental benefits. All of the offsets go through a 3rd party certification. To learn more about it and to help educate your communities about the reality of their carbon footprint, go to www.coloradocarbonfund.org.

There is a new state license plate available to those who make a $25 tax deductible donation to the carbon fund.

* * *

Eighteen agents or specialist attended the meeting either in person or via telephone. There was shared enthusiasm about the relationship that the GEO and Extension can foster so that these programs can be promoted to Coloradoans through county offices when possible.

This was the first of what we trust will be an ongoing dynamic that serves both the Governor’s Office and CSU Extension.

GEO Seeks Weatherization Service Personnel

The GEO has issued this RFA to solicit applications from organizations that are interested in providing weatherization services in the following regions:

  • The SW portion of Region 4: Saguache, Mineral, Rio Grande, Conejos, Costilla & Alamosa
  • Counties
  • Region 3: Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, & San Juan Counties

Interested applicants should read and understand the RFA and all associated attachments before submitting an application.

All parties intending to apply for this grant must send an email to mailto:grants@state.co.us, subject "WX Request for Applications - Intent to Apply", as soon as possible. The email should include contact information for the applicant's main point of contact to ensure that they are included on all correspondence pertaining to this application. A mandatory applicants meeting for these grants will be held at the GEO on May 22 from 8am - 5pm. Details about this meeting will be sent to the contact you provide in the email mentioned above.

Your Time to Shine

Clean energy is no longer a conversation only between scientists and tree huggers. It’s mainstream and on the map.

If you want to become part of Extension’s effort to educate people across the state on renewable energy and related issues, please join the CESIT team!

Since solar energy is such a hot topic and is abundantly available to most Coloradoans, Kurt Jones, who heads the Solar committee, is seeking additional members for his team. It won’t take too much of your time from existing duties—just enough so that you can learn something new and become an information broker to others about the topic. If you want to learn more, contact Kurt at Kurt.Jones@colostate.edu.

We also need help specifically on the Biomass/Biofuels committee. If interested, contact Dan Fernandez at Daniel.Fernandez@colostate.edu.

Energy Money, Agriculture and Demonstration Projects!

Submitted by Rusty Collins, CESIT Funding and Grants Team Leader

Biodiesel bus

As you know by now, there are many resources flowing from the Fed's through the State for Energy-related programs. The majority of wind and solar projects taking place over the next three to five years will occur on farms and ranches focusing on power, irrigation and more. Those who could benefit the most don’t know about the emerging technologies and don't know how the tax credits associated with capital improvements can help. As our agents learn more, this is perhaps an area that Extension can play a role.

Also, there may be opportunities to receive funding to create and disseminate a clean energy demonstration project. This could also apply to a project that is already in the works but needs a final "push" to finish. One thought is an Extension Bus: what if we had a bus that featured all the emerging technologies for clean and renewable energy? Maybe the same bus could be painted to display our Extension Brand, and then be available to travel around the state doing demonstrations? We could incorporate other Extension programs into the bus, i.e. food and nutrition demonstrations, consumer education materials, info on small acreage management and growing food at home, etc.

Email your thoughts, ideas or comments to rcollins@jeffco.us.

CSU-Based Abound Solar Opens Thin-Film Production Facility

RenewableEnergyWorld.com reports that Abound Solar, previously known as AVA Solar, has opened its first full-scale production facility in Longmont. The facility uses a proprietary manufacturing process that the company said significantly reduces production costs of solar panels.

The fully automated facility will create more than 300 new jobs and, at capacity, will produce 200 megawatts (MW) of solar modules annually staring in 2010. The plant is still in the pre-production phase.

The facility's manufacturing process uses Abound Solar's proprietary continuous in-line semiconductor equipment to convert sheets of glass into solar panels in less than two hours.

“We have moved into commercial production, which allows us to keep pace with demand from our customers as the market expands,” said Pascal Noronha, CEO of Abound Solar. “We are now well positioned to deliver high-performing, cost-effective, solar modules that can accelerate clean energy usage around the world.”

Reducing Emissions Lowers Energy Costs

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has conducted a two-year study and reports that the United States can dramatically cut global warming emissions and reduce consumer and business energy bills at the same time.

The analysis, "Climate 2030: A National Blueprint for a Clean Energy Economy," found that implementing a suite of climate, energy and transportation policies would allow the US to meet an emissions-reduction cap of 56 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and save consumers and businesses $465 billion in that year. The average U.S. household would enjoy a net savings of $900 on its energy bills, including $580 on transportation (fuel, vehicle and driving) costs and $320 on electricity, natural gas and heating oil, after investing in home efficiency improvements. Businesses collectively would realize net energy bill savings of $130 billion.

UCS's policy recommendations would put the nation on a path to reduce heat-trapping emissions by at least 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, the target that UCS experts contend is necessary to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

"We have a historic opportunity to reinvent our economy, tackle global warming, and cut energy costs," said UCS President Kevin Knobloch. "Setting a limit on heat-trapping emissions would ensure that we make the necessary carbon emission reductions to help avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Combining a carbon cap with strong efficiency, renewable electricity, and transportation standards can deliver those emission cuts and save Americans a substantial amount of money."

Most of the net energy bill savings over the next two decades would be due to more energy efficient buildings and industrial processes; cleaner cars; and a more efficient transportation system. A nationwide limit on carbon emissions would slightly increase energy prices, UCS found, but a comprehensive set of energy and transportation policies would dampen energy demand, lowering energy costs to more than offset efficiency investments and the higher cost of energy.

To read the entire report and download Knobloch’s testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, go to: www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/new-study-says-reducing-0222.html

Hydrogen Fuel Cells Find New Home in Tractors

From Agweb.com

The ag machinery and automotive industries have swapped features in the past—just look at standard equipped radios all the way to continuously variable transmissions. But here’s the newest technology bridge: hydrogen fuel cells.

Hydrogen fuel cell tractor

The NH2 is New Holland’s prototype hydrogen-powered tractor. If you look closely, you can tell the styling is based on the T6000 Series, but underneath the hood the combustion engine is replaced with fuel cell technology that can power the tractor for 1.5 to 2 hours. The fuel cells convert compressed hydrogen back into electricity to drive the electric motors powering the drive train and auxiliary systems.

New Holland sees the ag workhorse as completing the energy cycle on the farm. The hydrogen required to power the NH2 will be generated on the farm using electrolysis of water. The electricity required for the process of electrolysis will be supplied by renewable sources: wind power, solar power or biomass. The tractor only emits water vapor.

The NH2 is a working prototype with 106 hp, and engineers are hopeful the next generation will have an increased work capacity of 8 to 9 hours before refueling.

To see it in action, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBG9BRlfpIY

NREL Cites Leading Renewable Utilities

RenewableEnergyWorld.com reports that the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released its annual assessment of utility green power programs. According to the analysis, more than 850 utilities across the United States now offer green power programs. Green power sales in 2008 increased by about 20 percent over 2007, and they represent more than 5 percent of total electricity sales for some of the most popular programs. Wind is the primary source of electricity generated for green energy programs nationwide.

Using information provided by utilities, NREL developed top ten ranking of utility programs for 2008 in the following categories:

  • Total sales of renewable energy to program participants
  • Total number of customer participants
  • The percentage of customer participation
  • Green power sales as a percentage of total utility retail electricity sales
  • Lowest price premium charged for a green power program using new renewable resources

Ranked by renewable energy sales in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, the green power program of Austin Energy in Texas is first in the nation. Rounding out the top five are Portland General Electric in Oregon, PacifiCorp also in Oregon and five other states, Xcel Energy in Minnesota and seven other states, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in California.

In 2008, total utility green power sales exceeded 5 billion kWh, about a 20% increase over 2007. More than 600,000 customers are participating in utility programs nationwide.

The Green Power study was performed by NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis and Applications Center (SEAAC), which integrates technical and economic analyses and leads NREL's efforts in applying clean energy technologies to both national and international markets. NREL released its first annual Green Power study in 2000.

FYI

Upcoming Events

Solar Energy International
Build it with Bales
Carbondale, CO • May 8 - 9
Building for the Future
Carbondale, CO • May 11 – 15

To learn more about all of these workshops go to: www.solarenergy.org

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. There is currently no on-line registration. To learn more about all of these workshops go to: www.solarenergy.org.

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