Brevard Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development

Transcription

1 Brevard Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development February 26, 2014 The following Strategy statement has been developed as part of the Brevard Innovation initiative. Its purpose is to foster clean energy business and industry growth and stability within and for the benefit of Brevard County, Florida, and the Space Coast region. The initiative encompasses multiple clean energy resources, including solar, bio-energy, energy efficiency, ocean, wind and hydrogen. It also includes alternative fuels for transportation purposes, including natural gas, propane, biodiesel, hybrid electric, and plug-in electric. The Strategy includes new steps in support of clean energy as well as some already underway that should be continued. It is far-reaching in nature and at the same time a beginning point, a set of strategic priorities and actions meant to be updated and built upon over time. The Strategy reflects the consensus of multiple stakeholder organizations (see below). It is being circulated to other stakeholders for endorsement and involvement as well. Successful implementation of the Strategy will occur through the committed actions of diverse agencies, institutions, business entities and other organizations. A. Organizational Create and sustain the institutional framework and capacity needed for achievement of clean energy strategies for economic development 1. Pinpoint organizations with roles to play in strategy implementation and engage their active, committed involvement 2. Create an oversight committee, task force or other entity to coordinate and follow through on Strategy implementation 3. Develop a Work Plan with target dates, activities, assignments and deadlines for carrying out individual parts of the Strategy 4. Join national and other organizations that can serve as high value resources in achieving the Strategy such as ICLEI USA 5. Follow initiatives that can serve as models for Strategy development and implementation such as the National Governors Association (NGA) Academy on Targeting Clean Energy for Economic Development Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 1

2 6. Tap other expert resources (including those identified in the Appendix Part II) for further clean energy technical and other support for Brevard 7. Define, utilize and integrate terms that further the Strategy purposes, such as clean energy, sustainable economic development and clean economy B. State & Local Policy Support development of policies to create a business climate that furthers clean energy expansion as an in-state energy source and for economic development purposes. Recognize that clean energy businesses seek states and communities to locate in that have policies supportive of their industries and clean energy market development. Otherwise support policies that further clean energy availability. 1. Keep Brevard State Legislative Delegation and Congressional Delegation informed about clean energy issues, needs and opportunities, as well as the connection between clean energy and economic development and provide this Strategy in support of advancing clean energy for Brevard, the region and state 2. Support adoption of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Florida 3. Ensure that tax policy and appropriations decisions support clean energy advancement and expansion 4. Create targeted incentives for the attraction of clean energy companies. 5. Examine financial subsidies, regulations and other forms of government support to conventional energy industries and undertake changes to level the playing field with regard to clean energy alternatives. Support quantification and consideration of environmental, health and other externalities as one part thereof. 6. Complete development of a commercial PACE program for Brevard County, as authorized by State policy 7. Undertake military pilot project on LEED certification, given lifting of ban per the Defense Authorization Act 8. Create other state and local incentives for the use of clean energy and the removal of barriers to clean energy availability and uses Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 2

3 C. Funding While some strategies require no additional financial resources, new or redirected funding is a necessary part of carrying out other parts of the Clean Energy Strategy. 1. Seek grants and other funding support for full and timely Strategy implementation 2. Identify sources of matching funds and in-kind resources for use in winning grant funds and to be ready to timely act upon when funding opportunities arise. Tap DACS Clean Energy R&D Match Fund available for this purpose 3. Revisit USDOE funding, now reopened for hydrogen funding See Appendix for other funding sources to pursue and explore** D. Energy Partnerships Cultivate partnerships to advance clean energy goals whereby more can be accomplished through coordinated, collaborative efforts and by strategic partners joining forces 1. Initiate coordination and build relationships between statewide, regional and local energy and economic development organizations located in Brevard County 2. Include and collaborate with varied businesses and industries as partners in Strategy development and implementation and consider establishment of a corporate partners advisory board 3. Seek partnership between Next Era, TECO (People s Gas), Space Florida and other parties in Brevard County for one or more projects to advance clean energy solar, ocean, other 4. Explore possible partnership with cruise industry, as a high volume fuel user, on the use of clean energy alternatives 5. Examine the special opportunities offered through partnering with Kennedy Space Center for use of its facilities for clean energy/economic development Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 3

4 6. Host other joint pilot projects that demonstrate clean energy uses for business and economic development benefits E. Research & Development 1. Support clean energy research, development and demonstration work of the University of Central Florida s Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), the Florida Energy Systems Consortium and Florida Institute of Technology 2. Support the ACC 2014 Clean Energy Challenge (clean energy business plan competition for grad students) and state and local competitions for similar purposes 3. Support Energy Launch project through Brevard Workforce F. Planning, Zoning & Regulations Examine current requirements and practices and adapt as appropriate in order to facilitate clean energy uses and to attract and support clean energy businesses and industries 1. Evaluate existing requirements and practices and their effect on clean energy economic development goals 2. Develop incentives and land-use policies that encourage businesses (green and otherwise) to locate on existing industrial land, other infill sites, and within transit-oriented developments 3. Ensure that any recommended initiatives are consistent with energy components of building code G. Infrastructure & Site Development Position Brevard County to be chosen by economic development site selectors and the companies they represent, while also supporting clean energy business and industry already located in Brevard 1. Identify clean energy industry infrastructure and siting needs, and ways to further address those needs, in order to attract more industry prospects 2. Identify facilities available in the county for industrial and business use, including their suitability and potential for clean energy prospect uses 3. From the facilities inventory, identify those that are publicly owned and possible for use as a match in grant proposals Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 4

5 4. Populate and, as applicable, repurpose existing industrial parks and other appropriate sites (including Kennedy Space Center facilities, Space Florida s Exploration Park and others) as viable sites for clean energy industries and businesses H. Industry Recruitment & Retention Economic development is a competitive process and requires strategic action to be successful. Economic diversification is important for economic security and sustainability. Clean energy represents a proven means of sustainable development and diversification of local economies. 1. Ensure that economic development agencies include clean energy in their recruiting and retention efforts 2. Identify clean energy business and industry types and specific prospects to target for Brevard area 3. Promote Career Source Brevard (Brevard Workforce) clean energy workforce training opportunities with economic developers and site selectors as a talent development tool 4. Conduct interviews with selected Brevard-based companies to identify their needs and, for any leaving the area, what could have been done to help keep them from leaving or closing 5. Coordinate between economic and business development agencies and organizations through joint meetings with certain companies considering locating in Brevard County. I. Transportation The use of alternative fuels for transportation is part of a diversified clean energy strategy. It requires having fueling and charging stations, and other infrastructure, in place as well as other support for transitioning to such alternatives. 1. Support hydrogen fuel cell development and tap results of both the Orlando airport study for hydrogen powered vehicles and feasibility study for Brevard hydrogen plant 2. Identify the local market for CNG, LPG (propane), hydrogen and other alternative transportation fuels and vehicles. Include the needs and interests of stakeholders (fleets, fuel providers, distribution centers, others) 3. Evaluate electric vehicle legislation anticipated in the 2015 Legislative Session. Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 5

6 4. Support initiatives of the Central Florida Clean Cities Coalition to advance the use of clean energy for transportation J. Business Development Support the development of clean energy businesses from within the community, both for new businesses and expansion or strengthening of existing businesses 1. Support and promote related services of the Small Business Development Center, Eastern Florida State College and the Florida Institute of Technology Women s Business Center 2. Support Economic Gardening initiatives in Brevard County, for second stage and other businesses, including trainings through Grow FL, University of Central Florida 3. Consider creation of a clean energy business incubator through Brevard County, the University of Florida/County Extension Service, the University of Central Florida or the Florida Institute of Technology 4. Utilize online Asset Inventory Map as a resource in supporting expansion and sustainability of existing clean energy businesses in Brevard 5. Survey local and regional clean energy businesses and industries on hiring and training needs (as part of Clean Energy Accelerator project, through Brevard Workforce) and develop plan of action based on survey results K. Workforce Development Develop a green-collar workforce to meet the needs of new and existing clean energy industries and businesses in Brevard and to employ displaced workers and other Brevard residents seeking employment 1. Build broad-based green-collar job training partnerships that include stakeholders from the business, nonprofit, environmental, public and education sectors 2. Establish and support existing training programs that match with recruitment and development targets and trends 3. Publicize training availability to prospects along with green career opportunities and benefits Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 6

7 L. General/Other 1. Document the benefits of clean energy deployment and beneficial uses for enhancing the local economy 2. Identify opportunities for more higher paying jobs through clean energy options 3. Support the use of clean energy resources and practices by area businesses as a way of improving their financial bottom line and positioning for their economic security 4. Create and foster models of clean energy uses that also lead others to invest in such choices for a better local economy * A leadership team of key organizations from clean energy and economic/business/workforce development fields has been involved in development of the Strategy and plans for its implementation. These include: Florida Solar Energy Center Economic Development Commission of the Space Coast Workforce Brevard (now CareerSource Brevard) Space Florida Florida Institute of Technology Florida Solar Energy Industries Association Brevard City Managers Association Central Florida Clean Cities Coalition Other organizations and leaders with roles to play are being reached out to for input and involvement, including implementation roles. Organizations that have officially endorsed the Strategy as of February 27, 2014 include those shown above in italics. The final review process is underway by the remaining above-named groups. ** The Strategy document includes an Appendix with resources identified for these purposes and the overall success of this project. Brevard Innovation is a far-reaching initiative of Brevard County. Funding support for Strategy development has been provided by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). For further information, see or contact support@brevardinnovation.com. Brevard Innovation Clean Energy Strategy for Economic Development Page 7