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From page 31... ... 31 Airports should consider a variety of factors when evaluating the type of renewable energy technology, its location on the airport, the size of the facility, and type of ownership most appropriate to the airport business. These factors will help define a project concept that preserves airspace safety, avoids environmental impacts, and maximizes financial benefits. Read the entire page →
From page 32... ... 32 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source 2.1.1.2 Geothermal Geothermal resources have two diverging stories. True geothermal which taps hot spots in the earth is very site specific. Read the entire page →
From page 33... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 33 inexpensive enough to produce economically competitive electricity is located in areas with a timber industry and sufficient wood waste. Figure 2-3 show the availability of biomass resources, which includes wood waste, crop residue, and urban wood waste, across the United States. Read the entire page →
From page 34... ... 34 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source 2.1.1.5 Hydropower Hydropower resources are strongly correlated to relevant water features. Conventional hydropower is located along major rivers with significant changes in elevation contributing resource capacity. Read the entire page →
From page 35... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 35 rail. While infrastructure enhancements in association with the energy project are technically feasible, the costs associated with incremental work is likely to adversely affect the economics of a project, and therefore sufficient existing infrastructure is preferred. Read the entire page →
From page 36... ... 36 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source smaller distribution networks deliver it to consumers for heating and cooking. The existing capacity of natural gas networks can influence the amount of gas that can be supplied. Read the entire page →
From page 37... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 37 and the cost of the electricity varies by region and utility service territory. As an example, the northeast has become highly dependent on natural gas while the northwest receives much of its power from large hydroelectric dams and the midwest utilities utilize coal. Read the entire page →
From page 38... ... 38 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Existing and proposed structures can support renewable generation and provide a ready-made platform to locate a facility. While all airports have land and buildings, the proportion of each will vary greatly among them. Read the entire page →
From page 39... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 39 All airports with habitable space will have on-site heating and cooling systems that draw offsite fuel for heating and electricity for cooling. Larger airports will have a central heating plant that burns natural gas or another fuel to heat multiple buildings at the airport. Read the entire page →
From page 40... ... 40 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source There are some true geothermal power plants that generate electricity for the grid but those are also localized to the southwest and western parts of the country. Other renewable technologies such as biomass, landfill gas, hydrogen, etc. Read the entire page →
From page 41... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 41 there are spikes and troughs based on short-term changes in supply and demand. A recent example of this has been the advancements in shale fracking technology that increased natural gas supply in the United States dramatically until there was a glut of natural gas and development companies ceased drilling which led to scarcities and higher prices. Read the entire page →
From page 42... ... 42 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source existing tax credit programs) on average was 5.6 cents and 1.4 cents a kilowatt hour, respectively, and compared to 6.1 cents and 6.6 cents per kilowatt hour for natural gas and coal, respectively. Read the entire page →
From page 43... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 43 2.4.2 Renewable Portfolio Standards RPS are enacted by states to establish long-term renewable energy purchasing goals and mandate annual renewable energy purchase percentages by electric utility companies toward achieving the long-term goal. The term RPS originates from legislation proposed in California and soon after adopted by other drafters of similar state legislation (46) Read the entire page →
From page 44... ... 44 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source RPS Drives Demand for Renewables: Denver Airport's solar projects illustrate how the Colorado Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) creates a demand for renewable energy. Read the entire page →
From page 45... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 45 Tags, Renewable Energy Credits, Renewable Electricity Certificates, and Tradable Renewable Certificates. The REC is a way for regulatory entities to track buying and selling of renewable energy and credit the consumer of green power. Read the entire page →
From page 46... ... 46 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source The FAA has also provided funding for airport owned renewable energy projects under the VALE Program, which provides discretionary funding through the AIP for emissions reduction projects. Over the past few years, the FAA has focused on ensuring the funded equipment results in a direct air emission benefit on-airport, which makes some renewable projects clearly eligible (e.g., a geothermal project replacing on-site central power plant) Read the entire page →
From page 47... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 47 allowing them to reduce their net costs by a third to a half depending on the rate structure. They may also allow for an on-site system to supply a greater percentage of power compared to the on-site demand allowing for greater revenues. Read the entire page →
From page 48... ... 48 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source purchase power at a specific price over a specific term. PPAs are critical for privately financed power deals because they guarantee an annual revenue stream for the repayment of investors. Read the entire page →
From page 49... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 49 2.5.1 Airport Owned Under existing conditions, the airport purchases electricity from the utility drawing on the grid as demand warrants. The utility sends the airport a monthly bill for the electricity it uses based on an accounting at the utilities electrical meter. Read the entire page →
From page 50... ... 50 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source 2.5.2 Third Party Owned–Airport Host In a third party owned project, the airport leases out property (land or building) to a private developer who will construct, own, and operate the facility under a long-term lease agreement. Read the entire page →
From page 51... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 51 It is not a guarantee of long-term cost savings because the future price of electricity is not known. We know that electricity prices in the United States have increased 50% since 2002 as shown in Figure 2-6. Read the entire page →
From page 52... ... 52 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source more likely where the utility is owned by the municipality and generation sites for utility owned facilities are located on municipal property including the airport. Such an example of an airport solar project owned and operated by the municipal utility is in Figure 2-14. Read the entire page →
From page 53... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 53 Renewable energy projects at tenant owned facilities are most common when new hangars and buildings are constructed. In some cases, the tenant includes the renewable energy project as part of an airport requirement that the new structure meet a sustainability standard typically communicated in airport policy associated with new construction. Read the entire page →
From page 54... ... 54 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source For all new projects at airports that require a federal action, a NEPA review must be conducted. Federal actions can include a change to the ALP, the issuance of a federal permit or approval, or the granting of federal funds. Read the entire page →
From page 55... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 55 The Draft FAA Order 1050.1F includes a specific CATEX for solar and wind power (52) Read the entire page →
From page 56... ... 56 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Project, the developer connected two sections of the project by drilling and installing a cable underneath a wetland to avoid a physical impact from traditional trenching. 2.6.2.4 Cultural Resources Federal activities must comply with the National Historic Preservation Act. Read the entire page →
From page 57... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 57 minimize potential risk to aviation, and update aeronautical charts and flight procedures for pilots to avoid the hazard. In reality, however, a hazard determination is sufficient enough to deter project financing and underwriting due to the potential liability associated with the determination. Read the entire page →
From page 58... ... 58 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source 2.6.4.2 Solar Glare Glare is produced when light from a source or reflected from a surface impairs a receptor's view. Glare impacts are assessed based on the sun's position, the potential for a surface area to reflect light, and the sensitivity of a receptor to observe the glare. Read the entire page →
From page 59... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 59 2.6.4.3 Radar Interference and Rotor Wake Turbulence from Wind Turbines Because radar interference is most often caused by a physical barrier between a radar and a receptor (i.e., plane or airport) sending or receiving a radar signal, most energy technologies can produce an impact if sited too close to a radar installation. Read the entire page →
From page 60... ... 60 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source wind turbines. The destabilized air or turbulence cannot be seen and can produce a safety hazard to particular aircraft including emergency medical helicopters and agricultural applicators. Read the entire page →
From page 61... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 61 2.6.5.1 Grant Assurances A federal grant assurance is a provision within a federal grant agreement to which the recipient of federal airport development assistance has agreed to comply in consideration of the assistance provided. Any renewable energy project which receives FAA funding under the AIP must comply with the terms of the grant. Read the entire page →
From page 62... ... 62 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Facilities collocated with existing structures, such as an elevator shaft on the roof of a terminal building, are usually not depicted on the ALP as they are located within the footprint of the collocated structure. Without changing the footprint outline of the structure, the collocated facility does not constitute a change to the ALP and subsequently a federal action. Read the entire page →
From page 63... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 63 location of a 2 MW solar facility at Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FYI) constructed in 2008 and located partially inside the RPZ but outside the OFA. Read the entire page →
From page 64... ... 64 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source purposes consistent with federal law (See 49 U.S.C. §§47107, 47133 and Grant Assurance No. Read the entire page →
From page 65... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 65 2.6.5.4 Revenue Diversion The AAIA established the general requirement for use of airport revenue that directed public airport owners and operators to use all revenues generated by the airport for the capital or operating costs of the airport, the local airport system, or other local facilities which are owned or operated by the owner or operator of the airport and directly related to the actual transportation of passengers or property [Codified at 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) Read the entire page →
From page 66... ... 66 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source the airport does not own the facility, some introductory training from the project developers about the facility and its operations will benefit the airport staff during the regular daily assignments. For example, it will be important to know how often project staff might be expected to visit the project site and what types of activities they may be undertaking so that there are not concerns about trespassing on airport property. Read the entire page →
From page 67... ... Compatibility/Aviation Safety The degree to which the technology is compatible with aeronautical activities. Some technologies are generally more compatible than others. Read the entire page →
From page 68... ... Compatibility/Aviation Safety 3 2 3 2 3 2 Environmental Impact 3 2 2 2 3 2 Ease of Operation and Maintenance 3 2 3 2 3 1 Natural Energy Potential 3 2 3 2 3 1 Ease of Interconnection 3 2 3 2 3 2 Installed Cost of Electricity 3 2 2 2 1 1 Public Policy Incentives 3 2 2 2 2 2 Power Purchase Agreements 3 3 1 1 2 2 Operations & Maintenance Cost 3 2 2 2 2 1 Potential for Revenue/Savings 3 2 2 2 1 1 * Value applied to each evaluation factor to achieve the renewable energy technology objective High = 3, Medium = 2, Low = 1 Table 2-4. Read the entire page →
From page 69... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 69 The matrix presents the primary factors necessary to assess the viability of the airport renewable energy opportunity. Ten factors have been identified. Read the entire page →
From page 70... ... 1 Review renewable energy resource information for your region and determine which resources may be viable Find Maps available online from the US Department of Energy 2 Review public policy incentives available in your state and locality and determine the value of the incentives Contact your state energy office or public utility commission 3 Determine if power purchase agreements are allowed in your state Contact your state energy office or public utility commission 4 Determine the value of net metering credits in your locality Contact your state energy office or public utility commission 5 Determine the market value of Renewable Energy Certificates Contact your state energy office or public utility commission 6 Find out if your utility is obligated to purchase renewable energy and, if it is, see when the next bid to purchase renewable energy will occur Contact your utility or an official with the public utility commission 7 Determine if you are located in an air quality non-attainment or maintenance area and therefore eligible for a VALE Grant from the FAA Consult your EPA Green Book of non-attainment areas and contact your FAA regional office 8 Determine if you have met eligibility requirements for grant funding under AIP Contact your FAA regional office 9 Become familiar with your electricity bill and obtain information on the monthly cost of energy over the past 12 months Obtain information from a facilities or accounting department 10 Review your ALP and determine candidate sites for a renewable energy project based on your preferred technology Obtain ALP from airport planning department 11 Assess the airspace compatibility of the candidate sites based on your preferred technology Contact the FAA Obstruction Evaluation Office 12 Determine the viability and relative ease of interconnecting the renewable energy project at candidate sites based on existing utility infrastructure system Contact the airport facilities department 13 Determine if the proposed project site has any potential environmental issues that could prolong or complicate the permitting process Contact airport planning office or state office of mapping 14 Obtain an estimate for installed cost of project for initial financial assessment Contact state energy office or the appropriate industry organization 15 Determine viability of available airport funding from tax exempt bonds Contact airport financial office FINAL ACTION: Prepare a project concept and initial financing plan and present it to internal decision-makers Table 2-5. Decision-making checklist. Read the entire page →
From page 71... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 71 Figure 2-20. Solar PV process flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 72... ... 72 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Figure 2-21. Wind process flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 73... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 73 Figure 2-22. Geothermal process flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 74... ... 74 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Figure 2-23. Biomass process flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 75... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 75 Figure 2-24. Other technologies process flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 76... ... 76 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Figure 2-25. Goals and objectives flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 77... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 77 Figure 2-26. Evaluation considerations flow chart. Read the entire page →
From page 78... ... 78 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Figure 2-27. Lower utility costs decision tree #1. Read the entire page →
From page 79... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 79 Figure 2-28. Diversify revenues decision tree #2. Read the entire page →
From page 80... ... 80 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Figure 2-29. Diversify energy sources decision tree #3. Read the entire page →
From page 81... ... Applying Evaluation Factors to Airport Renewable Energy 81 Figure 2-30. Emergency preparedness decision tree #4. Read the entire page →
From page 82... ... 82 Renewable Energy as an Airport Revenue Source Figure 2-31. Green goals decision tree #5. Read the entire page →

From page 31...

... 31 Airports should consider a variety of factors when evaluating the type of renewable energy technology, its location on the airport, the size of the facility, and type of ownership most appropriate to the airport business. These factors will help define a project concept that preserves airspace safety, avoids environmental impacts, and maximizes financial benefits.