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| Technical Assistance, Incentives, and Funding Opportunities: Upcoming Events and Activities:
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| Energy Education Camps for K-12 Educators
From June 6-17, TDEC OEP hosted two Energy Education Camps for K-12 educators at Montgomery Bell State Park and Pickwick Landing State Park. The camps, which drew a total of 100 educators from across the State, were comprised of five-day training sessions and activities. Information and resources were provided to teach the science of energy and energy conservation in the classroom. In addition, special breakout sessions were conducted with grade-level clusters to ensure that all participating teachers left the camps with ideas ready for their classrooms. One of these breakout sessions focused on plug loads and how to develop an action plan to stop wasting energy in the classroom, with the hope that schools can reprogram savings into school budgets for energy upgrades, classroom materials, or teachers’ salaries. Teachers participated in a hands-on activity to explore ways to save energy at school by investigating electricity consumption of common devices and determining ways to reduce it. For more information on TDEC OEP’s Energy Education Camps, please contact Angela at angela.mcgee@tn.gov.
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| Completion of EmPower TN Professional Energy Manager Program
In the month of June, participants in the first class of the EmPower TN Professional Energy Manager (PEM) Program completed their three-week certification training and associated exam. Upon passing the final exam, participants earned their designation of Professional Energy Manager, a nationally recognized credential, through the Institute of Energy Professionals. The PEM Program is a unique opportunity for State and local government employees to enhance their knowledge of the energy management field. Those selected to attend receive a tuition-free practical and real-world energy management education. This year’s Program was open to State and local government employees who provide energy-related services to internal (e.g., State and public higher education facilities) and/or external customers (e.g., local governments, utility districts, businesses, and industry). To learn more about PEM program, please contact Jaclyn Mothupi at Jaclyn.Mothupi@tn.gov.
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| Chattanooga to Become One of the First Cities in U.S. with EV Ride Share Program
On June 16, the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), in partnership with TVA and EPB, announced an agreement with Green Commuter to operate a public electric vehicle (EV) car sharing system in the Chattanooga area. The project coincides with a funding and partnership agreement between CARTA and TVA to expand EV charging infrastructure and to create a new transportation alternative in the area. With the completion of the first phase of the project, Chattanooga now has approximately 20 EV charging locations. Phase Two of the project will focus on the development and deployment of the EV car-sharing system, which will be operated from the new vehicle charging stations across the community, and will serve as a new component of an integrated public transportation system in Chattanooga. When the program is launched, Chattanoogans will be able to rent a zero-emission, all-electric car by the hour or day for $9 per hour. Users will be able to utilize an app to find a nearby vehicle, and will use their smartphone to unlock the vehicle and start the engine (no key is involved). A research component of the project will track the utilization of this system to gather data to support additional development for the Tennessee Valley.
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| ORNL to Receive Funding for Technology Commercialization
U.S. DOE’s national labs have supported the critical research and development that lead to many technologies in the marketplace today, including the batteries powering electric vehicles, the foundation of Internet servers, and the optical digital recording technology behind DVDs. On June 21, U.S. DOE announced nearly $16 million in funding to help businesses move energy technologies from the National Laboratories to the marketplace. This first round of funding through the Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF) will support nine ORNL projects: - Molten Salt Reactor Neutronics Tools
- Novel High Permeability Membranes for CO2 Capture
- On-Vehicle Emission Sensor
- Additive Manufacturing of Thermoset Cellular Structures
- Carbon Fiber Plasma Surface Treatment
- Liquid Salt Environment Creep Testing System
- New High-Strength Ni-based Alloys for High Temperature Service in Liquid Fluoride Salt Environments
- Residential Gas Heat Pump (RGHP)
- The ENABLE (Environmentally Neutral Automated Building Electric Energy) Platform
These selections will expand efforts to catalyze the commercial impact of today’s portfolio of research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities and to increase return-on-investment from federally-funded research. For more information, click here.
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| Advanced Energy-Saving Sealant Awarded for Innovation and Excellence
A liquid sealant developed by Dow Chemical and evaluated at ORNL was recognized recently for its superior sealant qualities and performance. LIQUIDARMOR, marketed by Dow, won the 2016 Gold Edison Award for Building Construction & Lighting. The Edison Awards honor the best in innovation and excellence in the development of new products and services. LIQUIDARMOR™ Flashing and Sealant is the only sprayable liquid flashing on the market. It significantly reduces air leakage through the building envelope and helps to make residential and commercial buildings more energy efficient. The annual energy loss from air leakage in buildings is estimated to be about four quads (4 quadrillion BTUs) or about 4% of the total energy used in the U.S. Enhanced sealing technologies like LIQUIDARMOR have the potential to reduce energy losses related to air leakage by about 50%. Dow patented the product and introduced it to the U.S. market in 2014, and it was recognized as an R&D 100 Award Finalist in 2015.
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| ORNL Hosts Bioenergy Study Tour of the Southeastern U.S.
U.S. DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) works to enable a sustainable bioenergy industry that protects natural resources and advances environmental, economic, and social benefits. BETO recently sponsored a five-day Bioenergy Study Tour of the southeastern U.S. to provide a better understanding of bioenergy and showcase opportunities for a sustainable bioeconomy. Hosted by ORNL, this event brought together key industry stakeholders and decision makers from DOE and its national laboratories, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the International Energy Agency, Forest Landowners Association, universities, industry, and regional stakeholders such as landowners and nonprofit organizations to showcase current achievements and spark informed, science-based discussions on how to enhance bioenergy sustainability in the southeastern region. In addition to presentations from leading bioenergy experts, the tour included discussions of the wood-based pellet industry with visits to laboratory research and education centers, as well as a forest in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Along the way, participants toured switchgrass fields, a cogeneration plant, forests in South Carolina and Georgia, and a wood-pellet production facility. For more information on the tour, click here.
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| Schneider Electric Rises in Newsweek Global Green Ranking, Partners with EnergySage
On June 10, Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management with specialization in electricity distribution and automation management, rose to 10th place (from last year’s 25th place) in the 2016 Newsweek Global Green Ranking. The ranking is a testament to the company’s recent commitment to achieve carbon neutrality over the next 15 years through its products, solutions, R&D and industrial operations. The company, which has multiple operations facilities across Middle Tennessee, also announced on June 7 that it would partner with solar marketplace company EnergySage to promote home energy efficiency through the adoption of residential solar PV systems and smart thermostats.
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| TDOT I-65 Multimodal Corridor Study
On June 10, Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management with specialization in electricity distribution and automation management, rose to 10th place (from last year’s 25th place) in the 2016 Newsweek Global Green Ranking. The ranking is a testament to the company’s recent commitment to achieve carbon neutrality over the next 15 years through its products, solutions, R&D and industrial operations. The company, which has multiple operations facilities across Middle Tennessee, also announced on June 7 that it would partner with solar marketplace company EnergySage to promote home energy efficiency through the adoption of residential solar PV systems and smart thermostats.
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| TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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| TDEC Accepts Recycling Grant Applications
TDEC is now accepting applications for Recycling and Waste Reduction Grants, as well as Recycling Rebates. The application period began July 1, 2016 and applications are due October 3, 2016. 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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| New Funding Under the Partnerships for Opportunity, Workforce, and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative
The new FY16 funding (approximately $65 million) can be used to invest in economic development initiatives that support the energy workforce, provide services to grow entrepreneurial activities and industry clusters, and/or other related activities that support economic transitions in coal-impacted communities. Individual POWER grants are expected to range from approximately $250,000 - $2,000,000. Eligible projects must be located within and targeted to communities or regions that have been impacted, or can reasonably demonstrate that they will be impacted, by coal mining or coal power plant employment loss, or employment loss in the supply chain industries of either. In order to be considered for a POWER 2016 implementation award, applicants must first submit a project pre-proposal for review and consideration. Applicants may access the POWER 2016 pre-proposal package electronically online here. There are no submission deadlines for this funding opportunity. Pre-proposals and complete applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and until funds are exhausted. For more information and to view the full funding opportunity announcement, click here.
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| REMADE in America Institute: Funding Opportunity for Institute Focused on Reducing Embodied-Energy and Decreasing Emissions in Materials Manufacturing
As the consumption of materials grows, the embodied energy and emissions footprint associated with the production of these materials is becoming increasingly important. Most of the energy consumption within the energy-intensive subsectors of manufacturing is used in converting raw materials for ultimate use in end products. Analysis demonstrates that significant energy, cost and materials resources could be saved through technologies that drive improvements in the efficiency of materials re-use during the manufacturing process. In 2013, U.S. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy launched its Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI) with the goal of significantly increasing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness in the production of clean energy products and in domestic manufacturing across the board by increasing industrial energy productivity. As part of this initiative, U.S DOE is currently requesting proposals for a new clean energy manufacturing innovation institute focused on improving technologies and processes to achieve cost parity of recycled and waste materials with primary feedstocks, while improving material efficiency in manufacturing processes. The funded institute will enable the development and widespread deployment of key industrial platform technologies that will dramatically reduce life-cycle energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with industrial-scale materials production and processing by creating new technologies for reuse, recycling and remanufacturing of materials. Solving this enormous and currently unmet challenge could reduce energy usage in the U.S. manufacturing sector by up to 6%, saving billions in energy costs, reducing harmful emissions and improving U.S. manufacturing competiveness. U.S. DOE expects to award a single financial assistance award in the form of a cooperative agreement. It is anticipated that the award will require a minimum non-federal cost share of 50% of the total project costs. The estimated period of performance for the award will be five years, with the goal of the Institute to be self-sustaining by the end of the project period. Concept papers are due by July 28, and full applications are due by September 28. To view the full funding opportunity announcement and submission instructions, 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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| Southeast Alternative Fuel Vehicle Demonstration Initiative in Tennessee
The Southeast AFV Demonstration Initiative (SADI) is a U.S. DOE-funded project focused on the increased adoption of alternative fuels in the Southeast region of the United States. As part of the initiative, U.S. DOE Clean Cities Coalitions throughout South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee will arrange for fleets to borrow and test out alternative fuel vehicles at no cost. Vehicles available in Tennessee will include: - Bi-fuel propane vehicles: 2014 Ford Police SUV Interceptor, 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit, 2015 Ford F150, Ford Explorer and Ford Transit
- Dedicated CNG vehicles: 2014 class-8 Freightliner Cascadia, 2015 Chevrolet Trax
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| U.S. DOE Announces New Funding for Technologist in Residence Program
On May 4, U.S. DOE announced an additional $2.3 million in funding for its Technologist in Residence Program, which will support the national laboratories in teaming up with manufacturing companies to tackle technical challenges of interest to the participating company or consortium. The program aims to strengthen and bolster such lab-industry relationships, in order to support industry needs and to leverage the national lab network for strategic, long-term, and commercially viable research and development. The program teams up senior lab technologists with industry professionals in "technologist pairs” for a period of up to two years. In the first iteration of the program, Tennessee-based Alcoa was partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to research additive and other advanced manufacturing of lightweight structures and functional energy systems. Read about some of the other first round projects here. The current solicitation, which will support at least six new pairs, will be open and evaluated on a rolling basis. Interested national labs and companies should determine areas of mutual interest, identify technologist pairs, and apply to the program by May 3, 2017 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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| UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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| SEEA Networking Breakfast: Understanding our Under-served Communities
On July 13, from 7:30-9:15 am ET, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) will host a complimentary networking breakfast at the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity offices. Lisa Gordon, CEO of Atlanta Habitat, will give a presentation on energy efficiency within the context of affordable housing and community revitalization.
Atlanta Habitat partners with working families, businesses, and low-income communities to build affordable, green homes. The organization also provides support and education services for new home owners to ensure the success of their purchase and ownership experiences. Lisa will provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of developing successful programs for communities in need, and will answer audience questions. Following Lisa's presentation, attendees will be able to take a 20-minute tour of Atlanta Habitat’s new facility. For more information, and to register, click here.
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| Multifamily Energy Efficiency in the Southeast: Trends and Opportunities
In recent years, the multifamily housing sector has attracted increased attention as a significant, untapped source of energy savings. On July 21, from 2-3 pm ET, SEEA will present a webinar on its Southeast Multifamily Market Assessment, highlighting construction trends and key findings on existing programs and incentives that support multifamily energy efficiency in the Southeast. For more information, and to register, 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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