August 18, 2021
TRACK F: RENEWABLE ENERGY, WIND, SOLAR
F1.1 Closed Loop Organic Waste Management To Make Our Cities More Sustainable
(8 am – 8:20 am PST)
F1.1 Closed Loop Organic Waste Management To Make Our Cities More Sustainable
Globally, all nations are moving towards a more sustainable use of resources. The key challenge is to move beyond the perception of ‘waste as a problem’ to ‘waste as a resource’. Small scale AD technology can be applied in cities, next to, or even inside building eliminating the need to transport organics offsite. Food waste is eliminated in the process of anaerobic digestion, where a large amount of biogas is generated, used to produce green energy right at the place of installation. The by‐products are valuable fertilizer, water & heat which when integrated with urban farming, create a closed loop urban solution and have a major impact on GHG emissions. Micro gas grids can support this type of deployment. the final hurdle is regulatory as most building regulations do not cover the production of gas onsite.
QUESTIONS
1. What cities are implementing in building technologies?
2. Can this type of solution be retrofitted to older buildings or just incorporated in new build?
3. Can these systems be used for waste water as well as food waste?
F1.2 “Carfree” Cities: Accommodating Millions Fleeing Rapid Sea Level Rise
(8:20 am – 8:40 am PST)
This topic is relevant and urgent now: rapid seal level rise will force millions of internally displaced persons (IDP’s) within a few decades. Where will we put them? What will we build for them? How deliver energy services?
F1.3 LCFS Optimization and Reaching Fleet Carbon Neutrality
(8:40 am – 9 am PST)
F1.3 LCFS Optimization and Reaching Fleet Carbon Neutrality
Using our 16 years of expertise in the global renewable energy markets, we will aim to both educate the audience on how to achieve zero emissions in their fleet operation as well as inform them on cost efficient structures in order to meet their sustainability goals. We will touch upon the use of renewable energy for EV fleets, renewable gas for CNG fleets, biofuels and offsets from a local – up to a global scale.
F1.4 Solid Waste from Health Care – Environmental Impact and Management
(9 am – 9:20 am PST)
F1.4 Solid Waste from Health Care - Environmental Impact and Management
Effective management of health care waste is a critically important issue for maintaining human health and the environment. Improper management of medical waste causes ill-effects to the public, the people in the immediate vicinity of the health care offices, waste handlers, doctors and the environment through the production of harmful bacterial by-products or toxins. This paper addresses the environmental impact of health care waste and describes measures that can be taken by professional staff to reduce the production of potentially harmful and general waste. As health care professionals, we have to keep in mind that the materials and products, which we use to treat patients, may present adverse challenges to the environment. Realizing this, we can begin to take measures to minimize the production of waste and their potential environmental effects. Dental and medical office waste typically causes toxic chemicals to enter our water stream, sewers, and landfills. This paper identifies some common waste produced by medical and dental offices (dental amalgam, silver, lead, biomedical and general office waste) and provides practical suggestions for reducing the impact of our profession on the environment. To dispose of health care wastes, if recycling is not an option, the proper disposal of hazardous waste is necessary. However, the problem is that the health care waste is in most cases dumped at the uncontrolled disposal site, and that is public health and ecological risk.
Co-Authors: Payalben Kansara and Robert Cammarata
F1.5 LCFS Verification & Validation
(9:20 am – 9:40 am PST)
F1.5 LCFS Verification & Validation
On January 4, 2019, the amended Low Carbon Fuel Standard (“LCFS”) regulation, published by California Air Resource Board (“CARB”), came into effect. This regulation outlined a new validation and verification requirement for fuel pathway holders and fuel reporting entities. Weaver is an accredited validation and verification body by CARB.
F1.6 So You’ve Set Sustainability Goals – Now What?
(9:40 am – 10 am PST)
F1.6 So You’ve Set Sustainability Goals – Now What?
Slowing climate change has emerged as the world’s greatest challenge, and a serious business problem.
Reducing the carbon footprint of the fuels the world relies on is no longer a choice, it’s an obligation. Many businesses don’t know where to start when it comes to balancing their businesses’ needs with the impact it has on the environment. However, immediate solutions exist today to help you get a jump start on your move toward sustainable operations. This session will provide a manageable strategy for incorporating your low-carbon goals into your operations without sacrificing your ability to reliably deliver to your customers.
Attendees will learn:
• The renewable energy options currently available today and how these alternative fuels can be incorporated into today’s infrastructure
• What action you need to take today to meaningfully advance toward your net zero or sustainability goals
• How to estimate the monetary and community benefits of reduced emissions of CO2.
• The future of the renewable fuels industry and other green solutions you can adopt today to start down the path of a more sustainable future.
QUESTIONS
1. What are some of the top trends emerging in renewable energy?
2. What are the existing regulations, incentives, etc. associated with renewables?
3. What is the future outlook for alternative fuels?
F2.1 Economical Underground Pumped Storage Development using TBMs
(10:30 am – 10:50 am PST)
F2.1 Economical Underground Pumped Storage Development using TBMs
Over 95% of the currently available energy storage in the US is provided by conventional pumped storage utilizing existing topographic features to provide the head required for an economical project. Large parts of the United States do not have the topography to support the development of conventional pumped storage. Nelson Energy with Golder Associates has developed a conceptual design to utilize tunnel boring machines to excavate an underground reservoir to develop a closed loop project with an estimated cost less that half the cost of batteries for a storage duration of 12 hours. Nelson Energy received a DOE prize in 2018 for innovative pumped storage development. The presentation will describe this concept and its applicability throughout the US. Major Advantages of Underground Hydroelectric Pumped Storage:
-Energy Storage Cost-12 hours- $220/kWh versus $469 /kWh for batteries – Essentially Environmentally Benign – Can be sited near existing transmission at many locations -Uses well developed generation technology – Can be developed in many parts of the US–Competent Bedrock is present in 38 States – Preliminary design, equipment & estimated costs can be cloned to different sites – Pumped storage can provide a full range of ancillary benefits including system inertia.
F2.2 Long Duration Energy Storage – What’s Available?
(10:50 am – 11:10 am PST)
F2.2 Long Duration Energy Storage - What's Available?
Long duration energy storage is a new tag line widely discussed in the industry. Lithium ion and even flow batteries are established in the market and commercially available. Lithium ion technology has historically made sense for 6 hour and shorter durations. In addition to flow battery technologies, this presentation will provide an overview of other long duration technologies being contemplated or commercialized within the industry.
F2.3 State Siting Regulation of Energy Storage Resources
(11:10 am – 11:30 am PST)
F2.3 State Siting Regulation of Energy Storage Resources
Many states are setting aggressive mandates to transition away from fossil fuel-based electric generation. Wind and solar are popular candidates to replace traditional coal- and gas-fired turbines, but on their own are generally intermittent and non-dispatchable resources. Deployment of utility-scale energy storage resources will be a critical component of any plan to facilitate this transition.
Energy storage developers should carefully assess whether their project requires approval from state siting regulators. States typically require utilities and other energy infrastructure developers to obtain siting approval before beginning construction. Many state siting laws were originally implemented decades ago to address siting of “traditional” utility infrastructure like power plants, electric transmission lines, and intrastate gas pipelines. Few have been sufficiently updated to reflect recent developments in energy infrastructure and public policy priorities. This begs an important question: are energy storage systems (like batteries) subject to state siting requirements as generation or transmission assets?
F2.4 Financing Renewable Energy and Storage Projects
(11:30 am – 11:50 am PST)
F2.4 Financing Renewable Energy and Storage Projects
The development and construction of renewable energy and storage projects requires significant financial investment. Successful developers use non-recourse project financing as a source of low-cost capital and tax equity financing that monetizes tax credits. Maximizing the value of these funding sources for distributed generation and utility-scale projects requires careful planning and deliberate implementation. Noah Pollak, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, will provide an overview of project finance and tax equity structures, and take a deeper dive into key considerations for project developers to focus on to make their projects the most attractive to financiers and investors.
F2.5 Lithium Battery Safety
(11:50 am – 12:10 pm PST)
F2.5 Lithium Battery Safety
It’s tempting to think that energy storage can start to truly transform the grid as soon as the financial benefits clearly outweigh the costs, but there’s more work to do. Lithium batteries still carry more risk than many people wish to accept. This presentation explains why people underestimate battery risks and how to evaluate lithium batteries for safety. It also offers a use case in project design for resilience.
QUESTIONS
1. How do we calculate the value of resilience and flexibility from storage?
2. How can we compare resilient batteries with subsidized insurance?
3. Please identify up to five tests of a battery cell’s thermal runaway characteristics
AVAILABLE
(12:10 pm – 12:30 pm PST)
B1.1 EPA Signs New Rule Affecting Stationary
In 2019, the DC Circuit dealt a major setback to EPA’s efforts to resolve and close-out interstate air quality issues under the 2008 ozone standard without further NOx reductions from power plants. In doing so, the court may have breathed new life into state petitions to EPA demanding more stringent NOx limits for plants in numerous states. This presentation will review these recent decisions, the state petitions seeking NOx reductions in downwind states, and discuss the potential implications for industry.
F3.1 Challenges with Renewable Energy Contracts Addressing Reverse Flow and Covid-19 Delays
(1 pm – 1:20 pm PST)
F3.1 Challenges with Renewable Energy Contracts Addressing Reverse Flow and Covid-19 Delays
Wind, solar and storage installations are expected to expand as we continue to decarbonize our existing grid. Recent regulatory changes allow for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to participate in wholesale markets in certain states. Installation of these smaller generators connected to our existing grid can create challenges. These can easily manifest into contract disputes and delays including project terminations. Covid-19 has introduced another layer of uncertainty.
This paper will discuss key differences in contracts between EPC for renewables vs. Conventional thermal plants. How do RFPs for utility-scale wind and energy storage projects address gaps between full and partial wrap? And, with the former, how do contractors and project leaders handle reverse flow issues? Challenges with DERs connected to an existing grid will be addressed and will focus on Step Up Transformers. Covid -19 impacts on existing contracts and recommendations for future contracts will also be addressed. Energy project managers involved with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) practices are dealing with a myriad of issues brought on by the coronavirus: schedule delays, workplace distancing issues, supply chain impacts and new ways of writing contracts. Project delays caused by Covid require careful planning. We will explore issues with existing contracts and propose solutions. A deeper dive on Force Majeure provisions and recommendations for future contracts will be addressed.
F3.2 Microgrids for Hurricane Prone Areas
(1:20 pm – 1:40 pm PST)
F3.2 Microgrids for Hurricane Prone Areas
This presentation will focus on a microgrid case study for one of the manufacturing plants in Puerto Rico. The presentation will start with a comparison of several techno-economic modeling tools that are suitable for modeling microgrids and discuss pros and cons of each tool. After that, a case study performed for one of the manufacturing plants will be presented. The presentation will conclude with the potential benefits of a microgrid specific to this plant, the results of the techno-economic analysis, and the next steps on the deployment of the microgrid for this plant.
F3.3 The Effect of Renewables on Fossil Fuel-Fired Generation
(1:40 pm – 2 pm PST)
F3.3 The Effect of Renewables on Fossil Fuel-Fired Generation
The power sector is subject to continuously changing energy market forces, such as customer preferences, new technologies, public policy, regulation, and the cost of renewables. Critical to the business strategy are flexibility, the ability to pivot and adjust as markets and circumstances change, while continuing to fulfill the utility’s obligation to serve. Many companies will continue to fulfill their obligation to serve by providing a reliable and resilient grid for all customers. This presentation will focus on the effect of increased renewable energy generation at the expense of firm fossil fuel-fired generation and its impact on the need for a reliable and resilient grid. Specifically, the design of the transmission system has traditionally been based on the inherent characteristics of synchronous generators (i.e., firm fossil fuel-fired generation) to effectively deliver power from central station generators to distribution load centers while optimizing efficiency and maintaining a high level of reliability. The proliferation of solar- and wind-generated renewable energy has resulted in a displacement of synchronous generation, reducing the inertia of the overall system and lessening grid stability. This presentation will discuss how the power sector is addressing these concerns and how the operation of fossil fuel-fired generation will need to evolve to ensure stability of the system.
F3.4 Thermal Energy Storage Technology for the Application in Power Systems
(2 pm – 2:20 pm PST)
F3.4 Thermal Energy Storage Technology for the Application in Power Systems
The STEM-RES technology consists of thermally insulated modules containing fluidized bed sand, capable of storing thermal energy at high temperature (over 600 °C). The sand can be heated both through exchange coils crossed by superheated steam, and through electrical resistances. STEM-RES modules can therefore act as accumulators for both thermal energy and electricity, obviously transformed into heat. The return of the stored energy takes place through the production of superheated steam, which can be used as it is in industrial processes, or operate a turbo alternator unit for the production of electricity.
F3.5 Energy Storage Technology Review and Update
(2:20 pm – 2:40 pm PST)
F3.5 Energy Storage Technology Review and Update
With the growth of renewable resources, the energy storage market has seen unprecedented growth. While user electronics and electric vehicles has vaulted lithium-ion technology to the forefront of the industry, other technologies, such as flow batteries, are gaining attention in large-scale, long-duration applications. This presentation will cover pros and cons of Lithium-ion batteries and long duration flow battery technologies that are commercial or near-commercial in the development process. We will cover benefits of the different technologies, design and implementation considerations, and different applications that these technologies fit well with now and moving forward. Some of these technologies include Vanadium, Zn-Br, Iron, and metal-ligand chemistries.
AVAILABLE
(2:40 pm – 3 pm PST)
B1.1 EPA Signs New Rule Affecting Stationary
In 2019, the DC Circuit dealt a major setback to EPA’s efforts to resolve and close-out interstate air quality issues under the 2008 ozone standard without further NOx reductions from power plants. In doing so, the court may have breathed new life into state petitions to EPA demanding more stringent NOx limits for plants in numerous states. This presentation will review these recent decisions, the state petitions seeking NOx reductions in downwind states, and discuss the potential implications for industry.
F4.1 Solar PV Redevelopment for Decommissioned Coal Plants
(3:30 pm – 3:50 pm PST)
F4.1 Solar PV Redevelopment for Decommissioned Coal Plants
The installation of a solar plant at a closed or decommissioned coal plant can change the site from a liability to an asset. Brownfield redevelopment, however, presents significant environmental and regulatory compliance risks. Unlike some redevelopment opportunities, photovoltaic solar facilities may be highly compatible with the existing site due to the relative low impact of the new facility to existing subsurface conditions. The site may also continue in the same land use, utility/electric generation, and may continue with the same ownership. In this presentation, we will describe the environmental and regulatory risks associated with power plant redevelopment and will describe the benefits of a proactive environmental risk management program. The presentation will be a primer for the key environmental considerations, applicable solar PV permitting requirements, and decommissioning /site reuse process.
Co-Author: Russell Light, Sargent & Lundy
F4.2 Zero to One and the Electric Grid
(3:50 pm – 4:10 pm PST)
F4.2 Zero to One and the Electric Grid
In Peter Thiel’s book, “Zero to One”, a question is posed: “What important truth do very few people agree with you on?” The book goes on to describe how these lost truths become secrets and explains why no one is looking to explain or investigate. Given the fact that one third of all carbon emissions in the US are the result of burning fossil fuels to generate electricity and most utilities today are rewarded on incremental improvements to a broken infrastructure, perhaps there are many secrets to explore. What truths would emerge if new data and an awareness of the impacts were applied to improve the energy delivery market? Using the framework outlined in Peter’s book, this presentation will discuss some of the secrets within the utility grid and the challenges faced to incorporate new clean generation technologies.
F4.3 Developing a Sustainability Tool for Cal State LA
(4:10 pm – 4:30 pm PST)
F4.3 Developing a Sustainability Tool for Cal State LA
To assist Cal State LA campus to move effectively toward its carbon neutrality goal, we analyzed energy consumption and carbon footprint on campus. In our study we analyzed various energy consuming and GHG producing units such as HVAC, Heated Potable Water, Electricity, and Campus-Related Commutes. Our analyses showed that campus-related commutes has the largest contribution to campus carbon foot print (61%), followed by electricity use on campus (25%), heating up portable water (10%) and HVAC (4%). Further, we developed an energy dashboard that is an interactive web application that works based on modeling and integrating the examined energy consuming units. By using this energy model one can analyze current campus energy consumption and resulting carbon footprint in various areas and can further analyses the effectiveness of various campus’ energy saving practices.
Co-Authors: Soumya Puvvada, Carlos Linares, Geeth Chadalawada, Chandra Mouli Rotta, Jamaie Scott, and Brad Haydel, California State University, Los Angeles
F4.4 Locational Drivers for Utility-Scale Polar PV Farms
(4:30 pm – 4:50 pm PST)
F4.4 Locational Drivers for Utility-Scale Solar PV Farms
This research investigates the site suitability/selection process for large solar photovoltaic (PV) farms. We use a comprehensive suite of variables that are positive locational drivers, including: 1) economic factors (factors that positively impact development and operations costs); 2) critical infrastructure and high energy users (facilities that rely on cheap and reliable power); and 3) workforce (factors related to having a locally ready workforce for such projects). We employ advanced measurement procedures and methods to assess these decisive factors, comprehensively, offering a more sophisticated path forward for utilities and developers in terms of where to site solar PV farms.
Co-Author: Christelle Khalaf, Ohio University
F4.5 Sensible Sustainability TM
(4:50 pm – 5:10 pm PST)
F4.5 Sensible Sustainability TM
At Calpine Energy Solutions, we view renewable energy purchases as an important slice of the energy management portfolio. We employ a sustainable business process with our clients to enable datadriven decisions evaluated through a spectrum of five criteria: governance, cost, risk, carbon and reporting. We refer to the result of utilizing this prism as Sensible SustainabilityTM because the decisions informed by it should be logical in relation to all five criteria.
Calpine Energy Solutions has developed powerful analytical tools and data visualization platforms to support Sensible SustainabilityTM , but the process starts with asking good questions because the answers help define the yang, or governance, that should be applied. We colorfully call our questions the “How Do You Knows”: how do you know when to buy, how do you know how much to buy, how do you know how long to buy, and how do you know how well you performed? The introduction of renewable energy to consumer portfolios in simple terms, adds two additional questions to that list. How do you know where to buy and how do you know what to buy?
F4.6 British Columbia Renewable Energy Low-Carbon Future?
(5:10 pm – 5:30 pm PST)
F4.6 British Columbia Renewable Energy Low-Carbon Future?
British Columbia, on the Canadian West Coast, covers a large area, 950,000 square kilometres, 50% larger than France. Its population is 5 million and the economy has long been resource-based. 20% of the energy consumed in BC is from renewable power. The other energy sources are from fossil fuels. They are producers of GHGs, 68 million tonnes in 2018. BC has determined that major changes are required in energy production and use; it must electrify the economy. The Clean Energy Plan has a goal of having most energy in the future provided from renewable resources. The only major energy project in development is Site C hydropower. In 2025 it will generate 5,100 GWh of energy. However to reach the GHG targets could require 10 Site Cs by 2040. To electrify the economy there are many options. The costs and benefits of these options are described and the policies needed to achieve a low-carbon future set out.