by jboullion | Jul 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
MADISON, Wis. (July 8, 2009) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, has awarded grants totaling more than $2.6 million to help businesses statewide finance the installation of large renewable energy systems. Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to help eligible businesses become more energy independent.
“The grants awarded offer businesses financial assistance for projects that will make a significant impact on Wisconsin’s growing renewable energy market; in fact, these larger renewable energy systems offer businesses a way to lessen their dependence on fossil fuel based energy use, in turn reducing pollution” said Don Wichert, program director for Focus on Energy. “It is my hope more organizations will look to these businesses as shining examples of energy pioneers — and follow their example.”
Grant Recipients
Following are the grant recipients in their respective technologies:
Wind
Cashton Greens Wind Farm LLC of Cashton, Wis., was awarded $250,000 to install two wind turbines with a 5,000 kW capacity. The two-turbine wind farm is an innovative partnership between Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (CROPP), Western Technical College (WTC) and Gundersen Lutheran Health System Inc. It will be the first “community wind” project in the state and its two turbines will be the largest in the state.
Biomass heat
Gundersen Lutheran Envision LLC in La Crosse, Wis., was awarded $376,057 to install a biomass fired steam plant to produce renewable thermal energy for Gundersen Lutheran Hospital’s main campus. The system is estimated to provide approximately 95 percent of the campus’ thermal needs. The boiler system will be fired with both wood waste and agricultural waste.
Other grant recipients
Orion Electric Systems in Manitowoc, Wis., was awarded $250,000 to install a 273 kilowatt (kW) solar electric system. Orion Energy Systems labels itself as a technology center, designed with the express intention of reaching out to the community and developing an education program to introduce various energy technologies and devices to the public. To this end, its solar electric system will serve as a demonstration and educational tool. In addition, the project will be the largest solar electric system in the state and the first in the state to use an innovative cylindrical solar thin film technology.
PPC Partners Inc. in Plymouth, Wis., was awarded $500,000 to complete a 1,137 kW anaerobic digester energy system. PPC Partners will own the system; however, it will be located at Goeser Dairy LLC, a 1,000 head dairy operation. Goeser Dairy will provide the majority of waste stream to serve as the digester’s feedstock and other wastes will also be used. The dairy will benefit from the enhanced waste and odor management system as well as reduced bedding fees.
The City of Sheboygan Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) was awarded $205,920 to install a biogas maximization system. The Sheboygan WWTP has been successfully operating a number of 300 kW microturbine systems for nearly four years. The new biogas maximization system will increase the gas production of the existing anaerobic digester from 30 percent to 60 percent. To capture the energy from the increased amount of biogas, the city will install two additional 200 kW microturbines, bringing the total generation capacity of the WWTP up to 700 kW.
Dairy Dreams LLC of Casco, Wis., a 3,000 head dairy operation, was awarded $434,477 for the installation of an 800 kW anaerobic digester energy system. The system will produce energy, while helping to manage waste and control odor.
Industrial Towel & Uniform (ITU) Inc. of New Berlin, Wis., an industrial laundry service company, was awarded $170,000 to install a 10,000 square foot solar hot water system. This system will reduce ITU’s natural gas use by 28,388 therms a year, a significant decrease in its annual natural gas consumption. The system will be the largest solar water heating system in the state when completed.
Clear Horizons LLC in Sun Prairie, Wis., was awarded $500,000 to complete a 1,137 kW anaerobic digester energy system. Clear Horizons will own the system; however, it will be located at Maunesha River Dairy, a 1,000 head dairy operation. The dairy’s waste stream will serve as the digester’s feed stock and will use additional organic wastes from other sources. The system will produce energy, help manage waste and control odor.
Gundersen Lutheran Envision LLC in La Crosse, Wis., was awarded $376,057 to install a biomass fired steam plant to produce renewable thermal energy for Gundersen Lutheran Hospital’s main campus. The system is estimated to provide approximately 95 percent of the campus’ thermal needs. The boiler system will be fired with both wood waste and agricultural waste.
Businesses Statewide Are Eligible
In addition to the grants awarded, Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for smaller renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. To learn more about Focus on Energy, available financial incentives, or to get an application, call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
by jboullion | Jul 7, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Focus on Energy:
Join Focus on Energy at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair! The Northern Wisconsin State Fair offers a nostalgic atmosphere, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the park-like setting filled with clean, safe, hometown hospitality. Stop by the Focus on Energy booth in the Fine Arts Building and talk to the experts about energy efficiency in your home and business.
by jboullion | Jul 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement from Focus on Energy:
Who is Eligible?
Nonprofit organizations and institutions, schools, and units of government are eligible for the Wind Electric Implementation Grant for Schools, Nonprofits and Units of Government if they purchase electricity from an electric provider participating with Focus on Energy. The renewable energy system must be installed on a site whose owner purchases electricity for that site. For a list of participating providers visit focusonenergy.com/utilities or call 888.476.9534.
What is an Implementation Grant?
Wind Electric Implementation Grants for Schools, Nonprofits and Units of Government provide financial support for the installation of commercially available wind electric systems that produce electricity and are rated over 20 kW and not more than 100 kW. For residential or business wind electric systems, please use the Cash-Back Rewards or Wind Electric Implementation Grant available at focusonenergy.com/reincentives.
Available Funding
On a competitive basis, a maximum grant of $150,000 will be available to provide financial support for the installation of wind electric systems over 20 kW to not more than 100 kW. This grant cannot exceed 35 percent of the system cost, the actual grant award is based on the estimated annual electrical production of the installed system (See System Guidelines for more information).
Important!
Before you sign an installation contract, order, purchase or begin to install any system components, your application must be approved by Focus on Energy and you must sign an Implementation Grant Agreement form. Payment of the Implementation Grant is made to you after the renewable energy system is installed and you submit a complete Notice of Installation.
by jboullion | Jul 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the City of Eau Claire’s Green Website:
How can I decrease my energy consumption?
1. Turn off lights. Did you know roughly 40% of our electricity use is from lighting our indoor spaces? By simply turning off lights when not present you can save serious greenbacks!
2. Use more daylight instead of artificial for indoor lighting. Research has shown daylight increases productivity and reduces absenteeism in the workplace. Natural light has a profound effect on the stimulation and regulation of the human body. For instance, the human eye turns daylight into electrical impulses, triggering the release of the chemical serotonin, which is essential for emotional well-being. Additionally, ultraviolet light from the sun creates Vitamin D through our skin producing calcium for healthier bones & teeth.
http://www.daylightsystems.com/daylightsystems/daylight/benefits.aspx
3. Unplug it! When not in use unplug chargers, non-essential power strips, etc. Turn off your computer and monitor before you go out. Decrease use of space heaters by having a sweater or cardigan handy when you get a little cold.
by jboullion | Jul 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
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From a news release issued by Madison Gas and Electric:
MADISON, Wis. – (Business Wire) Wisconsin’s first large-scale wind farm began producing clean, renewable electric power 10 years ago today in Kewaunee County. The 17-turbine, 11.22-megawatt facility built and owned by Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is located near Rosiere. Since 1999, the facility has produced over 215,000 megawatt-hours of electricity, enough power to supply 3,000 homes annually.
The facility was built in direct response to MGE customers who wanted to purchase green energy for their homes and businesses. The wind farm’s generating capacity available for green energy sales was sold out in less than four months. Over the last 10 years, MGE has increased its wind energy portfolio by 12 times as strong customer support for renewable energy continues. MGE customers have one of the highest participation rates nationally in green energy programming offered by investor-owned utilities.
“We are grateful to the landowners and communities that support this project,” said Lynn Hobbie, MGE senior vice president. “We also thank the customers who have made our green pricing program so successful.”
“In 10 years, wind generation has completed the transition from boutique energy to a bulk power,” said Michael Vickerman, executive director of RENEW Wisconsin. “Early commitments to wind power from utilities like MGE helped make that happen and were instrumental to that industry’s subsequent growth and maturation.”
At the time, MGE’s Rosiere facility was the largest wind farm in the Eastern United States. Today the wind farm is one of nine commercial facilities in Wisconsin. Wind-generating capacity in Wisconsin totals nearly 450 megawatts.
