Solicitation –
Commonwealth Hydropower Initiative
Summary:
The Renewable Energy Trust is seeking applications for funding for hydropower generation projects through its Commonwealth Hydropower Initiative (CHI). The Trust seeks to improve the efficiency and ecological compatibility of the state’s portfolio of hydropower assets that are (or are working to be) qualified for the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard. CHI has approximately $1.2 million available for this solicitation.
The Trust is accepting applications for grants for the upgrade or rehabilitation of existing FERC-licensed or non-jurisdictional facilities with nameplate capacity up to 25 MW, or for the development of new facilities that are seeking “conduit exemptions” from FERC (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). All projects must produce incremental generation of at least 200,000 kilowatt-hours per year. The maximum award size is $600,000, with a required cost-share of 50 percent. Up to $100,000 of the award may be used for design and permitting activities, including certification by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute.
The Trust is also accepting applications for grants for feasibility studies for similarly-eligible projects. The maximum feasibility study grant is $40,000, with a required applicant cost-share of 20 percent.
Contact:
Amy Barad, Project Manager
barad@masstech.org
508-870-0312 x1-285
Schedule:
Solicitation Posted |
September 3, 2009 |
September 23, 2009 Please email: hydro@masstech.org |
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Deadline for Written Questions |
September 30, 2009 |
Last Posted Update to Questions and Answers |
October 8, 2009 |
Applications due to RET |
December 17, 2009 – 3:00 PM |
Awards Announced |
Target: March 2010 |
Downloadable Files for Solicitation:
Solicitation |
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Attachment A – Authorized Applicant Signature and Acceptance Form |
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Attachment B (FS) – Application for Feasibility Study Grant |
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Attachment B (D&C) – Application for Design & Construction Grant |
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Attachment C – Minimum Technical Requirements |
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Attachment D – Milestone Instructions and Construction Project Information Template |
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Attachment E – Grant Agreement |
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Attachment F – Sample Outline of Comprehensive Feasibility Study |
MA RPS and LIHI Workshop
The Renewable Energy Trust is sponsoring a free workshop about the process for qualifying a hydroelectric facility for the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard, and the closely related subject of certification by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute. Speakers will include representatives of LIHI and the MA Department of Energy Resources. The subject matter will be most appropriate for those with existing facilities who may seek MA RPS qualification. The workshop will be at 9 am on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Mass Tech Collaborative, 75 North Drive, Westborough, Weiss Building - Room 102.
If you are interested in attending, please send an email ASAP to hydro@masstech.org, provide your name (and your company name, if any). We will also add your name to our general hydro email list.
Join our Email List
If you would like to be on an email list to receive hydro-related announcements from the Renewable Energy Trust, please email hydro@masstech.org, provide your name (and your company’s name, if any), and ask to be placed on our general hydro email list. No need to send a separate email if you are responding about the workshop or bidder's conference described above.
Useful Links
Introduction to the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard and RECs:
MA RPS Regulations:
Low Impact Hydropower Institute