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| Technical Assistance, Incentives, and Funding Opportunities:
Upcoming Events and Activities:
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| TDEC OEP's Jaclyn Mothupi Wins Nashville Emerging Leader Award
For 10 years, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville have recognized young professionals in Nashville who have excelled in their career and positively impacted the community with the Nashville Emerging Leader Awards. On August 4, the annual NELAs honored a diverse group of 15 award winners (out of 75 finalists) for what they have done and will do for Nashville. Jaclyn Mothupi, Energy Consultant for TDEC OEP, was the winner for the Environment & Sustainability category. In her role as an Energy Consultant, Mothupi is currently focused on program development / design and implementation with regard to residential energy efficiency financing and energy management related training. She is LEED ID+C, and PEM certified and serves on the board of Urban Green Lab. She is a graduate of the Nashville Emerging Leaders Class of 2015, and she completed a year of service in AmeriCorps. Mothupi received the Innovation in Action Award from the Center for Nonprofit Management and is a regular volunteer with Hands On Nashville. To learn more, click here.
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| Vanderbilt to Receive DOE Funding to Advance Fuel Cell Performance and Durability
The cost and durability of current polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are major barriers to their commercial use for stationary or transportation power generation. On July 6, U.S. DOE announced more than $13 million in project funding for the advancement of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Selected projects will work to decrease the amount of platinum required and increase the performance and durability of transportation fuel cells, thereby decreasing cost and improving the life of fuel cell electric vehicles. In the State of Tennessee, a project proposal by Vanderbilt University was selected for funding. Vanderbilt researchers will utilize the funding to develop a technique to electrospin low-platinum group metal electrocatalysts with a proton-conducting binder in order to improve durability and performance of fuel cell electrodes. For more information, and to read about other selected projects, click here.
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| UT Selected to Participate in Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute
UT has been selected to participate in the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation: The Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute. SMII will be backed by $800 million in federal and nonfederal resources and will include nearly 200 partners from industry, federal research labs, academia, and state and local government across 30 states. SMII will work in the areas of advanced sensors and controls, data analytics, advanced predictive modeling and simulation software, and application tool kits that can dramatically reduce energy expenses in advanced manufacturing. As part of this initiative, UT will partner with NC State in the establishment of a southeast hub, to focus on the energy-intensive pulp and paper industries, carbon fiber, primary metals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
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| IACMI to Further Advance Composite Recycling with Three-Way Partnership
On July 1, IACMI announced a partnership with Port Angeles, WA-based Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) and Peninsula College to develop nationally deployable composites recycling technologies and to train the advanced composites manufacturing workforce of the future. CRTC is the world’s first facility to divert uncured carbon fiber scrap from the landfill into innovative new products. Peninsula College will support the partnership through the first-of-its-kind Composite Recycling Certification, and hands on Composites Manufacturing Lab, to be located in the CRTC facility. For more information, click here.
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| ORNL to Receive Funding to Develop Sensors and Controls
An energy savings performance contract (ESPC) is an innovative financing mechanism that allows for entities to procure energy savings and facility improvements with no up-front capital costs. ESPCs can provide a one-stop procurement process and allow building owners to use future cost savings to pay for new efficient equipment and services, while guaranteeing that cost savings will meet or exceed payments for equipment and services over the contract period.
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| Bradley County Schools Launches $16.2 Million in Energy Upgrades
An energy savings performance contract (ESPC) is an innovative financing mechanism that allows for entities to procure energy savings and facility improvements with no up-front capital costs. ESPCs can provide a one-stop procurement process and allow building owners to use future cost savings to pay for new efficient equipment and services, while guaranteeing that cost savings will meet or exceed payments for equipment and services over the contract period.
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| TDEC and Governor Haslam Award $1.12 Milion for Energy Efficiency Projects
On August 2, Governor Bill Haslam and TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau announced more than $1 million in grants for energy efficiency projects. Clean Tennessee Energy Grants (CTEG) were awarded to 13 total local governments and municipalities, utilities and state entities to implement projects designed to reduce air emissions, improve energy efficiency and create cost savings. Specifically, the projects focus on: - Cleaner Alternative Energy – biomass, geothermal, solar, wind
- Energy Conservation – lighting, HVAC improvements, improved fuel efficiency, insulation, idling minimization
- Air Quality Improvement – reduction in greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, hazardous air pollutants
Funding for the projects comes from an April 2011 Clean Air Act settlement with TVA. Under the Consent Decree, Tennessee received $26.4 million over the past five years to fund clean air programs in the state. TDEC has used the funding to reimburse grantees for a variety of innovative projects to reduce environmental impacts and operating costs at sites of new construction, redevelopment projects, and sites with aging infrastructure.
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| Schneider Electric to create 250 New Jobs in Tennessee
On July 13, global energy management and electricity distribution and automation specialist Schneider Electric USA announced that it will consolidate its existing Middle Tennessee operations in Davidson and Rutherford counties to Williamson County. The consolidation will relocate around 900 current Tennessee employees and will create 250 new jobs, resulting in the company’s largest U.S. operations. For more information, click here.
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| TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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| Pathway Lending to Help Local Governments Save with Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency projects yield a high-return for existing facilities and will save thousands of dollars every year. These projects also result in increased employee satisfaction and reduced maintenance costs. Pathway Lending’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program, is now open to local governmental entities. Under this expansion, those seeking to reduce energy consumption and costs can access affordable loan capital needed to make their projects a reality. The program offers up to six years of below-market rate financing for qualified energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to Tennessee local governmental entities including municipalities, counties, school districts and other similar public agencies.
Up to 100 percent of project costs may be financed, including design and installation fees. The loans are designed to allow for energy costs savings derived from each project to provide the repayment of the loan. Finance any project that reduces utility consumption across electric, gas or water. Some of the most common and effective improvements are: - Efficient Lighting – Indoor & Outdoor
- HVAC Replacement
- Energy Management Systems
- Reflective Roofs
- Pumps & Motor Systems
- Efficient Production Equipment
The Energy Efficiency Loan Program is a collaborative effort between the State of Tennessee / Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Pathway Lending.
Since launching the program in 2010, Pathway Lending has worked with a number of industries across Tennessee to finance projects that enable them to achieve their sustainability objectives, reduce energy consumption, and save money. The program, which has originated more than $24 million in loans to date to both for- and non-profit businesses, now welcomes Tennessee local governmental entities to participate on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact Brandon England at 615-425-7171 or Brandon.England@pathwaylending.org.
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| No-Cost Energy Assessments to Tennessee Manufacturing Plants
The U.S DOE funded Industrial Assessment Center at Tennessee Tech University is offering free whole plant energy assessments to manufacturing plants in Tennessee and surrounding states. A team of students and faculty will spend a day in your plant, looking for cost effective ways to save energy and reduce operating costs and emissions. A typical assessment results in recommendations to reduce the total utility spend by 5-10% or more. If interested, please contact Michelle Davis at mdavis@tntech.edu (931-372-6386) or Glenn Cunningham at gcunningham@tntech.edu (931-372-3826).
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| Clean Energy Savings for All Initiative
On July 19, the White House announced the Clean Energy Savings for All Initiative, which will aim to expand solar energy access to all Americans, specifically those living in low- and moderate-income communities. As part of this overall initiative, U.S. DOE’s SunShot Initiative will launch a Community Solar Challenge that will award cash prizes and technical assistance to teams in dozens of communities in order to develop innovative models that increase solar deployment and cut communities’ energy bills. Additionally, U.S. DOE is making sure that low- and moderate-income Americans can take advantage of solar jobs by launching the Solar Training Network, which will help create a more inclusive workforce by connecting solar workforce trainers, solar employers, and individuals interested in working in the solar industry. For more information, click here.
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| EPA Partners with AIA to Offer Pro-Bono ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR certification is free, but applications do require review by a professional engineer or architect to verify that energy performance and indoor environmental conditions meet EPA’s standards. Even though the cost for verification is modest compared to other third-party certifications, many building owners simply cannot afford this fee. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with EPA, is now offering up to eight Continuing Education hours for pro-bono ENERGY STAR certification verification services. Through this program, EPA will connect building owners with licensed professionals who are willing to provide verification services on a cost-free, pro-bono basis. By performing this service, licensed professionals will significantly increase the number of ENERGY STAR certified buildings and will inspire others to raise the performance level of their facilities. Curious as to how Tennessee stacks up against other States with regard to ENERGY STAR certifications? In the 2016 Small Cities category, Shelbyville, Tennessee ranks fourth nationwide. For a comparison of ENERGY STAR certified schools in the South, check out this new infographic, developed by the ENERGY STAR Task Force. The ENERGY STAR Task Force, a partnership between NASEO and EPA, works to develop policy and programmatic recommendations, resources, and best practices to be shared in order to accelerate state-wide efficiency efforts in state-owned buildings and key markets such as K-12 schools, commercial, industrial, and multifamily sectors. TDEC OEP joined the task force in February and is working with EPA and NASEO to leverage ENERGY STAR in ongoing activities such as benchmarking programs and efforts to streamline access to building energy data. For more information, contact Alexa Voytek at alexa.voytek@tn.gov.
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| Alternative Fueling Corridor Designations under the FAST Act
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a notice in the Federal Register to invite nominations from State and local officials to assist in making designations for alternative fueling corridors under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Alternative fueling corridors will support electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling at strategic locations along major national highways, as well as feeder routes that connect to a national highway segment. Corridors within a single State and multistate corridors are eligible; any State agency is allowed to submit a nomination, and coordination between States and agencies is encouraged. For more information on the nomination and approval process, click here. Nominations are due by August 22.
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| 2017 Small Business Innovation Research & Technology Transfer Topics Announced
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. U.S. DOE recently announced its 2017 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase 1 Release topics, including two subtopics focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. A webinar will take place on August 23, and Letters of Intent are due by September 6. Full applications will be due by October 17. To view the full funding opportunity, click here.
In Tennessee, the Launch Tennessee Connect | Microgrants program is available to Tennessee-based early-stage companies that are currently or in the near-term will be applying for an SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II or Fast-Track award. Launch Tennessee is a public-private partnership focused on supporting the development of high-growth companies in the state. The program is founded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee. For more information, click here.
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| Suite of Federal Programs to Support Electric Vehicle Adoption
On July 21, the White House announced a set of actions and a new framework for cooperation to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The announcements include up to $4.5 billion in U.S. DOE loan guarantees to support innovative EV charging facilities; announcing a call to state and municipal governments to partner with the Federal government to procure electric vehicle fleets at a discounted value; hosting an "Electric Vehicle Hackathon" to discover insights and develop new solutions for EV charging; and publishing a guide to Federal funding, financing, and technical assistance for EVs and charging stations. For additional details on the full suite of initiatives, click here.
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| TVA Electric Forklift Incentive
Electric forklifts have lower operating costs, less emissions, less maintenance, and quieter operation. As part of its EnergyRight Solutions for Business and Industry program, TVA is offering limited-time only cash incentives for the purchase or lease of all-electric forklifts. All TVA directly served customers, Local Power Company (LPC) customers, and LPC-served customers who have an existing qualifying forklift are eligible. This incentive will increase to $5,000 for the replacement of internal combustion Class 4 (cushion tire) and Class 5 (pneumatic tire) forklifts with electric-powered Class 1 (counter-balance) or Class 2 (narrow aisle) forklifts for applications received March 8, 2016, through August 31, 2016. This incentive is designed to increase participation and further reduce the gap between the cost of internal combustion and electric forklifts. During the same period, a $3,000 incentive will be extended for the purchase of new Class 1 and Class 2 electric forklifts. For more information about the electric forklift program, please click here.
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| NREL Provides Technical Assistance to Help Universities Go Solar
In support of U.S. DOE’s SunShot Initiative, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) will offer no-cost technical assistance to universities that want to explore options to deploy solar on their campuses. The program is designed to engage stakeholders to develop deployment solutions, empower decision makers to make strategic energy choices for their campuses, and increase the deployment of mid-scale solar PV systems at universities. NREL will provide solar PV screenings and implementation assistance using the REopt energy planning platform. Any U.S. higher education institution is eligible to apply. Universities will be evaluated based on criteria such as campus solar and sustainability goals, plans for future solar projects and solar deployment capacity (megawatts), regional diversity, and the availability of campus energy data for the analysis. For more information, and to apply, click here.
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| ORNL and Siemens Launch Crowdsourcing Challenge on the Internet of Things
ORNL and Siemens are soliciting innovative ideas for the use of personal “smart” devices to control aspects of a public or commercial space, such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, access controls, mass notifications, fire and safety communications, and more. The challenge seeks to identify the concept, use cases, technology stacks, and business models that could support the private control and use of public or commercial infrastructure and devices, while remaining sensitive to issues of interoperability and cybersecurity. Through the JUMP online crowdsourcing platform, Siemens and ORNL seek to engage the public in gathering ideas to explore this concept. Winners will receive a cash award, an in-kind contribution, and an opportunity to collaborate with both organizations. JUMP provides opportunities for researchers and industry partners to coordinate and brainstorm with small businesses, innovators, and end users—potentially unlocking different solutions and reducing the time and money invested in the process. Idea submissions are due by September 11. For more information, click here.
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| TDEC Accepts Recycling Grants Applications
TDEC is now accepting applications for Recycling and Waste Reduction Grants, as well as Recycling Rebates. The application period began July 1 and applications are due October 3. There are three separate offerings: Recycling Equipment Grants, Used Oil Grants and Recycling Rebates. TDEC is contacting local communities about the grant availability and will host workshops during the month of July to help communities understand the application process. The grant programs were authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and funded by the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund. The fund, which is administered by the TDEC, receives its revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of municipal solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee collected from new tires sold in Tennessee. The used oil grants are authorized by the Used Oil Collection Act and funded by the Used Oil Collection Fund. The Used Oil Collection Fund receives its revenues from a $0.02 fee on each quart of oil sold at wholesale.
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| Resouce Guide on Federal Financing Programs for Clean Energy
U.S. DOE has released the third edition of its free resource guide to Federal programs that support clean energy projects. The Federal Financing Programs for Clean Energy features ten agencies and includes summaries and case studies that can benefit private sector partners in finding capital for energy efficiency and clean energy projects. For every program listed, the guide identifies additional contact information to answer questions and provide additional direction. Business owners, homeowners, investors, policymakers, and others can use this guide as a “Yellow Pages” to federal programs. For more information and to view the guide, click here.
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| Southern States Regional Energy Profiles Report
The Southern States Energy Board and the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence recently released the biennial Southern States Regional Energy Profiles report, which provides an overview of the changing patterns of energy consumption across the South. The report highlights data from 2015 and serves as a foundation for discussion around energy programs, policies and technologies that can enhance economic development and the quality of life in the region. Of note, the report highlights that in 2015, states and territories in the region consumed more than 46% of the electricity used nationwide. Additionally, for the first time ever, electricity in the region is primarily supplied by natural-gas fired power plants (natural gas was used to generate 40% of electricity generation in 2015). To find out more and to view the full report, click here.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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| Webinar: Southeast Residential Energy Codes FIeld Study
Under the U.S. DOE Residential Energy Code Field Study, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is currently managing two of the eight study states chosen, Arkansas and Georgia, to determine if energy efficiency in single family new construction can be measurably improved through data research and targeted training. SEEA has collected data for the initial baseline study of current residential construction trends and energy use, and will present it during this webinar, on August 11, from 2-3 pm EDT, together with the implications it offers for codes training and outreach efforts in Arkansas and Georgia. Please join SEEA's Energy Codes Associate Amy Dzura to learn about the findings from the baseline research as well as the next phase of the project, which focuses on capturing additional energy savings in the Southeast. For more information, and to register, click here.
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| Water Loss Workshop for Small Water Systems
Managing water loss is important to maximize water system revenues, cut energy use and operating costs, improve water quality, address failing infrastructure, and mitigate impacts of limited water resources from drought or contamination. The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) has been funded by EPA to provide financial training and assistance to small drinking water systems that serve 10,000 or fewer in population. On August 16, from 9 am – 4 pm EDT, EFCN will host a workshop in Knoxville on Water Loss for Small Water Systems. This workshop will introduce participants to establishing an effective water loss control program. Attendees will learn how to conduct a water balance to determine what is happening with your system, address non-revenue water including apparent losses and real losses (leakage), set goals that are specific, measurable, and attainable, and efficiently spend limited resources to address water loss. For more information, and to register, click here.
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| Tesla Electric Road Trip to Stop in Crossville
Tesla owners are embarking on a three-month Electric Road Trip around the world to showcase the driving range and capabilities of Model S and Model X vehicles. On August 19, from 4-6 pm CDT, the Road Trip will make a pit stop at the Stonehaus Winery in Crossville, Tennessee. For more information, and to RSVP for the event, click here.
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| Nashville Urban Runoff 5k
On August 20, TDEC, Metro Water Services, and the Tennessee Stormwater Association will host the Urban Runoff 5k Run/Walk. The course runs through Shelby Bottoms Park and weaves its way past several innovative and green stormwater management practices. A family-friendly festival will take place after the race, to celebrate clean water and green infrastructure. The festival will include kids’ activities, hands-on education, and more. Participation in the 5K costs $30 per person. A portion of the net proceeds will go to the Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA) to continue to offer this healthy and fun public educational opportunity each year and to assist local governments that promote water quality health awareness and local clean water efforts. For more information, contact nashvilleurbanrunoff@gmail.com.
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| ESC's Annual Market Transformation Conference
The Energy Services Coalition (ESC) is a public private partnership promoting the benefits of, providing education on, and serving as an advocate for the widespread use of energy performance contracting in public and private facilities. ESC’s 5th Annual Market Transformation Conference will take place on August 23-24 in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference will address topics such as local public sector training for energy savings performance contracting, training for eProject Builder, trends in performance contracting, industry impacts and future outlooks, emerging technologies, and successful performance contracting case studies. To view the full agenda and to register, click here.
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| 2016 NASEO Annual Meeting
Marking NASEO's 30th anniversary, the 2016 NASEO Annual Meeting, held in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, will bring together more than 200 decision makers - State Energy Officials from every state and territory, Affiliate members, private sector energy leaders, and federal officials - for discussions on state energy policy and program successes, challenges, and opportunities. The meeting will take place in Providence, Rhode Island, from September 11-14. This year's session topics include: - Mission Innovation and Clean Tech Commercialization
- Building Technologies and their Role in Grid Modernization
- Integrating Affordability and Equity with Energy Policies and Programs
- Community Solar Opportunities and Successes
- U.S. State Energy Program Best Practices
- Update on the Quadrennial Energy Review and Opportunities for State Collaboration
- Vehicles-to-Grid Technology Innovation and Implementation
- Shipboard, study tour of the nation's first offshore wind farm near Block Island (see tour registration details below)
A special educational study tour to view the newly completed Block Island Wind Farm is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14, from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm and will include an ferry trip on the Atlantic to this "groundbreaking" site, as well boxed lunch and presentations by the project partners.
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| MOMENTUM: 2016 SEEA & AESP Southeast Conference
The 2016 SEEA and Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) Southeast Conference will take place on October 25-26 in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s conference will highlight the momentum of energy efficiency in the Southeast, from economic opportunity and innovation to imagined possibilities. Session topics will touch on low-income empowerment, barriers to energy efficiency, the Internet of Things, agricultural energy security, consumer efficiency case studies, TVA’s eScore program, and combined heat and power. To view the full agenda and to register for the event, click here.
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