Renewable Energy in Idaho

1

The Idaho Renewable Energy Picture

Population and Geographical Information:

The census and demographic information from Idaho indicates that Idahoans value their land. Figure 1 shows the network of roads in Idaho. From the figure, it is easy to see that there are large areas of sparse population. The population of Idaho is currently 1,252,000, and only 37.5% of Idahoans live in metropolitan areas1. This is an extremely low percentage compared to the rest of the United States. Also, 63.7% of the land in Idaho is federally owned2. The vast regions of sparse population allow Idaho to be a strong agricultural producer. The state produces more potatoes, winter peas, and seed peas than any other state. They also rank high in production of lentils, beets, barley, mint, hops, and many other crops2. Although the number of farms in Idaho slowly decreased from 1970-1994, the number of farms has been increasing since 19942.

Idaho also contains 22 state parks, 15 national forests, and many outdoor attractions including Hell’s Canyon, Sawtooth Wilderness Area, White Cloud Peaks, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and the Seven Devils Mountains3. Figure 2 shows the location of the Idaho State Parks.

Tourism (mainly to these outdoor locations) provides a significant portion of the states annual income. So, open spaces in Idaho provide income through both agricultural and tourism sectors.

In general, Idahoans tend to be fairly conservative. Of the 35 state senate members, only 4 are democrats and of the 80 state house members, only 22 are democrats18.

Like most of the country, the service industry provides most of the jobs in Idaho. Manufacturing, retail, and government employment are also high. Economically, Idaho compares well to national averages. Its cost of living index is slightly lower than the national standard3. The state also has an extremely high literacy rate and a strong reliance (96%) on the public school system3.

Idaho’s climate is fairly diverse. The northern part of the state receives more precipitation than the south. The south tends to be drier and warmer, but the southeast is the coolest region of the state. Large hurricanes, tornadoes, hail storms, and damaging winds are rare. Average July high temperatures range from 85 to 91oF and average January low temperatures range from 10 to 27oF3.

The landscape in Idaho is primarily mountainous. The mountains create deep valleys containing rivers that provide water to fertile growing areas. An elevation map of Idaho is shown in Figure 3. Idaho also has 6,000 miles of streams and 2,400 miles of floatable rivers. These waterways are shown on the map in Figure 4.

The value that Idahoans place on the outdoors and their conservative politics will influence energy policy in the state

Past Energy Use:

Energy use distribution has been fairly consistent since 1970, as shown in Figure 5. The only clear trend in the graph is a continually increased percentage of import

electricity. There has also been a fairly consistent decrease in the consumption of coal since 1970. Figure 6 shows the dramatic increase in consumption since 1960.

Current Energy Use:

Note: Unless otherwise noted, the data for this section is for 1997.

Energy Source Distribution

Most of Idaho’s energy is supplied from petroleum or hydroelectricity. The detailed breakdown compared to the United States is shown in Figure 7. Several important comparisons can be made between the two distributions:

• Idaho consumes approximately one-tenth less coal than the national average.
• Idaho does not use any nuclear energy, compared to an average of 7%.
• Idaho produces a significant amount of energy from hydropower, compared to the rest of the nation.

Energy Users:

Figure 8 shows that the industrial sector consumes the most energy in the state. Transportation, residential, and commercial sectors each contribute about 20% to overall energy use. The transportation sector uses petroleum for 95% of its energy, and natural gas for the other 5% (on a BTU basis)7. Figure 9 shows the distribution of energy for each of the other sectors.

Figure 9 -- Commercial, Residential, Industrial, and Transportation Sector Energy Distribution7

It is noted from these figures that electrical power consumes a significant amount of the total power for the state and also that electrical system losses (from generation, transmission, and distribution) are extremely high.

Electricity Use:

A study of electricity usage is necessary because electricity consumes a large percentage of the total energy consumption and because it impacts everyone’s lives. The public is often more aware of how much their electricity costs and where it comes from than they are of other energy issues. Electric utility deregulation has not yet spread to Idaho. However, in 1997, the Idaho House passed a bill to form a committee to research information about electricity costs. The Public Utility Commission formed this committee and in January 1998, they issued the “Electric Costs Report”. The recommendations of this committee could lead to electricity deregulation in Idaho10. Hydropower is the primary source of electricity generation in Idaho, providing nearly 100% of the electricity produced in the state7. For comparison, coal provides 54%, nuclear 23%, hydropower 10%, and natural gas 10% of the nation’s electricity (on a KWh basis)8.

The hydropower is produced from many large-scale dams on the Snake River and its tributaries.

Table 1 -- Major Dams in Idaho9

Because hydropower generates essentially all of the state’s energy, Idaho has very low SOx, NOx, and CO2 emissions. Only 1 state produces less CO2 and NOx, and only 2 states produce less SOx10.

Also, since hydropower generates essentially all of Idaho’s electricity, the state has very low electricity rates. The average rate in the residential sector is 5.1 ¢/kWh, with rates ranging from 3.0 to 7.7 ¢/kWh8. Among all 50 states, only Kentuckians pay less for electricity7. Unfortunately, Idahoans take advantage of the low cost of energy by consuming more energy per capita than 36 other states1. In 1996, each Idahoan consumed 406 million BTUs1.

Most of Idaho’s electricity (90%) is supplied by four large investor-owned utilities8. The rest of the electricity is provided by smaller, publicly-owned electric utilities. Of the larger utilities, Idaho Power supplies the most electricity, providing about 60% of Idaho’s electricity8. Idaho Power is a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc.. According to the company’s web page, Idaho Power is a “the country’s leader in photovoltaic (solar) research and project implementation.9”

Available Renewable Energy Resources:

In the last section, current energy consumption patterns were presented. From that information, we see that hydropower and biomass are the only renewable energy sources used on a large scale in Idaho. Most of the renewable energy resources in Idaho are still untapped.

Wind:

Idaho has excellent wind resources in many areas of the state8. Figure 10 maps the wind power class of regions of the state. For reference, wind power class 3 or higher can generate wind power with large turbines, while class 4 or higher is optimal. However, small turbines can be used at any speed. Figure 10 shows that most of Idaho is within the 3-7 wind power class range. According to the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN), only 0.4% of the land in Idaho would need to be covered with wind turbines to produce 322% of the state’s electricity needs8. There may be industrial opportunities, as well.

Solar:

Idaho has good resources for flat-plate solar collection and also has useful resources for solar concentrators. Figure 11 shows the distribution of flat-plate solar resources in the state. Flat-plate solar systems include photovoltaics and solar water heaters. According to the EREN, in one of Idaho’s better solar regions, a PV array the size of a football field could power approximately 99 homes8.

Solar concentrators are more technologically advanced; they are built on tracking systems so that they always face the sun. Figure 12 shows that some regions of the state are suitable for solar concentrators. According to the EREN, in the best regions of the state, a collector area of 150 acres could power 4,419 homes8.

Geothermal:

All three types of geothermal resources (electric, direct use, and geothermal heat pumps) are available in Idaho8.

Biomass:

There is a huge potential for biomass energy in Idaho. As mentioned earlier, Idaho is an agricultural state. Corn and potatoes grown by farmers can be used to make ethanol, a biofuel. One hundred pounds of potatoes can produce 1.1 gallons of ethanol and one bushel of corn can produce 2.5 gallons of ethanol15. Each gallon of ethanol holds 76,000 BTUs, which means that 100 pounds of potatoes yields 83,600 BTUs and a bushel of corn yields 190,000 BTUs15. Biofuel can also be made from rapeseed oil, which makes a replacement for diesel fuel. Rape is already grown in many areas of Idaho. It is a very efficient crop: one acre of rape yields 2,000 pounds of seed which can produce 100 gallons of oil for fuel plus an additional 1,200 pounds of meal used for livestock feed or other applications16.

Hydropower:

Hydropower is already used extensively in Idaho. However, many of the hydropower resources remain untapped16. A recent study suggests that 373 hydropower sites are underdeveloped16. These sites could provide 1,654.9 MW of energy16. The study takes environmental sensitivity into account. However, with the growing concern about the negative effects of hydropower dams on salmon, additional facilities may receive strong opposition.

Current Incentives:

Idaho Solar Initiative:

The Idaho Solar Initiative was started in response to the national Million Solar Roofs project. Idaho’s goal is to install 5,000 solar systems in the state by the year 2010. In order to help achieve this goal, the state has done the following11:

• Idaho Customer Information Booklet – This booklet is available for any Idahoan who is considering installing solar technologies. It includes technical information, financial resources, local solar dealer information, and guidelines for choosing a system. It also includes information about the Idaho Department of Water Resources’ Energy Divisions low-interest loan program.

• Rebate Program – Through this program, the first group of about thirty people who purchase an off-grid, remote solar electric system will receive a large rebate. They will receive $3 per watt of installed capacity with a maximum of the lower of $5,000 or 25% of capacity.

• Educational Events – The state will sponsor an “Idaho Solar Awareness Week” each year in July. They will sponsor events and media attention to inform the public about solar energy.

• Governor Recognition – Any participant of the Idaho Solar Initiative will receive a participation certificate from the governor.

Low Interest Loans:

This program gives low interest loans to Idahoans for Renewable Resource Projects. The program gives residential loans ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 and commercial loans form $1,000 to $100,000. The loans carry a 4% interest rate over a 5-year repayment plan. For existing residences and businesses, the program requires the renewable technology to be economically advantageous; the project must have a simple payback period of less than ten years. However, for new projects, the renewable project must be the cheapest alternative. Some examples of appropriate projects include12:

• Photovoltaic systems for off-grid homes or stock watering
• Residential-use solar collectors
• Wind energy for off-grid homes or stock watering
• Heat pumps for home heating
• Geothermal heating in greenhouses or commercial buildings
• On-site hydropower generation
• Woodwaste burners in new buildings
• Biomass as feedstocks
• Electric generation systems from biogas from wastewater treatment plants

Energy Conservation Loans:

Like the loans listed above, these loans offer a 4% interest rate and a 5-year repayment plan. Also, the projects must still show a payback period of 10 years or less from energy savings. The program funds energy efficient technologies in residential, commercial, governmental and agricultural sectors, as well as in schools, hospitals, and health care facilities. Eligible projects for each sector include13:

• Residential – existing structures only ($1,000 minimum, $10,000 maximum):
• Additional insulation
• Efficient space heating installation
• Wood heat systems
• Energy Star windows
• Commercial – existing structures only ($1,000 minimum, $100,000 maximum):
• Insulation
• Energy Star windows
• More efficient lighting
• HVAC retrofits
• Governmental or Schools, Hospitals, and Health Care Facilities – existing structures only (no minimum, $100,000 maximum):
• Any efficiency improvements on facilities owned by the government or Indian tribes or improvements to schools, hospitals, or health care facilities.
• Agricultural (no minimum, $100,000 maximum):
• Weatherizing buildings
• Photovoltaics for stock watering
• Irrigation and pump retrofits
• Sprinkler conversion to low pressure

Low Interest Agricultural Loans:

This program also offers a 4% interest, 5-year repayment loan to the agricultural sector. The loans have no minimum and can reach $100,000. Like the others, the project must show a simple payback of 10 years or less, must use current technology, and must be done in Idaho. Eligible projects include14:

• Irrigation system redesign (to low pressure or change from diesel to electricity)
• Energy efficient irrigation
• Energy efficient lighting or sensors
• Repair or replacement of old pumps, motors, or sprinklers
• HVAC systems
• Insulation

These projects are applicable to dairies, greenhouses, poultry barns, feed mills, and agricultural storage facilities.

Net metering:

“Net metering allows consumers to offset the cost of electricity they buy from a utility by selling renewable electric power generated at their homes or businesses8.” Currently, Idaho Power Company offers net metering for small commercial and residential customers. The program is available for all small-scale energy technologies (under 100kW). However, since electricity is so inexpensive in Idaho, few people take advantage of the program.

Solar Energy Equipment Certification:

All sales of solar energy technologies, including photovoltaics, solar water heating, and solar space heating, require certification by the Better Business Bureau of Idaho8. This ensures that the government is funding sound projects when it offers loans for solar technologies (see above).

Limitations:

There are several possible limitations to widespread implementation of renewable energy in Idaho:

Virtual monopoly of Idaho electricity – Idaho Power Company controls most of the electricity in the state. Any changes in electricity source distribution will have to be started by that company. To decrease hydropower use in Idaho, environmentalists must convince Idaho Power Company that many of the hydropower dams are damaging to the ecosystem (especially salmon) and that other profitable and clean energy technologies exist.

Low cost of energy – Renewable energy implementation often requires significant start-up costs. Idaho energy consumers are accustomed to cheap energy and may fight any increase in costs, even if they are temporary.

Lack of deregulation – Right now, it is difficult for Idahoans to choose (non-hydro) renewable energy electricity. Most of the loans listed above only apply to people who live far away from the electricity grid. Those tied into the grid are stuck with their power company’s energy choices. Deregulation would allow Idaho power customers to choose their energy for electricity. Non-hydroelectric renewable resources would by an option to ALL Idahoans.

Political climate – Liberal renewable energy policy may be difficult to achieve in a conservative political climate.

Hydropower – The widespread use of hydropower might make it difficult to switch to other, more sustainable resources.

Possible Future Studies:

Next semester, I would like to study ways to implement more renewable energy in Idaho. Some of the questions to be answered include:

• What would be the implications of the removal of several large hydropower dams on the Snake River?
• How can electric utility deregulation occur?
• How cheap would renewable energy have to be for Idahoans to choose it?
• How can the Idahoans’ appreciation of the land be used as a marketing tool to promote renewable energy?
• How would widespread use of ethanol affect the farming industry in Idaho?
• What solutions exist for the industrial and commercial sectors?
• As hydropower dams begin to shut down, how can renewable energy sources replace them?
• Is Idaho too conservative to pass more far-reaching renewable energy incentives?