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| Technical Assistance, Incentives, and Funding Opportunities: Upcoming Events and Activities:
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| EmPower TN Announces First Round of Projects to Improve Efficiency, Lower State Utility Costs
Office of Customer Focused Government Director Terry Cowles announced this week the project selections for the EmPower TN Program to improve energy efficiency at state buildings and reduce the cost of government.
The projects will now move forward for final review by the State Building Commission. Once approved, state agencies can begin implementing projects, saving energy and money, such as high efficiency heating and cooling upgrades, lighting improvements and energy management control systems. EmPower TN is an initiative that seeks to lower the state’s utility costs by improving energy efficiency in state buildings. Currently, the state receives approximately 7,000 monthly utility bills and pays an estimated $193 million annually in total utility costs. Thirty-three projects representing $33.6 million in EmPower TN funding requests received final selection by the EmPower TN Steering Committee which has an oversight role over the program and is comprised of cross sections of representatives from the legislative branch, state government operations, and higher education. Once fully implemented, these projects will produce an estimated savings of $4.43 million each year for as many as 20 years. The program began accepting applications in June, following a series of workshops across the state to help promote the effort. The Tennessee General Assembly approved $43.7 million in funding for 2015- 16 to improve efficiency in state facilities and $6.2 million of that goes toward acquisition and implementation of a statewide energy management system. More information on EmPower TN and a listing of selected projects are now available at
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| TDEC's Computer Power Management Pilot Project
TDEC recently completed a pilot project to test computer power management (CPM) technologies. Over an 18-month period, activation of monitor sleep modes and system standby and hibernation modes on 615 Central Office computers reduced energy consumption by an estimated 8093 kWh and $526 per month, amounting to approximately $6,312 in cost savings for Tennessee annually. If implemented throughout State of Tennessee executive agencies across the state, energy cost savings could amount to an estimated $323,341 annually. Based on the success of the project, expansion of the implementation of computer power management policies has been recommended. For more information, visit http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/11/14631.
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| Construction Begins on Waste-to-energy Gasification Plant in Lebanon
On November 17, the City of Lebanon, Tennessee broke ground on the construction of a new waste-to-energy gasification plant at the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Tens of thousands of tons of sewer sludge, used tires and industrial wood waste will be processed there each year, producing electricity to help power the treatment plant and diverting those materials from landfills. PHG Energy of Nashville, which designed and is building the new facility, has previously installed 13 commercial downdraft gasification units to date. The City of Lebanon’s plant, however, will include utilization of the world’s largest downdraft gasification unit, with a full capacity throughput of 64 tons per day. Gasification is a clean thermo-chemical process that breaks down biomass-based material in a high-heat and low-oxygen environment. The only residue after production of synthetic fuel gas is a carbon biochar that has multiple agricultural, industrial and direct fuel uses. TDEC awarded the project $250,000 in funding through the Clean Tennessee Energy Grant program and also facilitated the utilization of $3.5 million in federal Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) to finance the project. TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs announced a third Request for Proposals (RFP) for Tennessee’s QECB Program on March 18, 2015. Through the RFP, local governments can once again apply for low-interest bonds to help finance energy savings projects. The Office of Energy Programs, in conjunction with the Tennessee Local Development Authority, will make the remaining funds available for qualifying projects until bond capacity is exhausted. For more information on QECBs, visit http://tn.gov/environment/article/energy-qualified-energy-conservation-bonds.
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| Tennessee Technological University Wins U.S. DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office Video Contest
Earlier this summer, the Industrial Assessment Centers program, which is administered by U.S. DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, asked students to create a five minute instructional video that identified industrial energy efficiency system improvements and opportunities.
Tennessee Technological University (TTU) was recently named one of the two contest winners, for its video on measuring Phase 3 current. To view the winning videos, visit https://iac.university/studentVideoContest.
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| Solar Convergence Lab at UT Knoxville
With support from the Eaton Corporation, Nissan USA, and the University of Tennessee System, UT will develop the Solar Convergence Laboratory, which will draw from the pre-existing Eaton Laboratory, the Power Electronics Lab, the Center for Ultra-Wide-Area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks (CURENT), the solar array on the Eleventh Street Garage, the West Tennessee Solar Farm, and two newly acquired Nissan LEAFs. This new initiative will bridge all of these efforts, enabling students to collect and analyze real-time data related to solar power and its changing role in the overall power grid, while also working on developing next-generation technology.
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| TenneSEIA's 2015 Annual Meeting
On November 9th, the Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA) held its 2015 Annual Meeting in Nashville. At the meeting, the Solar Champion award was given to Pickwick Electric Cooperative for its advancement of solar penetration in the State of Tennessee and TVA region. Dr. Marilyn Brown, who is the Brook Bryers Professor of Sustainable Systems at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Public Policy and a 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Winner for co-authorship of a report on Mitigation of Climate Change, gave a keynote presentation on leading customer-based resources for energy efficiency and solar projects.
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| U.S. DOE Releases Updated Revolution Now Report
A revised version of U.S. DOE’s Revolution Now report highlights five energy-saving technologies that have recently become cost-competitive: light-emitting diodes (LEDs), land-based wind power, utility-scale solar PV, distributed solar PV, and electric vehicles. The report also suggests that smart building systems, fuel-efficient freight trucks, and vehicle lightweighting should also be added to the mix of clean energy technologies that are on the cusp of mainstream distribution, due to decreasing production costs. - LEDs cost just one-tenth of what they did in 2008. U.S. DOE predicts that LEDs will account for 80% of all lighting sales by 2030, a trend that could cut our lighting electricity use in half while saving Americans $26 billion a year.
- Since 2008, the cost of installing utility-scale PV has dropped from $5.70 per Watt of generating power in 2008 to only $2.34 per Watt in 2014- a reduction of almost 60%.
- Electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 48% on average. U.S. DOE is working with industry to cut battery costs in half by 2022, making EVs more affordable for the average consumer.
Even as many of these clean energy technologies are becoming increasingly cost-competitive, there is still a vast amount that can still be accomplished. U.S. DOE’s recent Quadrennial Technology Review identified hundreds of clean energy research opportunities in our homes, businesses, vehicles, and in the power sector, which, by way of development, will provide practical solutions to our energy challenges of today and tomorrow.
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| EIA Trends in State Energy-related CO2 Emissions
- 24.4% decrease in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions per year over the 2000-2013 period;
- Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by fuel type in 2013: 39% coal, 45.3% petroleum, 15.7% natural gas;
- Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by sector in 2013: 3.6% commercial, 34.7% electric power, 4.4% residential, 17.1% industrial, 40.2% transportation;
- 33.6% decrease in per capita energy-related carbon dioxide emissions over the 2000-2013 period;
- 37.5% decrease in carbon intensity of the economy over the 2000-2013 period (carbon intensity of the economy measured as metric tons of energy-related carbon dioxide per million 2009 dollars of GDP).
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| ORNL and Solid Power Inc. Sign Exclusive License for Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology
ORNL and Colorado-based Solid Power, Inc. have signed an exclusive agreement licensing patents related to lithium-sulfur materials that will enable the development of more energy-dense next-generation batteries. The ORNL technology will aid Solid Power in the development of solid-state rechargeable batteries that can provide two to three times the energy of conventional lithium ion technologies. Of note, ORNL’s research has demonstrated the technology’s potential to improve power, operating temperature, manufacturability and cost.
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| TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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| Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA REDA) Grants
Please join USDA Energy Division staff for an informative webinar on Thursday, December 3rd at 1:00 PM ET to discuss the Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA REDA) grant component of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Through the EA REDA grant, eligible applicants can apply for USDA funding to conduct energy audits, provide renewable energy technical assistance, or provide renewable energy site assessments to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. To participate in the webinar, register here: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/o9vyg5qoq06o&eom.
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| New Round of Funding for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
USDA Rural Development’s REAP creates economic development opportunities for agricultural producers, rural small businesses, farmers and ranchers by supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. REAP grants provide a 25% reimbursement of the total system costs, with a maximum grant of $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency systems. Within the State of Tennessee, rural small businesses already benefit from over $2 million in USDA grants. The 2015 fall REAP funding round is making $63 million available across the country. USDA estimates that this round of REAP projects will generate or save “207.8 million kilowatt hours (KWh) of energy – enough to power more than 13,600 homes for a year.” Although the November 2 deadline applied to projects with a total project cost of $20,000 or less, the second round application deadline of May 2, 2016 will apply to projects of all sizes. Further details on the new round of funding are forthcoming. For more information and updates on the application requirements contact Pam Crozier, REAP’s Coordinator for Tennessee, at pamela.crozier@tn.usda.gov or (615) 783-1367. For more information on the REAP program, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/TN_2014ProgressReport.pdf.
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| PERC Propane Mower Incentive Program Returns for Limited Time, Government Agencies Eligible
Please join USDA Energy Division staff for an informative webinar on Thursday, December 3rd at 1:00 PM ET to discuss the Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA REDA) grant component of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Through the EA REDA grant, eligible applicants can apply for USDA funding to conduct energy audits, provide renewable energy technical assistance, or provide renewable energy site assessments to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. To participate in the webinar, register here: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/o9vyg5qoq06o&eom.
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In 2016, over $30 million is expected to be available for transportation projects in Tennessee’s maintenance attainment areas. On December 9, at 11:30 am ET/10:30 am CT, representatives from TDOT and the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition will host a webinar to explain the next round of CMAQ funding, which will be available in early 2016. Participants will be able to ask specific questions about proposal ideas or grant guidelines. To RSVP for this meeting and to receive the webinar link, please email Kristy@etcleanfuels.org.
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| Southeast Alternative Fuels Demonstration Initiative
The East TN Clean Fuels Coalition is a partner in the forthcoming “Southeast AFV Demonstration Initiative” grant (SADI), along with the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. The project seeks to incorporate alternative fuels into new fleets and industry sectors by focusing on non-existent or under-utilized markets for alternative fuels. The SADI initiative will make several alternative fuel vehicles (propane, CNG, and electric-powered) available for Tennessee fleets to borrow for periods ranging from several days to several weeks. By allowing fleets to test out these vehicles at no cost, the project will educate and market alternative fuel vehicles to a considerable number of prospective drivers/fleet operators. In the coming months, ETCleanFuels will provide more details and begin the process of registering fleets that are interested. The following vehicles are expected to be available for Tennessee fleet managers to borrow:
- Compressed natural gas Chevrolet Cruze
- Propane: Ford F150, Explorer, Police Explorer SUV, Transit, and Dodge Charger
- All-electric Nissan Leaf (for public officials and fleet managers)
For more information on the program and on how to reserve vehicles, click here. Contact Jonathan Overly with East Tennessee Clean Fuels with any questions: jonathan@etcleanfuels.org, 865-974-3625.
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| ISO 50001/SEP Pilot Program
The U.S. Department of Energy invites applications for a pilot program to help companies implement ISO 50001 and the Superior Energy Performance (SEP) program across multiple facilities throughout North America and worldwide. This pilot program is in partnership with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and national energy agencies in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Applications are due by January 8, 2016. For any questions on the pilot program, please contact Paul Scheihing, DOE SEP lead at paul.scheihing@ee.doe.gov.
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| U.S. DOE Launches SEED Collaborative to Help Cities & States Advance Building Efficiency
On November 9, U.S. DOE announced the launch of the SEED Collaborative, which is an initiative to help cities and states manage building energy performance data and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements in their jurisdictions. Over the course of three years, a select group of cities and states will receive technical assistance, participate in peer exchange, and provide input on future development of U.S. DOE’s Standard Energy Efficiency Data (SEED) Platform. The open-source SEED platform fills a major need for data-driven energy efficiency programs, and will allow for city and state energy officials to combine, manage and analyze information for large groups of buildings. This resource will demonstrate the importance of easily accessible data in driving building energy efficiency and helping these jurisdictions save money. Participants chosen to participate in the effort will be announced early next year.
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| U.S. DOE Launches Outdoor Lighting Decision Tree Tool
High-performance outdoor lighting retrofits are a proven, cost-effective energy savings measure for municipalities, states and other public agencies, often offering 50 percent or more savings relative to previously installed systems, while lasting longer and offering maintenance and operational benefits. The U.S. DOE recently launched its Outdoor Lighting Decision Tree Tool, which provides an interactive and visual representation of key questions that are often encountered when considering an upgrade or replacement of a public outdoor lighting system. The tool also features successful case studies and models implemented by other cities and states. Check out the tool by clicking here.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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| 2nd Annual Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic Development Council (TREEDC) Conference
From December 14-15, TREEDC and the Tennessee Environmental Council will host the 2nd Annual International Clean Energy Conference at Tennessee Technology University in Cookeville, TN. Session topics include EPA’s Clean Power Plan, Energy Project Financing for Local Governments, Opportunities in Energy Management Technical Assistance, and TVA’s Integrated Resource Plan. Keynote addresses will be presented by Pete Marte, CEO of Hannah Solar, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd. For a full agenda, and to register for this year’s conference, click here.
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| 2nd Annual Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic Development Council (TREEDC) Conference
The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) will host its annual “Opportunities in Energy” event on December 15, from 1:30-4:30 ET, at the Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy in Knoxville. U.S. DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Reuben Sarkar will deliver the keynote speech. Following this, there will be three panel discussions featuring representatives from leaders in the automotive industry; the utilities, energy research and academic sectors; and the policy and economic development sectors. To view the agenda, and to register for the event, click here.
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| NASEO Energy Policy Outlook Conference
NASEO’s Energy Policy Outlook Conference is the national forum to connect with and learn from state energy officials working on innovative energy policies and programs and to engage with federal officials on priority energy issues. From February 9-12, 2016 in Washington, DC, explore how State and Territory Energy Offices’ efforts are “Powering Economies” and serving as an engine for growth and productivity. NASEO’s 2016 Energy Policy Outlook Conference program will feature experts and strategists from government, business, and advocacy groups focused on sharing new ideas and partnership models that promote energy affordability, infrastructure resilience, clean energy technologies, and economic opportunity. This conference is open to interested State Energy Office directors and key personnel, NASEO affiliate members, Federal officials, utility leaders, building architects and engineers, industrial and manufacturing representatives, technology providers, nonprofit organizations, energy companies, industry groups, financial investment and service companies, policymakers, and trade associations. To view a preliminary agenda, and to register, please visit: http://energyoutlook.naseo.org/registration.
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| Save the Date- 2nd Annual TDEC Sustainable Transportation Awards & Forum
The TDEC Sustainable Transportation Awards recognize outstanding and voluntary achievements by governments, businesses, industries, public and private institutions of higher learning, and utilities that demonstrate leadership in advancing sustainable transportation in the State. Entities eligible to apply for the TDEC Sustainable Transportation Awards include: federal, state and local governments; commercial and industrial organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; and utilities. Self-nominations are encouraged. Applications for nomination are expected to be released in mid-January, and will be due by mid-March. A panel of judges representing diverse interests will select award recipients based on criteria including on-the-ground achievement, innovation, transferability, and public education and outreach. In conjunction with Clean Air Month, TDEC will host the second annual awards ceremony and forum on May 12-13, 2016 in Chattanooga.The event will feature panel discussions, a keynote presentation, the awards luncheon, and an interactive roadshow, where participants can view a variety of alternative fuel vehicles.
Next year's event will also feature the inaugural launch of the Tennessee Green Fleet Awards program. This program is a new opportunity for any fleet that is based in Tennessee to receive certification for its efforts toward reducing petroleum consumption, improving air quality and increasing the use of alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies. Stay tuned for updates on these awards and how to apply.
To sign up for the Sustainable Transportation Awards and Forum email list, and to receive email updates regarding applications and event details, click here.
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