journey to energy independence presented to bucknell solar workshop may 12, 2012 stacy richards...
TRANSCRIPT
Journey to Energy Independence
Presented to Bucknell Solar WorkshopMay 12, 2012
Stacy RichardsEnergy Resource CenterSEDA-COG
Content
• Survey of Regional Renewable Energy Activities
• Loyalsock Township’s Journey to Solar
• New Berlin Energy Independence Project
SEDA-Council of Governments
• Public development organization• Serves an 11-county region in central PA• Energy Resource Center
– Education– Technical Assistance– Training
SEDA-COG’sEnergy Programs
Barriers That Communities Face
Lack of understanding of how and how much energy is currently being used
Lack of awareness of opportunities and cost benefits offered through various ECMs
Lack of knowledge about and connection with the technical expertise available to assist in the
implementation of ECMs
Lack of financial resources to invest in ECMs
ECMs = Energy Conservation Measures
Working towards Energy Independence
Renewable Technologies
Efficiency
Conservation
Assessments
Examples of Renewable Energy Projects in Our Region
Centre County Airport - Geothermal
https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/xecW42235
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1000
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4000
5000
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7000
8000
January
Febru
aryMarc
hApri
lMay June
July
August
Septem
ber
October
November
Decem
ber
Month
Cons
umpti
on (k
Wh)
2010
2011
2012
Loyalsock Building Electricity Use
Why New Berlin?
Sector diversity
Civic activism
Geographic size
Population size
Mixed land uses
A Multi-Year Project
Year 1 Community Organization, Baseline, and Education
Year 2 Energy Assessments Followed by Implementation
Year 3 Measuring Results, Documenting the Process
Year 3 Exploration of Community-Supported Renewable Energy Opportunities, Sourced Locally
Working towards Energy Independence
Renewable Technologies
Efficiency
Conservation
Assessments
Community-Wide Energy Audit
New Berlin Energy Use
Fuel
Annual Residential
Consumption
Annual Non-Residential
ConsumptionTotal Annual Consumption Units
% of Community Energy Use
Oil 164,447 13,667 178,114 Gallons 20%
Electricity 6,056,792 4,511,823 10,568,615 kWh 30%
Gasoline 378,140 NA 378,140 Gallons 36%
Propane 5,148 127,898 133,046 Gallons 10%
Firewood 98 0 98 Cords 1%
Wood Pellets 14 0 14 Tons 0.2%
Coal 111 9.5 121 Tons 2.6%
Natural Gas Unavailable Unavailable 0 CFF 0%
The Results…
The 2009 Results…
Rising Energy CostsPennsylvania Average Fuel Prices
Fuel 2009 2012 % increase
Fuel Oil ($/gal) $2.45 $3.84 57%
Gasoline ($/gal) $2.35 $3.72 58%
Propane ($/gal) $2.82 $3.32 18%
ElectricityGeneration
($/kWh)$0.052 $0.069 33%
Sources: www.eia.govwww.pplelectric.com
Non-Residential: Project Highlights
The entire non-residential sector:• PPL rebates = over $52,000 to date to reduce
capital costs of efficiency measures• Nearly $2 million investment in energy
conservation• Savings in process
– 1.3 million kWh of electricity per year– 1,500 gallons of fuel oil per year– 3,000 gallons of propane per year
Community-Supported Renewable Energy
To further energy independence, the project is exploring and will recommend renewable energy opportunities for use within the community, and perhaps collectively owned, from local sources.
Community-Supported Renewable Energy
Wind, biofuels (heat, electricity and transportation), solar, and other potential renewable energy resources
have been examined
Renewable energy value is maximized when it is locally owned, locally used, locally sourced and meets as
much of the remaining energy use need as possible
Conservation Efficiency Renewables
Community-Supported Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Research• Technical and financial
feasibility research• Real-world experience• Recruiting tool• Decision framework
Renewable Opportunities
It Takes a Village
• A 20% energy reduction goal within 3 years was envisioned for this project
• Research indicates that renewable energy will be most economically viable when New Berlin achieves a 40% energy reduction.
• Solar thermal, solar PV and biodiesel for heating and transportation will offer the greatest return on investment.