2011 RESCO Experts Symposium, February 22-23, 2011
Since California Renewable Energy Secure Communities (RESCO) projects are now generating results, the 2nd Annual RESCO Experts Symposium was organized to highlight and discuss replicable and broadly applicable results and solutions, and shared needs of RESCO stakeholders. Over 100 attendees, including 33 speakers, joined us for the event. Four half-day sessions with federal, state, county and project speakers provided updates and perspectives on RESCO integrated deployment, decentralized energy, smart grid deployment, and campus-based energy systems. Two key conclusions were: 1) RESCO is one of the important pathways to Renewable Energy deployment in the next decade; and 2) Utilities and RESCO Developers will need to be collaborative and mutually supportive.
RESCO Experts Symposium Highlights, in two parts, and link to a referenced model:
To learn more about The Aachen Solar Tariff Model referenced in Part A of these Highlights, visit this link for the April 7, 2007 article by Paul Gipe: http://www.wind-works.org/Solar/TheAachenSolarTariffModel.html
Proceedings
Day 1 - February 22, 2011
RESCOS and Integrated Deployment
Program Updates: Laurie ten Hope, Moderator
- Energy Commission RESCO Projects
Laurie ten Hope, California Energy Commission - DOE Integrated Deployment Projects
Linda Silverman, US Department of Energy
Abstract: A review of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding for Renewables and DOE Renewable Deployment programs and projects, including the two California awards to SMUD and UC Davis. - Marin County
Dawn Weisz, Marin Energy Authority
Abstract: The Marin Clean Energy project uses Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) to stimulate local renewable energy deployment, distributed generation, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reductions along with customer choice and flexibility. Learn how the CCA concept grew from legislation to community vision and then to implementation. Find out what has already been accomplished and what is planed next for Marin Clean Energy. - Sonoma County
Efren Carillo, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Abstract: Sonoma County's Renewable Energy vision, goals and leadership action in aligning local community, business and government with efforts at the state and federal level. - Humboldt County
Mark Lovelace, Humboldt County Supervisor
Abstract: Preliminary results from a technical and economic assessment of Humboldt County's renewable energy potential show that development of local renewables coupled with electric vehicles and heat pumps can offer cost effective greenhouse gas mitigation. Through community engagement and strategic plan development, we are identifying near-term next steps that can move our RESCO vision forward.
Roundtable Discussion - Federal/State Collaboration: Martha Krebs, Moderator
RESCOS and Decentralized Energy
Strategic Overview: Panama Bartholomy, Moderator
- American Council On Renewable Energy
Todd Foley, Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Relations
Abstract: ACORE's perspective on Renewable Energy (RE) Policy opportunities & challenges, Market/Technology drivers for the energy sector, (one of most heavily regulated & subsidized markets) and the means (policy, finance, and education) to achieve RE goals. - Global Energy Network
Larisa Dobriansky, Director
Abstract: The value proposition, market drivers, and potential of a new Distributed Energy model in greening and modernizing our power system. Perspectives on pioneering work underway, the need to change market rules to match technology advancements and policy goals, and how the RESCO RD&D model can help break down the silos are presented.
Planning Tools and Models: Linda Silverman, Moderator
- NREL Integrated Deployment Strategy
Mary Werner (presented by Linda Silverman), NREL
Abstract: A discussion of NREL's Clean Energy Transformational Change, a multi-technology, systemic, integrative approach to energy sources, generation, and end use. This energy approach can be replicated and deployed at any level (nation, state, community, city), with project time lines and sample successes described. - SMUD
Mike DeAngelis, SMUD
Abstract: A description of why SMUD has advanced the use of decentralized energy in the Sacramento region and a brief overview of some of the projects. - Renewable Energy Secure Sonoma
Dale Roberts, Sonoma County Water Agency
Abstract: A review of Sonoma County RESCO tools and models, integrating data from multiple sources, enabling design of their renewable energy portfolio; a pilot demonstration project; a communications plan & governance structure; and plan for completing additional model sectors and developing a new interactive user interface for the Sonoma County RESCO website. - Humboldt County Energy Element
Jim Zoellick, Schatz Energy Research Center, Humboldt State University
Abstract: The Humboldt County RESCO study team has developed and utilized a renewable resource optimization model that incorporates a single node energy dispatch model along with supply and demand models. The model considers electric, heating and transportation energy demands and seeks an optimal solution given constraints and objectives related to costs, local economic stimulus and greenhouse gas emissions. The team has also developed and utilized Humboldt County specific "JEDI-type" economic impact models covering a portfolio of generation technologies and energy efficiency measures. These models could be adopted for use in other communities. - Canby
Dale Merrick, Canby Geothermal
Abstract: A small Northern California community takes control of their energy future and sets the stage for sustainable growth by installing a cascaded geothermal system that includes binary power generation and several direct-use applications including an existing district heating system, 5 acres of greenhouse operations and fish farm. The Canby model could be replicable in many co-located communities in the American West where geothermal resources are abundant. - San Luis Obispo
Trevor Keith, San Luis Obispo County
Abstract: SLO-RESCO has developed a renewable resource model that opens up a wide ranging inventory of local energy options and policy tools. Information provided by this project will help SLO County planners in their development and implementation of the Climate Action Plan, the Energy Chapter in the Open Space and Conservation Element, general public education and future funding opportunities. - UC Santa Cruz
John Vesecky, UC Santa Cruz
Abstract: A description of the Santa Cruz GreenWharf project as a prototype for coastal communities in sensitive environments, with goals of making the wharf energy self-sufficient and introducing smart grid (as a mini-grid) to wharf facilities, while building community support and student involvement.
Day 2 - February 23, 2011
RESCOS and the Electric Grid
- The Electric Grid and RESCO Integration
Merwin Brown, Electric Grid Research, UC-CIEE
Abstract: The electric grid faces a number of challenges for which it was not designed. Building more wires, poles and towers can't do it alone; new technologies are needed, especially smart ones. RESCOs have the potential to add to these challenges or incorporate new technologies to become part of the solution.
Piloting California's Renewable Energy Future: Merwin Brown, Moderator
- PIER Smart Grid Efforts
Pedro Gomez, California Energy Commission
Abstract: The California Energy Commission funds public interest energy research. The Commission works with a variety of partners, both public and private, to help meet California's energy policy goals. This presentation will review the status of ongoing and completed research efforts into Smart Grid. - SCE Smart Grid Efforts
Mike Montoya, SCE
Abstract: Edison's smart grid strategy to create a cleaner, smarter and reliable energy future. - SMUD Smart Grid Efforts
Jim Parks, SMUD
Abstract: Provide an overview of SMUD's smart grid efforts covering approximately 20 individual projects and the effort to understand the interactions between project elements that comprise the "smart grid". - SDG&E Micro Grid Efforts
William Torre, SDG&E
Abstract: San Diego Gas and Electric Co. in cooperation with the California Energy Commission and US Department of Energy is demonstrating the feasibility of a Microgrid, by managing load and generation on a localized basis using an existing electric distribution circuit. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of self sustaining islanded operation using a combination of distributed generation, energy storage, renewable generation, and automated demand response. - UCSD RESCO Update
Byron Washom, UCSD
Abstract: UC San Diego has an active program in renewable energy to meet the new energy demand growth associated with a $200M/year capital expansion program. Under construction is a 2.8 MW molten carbonate fuel cell that will utilize currently flared waste methane gas from the local wastewater treatment plant, and this world's first renewable directed biogas project will provide 8% of the campus' base load power requirements by Q4 2011. The 1.2 MW of PV were installed in 2008 at seven different locations around campus are integrated with 36 individual inverters from five manufacturers, and they will soon be integrated will small scale energy storage and "2nd life" EV batteries. A 900 kW PV tranche was just funded with $4M of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds at ~2% for 15 years, a $1.2M of CA Solar Initiative performance based incentive and a net metering tariff structure. The world's second fully integrated 33 kW/33 kWh PV Integrated Storage System from Sanyo will be operational on campus in Q3 2011. UCSD currently has approximately $1.5M in intra hour solar forecasting research that will be integrated into a RESCO funded microgrid master controller for optimization of all generation, storage, load and grid imports based upon hourly dynamic market price signals. UCSD is prime contractor on a $2.4M DOE/CEC grant for Mitigating Measures of High PV Penetration. The 30 MW CCHP plant that was awarded in 2010 an EPA Energy Star Award currently provides 85% of the electrical load and 95% of the heating and cooling loads of the campus. UCSD owns the 69 kV substation, ninety-six 12kV underground feeder circuits and four 12kV distribution substations. UCSD demonstrated a DR of 80% during the last local utility call for energy conservation via 125 networked building controls in 70 major buildings. [Power Magazine Article: Smart Power Generation at UCSD ] - Sacramento State Smart Grid Efforts
Harold Galicer, Sacramento State University
Abstract: The California Smart Grid Center at Sacramento State does product testing in an unbiased setting, supporting development of a national Smart Grid, while constantly redefining the term, and developing a Smart Grid workforce and training program. An overview of multiple strategic initiatives, research projects, stakeholders and need for cross-silo cooperation. - Solar Integration R&D
George Simons, Itron
Abstract: Renewable DG sources are expected to make up an increasing amount of California's electricity supplies. Opportunities exist to deploy renewable DG resources in ways that improve grid reliability and responsiveness, enhance the cost-effectiveness of how we implement these resources and help reduce GHG emissions. This presentation reviews ongoing RE R&D activities that address these opportunities.
Utility Roundtable Reflections (Montoya, Parks, William Torre, Antonio Alvarez): Laurie ten Hope, Moderator
Campus-Based RESCOS
Cost-Driven and Incentive-Leveraged Decision Making: Mary Hayakawa, Moderator
- West Village Lessons Learned to Date
Nolan Zail, Carmel Partners
Abstract: Presentation will include regulatory, financial and technological challenges encountered and share lessons learned. - Sonoma Mountain Village Lessons Learned to Date
Geof Syphers, Codding Enterprises
The Sonoma Mountain Village project approach, technologies, participation in One Planet communities for sustainable living, and total impact on zero use energy, water, and greenhouse gas reduction. Discussion on potential impacts of zero net metering, a rule change to raise the 1MW cap, and use of social media to change energy use behavior. - PG&E Zero Net Energy Pilot Program
Jeff Gleeson, PG&E
Abstract: The goal of the PG&E ZNE pilot program is to explore the best practices in building design and technology development that are most critical to the successful achievement of California's long-term energy goals.
RESCO Project Updates: Sid England, Moderator
- UC Merced
Gerardo Diaz, UC Merced
Abstract: We will share progress on integrating deep energy efficiency and renewable energy to achieve zero net energy at the community scale. - UC San Diego
John Dilliott, UC San Diego
Abstract: Master Control of the diverse assets associated with the UC Microgrid represents opportunity of replication to all aspects of energy supply and demand within a microgrid. - UC Irvine
Jack Brouwer, UC Irvine
Abstract: UCI RESCO project goals include an energy infrastructure roadmap for UCI and for communities in general, and issues for policy makers and industry leaders . A discussion of methodology for two of nine project tasks: Substation & Distribution Circuit Infrastructure, and Holistic Energy Integration & Management. - Santa Rita Jail
Matt Muniz, County of Alameda
Abstract: A description of the Santa Rita Jail Smart Grid RESCO project for a community of 3700 guests and 500 hosts. The project aims for true system integration of renewable and clean distributed energy resources, including solar PV, small wind turbines, a fuel cell, and advanced energy storage, with off-grid Island capability. Startup and commissioning is expected September 2011.