News

This section contains information on the news items recently highlighted on this Web site. News items previously highlighted here can be found in the Archives section.

Energy Savings Opportunities for Indiana WWTFs: Energy Efficiency and CHP
Elkhart, IN
May 21, 2008

The Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) organized and implemented two one-day workshops in Indiana: on May 19th in Indianapolis and on May 21st in Elkhart. Both workshops were sponsored by the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development, along with the following co-sponsors:

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA)

• Indiana Industrial Operators Association (IIOA)

• Alliance of Indiana Rural Water

• Blue Moon Fund

These were the first workshops the MAC organized in Indiana this year targeting the wastewater treatment facility managers in the State of Indiana on the concepts of energy efficiency and biogas utilization from anaerobic digesters. The two workshops attracted more than one hundred interested attendees that engaged in many interactive discussions. Workshop attendees included wastewater treatment facility managers, engineering and environmental firms, government employees, private and public utilities, and others.

Welcome Slide listing Workshop Co-Sponsors

Cris Dorman of the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development (OED) welcomes the attendees to the Elkhart workshop

The workshop was organized into four program sections:

• Energy Efficiency and Performance Contracting

• Basic Understanding of Concepts and Technologies: Anaerobic Digesters, Gas Applications (including CHP), Gas Treatment, and Grid Interconnection

• Actual Applications and Example Installations

• Next Steps to Evaluating these Technologies and Concepts at Your Facility: Carbon Footprinting, Air Permitting, Financing Projects, and State Incentives

The workshop agenda, copies of presentations, and speakers' contact information are available.

Energy Savings Opportunities for Indiana WWTFs: Energy Efficiency and CHP
Indianapolis, IN
May 19, 2008

The Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) organized and implemented two one-day workshops in Indiana: on May 19th in Indianapolis and on May 21st in Elkhart. Both workshops were sponsored by the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development, along with the following co-sponsors:

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Indiana Water Environment Association (IWEA)

• Indiana Industrial Operators Association (IIOA)

• Alliance of Indiana Rural Water

• Blue Moon Fund

These were the first workshops the MAC organized in Indiana this year targeting the wastewater treatment facility managers in the State of Indiana on the concepts of energy efficiency and biogas utilization from anaerobic digesters. The two workshops attracted more than one hundred interested attendees that engaged in many interactive discussions. Workshop attendees included wastewater treatment facility managers, engineering and environmental firms, government employees, private and public utilities, and others.

Welcome Slide listing Workshop Co-Sponsors

Chet Welle, Assistant Plant Manager of the Rochester Water Reclamation Plant, discusses the plant's CHP project and the associated benefits of the technology

The workshops highlighted energy efficiency, anaerobic digesters, combustion and gasification technologies as viable approaches to meeting the individual wastewater treatment plant’s energy and management planning requirements, and showed how these technologies can be combined with CHP systems to generate onsite electricity and recycle the heat for use in the plant digester, pre-heating the digested sludge, facility heating/cooling and domestic hot water. CHP systems can reach 75% to 85% fuel use efficiencies, reduce energy consumption, provide economic savings, reduce carbon emissions, and when integrated with anaerobic digesters can assist in odor reduction, pathogen mitigation, and the reduced volume of sludge.

The workshop was organized into four program sections:

• Energy Efficiency and Performance Contracting

• Basic Understanding of Concepts and Technologies: Anaerobic Digesters, Gas Applications (including CHP), Gas Treatment, and Grid Interconnection

• Actual Applications and Example Installations

• Next Steps to Evaluating these Technologies and Concepts at Your Facility: Carbon Footprinting, Air Permitting, Financing Projects, and State Incentives

The workshop agenda, copies of presentations, and speakers' contact information are available.

Bio-Energy Production Through Anaerobic Digester Technology
Lansing, MI
January 15, 2008

The MAC worked closely with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan State Energy Office in organizing and implementing the above workshop. Over 130 representatives from the livestock, food processing, digester, state government, engineering, utility, and finance industries participated. The workshop agenda, copies of the presentations, and speaker bios are now available by clicking on the desired link.

Methane Recovery from Farm & Food Processing Waste
Richmond, IN
May 31, 2007

The MAC developed and implemented the above workshop, under the direction of the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development (state energy office) and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Approximately 100 representatives from the livestock and food processing industries, the electric utility industry, state government, academia, and manufacturers attended the one-day workshop. More information on the workshop, its agenda, copies of the prersentations and speakers are now availble.

U.S. EPA Launches New Web Site for CHP Partnership
August 2007

The U.S. EPA is pleased to announce the launching of its new Web site for The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Partnership. New project development resources are now available and portions of the Web site have been streamlined to improve the access to existing tools and information. Some of the changes include the following:

• Revised Funding Database - To build on the popularity of the original funding database, we have made the new funding database easier to navigate by including updated tabs and organizing the information by type of project and the type of incentive. Please visit the new Funding Database, at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/funding/funding.html.
  

• Revised Project Developer's Page - The Streamlining Project Development Web page, consolidates a number of different resources into a single location, using a common navigation menu. This descriptive resource helps to guide users through the entire procurement process: from analyzing site-specific technical potential for CHP to operations and maintenance of a completed CHP system. The guide also highlights various tools and resources that might be helpful at each stage of the CHP development process. This newly consolidated guide is available at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/project-development/index.html
  

• Newly Added Tools and Resources - The Web site now includes a number of new resources, such as: a section outlining CHP project economics, available at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/basic/economics.html; new information on the CHP Partnership's strategic market sectors for CHP, accessible at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/markets/index.html; and a publications page listing all CHP Partnership documents available on the Web site, located at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/publications/index.html.
  

• Improved Basic Information on CHP - More background information on CHP is included, such as a section on renewably-fueled CHP (a new home for information about biomass and biogas utilization for onsite power generation), as well as resources for quantifying the efficiency and reliability benefits of CHP compared to conventional separate heat and power generation. Please visit the new Basic Information Web page, at: http://www.epa.gov/chp/basic/index.html.

• More to Come - Over the next few months, we will be posting several reports currently under development to the new Web site, such as the Biomass CHP Catalog of Technologies - a follow-up to our CHP Catalog of Technologies. The Biomass CHP Catalog of Technologies will provide in-depth information on technology applications, the project development process, and other important considerations when building a biomass-fueled CHP system.

The CHP Partnership will be announcing several new tools and resources over the next few months to CHP Partnership members. For more information on joining the CHP Partnership, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/chp/partnership/how-to-join.html.

Waste-to-Energy Workshop for the Ohio Livestock & Food Processing Industries
January 31, 2007
Wooster, OH

The MAC developed and implemented the workshop at the request of the Ohio State Energy Office. The workshop was held at the Arden Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio. The Conference Center is part of the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center, Ohio State University.

This was the seventh such waste-to-energy workshop conducted by the MAC over the past several years, and the first in Ohio. Prior workshops were held in Iowa (2), Illinois (2), and Indiana (2). The Ohio workshop attracted the largest audience, with over 180 attendees, including representatives from the Ohio livestock industry, food processing industry, academia, utility industry, engineering and manufacturing industry, and state government. Among the many highlights of the workshop was the active participation of Ohio State Senator Ron Amstutz and the newly appointed Governor’s Energy Advisor, Mr. Mark Shanahan.

Over half of the attendees were members of the livestock and/or food processing industries in Ohio. The workshop focused on providing enough information to these potential users of the technologies and concepts as to encourage them to evaluate the concepts at their facilities. The workshop also provided them with information on how they could proceed with the evaluation.

The large and enthusiastic turnout for the workshop was the result of the backing of the many workshop co-sponsors including

• U.S. Department of Energy
  
• Ohio Department of Development
  
• Ohio Agriculture Research & Development Center
  
• Ohio State University
  
• Ohio Department of Agriculture
  
• Ohio Edison Center for Innovative Food Technology
  
• Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
  
• Ohio Farmers Union
  
• Wayne Economic Development Council
  
• Ohio Soybean Council
  
• Ohio Corn Growers
  
• idwest CHP Application Center
  

The attendees were welcomed by Ms. Sara Ward, Director of Ohio’s State Energy Office and Dr. Steve Slack, the Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration at Ohio State University and the Director of the Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center. The lunch time key note speaker was Mr Mark Shanahan, the newly appointed Energy Advisor to Governor Ted Strickland.

The audience was also provided an update on an ongoing study being conducted by Professor Fred Hitzhusen of Ohio State University, entitled “Assessing Ohio’s Biomass Resources for Energy Potential Using GIS”. The Phase 1 report is available on line at:
www.llaede.osu.edu/people/publications.php?user=hitzhusen.1

The workshop agenda, copies of presentations, and speakers' contact information are available.

Waste to Energy Workshop for Indiana Farm, Food Processing, and Wood Industries
December 11, 2006
Jasper, IN

The Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) organized and implemented the event which was sponsored by the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, along with the following co-sponsors:

• U.S. Department of Energy
  
• Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management
  
• Dubois County Area Development Corp.
  
• Jasper Municipal Utilities
  
• Dubois Rural Electric Coop & Hoosier Energy REC
  
• Indiana State Poultry Association
  
• Indiana Pork Producers Association
  
• Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association
  
• Indiana State Dairy Association
  
• Purdue Technical Assistance Program
  
• Indiana Corn Growers Association
  
• Indiana Soybean Board
  

This was second workshop the MAC organized in Indiana this year. This workshop attracted almost one hundred attendees. A similar workshop was held earlier this year in Peru, Indiana and attracted an equally large interested audience.

The workshop featured anaerobic digester, combustion, and gasification technologies as viable approaches to meeting the state's waste management planning requirements, and showed how these technologies can be combined with CHP systems to generate onsite electricity and recycle heat. These systems can reach 75% to 85% fuel use efficiencies, save energy, save money, reduce emissions, control odor, and meet waste management planning requirements.

The workshop was organized into three program sections, Basic Understanding of the Technologies and Concepts; Actual Applications and Example Installations; What to do Next to Evaluate the Use of these technologies and Concepts at your Facility. The key note luncheon speaker was Andy Miller, the Indiana Agriculture Director that provided the strategic direction being implemented by Governor Mitch Daniels to promote the use of agriculture to assist in the energy future of Indiana.

The workshop agenda, copies of presentations, and speakers' contact information are available.

Methane Production from Livestock Manure: Waste-to-Energy Workshops for the Illinois Livestock Industry
August 30, 2006
Bloomington, IL

August 31, 2006
Sterling, IL

The MAC planned, coordinated, and implemented the workshops held on Wednesday, August 30 at the Illinois Agricultural Association in Bloomington, Illinois and the next day at the Latin American Social Club in Sterling, Illinois.

The workshops were co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the US Department of Energy, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Milk Producers Association, the Illinois Pork Producers Association, the Illinois Beef Association, the University of Illinois Extension Service, and the Midwest CHP Application Center.

The purpose of the workshops was to inform and educate the Illinois dairy, swine, and other livestock industries, as well as anyone involved in the design, financing, operation, or regulatory oversight of these type facilities, on the use of anaerobic digesters to meet the environmental requirements within the state, the integration of CHP with the digester technology, and the availability of technical assistance to evaluate the use of these technologies at their farm and/or facility.

The workshops were very well attended with over half of the 150 attendees being farmers and livestock producers. The exchange of information and experiences between the speakers and audience were energizing. Of particular note were the presentations by Scheidairy Farms, Hunter Haven Farms, and New Horizon Dairies on their experiences with their digester / CHP systems. The keynote speaker was Mr. Doug Wilson, Illinois Director of Rural Development for the USDA, and the luncheon speaker was Mr. Chuck Hartke, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture. The workshops agenda addressed five key areas:

1) Basics regarding Illinois manure management requirements and the role of Digester & CHP technologies

2) Insights into the technology applications from the largest US developers of digester/CHP systems

3) Illinois Case Studies – the experiences of three Illinois livestock producers

4) Carbon Credits & Trading Program for Illinois Agriculture

5) Next Steps: technical assistance available to attendees to evaluate the use of these technologies on their farm and/or facility.

Copies of the presentations made at the workshops are available.

Dark Mountain, Western States Regional Energy Assurance Exercise
June 14-15, 2006
Salt Lake City, UT

The Western States Energy Assurance Exercise, titled Dark Mountain, was co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability and Western Interstate Energy Board, and was hosted by the State of Utah. The event was conducted in collaboration with the National Association of State Energy Officials, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, National Conference of State Legislatures, and National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices.

The goals of the exercise were to:

• Facilitate communication within the region

• Increase participants’ understanding of key aspects of petroleum markets and infrastructure in the Western United States and Canada

• Explore petroleum, electricity and natural gas infrastructural and organizational interdependencies and identify potential vulnerabilities

• Educate participants about energy assurance planning

John Cuttica, Director of the Midwest CHP Application Center, was invited by the U.S. Department of Energy to participate in the exercise and present the concept and benefits of CHP illustrating why it should be considered a potential asset when energy emergency planning is being considered by cities, states, regions, or municipalities. John’s presentation, "CHP and Energy Assurance – is there a match?," discussed the advantages of synchronous generators and their ability to maintain operation when the grid is unavailable and also provided examples of CHP success stories during recent national disasters (2003 Blackout, Hurricane Katrina, etc.). A copy of the Presentation is available.

Methane Recovery from Farm and Food Processing Waste Workshop
June 6, 2006
Peru, IN

The MAC planned, coordinated, and implemented a Waste-to-Energy workshop for Indiana farm and food processing industries. The workshop, titled “Methane Recovery fro Farm and Food Processing Waste”, was held on Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 at the Miami County Community Building in Peru, Indiana.

The workshop was co-sponsored by the Indiana State Energy Office, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Energy, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Farm Bureau, the Indiana Rural Electric Co-operatives, and the Midwest CHP Application Center.

The purpose of the workshop was to inform and educate the Indiana dairy, swine, and food processing industries on the use of anaerobic digesters to meet the environmental requirements within the state, the integration of CHP with the digester technology, and the availability of technical assistance to evaluate the use of these technologies at their farm and/or facility.

Over 90 attendees participated in the workshop. The audience included over 30 dairy and swine farmers, a dozen representatives from electric co-operatives throughout the state, and several food processing companies. The workshop agenda addressed three areas of need:

1) Basics regarding Indiana manure management requirements and the role of Digester & CHP technologies

2) Insights into the technology applications from the largest US developers of digester/CHP systems (case studies)

3) Next Steps: technical assistance available to attendees to evaluate the use of these technologies on their farm and/or facility.

The luncheon speaker Mr. Andy Miller, Indiana Agriculture Director, confirmed the commitment of the Governor and Lt. Governor to make the State of Indiana the leader in Bio-energy Industries. Copies of the presentations made at the workshop are available.

The MAC presents at the 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) World Congress Event
April 4, 2006
Detroit, MI

Steve Spentzas, a graduate assistant with the Midwest CHP Application Center, presented a paper on the concepts and benefits of cogeneration to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress held in Detroit, Michigan. Steve’s presentation, “The Optimization of a Cogeneration System in the Automotive Industry” highlighted a case study of an automotive plant utilizing their existing cogeneration system in the most effective manner to compete in today’s competitive market place.

The SAE Technical Paper was co-authored by Steve Spentzas, Michael Chimack, and Dr. William Worek of the University of Illinois at Chicago and was presented at the Energy Efficient Manufacturing Technical Session. 2006 was the first time this session was held in the history of the SAE World Congress showing the issue of energy efficiency is a rising concern to the automotive manufacturing industry. Dr. William Worek served as a panelist for the technical session. A copy of Steve's presentation is available here in PDF format. The full technical paper on is available for purchase from SAE.

The SAE has more than 90,000 members - engineers, business executives, educators, and students from more than 97 countries - who share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems. SAE is a one-stop resource for standards development, events, and technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.

The MAC presents at the Minnesota Municipal Utility Association's (MMUA) Winter Legislative Conference
March 30, 2006
Bloomington, MN

Dr. Steffen Mueller of the Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) presented at the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association’s (MMUA) Winter Legislative Conference. Dr. Mueller provided an overview of the benefits that Combined Heat and Power Systems can provide to municipal utility companies including: 1) Providing “Best Buy” Power; 2) Saving Distribution Costs and Ensuring Reliable Power; 3) Promoting Energy Efficiency; 4) Establishing Customer Partnerships (Contributing to Business Retention and Encouraging Economic Development & Business Expansion); and 5) Assisting in Emergency Preparedness.

The MMUA represents the interests of Minnesota's municipal electric, gas, and water utilities. There are 126 municipal electric and 31 municipal gas utilities in Minnesota. MMUA was formed in 1931. MMUA's mission is to unify and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities, and to provide them with the support they need to be able to improve service to their customers and community. A copy of the presentation Dr. Mueller made is available here in PDF format.

The MAC presents at EnergyUSA-TPC’s Annual Energy Conference
March 8, 2006
Notre Dame, IN

The Annual Energy Conference sponsored by EnergyUSA–TPC, a Nisource Company, was an informative, one-day conference, held at the University of Notre Dame detailing the changes underway in the energy business and how the changing environment will affect industrial and large commercial businesses in the near future. The conference addressed topics to help develop successful energy strategies and improve bottom lines for businesses. The conference motto was “Only the SMART Survive!”

John Cuttica presented the concepts and benefits of CHP focusing on the integration of CHP technologies in the public power industry and in Emergency/Energy Assurance Plans. The benefits CHP can provide to the public power industry (i.e. municipals) incorporate sources of self generation, potential for economic development and added revenues, and increased security during natural or terrorist disasters. Today, more emphasis is being placed on Critical Infrastructure Protection through the prevention of lost energy services for prolonged periods of time due to these disasters; whereas in the past, the focus dealt more on the response to such energy shortages and not the prevention. CHP can help provide the solution to these critical planning measures. Examples of successfully operating CHP systems during the August 2003 Blackout and Hurricane Katrina were highlighted in John’s presentation. A copy of John's presentation is available here in PDF format.

Industrial CHP Microturbine Applications Webcast
March 7, 2006
Chicago, IL

The U.S. Department of Energy, Midwest Regional Office and NiSource Energy Technologies (NET) hosted a webcast profiling innovative CHP applications that possess technology transfer potential to commercial and industrial customers. The two innovative CHP projects presented demonstrate technologies focusing on energy utilization in real world manufacturing environments.

Introductions, background, initiatives, and project focus were presented by Gary Nowakowski, Technology Team Leader, of the U.S. Department of Energy, Midwest Regional Office and Michael Zdyb, Vice President of Business Development, for NiSource Energy Technologies.

Jason Richards P.E. of NET presented information on two recent NET CHP project installations located at powder coating industrial facilities listed below. These projects were co-funded by DOE and the State of Indiana. A copy of Jason's presentation is available here in PDF format.

Site #1: Manchester Tank, Elkart, Indiana
One 70 kW Ingersoll Rand microturbine supplies electric power for manufacturing Low-Pressure Vessels for Propane, Air, Refrigerant, etc. Heat in the microturbine exhaust is recovered for supplying supplemental heat to the curing ovens at 400°F.

Site #2: Vestil Manufacturing Corporation, Angola, Indiana
Two 70 kW Ingersoll Rand microturbines supply electric power for manufacturing materials handling equipment. Heat in the microturbine exhausts is recovered for supplying supplemental heat to the curing ovens (350°F), drying ovens (225°F), wash line (140°F) and plant space heating.

John Cuttica, Director of the Midwest CHP Application Center, followed Jason’s presentation with an overview of the Center’s available services on the promotion and implementation of CHP technologies in the Midwest. A copy of John's presentation is available here in PDF format.

CHP - Where Does It Make $ense In Iowa Today?
February 16, 2006
Des Moines, IA

John Cuttica and Cliff Haefke of the Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) presented at the 2006 Annual Analyst Workshop in Des Moines, Iowa. The workshop was held for Iowa licensed engineers and registered architects interested in being qualified to complete technical engineering analyses for Iowa DNR-sponsored energy management programs.

With the current natural gas and electric prices in Iowa showing less than favorable trends towards operating natural gas-fired combined heat and power systems, the MAC showed the Iowa licensed engineers and registered architects the niche CHP market opportunities that exist today in Iowa. Copies of the presentations made at the workshop are available:
- Introduction of the Midwest CHP Application Center
- Combined Heat & Power Overview
- Commercial / Light Industrial (electric reliability, homeland security, municipals
- Digesters (farm, food waste, WWTPs, community digesters)
- Landfill Gas
- Industrial Steam (PRVs vs. Backpressure Turbines)
- Ethanol / Biodiesel Production (Coal & Natural Gas-Fired CHP Systems)
- Summary and Available Evaluation Tools

Participants were each presented with a hard copy of the 2005 CHP Resource Guide as a reference tool to follow along during the afternoon session. A copy of the entire presentation John and Cliff made is available here in PDF format.

The MAC Announces the Release of its 2005 Edition of the “CHP Resource Guide”
November 8, 2005
Chicago, IL

In 2003, the Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) identified a need in the market place for a document that could be used as a ready reference for a wide range of interested parties considering the application of CHP systems. The document was to contain easy to find technical facts/information; answers to the most frequently asked questions, and “rules of thumb” regarding the evaluation and implementation of CHP. The Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Resource Guide was completed and made available in September 2003. Over 25,000 copies of this Guide have been downloaded from the MAC Website.

The MAC is now releasing the 2005 Edition of the CHP Resource Guide. This updated version expands the sections on Steam Turbines, Generators and Inverters, and Grid Interconnection. The revised guide can now be downloaded.

The MAC Announces the Release of its “CHP Baseline Analysis” for the Markets in Indiana and Iowa
October 28, 2005
Chicago, IL

The purpose of the baseline analyses conducted by the Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) is to assess the status and prevailing environment for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems in a state from a regulatory, private-market and technology perspective. This information will be used to identify target markets for CHP systems as well as to develop educational and market transformation programs, which will foster CHP applications.

In order to assess the current status of CHP, a comprehensive survey of key players involved with this technology was conducted. Key engineering firms, manufacturers, distributors, architectural firms, energy suppliers and federal, state and local agencies were identified. Furthermore, surveys of existing and potential CHP installations were conducted.

A status assessment of policy-related issues pertaining to CHP was also conducted. The assessment was performed for several policy areas: grid interconnection, CHP stand-by rate provisions, exit fees, net metering, general status of electric deregulation/restructuring in the state, emerging legislation, and potential partners/advocates of CHP.

The market potential for CHP in the state was evaluated to identify the best target sectors for deployment. These reports conclude with recommendations to effectively promote the deployment of CHP in the state. Copies of these reports are now available for downloading: Indiana Report; Iowa Report.

The MAC Presents at the American Municipal Power – Ohio (AMP-Ohio) Annual Conference
October 20, 2005
Columbus, OH

John Cuttica from the Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) participated in the annual conference of the American Municipal Power (AMP) Ohio. His presentation entitled “CHP and the Public Power Industry – One Step Beyond” highlighted how CHP systems could be utilized by municipal utilities in meeting their business plans. Municipal electric utilities are familiar with distributed generation systems as a means to supplement purchased generation capacity, providing them generation flexibility. The CHP option put forward by him was for to consider going one step beyond traditional distributed generation systems and consider investing in CHP systems.

The benefits of CHP systems for municipal electric utilities include:

• Source of self generation with the CHP system located at customer sites (versus DG systems located at substations)
  
  
• Opportunity for economic development (partnership with customers to retain or expand businesses within their municipalities
  
  
• Potential for added revenues (selling the recycled thermal energy)
  
  
• Enhancing security against natural or terrorist disasters (emergency shelters operating if grid is down).
  

As a follow up to the conference, the MAC will be working with AMP – Ohio to further pursue the use of CHP systems by their member companies. The MAC is pursuing similar opportunities to work with the public power industries in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.

AMP-Ohio is the non-profit corporation organized in Ohio in 1971 for the purpose of owning and operating electric facilities or otherwise providing for the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power and energy to its members. As of June 2005, AMP-Ohio membership includes 81 public power communities in Ohio, 24 in Pennsylvania, two in West Virginia and one in Michigan. A copy of the presentation John made is available here in PDF format.

The MAC Presents at the FEMP Energy 2005 Conference
August 16-18, 2005
Long Beach, CA

Cliff Haefke, from the Midwest CHP Application Center, made a presentation at the Energy 2005 Conference organized by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The theme of the conference was "Secure Your Energy Future." The MAC presentation, "What Tools and Resources are Avilable," was made during the breakout session on “Distributed Generation/Combined Heat and Power Headwind Issues: How to Hurdle the Roadblocks?” This session attracted the largest attendance at the conference.

The focus of the session was to learn about the DG/CHP implementation roadblocks, how to mitigate them, and emerging packaged systems that present solutions. A copy of Cliff's presentation in PDF format is available. More information on the conference and other presentations is also available.

The MAC Organizes 3rd DG/CHP Regulatory Workshop: Effect of CHP Regulations on State Jobs and Consumer Benefits
June 8, 2005
Detroit, MI

The Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) organized the workshop in cooperation with the Midwest CHP Initiative and the U.S. DOE Midwest Regional Office. The objective of the workshop was to provide a forum for representatives from the state regulatory commissions and state energy offices in the Midwest to discuss the effect of CHP regulations on jobs and consumer benefits. Representatives from 7 of the 8 Midwest states participated in the workshop.

Key speakers at the workshop were J. Peter Lark, Chair, Michigan Public Service Commission, and Skip Laitner, Senior Economist for Technology Policy, EPA. Both presentations provided the link between CHP regulations and the potential for additional jobs within a state or region. Mr. Laitner discussed an example of the impacts in four Midwest states, from adding 700MW of new CHP systems by the year 2020. The results show that CHP systems allow the productive use of smart capital for the efficient use of energy – to the benefit of the economy and the environment.

Representatives from several states made presentations outlining present CHP programs within the states and the positive impact they have on the state’s economy, including jobs. One of the issues discussed at the workshop was how CHP systems can or can’t fit into State Renewable Portfolio and/or Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards. The limits of Utility Commission jurisdiction versus legislative mandates were discussed along with the distinction of job retention versus job creation from CHP.

The workshop was held at the new facilities of NEXT Energy, whose objective is to advance the alternative energy technology industry in Michigan. Copies of the agenda and presentations can now be downloaded from the Library section of this Web site

The MAC Conducts One-Day Workshop, "Evaluating and Marketing CHP Options in a Volatile Energy Marketplace," for Engineers and Architects
May 18, 2005
Willowbrook, IL

The workshop was sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Energy and Recycling, DOE Midwest Regional Office and the Midwest Cogeneration Association. About forty persons attended the workshop, that also included a panel discussion. The handout material at the workshop included copies of the MAC-developed "Combined Heat & Power Resource Guide" and project profiles of 28 CHP installations in the Midwest. Copies of the agenda and presentations can now be downloaded from the Library section of this Web site.

The Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for Distributed Energy
December 15, 2004
Columbus, OH

The Ohio Office of Energy Efficiency, Energy Loan Fund (ELF) is offering grants to cover a portion of the costs for eligible distributed energy (DE) projects. The RFP closes on January 31, 2005.

Only entities that will be end users of distributed energy resources in Ohio are eligible. Eligible projects will focus on utilizing DE clean burning or renewable energy technologies. Applicants from the commercial, industrial or institutional sectors and local government are eligible for funding under this RFP.

Information and application forms are available online at:
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/ELFGrant.htm.
Scroll down on that page to "DER Request for Proposal (RFP) Links" to view specific links to RFP and associated documents and information.

If additional information is needed, the contact for this RFP is:
Preston Boone, Outreach Operator
Ohio Department of Development
Office of Energy Efficiency
77 S. High Street
26th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
1-866-728-6749

The Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions (ASERTTI) announces the release of National Performance Interim Protocols for Distributed Generation/Combined Heat and Power Systems and Equipment
December 10, 2004

The Association of State Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions (ASERTTI) announces the release of National Performance Interim Protocols for Distributed Generation/Combined Heat and Power Systems and Equipment. These protocols are available for use by all interested parties, including distributed generation (DG) and combined heat and power (CHP) system users, manufacturers, developers, engineers, and R&D organizations.

The U.S. Department of Energy and ASERTTI have developed four interim test protocols through a collaborative program that included a 28-member stakeholder advisory committee and utilized existing standards as far as possible. These protocols will serve as a uniform basis for evaluating the performance of DG/CHP systems and enabling comparisons and evaluations based on applications, locations, and requirements. These interim test protocols are for laboratory testing, field (onsite) testing, long-term testing, and case studies. The interim protocols are intended for DG/CHP systems up to 3 MW in laboratory testing and up to 7 MW for field testing.

Comments on the protocols are welcomed. This feedback will be used to move the protocols from interim to final versions. The performance protocols can be viewed and downloaded from the following links at www.dgdata.org:

• Laboratory performance protocol
• Field performance protocol
• Long-term monitoring protocol
• Case study protocol

A national database for DG/CHP applications is now being completed where results from systems applying these test protocols will be archived for public use. When available in early 2005, the searchable database will allow interested parties to request results based upon a variety of parameters. Users can be confident that results in the database are comparable, as only data collected according to the protocols will be included in the database. Those who apply the test protocols in their testing and system evaluations will be invited to add their information to the database.

Additional information about the program is available at the ASERTTI website: www.asertti.org/aserttipartnerships. For questions or comments on the protocols, please contact: DG-CHPprotocols@asertti.org.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Issues a Request for Pre-Proposals for the Energy Efficiency Portion of the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund
October 14, 2004
Ann Arbor, MI

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued a Request for Pre-Proposals for the energy efficiency portion of the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund, which was originally created by Public Act 141. The intent of this portion of the fund, totaling $6 million, is to promote energy efficiency for all customer classes in Michigan. It is anticipated that one or more grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and/or businesses located and operating in Michigan.

Pre-proposals will allow the Commission to evaluate project ideas to determine whether they meet the objectives of the grant prior to applicants submitting full proposals. Each pre-proposal will be classified as "more likely" or "less likely" to compare favorably to the selection criteria. A proposal that is determined "more likely" does not preclude an applicant from submitting a full proposal and being considered for funding. To be eligible to submit a full proposal, each applicant must submit a pre-proposal.

The Request for Pre-Proposal is available on the Commission's Web site at:
http://michigan.gov/mpsc
or by calling (517) 241-6118. Pre-proposals must be received at the Commission by 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2004 and reference Case No. U-13129.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission held a Distributed-Generation Workshop to Discuss "Strawman" Interconnection Standards
October 4, 2004
Indianapolis, IN

The workshop discussed "Strawman" interconnection standards developed by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). These "Strawman" standards call for Indiana's investor-owned utilities to create provisions for the interconnection of three types of customer-generator facilities:

Simplified - applies to the interconnection of inverter-based customer-generator facilities, which have a power rating of 10 kW or less, and which meet specified certification requirements.

Expedited - applies to the interconnection of customer-generated facilities with a power rating of 2 MW or less which meet specified certification requirements.

Standard - applies to the interconnection of customer-generated facilities to distribution systems, which do not qualify for either the simplified or expedited interconnection review procedures.

A PDF file of the standards is available in the Library section of this Web site. (News Source: October 2004 IREC Interconnection Newsletter)

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Issues an Order Establishing Interconnection Standards for Distributed Generation
September 28, 2004
St. Paul, MN

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issues an order establishing interconnection standards for distributed generation (DG). The order (provided here in PDF format) completes the marathon process initiated in August 2001 that has involved dozens of stakeholders. The 111-page order includes the following attached documents:

• An "Interconnection Process for DG Systems" (including five appendices)
• A statement of "DG Interconnection Requirements"
• A two-page form labeled "General Interconnection Application"
• A five-page form labeled "Engineering Data Submittal"
• An "Interconnection Agreement" (including five exhibits)

The new interconnection standards apply to systems of 10 MW and above.

With respect to standby charges, the PUC decided that a 60-kW exemption threshold is appropriate. Furthermore, the PUC determined: "DG customers do not have to buy standby power. However, if standby power is not purchased, it may not be available. DG customers do not have to can buy as much standby power as necessary to equal the full amount of their own DG capacity."

The PUC also determined that credits should be awarded to a DG customer if the installation of the DG unit reduces the utility's costs (such as generation, transmission and distribution) of providing the service.

Regarding renewable energy credits, the PUC ruled: "A DG customer who installs a renewable DG facility should be paid the avoided cost of 'green power' to the extent that installation of the DG facility allows the utility to avoid the need to purchase 'green power' elsewhere. Otherwise a renewable DG facility should be paid the utility's regular avoided costs."

Retail electric public utilities were directed to file tariffs consistent with the PUC's order within 90 days. (News Source: October 2004 IREC Interconnection Newsletter)

The 2004 Midwest CHP Roadmap Workshop Report is Now Available
August 5, 2004
Chicago, IL

The 2004 Midwest CHP Roadmap Workshop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Midwest Regional Office, was held on March 16-17. Nearly 60 CHP stakeholders from the eight-state Midwest Region had participated in the workshop that proved to be very productive and beneficial. It brought forth many very useful ideas that will serve to help shape the future of CHP in the Midwest.

The purpose of this Midwest focused workshop was to:

1. Define and prioritize issues and opportunities for CHP.
2. Identify key action items and activities to address the most important issues and opportunities.
3. Develop a Roadmap based on the key action items to:
   • Answer the questions:
     • What needs to be done?
     • Who needs to do it?
     • What resources are needed?
   • Define realistic time frames to accomplish the action items, and
   • Develop metrics to measure success.
4. How to more effectively utilize the Midwest CHP Application Center and the Midwest CHP Initiative.

The report includes the results of the workshop in the following four major areas: Financial, Regulatory & Utility, Equipment, and Education. The report also incorporates suggested "Next Steps". A full copy of the report is available here in PDF format.

The detailed information gathered in the breakout sessions was reviewed and summarized into key impact areas as follows:

Financial Results

Quantifying Ancillary Benefits - the non-energy cost benefits of CHP; such as outage avoidance, increased reliability, reduced emissions, increased energy efficiency, preservation of natural resources, energy security, transmission and distribution support, and increased jobs.

Financial Incentives — employ third party ownership, provide tax incentives, and financial initiatives (State, local and private - such as bonds and low interest loans) for CHP.

Opportunity Fuels - increased usage of "Opportunity Fuels" as a substitute for natural gas. "Opportunity Fuels" are considered to be those fuels that can be obtained from waste products such as gases from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural waste, as well as wood industry scrap. Also included in "Opportunity Fuels" would be the development of power from the installation of steam turbines in lieu of pressure reduction valves.

Regulatory and Utility Results

Interconnect Standards, Rates, Tariffs, and Recycled Energy Portfolio Standards — work with utility commissions to establish interconnect standards, rates, and tariffs that recognize the positive contributions of CHP. Also work with states to set Recycled Energy portfolio standards or goals (similar to RPS) to help drive change and planning activities at the state level.

Environmental Permitting on an Output Basis — to provide environmental credit due to the efficiency savings of CHP systems.

Engaging Utilities — work to create a "win-win" situation with CHP and electric utilities, by providing incentives for electric utilities to utilize and promote CHP, including using CHP as an alternative to T&D build-out.

Equipment Results

Packaged Systems — develop and promote packaged systems that lower the overall costs of a CHP system (installation, operation, design, etc.)

Codes and Standards — The development of model codes and standards, through code officials and industry organizations, towards equipment that could be "pre-certified" so it could be "plug-and-play," simplifying installation and enhancing utility acceptance.

Education Results

Utilize Recycled Energy Communications Campaign — To educate regulators, key decision makers, and media relations on the benefits of CHP, including job and economic impact.

Target Markets - The results indicated that education should be focused on areas where CHP can address specific key energy issues (such as urban areas and specific vertical markets such as, hospitals, schools, and energy intensive industrials). Also education should be directed to non-engineering entities such as; architects, financial institutions, and end-users.

The first suggested "Next Step" is to disseminate the workshop results via this report to those key Midwest CHP stakeholders identified on the invite list to the Roadmap Workshop, regardless of whether or not they were able to attend in order to allow them review and provide feedback on the results. The rest of the "Next Steps" describe how the Roadmap is expected to be the key guideline to focus the activities of the MW CHP Application Center, the MW CHP Initiative, and in many cases, State Energy Office CHP Programs. It will also be used as a way to provide input to State Utility Commission/ Board activities.

The MAC Conducts a CHP Workshop for Ethanol Facilities
April 1, 2004
West Des Moines, IA

The objectives of the workshop were to provide CHP information and to encourage ethanol facilities to consider deploying CHP systems. Feedback received from the nearly 60 attendees of the workshop was very positive. The spectrum of attendees included corn growers, engineering companies experienced in CHP and ethanol plants, regulators, and various non-profit organizations involved with Iowa's corn industry.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation hosted the event at its facility. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the Iowa Agriculture Innovation Center, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sponsored the workshop.

Leslie Farrar (MAC) presented the concept and the technical feasibility of CHP at ethanol plants (available here in PDF format). She pointed out that CHP provides a good fit for ethanol plants because of the simultaneous needs of large thermal and electric energy of these facilities.

Bruce Hedman (Energy & Environmental Analysis, Inc.) presented some specific CHP options (available here in PDF format), the financial benefits and the potential energy savings that might be realized from the application of CHP at a typical 50 MMGPY ethanol facility. He provided examples of CHP installations at ethanol facilities that indicated very attractive simple payback periods of 3.5 to 5.5 years.

David Eslinger (Energy Resource Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago) provided an overview (available here in PDF format) of the current natural gas price situation and the impact of natural gas price on savings achieved from CHP. He pointed out that careful hedging and long-term procurement strategies could mitigate the impact of the current volatile natural gas prices on ethanol facilities and provide cost savings with CHP.

Luis Troche (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CHP Partnership) pointed out the EPA support for CHP because of its increased efficiency that results in decreased emissions. He also presented information (available here in PDF format) on EPA assistance for CHP projects moving forward, and about the CHP Partnership program including what it means to be a CHP Partner.

Brian Tormey (Iowa DNR) provided an overview (available here in PDF format) of the DNR activities supporting the deployment of CHP. The examples of such activities include the development of an Iowa CHP Permitting Guide and an Interconnection Guide, as well as their support for the future development of a CHP Roadmap for Iowa. He acknowledged that DNR is a big supporter of the ethanol industry and would like to see more CHP deployed because it saves natural resources and costs. He also mentioned the possibility of DNR offering CHP incentives in the future.

John Cuttica (MAC) moderated a lively panel discussion that provided "real life experiences" from three CHP facility managers at ethanol plants located in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. All panelists agreed that CHP provided substantial advantages for the ethanol facilities in terms of added reliability and reduced energy costs. Another panelist, Dean Karafa (EME) provided insights regarding the design/engineering aspects of CHP facility at ethanol plants.

John Cuttica (MAC) provided the closing remarks with his presentation (available here in PDF format) on "Next Steps," and also thanked the host and the sponsors.

U.S. Department of Energy — Chicago Regional Office, the Midwest CHP Application Center and the Midwest CHP Initiative Conduct the Midwest CHP Roadmap Workshop
March 16-17, 2004
Chicago, IL

Nearly 60 CHP stakeholders from the eight-state Midwest Region participated in the development of the second Midwest CHP Roadmap.

According to John Cuttica (Director of the Midwest CHP Application Center), "The workshop proved to be very productive and beneficial, and brought forth many very useful ideas that will serve to help shape the future of CHP in the Midwest over the next several years."

Preliminary findings from the workshop indicate some of the key action items required to further implement CHP in the Midwest would be to:

1. Work to quantify the ancillary benefits of CHP, including those from blackout avoidance, emissions reductions, and grid enhancement.
2. Increase market focus on free fuel opportunities such as biofuels from various waste and agricultural processes, and pressure reduction valve (PRV) applications.
3. Target the education of the various industry sectors (Customers, regulators, manufacturers, and architects/engineers) on the technical and economic viability of CHP.
4. Leverage and support further development and implementation of the Recycled Energy Branding Campaign as a way to get the concept of CHP out to the public as a more recognizable energy assess and opportunity.
5. Pursue regulatory and legislative actions including standard interconnection and tariff structures, Recycled Energy Standards, low interest loans, and tax credits.

In preparation for the workshop, a survey (PDF format) was sent to all invitees in order to develop a foundation of information regarding what stakeholders perceive to be the key issues surrounding the implementation of CHP in the Midwest. The MAC compiled the data from over 30 completed survey forms it received. The compiled data (PDF format) served as the basis for the workshop discussions and breakout sessions.

The purpose of this Midwest-focused workshop was to:

1. Build upon the National CHP Roadmap activities, verifying the key issues and opportunities defined in the survey.
2. Identify realistic action items/activities that could be undertaken by the CHP stakeholders in the Midwest to address the key issues and opportunities.
3. Provide industry input of allow a roadmap or strategy document to be prepared that will outline how the action items/activities can be implemented.
4. Discuss how to better utilize the limited resources in the Midwest to serve our common goal of providing CHP as a viable energy option in the Midwest.

Peter Dreyfuss (Director, U.S. DOE Chicago Regional Office) welcomed the attendees to the workshop, congratulated the Midwest CHP stakeholders on being national leaders in the implementation of CHP, and challenged the attendees with the importance of the roadmap activities. Gary Nowakowski (Deputy Director, U.S. DOE Chicago Regional Office) discussed the purpose of the workshop and the importance of linking the results of the Midwest activities to the national and other regional CHP efforts.

John Cuttica and Ted Bronson