/ Renewable Energy Fund
Grant Application

Application Forms and Instructions

The following forms and instructions are provided for preparing your application for a Renewable Energy Fund Grant. An electronic version of the Request for Applications (RFA) and the forms are available online at

The following application forms are required to be submitted for a grant recommendation:

Grant Application Form / GrantApp.doc / Application form in MS Word that includes an outline of information required to submit a complete application. Applicants should use the form to assure all information is provided and attach additional information as required.
Application Cost Worksheet / Costworksheet.doc / Summary of Cost information that should be addressed by applicants in preparing their application.
Grant Budget Form / GrantBudget.xls / A detailed grant budget that includes a breakdown of costs by task and a summary of funds available and requested to complete the work for which funds are being requested.
Grant Budget Form Instructions / GrantBudgetInstr.pdf / Instructions for completing the above grant budget form.

If you are applying for grants for more than one project, provide separate application forms for each project.

Multiple phases for the same project may be submitted as one application.

If you are applying for grant funding for more than one phase of a project, provide a plan and grant budget for completion of each phase.

If some work has already been completed on your project and you are requesting funding for an advanced phase, submit information sufficient to demonstrate that the preceding phases are satisfied and funding for an advanced phase is warranted.

If you have additional information or reports you would like the Authority to consider in reviewing your application, either provide an electronic version of the document with your submission or reference a web link where it can be downloaded or reviewed.

REMINDER:

Alaska Energy Authority is subject to the Public Records Act, AS 40.25 and materials submitted to the Authority may be subject to disclosure requirements under the act if no statutory exemptions apply.

All applications received will be posted on the Authority web site after final recommendations are made to the legislature.

SECTION 1 – APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name (Name of utility, IPP, or government entity submitting proposal)
University of AlaskaAnchorage
Type of Entity:
GovernmentState Controlled Institute of Higher Education
Mailing Address
School of Engineering
3211 Providence Drive / Physical Address
School of Engineering
3211 Providence Drive, School of Engineering
Telephone
907-786-19001065 / 907-786-10791021 / Email
/ /
1.1 APPLICANT POINT OF CONTACT
Name
Nyrée McDonald, Ph. D.
Thomas Ravens, Ph. D.
Nyrée McDonald, Ph. D. / Title
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Mailing Address
3211 Providence Drive, School of Engineering
Telephone
907-786-19641993
907-786-19431964 / Fax
907-786-1079 / Email



1.2 APPLICANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Please check as appropriate. If you do not to meet the minimum applicant requirements, your application will be rejected.
1.2.1 As an Applicant, we are: (put an X in the appropriate box)
An electric utility holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity under AS 42.05, or
An independent power producer, or
A local government, or
X / A governmental entity (which includes tribal councils and housing authorities);
Yes
or
No / 1.2.2. Attached to this application is formal approval and endorsement for its project by its board of directors, executive management, or other governing authority. If a collaborative grouping, a formal approval from each participant’s governing authority is necessary. (Indicate Yes or No in the box )
Yes
or
No / 1.2.3. As an applicant, we have administrative and financial management systems and follow procurement standards that comply with the standards set forth in the grant agreement.
Yes
or
No / 1.2.4. If awarded the grant, we can comply with all terms and conditions of the attached grant form. (Any exceptions should be clearly notedand submitted with the application.)
SECTION 2 – PROJECT SUMMARY
Provide a brief 1-2 page overview of your project.
2.1PROJECT TYPE
Describe the type of project you are proposing, (Reconnaissance; Resource Assessment/ Feasibility Analysis/Conceptual Design; Final Design and Permitting; and/or Construction) as well as the kind of renewable energy you intend to use. Refer to Section 1.5 of RFA.
This project will conduct Resource Assessment of hydrokinetic energy potential in rural Alaska. The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has recognized the need to determine the hydrokinetic potential for in-stream sources in their Alaska Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development Short- to Mid-term objectives Working Draft[i]. Alaska has over 300 rural villages that are located near a river. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has performed conceptual feasibility studies for sites which showed that the economics for River In-Stream Energy Conversion are potentially quite promising. However, the economics of a RISEChydrokinetic energy plant are a direct function of river velocities and associated power densities at the river sites near these villages. Velocity data for most of these sites is non-existent. This project will assess the potential hydrokinetic energy resources for many sites in rural Alaska by collecting velocity and bathymetric data.. Rivers and streams near rural communities will be surveyed to obtain bathymetric and current distribution data. Data from USGS gauging stations will be obtained to determine long term hydrologic conditions. As necessary, hydrologic models (HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS) will be constructed to relate discharge conditions at a particular USGS gauging station to conditions at particular rural sites. The[PC1] long-term velocity distribution data obtained will be used to determine the hydrokinetic energy available for power generation.
2.2PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Provide a one paragraph description of your project. At a minimum include the project location, communities to be served, and who will be involved in the grant project.
We propose a 2 year project to estimate in-line (hydrokinetic) renewable energy potential for rural Alaska. We will begin creating a list of about 24 sites/communities which appear to have the greatest potential. We plan to study 8 sites in year 1 and 16 sites in year 2. At this point, Alaska’s larger rivers (i.e., the Yukon, Koyukuk, Kuskokwim and Susitna Rivers) are obvious places to look for in-stream energy. We will examine available data, and work with project partners (including Re vision, AEA and ANSEP) to come up with a list of river stretches and community partners. The UAA-SOE Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) has well established relationships with many communities throughout Alaska and has agreed to assist the faculty in establishing working relationships with the communities. Following site selection, we will select student research assistants (3 in year 1 and 5 in year 2) who will be trained in hydrographic surveying and velocity measurement. Then, working in cooperation with the communities, we will survey the selected river stretches during the summer of 2009 and 2010 to obtain bathymetric and current distribution data. Next, using data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauging stations, we will estimate the long term hydrologic (i.e, velocity/depth) conditions at the selected rural sites. The USGS provides discharge rates at nearly 400 sites around the state, covering most river systems. The[PC2] long-term velocity/depth distribution data obtained will be used to determine the hydrokinetic energy available for power generation.
The state of Alaska has over 3000 rivers and streams, and many villages are located on rivers or the coast, so in-stream hydroelectric generation that relies on the kinetic energy of any sustained water current could provide the most cost effective option for generating power on a homestead-scale. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has stream gauges which provide discharge rates on nearly 400 sites around the state, covering most rivers systems. Unfortunately, determining hydrokinetic potential requires information on the velocity distribution (and associated power densities) atof a given siteriver. The University of Alaska Anchorage School of Engineering (UAA-SOE) in partnership with re vision consulting, LLC proposes to gather preliminary bathymetric and velocity profile data on a large number of riversstreams and rivers. University personnel will train a number of students on how to obtain a wide range of data related to the development of velocity distribution of a river or stream. When possible the data will be linked with historical data on discharge and used to determine the relationship between velocity distribution and time. The sites will be selected based on their location to the USGS Stream gauges and community interest and proximity beginning with some of the larger rivers such as the Yukon, Koyukuk, Kuskokwim and Susitna Rivers. The UAA-SOE Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) has well established relationships with many communities throughout Alaska and has agreed to assist the faculty in establishing working relationships with many sites.
2.3PROJECT BUDGET OVERVIEW
Briefly discuss the amount of funds needed, the anticipated sources of funds, and the nature and source of other contributions to the project. Include a project cost summary that includes an estimated total cost through construction.
The total amount of funds requested is:$416,965565,439 ($240,514275,879 for year 1, ) and (and $176289,560,451 for year 2). The breakdown of these costs into the various budget categories and the budget items in those categories are indicated in the table below. In the Direct Labor and Benefits category, tThe costs include: 2 months of salary for the PI and co-PI: $19,088 and $15,436,
Budget category / Item / Year 1 / Year 2
Direct Labor and Benefits / PI salary, 2 months per yr / $19,162 / $20,024
Co-PI salary 2 mo. per yr / $15,492 / $16,189
Temp. research assist. (1 mo., yr 1) / $3524
Student res. Assist. (3 yr 1, 5 yr 2; 2.5 mo./yr) / $23,490 / $40,325
Fringe, all workers / $13,259 / $14,810
SUBTOTAL / $74,927 / $91,348
Travel, Meals / Airflights ($1200/roundtrip) / $19,200 / $38,400
Per diem ($200/person/day) / $6400 / $12,800
SUBTOTAL / $25,600 / $51,200
Equipment / See list in text / $34,000 / $34,000
Supplies / Clamps, straps and miscellaneous hardware / $500 / $500
Boat fuel / $500 / $1000
Water proof containers for instrumentation / $200 / $200
batteries / $200 / $200
Satellite receiver rental for CNAV / $3000 / $6000
Satellite phone / $2000 / $2000
Field capable laptop computers / $4000 / $4000
Frame to hold sensors / $2000 / $2000
SUBTOTAL / $12,400 / $15,900
Contractual services / Mirko Previsic, Re vision / $60,720
Shipment of equipment to rural sites / $16,000 / $32,000
Subscription for CNAV (C&C Technology) / $3000 / $6000
Safety Training (Alaska Fish and Game) / $8000 / $8000
SUBTOTAL / $87,720 / $46,000
TOTAL DIRECT COSTS / $234,647 / $238,448
Modified Total Direct Cost / $164,927 / $204,448
Indirect costs / $41,232 / $51,112
TOTAL COSTS / $275,879 / $289,560
include: 2 months of salary for the PI and co-PI in years 1 and 2; respectively, for year 1 and $19,947 and $16,130, respectively, for year 2; $3,524 for 1 month of a temporary research assistant in year 1 to assist with the development of the instrument platform; 2.5 months of salary for 5 3 undergraduate research assistants in year 1 and 2.5 months of salary for 3 undergraduate research assistants in year 2; and fringe benefits. Staff benefits are applied according to UAA’s proposed benefit rates for FY07. Rates are 45.7% for senior salaries and 8.9% for graduate students (summers only). A copy of the rate proposal is available at:
Travel costs are calculated assuming 1 survey team (consisting of two research assistants) visit the field eight times during the first summer and each field trip consists of two full days in the field. In the second year, there will be two survey teams so the costs double.
Equipment costs in each year include: The Sontek River Surveyor for velocity/bathymetry measurement ($23,000), a zodiac with a pressure bottom ($5000), and a 25 hp outboard motor ($6000).
Supplies costs and contractual services costs are itemized in the table above.
Modified total direct costs exclude the equipment costs and exclude the amount of the Mirko Previsic (Re vision) subcontract that exceeds $25,000 ($35,720).
Indirect costs are calculated as 25% of the Modified Total Direct Costs.
($39,150) and in year 2 ($39,150); fringe benefits for the PI and co-PI of $6127 and $4955, respectively, in year 1 and $6403 and $5178, respectively, in year 2; fringe benefits for the temporary research assistant of $278 in year 1; fringe benefits for the undergraduate research assistants of $3093 in year 1 and $3093 in year 2; travel costs of $32,000 for airfare ($1000/roundtrip;4 trips per week; 8 weeks) in year 1 and $32,000 for airfare in year 2; travel costs of $2560 for meals ($40/person/day, 2 days per week in field, 8 weeks) in year 1 and $2560 for meals in year 2; $16,000 for freight shipment ($1000/round trip shipment, 2 round trip shipments per week, 8 weeks) in year 1 and $16,000 in year 2; $500 for field supplies (clamps, straps, and hardware for attaching instruments/motor)in year 1; $500 for boat fuel in year 1 and $500 for boat fuel in year 2; $200 for waterproof containers for instruments in year 1; $200 for batteries for instruments in year 1 and $200 for batteries in year 2; $8000 for two Catarafts ($4000 each) in year 1; $6000 for 2 10 hp outboard motors ($3000 each) in year 1; $40,000 for two Sontek-YSI River Surveyors ($20,000 each) for depth sounding and velocity profile measurement in year 1; $7000 for two field capable laptop computers ($3500 each) in year; indirect costs (25% of non-equipment cost) of $35,903 (year 1) and $35,290 (year 2[PC3]).
2.4PROJECT BENEFIT
Briefly discuss the financial benefits that will result from this project, including an estimate of economic benefits(such as reduced fuel costs) and a description of other benefits to the Alaskan public.
Alaska has over 300 rural villages that are located near a river. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has performed conceptual feasibility studies for sites which showed that the economics for River In-Stream Energy Conversion are potentially quite promising, potentially reducing the cost of electricity by 50-70%a factor of 2-3. However, the economics of a RISEChydrokinetic energy plant are a direct function of river velocities and associated power densities at the river sites near these villages. Velocity data for most of these sites is non-existent.
To date little is known about the available energy (velocity distribution) in Alaska waters, however hHydrokinetic technology manufacturers and energy project developers require some information on the water velocity and depth. This project will provide this information and all results will be available to the public and private entities such as consultants, in-stream tidal companies, communities and the state of Alaska. This means that any organization interested in evaluating in-stream renewable energy technologies will be able to select a system that is appropriate for the water body in question. It will also enable a “market pull” by informing device developers of the site conditions (i.e. water depth, velocity distribution and infrastructure availability) and therefore allow them to optimize their device technology to meet a majority of the site conditions in Alaska.
In addition, Likewise, providing the necessary preliminary information on a large number of sites suitable for hydrokinetic power generation will demonstrate to the state and the manufacturers the hydro-kinetic potential within Alaska. This may help the development of small scale hydrokinetic plants for communities and organizations such as the UAA-SOE Renewable Energy Test Station in Girdwood, Alaska and may help the state develop a comprehensive hydrokinetic research, study and implementation plan.,
Finally Tthe project design includes training for university and community personnel and transferring know-how from leading organizations in the area of River In-Stream Conversion (i.e. re vision and EPRI) to the University. The faculty, students and community representatives will engage in a training program to operate a wide variety of technical equipment such as GPS, ADCP and HEC-RAS. The training and experience will improve the state’s ability to become more self sufficient in the development of its own renewable energy resources.
Finally, by using University resources for the project, the State of Alaska will be able to obtain high quality bathymetric and velocity data for about $20,000 per site. The commercial rate would be $50,000 to $70,000 per site. Assuming a $40,000 differential between the commercial and University cost, the State of Alaska would save about $1 million, by supporting this project. Note, due to time and administrative constraints, we have elected not to explicitly enter a match amount below. However, there are numerous contributions that UAA will make to the project. For example, this will be a year round project so the UAA faculty will be spending significant time in the fall, winter, and spring. The value of the faculty time(beyond that included in the budget) will be on the order of $100,000 over the life of the project. In addition, we will use significant amounts of UAA survey equipment (~$20,000 over the life of the project).
2.5PROJECT COST AND BENEFIT SUMARY
Include a summary of your project’s total costs and benefits below.
2.5.1 Total Project Cost
(Including estimates through construction.) / $565,439
2.5.2 Grant Funds Requested in this application. / $565,439
2.5.3 Other Funds to be provided (Project match) / $ 0 (see above)
2.5.4 Total Grant Costs (sum of 2.5.2 and 2.5.3) / $565,439
2.5.5 Estimated Benefit (Savings) / $
2.5.6 Public Benefit (If you can calculate the benefit in terms of dollars please provide that number here and explain how you calculated that number in your application.) / $960,000
SECTION 3 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Describe who will be responsible for managing the project and provide a plan for successfully completing the project within the scope, schedule and budget proposed in the application.
3.1 Project Manager
Tell us who will be managing the project for the Grantee and include a resume and references for the manager(s). If the applicant does not have a project manager indicate how you intend to solicit project management Support. If the applicant expects project management assistance from AEA or another government entity, state that in this section.
The project will be managed by Nyrée McDonald, Ph.D. and Thomas Ravens, Ph.D, both on the faculty in the School of Engineering (SOE) at the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA). of the UAA-SOE. Dr. Ravens will be responsible for managing the technical content of the project as well as the student training program, in collaboration with Mirko Previsic (of Re vision). He will design the measurement system that will acquire the bathymetric and velocity data that will be used to assess the hydro-kinetic potential of the various river systems. In addition, Dr. Ravens will be responsible for data quality control with a particular focus on the predictability of site hydrologic conditions based on available USGS gauge data, given that the USGS gauge site may be quite far from the rural site of interest. He will communicate with local and national experts (e.g., USGS personnel) to ensure that the best possible estimates of hydro-kinetic potential are made. Dr. Ravens earned a Ph.D. from MIT in Civil and Environmental Engineering and was a tenured research professor at Texas A&M University before joining the UAA School of Engineering in 2007. Since 2000, he has conducted and directly supervised over $1 million of research projects focusing on: hydrographic surveying, deployment of oceanographic sensors including velocity sensors, and development of hydrodynamic, hydrologic, and sediment transport models. He has published numerous research papers in leading peer-reviewed journals and is a regular reviewer of papers for these journals (see c.v. for more details).