Blog

What the heck is a smart grid anyway?

By Elisa Wood 

August 27, 2009

 

You know the old adage, ‘Never talk about politics or religion in polite company’? I’m beginning to think we need to add a third restraint, one against debate over the meaning of smart grid.

 

Okay, it’s not exactly a dinnertime topic. But I’ve discovered in gatherings of energy nerds (I’m one), discussion can become fairly heated over what constitutes “smart grid.”

 

On the one side are the engineering purists who stick to what I believe was an early definition: automated two-way communication on the grid by way of digital technology. At some point this came to widely include a smart meter that lets your utility ‘talk’ to your house and your house talk back.

 

On the other extreme, are those that seem to use the term to describe any grid innovation, particularly green or energy efficient technologies. It doesn’t even have to be a new technology. Combined heat and power is sometimes included in the smart club and it is more than 100 years old. (But then, just because something is old, doesn’t mean it’s not smart.)

 

Sometimes solar panels are described as smart. (They become stupid on the rare occasion when they leak.) And demand response, probably rightly so, has secured its position as part of the wired Mensa club. Integrating wind energy into the transmission system is often cited as a reason we need a smart grid.

 

It seems important that the industry stop fumbling with this definition. As Jesse Berst said in an excellent article, published March 5, 2009, SmartGridNews.com: “Can you imagine if an automobile CEO began his bailout plea with “I don’t really know what an automobile is, but can I have $20 billion please?” Or if the CEO of CitiGroup began a speech with: “I don’t really know what a bank is, but…” http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/commentary/Why_the_Smart_Grid_Industry_Can_t_Talk_the_Talk_and_What_to_Do_About_It-530.html.

 

Here are a few definitions of smart grid that show the range of thinking. Please let me know what you think and post yours as well. Virtual table pounding acceptable; no name calling please! 

 

*“A smart grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability and transparency.” Wikipedia

 

*“In terms of transmission, a smart grid makes it easier to deliver alternative energy sources like wind and solar from rural installations to city centers.” Ariel Schwartz, http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/04/30/energy-101-what-is-a-smart-grid/

 

*“Smart grid is a transformation. Just as the Internet revolutionized communication; the smart grid will transform how we produce energy, how we transport energy, how we store energy and how we use energy.” GridWise Alliance

 

*“The Smart Grid isn’t a thing but rather a vision and to be complete, that vision must be expressed from various perspectives – its values, its characteristics, and the milestones for achieving it.” Joe Miller http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/commentary/What_Is_the_Smart_Grid-567.html

 

*“Smart grid is the new big thing in the world of green…” http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/amsterdam-smart-grid-pilot-project-ibm-cisco.php

 

*“While many conversations about the Smart Grid center on communications and metering technologies, the actual definition of Smart Grid is much broader and encompasses grid infrastructure -- the brawn as well as the brains.” American Superconductor.

 

*“Over the past twelve months, Smart Grid has matured from a marketing buzzword to an industry strategy, with everyone from electric utility providers, to consulting and solution firms, to our country’s executive and legislative leaders referencing it as a key strategy for any number of objectives. Experts seem to agree that the Smart Grid is past the tipping point; however, agreement on strategy doesn’t necessarily constitute an agreement on deployment tactics.” http://www.smartgridroadshow.com/2/ 

 

To read and comment on the rest of the blog, go to

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or

http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Podcast

SVP dives into Smart Grid technologies part 1

Lisa Cohn of Energy Efficiency Markets interviews Larry Owens, manager of customer services for Silicon Valley Power, which is creating a smart metering system.  He describes his project, talks about the challenges of keeping up with smart grid applications and describes future technologies, such as appliances that will be operated remotely.

 

To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm

 

 

Coming Soon: Energy Efficiency Incentives for Businesses 2009

Volume 1: Eastern States

By Elisa Wood and Lisa Cohn

 

For information about pre-ordering the guide at reduced rates or advertising options, please e-mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net

 

 

News

Energy efficiency comes to fast food

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/energy-efficiency-comes-to-fast-food/

 

Secretary Chu announces nearly $300 million in clean cities grants to support clean fuels, vehicles, and infrastructure development 

http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7843.htm

 

Study: Energy efficiency could boost South

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6585138.html

 

Limited government proponent calls for Smart Grid intervention

http://www.reuters.com/article/mnEnergy/idUS260538769120090821

 

Energy department fails to use thermostats to cut costs

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/us/23energy.html?_r=1

 

DOE announces $37 million for small business research and technology 

http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7824.htm

 

 

Requests for Proposals

The Appalachian Regional Commission 

ARC invites proposals from qualified researchers and consultants to analyze the potential for municipalities and utilities to reduce costs with conservation measures and energy efficient upgrades and in the process promote public health and economic development. The solicitation applies to existing public infrastructure and buildings. Proposals will create or customize a process and a set of tools to assist with analyzing costs and benefits, planning, and financing energy efficient facilities.  

 

Proposals are due September 8.

 

Questions should be directed to David Carrier, dcarrier@arc.gov.

 

For more information go to http://www.arc.gov/images/aboutarc/grants/pdf/EnergyEfficientInfrastructureRFP.pdf

 

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities 

The NJ BPU seeks applicants to develop combined heat and power (CHP) facilities to serve New Jersey commercial and industrial ratepayers. The CHP program provides $60 million in incentive grants for up to 133 MW at new or existing sites. Each grant is performance-based; thus payment of the grant will be made only after the CHP project is permitted, constructed, and operating. The program is designed to enhance the New Jersey Energy Master Plan (“EMP”), which calls for the development of 1,500 MW of CHP Projects in New Jersey by 2020.

 

Applications are due September 14.

 

Questions should be directed to the BPU at chp@bpu.state.nj.us.

 

http://www.njcleanenergy.com/files/file/CHP%20Retail%20Margin%20Board%
20Approved%20Solicitation%207-01-09.pdf 

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks proposals for innovative commercial and industrial projects that are not addressed through other NYSERDA initiatives; complement existing New York Energy $martsm programs; and explore and test emerging technologies for possible inclusion in the current portfolio of Energy Efficiency Services (EES) programs. This RFP offers funding for projects that strengthen the market for energy-efficient products or services through coordinated activities involving market participants at multiple levels.

 

Proposals are due October 14.

 

Technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Alison Neligan at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3397 or aln@nyserda.org. Contractual questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Venice Forbes at (518) 862-1090, ext 3507 vwf@nyserda.org.  

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1300rfp.asp

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA invites proposals for development, demonstration and technical study of innovative ways for NYS electric customers to manage and curtail their electrical demand. NYSERDA’s objective is to encourage cost effective technologies and techniques that enable electric loads, especially aggregations of dispersed small loads, to participate in a demand response program, be automatically managed for facility peak load reduction or respond to a dynamic energy price.

 

Proposals are due October 1.

 

Program or technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Anthony Abate at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3522 or awa@nyserda.org.  Contractual questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Nancy Marucci at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3335 or nsm@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1151pon.asp

 

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks studies on energy efficiency, solar thermal, biomass, fuel cells, small wind, energy management personnel and vehicles. The studies can be later used to support applications for federal stimulus funds. Eligible participants include: municipal governments, public K-12 schools, public universities or colleges, hospitals, and not-for-profits. 

 

Applications are due by March 15, 2010 on a first-come, first-serve basis, or until funds are fully committed.

 

Technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed Ben Fox, (518) 862-1090, ext. 3444 or bf2@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Venice Forbes, (518) 862-1090, ext.3507 or vwf@nyserda.org.  

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1161pon.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks applications from software developers to provide building modeling software for use in NYSERDA's New York Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program

 

Applications are due by June 30, 2011.

 

For RFQ questions contact Brian Atchinson, (518) 862-1090, ext.3382, or bta@nyserda.org; for contract questions, Venice Forbes,(518) 862-1090, ext. 3507, or vwf@nyserda.org. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1303rfql.asp.

 

The National Energy Technology Laboratory

NETL seeks a 50% improvement in overall freight efficiency, measured in ton-miles per gallon, on a heavy-duty Class 8 tractor-trailer, by using advanced vehicle system and engine technologies. At least 20% of the improvement will be through the development of an engine capable of achieving 50% brake thermal efficiency. Over a three- to five-year period, selected participants will develop, test, and ultimately demonstrate these advanced technologies on a full-scale vehicle.

 

Applications are due September 9.

 

Questions should be directed to Meghaan Hampton, Meghaan.Hampton@netl.doe.gov.

 

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=47867

 

The California Energy Commission

The CEC seeks one or more prime contractors to conduct and direct RD&D projects arranged as integrated research programs that fall into the targeted areas of the PIER Buildings program. The PIER program supports energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects that are helping to improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, affordable and reliable energy services and products to the marketplace.

 

Proposals are due September 4.

 

Questions should be directed to Rachel Grant, contracts officer (916) 654-4379 rgrant@energy.state.ca.us.

 

For more information go to http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#RFP_500-08-503.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority     

NYSERDA seeks applications from facilities interested in energy efficiency technical evaluations, peak-load reduction studies, energy procurement analysis, proposals that study the feasibility of implementing combined heat & power (CHP) and renewable generation, and Peak-Load Curtailment Plans. This solicitation is divided into three separate components: 1) Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance; 2) CHP and Renewable Generation Technical Assistance; and 3) Peak-Load Curtailment Plan Technical Assistance.

 

Applications accepted on a first-come first-serve basis through November 30.

 

CHP and renewable generation program questions should be directed to Mark Gundrum at 866-NYSERDA, ext. 325. All other program questions should be directed to Rachel Adams at 212-971-5342, ext. 3016. All contractual questions should be directed to Doreen Darling at 866-NYSERDA, ext. 3216.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/Funding/1197pon.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA is offering $10 million in grants to expand manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York. The state agency will evaluate proposals on a first-come first-serve basis.

 

Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 or until funds run out.

 

Send applications to Roseanne Viscusi, PON No. 1176, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-6399. Direct technical questions to Jennifer Harvey, 518-862-1090, ext. 3264, jlh@nyserda.org, or Joe Borowiec, 518- 862-1090 ext. 3381, jcb@nyserda.org; and contractual questions to Diane Vogel, 518-862-1090, ext. 3299, drv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1176pon.asp.

 

 

Upcoming Events 

Cleantech Forum Boston: September 8 - 10, Boston

http://cleantech.com/cleantechforum/boston09/.

 

Advancing Energy Efficiency & Utility Customer Relationships: September 21 - 25, Denver

http://www.esource.com/forum2009

 

Gridweek 2009: September 21 - 24, Washington DC

http://www.gridweek.com/2009/default.asp.

 

Energy Efficiency: Helping Customers Transition into a New Green Energy Economy: September 24 - 25, Toronto

http://www.euci.com/conferences/0909-energy-efficiency/.

 

ACEEE's Energy Efficiency as a Resource: September 27 - 29, Chicago

http://aceee.org/conf/09ee/09eeindex.htm.

 

Energy & Environmental Building Alliance: Excellence in Building: September 28 - 30, Denver

http://www.eeba.org/conference/.

 

Clean Air through Energy Efficiency: October 14 -16, Houston

http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu/catee-2008/home.html.

 

 

Lisa Cohn’s new Energy Blog

Read and comment on Lisa Cohn's new energy blog, Cohn's Corner, for SNL Energy:

http://www1.snl.com/Interactivex/article.aspx?CdId=A-9855486-10075

 

 

Check out stories we are writing on twitter.com

 

 

Podcast Suggestions?

We are open to suggestions for our popular podcast, which attracts up to 150 new subscribers a day. We are now seeking interviews with efficiency experts who can walk us through hypothetical projects and discuss efficiency changes they would recommend to clients. Contact us at realenergywriter@comcast.net.  

 

 

Editor: Reid Smith

realenergywriter@comcast.net

 

 

-------------

August 20, 2009

 

Blog

Smart grid and stupid buildings: Can this marriage survive?

By Elisa Wood 

August 20, 2009 

 

Smart grid is still in its honeymoon phase. Hardly a day goes by without fanfare in the news about how it will reform building energy use. Maybe so. But for the marriage of smart grid and US buildings to work, someone's got to change. Is the stupid building up to the task? 

 

“Wiring the Smart Grid for Energy Efficiency," a white paper by Oregon-based Portland Energy Conservation Inc (PECI), brings us down to earth by pointing out how much transformation is required.  

 

First, the bill. Smart meters alone will cost about $35 billion to install in 140 million U.S. homes and small businesses. Estimates are that nationwide, we'll need to spend $400 billion to $900 billion to create a truly smart grid. Sure, forecasts Indicate smart grid will more than pay for itself. But where does the upfront capital come from? 

 

Second, many of our buildings wouldn't know what to do with a smart meter. Their control systems are not up to the task. This could spell trouble if the systems are not improved before smart devices are installed. "Imagine if a building was called upon to reduce load, and while all the controls were in place to raise the temperature setpoint throughout the building to 76°F, this action results in four offices overheating to 83°F due to the need for air distribution system maintenance and sensor calibration," the PECI paper says. 

 

Third, how do we achieve "true interoperability of communications," or rather, get the smart grid and stupid building to talk? This will require development of a common language, still in the works. "In residential applications, grid-aware appliances will become widespread only if they are easy to install. For example, a washing machine that receives a price signal from the electric grid and correspondingly makes decisions about whether to operate should be able to be installed by a homeowner or by a contractor without expensive set-up costs. This kind of plug-and-play operation requires that the appliance automatically operates with the utility’s communications network as well as any home energy monitoring system." 

 

Automation will be crucial. Or at the least, data display must be understandable and compelling. The report points out that consumers already suffer from information overload, so are unlikely to take the time to respond to price signals without strong incentive. Worse, consumers might treat energy savings like "a fad diet rather than a lifestyle change," making it difficult for our society to achieve lasting energy savings.

 

We've yet to come up with the "killer application" to make smart grid a mass-market product, like what email did for the Internet. Further, we're entering this new terrain with a lack of experienced building performance engineers.

 

The report does not say smart grid won't live up to its promise of achieving dramatic energy savings. Quite the contrary. Smart grid may be one of the most brilliant ideas of our time. But we must proceed soberly.

 

The white paper is available at http://peci.org/About/smartgrid_whitepaper_final_071709.pdf.

 

To read and comment on the rest of the blog, go to

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/ or

http://energyefficiencymarkets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Podcast

The flaws in Connecticut's EE market part 2

Lisa Cohn of EE Markets continues her interview with Field Pickering, managing director, North America, of CoolNRG, which is a project development company that operates in energy efficiency and carbon markets. He explains why the company pulled out of Connecticut’s EE market: The state didn’t provide enough economic incentives for CoolNRG to operate its programs there. In Part 2, he explains why the state made it so difficult for CoolNRG to work there and talks about what other options will be available for CoolNRG and similar companies in the future.

 

To listen and subscribe to Energy Efficiency Markets Podcast, go to

http://www.realwriters.net/rew/rtlnkmr.htm

 

 

Coming Soon: Energy Efficiency Incentives for Businesses 2009

Volume 1: Eastern States

By Elisa Wood and Lisa Cohn

 

For information about pre-ordering the guide at reduced rates or advertising options, please e-mail us at realenergywriters@comcast.net

 

 

News

Microsoft has big impact in slimming Windows energy load

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/08/17/focus3.html?b=1250481600%5E1941381

 

After slowdown, investment in green sector heats up

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1739626/after_slowdown_investment_in_green_sector_heats_up/

 

EnerNOC returns 260% from lowering lights in 2009’s power grid

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aZwH8aIZrsWo

 

Renewables and energy efficiency alone could power Michigan

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2009/2009-08-12-091.asp

 

Efficiency can help Northwest meet 85% of new electricity demand

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/08/efficiency_can_help_nw_meet_85.html

 

Smart Grid requires new profit motives

http://www.reuters.com/article/mnEnergy/idUS115493389720090811

 

 

Requests for Proposals

The Appalachian Regional Commission 

ARC invites proposals from qualified researchers and consultants to analyze the potential for municipalities and utilities to reduce costs with conservation measures and energy efficient upgrades and in the process promote public health and economic development. The solicitation applies to existing public infrastructure and buildings. Proposals will create or customize a process and a set of tools to assist with analyzing costs and benefits, planning, and financing energy efficient facilities.  

 

Proposals are due September 8.

 

Questions should be directed to David Carrier, dcarrier@arc.gov.

 

For more information go to http://www.arc.gov/images/aboutarc/grants/pdf/EnergyEfficientInfrastructureRFP.pdf

 

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities 

The NJ BPU seeks applicants to develop combined heat and power (CHP) facilities to serve New Jersey commercial and industrial ratepayers. The CHP program provides $60 million in incentive grants for up to 133 MW at new or existing sites. Each grant is performance-based; thus payment of the grant will be made only after the CHP project is permitted, constructed, and operating. The program is designed to enhance the New Jersey Energy Master Plan (“EMP”), which calls for the development of 1,500 MW of CHP Projects in New Jersey by 2020.

 

Applications are due September 14.

 

Questions should be directed to the BPU at chp@bpu.state.nj.us.

 

http://www.njcleanenergy.com/files/file/CHP%20Retail%20Margin%20Board%
20Approved%20Solicitation%207-01-09.pdf 

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks proposals for innovative commercial and industrial projects that are not addressed through other NYSERDA initiatives; complement existing New York Energy $martsm programs; and explore and test emerging technologies for possible inclusion in the current portfolio of Energy Efficiency Services (EES) programs. This RFP offers funding for projects that strengthen the market for energy-efficient products or services through coordinated activities involving market participants at multiple levels.

 

Proposals are due October 14.

 

Technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Alison Neligan at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3397 or aln@nyserda.org. Contractual questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Venice Forbes at (518) 862-1090, ext 3507 vwf@nyserda.org.  

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1300rfp.asp

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA invites proposals for development, demonstration and technical study of innovative ways for NYS electric customers to manage and curtail their electrical demand. NYSERDA’s objective is to encourage cost effective technologies and techniques that enable electric loads, especially aggregations of dispersed small loads, to participate in a demand response program, be automatically managed for facility peak load reduction or respond to a dynamic energy price.

 

Proposals are due October 1.

 

Program or technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Anthony Abate at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3522 or awa@nyserda.org.  Contractual questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Nancy Marucci at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3335 or nsm@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1151pon.asp

 

The New York State Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA will provide statewide funding for the installation of energy conservation measures including: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean fleet projects. This program is made available as part of NYSERDA’s administration of the State Energy Program (SEP) funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

 

Applications for round 1 are due August 24. Additional selection rounds pending remaining funding:  

Round 2 – October 26

Round 3 –December 21

Round 4 – February 16, 2010

 

Program questions should be directed to Ben Fox, 866-697-3732, ext. 3444, bf2@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Venice Forbes, 866-697-3732), ext. 3507, vwf@nyserda.org.  

 

For more information go to

http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1613summary.pdf

 

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks studies on energy efficiency, solar thermal, biomass, fuel cells, small wind, energy management personnel and vehicles. The studies can be later used to support applications for federal stimulus funds. Eligible participants include: municipal governments, public K-12 schools, public universities or colleges, hospitals, and not-for-profits. 

 

Applications are due by March 15, 2010 on a first-come, first-serve basis, or until funds are fully committed.

 

Technical questions concerning this solicitation should be directed Ben Fox, (518) 862-1090, ext. 3444 or bf2@nyserda.org. Contractual questions should be directed to Venice Forbes, (518) 862-1090, ext.3507 or vwf@nyserda.org.  

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1161pon.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA seeks applications from software developers to provide building modeling software for use in NYSERDA's New York Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program

 

Applications are due by June 30, 2011.

 

For RFQ questions contact Brian Atchinson, (518) 862-1090, ext.3382, or bta@nyserda.org; for contract questions, Venice Forbes,(518) 862-1090, ext. 3507, or vwf@nyserda.org. 

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1303rfql.asp.

 

The National Energy Technology Laboratory

The DOE is seeking applications for industry teams to implement the Building America Program's research program for new and existing homes. It also offers a limited opportunity for industry teams to focus on stimulating the existing home retrofit market.

 

Applications are due August 24.

 

Questions should be directed to Denise Riggi, driggi@netl.doe.gov. 

 

For more information go to http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=P5MHKJdcDz589pgYMW9p1QchLfmgG4JncPcJYknynPk57wpy1727!-1757398871?oppId=48215&mode=VIEW

 

The National Energy Technology Laboratory

The DOE seeks advances in cost reduction of solid-state lighting (SSL) for general illumination through improvements in manufacturing equipment, processes, or techniques. It is anticipated that success will lead to a more rapid adoption/installation of high-quality SSL products resulting in a significant reduction of energy use and a corresponding reduction of environmental pollutants. A secondary objective is to maintain, in the case of light emitting diodes, or establish, in the case of organic light emitting diodes, the manufacturing and technology base within the US.

 

Applications are due August 24.

 

Questions should be directed to Keith Carrington, keith.carrington@netl.doe.gov.

 

For more information go to http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=jpBDKJVhGtTML3vlQPHGtNhC8C3JryHjZ0vqbbs4zGLGCpv6NhpW!-1757398871?oppId=48208&mode=VIEW

  

For more information go to http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=TcTTKJZfL29nvgvXLl24p92QNX72bQXWl9YDGFtMbgWLQG2kHk4v!-1757398871?oppId=48211&mode=VIEW 

 

The National Energy Technology Laboratory

NETL seeks a 50% improvement in overall freight efficiency, measured in ton-miles per gallon, on a heavy-duty Class 8 tractor-trailer, by using advanced vehicle system and engine technologies. At least 20% of the improvement will be through the development of an engine capable of achieving 50% brake thermal efficiency. Over a three- to five-year period, selected participants will develop, test, and ultimately demonstrate these advanced technologies on a full-scale vehicle.

 

Applications are due September 9.

 

Questions should be directed to Meghaan Hampton, Meghaan.Hampton@netl.doe.gov.

 

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=47867

 

The California Energy Commission

The CEC seeks one or more prime contractors to conduct and direct RD&D projects arranged as integrated research programs that fall into the targeted areas of the PIER Buildings program. The PIER program supports energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects that are helping to improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, affordable and reliable energy services and products to the marketplace.

 

Proposals are due September 4.

 

Questions should be directed to Rachel Grant, contracts officer (916) 654-4379 rgrant@energy.state.ca.us.

 

For more information go to http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#RFP_500-08-503.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority     

NYSERDA seeks applications from facilities interested in energy efficiency technical evaluations, peak-load reduction studies, energy procurement analysis, proposals that study the feasibility of implementing combined heat & power (CHP) and renewable generation, and Peak-Load Curtailment Plans. This solicitation is divided into three separate components: 1) Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance; 2) CHP and Renewable Generation Technical Assistance; and 3) Peak-Load Curtailment Plan Technical Assistance.

 

Applications accepted on a first-come first-serve basis through November 30.

 

CHP and renewable generation program questions should be directed to Mark Gundrum at 866-NYSERDA, ext. 325. All other program questions should be directed to Rachel Adams at 212-971-5342, ext. 3016. All contractual questions should be directed to Doreen Darling at 866-NYSERDA, ext. 3216.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/Funding/1197pon.asp.

 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

NYSERDA is offering $10 million in grants to expand manufacturing of renewable, clean, and energy-efficient products in New York. The state agency will evaluate proposals on a first-come first-serve basis.

 

Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2011 or until funds run out.

 

Send applications to Roseanne Viscusi, PON No. 1176, NYSERDA, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, New York 12203-6399. Direct technical questions to Jennifer Harvey, 518-862-1090, ext. 3264, jlh@nyserda.org, or Joe Borowiec, 518- 862-1090 ext. 3381, jcb@nyserda.org; and contractual questions to Diane Vogel, 518-862-1090, ext. 3299, drv@nyserda.org.

 

For more information go to http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1176pon.asp.

 

 

Upcoming Events 

Cleantech Forum Boston: September 8 - 10, Boston

http://cleantech.com/cleantechforum/boston09/.

 

Advancing Energy Efficiency & Utility Customer Relationships: September 21 - 25, Denver

http://www.esource.com/forum2009

 

Gridweek 2009: September 21 - 24, Washington DC

http://www.gridweek.com/2009/default.asp.

 

Energy Efficiency: Helping Customers Transition into a New Green Energy Economy: September 24 - 25, Toronto

http://www.euci.com/conferences/0909-energy-efficiency/.

 

ACEEE's Energy Efficiency as a Resource: September 27 - 29, Chicago

http://aceee.org/conf/09ee/09eeindex.htm.

 

Energy & Environmental Building Alliance: Excellence in Building: September 28 - 30, Denver

http://www.eeba.org/conference/.

 

Clean Air through Energy Efficiency: October 14 -16, Houston

http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu/catee-2008/home.html.