B-1Proposed Tariffs - Amended March 2, 2011 2/28/2011
5 passages
Policy Advisor, Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College , Bronx, NY (2005-present) - Coordinated the City University of New York's (CUNY) Million Solar Roofs partnership with the US Department of Energy (DOE). - Supported...
AI summary The Policy Advisor at Bronx Community College coordinated CUNY's Million Solar Roofs initiative with the US DOE, supported New York's Solar City Partnership and property tax abatements for renewables, and managed municipal energy efficiency and sustainable energy programs for public facilities.
Existing Boiler Replaced in Year 10 in Steam-Only Scenario As t io su m p n S te -O ly am n Sc io en ar C H P Sc io en ar Ca lc la t io u n $ ( /y ) Ins ur an ce r $ 6 6, 7 0 0 % f f 2 ins ta l le d ts la te t in la t ion o co s es ca s a...
AI summary The document presents a comparison between a steam-only scenario and a combined heat and power (CHP) scenario in Year 10, focusing on financial and operational metrics such as insurance, load, royalty payments, residual value, and efficiency. The CHP scenario includes details on capacity, net efficiency, and taxes, while the steam-only scenario has numerical values for these metrics.
The Effect of Steam Demand on the CHP Rate ($2012) S Ca i Fa te ty to am p ac c r 2 0 % 3 0 % 4 0 % 5 0 % 6 0 % Operating Inputs Notes. Net Generator Capacity (MW) 0.05 Energy Production: 0.03 Net Capacity Factor 220/ Net of plant availabi...
AI summary The table presents financial and operational inputs and outputs for a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) project, including net generator capacity, energy production, operating expenses, and revenue assumptions. It includes metrics such as the net capacity factor, annual fuel cost, and return metrics like the 20-year equity IRR and debt service coverage ratio.
03-01-2011 Nov a S ia C OM FIT Mo del cot Win d ≤ 50 kW Ca sh Flo w W ork she Top et: Syn e E aps xhi bit I Pro y Ta x Ca lcul atio pert n Orig inal Ass d Va lue esse Ann ual Dec line in A sed Valu sses e Ann ual A sed Valu sses e Prop Tax...
AI summary The document contains a table with tax calculation information for a property, including original assessed value, annual decline in assessed value, and tax rates. The table appears to be related to Nova Scotia's Community-Based Feed-In Tariff (COMFIT) model and includes terms like RETScreen, PV, FIT, and CHP.
Scenarios in $2012 Va lue fo r S On ly tea m- Gr s V alu e f CH P os or Ne t V alu e f CH P or Bo ile tin (ps i) r ra g 75 -10 0 60 0 Eff ici en cy : 51 % Tu rbi ty ne pe N/ A Co nd sin en g St ea m en erg y 11 78 52 .13 44 Tu rbi si ( MW...
AI summary This section outlines various scenarios from 2012, including turbine sizes, fuel use calculations, and efficiency percentages. Key details include a boiler efficiency of 80%, fuel use of 216,810 mmBtu, and a total project cost of $3,044,134. The data includes turbine sizes, energy usage, and efficiency metrics.
B-3-(ii)Antigonish 8 MW - Biomass Cogeneration Plant - Feasibility Study
Final Report - Revised - March 15, 2011
I 3/17/2011
8 passages
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to evaluate the feasibility of installing an 8 MW gross (7 MW net) biomass cogeneration system in Antigonish. This system would supply electricity to the grid as well as steam to the existi...
AI summary This report evaluates the feasibility of installing an 8 MW biomass cogeneration system in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It outlines technical and economic considerations, including a 13% return on equity if electricity is sold at 0.213$ per kWh. The report also highlights benefits such as local job creation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and references the use of high-efficiency boilers and sensitivity analyses around fuel costs and electricity prices.
2.1 Introduction Biomass fuels such as wood have several advantages over conventional fossil fuels such as oil. The main advantage is that wood is a renewable resource that offers a sustainable dependable supply. One of the other main adva...
AI summary Biomass fuels like wood offer advantages over fossil fuels, including being renewable and carbon-neutral. They are also economically beneficial, especially in remote areas, and provide local employment opportunities. These factors make wood biomass a viable energy option.
4 EVALUATION OF COGENERATION OPTIONS
AI summary This section evaluates cogeneration options, focusing on their potential benefits and considerations for implementation within the regulatory framework.
4.1 Introduction Cogeneration is the defined as the simultaneous production of two different sources of energy, in this case electrical energy and thermal energy. Cogeneration is a very efficient way to generate energy because of the natur...
AI summary Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of electrical and thermal energy, offering high efficiency. By utilizing waste heat from power plants, cogeneration can significantly improve overall plant efficiency, especially for nearby users like greenhouses or district heating systems. However, extracting higher temperature steam for district heating slightly reduces electrical output.
4.3 General Criteria for Options All options chosen for comparative analysis had to meet the following criteria: - available as new equipment from commercial vendors; - low emission combustors; - high overall efficiency; and - reasonable c...
AI summary The general criteria for options include availability from commercial vendors, use of low emission combustors, high overall efficiency, and reasonable capital costs.
Table 4 Steam Turbine Performance TURBINE DATA TURBINE FRAME R NUMBER OF STAGES 10 INLET VALVES MULTIPLE INLET SIZE/RATING 6" / 900# BLEED SIZE/RATING NONE EXTRACTION SIZE/RATING 8" / 300# EXHAUST SIZE/RATING 60" RECTANGULAR GENERATOR TEMP...
AI summary Table 4 presents performance data for a steam turbine, including inlet pressure, temperature, extraction and exhaust pressures, steam flow rates, and generator output. This data provides technical details about the turbine's operation and efficiency.
CBCL Limited Scope of Work 20 Efficiency % 68.79 Input in Fuel MKB/HR 131.24 Wet Gas WT MLB/HR 157.08 Total Air to Burn Equip. MLB/HR 130.91 Fuel Rate MLB/HR 26.550 Total annual fuel demand = Hourly fuel rate x average plant load x 8760 h/...
AI summary The document presents technical data related to the efficiency and fuel consumption of a power generation facility. It includes metrics such as efficiency percentage, fuel input, and total air to burn equipment, along with a formula for calculating total annual fuel demand.
7 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Biomass cogeneration is a well established technology that is widely used in industrial applications such as pulp and paper mills and sawmills where an abundant and cheap source of biomass is available as...
AI summary The document discusses the feasibility of a biomass cogeneration plant, highlighting its economic and environmental benefits, including job creation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. It outlines a preliminary business model and indicates that the project could be viable at a 13% Return on Equity with specific pricing assumptions for electricity and thermal energy.
B-4Redacted Direct Testimony and Exhibits of Paul Chernick - on behalf of CA 3/17/2011
7 passages
20 C. Comparison to Nova Scotia Power's Wind-Project Costs
AI summary This section compares the costs of wind projects in Nova Scotia to those of Nova Scotia Power. It highlights the financial implications and potential discrepancies in project expenditures.
18 Q: Are there any of the COMFIT technology categories that particularly 19 concern you? - 20 A: Yes. It would be difficult to justify imposing on consumers the exorbitant prices 21 that Synapse proposes for small wind and tidal contracts...
AI summary The respondent expresses concern over the high proposed COMFIT rates for small wind and tidal projects, arguing that these rates are not justified given the significantly lower costs of wind energy and the environmental costs of coal. They also mention potential benefits of small wind and tidal projects, such as promoting household and small business participation and attracting tidal-power development in Nova Scotia.
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1986– Present President, Resource Insight, Inc. Consults and testifies in utility and insurance economics. Reviews utility supply-planning processes and outcomes: assesses prudence of prior power planning...
AI summary The document summarizes the professional experience of an individual with extensive expertise in utility and insurance economics, including consulting, testifying, and advising on utility regulation, rate design, conservation programs, and power planning. The individual has worked with regulatory commissions and consulted on various aspects of energy and insurance policy.
PUBLICATIONS "Environmental Regulation in the Changing Electric-Utility Industry" (with Rachel Brailove), International Association for Energy Economics Seventeenth Annual North American Conference (96–105) . Cleveland, Ohio: USAEE. 1996....
AI summary The text lists several publications related to energy economics, utility resource planning, and environmental regulation. The works span topics such as utility generating asset valuation, energy efficiency, and environmental externalities, with contributions from multiple authors and conferences between 1992 and 1996.
REPORTS "State of Ohio Energy-Efficiency Technical-Reference Manual Including Predetermined Savings Values and Protocols for Determining Energy and Demand Savings" (with others). 2010. Burlington, Vt.: Vermont Energy Investment Corporation...
AI summary The document lists various technical and policy-related reports on energy efficiency, resource development, and procurement strategies. These reports were authored by multiple individuals and organizations and presented as evidence in regulatory proceedings in different jurisdictions.
PRESENTATIONS - "Adding Transmission into New York City: Needs, Benefits, and Obstacles." Presentation to FERC and the New York ISO on behalf of the City of New York. October 2004. - "Plugging Into a Municipal Light Plant," With Peter Enri...
AI summary The text lists various presentations on energy and utility topics, including transmission needs, distributed utility planning, integrated resource planning, and cost recovery for utilities, delivered by individuals and organizations in different regions and years.
ance types, commercial specifications, industrial data manipulation and trending, sales and resale. 12. MDPU 243; Eastern Edison Company Rate Case; Massachusetts Attorney General; August 19 1980. Rate design: declining blocks, promotional...
AI summary The text lists various regulatory proceedings and cases from Massachusetts and Texas, involving topics such as rate design, revenue allocations, conservation expenses, PURPA regulations, and forecasting. These cases include testimony from the Massachusetts Attorney General and other entities.
B-11Evidence of Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers 3/22/2011
24 passages
s …," Project Finance Monthly , September 1998, pp 13-14. "Bidding Behavior," Independent Energy , October 1997, pp 32-35. "Managing Closing Risks …," Project Finance Monthly , July 1997, pp 12-13. "Merchant Plant Worth," Independent Energ...
AI summary The document text is a list of articles and publications related to energy and finance, focusing on topics such as power plant valuation, merchant plant deals, and utility asset sales from the late 1990s to early 2000s. It highlights discussions on project financing, PPA renegotiations, and market trends in the electricity sector.
Q. What is your occupation? - A. I work for a design / build engineering firm specializing in "environmentally friendly" steam and power facilities. My responsibilities include all conceptual - engineering, estimating, and proposal efforts...
AI summary The witness is an engineer with extensive experience in designing and building environmentally friendly steam and power facilities, including biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plants. He has worked on numerous projects, including facilities for the US Department of Energy and industrial clients, and has expertise in project management, engineering, and budgeting.
Q. Describe ESI, Inc. of Tennessee. - A. ESI Inc. of Tennessee is a design engineering and construction firm that specializes in the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of steam and power facilities. ESI brings innovative, cos...
AI summary ESI, Inc. of Tennessee is a design engineering and construction firm specializing in EPC of steam and power facilities. It provides innovative and environmentally friendly solutions and has worked with Fortune 500 clients. The testimony is provided on behalf of the Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers to address Synapse Energy Economics' recommendations for the COMFIT program, focusing on biomass CHP projects.
Q. What is the calculated electrical usage of the facility? - A. The CHP facility will utilize a portion of the power it generates which is known as "parasitic loss". This power is used for the fans, pumps, motors, lights, etcetera in the...
AI summary The CHP facility's electrical usage includes parasitic losses of 348 kW, which are not considered in Synapse's calculations. This loss accounts for 14.4% of generation in condensing mode and 21.7% in full extraction mode.
Q. What is the calculated boiler combustion efficiency? A. The number utilized by Synapse is 80% which is more indicative of natural gas or coal fired facilities than woody biomass fired facilities. Because there is so much more water in t...
AI summary The calculated boiler combustion efficiency is 80%, but this figure is more representative of natural gas or coal-fired facilities than woody biomass. The efficiency of wood boilers depends on the moisture content of the fuel. Two methods—additive and loss—are used to calculate boiler efficiency, and they both converge to a similar result when using the design fuel with 50% moisture content.
1980-1989 In the early 80's, the dramatic difference in energy fuel costs between gas/oil and coal provided a substantial economic driving force for these conversion projects. In the mid 80's, the drop in gas/oil prices and more stringent...
AI summary In the 1980s, ESI transitioned from coal conversion projects to wood-fired boiler enhancements, driven by rising environmental regulations and the economic shift from coal to alternative fuels. ESI implemented efficiency improvements and purchased Bahco bark drying technology to support pulp and paper industry projects.
1990-1999 In the 90's, ESI was involved in several projects that represented both first-of-a-kind applications and emerging commercial technologies. These projects included: - A paper mill sludge conversion facility that receives, handles,...
AI summary In the 1990s, ESI participated in several innovative projects, including a paper mill sludge conversion facility, a carbon burn-out facility, a chemical recovery boiler retrofit, and a power boiler retrofit, all involving emerging technologies and first-of-a-kind applications.
2000-Present With the beginning of a new millennium, ESI has taken great strides in the proliferation of its business into the utility and power generation industry. Recent ESI projects include: - Complete equipment specification and desig...
AI summary ESI has expanded its involvement in the utility and power generation industry since 2000, completing various projects such as designing and constructing biomass and coal-fired facilities, combined cycle plants, and carbon burn-out facilities across the US.
Project Description: jlskdjfsl ESI was the EPC Contractor for this carbon burnout facility. This facility utilizes patented fl uid bed technology designed by ESI and developed by Progress Materials to reduce the high carbon content of fl y...
AI summary ESI served as the EPC contractor for a carbon burnout facility using fluid bed technology to reduce fly ash carbon content. The facility, located at Chesapeake Electric Generating Station, processes 200,000 tons of high LOI fly ash annually, reducing it to 2% LOI and producing a marketable additive for concrete.
■ Project Description: ESI was the EPC contractor for this carbon burn-out facility. This facility utilizes patented technology developed by Progress Materials to reduce the high carbon content of fly ash resulting from low NO x burner con...
AI summary ESI was the EPC contractor for a carbon burn-out facility using Progress Materials' patented technology to reduce fly ash carbon content. The facility, located at Santee Cooper's Winyah Electric Generating Station, processes ash from multiple sources and recovers heat to improve boiler efficiency.
(condensing / extracting facility) PRELIMINARY DESIGN BASIS PLANT PERFORMACE Option 1 Option 2 Back Pressure Full Condensing Max. Extraction Capacity Factor 60% 30% 60% % Gross Heat Input 33.6 42.0 42.0 mmBtu/Hr Gross Power Output 1,060 2,...
AI summary The document presents a comparison of two power plant design options (Back Pressure and Full Condensing) and (Max. Extraction) in terms of capacity factor, heat input, power output, efficiency, and auxiliary equipment performance. It includes details on cooling tower design, surface condenser specifications, and boiler make-up water systems.
Drawings Flow Sheets 688002F01 Fuel Handling Flow Sheet 688002F02 Air and Flue Gas Flow Sheet - Option 1 688002F03 Mass & Energy Balance Option 1 – Backpressure STG 688002F04 Air and Flue Gas Flow Sheet - Option 2 688002F05 Mass & Energy B...
AI summary The document includes flow sheets and general arrangements for a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, detailing two options for fuel handling, air and flue gas flow, and mass and energy balance. It also provides site plans and building layouts for the CHP plant.
A significant portion of electricity in Nova Scotia is produced from the combustion of coal. Uncontrolled coal combustion emits relatively large amounts of CO2, NOX, SOX, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. To help combat this, the N...
AI summary This document discusses the need for renewable energy in Nova Scotia, highlighting the government's goal of achieving 25% renewable energy generation by 2015. It outlines a study commissioned by The Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers (ANSS) to assess the feasibility of a biomass-fired combined heat and power (CHP) facility, including capital and operating costs for two different turbine options.
Recommendation As can be seen throughout this document, based on a "generic" site location and steam host – it appears that the significantly better investment would be the condensing/extracting facility based on economics.
AI summary The document recommends that, given a generic site location and steam host, a condensing/extracting facility would be a more economically viable investment compared to other options.
Direct Testimony of Fenton Travis - Q. Mr. Travis please state your name, occupation and business address. - A. I am Fenton C. Travis. I am a Project Manager for Marwood Ltd., 66 Pleasant Valley Road, Brookfield, Nova Scotia. - Q. Summariz...
AI summary Fenton Travis is a Project Manager for Marwood Ltd. with experience in engineering, project management, and energy projects, including the development of a 25 MW biomass power plant and a CHP facility in Nova Scotia. He has managed various projects and has expertise in energy management and environmental assessments.
A. In part. - 1. Significant components of the capital cost estimate for the CHP plant appear to be missing from the Synapse estimate as identified in the ESI Study. - 2. Costs for producing the extraction steam in the Synapse model are fu...
AI summary The document outlines several discrepancies and recommendations regarding the capital cost estimate for a CHP plant. Key issues include missing components in the Synapse estimate, incorrect allocation of steam costs, absence of parasitic power losses, and overestimation of boiler efficiency. ANSS provides alternative figures and recommends adjustments to financing assumptions and equity cost based on expert testimony.
Q. Do you think this labour requirement is reasonable? A. It seems excessive given the size of the plant. The requirement for 24 hour supervision of the plant puts a significant labour cost burden on rate payers for plants of this scale. W...
AI summary The respondent argues that the 24-hour supervision labour requirement for the COMFIT plant is excessive and places an undue financial burden on rate payers. They suggest that the Department of Labour & Safety should review whether reduced supervision could safely operate the plant, similar to how heating boilers are managed.
Q. Has Synapse accurately estimated the boiler efficiency of the CHP plant? A. Based on the study done by ESI the efficiency of the boiler, estimated by Synapse at 80%, is an overly optimistic estimate. ESI has calculated that the efficien...
AI summary Synapse's estimate of the boiler efficiency at 80% is challenged by ESI, who estimates it at 69%, supported by USDA data at 67%. This discrepancy affects fuel requirements for electricity generation.
Biomass Gasification In addition to differentiation based on size and renewable energy type we feel that it is important to consider differentiation based on alternative technologies within a renewable energy type. We are specifically refe...
AI summary The text discusses the advantages of biomass gasification for CHP COMFIT, including higher efficiency, reduced biomass fuel use, lower emissions, and potential cost competitiveness with conventional systems as fuel prices rise. It argues for a separate COMFIT to incentivize gasification technology over conventional systems.
Data Sources The Vermont model appears to provide reasonable sources to derive data for the model. It is important that capital cost estimates, O&M costs, capital structure estimates, borrowing rates and all other variables are drawn from...
AI summary The text discusses the importance of using current and local data for modeling, particularly for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generation costs in Nova Scotia. It outlines plans to conduct an engineering study with a local firm and consult the Canadian financial community and the forestry industry to determine key parameters such as fuel costs and capital structure.
Why a Backpressure Turbine Does Not Make Sense for This Application A backpressure turbine operates in conjunction with the demand from the heat load. Steam from a boiler is sent to the turbine and then onto the heat load at the specific r...
AI summary A backpressure turbine's electricity generation is tied to the sawmill's dry kiln operation, which depends on lumber market demand. This creates instability, as sawmills often shut down during poor market conditions, reducing turbine output. The lumber market has been volatile, leading to frequent shutdowns.
Why a Condensing Turbine with Extraction Makes Sense In order for sawmills to participate and for projects to be able to attract debt the operation of the power plant has to be decoupled from the operation of the sawmill. A condensing turb...
AI summary A condensing turbine with extraction allows sawmills to decouple power plant operations from sawmill activities, providing flexibility during shutdowns or low production periods. This design supports revenue generation during difficult market conditions, reduces financial strain, and enables participation from community organizations with lower heat load demands.
What About Efficiency? If we can agree that the condensing turbine with extraction is the only practical technology that will allow for the development of these projects, we can discuss the issue of minimum efficiency requirements. The eff...
AI summary The document discusses the challenges of enforcing minimum efficiency requirements for CHP plants, emphasizing that efficiency depends on variable factors like lumber market demand. It argues against efficiency standards that could inadvertently support coal use by limiting biomass electricity generation, which displaces fossil fuel-based power.
Efficiency, Heating Values (Gross and Net), and Cost Comparisons for Various Fuel Types Wo od Sof od two Ha rdw ood Wo od Fire od wo She lled OF TY PE FU EL Gre en a Se mid ried a Air -dr ied a Ov end ried (kil ) n d ried a (kil ) n d ried...
AI summary The text presents a table comparing the efficiency, heating values (gross and net), and cost comparisons for various fuel types. The data includes different categories of wood, natural gas, electricity, and other fuels, along with their respective heating values in Btu per unit.
B-23Renewable electricity Plan - A path to good jobs, stable prices, and a cleaner environment. 4/7/2011
12 passages
Solar: Heat + Water Focus Solar will qualify as a renewable resource under the enhanced net metering program. Today, solar is used more economically for air and water heating rather than electricity generation. Its role may expand as the c...
AI summary Solar energy is recognized as a renewable resource under the enhanced net metering program. Currently, it is more economically viable for air and water heating than electricity generation, with potential for expansion as solar technology costs evolve.
Benefits + Costs In the process of transitioning to a system that is cleaner, more diverse, more domestic, and more secure, this plan will support as much as $1.5 billion in green investment—creating good jobs and growing the economy. Spec...
AI summary The plan supports $1.5 billion in green investment, creating 5,000 to 7,500 person-years of jobs in construction, supply, manufacturing, and maintenance. While upfront costs and short-term increases in electricity bills (1-2%) are expected, long-term benefits include stabilized fuel prices, energy security, and protection from fossil fuel volatility and future carbon costs.
Where We Are Now Ageneration ago, Nova Scotia made a deliberate decision to produce electricity from coal. The price was low and stable, and the supply was secure. It was mined right here—so investing in coal-fired generation seemed like a...
AI summary Nova Scotia historically relied on locally mined coal for electricity, but now imports coal, petroleum-coke, and fuel oil, leading to economic and political vulnerabilities. Most electricity now comes from imported fuels, with some from natural gas and renewables. This shift has economic and security implications for the province.
Estimated Cost of Imported Coal Used to Produce Electricity in Nova Scotia Although coal prices fluctuate, the general trend continues to climb upward. Reliance on imported coal also shackles Nova Scotia to the upward march of internationa...
AI summary The document discusses the increasing cost and environmental impact of imported coal used in Nova Scotia's electricity production, highlighting the need for a transition to renewable energy. It outlines the Renewable Electricity Plan, which aims to address energy challenges and improve affordability through clean energy and efficiency measures.
Transforming our current electricity mix to one that is more local and green is important to our future energy security. The Government of Nova Scotia has set ambitious targets for generating more electricity from renewable sources, as wel...
AI summary Nova Scotia aims to increase renewable electricity generation to 25% by 2015 and 40% by 2020, supported by the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. Conservation and efficiency are emphasized as critical to achieving these targets, alongside expanding renewable energy sources like wind, tidal, and biomass.
3. Enhanced Net Metering Net metering is a program that lets a consumer connect a small renewable electricity source to the grid through a special meter that measures electricity flows in two directions. For any electricity fed into the gr...
AI summary The document outlines an enhanced net metering program by NSPI, increasing power limits from 100 kW to 1 MW, allowing multiple meters under one account, and providing payment for surplus electricity at retail rates. This aims to support renewable energy adoption by homeowners and businesses.
4. Forest Products Associated Biomass Government will approach the development of biomass for electricity production with caution. Electricity produced from co-firing biomass will play a role in meeting the 2015 commitment, but will underg...
AI summary The government is cautious about using forest biomass for electricity generation, emphasizing the need for a Natural Resources Strategy to guide long-term planning. While co-firing biomass can help meet short-term renewable electricity targets, it is seen as inefficient compared to using biomass for heating. The strategy will include recommendations on sustainable harvesting practices and regulations.
5. Market Structure and Governance Nova Scotia's electricity market consists of a vertically integrated utility—NSPI—and six smaller municipal electric utilities.As an integrated utility, NSPI has responsibility for electricity procurement...
AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity market is dominated by NSPI, a vertically integrated utility responsible for procurement, grid operations, and meeting renewable energy targets. The Renewable Electricity Plan emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of an integrated utility while introducing changes to how NSPI procures renewable energy, aiming to enhance energy security, diversity, and affordability.
The Role of Government 7 The Government of Nova Scotia recognizes that it has a large role to play in transforming Nova Scotia's electricity sector to one that is secure and sustainable. Government will provide guidance in project developm...
AI summary The Government of Nova Scotia acknowledges its significant role in transforming the electricity sector into a secure and sustainable system. It will provide guidance on project development, approvals, permitting, and access to financing.
Smart Technologies A smart grid delivers electricity using digital technology to manage a customer's energy use. For example, a smart grid could turn on domestic hot water heaters only at night, when demand is slack and the cost of produci...
AI summary Smart grid technologies use digital tools to manage customer energy use, potentially reducing costs and increasing reliability. NSPI will use a federal Clean Energy Fund grant to test smart grid technologies in Nova Scotia, focusing on integration with customer loads and intermittent renewables.
eep going down that path and doom consumers to an unsustainable future, or we can bite the bullet and make the necessary investments to have a secure, safe, affordable, and sustainable energy economy.
AI summary The text emphasizes the need for immediate investment in a sustainable energy economy to avoid leaving consumers with an unsustainable future, highlighting the importance of securing affordability and safety in energy provision.
Competitive Advantage of a Cleaner Energy Mix Nova Scotia's dependence on carbon fuels, especially coal and oil, threatens to become a significant impediment to trade and competitiveness as carbon tariffs and trade rules proliferate. By re...
AI summary Nova Scotia's reliance on carbon fuels like coal and oil could hinder trade and competitiveness due to increasing carbon tariffs. Transitioning to a cleaner, diversified energy mix will help maintain stable energy costs and support the province's businesses and goods in global markets.
07337Board Decision
7 passages
9.1 Definitions [141 ] The tariff to be set for a Biomass CHP is defined in the Regulations as follows: 18(4) The tariff for biomass must apply only to the electricity produced from a combined heat and power plant. [142] Generally the COMF...
AI summary The document discusses the definition and operational parameters of biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plants under Nova Scotia regulations. It highlights challenges in defining CHP, including the lack of clear efficiency or operational time requirements, and provides technical details about steam host needs and boiler sizes for sawmills. Stakeholders such as ANSS and Synapse are involved in the discussion.
9.1.1 Findings on Definition [151] The Board finds that for a CHP facility to be entitled to a COMFIT it must produce both heat and steam, and that the primary purpose of the plant is to supply a steam host. [152] The Board also finds that...
AI summary The Board determines that a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility must produce both heat and steam with the primary purpose of supplying a steam host to qualify for a COMFIT. Additionally, the Board states that the costing of a tariff for a typical CHP plant should be based on producing approximately 2MW of electricity.
[155] As stated by Mr. Travis: ...our primary business is to produce forest products, so without question when our drying kilns need heat, that's our first and primary goal. You know, we're going to steam is the absolute number one getting...
AI summary Mr. Travis emphasizes that the primary goal of his business is to supply steam to drying kilns for forest product production. ANSS disagrees with Synapse's allocation method, proposing a 50/50 cost division for shared steam resources used in combined heat and power plants.
[157] It further went on to state: ... There is, however, nothing in the Electricity Act or Regulations which mandates that the heat be used 24/7. CHP Facilities are not designed to operate in full extraction mode 24/7 nor can they be as k...
AI summary The text discusses the operation of CHP facilities and their inability to run 24/7 due to operational constraints, referencing evidence from Mr. Travis about ANSS sawmills operating at 50-60% capacity. It also notes the CA's agreement with Synapse's cost allocation.
it was noted that some would be required for the steam only scenario: Q: Now, you have mentioned I want to talk about parasitic load too, I mean, I think it's we heard it's 14 percent overall. And if I heard you correctly yesterday and aga...
AI summary The discussion revolves around parasitic load in a steam plant, with a 14% overall parasitic load mentioned. The parasitic load for the boiler alone is 0.217 MW, and the remaining 5% is attributed to electricity generation. Synapse's model was used to calculate these values, and the impact of operating pressure on costs was highlighted.
9.5.3 Fuel Operating Costs [203] The total fuel consumption is driven by the size and availability of the plant, and the boiler efficiency. The Synapse FIT model is the one being used for turbine size, so any differences would be in availa...
AI summary The text discusses fuel operating costs for biomass CHP plants, focusing on differences in availability and boiler efficiency assumptions between the Synapse FIT model and ANSS. ANSS argues that Synapse's 80% boiler efficiency is inaccurate for woody biomass and that the model underestimates the efficiency of CHP facilities by not accounting for condensate return.
[217] When discussing the St. FX project, Synapse had problems with it being considered a CHP: ... And frankly, that's one of the concerns I would have about this project because it has an overall efficiency of 28 percent, and I would have...
AI summary The discussion centers on the St. FX project's classification as a CHP and its efficiency concerns, with Synapse criticizing its low efficiency and higher costs. St. FX recalculates the rate using the Synapse model but argues the model is not suitable for a university heating plant. The Board accepts Synapse's conservative COMFIT rate approach and plans a review in three years.
20110404-1Hearing Transcript — 4/4/2011 (Synapse)
19 passages
- all you can think of? Page 64 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 6 got overcoming local resistance, we've got job fair. 7 Anything else? 8 MR. KEITH: Well, we did consider, 9 especially after Mr. Chernick's first comments came in, 10 consider the possibi...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the challenges of relying on community-based organizations for installing green energy capacity, given their reliance on donations and limited success. It also touches on the potential for municipalities to access lower debt capital compared to commercial borrowers, though budgetary constraints were noted as a barrier.
- particular technology. 1 Page 98 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Without getting into the issue of the 3 with this tariff recommendation. 4 MS. RUBIN: Specifically, what were 5 you retained to do? 6 MS. SHAW: So I don't have the scope 7 particularly o...
AI summary The text discusses a technical assistance provided for developing a biomass CHP rate, including discussions on project scenarios, capital and operating costs, and project efficiency. The conversation involves Ms. Rubin and Ms. Shaw, with Ms. Shaw confirming she had a written retainer for the work.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS that's the equivalent of, at the time it was somewhere in NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 107 1 the neighbourhood of a 120,000 pounds an hour of steam. 2 MS. RUBIN: Have you designed a wood 3 fired co...
AI summary The text is a transcript of a proceeding discussing the design and procurement of a wood-fired co-generation facility, including questions about the respondent's experience with such projects and the use of standardized metrics in cost estimation for a biomass CHP project.
the sawmill companies are represented by the Alliance of - Nova Scotia Sawmillers? - MR. KEITH: Yes. - MS. RUBIN: And given that the level - of development activity is a factor in setting the rates - would the interest of the sawmillers at...
AI summary The discussion involves the Alliance of Nova Scotia Sawmillers and their interest in CHP project development, highlighting uncertainty around costs and the need for specific tariff rates. St. Francis Xavier also mentions a required tariff rate for their project.
- load for the heat part of CHP being a sawmill where, you - know, in reality we've got interest from a university; - perhaps that level of interest from a university is a - little surprising. - So we might have to go back and look - at al...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility, specifically at a sawmill, and the interest from a university, St. Francis Xavier University, in a related project. There is a consideration of whether the assumptions made about the project are reasonable, especially in comparison to other jurisdictions and benchmark rates.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MS. RUBIN: Right. Because that risk Page 126 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 MS. RUBIN: Okay. Now, that table is 2 a capital cost comparison of the condensing extracting 3 facility that has been costed b...
AI summary The discussion revolves around a capital cost comparison of a condensing extracting facility, with differing opinions on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the project. Ms. Shaw admits to not thoroughly analyzing the table, while Mr. Keith argues that market metrics support the current rate and that the Marwood project is too expensive to base a feed-in tariff on.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MS. RUBIN: So your cost per megawatt 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 137 is lower than plants of the scale 10 times to 20 times 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 145 MR. KEITH: Yeah, I think there may be 2 a...
AI summary The discussion centers on the cost per megawatt of CHP facilities, highlighting a discrepancy between Synapse and ESI estimates. The lack of information from sawmills regarding existing steam systems led to assumptions about the suitability of existing facilities for CHP implementation.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MS. SHAW: No, I think I'm saying NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 155 1 something different. I'm not saying that it's a zero 2 cost. I'm not saying that it's a zero dollar value, I'm 3 saying that it i...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the inclusion of engineering, project management, and construction management costs in a biomass CHP project. The speaker clarifies that these costs are not explicitly included in the current planning and assumes that the facility owner will handle these tasks. The conversation also touches on whether Nova Scotia Power is a competent entity to undertake such a project, referencing their use of an EPC contractor for a similar project.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. KEITH: That's correct. 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 161 MS. RUBIN: changed the one 10 Am I correct that that was built by 11 the Island Electrical Corporation some time in the early 12 '80s?...
AI summary The text discusses a heating plant originally built by the Island Electrical Corporation in the early 1980s as a refuse burner for a hospital. It has been expanded over time and currently serves downtown offices, with a small electrical turbine and a steam output capacity of approximately 130,000 pounds per hour. The rate for electricity is mentioned as being targeted to the price of oil.
process would be working as well. 1 Page 172 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 maybe you can help me out then. The only way I can assess 1 at a particular site and you've gotten a cost estimate or 2 a detailed cost estimate for that study for that 3 proje...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the availability and comparison of installed cost data for wind turbines and biomass CHP projects, highlighting the limited data available for biomass projects compared to wind. The testimony emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining detailed cost data for biomass CHP projects.
- expensive turbine generator so that the facility can - operate that generator when the steam host is not using - power because we think it's too risky for them to not do - that, we've opened up the door now so that they can - operate tha...
AI summary The text discusses concerns raised by the Alliance of Sawmillers regarding the regulation of a turbine generator. They argue for embedding a more expensive turbine generator in the electricity rate to allow operation without a steam host and for not establishing efficiency standards for the plant, despite regulatory requirements for combined heat and power (CHP) plants.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS And number three, made a lot of the 1 costs of the boiler onto the electric side, and we've 2 (inaudible) given in what we propose the first two of 3 those. We feel it would be a big mistake...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the allocation of costs for a boiler project between the electric side and steam hosting, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that projects meet Combined Heat and Power (CHP) requirements. The participants argue that allocating costs in a way that encourages CHP is a key policy consideration.
- there, is the desire to use the province's wood resource - as efficiently as possible. And the government, in its - materials talking about these regulations in a number of - places, points to a very strong desire to use the - province's...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the efficient use of the province's wood resource and biomass, emphasizing the preference for higher efficiency in utilization rather than electricity-only biomass plants. The conversation also touches on policy drivers and cost allocation for steam.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS reasons for doing so; what are the other policy factors to Page 188 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 MS. SHAW: The steam host bears the 2 full cost that they would have had under a scenario where 3 they h...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the allocation of costs in combined heat and power (CHP) systems, comparing a CHP plant with a condensing steam turbine to a plant that only produces steam. The focus is on how costs are distributed between steam and electricity generation, with the steam host bearing the full cost of steam production and the electricity side covering incremental costs.
- portion on a 50/50 split between the cost of steam and the - cost of electricity could be appropriate. - MS. SHAW: I don't know that I know if - 50/50 is appropriate under those conditions or not. - MS. RUBIN: Well, you said that so - lo...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the allocation of costs between steam and electricity in a CHP system. Ms. Shaw expresses uncertainty about a 50/50 split, while Ms. Rubin notes that it is a common allocation method when CHP qualifications are ensured through other mechanisms.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS fact to inquire about? When size of the project is a risk 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 201 factor, would you not inquire about the size of the 7 MR. KEITH: My perception is that the 8 interest ra...
AI summary The discussion centers on the relationship between the size of a biomass project and the interest rate a lender quotes, with Mr. Keith noting that lenders perceive risk based on project size. He mentions consulting with an unnamed U.S. investment banker, Rob Grace of Sustainable Energy Advantage, and Richard Harris of the VCAP Fund.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS However, that biomass project would be 1 significantly less expensive than a 50-kilowatt wind 9 capacity are inherently less efficient and thus require 10 more fuel per unit of energy output...
AI summary The text discusses the efficiency differences between biomass projects and combined heat and power (CHP) projects, with a focus on how CHP projects use heat energy for additional purposes, making them more efficient. The discussion includes a definition of CHP and its advantages over electricity-only projects.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MS. SHAW: I would say that that was 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 273 outside of what we were asked to do, which was to come up 2 with a rate for CHP projects and not a qualification 3 procedure f...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the definition and operational criteria for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants and how their efficiency standards impact rate calculations. The parties debate whether a formal efficiency standard is necessary to ensure accurate rate determination and the challenges associated with enforcing such a standard.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. VOGEL : I'll try and be brief. 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 285 THE CHAIR: No, I didn't mean to hurry 10 MR. RICKERSON: And could you rephrase 11 the question one more time? 12 MR. VOGEL: Sur...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the importance of supporting mechanisms for small-scale community participation in feed-in tariff programs, referencing examples from Denmark, Germany, and Massachusetts. The speaker highlights varying approaches by governments in engaging stakeholders and facilitating feasibility studies.
20110405-1Hearing Transcript — 4/5/2011 (Synapse Panel, ANSS Panel)
28 passages
Page 334 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 329 specifically include those costs in the model, I think 9 percent equity in your I refer specifically to your 10 large wind model in your I guess specifically to your 11 large wind mod...
AI summary The discussion revolves around equity percentages in a large wind project model, with references to a 1.5 benchmark for a cover service charge and the challenges of securing equity and bank financing for such projects.
Development Corporation? 1 Page 336 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Minas Basin Pulp & Power? 8 Okay, then here's, I guess, the next 9 question. Is it true that distributed generation reduces 10 the transmission cost of electricity; that generation 11 c...
AI summary The text discusses whether distributed generation reduces transmission costs in Nova Scotia and whether studies have been conducted on these savings. It also touches on the consideration of these savings in cost balancing of programs and the approach to setting tariffs based on costs rather than value.
- We you spoke about, Ms. Shaw, and you used a term yesterday that, I must confess, was the first time I'd ever heard it, you called parasitic you were talking with Ms. Rubin about the estimates that you worked on in connection with the bi...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the term 'parasitic power' used in the context of a biomass facility, which is equated to 'station service.' The conversation explores the composition of station service costs in an oil-fired boiler facility, including components like water feed pumps and cooling water pumps, and estimates the percentage of output these costs represent.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS service is generally comprised of the power to run pumps 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 361 and fans. I don't believe that for 100 megawatt oil fired 1 Page 366 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 to specific things...
AI summary The text discusses legal considerations regarding the NSUARB's proceedings, including the application of least-cost principles in utility project decisions and the inadmissibility of certain legal questions. It references a panel's approach to resource options and the potential illegality of actions contrary to legislation.
- have any disagreement with. Page 372 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 11 MR. ROSCOE: Even though the wind is 12 there, that's correct. 13 And that number for single turbines of 14 this nature, small and wind, likely in the 95 percent 15 range. So you c...
AI summary The text discusses the efficiency of small wind turbines, estimating a 95% efficiency rate and noting that losses are primarily electrical. The location of the metering point is mentioned as a detail that is not clearly defined.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS factor of one of their turbines whether they're talking Page 380 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 say, may want to have a chat about this. 2 MR. RICKERSON: I just with the 3 adjustment suggested of that g...
AI summary The discussion revolves around a rate adjustment calculation, with a 6% difference leading to a $36 per megawatt hour change. There is also a mention of small wind turbines and metering on the low or high voltage side, though details are not fully explored.
soften, there we did see some community groups have 1 Page 424 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 development, again, so that's a very broad definition. 20 association. 21 The fuel escalator, which is an 22 important matter and has been covered off compete...
AI summary The text discusses the need for a fuel adjustment mechanism as a risk remediation measure for a project, referencing the importance of producing electricity during periods of low steam load. It also mentions the economic infeasibility of back pressure turbines in certain contexts.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS So on the question of cost allocation; 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 433 I mean, this is actually a nice example of the other 2 appropriate method of cost allocation. Yesterday I 3 described that...
AI summary The text discusses a method of cost allocation for combined heat and power (CHP) projects, emphasizing the need to ensure that projects meet the intent of the law by using the province's resources efficiently. It highlights the potential conflict of interest between steam hosts and electricity ratepayers.
overall efficiency of 28 percent, and I would have 1 Page 434 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 difficulty recommending that that project be allowed to 2 sell electricity on a tariff that was for combined heat 3 and power. 4 And another factor is that the...
AI summary The text discusses concerns regarding the efficiency of a biomass-to-electricity project at 28%, which increases fuel costs compared to a combined heat and power (CHP) facility operating at 60% efficiency. This raises questions about the financial viability and the justification for higher electricity costs.
- question if you wish. Page 436 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 17 what the province believes the definition of a CHP project 18 is. For me, if you ask me and you did I would say 19 that no, a project that has an annual efficiency of 28 20 percent I wo...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the definition and efficiency requirements for combined heat and power (CHP) projects. The province argues that a project with an annual efficiency of 28% should not receive subsidies intended for CHP projects, as the term implies higher overall annual efficiency. The speaker mentions using discretion and being guided to set minimum efficiency standards to avoid issues with sensible projects, such as a university project involving an 8-megawatt turbine.
- The annual steam revenue is $1.5 million from the plant. - The annual electricity revenue at your proposed - electricity rate is $11 million. - So we have a plant here that's - generating a lot of electricity and not that much steam. - M...
AI summary The text discusses a plant's revenue from steam and electricity, with a focus on reconfiguring the plant to balance electricity and steam production. Mr. Coady questions the feasibility of such a reconfiguration, and Mr. Keith supports the idea, emphasizing the importance of district energy solutions and climate change considerations.
disagreement. 2 MR. DOEHLER: The next one; I know a 3 fair amount of questions have been asked about the 13 4 percent, 15 percent. And a lot of it seemed to be based 5 on Heritage Gas. If I have it correctly from the 6 testimony yesterday,...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the risk assessment of a project compared to Heritage Gas and Greenfield utility projects. The speaker questions whether the risk profile has been adequately analyzed and compared to similar projects, with the respondent citing Board decisions and analysis as the basis for their assessment.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS So if someone has a field of four 12 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 449 and a half kilowatts is that or let's say a field of 2 four 15 kilowatts is that a 50 kilowatt project or a 60- 3 kilowatt pr...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the rate-setting for COMFIT projects, specifically whether a 50-kilowatt project refers to a standalone turbine or an aggregation of smaller turbines. There is uncertainty about how the government intends to apply the rate and whether it can account for project aggregation in the rate structure.
MR. KEITH : You could provide the rate parasitic load where people say it should be 14 percent
AI summary MR. KEITH mentions the concept of parasitic load and suggests that it should be 14 percent, indicating a discussion related to energy efficiency or system performance.
- tariff. Page 490 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 21 MR. RICKERSON: Yeah. For others, I'm 22 sorry, I don't have them with me. DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS Page 494 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 MR. KEITH: Yes. 2 MR. DEVEAU: And I'm just wonderi...
AI summary The discussion centers on the source of a policy related to biomass usage, referencing the Renewable Energy Plan and Section 8 of the Regulations, which imposes a cap of 500,000 dry tonnes on biomass. The conversation explores whether this cap is intended to encourage efficient use of biomass resources.
- witnesses, please. Page 516 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 THE CHAIR: Sure. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 517 MR. FENTON TRAVIS, Affirmed: 2 MR. PATRICK HAYES, Affirmed: 3 MR. JEFFREY BODINGTON, Aff...
AI summary The document contains a portion of a regulatory proceeding in Nova Scotia, featuring the examination of Mr. Patrick Hayes by Ms. Rubin. Hayes is being questioned about his qualifications and his role in preparing a biomass CHP plant facility study based on the Synapse report.
- MR. BODINGTON: That's correct. - MS. RUBIN: Now, you spent four years - with the Research Planning Association? - MR. BODINGTON: Resource Planning - Associates, a management consulting firm that specialized - in energy-related issues. -...
AI summary Mr. Bodington discusses his professional background, including his work with Resource Planning Associates and Bechtel Group, focusing on energy-related projects and business and finance aspects of power and coal projects.
- concerning power and pipeline projects. Page 524 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 MS. RUBIN: And then in 1990 and to 2 the present you founded and you are the President of 3 Bodington and Company? 4 MR. BODINGTON: Yes. 5 MS. RUBIN: And what is what d...
AI summary The text discusses Mr. Bodington's background with Bodington and Company, an investment banking firm specializing in power projects, including biomass, natural gas, and combined heat and power (CHP). He has been involved in over 400 power projects, with more than 20 being biomass-related.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS set by the Board; is that possible the way you see it? 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 549 MR. TRAVIS: Well, no. I mean, we 18 when you condense the steam to condensate in the condenser 19 side of t...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the efficiency of combined heat and power (CHP) facilities compared to traditional electrical-only plants. The speaker explains that CHP facilities achieve higher efficiency by utilizing returning condensate, which increases thermal efficiency significantly and qualifies them as CHP under standard definitions.
- explain exactly what you mean. I'm assuming that you're 1 Page 574 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 saying that that price of a non-renewable, a fossil fuel, 2 is going to go up over time. And are you basically 3 you're saying that that same sort of tr...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the price trends of fossil fuels and biomass, highlighting the volatility of biomass prices due to market forces and harvesting limits, contrasting it with the finite nature of fossil fuels. The conversation explores whether biomass can be considered a renewable resource and the potential for supply-demand imbalances.
demand is more than what you can go out and cut. Page 576 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 1 MR. TRAVIS: No, that's not what we're 2 saying. 3 MR. SIMPSON: Right. So we would 4 agree that there's 5 MR. TRAVIS: We can only there are 6 only going to be so...
AI summary The discussion centers on the limitations of biomass energy production in Nova Scotia, comparing it to sustainable harvesting practices in the forest products industry. It highlights the balance between supply and demand, and questions the definition and functionality of CHP systems in industrial settings.
- go out of business or have a bad year or not need it or - it's very warm I mean, there's so many variables that - dictate how a steam host operates, you can't peg one down. - I mean, Synapse had a near impossible - time trying to define...
AI summary The discussion highlights the challenges of defining and operating Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants, particularly in the context of a steam host's business model. There is acknowledgment of the inherent risks and variability in operations, and a suggestion that the current model proposed by ANSS may be unrealistic and potentially unprofitable for the steam host.
their core business - is the wood, and the power represents, what did you tell - me, less than 2 percent or - DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. TRAVIS : Yeah, the sales for our - business each year. - MR. HAYES : So if they...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the utilization rates of industrial facilities, such as a lumber mill and a steam host, and how factors like weather and production levels affect efficiency. The example of St. F.X. is used to illustrate variability in steam usage and its impact on system efficiency.
- only running two out of 12 months like that. 1 MR. SIMPSON: This is my final 2 question here. 3 In your evidence, you state that from 4 an environmental perspective these projects should be 5 encouraged to produce as much energy as they...
AI summary Mr. Simpson questions the environmental perspective of encouraging biomass-generated energy projects, suggesting a potential conflict with the environmental community's stance in Nova Scotia. Mr. Travis references a letter to Synapse, explaining that biomass energy should be encouraged regardless of efficiency, with the ultimate goal of reducing fossil fuel use.
does that answer your question? Maybe you want me to - answer another question. - MR. SIMPSON : I'm just surprised that - you would come back to an environmental argument - MR. TRAVIS : Right. - MR. SIMPSON : for this when the - environmen...
AI summary The discussion revolves around environmental arguments related to minimum efficiency standards and the use of fossil fuels, with a comparison to European Union policies on energy production and environmental impact.
- located at one site and that kind of thing. - MR. McGRATH : Do you know whether all - six of your members currently have biomass boilers? - MR. TRAVIS : I'm not sure about Group - Savoie, but I am yeah, we have a little bit of oil, as -...
AI summary The discussion involves the presence of biomass boilers among six members of an organization, with five confirmed and one uncertain. The conversation also touches on a rate calculation of $330 derived from the Synapse model, though the speaker clarifies that the model did not fully account for capital costs.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS know, you'd be maybe looking at four of six of us that 1 would be capable of at that rate that would be it 2 would make economic sense for us to do so. 3 MR. McGRATH: And are there other 4 sa...
AI summary The text discusses a regulatory proceeding involving Nova Scotia Power and the Nova Scotia Sustainable Electricity Alliance, with a focus on the number of sawmills capable of generating electricity through combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and references financial market experience and evidence submitted by the Ecology Action Centre and NovaSea.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS some cases you have to a million dollars on a system NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 615 impact study, you can identify these kinds of constraints 7 MR. BODINGTON: Go ahead, and then 8 I'll say some m...
AI summary The discussion highlights the challenges faced by developers in securing financing for biomass CHP projects, emphasizing the need for pre-financing evaluations and permits. It also contrasts the risk profiles of regulated utilities and biomass CHP projects, noting higher equity rates required for the latter.
20110406-1Hearing Transcript — 4/6/2011 (ANSS Panel, St. Francis Xavier Univ, Consumer Adv. Panel)
19 passages
- lower. 1 Page 660 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 My response to that would be because 2 somebody looked at actual costs and determined what the 3 actual numbers needed to be. 4 And I'm not advising you that that's - 5 - that this is what you should p...
AI summary The speaker argues that Synapse's capital and operating cost estimates for a biomass project are unrealistic, citing the speaker's experience in building cost-effective biomass plants recognized internationally. The speaker emphasizes that the estimates do not align with actual project costs.
going to be to the ratepayer. 1 And I think that's I mean, if you 2 were asking my unsolicited opinion that's how I think 3 you'd do the analysis. 4 MR. TRAVIS: Mr. Chairman, I would 5 just add to that that it's really not a whole lot 6 di...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the cost implications of different energy technologies, including biomass, tidal, and small wind, with emphasis on the higher costs and challenges associated with these technologies. The impact of biomass CHP projects on rates and financing complexities is highlighted.
need? 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 681 minutes. 21 mill who has a need, obviously, for some electricity and 22 some steam, and it has a certain existing facility which DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 it's unhappy with. So it's...
AI summary The text discusses a scenario where a sawmill is considering building a new system to generate electricity, which it can sell back to the grid at a higher price than it can buy from the grid. The discussion raises questions about whether the benefits of this new system, such as improved efficiency and cost savings, should be considered when determining the cost of capital for the project.
around somewhere in the 14 cent range. 1 Page 698 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 export? 19 MR. TRAVIS: Yes, regarding 20 efficiency? 21 MR. OUTHOUSE: Yes. 22 MR. TRAVIS: Yes. DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 703 M...
AI summary The discussion revolves around efficiency targets and recommendations made by ANS during proceedings. ANS expressed concerns about setting a minimum efficiency target and the use of a back pressure turbine, with Synapse ultimately accepting these recommendations. There is also mention of concerns about the feed-in tariff being set too low.
- comparison. - MR. TRAVIS: That's correct. - MR. OUTHOUSE: And for a 2-megawatt - plant would you accept that the annual generation is about - 12,600 megawatt hours? - MR. TRAVIS: Let me just double check - that with Mr. Hayes. Are you re...
AI summary The dialogue discusses the calculation of annual generation for a 2-megawatt plant, with a focus on whether parasitic power loss is included in the analysis. There is a clarification that parasitic power loss was previously discussed and that the intention was to buy this loss from the grid and sell gross output.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS the wood fibre. NewPage, as an example, is going to 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 735 construct a 60-megawatt power plant, and they're going to 2 need fuel for that power plant. And you know, ther...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the cost-benefit analysis of using wood fibre as fuel for a power plant. It involves evaluating whether it is more economical for a sawmill to sell the wood fibre or use it in their own boiler to generate heat for kilns. The conversation includes technical details about BTU values and the energy required to heat water to high pressures.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. MERRICK: Do you know whether the 1 university pays less than market debt depending on the 2 project? 3 MR. COADY: No, I do not. 4 MR. MERRICK: Do you know if on 5 occasion the university...
AI summary The discussion revolves around financing methods used by the university, including debt and fundraising, and Mr. Coady's involvement in a combined heat and power project at the university. He explains his personal interest in the project and his role in representing St. F.X. at the hearings.
- time. I presented them some evidence to that effect by - presenting them, first of all, with a document that had - been done two years ago when another assessment had been - done by the university and others to develop this project. - An...
AI summary The speaker discusses presenting evidence and proposals related to a project involving a university and a company called Antigonish Districting Heating Limited. The university was initially unaware of the project's importance but has since recognized its significance for addressing a longstanding campus issue.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS pressure and steam loads and those kind of things. If the 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 759 Board would like, we have someone in the room who can 1 MR. COADY: Based on the cost 2 estimates and ope...
AI summary The discussion revolves around a potential co-generation project at a university, with Mr. Coady explaining that the university has already invested significantly in new plant and equipment, much of which has been funded by donors. Mr. Merrick inquires about alternative funding sources besides debt financing.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS lay of the land was that Antigonish District Heating 1 Limited owned and operated that facility and St. F.X. 2 would be a steam host only. 3 But those were never substantially 4 tested becaus...
AI summary The text discusses the Antigonish District Heating project, which faced push-back from utilities due to concerns about existing capacity in the province. The project's development was hindered by technical challenges and financial considerations, including discussions with banks regarding debt financing and cost of borrowing.
using fish oil from Ocean Nutrition which has been a good - experience for them. That experience has been cut short - because the cost of fuels, bio-fuels has gone through the - roof. What they used to get for 25 cents, they now would - be...
AI summary The discussion highlights the increased cost of bio-fuels, leading to a return to Bunker C fuel due to economic reasons. The steam load replaced by co-generation is estimated to cost around the current rate. The conversation also touches on the COMFIT policy and its development process involving government meetings.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS that got that changed into a feed-in tariff which removed 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 779 the CEDIF restrictions. I just wondered if you or the 10 submitted those into our own model which we was...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the use of a CBCL model for rate derivation and the submission of evidence related to a biomass CHP plant. The original evidence included an EPC contract and capital and O&M costs, while financing assumptions were taken from Synapse's model.
- other universities have found long-term energy solutions, - which is what this is all about, long-term energy - solutions in metro using natural gas. Both of the - universities there have systems now comparable to this - co-gen. - There...
AI summary The discussion highlights the potential for universities in Nova Scotia to adopt long-term energy solutions, including combined heat and power (CHP) systems, biomass-fired boilers, and wind turbines. The conversation notes that some universities are already implementing similar technologies, while others have not yet participated in such initiatives.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS energy problems, which most of them had. And St. F.X. has 1 Page 798 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 we've looked at that. We are going to move the plant out 7 I come from a community on the South 8 Shore...
AI summary The text discusses the economic challenges faced by a community on the South Shore, particularly the impact of fluctuations in the Canadian dollar and unemployment on individuals' ability to contribute to energy generation projects. It also touches on the investment and effort required for wind farm development and the challenges faced by unemployed individuals in participating.
Page 812 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 813 21 MR. CHERNICK: So there's no way for 22 anybody to set a single rate that's going to work for each DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 Page 820 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 location....
AI summary The discussion centers on the challenges of setting a single rate for hydroelectric projects, highlighting concerns about minimum flow requirements reducing potential power output and the risks involved in project feasibility. There is a suggestion that higher returns may be necessary to attract investment, but there are also risks of not being compensated if projects are deemed unfeasible.
- But you're assuming in one way that - communities working together have a higher efficiency and - lower cost than, let's say I mean, I'm President of a - CEDIF, so I have experience with that. I'm also trying to - be a private developer...
AI summary The speaker challenges the assumption that community groups can achieve lower costs than private entrepreneurs in energy projects, arguing that communities may need to hire expensive engineering firms, unlike experienced entrepreneurs who may have in-house capabilities.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS Commission has. In fact, if they consider, let's say, the 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 853 CEDIF group in some way to be too close as the developer 18 factor than the one that they picked, which...
AI summary The text discusses a regulatory proceeding involving the CEDIF group and Synapse, with a focus on capacity factors and community involvement in project development. The discussion includes references to capacity factor expectations and the potential cost and benefit implications of community-based development.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS whether it's a 2-megawatt unit on one hill and a 2- 1 megawatt on another or 10 2-megawatt units in the same 2 windy rural location, I think the benefits for the 3 community would be very sim...
AI summary The speaker discusses the potential benefits and costs of different renewable energy projects, including small hydro and biomass, noting that while there may be some community benefits, there are also environmental and economic trade-offs. They express uncertainty about the viability and impact of these projects.
- MR. VOGEL : Almost you did leave - out some stakeholder groups. - MR. CHERNICK: And I don't know - anything about co-operatives and not-for-profits. - MR. VOGEL : The biomass CHP. - MR. CHERNICK: They I think that - varies dramatically....
AI summary The discussion highlights concerns about stakeholder participation in biomass CHP projects, with some groups facing difficulties while others may proceed if given a high enough rate. The conversation also touches on the potential challenges faced by First Nations in participating due to other factors.
20110407-1Hearing Transcript — 4/7/2011 (Consumer Adv. Panel, Cdn. Wind Energy Panel, EAC - T. Couture)
8 passages
April 7, 2011 Questions from Mr. Doehler 1014 Questions from Mr. Deveau 1017 Questions from The Chair 1022 Further Cross-Examination by Mr. Outhouse 1029 Further Cross-Examination by Mr. Reynolds 1035 Further Cross-Examination by Mr. Towse...
AI summary The text outlines various documents and proceedings from April 4 and April 7, 2011, including questions from individuals, cross-examinations, and submissions related to energy and regulatory matters. These include work papers, contracts, and policy guides.
- successful is the amount of huge amount of volunteer - time. We all serve as Board members with corporate - expertise, community expertise, travel, conferences. It's - been five years to get to today and setting these rates. - And it is...
AI summary The speaker discusses the challenges of hitting hard costs, including development and capital costs, which exceed community contributions. They also mention the importance of advocacy and policy making to ensure communities can own their resources, and highlight the complexity of tidal energy site determination compared to wind energy.
DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS ultimately comes from the manufacturer who'd be using the 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 927 COMFIT structure as a way of testing and demonstrating the 2 technology and being able to say we've instal...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the COMFIT structure as a method for testing and demonstrating renewable energy technology, with a focus on community partnerships and commercial viability. The conversation also touches on ownership and financing arrangements for renewable energy projects.
report back. 1 If NSPI is prepared to undertake to 2 produce it, that would be the more direct way, I would 3 think. 4 THE CHAIR: Why don't you and 5 Ms. Godbout chat about it and see how we might most 6 effectively do it? NSPI hasn't prod...
AI summary The discussion revolves around NSPI's witness production and confidentiality concerns, as well as a question about community feed-in tariff eligibility requirements in other jurisdictions, specifically referencing Ontario's provisions.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS Now, as the market matures, the risk 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 1099 of developing projects goes down because you get more 8 MR. COUTURE: risk adjusted rate 9 of return on all of their investme...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the risk-adjusted rate of return for renewable energy projects and the feasibility of assuming lower returns for policy development. The participants question the soundness of such assumptions and mention the need for sufficient capital to support renewable electricity generation targets.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. COUTURE : Yes. 1 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 Page 1119 (SHORT PAUSE) 2 Thank you. MS. RUBIN: 3 THE CHAIR: Thank you. 4 Black River, any questions? 5 (SHORT PAUSE) 6 I would add that it's MR. COUTUR...
AI summary The discussion highlights the importance of protecting against both upside and downside risks in long-term contracts, particularly in the context of inflation and fluctuating fuel prices. The example of South Africa's feed-in tariff is referenced, emphasizing the need for mechanisms to adjust for inflationary risks in biomass projects.
- lasted. 1 Page 1144 NSUARB-BRD-E-R.10 So I think the assumption of building 2 the financing for a tidal project on the basis of a 20- 3 year production 20 years of electricity production is 4 over-optimistic. 5 I think it's generally ack...
AI summary The discussion addresses the financing assumptions for tidal energy projects, suggesting that a 20-year production period may be overly optimistic. It also considers performance-based incentives to encourage technological improvements and questions whether ratepayers should bear the cost of incentivizing new technologies.
- DICTUM DIGITAL INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS MR. COUTURE : Yeah. Yeah. No, that's 1 a I think your first there is precedent for that, 2 and this may be of interest to the Board in the years 3 ahead. 4 Germany encountered this problem wh...
AI summary The text discusses a precedent in Germany where a national mechanism was created to cost-share renewable energy procurement across regions to address uneven electricity prices caused by clustered wind development in the 1990s. This approach is presented as a potential solution for similar challenges.