Call for Pre-Feasibility Studies on Wood Fired Heating Projects

Transcription

1 Proposal in response to: Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation Call for Pre-Feasibility Studies on Wood Fired Heating Projects June 19, 2014 Proposal by:, LLC 902 Market Street Meadville, PA (814) FEIN: Alaska Business License #:

2 1.0 INTRODUCTION This proposal is submitted by (WES E&E) in response to the Request for Proposals for by the Fairbanks Economic Development Council (FEDC). WES E&E provides renewable energy and energy efficiency consulting services such as energy audits, feasibility studies, energy purchasing, and renewable energy credit (REC) marketing and aggregation. WES E&E staff s extensive experience with the study and implementation of woody biomass renewable energy projects makes WES E&E uniquely qualified to partner with FEDC and the Alaska Wood Energy Development Task Force (AWEDTG) to identify the best solutions for each rural community. This proposal is organized as follows: 1. Introduction 2. Understanding of the Project 3. Methodology Used for the Project 4. Experience and Qualifications 5. Cost Proposal provided as a separate document Attachment A AK business license This proposal is valid for 30 days from the closing date of the receipt of proposals and would not result in a conflict of interest. The WES E&E team agrees to comply with all provisions of the RFP issued by FEDC on June 6, Please see our contact information and project manager assigned to the project. Firm Name:, LLC Mailing Address: 902 Market Street, Meadville, Pennsylvania Phone: Project Manager: Dan Wilson, Vice President at WES E&E Phone: Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to the opportunity to work with FEDC and AWEDTG on this project to identify the best solutions for biomass project implementation. Sincerely, Tom Wilson President,, LLC Page 1 of 16

3 2.0 UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT The overall goal for the services requested is to perform preliminary assessments and feasibility studies for installing high efficiency, low emission wood fired heating systems for rural Alaskan communities. The goal of each prefeasibility study is to identify and evaluate cost effective wood fired heating projects to displace the use of fossil fuels for heating. Site visits to review and investigate each facility will be completed to develop cost estimates and economic analyses used to create final reports for each community. Site visits are vital for understanding the unique opportunities and constraints for integrating a biomass system into existing heating infrastructure. Biomass system sizing will be absolutely critical for successful biomass projects. Proper sizing ensures efficient operation of the system across the range of load and reduces particulate emissions due to smoldering. Proper sizing also ensures capital and operating costs are minimized while the fossil fuel offset is maximized. Biomass system sizing, thermal load profiles, and available fuel sources are central to determining which system and emission control technologies should be evaluated. Costs estimates for installation, operation, and integration would be used for developing an appropriate economic analysis that can be used as a metric for pursuing project implementation. Final reports will clearly present the site features, challenges, forest resources, fuel availability, assessment results, project viability, biomass options analyzed, financial analysis of all options analyzed, forest stewardship plans, recommended next steps, and general biomass technology information. WES E&E staff is highly qualified to evaluate rural communities for the items listed in the scope of work. In addition, WES E&E will look for additional opportunities for creative energy efficiency or conservation solutions that could be incorporated into a wood energy project. Possible examples are incorporating heat recovery from diesel fired engine generators to offset fossil fuel and wood use and low temp ORC electric generation from waste heat recovery. When additional opportunities are identified they will be included in the preliminary assessment at no additional cost. WES E&E staff has significant experience in partnering with a wide range of project stakeholders to define and implement biomass energy systems that optimize social, environmental, and economic benefits. On this project WES E&E will partner with FEDC/AWEDTG to ensure that deliverables exceed expectations of the project team and clients. WES E&E acknowledges the approximate contract schedule provided in the RFP, and does not see any issues completing the scope of work prior to August 23, 2014, assuming a June 25, 2014 award date. This section specifically addresses the major scope items identified in the RFP and briefly describes WES E&E s approach to completing each task. 2.1 Initial Facility Review & Preliminary Site Investigation The goal of this task is to visit each of the selected communities to develop a complete understanding of the existing heating systems and requirements for biomass integration. Details of the existing heating systems (including present issues) will be collected, documented with the AWEDTG Field Data Sheet, and then reviewed by the study team. Items considered will be the space constraints, fuel delivery and storage logistics, proper equipment sizing, and evaluation of appropriate equipment technology. An informational meeting will be held in the community with project stakeholders if feasible. Page 2 of 16

4 Past Experience/Approach: WES E&E staff has evaluated over 90 biomass thermal projects and 18 community scale biomass district energy systems (6 thermally led CHP). WES E&E has experience evaluating systems utilizing biomass fuels that would be applicable to this project including cord wood, wood chips, and wood pellets. WES E&E will send a representative to Alaska to visit each community selected for a prefeasibility study. During the site visits, WES E&E will meticulously evaluate each facility considered for interconnection with a wood fired heating system. A non exhaustive list of equipment scenarios that will be considered will be stand alone, district, or community biomass boilers firing on cord wood, wood pellets, or wood chips. Recommendations will be driven by economics, convenience, existing wood supply, and building infrastructure. The AWEDTG assessment field data sheet will be completed for each facility documenting information about existing heating systems, domestic hot water, building controls, building construction, electrical system, local biomass fuel, and site conditions. A picture log for each facility will be generated to document the interior and exterior of each building including entry points, elevations, anticipated location of the biomass system, interconnection points, emergency generator, electric services, road access to the building and boiler room, the existing heating system components, domestic hot water systems, other equipment using fuel, and building plans. In addition, WES E&E will assess local wood market conditions and constraints. While at each community, WES E&E will conduct informational meetings about biomass systems to field questions and discuss different options for biomass utilization. During the meeting WES E&E will give a brief presentation showing pictures and summary information on existing biomass projects currently in operation to address expectations for fuel delivery, fuel handling, maintenance requirements, and potential savings. 2.2 Preliminary Cost Estimating The goal of this task is to develop project capital costs for installing and integrating a biomass heating system with the selected facilities. Project cost estimates will include a construction cost breakdown for the biomass energy unit, buildings & structures, fuel storage & conveyance, emission controls, site work, mechanical integration, materials, miscellaneous equipment, contingency, and professional fees including design, engineering, and permits. Past Experience/Approach: WES E&E staff has extensive experience with biomass system project cost estimation for multiple biomass technologies. Whenever possible, WES E&E relies on local contractors and suppliers to provide labor and material estimates. When this is not practical WES E&E staff has extensive knowledge of the material, work and skill required to implement projects and relies on this knowledge to develop accurate estimates of project costs. WES E&E will model fuel use history with corresponding weather data from the National Climactic Data Center (NCDC) to develop preliminary load models and right sized equipment for each site. The location of the communities chosen for these studies will provide unique logistical and environmental challenges to implementing projects that will have to be considered. WES E&E staff s extensive knowledge and experience of biomass projects will be key to providing effective solutions and accurate costs for implementing identified projects. Page 3 of 16

5 2.3 Economic Analysis The goal of this task is to develop operating costs for the existing fossil fuel systems and compare those to estimated costs for operating the biomass system. These costs will be used to develop projected savings, life cycle cost analyses for public schools meeting the requirements of the Department of Education and Early Development, simple payback, 20 year B/C ratio, and cash flow analyses. WES E&E will obtain current costs for operating the existing heating system and develop a baseline for existing operation. Biomass volumes will be projected based on current fossil fuel use, fossil fuel prices, and AWEDTG provided conversions; O&M costs will be estimated for the biomass system(s) based on the projected annual biomass usage, biomass prices, and maintenance costs; and financial analyses will be developed using the total project cost and appropriate financing/cost structures. Past Experience/Approach: WES E&E staff has worked with owners to develop economic analyses of projects to allow decision making by the owner and for use in securing financing on many biomass projects. WES E&E staff takes pride in accurate project capital and operating cost estimates. WES E&E staff has worked with owners to implement multiple projects to ensure that project scope and actual costs are line in with feasibility estimates for capital and operating costs. WES E&E will return to Pennsylvania to complete the analysis for each facility. The analysis will include average annual load curves for each site developed from existing fuel usage and NCDC data, capital costs to install and integrate the biomass system using manufacturer quotes, local construction and labor costs, operating costs using manufacturer provided energy usage and maintenance requirements, and a 20 year financial analysis for each site including B/C ratio, cash flow, simple payback, and life cycle cost analysis meeting requirements of the Department of Education and Early Development when required. 2.4 Final Report The goal of each community s final report is to clearly describe the opportunity for one or more biomass system options that will integrate with the existing fossil fuel heating systems. The final report will include two sections including site specific information and general biomass educational information. WES E&E will construct the final report for each site which will discuss the opportunity for biomass heating systems, site features, technologies and installation options evaluated, project viability, obstacles, financial analysis, local forest resources, environmental considerations, fuel availability, forest stewardship plans (if available), general biomass technology information, and recommended next steps for project implementation. Feasibility studies will identify applicable federal and state regulations regarding emissions, and recommendations will be made regarding best practices for minimizing the potential impact of emissions from the biomass systems. Past Experience/Approach: WES E&E staff has developed more than 90 final reports for woody biomass prefeasibility studies and has extensive experience with taking woody biomass heating projects from concept through implementation. Of the 90+ prefeasibility studies completed by WES E&E staff, 30 have secured funding and are complete or in some stage of being implemented. Several additional projects are seeking funding or under final owner consideration. Page 4 of 16

6 2.5 Final Report Submission The goal of this task is to submit one hard copy and one PDF electronic copy of the final report to FEDC/AWEDTG and the facility. After submission of the final reports, WES E&E will schedule a time (if desired) to present the results of the reports to FEDC/AWEDTG and interested stakeholders at the FEDC headquarters in Fairbanks, AK. Past Experience/Approach: WES E&E staff frequently participates in stakeholder meetings to summarize study results, answer questions, and reinforce viable paths for project implementation. WES E&E staff is highly qualified at producing clear and concise feasibility studies that allow owners and stakeholders to make informed business decisions 3.0 METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE PROJECT WES E&E staff will visit each community selected for a prefeasibility study to document all of the information required to analyze the viability of integrating a high efficiency, low emission wood fired heating project including available infrastructure and traditional methods of purchasing or harvesting wood for energy. During the site visits, WES E&E will meticulously evaluate each facility considered for interconnection with a wood fired heating system. A non exhaustive list of equipment scenarios that will be considered will be stand alone, district, or community biomass boilers firing on cord wood, wood pellets, or wood chips. Recommendations will be driven by economics, convenience and existing wood supply and building infrastructure. The AWEDTG assessment field data sheet will be completed for each facility documenting information about existing heating systems, domestic hot water, building controls, building construction, electrical system, local biomass fuel, and site conditions. A picture log for each facility will be generated to document the interior and exterior of each building including entry points, elevations, anticipated location of the biomass system, interconnection points, emergency generator, electric services, road access to the building and boiler room, the existing heating system components, domestic hot water systems, other equipment using fuel, and building plans. In addition, WES E&E will collect contact information for local wood providers during the site visits to quantitatively assess local fuel wood market conditions and constraints. While at each community, WES E&E will conduct informational meetings about biomass systems to field questions and discuss different options for biomass utilization. During the meeting WES E&E will give a brief presentation showing pictures and summary information on existing biomass projects currently in operation to address expectations for fuel delivery, fuel handling, maintenance requirements, and potential savings. WES E&E will return to Pennsylvania to complete the analysis for each facility. The analysis will include average annual load curves for each site developed from existing fuel usage and NCDC data, capital costs to install and integrate the biomass system using manufacturer quotes, local construction and labor costs, operating costs using manufacturer provided energy usage and maintenance requirements, and a 20 year financial analysis for each site including B/C ratio, cash flow, simple payback, and life cycle cost analysis meeting requirements of the Department of Education and Early Development when required. Page 5 of 16

7 Assumptions that will likely be used for the studies are the high heating values of the fuels, system efficiencies of existing equipment, and financing structure to develop economic analyses. WES E&E will develop reports for each community including executive summary, site features, opportunities and obstacles, technologies and installation options assessed, general perspectives of results, project viability, recommended next steps, financial analysis, forest resources, fuel availability, finalized summary, general biomass technology information, and forest stewardship plans if available. WES E&E will issue DRAFT copies for each facility for comment, upon receipt of comments WES E&E will finalize the DRAFTs and issue a final copy for each facility. After submission of the final reports, WES E&E will schedule a time to present the results of the reports to FEDC/AWEDTG and interested stakeholders at the FEDC headquarters in Fairbanks, AK. 4.0 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS WES E&E is highly qualified to partner with FEDC and AWEDTG to identify the best solutions for biomass project implementation at the communities. This section provides a company overview, an organizational chart specific to the personnel assigned to the work in the RFP, lines of authority, and each person responsible and accountable for the completion of each task. 4.1 Company Overview WES E&E Energy & Environment (WES E&E) WES E&E provides renewable energy and energy efficiency consulting services such as energy audits, feasibility studies, energy purchasing, and renewable energy credit (REC) marketing and aggregation. WES E&E has a business license in the state of Alaska, but physically resides in the state of Pennsylvania. WES E&E staff has a high success rate at moving projects from feasibility study to implementation due to the ability to identify practical projects and clearly layout the next steps in the feasibility study. WES E&E staff has experience providing technical assistance to the owners as projects move forward. Staff provide a wide array of consulting services to assist owners throughout the decision making and implementation process, from assistance in securing project funding (grants and loan) to owners representative to fuel procurement assistance. 4.2 Organizational Chart with Responsibilities This section lists the organizational chart, lines of authority, and anticipated responsibilities of personnel assigned to the FEDC/AWEDTG projects. Page 6 of 16

8 4.3 Key Project Staff and Resumes This section provides a list of key staff offered by the project team for this effort, their role on the project, and resumes highlighting experience and qualifications. Daniel A. Wilson Vice President at WES E&E: Mr. Wilson will manage WES E&E s involvement in the project, and will be the main point of contact for FEDC/AWEDTG. In a management role, Mr. Wilson has provided consulting on federal, state, local government and private sector projects and programs totaling over $4 Billion. Mr. Wilson has been involved in 70 biomass thermal and thermally led CHP project studies/projects. Mr. Wilson s consulting role in these studies/projects has spanned from concept through implementation. Mr. Wilson is the active Chairman of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) Board of Directors and also serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Biomass Energy Association (PBEA). Mr. Wilson will direct personnel and provide final review of deliverables at the WES E&E office. Thomas H. Wilson President at WES E&E: Mr. Wilson will review system layout, capital cost estimates, and technical and financial analysis of projects. Mr. Wilson has spent 35 years in the energy and agri business fields and has been involved in over 80 biomass renewable energy projects including anaerobic digestion, biomass thermal, and CHP. Mr. Wilson has helped organize and been on the planning committee of national, state, and local conferences for programs involving building construction practices and renewable energy. Mr. Wilson will provide project review at the WES E&E office located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. George Fetchko, CEM, LEED AP Project Manager at WES E&E: Mr. Fetchko is a Project Manager with WES E&E, has six years of experience in the energy and HVAC fields. Mr. Fetchko will be the alternate point of contact for FEDC/AWEDTG. Mr. Fetchko has conducted investment grade energy audits at over 50 commercial, industrial, and residential facilities, and provided technical assistance including development of thermal load models, comparison of technologies, system sizing, preliminary cost estimation, life cycle cost analysis, and final report development. Mr. Fetchko will complete a portion of the work on site at each rural Alaskan community including site visits, evaluation of existing heating Page 7 of 16

9 systems, informational meetings, and presentations. The remainder of the tasks will be completed at the WES E&E office located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Page 8 of 16

10 Daniel A. Wilson Vice President,, LLC Mr. Wilson has 11 years experience providing policy, program management, and stakeholder outreach consulting services to facilitate implementation of renewable energy, environmental remediation, and construction projects and programs. Mr. Wilson has provided these services for federal, state, local, and private clients on projects and programs totaling over $4 Billion. As a Vice President, Mr. Wilson oversees WES-E&E efforts in providing consulting in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy purchasing sectors. Mr. Wilson is the current Chair of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council. Education M.S., Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2010) B.S., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Minor in Environmental Engineering, Penn State University (2003) Associations Chairman Biomass Thermal Energy Council; Secretary Pennsylvania Biomass Energy Association Relevant Work Experience Employment History: 2013 Present, Vice President,, LLC 2008 Present, Vice President, Wilson Engineering Services, PC , Project Manager, Gahagan & Bryant Associates, Inc. BIOMASS RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT EXPERIENCE: Involved in over 65 biomass renewable energy projects. Involvement in these projects includes community outreach and economic development, biomass conversion technology evaluation, concept and feasibility study, cost estimates, economic/financial analysis, estimating greenhouse gas reductions, design, project management, construction management and owners representative. Example projects include: YMCA Storer Camp, MI. Consultant responsible for feasibility analysis for USFS, estimating savings, estimating loads, sizing boiler system. Project consists of two gasification-type cord wood units sized at 375,000 and 175,000 Btu/hr to heat a 15,000 sf dining commons. Project includes 1,600 gallons of thermal storage and loading protocol to ensure efficient and clean emissions. Project operational. Harvard Forest Campus Biomass District Energy System, Petersham, MA. Manager responsible for providing consulting to Harvard University for study of biomass thermal district energy system for the central campus. Provided analysis of thermal loads at the facilities, cost estimates, financial analyses, sizing and performance requirements for all major components of the project (three 170,000 Btu/hr cord wood units and 2,500 gallons thermal storage), review of designs, manufacturers proposals, and other technical assistance. Project operational. Sullivan County School District Biomass District Heating Project, Laporte, PA. Manager responsible for feasibility study of a biomass thermal and solar thermal energy plant (3 mmbtu/hr); life-cycle cost analysis, building layout, permitting, design review, contract document review, and final bid review. Project Operational. Eminence Elementary School Cord Wood System, MO. Managing consultant responsible for feasibility study of 0.25 mmbtu/hr cord wood system to replace propane usage at a 15,000 sf elementary school. Study included onsite energy evaluation, savings analysis, general project layout, and interconnection scheme. Project operational. Sullivan County, NH Unity Complex Biomass CHP District Energy Project, Unity, NH. Managing engineer responsible for engineering feasibility study of 5 mmbtu/hr biomass steam system with 40 kwe backpressure steam turbine. Study included; development of thermal load profiles, evaluation of biomass thermal and CHP options and technologies, design, system layout, engineering cost estimate, and financial analysis. Project under construction. USDA FOREST SERVICE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT CONSULTING: Provision of feasibility studies for biomass energy systems. Provision of planning, economic development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and technical support for biomass renewable energy projects to US Forest Service. Page 9 of 16

11 George Fetchko, CEM, LEED AP Project Manager As a Project Manager at WES-E&E, Mr. Fetchko provides consulting to clients on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Mr. Fetchko s area of focus is on energy auditing, project feasibility studies, energy cost analysis, and boiler tuning. Mr. Fetchko has 6 years of experience in the energy and HVAC industry, and is highly experienced in all levels of biomass energy project implementation. Education B.S., Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo (2008) Relevant Work Experience 2013 Present, Project Manager,, LLC 2010 Present, Project Manager, Wilson Engineering Services, PC Biomass Energy Experience Experience includes evaluation of thermal loads, development of thermal load models, comparison of biomass technologies, system sizing, biomass system integration, preliminary cost estimation, life-cycle cost analysis, and final feasibility report development. Tasks performed at more than 35 facilities, including: St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, NH Menominee Tribal Enterprises, Wisconsin Gunderson-Lutheran Hospital, Wisconsin University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire; University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh; University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point Ft. McCoy, WI Rockingham County, NH Grafton County, NH Trane (January 2008-November 2010) Investment Grade Audit Experience: Girard School District, Girard, PA. Project manager responsible for managing an investment grade audit for a guaranteed energy savings project (Performance Contract) including review of thermal load profiles, energy conservation measures (including water to air, water to water, and air to air heat pumps; high efficiency boilers; chilled water systems; and HVAC control strategies), and life-cycle cost analyses. Erie Municipal Building, Erie, PA. Project manager responsible for technical assistance on an investment grade energy audit including thermal energy use profiles, evaluation of energy conservation measures (including steam distribution system repairs; premium efficiency electric chiller replacement; and conversion from constant flow to variable flow chilled water distribution), project cost estimation, life-cycle cost analyses, and final report development. Hospital, PA. Project consultant responsible for engineering an investment grade audit with evaluation of energy conservation measures (including boiler flue stack economizers; absorption chillers for summer electric demand limiting; variable speed drive retrofits on air handler supply fans; and HVAC control strategies), project cost estimation, and life cycle cost analyses Dairy Products Manufacturer, NY. Project consultant responsible for investment grade audit with evaluation of energy conservation measures (including high efficiency boilers; process heat recovery (ventilation air preheating); and waste heat absorption chilling), project cost estimation, and life-cycle cost analyses. Plastics Manufacturer, PA. Managing consultant responsible for development of thermal load profiles, evaluation of energy reduction strategies (including process water free cooling; waste heat recovery; and high efficiency lighting), project cost estimation, life-cycle cost analyses, and final report development. Page 10 of 16

12 Thomas H. Wilson, P.E. President,, LLC WES-E&E specializes in providing consulting services to owners for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy procurement / REC marketing. WES-E&E provides consulting services to a variety of client types, including school districts, federal, state, and county governmental bodies, and private businesses. Education B.S., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State University (1978) Relevant Work Experience BIOMASS RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT EXPERIENCE: Involved in over 80 biomass renewable energy projects/studies. Involvement in these projects includes community outreach and economic development, biomass conversion technology evaluation, concept and feasibility study, cost estimates, economic/financial analysis, estimating greenhouse gas reductions, design, project management, construction management and owners representative. Example projects include: US Army Corps Biomass Heating System, PA. Consultant responsible for feasibility study of 175,000 Btu/hr pellet boiler. Study included site layout, cost estimation, financial analysis, biomass option development and technology analysis. Project under consideration by owner. Caledonia Sate Park District Heating Project, PA. Managing consultant responsible for feasibility study of 0.20 mmbtu/hr cord wood system to replace oil usage for heating 5,500 sf of space between two buildings. Study included onsite energy evaluation, savings analysis, general project layout, and interconnection scheme. Project operational. Rockingham County Biomass Thermal District Energy Project, Rockingham County, NH. Managing consultant for provision of technical assistance to Rockingham County NH for 7 mmbtu/hr biomass thermal energy system. Assistance included feasibility study, detailed analysis of thermal energy profiles, evaluation of thermal renewable energy technologies, detailed cost estimate and financial analysis; assisting the owner in developing a RFP for the design build project; and review of bid proposals. Project operational. Veterans Administration Chillicothe Medical Center Biomass District Energy CHP Project, Chillicothe, OH. Managing consultant responsible for feasibility evaluation for biomass district energy system at VA center. Study included evaluation of electrical and thermal loads, feasibility study, equipment sizing and specifications for owner selected option (600 hp biomass fired steam boiler, 350 kwe turbine, 200 ton absorption chiller), evaluation of biomass technologies and absorption cooling, economic analysis for owner, and basis of design and specifications for USACE project change order. Project operational. Gunderson Lutheran Hospital Biomass District Energy CHP Project, Chillicothe, OH. Managing consultant responsible for feasibility evaluation for biomass district energy system. Study included evaluation of electrical and thermal loads, feasibility study, equipment sizing and specifications for owner selected option (800 hp biomass fired steam boiler, two backpressure steam turbines), evaluation of biomass technologies and absorption cooling, economic analysis for owner, and basis of design and specifications. Project operational. University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, WI. Managing consultant in charge of study to determine the feasibility of converting the campus district energy system from a coal fired system and generating renewable electricity from woody biomass. The project identified $800,000 in annual energy savings from an 800 Hp biomass boiler with a 0.5 MW turbine. The project is currently awaiting Wisconsin State funding decisions. USDA FOREST SERVICE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT CONSULTING: Provision of feasibility studies for biomass energy systems. Provision of planning, economic development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and technical support for biomass renewable energy projects to US Forest Service. Page 11 of 16

13 4.4 WES E&E Statement of Experience with Similar Studies WES E&E staff are some of the most experienced personnel in the US at evaluating biomass thermal and thermally led CHP projects in the 50,000 Btu/hr to mmbtu/hr range. WES E&E staff has performed detailed evaluation of biomass renewable energy projects for over 100 communities, schools, universities, hospitals, businesses, governments, and non profits. WES E&E staff experience includes evaluation of virtually all commercially available biomass conversion and electric generation technologies and many variations of these technologies from many different vendors. WES E&E staff has provided detailed feasibility level study of biomass thermal and combined heat and power technologies and projects for a long list of clients. This section lists the most relevant project studies completed by WES E&E staff that have led to projects that have moved beyond feasibility study into planning and implementation phases. For each project, WES E&E has provided a short description, relevant staff experience, study completion date, project status, and owner information. Harvard Forest Biomass District Heating Project Cord Wood Location: Petersham, Massachusetts Contact: Ms. Edythe Ellin Director of Administration, Harvard Forest Year of Study: 2010 Status: Under Construction The $600,000 project consists of two advanced indoor gasification type cord wood boilers each sized at approximately 0.2 mmbtu/hr with corresponding thermal storage. The system will annually replace 8,500 gallons of fuel oil and the use of an inefficient cord wood boiler through a district system serving 4 buildings totaling approximately 34,000 ft 2. The cord wood will be sourced from the maintenance efforts on the Forest Campus grounds. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided the feasibility study, system sizing for the project, and engineering review of system design. The project is currently under construction. US Army Corps of Engineers Biomass Heating System Switchgrass Pellets Location: Saegertown, Pennsylvania Contact: Mr. Joseph Arnett Natural Resource Specialist (814) Year of Study: 2013 Status: Under consideration for funding The $60,000 project consists of a mmbtu/hr hot water boiler firing on densified switchgrass pellets. 250 gallons of hot water thermal storage are included to reduce system cycling, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce flue gas particulate emissions. The system will annually replace 862 gallons of #2 fuel oil (100%) using approximately 8 tons of renewable switchgrass pellets that are provided thru a cooperative agreement. The cooperative agreement between the Army Corp and Ernst Biomass exchanges 37 acres of switchgrass planted and harvested on the Army Corps site for 8 tons of pellets at no cost to the Army Corp. The planting reduced soil erosion and mowing and management costs on a dam site and Ernst Biomass receives more than 100 tons of raw product in exchange for 8 tons of pellets. The project reduces net carbon emissions by 8.7 metric tonnes annually. WES E&E staff Page 12 of 16

14 provided the feasibility study for the project including system sizing, fossil fuel offset, projected annual savings, and project cost estimates. The project is currently in the planning stages for implementation. Steelville Schools Biomass District Heating Project Wood Chips Location: Steelville, Missouri Contact: Mr. John Tuttle Forest Management Chief, Missouri Department of Conservation (573) Ext Year of Study: 2010 Status: Operational The $950,000 project consists of a 1 mmbtu/hr advanced biomass combustion unit and hot water boiler fired on locally sourced wood chips. The project also includes 1,000 gallons of hot water thermal storage to reduce system cycling, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce flue emissions. The system feeds three buildings totaling 125,000 ft 2 and including the elementary and middle schools. The system annually replaces 2,000 mmbtu/yr of propane and electric (85%) using approximately 285 green tons of renewable locally sourced wood chips. The project reduces net carbon emissions by 225 metric tonnes annually. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided initial study, system sizing for the project, and engineering review of the design for the project owner through the Missouri Department of Conservation and US Forest Service. The project is currently operational. Sullivan County, NH Unity Complex Biomass CHP District Heating System Wood Chips Location: Unity, New Hampshire Contact: Mr. John Cressy Facilities Director, Sullivan County (603) Year of Study: 2011 Status: Project under construction The $3,000,000 project consists of a 5 mmbtu/hr advanced biomass combustion unit / 150 psig steam boiler and a 40 kwe backpressure steam turbine. The biomass system will be housed in a central building and supply steam to the existing steam systems in the County Jail and Nursing Home and hot water to another County building through 1,200 ft of district heating piping. The system will replace 90% of the fuel oil usage (17,500 mmbtu/yr) at the complex and generate 9% (135,000 kwh/yr) of the annual electric demand through backpressure steam generation. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided the feasibility study for the project which included, evaluation of existing HVAC system requirements, thermal load modeling, technology evaluation, feasibility level design of the system, system sizing and specification, tie in to existing facilities, biomass facility layout including fuel storage and handling, detailed project cost estimate, estimate of net carbon emission reductions, and financial analysis. System options and technologies evaluated for this project included biomass thermal only and thermally led backpressure steam CHP. Page 13 of 16

15 Eminence R 1 Elementary School Heating Project Cord Wood Location: Eminence, Missouri Contact: Mr. John Tuttle Forest Management Chief, Missouri Department of Conservation (573) Ext Year of Study: 2010 Status: Operational The $380,000 project consists of two gasification type cord wood hot water boilers sized at 0.3 mmbtu/hr that provide space heating for the rural elementary school. The system uses 500 gallons of hot water thermal storage to increase system efficiency for the cord wood boilers, reduce flue gas emissions, and increase annual fossil fuel offset. The system annually replaces 11,280 gallons of propane (80%) for the 15,000 ft 2 facility using approximately 30 cords of renewable biomass energy. The project reduces net carbon emissions by 64 metric tonnes annually. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided the feasibility study for the project, technical assistance for system efficiency monitoring, and specified emission control requirements. The project is currently operational. YMCA Storer Camp Biomass District Heating Project Cord Wood Location: Jackson, Michigan Contact: Mr. Glen King Vice President of Camp Development Year of Study: 2012 Status: Operational The project consists of two gasification type cord wood hot water boilers sized at mmbtu/hr and mmbtu/hr. The project also includes 1,600 gallons of hot water thermal storage to reduce system cycling, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce flue emissions. The system will annually replace ~1,100 mmbtu/yr of natural gas usage for the Camp s 15,000 ft 2 dining commons and a new 2,000 ft 2 Net Zero building. The cord wood is sourced from maintenance efforts on the Camp s 1,200 acres. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided initial evaluation of project potential, system sizing for the project, and engineering review of the design for the project owner. The project is in the final stages of commissioning. Caledonia State Park District Heating Project Cord Wood/Pellets Location: Caledonia, Pennsylvania Contact: Mr. Lew McCreery Woody Biomass Coordinator USFS Wood Education and Resource Center (304) Year of Study: 2010 Status: Operational The $50,000 project consists of a 0.2 mmbtu/hr multi fuel gasification type indoor biomass boiler. The boiler is equipped to utilize cord wood, and also pellets through a quick change in the grate. The project also includes 1,000 gallons of hot water thermal storage to reduce system cycling, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce flue emissions. The system will annually replace ~3,000 gallons of fuel oil use for a Page 14 of 16

16 maintenance garage and old museum building at the Park. Together the two buildings total approximately 5,500 ft 2 of heated space. The cord wood will be sourced from the Park s maintenance efforts, and there is approximately 8 tons of bulk pellet storage which will be sourced from a nearby pellet plant offering bulk delivery. Cord wood will be utilized on weekdays, and the pellets will be utilized on the weekends and holidays when staff may not be available to load the cord wood system. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided initial study and system sizing for the project. The project is under construction. St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts Heating Project Wood Pellets Location: Berlin, New Hampshire Contact: Mrs. Joan Chamberlain Executive Director Year of Study: 2012 Status: Operational The $156,000 project consisted of converting an existing steam distribution system to hot water, two 191,000 Btu/hr output wood pellet boilers, and 50,000 Btu of hot water thermal storage providing a maximum system output of 432,000 Btu/hr for the 6,200 ft 2 historic building. The system annually replaces 100% of the fuel oil purchased with renewable biomass energy. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided the preliminary feasibility study which included biomass boiler sizing, thermal storage sizing, annual biomass volume projections, project cost estimates, and development of a design build RFP for solicitation to contractors. The project is currently operational. Sullivan County Schools District Heating Project Wood Chips Location: Laporte, Pennsylvania Contact: Mr. Doug Lindner Business Manager, Sullivan County School District (570) Year of Study: 2010 Status: Operational The $1,650,000 project consists of a 3 mmbtu/hr advanced biomass combustion unit and hot water boiler firing on wood chips. 3,000 gallons of hot water thermal storage are included to provide flexibility with the biomass system, reduce system cycling, improve combustion efficiency, and reduce flue gas particulate emissions. The system will annually replace 53,000 gallons of #2 fuel oil (85%) using approximately 850 green tons of renewable locally sourced wood chips. The project reduces net carbon emissions by 537 metric tonnes and sulfur dioxide emissions by 830 lbs annually. WES E&E staff provided the feasibility study for the project, system sizing, secured grant funding for the project, provided air quality permitting services, and developed a community energy plan. The project is currently operational. Page 15 of 16

17 Rockingham County Biomass District Heating System Wood Chips Location: Brentwood, New Hampshire Contact: Ms. Jude Gates Director of Facilities, Planning & IT, Rockingham County (603) Year of Study: 2010 Status: Operational The $3,900,000 project consists of 3.3 mmbtu/hr and 7 mmbtu/hr advanced biomass combustion units with 150 psig rated steam boilers, a new 500 kva backup generator, and upgrades to existing heating distribution infrastructure. The biomass system is housed in a central building and steam is supplied to existing steam distribution systems in a Jail and Nursing Home through 700 ft of district heating pipe. The system will replace 95% of the fuel oil usage (40,000 mmbtu/yr) at the complex. As part of the WERC Technical Assistance Team, WES E&E staff provided the feasibility study for the project which included, evaluation of existing HVAC system requirements, thermal load modeling, system sizing and specification, tie in to existing facilities, detailed project cost estimate, and financial analysis. System options and technologies evaluated for this project included biomass thermal only, biomass thermal with absorption cooling, and thermally led backpressure steam CHP with absorption cooling. Page 16 of 16

18 Attachment A AK Business License

19 Alaska Business License # Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing P.O. Box , Juneau, Alaska This is to certify that WES ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, LLC 902 MARKET ST. MEADVILLE PA owned by WES ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT, LLC is licensed by the department to conduct business for the period June 10, 2014 through December 31, 2014 for the following line of business: 54 - Professional, Scientific and Technical Services This license shall not be taken as permission to do business in the state without having complied with the other requirements of the laws of the State or of the United States. This license must be posted in a conspicuous place at the business location. It is not transferable or assignable. Susan K. Bell Commissioner