Action Items

Due 05/31/2013: Applications to Pacific Power for Renewable Energy Projects

Pacific Power has released a Request for Applications for funding through its Blue Sky renewable energy program to support community-based renewable energy projects within the company's service territory. Preference is given to local projects under 10 megawatts with a strong educational component that bring a broader understanding of renewable energy development and generation, and/or further research and development of new renewable energy-generation technologies. All proposals are due by 5pm on May 31, 2013. Notifications are expected in November, 2013, and all projects must be completed by December 31, 2014. Formed in 1910, Pacific Power & Light started from several small electric companies and served 7,000 customers in Astoria and Pendleton in Oregon, and Yakima and Walla Walla in Washington. Renewable Energy project types (those that generate grid-tied electricity) eligible to receive funding through the Blue Sky program must produce new sources of electricity generation fueled by wind, solar PV, geothermal, low-impact hydro, pipeline or irrigation canal hydropower, wave energy or tidal action, or low-emissions biomass based on digester methane gas from landfills, sewage treatment plants, or animal waste, and biomass energy based on solid organic fuels from wood, forest, or field residues or dedicated crops that do not include wood pieces that have been treated with chemical preservatives such as creosote, pentachlorophenol or copper chrome arsenic. Contacts and all instructions for application are available on-line. 03/15/2013

Due 05/31/2013: Grant Applications to CEC for Commercial Biofuels Facilities

The California Energy Commission's (CEC) Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) has released a Program Opportunity Notice (PON-13-601) seeking applications for grant funding for Commercial Scale Advanced Biofuels Production Facilities. Up to $9,266,737 in grant funds will be available for commercial scale biorefineries to (1) expand existing facilities, and/or (2) lower the carbon intensity of fuels produced at existing biofuels plants. A minimum 50% match share is required. Projects must have a production capacity of at least 15,000.000 gallons per year of diesel substitutes, gasoline substitutes, and /or biomethane to be eligible. Resulting biofuels must have a carbon intensity value at least 5% lower that the reference baseline for corn ethanol (80.7 gCO2e/MJ) as set by the California Air Resources Board's Low Carbon Fuel Standard Corn grain fermentation projects are not eligible, and if feedstock is derived from municipal solid waste, only the biogenic fraction may be converted to fuels. About $100 million in ARFVTP funding is authorized annually under AB 118. Projects are eligible for up to 50% of the total project cost or $5.0 million, whichever is less. Only one project may be proposed per application. Multiple applications may be submitted so long as each application is submitted separately and each application independently meets the requirements of this solicitation. This solicitation is open to businesses, public agencies, vehicle and technology entities, public-private partnerships, and academic institutions. A pre-application workshop will be conducted on April 29, 2013 beginning at 10:00 am and will be available via webex. Questions may be asked until April 29, 2013, and all proposals are due no later than 3:00pm on May 31, 2013. 04/11/2013

Due 06/03/2013: Response to IBI Survey on Global Biochar Projects

The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) is seeking detailed information regarding current trends in worldwide biochar deployment, and has posted a Biochar Projects Survey. For this international survey, IBI is asking for data on biochar projects being carried out by universities, non-profits, commercial enterprises, community-based organizations, and other entities. In particular, IBI is interested in projects being conducted with the participation of local stakeholders (e.g., farmers) with the goal of establishing operational biochar systems from feedstock sourcing to biochar production and application. IBI will be using the data collected in this survey to highlight the worldwide breadth of biochar projects, to look at trends in geography, feedstocks, technology, financing, project stages, and utilization. The data will be shared with the global biochar community in aggregated form to share the benefits and need for sustainable biochar deployment at all scales. The organization has asked that surveys be completed by June 3, 2013. Biochar is a solid material obtained from the carbonization of biomass, and may be added to improve soil function, reduce emissions and sequester carbon. These properties are measurable and verifiable in a characterization scheme, or in a carbon emission offset protocol. IBI recently completed Version 1.1 revised set of standards for biochar definition and testing for use in soils, after a year-long trial and comment period on Version 1.0. IBI has now launched a voluntary Biochar Certification Program with the primary goal to eliminate consumer and marketplace uncertainty and confusion around biochar by creating a standardized, recognized system to certify biochar that meets the IBI Biochar Standards. 05/13/2013

Due 06/04/2013: Proposals to City of Los Angeles for Organic Waste Processing

The Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (BAVN) has posted a newly-opened Request for Proposals (RFP; BAVN ID 16519)) from experienced contractors to provide receipt, processing, and reuse of green material, food material, and horse manure collected from the City of Los Angeles curbside collection program. Proposals will offer a program for receipt of and payment for a minimum of 200 to maximum of 1,800 tons per day of the target wastes from the City's collection program that services its six wastesheds. For the conversion of this waste to beneficial materials, the RFP defines and then specifies "conversion of green material, food material, and/or horse manure into a product by means of mechanical processing such as chipping, screening, cleaning, grinding, sizing, mulching; biological processing such as composting, co-composting, anaerobic digestion/co-digestion, fermentation; thermal processing such as pyrolysis and gasification, for the production of electricity, heat, alternative fuels, or other products." A mandatory pre-proposal workshop is scheduled for April 30, 2013 at 10:00am in Los Angeles City's Public Works Building, 1149 South Broadway St., in Sub-Basement #6, Los Angeles, California 90015. The Business Inclusion Program (BIP) outreach requirements are applicable to this RFP. On-line registration is required with BAVN by prospective Prime contractors and Sub-contractors to download the RFP and a Letter of Invitation to Propose. All questions must be received by May 21, 2013 and bids are due by June 4, 2013 no later than 2:00 pm. Contact Rowena Romano at the City's Department of Public Works, Bureau of Sanitation with any technical questions at least one week prior to the pre-proposal meeting date, at 213-485-3626; <>. 04/18/2013

Due 06/07/2013: Comments to EC Public Consultation on Plastic Waste

The European Commission (EC) has released a Green Paper on a European Strategy on Plastic Waste in the Environment and opened a three-month international public consultation soliciting comments. The particular challenges posed by plastic waste are not specifically addressed in European Union's waste legislation at present. Member States should show preference for prevention and recycling over disposal as per the Waste Framework Directive, but clearly more is needed. The Green Paper aims to gather facts and views in order to assess the impacts of plastic waste and define a European strategy to mitigate them. Stakeholders are invited to contribute their views on whether, and how, existing legislation should be adapted to deal with plastic waste and promote re-use, recycling and recovery of plastic waste over landfilling. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik: "Managing plastic waste is a major challenge in terms of environmental protection, but it's also a huge opportunity for resource efficiency. In a circular economy where high recycling rates offer solutions to material scarcity, I believe plastic has a future. I invite all stakeholders to participate in this process of reflection on how to make plastic part of the solution rather than the problem." A 26-question on-line survey is provided for stakeholder comment. For further information contact Joe Hennon (+32 2 295 35 93); <> or Monica Westeren (+32 2 299 18 30); <>. 03/07/2013

Due 06/11/2013: Small Business Innovative Research Phase I Proposals to NSF

Due 06/13/2013: Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Proposals to NSF

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has opened the application processes for Fiscal Year 2014's Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant programs. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses. Full Proposals are due by  June 11, 2013. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program focuses on essentially the same goals, but requires researchers at universities and other non-profit research institutions to play a significant intellectual role in the conduct of each STTR project. These researchers, by joining forces with a small company, can spin-off their commercially promising ideas while they remain primarily employed at the research institution. With similar purpose, this STTR Phase I solicitation aims at encouraging the commercialization of previously NSF-funded fundamental research (NSF funding lineage). Both SBIR and STTR proposals submitted should fall into one the four broad topic areas: (1) Biological and Chemical Technologies (BC); (2) Education Applications (EA); (3) Electronics, Information and Communication Technologies (EI); and Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Manufacturing (NM). Full Proposals are due by  June 13, 2013. In a concurrent program with no formal due date, NSF invites current SBIR / STTR grantees to join an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The supplements are intended to accelerate the innovation process by partnering industry-relevant academic research with commercialization focused small business research. The supplements will enable small businesses to purchase annual memberships in I/UCRCs; thus opening the doors to the benefits of the centers’ collaborative research endeavors, which are directed to the needs of specific industries. 05/15/2013

Due 06/19/2013: Proposals to NYSERDA for Clean Tech for Executives Program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released a Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 2730 seeking proposals to develop a multi-year Clean Tech Transition for Experienced Executives program to educate experienced executives interested in seeking opportunities in clean technology (clean tech) and renewable energy industries. The NYSERDA has determined that experienced entrepreneurs outside of the clean energy industry may lack the specific knowledge of clean energy technologies and the opportunities of the clean energy market, and that there is a lack of localized clean energy education programs targeted at experienced business executives. A successful program will have graduates that start, join, advise, or invest in New York State (NYS) clean tech companies; contractor(s) must develop a comprehensive, self-sustaining program to teach successful entrepreneurs about different facets of clean energy industries; connect and coordinate with supporting organizations for lecturers; provide venue hosting for the sessions; create program and session materials; and facilitate a capstone project, participant networking session and participant success tracking. NYSERDA's Clean Tech Connect program should be integral to all proposals. Technical program questions should be addressed to Jacques Roeth at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3301 or. If you have contractual questions concerning this solicitation, contact Nancy Marucci at (518)-862-1090, ext.3335 or. Interested parties are instructed to submit one electronic copy and two paper copies of their proposal by 5:00pm EST, June 19, 2013 to Roseanne Viscusi, PON 2730, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399. 05/01/2013

Due 06/20/2013: Applications to DOE for Tribal RE, Energy Efficiency Funding

The US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (DOE/EERE) has announced a new Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0000853) for Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance under the agency's Tribal Energy Program. Funding is available for up to $250,000 of allowable project costs for each selected proposal. Applicants must be members of an Indian Tribe, part of a Tribal Energy Resource Development Organization, and/or part of a Tribal Consortia. Renewable energy projects must provide energy efficiency measures and/or heating and/or cooling installations for existing Tribal buildings (not proposed structures), including homes, businesses, government buildings, or other tribal facilities to reduce energy costs and increase Tribal energy security. Projects must demonstrate at least a 30% reduction in total use of fossil fuels. For combined heat and power (CHP) projects, the displaced fossil fuel use at the central station power plant and both the thermal and electrical inputs and outputs of the system should be included in the calculation of the total fossil fuel reduction. Utility-scale projects intended to export excess power are not eligible. Eligible renewable energy systems for electric power or CHP applications can include photovoltaic, biomass (including waste to energy), wind power, incremental hydropower, or other renewable energy hybrid systems for electric power generation. All proposals are due by 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, June 20, 2013. Registration is required to develop an account, necessary for receipt of addenda and to file proposals. Submit questions about this announcement via email to:  not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date, and include “DE-FOA-0000853 Question” in the subject line. Submit electronic applications through the EERE Exchange website. 05/02/2013

Due 06/27/2013: Applications to DOE for Tribal Community-Scale Clean Energy

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new renewable energy development funding open to Indian Tribes, Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations and Tribal Consortia. Up to $7 million is available to install “community-scale” or “facility-scale” clean energy systems on Indian lands to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling for local use in tribal buildings. For this Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0000852), "clean energy systems" include "renewable energy systems" and "combined heat and power systems." Selected proposals must reduce energy costs and increase energy security for Indian Tribes and tribal members; projects must provide at least 15% decrease in fossil fuel usage, in existing, under-construction or proposed buildings. Proposals for energy efficiency measures are not eligible under this solicitation. Eligible Renewable Energy Systems must be commercially proven, and can include electric power generation or heating or cooling applications, and can include photovoltaic (solar electric), biomass (including waste to energy), wind power, incremental hydropower, or other renewable energy hybrid systems for electricity power generation. Heating or cooling applications include, but are not limited to, the use of biomass for high efficiency stoves, boilers or furnaces, active solar thermal systems for space or water heating, use of ground source heat pumps, wind energy for heating, direct-use hydrothermal (geothermal) resources for water and space heating, or other renewable energy hybrid systems for heating and/or cooling. Match funds of 50% of the proposed project budget are required. Between $2.5 and $4.5 million is expected to be available, pending final Congressional appropriation. Between ten and twenty projects are expected to receive awards, ranging from $50,000 to $1.5 million. All proposals are due by 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, June 27, 2013. Registration is required to develop an account, necessary for receipt of addenda and to file proposals. Submit questions about this announcement via email to:   not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date, and include “DE-FOA-0000852 Question” in the subject line. Submit electronic applications through the EERE Exchange website. 05/02/2013

Due 07/01/2013: Applications for UK Renewable Project Investment Contracts

The United Kingdom (UK) Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has announced release of a summary decision to help renewable electricity project developers permit, finance, and build facilities more rapidly. The Government’s Update 1: Invitation to Participate of the Final Investment Decision Enabling program is designed to help developers of low carbon electricity projects make final investment decisions ahead of changes to the electricity market in the second half of 2014. The short document provides details of the form and criteria of government's support program with the intent to offer investment contracts to successful applicants in the fall of this year based on the draft "strike prices" and contract terms to be published during the summer. The Government then intends to be offering Investment Contracts as soon as the draft electricity reference rate "strike prices" are published in the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) Delivery Plan later this summer. Under a Contract for Difference, returns for generators are stabilized at a fixed price level known as the ‘strike price’. Any technology already eligible under the UKS' Renewable Obligation (RO) is considered a Qualifying Technology; projects are expected to come on-line within the period of the First Delivery Plan (2014/15 to 2018-19) and have a design capacity of 50 megawatts electric (MWe) or greater. Applications and requests for Status Letters are to be submitted to the DECC at any time from now to July 1, 2013. 03/19/2013

Due 08/05/2013: Submissions from the US for 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) annual $4 million award program has announced that submissions from the United States of innovative, renewable, and sustainable energy projects are now being accepted, with a submission closing date set of August 5, 2013. Winners in four categories of small and medium business, non-governmental organizations and individual lifetime achievements, and high schools are chosen based on the Prize’s four main criteria: impact, long-term vision, leadership, and innovation. Submissions last year totaled over 600, with almost a quarter of these coming from the US; the previous year’s prize winners included Siemens (large corporation), the San Francisco-based solar technology provider d.light design (SME), the Boston-based nonprofit Ceres (NGO), Dr. Jose Goldemberg (Lifetime Achievement) and four high schools representing regions around the world. The ZFEP embodies the vision of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the foundation for renewable energy and sustainability as part of his legacy in sustainable development in the UAE. The Prize is managed by Masdar, on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government and seeks to award achievements and innovation in the fields of renewable and sustainable energy, as well as to educate and inspire future generations. For more information on the prize, visit the Zayed Future Energy Prize web portal, on Facebook or on Twitter: @ZFEP, or by contacting Daniel Gabis at 206-239-0106 or <>. 03/05/2013