interim ii feasibility report girdwood renewable energy research … · 5 january 2009 the study...

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January 2009

Interim II Feasibility Report

School of Engineering

3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508

5 January 2009

Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center

Photo by Brian Yanity

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Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center Interim II - Feasibility Report

5 January 2009

The Study Team UAA Faculty Members Anthony Paris Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UAA School of Engineering Orson Smith Professor and Chair, Civil Engineering Department, UAA School of Engineering UAF Faculty Member Fred Sorensen Cooperative Extension Service (Anchorage), University of Alaska Fairbanks UAA Student Members Lee Bolling Civil Engineering Student, UAA Seth Holtshouser Construction Management Student, UAA John Sitton Electrical Engineering Student, UAA Professional Community Members Rebecca Shaffer Architect Intern, McCool-Carlson-Green, and

Alaska Director, Cascadia Region Green Building Council Brian Yanity Project Engineer, NANA Pacific LLC

The Advisory Group Rosey Fletcher Municipality of Anchorage Dora Gropp Chugach Electric Association, Inc. Bob Gross Alaska Green Energy, LLC Darryl Jordan Independent Consultant, UAA Adjunct Professor Peter Larsen The Nature Conservancy Eric Marchegiani US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Walter Parker Walter Parker and Associates Eric Yould Wood Canyon Group, Inc. For further information contact: Orson Smith, School of Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4614 907-786-1910; [email protected]

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5 January 2009

Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center Feasibility Study

Executive Summary A feasibility study was begun in August 2008 to investigate options for building and operating an education and research center in Girdwood, Alaska, dedicated to the development and testing of low-environmental-impact renewable energy conversion technology, in particular

• small-scale hydroelectric power generation, • wind power generation, • tidal power generation, • solar power generation, • biomass-fueled power and heat generation, • cogeneration of power and heat, • energy storage and distribution/transmission systems.

Field testing of these technologies would be conducted in the Girdwood area, providing research and teaching opportunities for University of Alaska faculty and students. Public viewing of these efforts and interpretive displays of renewable energy concepts and technologies could be included in a facility at Girdwood. Other sustainable technologies could also be incorporated in the facility, such as

• green building technology, • on-site recycling of materials and waste products, and • low-energy-consumption architectural, mechanical, and electrical features.

The proposed facility could serve the Girdwood community and regional interests in a variety of ways. The facility could be managed directly by Girdwood interests through local government, a non-profit organization, or other business models discussed in the interim feasibility report. Cooperative facility use agreements between local interests, the university, and others could accommodate:

• primary and secondary school programs, • visitation and discovery by the general public, including tourists, • workforce development and technical training programs, and • general purpose use for Girdwood community needs.

A team of UAA faculty members, students, and others from the Anchorage professional community was formed to conduct the study. An Advisory Group of knowledgeable people was formed to guide study team efforts and to review their findings. An Interim Report dated 27 October 2008 was presented at a public meeting in Girdwood on 28 October 2008, emphasizing goals, objectives, and the full range of conceptual possibilities for facilities and services that a Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center might provide, along with organizational alternatives with regard to development, ownership, and operation of a facility. This report includes a summary of feedback from the 28 October public meeting in Girdwood and other comments and suggestions resulting from meetings and correspondence with a variety of potential stakeholders. In a nutshell, people interested in the project want to see more tangible details of development alternatives, such as building design and cost estimates. This report includes more of these details with order-of-magnitude cost estimates for planning, design, construction, and operation of a Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center.

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5 January 2009

Table of Contents Section Title Page number

• The Study Team i • Executive Summary ii • Table of Contents iii • Fundamental Objectives 1 • Educational Opportunities 1 • Scope of the Feasibility Study 2 • Public Involvement 2 • Schedule 3 • Prospective Renewable Energy Generation Sites in Girdwood and Vicinity 4 • Sites for Hydroelectric Power Development 4 • Sites for Tidal and In-Stream Hydropower 7 • Sites for Wind Power Generation 9 • Sites for a Central Facility in Girdwood 10 • Facility Design 13 • Research Opportunities 16 • Support of University Programs 19 • Primary and Secondary Education Benefits 19 • Cooperative Extension Service 20 • Workforce Development 20 • Organizational Models 21

o Non-profit Corporation 21 o Government Agency 23 o University 24

• Estimated Costs 26 • Center Staff Requirements 27 • Funding Strategies 28 • Next Steps in the Feasibility Study 31

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5 January 2009

Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center Feasibility Study- Interim Report

Fundamental Objectives A Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center in Girdwood, Alaska is under consideration by the University of Alaska Anchorage, School of Engineering in collaboration with public and commercial partners. The vision for the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center, referred to hereafter as the “Center”, is focused on expanding the use of renewable energy and sustainable technologies in Alaska. The Center could serve as an intellectual and technological nexus for evaluation of small-scale hydroelectric, wind, and tidal power generation systems. Field testing of these technologies could be conducted in the Girdwood area, with the goal of providing research, testing, education, training, and consultancy services for small-scale renewable energy development and other sustainable low-environmental-impact technologies across Alaska. The Center could help prepare university students for careers in renewable energy and associated professions and could inspire students of all ages to study science and engineering for the sake of sustainability. Educational Opportunities Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in engineering and science disciplines related to natural resource conservation and development could use the proposed facility for project assignments and demonstrations. The facility could support faculty-led research associated with undergraduate honors and graduate thesis projects, as well as support of commercial investigations. Students and faculty from University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) could also take advantage of these unique opportunities through collaborations with UAA faculty. Faculty from other universities could use the facility to advance their renewable energy research and involve undergraduate and graduate students in that work. Existing engineering curricula subjects that could beneficially use the facility for demonstrations and exercises include:

• Fluid Mechanics, • Water Resources Engineering, • Surface Water Dynamics, • Ground Water Dynamics, • Machine Design and Mechanical Engineering, and • Controls and Instrumentation, Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering.

New undergraduate and graduate UAA programs, courses, professional development seminars, and short courses could be developed that focus on renewable energy involving use of the proposed facilities. Already a tourist destination and ski resort, the community of Girdwood could attract widespread attention to renewable energy and sustainable technology research and use in Alaska. The Center could include public education space and be operated so visitors of all ages can learn principles and see examples of environmentally responsible systems at work. The Center could be a nucleus around which Girdwood could develop an international reputation as a model community for sustainable development.

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Scope of Feasibility Study The study will evaluate the feasibility of a research and education facility dedicated to development and testing of renewable energy conversion technology, in particular small-scale hydro, wind, tidal and biomass power generation systems. The study will determine Girdwood community sentiment and concerns and generate community feedback to judge the degree of local support for the proposed Center. The study is being conducted by members of the UAA School of Engineering faculty with involvement of students and public partners. The following tasks will be accomplished upon completion of the study:

Meet with local and regional community interests and prospective public and private partners to determine interests and preferences for Center capabilities, features, and associated activities.

Develop refined objectives and tangible goals to be achieved by development of the proposed center in the form of planning and design criteria.

Identify prospective sites for the central Girdwood facility and for satellite installations testing or demonstrating particular technologies.

Formulate alternative strategies, organizational schemes, and scenarios for university, public, and commercial partnerships in development, operation, and maintenance of the facility, including

o Acquisition of real estate, o Design and construction of permanent facilities, o Financial support by the university in partnership with other public and commercial

interests, and o Environmental and other impacts or issues associated with proposed developments.

Compare alternatives and recommend actions most likely to achieve goals and objectives and specific criteria developed early in the study.

Present preliminary designs for recommended developments. Formulate short-term and long-term budgets and business plans for operation, maintenance,

improvement, and financing of facilities and activities proposed, including participation by public and private partners.

Present a comprehensive report of all analyses and findings of the study, including an executive summary and other abbreviated versions for dissemination to the general public.

Public Involvement

• A public meeting was conducted on 28 October 2008 at which more than 35 attendees expressed interest and favor for the study and the concept of a research and public education center in Girdwood dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable technology.

• A second public meeting was to be conducted on 9 December 2008 to discuss progress and findings contained in this report, but was cancelled due to hazardous driving conditions—it is anticipated that the meeting will be rescheduled in early 2009.

• A third and possibly a fourth public meeting will be held to discuss additional findings since prior meetings.

• A web site is in development for public access to interim reports and other pertinent information. • Team members are calling on prospective Center stakeholders and Girdwood leadership groups

and organizations as opportunities arise.

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Schedule August 2008 Initiate study October 2008 First interim report and public meeting December 2008 Second interim report and public meeting March 2009 Third interim report and public meeting May 2009 Draft feasibility study report presented for review and comment June 2009 Final feasibility study report published; Fourth public meeting

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Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center 5 January 2009

Interim II - Feasibility Report

Prospective Renewable Energy Generation Sites in Girdwood and Vicinity The area surrounding Girdwood, Alaska (Figure 1) is capable of practical demonstration of most types of renewable energy generation. Girdwood also has year-round road access with local electric power infrastructure and energy demand. The Girdwood valley and surrounding Chugach Range have a large number of streams flowing down steep slopes, well suited for micro-hydroelectric developments. The adjacent Turnagain Arm estuary off northern Cook Inlet has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world with very strong tidal currents capable of power generation by a variety of mechanical means. Turnagain Arm also experiences consistently high wind speeds, capable of significant power generation.

Figure 1. Google Earth perspective of Girdwood on Turnagain Arm, near Anchorage, Alaska.

Sites for Hydroelectric Power Developments Micro-hydroelectric power developments with generation capacities of less than several hundred kW can be established on steep mountain streams upstream of natural barriers to fish passage. A portion of the flow is diverted into a penstock (pipe, see Figure 2) at the upstream limit of the project, often using a low-crested weir and spillway to fill the pipe for efficient delivery of water to the turbine and generator at the powerhouse. Penstock pipes, with diameters on the order of 8 to 24 inches, may be laid on the ground or buried along the route to the powerhouse. The powerhouse is usually located as conveniently as possible for transmission of power to users and for return of water to the natural stream via a tailrace channel, pipe, or culvert. Micro-scale hydroelectric plants typically have a powerhouse that is the size of a small cabin, which can be located so as to be nearly hidden by vegetation with minimum visual or other impacts. Figure 3 shows the powerhouse for the 100 kW McRoberts Creek hydroelectric plant near Palmer, Alaska.

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Figure 2. Typical layout of a run-of-river, micro-hydroelectric plant

Figure 3: Small concrete powerhouse structure for 100-kW McRoberts Creek hydroelectric plant (photo courtesy of Polarconsult Alaska, Inc.). Prospective sites for conventional micro-hydroelectric development on Crow Creek (125 kW), California Creek (125 kW), Virgin Creek (100 kW), and Alyeska Creek (150 kW) are located on either private, municipal, or the Chugach National Forest land (see Figures 1, 4 and 5). Alyeska Creek is

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promising due to its proximity to existing electrical loads at the Alyeska Resort day lodge. The Crow Creek site is close to existing residences loads that are not connected to the regional power grid maintained by Chugach Electric Association, Inc. The California Creek site is near the end of an electric distribution line owned by Chugach Electric for a possible connection to the regional grid. A hydropower development on California Creek would be a convenient venue for testing small hydroelectric turbine and generator systems, since the powerhouse could be located in relatively open space away from private land with competing uses.

Figure 4. Municipality of Anchorage map showing present land ownership in the Girdwood area.

Conventional hydroelectric plants with any sort of flow diversion or impoundment are probably not practical on Winner or Glacier Creeks, since these streams host productive fish habitats. Micro-scale in-stream hydrokinetic turbines could conceivably be tested in Glacier Creek as well as along the lower

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reaches of California, Virgin, and Alyeska creeks, since this technology does not involve disruption of the natural flow. Very small pico-hydroelectric power generation sites are also possible in tributary streams all around the Girdwood area. Pico-hydroelectric projects produce power on scale of individual homes or a small group of homes. Several property owners in the upper Crow Creek Road area have expressed interest in UAA faculty and students assisting them with pico-scale hydroelectric projects on Crow Creek or Gulch Creek (a tributary of Crow Creek). Numerous potential pico-scale hydroelectric sites also exist along the Seward Highway on various small, steep streams which flow into Turnagain Arm.

Figure 5. Municipality of Anchorage map showing plans for future land use in the Girdwood area.

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Sites for Tidal and In-Stream Hydropower In-stream hydroelectric turbines, also called “hydrokinetic” or “free-flow” turbines, are akin to underwater wind turbines in that they operate entirely on the kinetic energy of the fluid flow. Figure 6 below shows an in-stream hydroelectric turbine being tested in the Yukon River at Ruby, Alaska. Many villages in Alaska are located on rivers or the coast, so in-stream hydroelectric generation that relies only on kinetic energy of any sustained water current could provide the most cost-effective option for generating power on a home or village scale. Glacier Creek in Girdwood may be a possible site for small-scale hydrokinetic turbine research.

Figure 6: Small in-stream turbine being tested in Ruby, Alaska (photo downloaded from Alaska Energy Authority

webpage: http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programsalternativeoceanenergy.html ) Turnagain Arm has a tidal range of approximately 30 ft with associated very strong tidal currents that regularly exceed 4 mph. Challenges of dealing with the high tidal ranges in a cold region for small scale hydrokinetic power generation could be investigated in Turnagain Arm at Girdwood. At least several megawatts of tidal current power potential may exist in the area. A Girdwood tidal energy research facility could also lead to collaborations with others engaged in tidal energy studies or hydrokinetic turbine tests in other parts of the Cook Inlet region, such as Knik Arm at Anchorage or Kachemak Bay

http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programsalternativeoceanenergy.html

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by Homer. Figure 7 shows a site where tidal power generation might be tested in Turnagain Arm, along the Seward Highway between Bird Point and Girdwood.

Figure 7. Turnagain Arm near Girdwood at mile 93.3 on the Seward Highway (photo by Brian Yanity)

Sites for Wind Power Generation Bird Point and other areas along the northern shore of Turnagain Arm have consistently high wind speeds related to the unique funneling of wind between Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet via Portage Pass. Bird Point was found to have good wind energy potential in a study conducted by Chugach Electric Association. This study did not recommend construction of an array of large wind turbines due to space constraints. Meteorological data was measured at this location for about a year and data indicate that Bird Point has stronger and more consistent winds than the proposed wind farm site on Fire Island, west of Anchorage. Windy sites also exist along the Seward Highway closer to Girdwood, and more investigation is needed of the wind regime in the area. Several megawatts of wind energy potentially exists along the northern shores of Turnagain Arm. Wind regimes investigations and modeling studies are ideal assignments for university students in science and engineering. This area would also be a prime location to field test small wind turbines, such as those shown in Figure 8.

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Figure 8. Small-scale wind turbines in Selawik, Alaska (Alaska Village Electric Cooperative photo)

Sites for a UAA Facility in Girdwood The initial scale and appearance of a Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center in Girdwood will, of course, depend on resources available. The facility could start out as a small project building in Girdwood for staging field measurements, environmental monitoring, and coordination of site investigations. Renewable energy developments in the Girdwood area will each begin with a project-specific engineering feasibility study and environmental impact assessment. Physical parameters to be measured at each project site include precipitation, stream flow, snow cover, ice, wind speed and direction, water level variation, considering seasonal and extreme conditions. These studies require topographic, hydrographic, and geotechnical surveys and deployment of instruments for both short- and continuous long-term measurements. Environmental studies require species inventories, habitat mapping, wetland delineation, and related specialized evaluations of the project site and vicinity. Storage, staging, and maintenance of instruments and equipment for these efforts at numerous sites in Girdwood and vicinity would be most efficiently accomplished with a secure facility conveniently located in Girdwood. A larger facility, initially or through later growth, could accommodate laboratory benches for instrument maintenance and calibration, water quality and soils testing, and other endeavors that would save carrying equipment and samples back and forth to Anchorage. More space in the form of a meeting room could likewise accommodate assembly of project teams and classes for briefings related to field operations. Classroom space would provide for visiting elementary or secondary school groups to view lectures and demonstrations of renewable energy technologies. A facility with adequate parking and restrooms could provide for public visitation and tours of educational displays about renewable energy principles and technology, using to advantage Girdwood’s status as a tourist destination. A new building designed for all these purposes could also incorporate “green building” features demonstrating sustainable use of resources and environmentally responsible technologies for living and working in a

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northern climate. The facilities contemplated here could be shared among public and commercial partners involved in renewable energy research and development in the region. Table 1 provides a more complete list of features that have been suggested to date.

Table 1. Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center List of Conceptual Facility Features

Central Facility (LEED-certified building(s) showcasing energy-efficient green design)

o Secure covered and open storage for research instruments, equipment, and supplies o Space for assembly of equipment and staging of field operations o Parking for user vehicles o Lab space for use by university faculty and students and by others

• Hydrology • Soils characterization • Water quality • Habitat and wetlands delineation and mapping • Biomass characterization • Biomass reaction energy test facility • Greenhouse for green roof, living building, and bioremediation research • Battery energy storage test facility • Hydrogen energy facility

o Electrolyzer for producing hydrogen with electricity from water o Hydrogen storage facility o Fuel cell

• Electric vehicle charging station o Technical reference library o Lecture hall and classrooms (UAA classes and community use) o Public Discovery Center (displays, demonstrations, presentations) o UAF Cooperative Extension Service o Commercial space for Girdwood-based community development (one floor of

commercial space to be leased by UAA for locally based businesses) o Dormitory/hostel rooms for students and visitors o Small-scale carpentry and machine shop o Rapid Prototype Lab (e.g., stereo lithography) to build scale components for testing o IT, data collection and monitoring center o Crane bay for student projects and assembly and evaluation of new and used equipment o Instrumentation lab

Micro-hydroelectric test sites o Pelton turbine micro-hydropower sites

Alyeska Creek, California Creek, Virgin Creek, or Crow Creek

o In-stream, hydrokinetic turbine site (Glacier Creek) Tidal turbine test site (Turnagain Arm) Wind turbine test site (along Turnagain Arm)

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A number of sites that might be available for development of a Girdwood facility with features listed in Table 1 have been discussed by team members and, in some cases, with land owners. No applications for access or development, formal or informal, have been made as of this writing. Other possibilities are likely to exist and all options will have both advantages and disadvantages. As knowledge increases regarding possible facility site locations, this information will be presented in future reports. Table 2 lists conceptual locations for a central research and education facility in Girdwood that have been suggested to date, without order or preference. All of these sites require much more investigation, formal permissions, and a consensus of favor from Girdwood residents and other interests. Figure 9 shows these site locations on a Municipality of Anchorage land ownership map. Table 2. Conceptual Sites Considered to Date for a Girdwood Research and Education Facility

• On or near Alyeska Resort property o Vicinity of Alyeska Hotel parking lot o Area of Day Lodge and Jade Shop

• Municipality of Anchorage, Heritage Land Bank property o Near California Creek (north side of valley) o Near Virgin Creek (south side of valley) o Girdwood industrial area

• Chugach National Forest/State of Alaska o Area downstream from Crow Creek Mine

Figure 9. Municipality of Anchorage map showing present land ownership in the Girdwood area, with possible UAA

central facility site areas.

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Facility Design What qualities would a world-class research facility in Girdwood have? (Based on 28 October 2008 presentation in Girdwood by Rebecca Shaffer)

Celebrate the resources of place

Tell the story of energy (the free kind)

Be integral to the community

Create a space that is separate from everyday experience and sparks the imagination

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The most promising sites for a central facility in the vicinity of prospective hydroelectric power systems are on wooded slopes below the scenic alpine peaks surrounding Girdwood. While a single building with minimum wall and roof area is economical, a modular arrangement with style that “sparks the imagination” seems a good investment for a public discovery center and tourist destination. As a demonstration of sustainable technology, building design should have minimum impact on surrounding environment and aesthetics. The building must be readily accessible for shared community use and visitation by diverse groups and individuals. These criteria conflict to some degree, but careful site selection and design that fits the facility to the site (rather than the site to the facility) can achieve all to an acceptable degree. The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory near Seldovia, Alaska, (described later in this report) has all the basic component features of the proposed Girdwood Center without unsightly disruption of its sloped wooded location.

Figure 10. A modular central facility would accommodate phased development, as well as fit best in scenic surroundings.

Combined uses for research, university and K-12 education, public discovery, workforce and commercial product development, and demonstration of sustainable technology call for a variety of specialized spaces. A design that connects modules with disabled access is desirable. The Girdwood sub-Arctic alpine setting calls for careful design for snow management and lighting with minimum energy use or disruption of facility uses. Year-round access is important for university and K-12 educational uses, as well as sharing to fulfill community needs and purposes.

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Figure 11. Specialized modules could serve the range of proposed facility purposes.

Figure 12. Sustainable technology features should be prominent.

Research Opportunities

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Research topics in renewable power generation systems and energy efficiency applications are multi-disciplinary, involving combinations electrical, mechanical and civil engineering expertise. Oceanographic and meteorological expertise is also necessary for evaluation of wind and tidal power. Natural sciences specialties are applied to evaluate environmental impacts. Social sciences, most particularly economics, are applied to evaluate and to optimize engineering design of power generation systems of all kinds. Sustainability and sustainable technology that may be part of the facilities design and operation call for expertise in architecture and health sciences. Research conducted at the proposed Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center would necessarily call on a wide range of academic disciplines. The following topics and topic areas are listed here as an indication of proposals or proposal themes that could be pursued with key components applying facilities proposed for the Center at Girdwood. Small-scale hydroelectric power systems: Pico (less than 10 kW), micro (less than 100kW), mini (100kW-1MW) and small hydropower (1MW-50MW) systems

• GIS applications to identifying new locations for small-scale hydropower developments • Pico and micro hydropower turbine design and testing • Improving technology to increase efficiency of advanced turbine designs

o Turbine automation, rotating machinery systems, seamless system integration of mechanical and electronic equipment, optimizing hydraulic turbine components, actuators, turbine control and unit control for frequency stabilization, peak-load management, spot-marketing…

• Refurbishing and up-rating small hydroelectric turbines • Mitigation of sediment abrasion of pico- and micro-hydroelectric turbines • Economic optimization of small-scale, run-of-river hydroelectric plants • Developing hydroelectric projects at existing impoundment structures • Mechanical vibration studies of small-scale hydroelectric plants integrated with wind and tidal

power generation • Design and testing of interface systems for wind and hydroelectric power systems • Cold-climate problems of pico- and micro-hydropower • Intelligent monitoring and control systems of micro-hydroelectric plants • Small hydropower and regional energy planning • Reducing the cost of civil works for small hydroelectric projects • Strategies for systems integration of small hydroelectric units working with other forms of power

generation, and integration of these generation resources with the existing line. • Small-scale, fish friendly turbines. • Site testing of turbine prototypes • Pumps-as-turbines • Induction motors as generators for micro-hydropower

Tidal and hydrokinetic turbines • Ice problems for tidal turbines • Deployment of tidal turbines at sites with broad tidelands • Sediment abrasion problems and solutions for tidal turbines

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• Calibration and verification of computational fluid dynamics for tidal turbine performance • Field testing of hydrokinetic tidal turbines in Turnagain Arm • Field testing of hydrokinetic river turbines in Glacier Creek

Wind power generation

• Wind energy resource assessment techniques and inter-sensor comparison of wind data collection systems

• Test plot for wind-diesel hybrid systems along Turnagain Arm • Wind turbine blade icing problems in a marine environment

Electric Power and Energy Storage Systems

• Small-scale “smart-grid” applications and improvements in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems

• Power quality issues in small, isolated grid systems using intermittent renewable generation • Demand-side management strategies for village-scale mini-grid power systems • Intelligent control systems for micro-grids employing multiple renewable power sources • Net-metering systems for Alaska utilities • Single-wire ground return transmission and distribution technologies for rural Alaska

communities • Short-length superconducting cables for community grid applications • Software developments in mini-grid power system control and modeling • Battery energy storage systems for village and micro-grid power systems • Hydrogen production and storage applications, fuel cells and hydrogen-powered vehicles

Other Renewable Energy Topics

• Hydro-diesel and wind-diesel combination generation and interface systems • Testing net-metering technology, in conjunction with Chugach Electric Association • Efficient electric space and water heating (to economically replace natural gas) • Electric vehicles (testing new electric cars in Girdwood, particularly during low temperatures)

Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering

• Sub-arctic alpine stream hydrology in a changing climate • Seasonal variability of surface water dynamics in a changing sub-arctic climate • Seasonal variability of ground water dynamics in a changing sub-arctic climate • Climate hydrological studies in a changing sub-arctic climate

Biomass energy applications • Wood biomass heat energy applications for district heating in small communities • Testing and evaluation of wood-fired heaters and boilers.

Energy Efficiency and Green Building Technology

• LEED-certification and building design in alpine settings • Passive-solar building design in a sub-Arctic rainforest climate • Cogeneration, combined heat-and-power (CHP) applications for homes and buildings • On-site recycling of building materials and waste products • Energy efficient street lighting

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• Street lights along the Seward Highway, remotely powered by small-scale wind, tidal, hydropower turbines at sites along Turnagain Arm.

Ecological Concerns Associated with Hydro, Wind, and Tidal Power Generation

• Stream and riparian habitat impacts of small-scale hydropower • Anadromous fish impacts of small-scale hydroelectric developments • Environmental impacts of hydrokinetic turbines • Design of fish passages for run-of-river hydroelectric plants • Water quality impacts of small-scale hydropower

Economics and Public Policy

• Economics of small-scale renewable energy development • New green energy development mechanisms and incentives • Design and implementation of government funding initiatives for renewable energy • Prospects for private funding • Risk assessment and allocation • Working with NGOs and nonprofit organizations • Experience exchange: case studies on financing • Public acceptance of renewable energy development • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and low-impact certified projects • Environmental sociology of energy development • Addressing local impact issues through community involvement • Developing local operation and management capacity for small Alaska utilities • Hydropower plant licensing and permitting • Sustainable community planning & infrastructure development

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Support of University Educational Programs UAA serves over 20,000 students on its campuses in Anchorage, Palmer, Kenai, Homer, and Valdez. Students from these areas, as well as from the interior and northern Alaska campuses of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) could benefit from specialized opportunities for research and study at a Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center. The UAA School of Engineering serves approximately 900 undergraduate engineering students majoring in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer systems engineering, all of which could directly benefit from field experiences and faculty-led research opportunities based at the proposed facility. UAA also hosts degree programs in physical and natural sciences, some with specific focus on natural resources development and sustainability, whose faculty members and students could use the facilities in their studies. Exchange programs with other universities, including UAF, involving the proposed facility at Girdwood could benefit additional university students at all levels of higher education. A facility as proposed at Girdwood could lead to development of new interdisciplinary university programs in Alaska focused on renewable resources developments and sustainable technology. One example of such a program is the Green Building and Renewable Energy Certificate Program of the University of California at Davis. This program incorporates key aspects of architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, environmental and land use planning, and construction management to prepare students for careers in renewable energy and green building systems design. Long-term university strategy should relate to Alaska’s need for design of systems that solve problems and challenges of the State and surrounding world in the categories of Energy, Water, Food, Shelter, and Industry. The health and prosperity of Alaskans is directly related to these five categories. The University of Alaska system is in a unique position to conduct research, to educate, and to develop integrated designs associated with Alaska’s needs while also addressing larger-scale social and environmental issues. Integrated design is a process that takes a holistic look at Alaska’s needs and finds solutions that address those needs in a sustainable way. An Institute at UAA dedicated to integrated design with specialized programs and laboratory resources would add value to and support the benefits of the proposed Girdwood Renewable Energy and Discovery Center. While creation of such a university Institute is not the direct purpose of this feasibility study, the concept is mentioned here in the context of university programs that could complement the subject Girdwood facility. Primary and Secondary Education Benefits The Municipality of Anchorage is host to Alaska’s largest school district (Anchorage School District, ASD), as well as the most attended post-secondary education institution in Alaska (UAA). The University of Alaska System has made K-12 outreach a top priority as of 2008. UAA already has many partnerships and arrangements within the ASD. Top priorities for ASD include raising the yearly graduation rate and improving student success in the workforce by focusing on education in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics. The UAA School of Engineering is already working with ASD to form academic outreach programs for engaging students and teachers within the ASD community, for preparing ASD students for higher education, and for sharing specialized academic and research developmental resources of UAA.

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The Diamond [High School] Engineering Academy began in fall 2008 with four college-oriented engineering classes with about 100 students enrolled, some for college credit. The fundamental purpose of the Academy is to increase the number of students that are successful in engineering and technology majors at the university, thus helping satisfy the current high demand for graduate engineers. Some equipment needs are still unfunded, but efforts are underway to expand the program’s infrastructure. The “Project Lead the Way” program implemented by the Diamond Engineering Academy is described in more detail at www.pltw.org. These and many other programs at all levels within the ASD and other school districts of southcentral Alaska could take advantage of educational opportunities at the proposed Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center, should the facility be designed, constructed, and operated to accommodate this demand. A Discovery Center display and demonstration area in the proposed facility could serve the general public, as well as school groups. Selected groups could be provided hands-on learning in labs or in field experiences at satellite renewable energy generation plants. Professional educators from around the State could participate in summertime teach-the-teacher programs. Focused summer-camp programs for secondary school students bound for college careers in engineering and energy and environment fields of science could be conducted at the center, as well. Cooperative Extension Service The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides extension and outreach to the public with classes, workshops, programs, and publications based on university-sponsored scientific research. A Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center in Girdwood would be an ideal location for CES programming and outreach. CES has offices throughout Alaska and its publications are distributed to rural communities statewide. Adapting research results from the proposed center to information easily interpreted by communities and individuals makes CES an ideal partner to the proposed Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center. Workforce Development The proposed Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center could also accommodate field and classroom Workforce Development programming for the energy production and maintenance industry. Hands-on training and experience with small hydroelectric power generation equipment and instrumentation, as well as with wind and tidal power generation devices, would be a practical matter at the Center, as its development is presently envisioned. Given the center’s proposed research mission, first-hand knowledge of new and emerging technologies would further enhance the employability of students in this arena.

http://www.pltw.org/

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Organizational Models

for a Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center A variety of existing centers around the world are dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable building technology. Some are publically owned by universities or branches of federal, regional, or local governments. Others are owned by non-profit organizations or commercial entities. Alternative ownership and operation arrangements for facilities of similar purposes are grouped here into three categories that could be applied to organize, own, and operate a Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center. Other organizational models may exist. Those listed here are common and have credible prospects for implementation at Girdwood. Non-profit Corporation

Non-profit organizations have been formed to own and operate Centers with similar purposes and scales of facilities in Alaska and elsewhere. This is a very common organization, though histories and ties to government and universities vary widely. An important aspect of non-profit corporations successfully operating research and education centers is leadership by a knowledgeable Board of Directors with substantial business and political skill. The corporation must have the ability to accept funding from both private and public sources, to buy and sell real estate, and to support employment of center staff. Notable examples of non-profit corporation-run research and education centers follow.

Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, AK (http://www.alaskasealife.org/). The Seward Association for Advancement of Marine Science is a private, non-profit corporation formed in 1990 to own and operate the Alaska SeaLife Center. The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to study and maintenance of Alaska’s marine ecosystem through research, rehabilitation, conservation, and public education. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Settlement Fund provided $26 million to help build the $56 million facility (Figure 13) on the Seward waterfront. The balance of funds came from grants, revenue bonds, and corporate and private donations. The 7-acre site was donated by the City of Seward. The Alaska SeaLife Center opened in 1998 in partnership with Coastal America (http://www.coastalamerica.gov), North Pacific Research Board (http://www.nprb.org), University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Science, (http://www.sfos.uaf.edu), and the Ocean Alaska Science & Learning Center (http://www.oceanalaska.org/).

Figure 13. Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.

http://www.alaskasealife.org/

http://www.coastalamerica.gov/

http://www.nprb.org/

http://www.sfos.uaf.edu/

http://www.oceanalaska.org/

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Hartley Nature Center, Duluth, MN (http://www.hartleynature.org/). The Hartley Nature Center is owned and operated by a non-profit corporation formed in 1987. The Center is dedicated to environmental education with a focus on regional youth. A 7500 square-foot building housing the Center (Figure 14) was completed in 2003 featuring a range of sustainable technology and design features. The building contains four classrooms, an exhibit hall, an office area, a library, mechanical areas, bathrooms and storage space. Built on pasture land that suffered from invasive non-native plants, the building sits on a south-facing slope outside of wetland areas. Few trees were cut and more are being planted as part of a restoration program to restore native plants. The building is partially powered by a solar energy tied to the local electrical grid. The Center holds a 20 year lease from the city of Duluth.

Figure 14. Hartley Nature Center, Duluth, MN.

Renewable Energy Research Park, Roseville, CA (http://www.roseville.ca.us/ed/renewable_energy_research_park.asp). The City of Roseville sought in 2006 to optimize potential for using waste biomass and renewable energy at its waste water treatment plant, and to attract clean-tech research and development. The City of Roseville provided 15 acres of land adjacent to the treatment plant for the Center’s development. The construction cost of $30 million was financed by the non-profit Renewable Energy Institute International, for a 50,000 square-foot research facility. The renewable Energy Institute International (REII) leases building space to private companies for research. The University of California - Davis and California State University - Sacramento also occupy space in the facility. As a side benefit of land use, a solar panel and wind farm on site and on other City building rooftops generates income through a program called Green Roseville, where utility customers agree to pay an additional 1.5 cents per kWh to purchase solar and wind credits. A private company, Sims Recycling Solutions, a global electronics recycler with a large operation in Roseville, agreed to purchase 100 percent of its energy from the Green Roseville Program. Overall, 1,600 residential and 36 business customers participate in the program.

http://www.hartleynature.org/

http://www.roseville.ca.us/ed/renewable_energy_research_park.asp

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Government Agencies State and Federal agencies can combine resources in partnership with universities to own and operate research and education centers. Brief accounts of successful examples follow, including one example of a State-owned non-profit corporation formed to operate a center in Michigan.

Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, Homer, AK (http://www.islandsandoceans.org/index.html). The 38,000 square-foot facility (Figure 15) is owned and operated in partnership by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and NOAA. The Refuge and Reserve have their headquarters at the Center, whose facilities also include classrooms, labs, an auditorium, an outdoor amphitheatre, exhibit halls, a bookstore and gift ship, and trails to wetlands and beaches. The Center regularly hosts educational programs, professional meetings, and community gatherings. The facility was constructed in 2003 for about $18 million.

Figure 15. Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer.

Kasitsna Bay Laboratory, Kachemak Bay, AK (http://www.westnurc.uaf.edu/kbay.html). The Kasitsna Bay Laboratory (Figure 16) is located on 15 acres near Seldovia, Alaska, across Kachemak Bay from Homer. The laboratory is owned by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and operated in partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Laboratory and support facilities are available to approved researchers from academic and government institutions. Academic courses, including cold water diving classes, are conducted by UAF and partner institutions at various times throughout the year. Kasitsna Bay Laboratory also hosts K-12 and community educational activities with a variety of partners. Construction was funded by federal appropriations.

http://www.islandsandoceans.org/index.html

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Figure 16. NOAA-owned, NOAA and UAF-operated Kasitsna Bay Laboratory on Kachemak Bay near Seldovia.

Michigan NextEnergy, Detroit, MI (http://www.nextenergy.org/). The State of Michigan Economic Development Corporation was mandated with implementing a renewable energy economic development strategy for the State of Michigan. The EDC founded and funded a non-profit 501c3 organization in 2002, Michigan NextEnergy Authority, including a board of directors and a small management and consulting staff. The non-profit developed a program for a world class research facility, located at Detroit’s Wayne State University. The University made common agreements with the Big 3 automobile companies to do research and development of alternative fuels at the facility. NextEnergy is based at a 45,000 square-foot facility in the heart of Detroit’s entrepreneurial “TechTown” district that cost $12 million to build (Figure 17). It has classrooms, an 80-seat auditorium, exhibit space, an 18,400 square-foot research laboratory used by many of Michigan’s universities. Operations are funded by test projects and grants from industry, the military, and government contracts. Companies have relocated their R&D facilities from as far away as New York and Texas to rent test bays at the facility.

Figure 3. NextEnergy 45,000 square foot facility in Detroit.

University owned and operated This arrangement is common for research and education facilities of universities everywhere. Off-campus centers may involve partnerships with local governments and others. The University of Alaska Anchorage, given funding and encouragement from stakeholders, is fully capable and willing to assume

http://www.nextenergy.org/

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responsibility for a research and education center in Girdwood. Partnership and shared use with the Girdwood community and surrounding region would be a critical aspect of such an arrangement.

Seward Marine Center (http://www.sfos.uaf.edu/smc/). The University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, owns and operates this facility immediately adjacent to the Alaska SeaLife Center on the Seward waterfront. The Center includes salt water laboratories with a running seawater system, warehouse and yard storage space for support of oceanographic shipboard operations, office space, and a 4-plex apartment unit for visiting scientists. Established in 1970, the Seward Marine Center was the home port for the recently retired 133-foot research ship R/V Alpha Helix for 25 years (Figure 18). A larger research vessel is planned that will be supported by the Center. Marine stations of this type are a usual extension of universities heavily involved in shipboard oceanographic research.

Figure 4. Seward Marine Center and R/V Alpha Helix with the Alaska SeaLife Center at right. Photo by Stephanie Moreland, Civil Air Patrol, Seward, AK

http://www.sfos.uaf.edu/smc/

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Estimated Costs

Capital Costs Order-of-magnitude costs are estimated here, based on the scale and historical cost of other research and education centers in Alaska, particularly those discussed above. Also investigated were development costs of the 13,000 square-foot ANSEP building completed 2 years ago on the UAA campus in Anchorage and the cost of the recently completed Girdwood Library and Community Center. Both of these last two facilities are of similar scale to those contemplated for the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center. Also consulted was the Programmatic Study for the UAA School of Engineering (available for review at (http://www.engr.uaa.alaska.edu/). The costs below should be sufficient for most or all of the features discussed above. $ million Year 1

Planning and Design, including contract administration: 0.5 Acquisition of Real Estate Easements, Permits, Rights-of-Way: 0.5

Year 2

Central facility construction, including contract administration: 6.5 Construction of initial small hydro project 1.0 Equipment and instrumentation 0.5 Contingency (12.5%) 1.0

Order-of-magnitude total capital cost $10 million

http://www.engr.uaa.alaska.edu/

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5 January 2009

Center staff requirements

• Center Director (full-time resident): overall supervision, financial administration, and program budgeting and management; coordination of uses by community, university and others

o Administrative Assistant (full-time resident): administrative support for all

Center activities and needs

• Center Facilities Manager (full-time resident): coordination of research activities and use of Center facilities by others, acquisition and maintenance of instrumentation, equipment, and supplies associated with research and education uses; management and care of satellite facilities owned and operated by the center (e.g., stream gauges, meteorological/hydrological data collection systems, hydroelectric, wind, or tidal power generation systems)

o Facilities Technician(s) (seasonal): conducts periodic maintenance and

calibration of instrumentation and equipment and supports operation of Center equipment and instrumentation for specific projects

• Center Educational Coordinator (full-time resident): Arrangement for and conduct of

educational programs at the Center; supervision of part-time educational staff; coordination and support of educational programs conducted at the Center by others

o Educational program staff (part-time, temporary): seasonal or short-term staff

conducting specific educational programs at the Center under supervision of Educational Coordinator

Salary expense: order of $500,000/year

Estimated Operational Expenses

• Building Maintenance Contract

• Utilities Service Fees

• Office supplies, equipment and instrumentation maintenance supplies Estimated operational expenses: order of $250,000/year

Estimated Overall Staff and Operational Expenses: order of $750,000/year

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Funding Strategies

An explicit strategy for funding the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center will be described in the final version of this report, when further progress toward site selection and cost estimation has been made. We mention here the means that have been applied with success to build and operate Alaska existing centers of similar purpose, as described in “Organizational Models” above.

Special federal appropriations

The existing Alaskan examples have been funded by special federal appropriations. This approach requires the special attention of the Alaska Congressional delegation and their success in adding funds for the center to a larger appropriations bill. A concerted effort of non-University promoters of the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center is necessary for this strategy to gain traction. The proposed purposes of the Center appear to be in line with national priorities for development of renewable energy in the US and the Center is to be located in the middle of Alaska’s most populous region at a site already famous as a tourist destination.

Special State appropriations

Renewable energy development is also a high priority for the State of Alaska. As with federal appropriations, a concerted effort of non-University promoters of the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center is critical. Again, the Center is to be located in the middle of Alaska’s most populous region at a site already famous as a tourist destination. A State appropriation for renewable energy research and public education could choose no more cost-effective site. The growing urgency for progress in renewable energy development should be enough to favor several centers of similar purpose in other regions of Alaska

State or Federal Agency budgets

An agency with a direct interest in and authority for renewable energy research and education can budget funds in their regular request for funds. A number of State and Federal agencies appear to have sufficient interest and authority to do this.

Regional Government appropriations or other contributions

The Municipality of Anchorage has interest in Girdwood development and in energy issues of all types. A contribution to creation of the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center by direct appropriation of the Municipal Assembly is perhaps possible, given sufficient enthusiastic support of local and regional promoters of the Center. The Municipality is also in a position to contribute in-kind services and perhaps even real estate toward the Center’s development needs. The relationship of the Municipality and the University of Alaska Anchorage continues to grow stronger, so a MOA-UAA partnership to promote renewable energy research and public education is conceivable.

Philanthropic donations

Individuals, corporations and foundations interested in expanding the use of renewable energy and educating the public about sustainable technologies may make a tax-deductible gift to the Girdwood

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Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center. Private or commercial donations could provide start-up and operational costs to enable the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center to begin providing education, research and training for small-scale renewable energy development across Alaska. A number of well-recognized businesses have strong interest in the future of Girdwood, as well as in development of local and regional renewable energy. A contribution to the Center could be considered as in their particular interest. Donations may be made to the University of Alaska Foundation, with the direction that the funds are for the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center. Donations may be given through a variety of means, including cash, real estate, equipment and other means. Businesses that pay taxes to the State of Alaska have a special opportunity to make a gift and reduce their state taxes through the Education Tax Credit (see below). To make a gift or for more information, please contact Beth Rose, UAA Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development at (907) 786-1954 or [email protected].

Education Tax Credit. Taxpayers who pay any of the following taxes to the State of Alaska are eligible to claim a credit on their State tax for a portion of cash contributions made to the University of Alaska through the Alaska Higher Education Tax Credit.

~ Alaska Income Tax (AS 43.20) ~ Oil and Gas Property Tax (AS 43.55) ~ Oil and Gas Production and Transportation Tax (AS 43.56) ~ Fisheries Business Tax (AS 43.75.015) ~ Fisheries Landing Tax (AS 43.77.010) ~ Mining License Tax (AS 43.65) ~ Insurance Premium Tax/Title Insurance Premium Tax (AS 21.89.070) How the Education Tax Credit Works. The Alaska Higher Education Tax Credit provides an opportunity to make a cash contribution to the University of Alaska and claim a tax credit for up to 50% of the first $100,000 of your gift and 100% of the next $100,000 of your gift. Additionally, the gift qualifies for a federal tax credit for charitable contributions. The federal tax savings for a charitable contribution is calculated using an assumed marginal tax rate of 35%. The result is that a $200,000 annual gift is eligible for a tax credit of $167,500. In other words, a generous gift of $200,000 to the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center will result in out-of-pocket charitable expenses of only $37,500. Gifts of larger amounts are welcome and may receive additional federal tax credits, although the maximum State credit that may be claimed by a taxpayer in any tax year is $150,000. Since some of these taxes are paid monthly, the Department of Revenue regulations and instructions will provide information as to how a pro rata share of the annual credit may be allocated to monthly tax payments made to the State. Each contribution made to the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center may be claimed for credit on only one of the State taxes listed above. Advice from an accountant or an attorney is important to decide which education tax credit would provide the greatest benefit. To be eligible for a State educational tax credit, contributions to the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center must be in cash. Advice of an accountant or the State of Alaska

mailto:[email protected]

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Department of Revenue is important to correctly complete State forms to claim the educational tax credit.

The University of Alaska Foundation. Gifts to the University are accepted and managed by the University of Alaska Foundation and used as specified by the giver. Gifts are invested in accordance with the Foundation’s investment policies as established by the Board of Trustees. The University of Alaska Foundation is a private non-profit corporation established in 1974 to solicit, manage and invest donations for the exclusive benefit of the University of Alaska. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization as described in Subsection 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and donations made to the Foundation are deductible according to schedules established under income and estate tax regulations.

The Foundation is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory services. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. The Foundation is a well-established non-profit in Alaska with more than 30 years of experience in the management of funds to support the University of Alaska. The Foundation's operations are funded by Foundation unrestricted funds, university support, an annual endowment fee of 1% and a 1% gift fee. Competitive grants from public agencies

Some initial development funding and essentially all direct research and education expenses, including related indirect support costs, would be won through successful proposals by Center users to agencies whose programs are aimed at support of activities like those proposed for the Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center.

User fees and sales of educational books and materials

Users from outside the community and tour groups can pay fees for guided tours. A gift shop could cover its own operating expenses and contribute to the general operating cost of the facility. Gift and facility souvenir items would serve a marketing purpose to help perpetuate visitation by tourists. Use of the space for professional meetings and special programs can also generate income to offset operating expenses.

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Next Steps in the Feasibility Study

• Girdwood Public Meetings. A second meeting in Girdwood for public input into this feasibility study was scheduled for 9 December 2008, to be held at the Girdwood Library and Community Center but was cancelled due to hazardous driving conditions—it is anticipated that the meeting will be rescheduled in early 2009. This meeting will be held in open house format for maximum interaction with attendees and the study team on a face-to-face basis. Opinions and suggestions learned at this meeting will be documented in future refinements of this report. Future meetings in Girdwood will report new findings and continue the process of public involvement in this study.

• Meetings with Stakeholders. Other groups involved in the future of Girdwood will be

informed, if possible, through presentations by the study team at their regular meetings or as opportunities arise with the schedule of this study. Representatives of the Municipality of Anchorage, Anchorage School District, utility organizations, and business entities with an interest in Girdwood developments will be contacted and informed of study goals and findings to date, with a view toward future applications for permits, permissions, and financial assistance.

• Conceptual Designs of Alternate Facilities. New facilities encompassing some or all of the

proposed optional features (see Table 1) will be designed in preliminary detail in order to generally define real estate requirements and to estimate order-of-magnitude development costs for consideration of financial arrangements, environmental impacts, and other considerations of critical consequence to practical feasibility of the proposed development.

• Additional Interim Reports. The 3rd interim report is scheduled for March 2009 to document progress and findings preceding that date. Reports will be made available to the general public in print and by download from the UAA School of Engineering web site.

• Final Feasibility Report. A final report, including recommendations, is scheduled for publication in June 2009.

1

Interim II Feasibility Report ADDENDUM

December 2008

School of Engineering

3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508

9 December 2008

Girdwood Renewable Energy Research & Discovery Center • Preliminary Architectural Features

Photo by Brian Yanity

A-1

Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center Interim Report II ADDENDUM – Preliminary Architectural Features

9 December 2008

Central Facility Schematic Module Plans Modular Dormitory

Classroom/Lab Module With 1) high bay and 2) office and prep area.

A-2


9 December 2008

Theater, retail, and public display module. Woodshop, loading dock, services below.

A-3


9 December 2008

Common High-bay Research Module, Library, Computer Room

A-4


9 December 2008

Schematic site layout

A-5


9 December 2008

Table A-1. Girdwood Renewable Energy Research and Discovery Center Schematic Areas: Total Public Display Center and Greenhouse

1100 sf

Center and Community use lecture hall – 117 seats

2000 sf 2000 sf

Lab/Classroom hybrid units (one floor classroom with attached office, storage

(3) 1900 sf each 5,700 sf

Technical Reference Library and computer center

1300 sf 900 sf

Dormitory (4) 800 sf per 2 bd rm unit capacity 6 people per unit

3200 sf

Small carpentry and machine shop and rapid prototype lab

1500 sf 1400 sf

Three units of lease-able space

800 sf ea 2400 sf

16,000 sf footprint

interim ii feasibility report girdwood renewable energy research … · 5 january 2009 the study...

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