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| News and Events: Technical Assistance, Incentives, and Funding Opportunities: Upcoming Events and Activities: Resources and Guides:
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| TCCI Opens Applications for Environment and Energy Awards
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (TCCI) 2018 Environment and Energy Awards recognize businesses that have demonstrated achievement with regard to proactive and innovative energy projects and/or environmental protection and enhancement. Only Tennessee-based TCCI member companies are eligible to apply. Awards will be given to companies in three categories, including Air Quality, Water Quality, and Solid & Hazardous Waste Management. Additionally, an “Energy Excellence Award” will be given to an applicant that has implemented significant energy improvements. Nominations must be submitted via email to Suzie Lusk (Suzie.lusk@tnchamber.org) or Charles Schneider (Charles.Schneider@tnchamber.org); via post service to 414 Union Street, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 37219; or via fax to 615-256-6726 by Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Click here to access the nomination form. Recipients of these awards will be honored at the 36th Annual Environment and Energy Awards Conference on October 29-30, 2018 at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN. Click here to register for the conference.
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| NES Holds 'Plug In' for New Solar Park Earlier this month, Nashville Electric Service (NES) held a “plug in” to celebrate the City’s first community solar park, Music City Solar. The array, which consists of 17,020 panels across 8 acres, will generate enough energy to power 210 homes for 20 years. The community panels will be available to participating NES customers, marking an important step for NES in offering clean, efficient, and renewable energy. Click here for more information on NES’ community solar program.
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| Tennessee Tech's Industrial Assessment Center Earns U.S. DOE Center of Excellence Award
For 12 years, Tennessee Tech University’s Industrial Assessment Center (TTU IAC) has promoted industrial energy efficiency in manufacturing by conducting no-cost on-site energy efficiency assessments, providing training to end-users on energy efficiency best practices, and supplying education and professional skill sets to TTU students in order to provide them with a solid background in energy and resource efficiency. The TTU IAC was recently honored with the 2018 Center of Excellence Award by U.S. DOE for its outstanding commitment to energy efficiency service and education. To date, the TTU IAC has assessed 210 small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Local plants that have received assessments include Apcom, Flexial, Tutco, Ficosa, and Crossville Ceramics. The TTU IAC also assists with cybersecurity assessments, performs water and wastewater facilities assessments, and conducts workshops on industrial energy efficiency for manufacturing end users. To learn more about the TTU IAC, go to http://tntech.edu/iac.
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| TVA's 2019 IRP Scoping Report Published with Public Comments
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) published the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Scoping Report on August 1, 2018. The report includes public comments related to TVA’s work on the IRP and the related Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The IRP is a long-term plan that provides direction on how TVA can best meet future electricity demand over the next 20 years. The related EIS assesses the natural, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts associated with IRP implementation. During a 60-day scoping period that ran from February 14 through April 16, 2018, members of the public provided input online, by mail, and at public scoping meetings. The scoping report captures these comments, which will help lay the foundation for development of the IRP and EIS. The scoping report also includes: - Information on the resource planning and environmental review process;
- Information on final strategies and scenarios under consideration in the IRP;
- A summary of IRP and EIS topics;
- A look at how the IRP and EIS are being developed; and
- Public outreach efforts and materials.
For more information on the 2019 IRP, visit tva.com/irp.
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| U.S. DOE Releases 2019-2020 Solar Decathlon Competition Guide
U.S. DOE recently released a 2019-2020 Competition Guide to provide information on its upcoming solar design challenge, the Solar Decathlon. The purpose of this collegiate competition is to take buildings in the United States to the next level through a variety of advancements, including making them more affordable for American families; incorporating grid-interactive technologies; improving construction productivity; providing greater comfort and healthier indoor environments; and optimizing operational efficiency with resilient solutions that will stand the test of time. Participating students get hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter the clean energy workforce. The winners of the Solar Decathlon competition are selected from the teams that best blend technology, market potential, and design excellence with smart energy efficiency and production.
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| TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INCENTIVES, AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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| Funding Opportunity: Innovative Design Concepts for Standard Modular Hydropower and Pumped Storage Hydropower
U.S. DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) recently announced a $9 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support innovative design concepts for standard modular hydropower (SMH) and pumped storage hydropower (PSH). Hydropower and pumped storage are key components to strengthening energy security and the American economy. WPTO is committed to lowering the cost and build time of hydropower and pumped storage systems, further increasing their ability to provide essential reliability services and contribute to the resilience of the grid, and continuing to reduce their environmental impacts and permitting timelines. To access the FOA, click here. A webinar will be held on September 5, 2018 to provide additional information about the FOA. Concept papers for this FOA are due by September 28, 2018 at 5:00 PM ET.
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| Innovation Crossroads to Open Cohort 3 Applications
Innovation Crossroads, an Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) program that matches aspiring energy entrepreneurs with experts and mentors in technology-related fields, will soon open applications for its third cohort (Cohort 3). Up to five entrepreneurs will be selected in Cohort 3 to transform their ideas into energy and advanced manufacturing companies with financial support from U.S. DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office. Innovators will receive a fellowship that covers living costs, benefits and a travel stipend for up to two years, and substantial funding to use on collaborative research and development at ORNL. Innovation Crossroads leaders are hosting a series of webinars to educate interested applicants on what the program offers. Click here to register for an informational webinar at 2:30 PM EDT on either September 6 or October 4. Cohort 3 applications will open on Thursday, September 6, 2018. Sign up to receive announcements on the program by clicking here.
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| American-Made Solar Prize Program Announced
The American-Made Challenge program is designed to reenergize innovation in U.S. manufacturing and incentivize the nation’s entrepreneurs to reassert American leadership in the energy marketplace. U.S. DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have officially launched the program’s first challenge, a $3 million competition called the American-Made Solar Prize. The program is organized through three progressive prize competitions, Ready! Set! and Go! Competitors must: - Identify an important solar design problem you want to solve
- Submit a 90-second video describing your challenge and proposed solution, team, and plan
- Answer a short, four-question narrative and make a slide about this problem or challenge
- Submit a two-page technical assistance request
- Update your videos and statements as you advance through the contests.
Competitors must submit their initial ideas here by October 2, 2018 to be officially entered in the contest process. Sign up for updates on the prize competitions at https://www.herox.com/SolarPrize.
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| Upcoming Deadlines for REAP Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans and Grants
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements throughout the year. This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers. Funding for Fiscal Year 2018 is available in a variety of forms, each under its own application process and timeline: - Grants and/or Loans of $20,000 or less - applications are due October 31, 2018 OR April 1, 2019 (depending on funding cycle).
- Unrestricted Grants and/or Loans - applications are due April 1, 2019.
- Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants - applications are due January 31, 2019.
- Guaranteed Loans - applications are accepted on a continuous cycle.
Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels); geothermal for electric generation or direct use; hydropower below 30 MW; hydrogen; small and large wind generation; small and large solar generation; and ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation. Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation, and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC); insulation; lighting; cooling or refrigeration units; doors and windows; electric, solar, or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots; switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor; and replacement of energy-inefficient equipment. Click here to learn more and to apply for REAP financial assistance.
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| U.S. DOE Releases Request for Information on Hydrogen
U.S. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) recently released a request for information (RFI) soliciting stakeholder feedback on opportunities to enable high volume production and multi-sector use of hydrogen. Hydrogen is an energy carrier and a feedstock used in industrial applications including petroleum refining, ammonia production for fertilizers, and steel production, and can also be used in fuel cells to generate power for homes or to drive cars, buses or trucks. With the help of this RFI, hydrogen use could be expanded and made more affordable across multiple applications such as energy storage, running large turbines at power plants, supporting grid flexibility and enabling baseload operation of nuclear plants, as well as increased renewable power generation. RFI Topics include: - Domestic Hydrogen Supply Expansion/ Diversification
- Demand-Sector Market Expansion
- Leveraging Current Industries and Infrastructure
- H2@ Scale H-Prize Competition Concepts
- Innovative Approaches for Enabling H2@ Scale
Responses are due October 31, 2018, at 5:00 PM EST.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
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| Tennessee Green Star Partnership Sustainable Industry Workshops
The TDEC Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices (OPSP) will host a series of Sustainable Industry Workshops next month for Tennessee Green Star Partnership members, industry, and other interested stakeholders. The workshops will discuss the Tennessee materials marketplace, energy resilience initiatives, energy and waste assessments by the TTU IAC, the Tennessee H2O program, recycling opportunities in Tennessee, and more. Register below for a workshop closest to you. Lunch will be provided. - September 5, 2018 (Jackson) – University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus. Click here to view the agenda.
- September 19, 2018 (Franklin) – Franklin Marriot Cool Springs. Click here to view the agenda.
- September 26, 2018 (Knoxville) – University of Tennessee – UT Conference Center. Click here to view the agenda.
Additionally, OPSP will also host a free webinar on September 12, 2018 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST. This webinar will discuss energy loss in industrial facilities. Click here to register for the webinar.
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| 2018 Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Forum & Expo
TDEC, in partnership with TDOT and TNCleanFuels, will hold the fourth annual Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Forum from September 17-18, 2018 at the UT Conference Center in Knoxville. The forum will highlight new research and technologies that improve transportation efficiency, reduce vehicle emissions, and address the mobility needs of all Tennesseans. Guest panelists and speakers from the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Shared Use Mobility Center, Bcycle, and more will provide insights, case studies, and lessons learned on topics related to sustainable transportation innovation and implementation. The forum will also honor winners of the 2018 Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards. To learn more about the awards, visit https://www.tn.gov/environment/TSTA. To register for the event, visit tsta.eventbrite.com. To view a preliminary forum agenda, click here. Registration includes access to all forum sessions and lunches, an alternative fuel vehicle showcase, and an offsite networking reception at the Sunsphere. Confirmed registrants of the 2018 forum are also invited to sign up for a free tour of the ORNL National Transportation Research Center (NTRC), to take place from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET on September 18. Reservations for the September 18 NTRC tour are limited to the first 20 forum registrants to sign up. Tour attendees must be: - U.S. citizens, to comply with security protocol under ORNL’s function as a national laboratory, and
- Registered to attend the 2018 TN Sustainable Transportation Forum and Expo.
Forum attendees can sign up for the tour by contacting Shauna Basques (Shauna.Basques@tn.gov or 615-253-1947) with their full name, affiliation, email, and phone number. Questions about the tour can also be directed to Shauna.
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| 2018 NASEO Annual Meeting
The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) 2018 Annual Meeting will take place from September 23-26 in Detroit, Michigan. The meeting will convene state, local, and private sector leaders for a series of discussions on innovative and effective energy programs, policies, and projects, designed to foster peer learning and exchange among participants. Register now to attend interactive sessions and discussions about transportation electrification, building-grid integration, and financing for energy innovation and infrastructure modernization.
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| Energy Services Coalition Market Transformation Conference
The Energy Services Coalition (ESC) will host its 7th Annual Market Transformation Conference from October 4-5, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. The conference will cover a broad range of topics for stakeholders engaged in the guaranteed energy savings performance contracting (GESPC) field and will feature panel discussions, classroom sessions, a facilitated marketplace workshop, and an industry keynote. To learn more about the conference and to register, click here.
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| ACEEE Rural Energy Conference
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will host its first-ever Rural Energy Conference on October 22, 2018 in Atlanta, GA. The event will explore energy efficiency in rural and small-town America through three presentation tracks. An economic development track will look at beneficial electrification, broadband, distributed energy resources, manufacturing, and workforce development. An equity track will discuss energy burden mapping, inclusive financing, manufactured housing, and public health. A third track will explore efficiency programs for homes, communities, agriculture, and businesses. Visit the 2018 Rural Energy Conference page for more information and contact ACEEE with any questions or to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
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| TenneSEIA Solar Conference
The Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA) will host the Tennessee Valley Solar Conference on November 7, 2018 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Murfreesboro. The purpose of the conference is to bring together solar advocates and adopters to discuss strategies, market trends, and policies that impact the Tennessee Valley solar industry. TenneSEIA members are eligible for discounted registration prices. Non-member registrants may receive a 20% off discount using the Department of Environment and Conservation's promo code, TVSCPROMO. Early bird registration discounts for all attendees will close on August 31. Visit the conference website to learn more and to register. Interested sponsors and exhibitors should contact Gil Hough at execdirector@tenneseiasolar.com or 865-789-5482.
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| Tennessee's Advanced Energy Sector Soars in New Report
A new economic impact report from the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) finds that the advanced energy sector in Tennessee employs nearly 360,000 Tennesseans in more than 18,000 businesses, contributing almost $40 billion to the state's GDP. Advanced energy is technology-neutral, and includes any technology that makes energy or transportation cleaner, safer, more secure, and more efficient. Advanced energy represents a booming $1.4 trillion global market, nearly twice the size of the worldwide airline industry and almost equal in size to global apparel revenue. The 2018 report details the scale and scope of the state’s advanced energy sector, quantifies its economic impact, and charts new trends in advanced energy. The report pinpoints the number of jobs and businesses associated with advanced energy, as well as the sector’s contributions to state GDP and state/local taxes. In addition to statewide data, the 2018 report includes information on Tennessee’s advanced energy sector by metro area, including regional information on advanced energy in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville/Oak Ridge, Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities, Clarksville, Morristown, Jackson, and Cleveland. The Nashville metro area was found to be the largest contributor to Tennessee’s advanced energy sector, employing more than 115,000 workers. The Memphis metro area came in second, with 55,750 employees in advanced energy. Even with these concentrations, advanced energy was found to reach all 95 counties in Tennessee due to the sector’s diverse industries and strong growth potential not tethered to urban areas alone.
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| E4TheFuture to Release its '2018 Energy Efficiency Jobs in America' Report
In the United States alone, at least 2.25 million people work directly on energy-saving products and services. They outnumber all the workers who produce coal, oil, gas, and electricity. On September 6, E4TheFuture will release its 2018 Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report with data for each state, county, metropolitan area, and congressional district, further illuminating how the energy efficiency industry impacts local jobs and economies. Find the report soon on E4TheFuture’s publications page.
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| Columbia State Community College to Offer Sustainable Business Administration Certificate
Columbia State Community College now offers a Sustainable Business Administration Certification that equips participants to play effective roles in the expanding arena of sustainability. This certificate program provides the knowledge and skills needed for participants to shape solutions to sustainability challenges, whether those challenges are social, environmental, or fiscal. The program is designed for people who are already working and interested in leveraging sustainability as a way to start a new career, change careers, or move up in their current organization. To earn the certificate, a person must complete a minimum of four courses out of six available (two required and two electives). Each course spans two consecutive days, scheduled between Fridays and Mondays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available. One of the required courses, Introduction to Sustainable Economics and Management, will be held on September 14-15 on the college’s Williamson County Campus in Franklin, TN. To enroll for the course, visit https://bit.ly/2LelzIP. Questions about the courses and certificate process should be forwarded to WorkforceDev@ColumbiaState.edu.
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| U.S. DOE Launches New Lab Partnering Service
U.S. DOE recently launched the Lab Partnering Service (LPS), an online, single access point platform for investors, innovators, and institutions to identify, locate, and obtain information from U.S. DOE's 17 national laboratories. This tool provides industry with a more efficient way to harness technical expertise and intellectual property housed at U.S. DOE's labs. The LPS helps users in three new ways, described below: - Connect with Experts: Unprecedented access to top national lab researchers allows investors and innovators to connect with relevant subject matter experts and to receive unbiased and non-competitive technical assessments.
- Technical/Marketing Summaries: Users gain direct access to pre-validated, ready-to-license, commercial technologies.
- Visual Patent Search: Users benefit from a dynamic online search and visualization database tool to find patents associated with U.S. DOE laboratories.
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