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| Upcoming Events and Activities:
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| Energy Education Camps for K-12 Educators TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs invites K-12 educators in Tennessee to apply online to participate in no-cost summer Energy Education Camps. The three-day educational sessions will provide educators with information and resources needed to teach about energy and energy conservation in the classroom and how to involve students in service learning projects that promote environmental stewardship. K-12 educators are invited to apply for one of the following two camps: - June 13-15 at Montgomery Bell State Park (1000 Hotel Ave., Burns TN 37029)
- June 20-22 at Pickwick Landing State Park (116 State Park Lane, Counce TN 38326)
Educators selected to participate will be provided with complementary lodging and meals, and will receive energy-related classroom materials valued at $200. Applications are available online at https://www.tn.gov/environment/article/energy-k-12-tennessee-energy-education-network and will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. The deadline to apply is April 7. While a school may be represented by one educator, it is highly recommended that a team of two educators from a school attend. For more information, contact Angela McGee at angela.mcgee@tn.gov or (615) 532-7816.
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| TN Manufacturer Saves ~9% on Energy Costs After Implementing Low-Cost Measures Recommended by Tennessee Tech Assessment Center
Small manufacturers in Tennessee have better tools for improving productivity, securing information, reducing waste, and lowering energy cost. This is due to the work of the Tennessee Tech University’s Industrial Assessment Center (IAC). Over the past 10 years, the IAC has helped manufacturing facilities operate more efficiently, while educating students in industrial energy assessment. Livingston-based ABC Inoac Exterior Systems is a leading manufacturer of automotive plastic exterior products. Tennessee Tech’s IAC conducted a full plant energy assessment and made five recommendations for energy savings. All five of these recommendations were implemented, saving an estimated $90,068 annually, or 8.8% of the plant’s energy costs. The total implementation cost for the five measures was $38,407, resulting in an overall simple payback of five months. To view the full case study, click here. Tech’s IAC was recently awarded for the third time a $1.5 million grant over a five year period as a part of a competitive nation-wide program funded by U.S. DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO). A total of 28 universities across the country received the awards, totaling roughly $35 million in assistance. Tech’s IAC is housed in the Center for Manufacturing Research on the university’s campus in Cookeville and will serve Middle and East Tennessee. The reach of the IAC is extended to West Tennessee by assessments conducted in partnership with the University of Memphis. Since 2006, the Tech IAC has provided no-cost technical assistance and whole-plant assessments to more than 180 manufacturers in order to help them reach their energy goals. The IAC has saved Tennessee industry $7 million in energy costs, and has helped to reduce roughly 0.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, the IAC has trained more than 140 students in industrial energy efficiency measures and processes. To apply for an assessment, manufacturers may contact Michelle Davis at mdavis@tntech.edu. To learn more about Tech’s IAC, click here.
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| LG Electronics to Locate New U.S. Manufacturing Operations in Clarksville
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| Paris to Convert Streetlights to LEDs, Upgrade Municipal Building Efficiency The City of Paris, Tennessee recently announced that it intends to replace 2,500 of its streetlights with LED streetlights. The retrofit will be part of a larger energy efficiency project, which will also include upgraded HVAC systems and interior lighting retrofits within municipally owned buildings. The estimated energy savings from the upgrades are expected to pay for the project completely. For more information, click here.
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| Nashville International Airport Recognized for Geothermal Project
The Water Source Geothermal project, which was implemented at the Nashville International Airport to sustainably meet the airport’s cooling and irrigation needs, is the recent recipient of the Envision Silver award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). The Envision system rates sustainable infrastructure projects across a full range of environmental, social, and economic impacts. Key accomplishments of the Water Source Geothermal project include: - By using quarry lake plates to target a depth in the water that remains 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, the airport is able to generate chilled water for its cooling system. More than $430,000 in electricity costs per year are expected in savings as a result.
- The project reduces potable water consumption by more than 30 million gallons.
- The project will significantly reduce the airport’s dependency on its natural-gas fired boilers, which use on average 39,700 therms of natural gas per month.
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| EPB Breaks Ground on Chattanooga's First Community Solar Project
EPB has started construction on Solar Share, Chattanooga’s first community solar installation through a partnership with TVA. The renewable power generating facility will be located along Holtzclaw Avenue at EPB’s Distribution Center. By summer, Solar Share is expected to begin generating 1.35 MW of solar power, which is enough to meet the needs of about 200 households that consume an average amount of power. Through Solar Share, customers will be able to participate in the community solar project in three ways: - For a one-time payment, customers may buy a 20-year license that entitles them to a monthly bill credit equal to the generation value of one or more panels.
- Customers may buy a license by making a monthly payment that entitles them to a monthly bill credit equal to the generation value of the number of solar panels selected by a customer.
- Customers may purchase “Renewable Energy Credits,” which will allow them to offset the environmental impact of activities like cooling their home, commuting to work or hosting a wedding.
For more information and to sign up for related updates, click here.
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| Eaton to Modernize Systems at Hydropower Facilities in Tennessee
Power management company Eaton recently announced that it will lead life extension and electrical modernization projects at four hydropower facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee. Eaton received the contracts from Aponte Power Services, which is working directly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Nashville District. The projects will help the dams along the Cumberland River continue generating sustainable electricity to meet residential and industrial electrical needs, while also supporting flood control and water supply. The contracts include the design, manufacturing, delivery, installation and commissioning of electrical distribution, protection and safety systems at the Old Hickory, Barkley, Dale Hollow and Laurel hydroelectric sites. To help optimize the performance of the aging facilities, Eaton will replace legacy powerhouse equipment with new technology including power transformers, high-voltage circuit breakers, motor control centers and innovative arc flash safety solutions. For more information, click here.
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| Tate & Lyle Unveils New Co-Generation Plant in Loudon
Tate & Lyle, a leading global provider of specialty food ingredients and solutions, recently unveiled a new co-generation plant at its corn wet milling facility in Loudon, Tennessee. The new natural gas-fired combined heat and power system, representing a $60 million investment, will significantly improve energy and operational efficiency at the Loudon facility. The natural gas for the combined heat and power system will be supplied through a dedicated pipeline which, as well as meeting Tate & Lyle’s energy needs, will provide the region with additional natural gas capacity to support local economic development efforts. For more information, click here.
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| ORNL and EPB Test Sensors to Enhance Electricity Grid Resiliency, Security
With a fiber-optic network that provides Chattanooga residents and businesses with exceptional high-speed communications, the city’s Electric Power Board (EPB) provides U.S. DOE’s ORNL with an ideal testbed for smart grid research. In 2014, with support from U.S. DOE’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, ORNL and EPB launched an effort to advance the state of the power grid in Tennessee. The intent was to use the expertise of ORNL and EPB staff to test new technologies, examine the use of microgrids, develop new analytics that will allow EPB to unlock the power of its smart grid data to improve operations, and use high-performance computing to perform modeling and simulations. Through their partnership, ORNL and EPB are learning how to best apply controls, secure communications, and other technologies to allow a power grid to function more autonomously and reliably as it grows and becomes more complex. Now, through U.S. DOE’s Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium, ORNL is leading eight other national laboratories to work on EPB’s next project: collecting real-time sensor data so the system can immediately see fluctuations and balance the electrical load. Within a proof of concept phase, ORNL has worked with EPB to install arrays of cybersecure sensors at multiple locations around the utility’s 600-square-mile service territory. The devices provide real-time data on everything from solar irradiance, temperature, humidity, and wind to the presence of chemicals such as methane and hydrogen. In addition to the stationary sensor arrays, EPB and ORNL are studying how sensors installed on drones can help improve system reliability. For instance, mobile sensors can measure electromagnetic and coronal fields; detect other drones; sense for chemicals and smoke; and inspect transmission lines, structures and other equipment more easily and safely. For more information on this collaborative research project and on its findings to date, click here.
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| IACMI Announces Project to Optimize Resins and Sizings for Vinyl Ester / Carbon Fiber Composites
On March 9, the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), a Manufacturing USA institute driven by UT, Knoxville and U.S. DOE, announced a project focused on the optimization of vinyl ester resins and fiber sizings for the fabrication of carbon fiber composites. The effort will identify styrene-free prepreg formulations with longer room temperature shelf life, shorter cycle times, and reduced cost. Advancements in these areas will increase productivity, decrease scrap and material costs, and enable adoption into the automotive industry.
The success of this project will help catalyze the adoption of carbon fiber and vinyl ester composites into automotive applications by producing a more cost-effective technology with lower material costs, a more productive technology with reduced cure time and reduced scrap, and a safer technology with the elimination of styrene. These technology innovations should prove to be an attractive value proposition for the multi-billion dollar automotive industry and help it to meet its targets for light-weighting of vehicles. For more information on IACMI, click here.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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| 2017 Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards and Forum
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Tennessee Clean Fuels, will hold the third annual Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards and Forum during Clean Air Month from May 23-24 at the Nashville Public Library. The forum, entitled “Navigating Toward a Livable Tennessee,” will highlight local transportation planning and the pursuit of place-based policies and investments for improved transportation options in our communities. The keynote will be delivered by Russ Brooks, Smart Cities Director at Transportation for America, an organization focused on supporting the development of smart, sustainable, and locally driven transportation policies across the U.S. The morning address on May 24 will be delivered by Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Mayor Megan Barry. An awards luncheon will be held on the second day of the forum, and will include remarks from Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau and Tennessee Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Toks Omishakin. The awards recognize outstanding initiatives to improve the efficiency, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of transportation systems in the State, consistent with ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans, provide for a strong economy, and protect our State’s natural resources. 2017 forum panel topics will include: - Behavior Change - Transportation demand management and the utilization of alternatives to single occupancy vehicles
- Mobility Planning - Improved efficiency in the delivery of goods and services, reduced congestion, and improved access to alternative transportation
- Energy and the Environment - Alternative fuel use for reduced emissions, improved air quality, and resiliency
- One Big Idea – Overview of winning projects and ideas
The forum will also feature a showcase of alternative fuel vehicles, as well as a recognition ceremony for a new class of certified Tennessee Green Fleets. Through the Tennessee Clean Fuels’ Tennessee Green Fleets Certification Program, any Tennessee-based fleet can receive certification for its efforts toward reducing petroleum consumption, improving air quality, and increasing the use of alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies. To view a preliminary agenda and to register for the event, click here.
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| Panel: Private Sector Demand for Renewable Power
On April 4, at 12:10 pm Central, Vanderbilt University’s Energy, Environment and Land Use Program will present a panel discussion in Nashville on private sector demand for renewable power. The panel will feature speakers from Wal-Mart Stores, CustomerFirst Renewables, UNC-Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt Law School, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. This event is cosponsored by the Energy, Environment and Land Use Program, Climate Change Research Network, Environmental Law Society, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. Lunch will be provided. For more information, click here.
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| U.S. DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office Critical Materials Technology Workshop
U.S. DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) will host a workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 18-19. AMO seeks to engage external stakeholders to gather input on materials with potential supply chain concerns that are critical to manufacturing and energy technologies. The Critical Materials Technology Workshop will foster an exchange of information among industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies and other interested parties in order to identify technical challenges, technology development needs and key underlying science challenges that if successfully addressed, could enable step change impacts beyond the current state of the art. Existing information regarding current issues of Critical Materials for manufacturing and energy may be found here. Registration and accommodations can be found here. Registration closes on April 11.
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| SEEA Networking Breakfast on "Beneficial Electrification"
"Beneficial electrification" refers to the electrification of end-use technologies such as water heaters, space heaters and vehicle charging, and is made possible by evolving trends in end-use technologies and appliances, by a smarter grid and by changes in how we generate energy. Beneficial electrification also reduces energy costs and emissions. On April 12, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) will host a free networking breakfast at Cox Automotive in Atlanta, Georgia on beneficial electrification and what it means for the Southeast. For more information and to register, click here.
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| NASEO Southeast Regional Meeting
This spring, the National Association of State Energy Officials’ 56 State and Territory Energy Office members will convene by region to address energy policy and program issues and identify opportunities for coordination and collaboration. The Southeast Regional Meeting will take place on May 2-3 in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information, click here.
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| Solar Power Events’ Solar Power Southeast brings together 300+ companies that are either doing business in the region or would like to conduct more business in the region to discuss strategies, market trends, policy updates, and to provide numerous networking opportunities. Presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), Solar Power Events strives to keep the industry moving forward by offering cutting-edge events centered around the trends, technology, and research that power the industry. Unlike other solar industry events, all proceeds support the expansion of the U.S. solar energy market through SEIA’s and SEPA’s year-round research and education activities, as well as SEIA’s advocacy efforts. This year’s Solar Power Southeast will take place on May 11-12 in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information and to register, click here.
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| 2017 Better Buildings Summit
The Better Buildings Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. on May 15-17. The Summit is an interactive in-person forum where more than 900 energy professionals can engage in dynamic discussions on emerging technology, policy and financing. Sessions are focused on the latest trends in reducing energy consumption in buildings, plants and homes. Registration for the Summit is now open. To register for the Summit, click here.
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| Environmental Show of the South
The Environmental Show of the South is the largest and most comprehensive environmental conference and tradeshow in the region. Over 1200 people, including 150+ exhibitors, are expected at this year’s event. Over 13 hours of technical sessions will touch on topics including solid waste management, coal combustion residuals, underground storage tanks, air quality, clean fuels, and environmental law. Join us to hear speakers from leading environmental agencies, industry partners, law firms, and service providers as they share up-to-the-minute information. Learn about compliance from regulators and the regulated community alike. Visit our exhibit hall to meet vendors offering a full spectrum of environmental goods and services. The 46th Annual Environmental Show of the South will be held May 17-19 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. For more information and to register, click here.
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| IACMI State of Tennessee Report
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) recently released its 2016 Tennessee report outlining accomplishments and overall investment in local communities. The Institute, which is headquartered in Knoxville and spans across six core investor states including Tennessee, works to support advanced composite technology and grow capital investment and manufacturing jobs in the U.S. composites market. In 2016, Tennessee companies announced that more than $140M in capital investment and over 400 new manufacturing jobs in Tennessee are significantly attributable to support by IACMI and/or the Tennessee Core, which consists of ORNL, UT, Knoxville and the Vanderbilt University research facilities. Additionally, in 2016, employment and subcontracts accounted for approximately 30 full-time jobs in Tennessee. This past year, IACMI also collaborated with Tennessee companies on significant technology projects ranging from working with Ford and Dow on composites in commercialized vehicle components to 3D printing technology with the Knoxville Local Motors “microfactory”. The trained workforce and access to research and development capabilities for advanced composites have led several companies to invest in the east Tennessee area through corporate headquarters selection or facility expansion. Two key announcements in 2016 reflecting the strong economic impact included LeMond’s grand opening where it announced a $125 million dollar investment and commitment to create over 240 jobs in its Tennessee factory and the announcement of HTS IC’s $21.4 million dollar investment expected to create over 200 jobs. For more information and to view the full report, click here.
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| The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) has recently published its 2016 Annual Report, which provides highlights of the past year’s energy efficiency progress throughout the Southeast. With regard to the State of Tennessee, the report highlights TVA’s Energy Efficiency Information Exchange, TDEC’s Low-Income/Multifamily Energy Efficiency Information Exchange, and notes that in 2016, the State of Tennessee adopted the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for commercial and state-owned buildings. For more information and to access the full report, click here.
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| U.S. DOE's REopt Platform
A new platform developed by U.S. DOE and NREL, known as REopt, analyzes extensive data sets in order to recommend a cost-effective combination of technologies and operation strategies that assists organizations in meeting their energy goals. The tool, which was originally designed to help the Smithsonian National Zoo pursue its goal of net zero energy consumption, includes everything from determining a facility’s renewable energy potential to strategies for using microgrids to maintain operations during outages, helping partners address a broad range of energy challenges. Since the platform was created, a wide variety of other organizations have benefitted from REopt, including Frito-Lay, Arizona State University, Wells Fargo, and a group of remote rural communities in Alaska. REopt was even recently used to identify potential improvements in the operation of a microgrid on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. For more information and to access the tool, click here.
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| Advanced Energy Now 2017 Market Report
Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) has released its fifth annual report on the size, growth, and trends in the advanced energy market, globally and in the U.S. The report features 17 stories on the trends that are driving advanced energy growth and shows global growth of 7% from 2015 to 2016, nearly twice the rate of growth for the world economy overall. In 2016, advanced energy represented a $1.4 trillion global market and a U.S. market of $200 billion. In the six years that AEE has been tracking, advanced energy in the U.S. has grown by an average of 5% annually, for a total of 28% compared to 2011. The advanced energy industry is also a major employer, supporting more than 3 million U.S. jobs. This is equal to the employment provided by retail stores and twice the employment provided by building construction. To view the full report, click here.
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| U.S. EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey
U.S. EIA recently released its 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) Household Characteristics data. The housing characteristics data set provides national and regional information on housing types, household demographics, and features related to household energy consumption including fuels used, housing structures, appliances, electronics, and heating, cooling, and water heating equipment. The survey captured over 200 energy-related items from more than 5,600 households and included questions covering new technologies, such as smart thermostats, LED lighting, and tablets. For more information and to access the full dataset, click here.
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