American Energy Partners Inc (AEPT)

[Tesla_se]

Submitted to the Agricultural Research Foundation to the Oregon Seed Council and
Oregon Department of Agriculture Alternatives to Field Burning Research Financial
Assistance Program.
“Lane County Ryegrass Straw Conversion to Renewable Energy
and Biofuel Production Project/Feasibility Study”
Fiscal Year 2007-2008
Project Type: Short-term Research
Lane County
Lane County Community & Economic Development
Mike McKenzie-Bahr, Coordinator
125 E. 8
th
Avenue
[phone]
[e-mail]
Funding History: None
Funds Requested: $250,000
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Abstract
Lane County is requesting $250,000 from the Field Burning Research Fund for a short-term research
project to identify near-term viable options for adding economic value to Ryegrass straw through
renewable energy and fuel production. Specifically, our research will answer: Is it possible to
convert Ryegrass straw into energy as an economic alternative for seed growers to field burning?
We have identified nine research elements as follows:
Research Element 1: Harvesting, Bailing and Transportation Costs and Issues
Research Element 2: Anaerobic Digester Energy Conversion Process
Research Element 3: Pyrolysis Energy Conversion Process
Research Element 4: Cellulosic Ethanol Energy Conversion Process
Research Element 5: Pellets for Boilers Energy Conversion Process
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 2-5
Research Element 7: Facility Siting Elements Costs and Issues
Research Element 8: Financial Model Comparison and Return on Investment (ROI)
Research Element 9: Recommendations from Finding
Agricultural biomass energy conversion projects are successfully launching throughout the world.
New and refined technologies are being applied in successful projects in California, Kansas,
Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, and Georgia to name a few
1
. While these projects provide examples and
base knowledge for the conversion of agricultural biomass, including straws, into energy, each
geographic region has different inputs and capacities for biomass. In order to understand the
potential for the use of Ryegrass straw as an energy feedstock, it is imperative to conduct a specific
research study in Oregon.
Our project will build on existing research and the collection of new data through a multi-partner
collaboration with the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and other public and private
partners leading to a determination of financially feasible options for the conversion of Ryegrass
straw to energy.
One of the key elements of our research, the financial model, will include site specific location
options; the capacity needed by a bioenergy facility to process grass straw; and will take into account
tax and energy credits and a life cycle sustainability audit to include the value of Ryegrass straw as
an energy feedstock compared to burning it.
Objective(s)
We will determine the feasibility of the conversion of Ryegrass straw to energy as an alternative to
straw burning. Our research will focus on the following energy conversion processes that have
already been identified as processes that can convert other sources of agriculture waste to energy:
Anaerobic Digestion
Pyrolysis
Conversion to Cellulosic Ethanol
Conversion to pellets for Boiler System Technology
1
Biomass Magazine Online. BBI International Media, Grand Forks, North Dakota, 2007.
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The Feasibility research will include:
What tonnage of Ryegrass Straw can growers supply as a feedstock seasonally and annually?
How, where, and when will the straw be collected, stored, pretreated, and transported?
What energy conversion processes offer the best potential for Ryegrass straw?
What construction, operations, and maintenance costs will be associated with new or
improved facilities to accommodate these processes?
Is there enough feedstock production to equal the quantity that will be needed to make
energy production cost effective?
Where might plants be located and what are the advantages of those sites?
What is the potential Return on Investment (ROI) for the energy conversion options?
Is it possible to incorporate the technology into a sustainable harvesting, baling, and
transportation system for Ryegrass straw?
Justification
In 2006 an estimated 131,800 acres of Annual Ryegrass were harvested in Oregon. Approximately
66% of up to 50,000 acres of grass straw burned each year in Oregon is from Ryegrass. The straw
from other types of grasses is used in a variety of value added products. These products have created
economic reasons that have greatly reduced the burning of these straws. The seed industry has
looked at other uses for Ryegrass straw, but none have proved to have enough economic value to
make financial sense for the growers to do anything but plow it under for several years and burn it
every third year or so to add nutrients to the ground. A viable economic option for the use Ryegrass
straw may now exist. Numerous recent studies and reports have identified the opportunities for
biomass, like waste straws, to be converted to energy and liquid fuel. To determine the current
energy opportunities for Ryegrass straw, we are proposing to conduct a feasibility study of looking
at four technologies that could turn Ryegrass straw to energy while providing an economic
alternative to field burning.
In the white paper “Conversion of Oregon Biomass to Liquid Transportation Fuels” by the Biomass
Conversion Technologies Working Group (BCTWG) from Oregon State University last revised on
November 9, 2007, the BCTWG identifies a strong potential for the conversion of lignocellulosic
biomass to liquid fuel but also determines the need for continued study:
“This White Paper does not provide a detailed description of the types, amounts, and
distribution of lignocellulosic biomass found within Oregon. Furthermore, a technical and
economic discussion of the collection and transportation issues associated with Oregon
biomass is beyond the scope of this White Paper…We have described in this White Paper
that the state of Oregon has abundant and unique forms of cellulosic biomass such as grass
straw, wheat straw, and softwood forestry residues that can be converted to liquid
transportation fuels such ethanol and Fischer-Tropsch diesel…However, since these biomass
feedstocks are unique to Oregon, development and deployment of process technology
tailored to these feedstocks is of regional interest and so must be initially supported at the
state level by the state of Oregon…”
According to the study, “Feasibility of a Producer Owned Ground-Straw Feedstock Supply System
for Bioethanol and Other Products” by Idaho National Laboratories completed in September of
2006:
“Biomass feedstock collection, preprocessing, and transportation are integral components of
biomass utilization. Feedstock cost constitutes about 35-50% of the total production cost of
ethanol or power. The actual percentage depends upon geographical factors such as
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biomass species, yield, location, climate, local economy, and the type of systems used for
harvesting, collection, processing, and transportation…”
Such a study has not been done specific to Ryegrass straw in the Willamette Valley, which is why an
element of our research is potential methods and costs for the collection, preprocessing, and
transportation of Ryegrass straw. This will help determine the geographic distance from which it is
feasible to transport Ryegrass straw to an energy processing facility while still providing a revenue-
neutral or even revenue-positive option for the growers of Ryegrass.
The University of Davis, Biogas Energy Project, has identified rice straw as a potential co-digestion
agent for anaerobic digestion of food waste. Wheat Straw has also been found to work well in a
manure-based digester. No one has done a similar study for Ryegrass straw. Lane County has
applied for funding to study the financial feasibility of constructing and operating a Lane County
owned anaerobic digestion facility to process local food waste into energy. In this study we would
research if Ryegrass straw improves digestibility of food waste while creating enough energy to
make the collection of ryegrass straw feasible.
The Canadian Resource Efficient Agricultural Production (REAP) project has been working on
research and development for liquid and solid biofuel applications for over fourteen years. Though
their research focuses on Switchgrass, their research shows that the conversion of Switchgrass to
fuel pellets has a higher net energy gain and landuse efficiency than firing with coal, conversion to
cellulosic ethanol, and grain/corn ethanol, and that cellulosic ethanol is more efficient than
corn/grain ethanol
2
. The results of REAP’s research show that the “direct combustion of densified
fuels represents the best biofuel cycle in terms of energy, land use, and economics.” It also claims
that perennial grasses hold the potential to become a major source of renewable energy and greatly
benefit rural areas
3
. While this information shows a potentially high value for the conversion of
Ryegrass to boiler pellets and/or cellulosic ethanol, it is necessary to conduct specific research to
determine if Ryegrass has similar energy yields.
The existing research shows that establishing the value of bioconversion processes must include
linking feedstock harvest/collection/transport/storage (ie feedstock assembly) and preprocessing
processes with conversion processes in order to evaluate technology options and trade-offs. The lack
of specific local information for many of these elements, justifies the need to research all the
elements that determine the specific cost of Ryegrass straw energy development as an alternative to
field burning.
Materials and Methods
In this section, we present the nine research elements of our feasibility study and the questions we
intend to answer. This is followed by the data that will be collected and analyzed; the specific
activities we will undertake to accomplish the study; and the deliverables that we will bring together
into the final report.
The grants funds we are requesting will be used by the County to accomplish the needed research by
contracting out the research elements. We have identified the specific expertise needed to
accomplish this project. Some of that expertise we have already brought together for this project (see
Additional Partners). Others will be chosen through an RFP process.
2
Samson, Roger., “The Potential for Biomass Energy Crop Production in Canada”, Resource Efficient Agricultural
Production. www.reap-canada.com
3
Samson, Roger, Ibid.
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We anticipate starting the study upon signing of a funding contract, approximately March 1, 2008.
By June 16, 2008, we will present an interim report. The final report will be presented in two
sections: the first section on September 1, 2008 and the second section, which will include
recommendations and next steps, on December 1, 2008. (See Proposed Project Schedule).
Research Element 1: Harvesting, Bailing and Transportation Costs and Issues
Financial Model - What will it cost for Harvesting, Baling, Transportation and Storage of Ryegrass
straw? What will it cost for Nutrient replenishment/Pest control for fields where the grass straw is
removed?
Data that will be collected/analyzed and the specific activities we will undertake:
We will perform a literature search and conduct interviews with industry members to determine the
costs of harvesting, nutrient replenishment/pest control, baling, hauling, and storage.
Deliverables – A chart detailing the costs of harvesting, nutrient replenishment/pest control, baling,
hauling, and storage.
Research Element 2: Anaerobic Digester Energy Conversion Process
Pretreatment – What are the pretreatment options and costs to maximize the use of Ryegrass straw in
an Anaerobic Digester?
Treatment – What is the best Anaerobic Digester process for Ryegrass straw? Will Ryegrass straw
mixed with food waste enhance AD performance for both feedstocks? What type of pilot project can
we conduct to test Ryegrass and AD performance?
Energy Facility Outputs – What are the potential energy outputs, how much of each output will be
generated and what are their uses? What are other outputs and their potential beneficial uses?
Financial Model – What are all the expenses and revenues associated with constructing and
operating an Anaerobic Digester for Ryegrass straw?
Research Element 3: Pyrolysis Energy Conversion Process
Pretreatment – What are the pretreatment options and costs to maximize the use of Ryegrass straw
for Pyrolysis? What type of pilot project can we conduct to test Ryegrass as a feedstock for
Pyrolysis?
Treatment – What is the best Pyrolysis process for Ryegrass straw?
Facility Outputs – What are the potential energy outputs? How much of each output will be
generated and what are their uses? What are other outputs and their potential beneficial uses?
Financial Model – What are all the expenses and revenues associated with constructing and
operating a Pyrolysis facility for Ryegrass straw?
Research Element 4: Cellulosic Ethanol Energy Conversion Process
Pretreatment – What are the pretreatment options and costs to maximize the use of Ryegrass straw to
produce Cellulosic Ethanol? What type of pilot project can we conduct to test Ryegrass as a
feedstock for Cellulosic Ethanol production performance?
Treatment – What is the best Cellulosic Ethanol Conversion process for Ryegrass straw?
Facility Outputs – What are the potential energy outputs? How much of each output will be
generated and what are their uses? What are other outputs and their potential beneficial uses?
Financial Model – What are all the expenses and revenues associated with constructing and
operating a cellulosic ethanol facility for Ryegrass straw?
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Research Element 5: Pellets for Boilers Energy Conversion Process
Pretreatment – What are the pretreatment options and costs to convert Ryegrass straw into pellets for
use in boilers. Will Ryegrass straw pellets enhance boiler performance? What type of pilot project
can we conduct to test Ryegrass pellets as a feedstock for boilers?
Treatment – Which is the best Cellulosic Ethanol Conversion process for Ryegrass straw?
Facility Outputs – What are the potential energy outputs? How much of each output will be
generated and what are their uses? What are other outputs and their potential beneficial uses?
Financial Model – What are all the expenses and revenues associated with constructing and
operating a pellet making system for Ryegrass straw?
Data that will be Collected and Analyzed & Specific Activities we will undertake common to
Research Elements 2-5:
Pretreatment –We will evaluate methods for receiving Ryegrass at the site and pretreatment
requirements specific to each conversion technology.
Treatment –We will perform a literature search and conduct interviews to assess the specifications,
and performance of Ryegrass in energy & biofuels plants in North America and Europe. We will
determine the type of equipment to be used, efficiencies and costs for each conversion technology.
Facility Outputs – For each conversion technology, the type of energy outputs, the estimated
quantity of each output that will be generated using industry standard calculations based on the
amount of feedstock. We will develop technical scenarios for utilizing each of the energy outputs
from each process. Other outputs, including nitrogen and biosolids, will be determined and their
potential beneficial uses will be analyzed.
Financial Model –We will develop a financial model for the development of a Ryegrass straw to
energy project for each conversion/processing technology. Capital expenditure, operations and
maintenance, revenue, expenses, avoided costs, environmental credits, state and federal tax credits,
funding sources, and costs of capital will be incorporated to assess the return on investment of the
projects. Additional data will be collected from relevant projects and interviews with technology
process and energy experts.
Deliverable – The deliverable for Research Elements 2-5 is to provide a report analyzing the various
distributed energy technologies that may be applicable to the goals of this project. This report will
evaluate the opportunity for energy production from the energy conversion technologies, as well as
the financial, regulatory and technical element to using the technologies in the conversion of grass
straw to energy.
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 2-5
Using the information gathered in Study Elements 2-5, we will work with researchers in each of the
energy conversion methods identified to determine specific pilot research projects to conduct that
will identify the best short-term, mid-term and long-term project opportunities. We have already
identified researchers for pilot research projects for Anaerobic Digestion, Pyrolysis and Cellulosic
Ethanol and will work with OSU to identify additional pilot project opportunities.
Our potential pilot project list currently includes:
• Anaerobic Digestion Projects
1) MWMC digester – with food waste
2) On-Farm – with food waste
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3) At slaughter house – with animal carcasses
• Pyrolysis
1) Tech Fuels - National Energy Technology Laboratory in Albany Oregon. bench
test of Ryegrass straw
• Ethanol
1) Trillium Fiber Fuels - bench test of biochemical conversion of Rye grass straw to
ethanol
2) Will Klausmeier Ph.D. working with team at OSU - Test of thermochemical
conversion of Ryegrass straw to ethanol.
• Pellets
1) UO Resource Innovations is working with several pellet makers. We are currently
contacting them to identify one or more to test turning Ryegrass straw to pellets.
Deliverables –
This deliverable will include summary steps from each pilot project and data that includes the costs
to convert grass straw to energy and the energy generated for each technology tested.
Research Element 7: Energy Facility Siting Elements
We will review the potential sites for a Ryegrass Straw to Energy Conversion processing plant in
Lane County. We will take into account the potential for its inclusion in the envisioned
“Integrated BioEnergy Business Park.” We will also determine issues of smell, noise, and other
potentially undesirable aspects of production. We will review planning and zoning restrictions and
local, state, and federal regulations for energy production facilities. With all these factors in mind
we will determine the best potential site for a facility. The siting of the facility will also include a
study of the farthest distance from which it is still profitable to transport Ryegrass straw in Oregon.
Research Element 8: Financial Model Comparison and Return on Investment
ROI – What Tax and Energy Credits (including Carbon Credits) are available for each step of the
process? What is the life cycle sustainability value of Ryegrass straw as a product compared to
burning it? What type of private and public funding is available for these type of projects?
Data that will be collected/analyzed and the specific activities we will undertake:
We will develop a matrix to compare the relative projected costs and benefits of the alternative
energy conversion models. We will identify which alternatives have the greatest potential revenue
for the growers and processors of Ryegrass straw. We will also identify potential project funding
sources.
Deliverables – The deliverable of this Research Element will include projected costs of each of the
researched energy conversion technologies. It will include a revenue and expense report for each
alternative that can be used to determine long-term project feasibility. And a summary of funding
sources that are being used successfully to finance renewable energy projects.
Research Element 9: Recommendations from Research Findings
The element will include the answers to the all research questions asked in this feasibility study. It
will answer: What have we learned? and What are the next steps?
Deliverables – This section will include an analysis of our finding regarding construction costs and
annual operations; conclusions regarding SWOTs; conclusions regarding risks and benefits of a
Ryegrass straw to energy project and identification of next steps to be taken. This project deliverable
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incorporates project recommendations into the development of a strategy that includes next steps to
take.
Additional Funding Sources
Lane County has recently applied for a grant of $50,000 from the Renewable Energy Feasibility
Fund, to be matched by $25,000 in County funds, to study the financial feasibility of constructing
and operating a Lane County owned anaerobic digestion facility to process local food waste into
energy. A portion of these funds will be used to determine the potential use of bulking agents in the
process of Anaerobic Digestion. In addition some of those funds will be used to develop site specific
characteristics for the siting of an anaerobic digester. Though the REFF funds are limited to studying
food waste and anaerobic digester issues, those funds do make the Smoke Funds study stretch
farther.
This grant will give Lane County and its partners the specific information needed to apply for future
grants and loans from sources that include the Oregon Energy Loan Program, Biorefinery grants,
Biomass Research and Development grants, Renewable Energy grants and loans, and Value-Added
Producer Grants. As the project develops, the processing facility will potentially become eligible for
energy and biofuel production tax credits and exemptions and the Ryegrass growers will become
eligible for Feedstock commodity tax credits and subsidies.
The Larger Research Project
Lane County is currently engaged in several projects that build on a local vision of an Integrated
Bioenergy Business Park where renewable energy facilities are co-located in order to maximize the
uses of infrastructure and facility outputs. As part of that process, Lane County formed the
Willamette Valley Biomass Study Group, a multi-discipline team working to identify opportunities
for biofuels from local biomass materials. Members include Lane County Community and Economic
Development; Resource Innovations - UO Institute for a Sustainable Environment; Lane
MicroBusiness; Northwest Cooperative Development Center; Lane Council of Governments;
Oregon Environmental Council; Trillium FiberFuels, Inc.; Mater Engineering, Ltd.; Ater Wynne;
Novus Group; Good Company; Sylvatex and Essential Consulting Oregon.
The Study Group is currently working with a $95,000 USFS Working Partnership grant, awarded to
Lane County, to study bio-energy and biofuels opportunities from woody biomass. As mentioned
above, the County has also recently applied for a $50,000 grant from the Renewable Energy
Feasibility Fund. We are currently also preparing grant applications for several other funding sources
and have been meeting with private venture and equity funding organizations.
Proposed Project Schedule and Report Due Dates
Research Elements
Start Date
Interim Report Final Report
1: Harvesting, and Transportation
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Sept.1, 2008
2: Anaerobic Digester Conversion
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Sept.1, 2008
3: Pyrolysis Conversion
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Sept.1, 2008
4: Cellulosic Ethanol Conversion
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Sept.1, 2008
5: Pellets for Boilers Conversion
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Sept.1, 2008
6: Pilot Project Research
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Dec. 1, 2008
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7: Facility Siting Elements
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Dec. 1, 2008
8: Financial Model Comparison and ROI
March 1, 2008 June 16, 2008 Dec. 1, 2008
9: Recommendations from Finding
N/A
N/A
Dec. 1, 2008
Funding Availability
Lane County Community and Economic Development manages numerous grant projects. Our
standard grant draw down procedure is once a contract is in place with a grant funder, the County
fronts the funds for the work to be done and then applies for reimbursement from the grant funder on
a schedule worked out in cooperation with the funder. The County anticipates doing that same thing
in this project, drawing down funds as project milestones – like interim and final reports – are met.
Project Partners
Lane County - Mike McKenzie-Bahr – Lane County Community & Economic Development
Coordinator – 20 years of Business and Community Development, grant management and
feasibility study experience. – He will be the project manager, administer contracts for project team,
assign tasks, assist with each project elements and gather finished study materials into a Final
Report. He will serve on the Project Management Team.
Marcus Kauffman, Program Manager, Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable
Environment, University of Oregon – He holds a Master’s of Community and Regional Planning
with an emphasis on rural community development from UO – He will lead the interview team for
“Harvesting, Bailing and Transportation Costs.” He will also assist preparing study results into the
Final Report. He will serve on the Project Management Team.
Martin Desmond – Lane MicroBusiness- Business consultant and small business classes &
workshops instructor. Serves on state Forest Biomass Working Group, chairs Economy & Market
Development Subgroup. - He will assist preparing of “Financial Model Comparison and Return on
Investment.”
Eric Bowman, Northwest Cooperative Development Center – Business Consultant. Co-author:
“Mapping the Route to a Cooperatively-Owned Future for Emerging BioEnergy Industries.” – He
will be preparing element on cooperative business models and bioenergy opportunities as part of
“Financial Model Comparison”
Milo Mecham, Principal Planner, Lane Council of Governments. He leads the local and regional
planning issues and programs at LCOG – He will lead “Energy Facility Siting Elements” data
gathering team and assist with infrastructure finance-related analyses.
Larry Brice, President, Novus Group – 30 years of business management experience including
large project development and raising capital- Former member of Governor Kitzhaber Committee
for Economic Development. He will prepare “Financial Model Comparison and Return on
Investment” and assist on “Facility Outputs,” elements. He will serve on the Project Management
Team.
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William H. Klausmeier, Ph.D, President, Sylvatex – He has served as the research monitor for the
World Bank’s Brazilian ethanol program and done ethanol and biofuels projects for the World Bank,
the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and private clients.
He will provide research on the suitability and adaptability of current conversion processes to grass
straw.
Joshua Skov, MA, LEED AP, Principal, Good Company – Holds an M.A. in Economics from the
University of California, Berkeley, he is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Planning, Public
Policy and Management at UO and has expertise in infrastructure project due diligence and
feasibility assessment for community, business and environmental issues and opportunities – He will
be main preparer of “Recommendations from Feasibility Study Finding” and assist on “Facility
Outputs” elements. He will serve on the Project Management Team.
Dean Foor, PE, Essential Consulting Oregon (ECOregon) – Holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering,
B.S. in Geomatic Engineering, and Certificate in Fermentation Science. Mr. Foor has more than 17
years of project management and engineering experience – He will lead the team that prepares
“Anaerobic Digester Facility Options” elements and assist on “Facility Outputs” elements.
Kevin Caldwell, TecFuels LLC – TecFuels is a renewable energy development company based in
Salem Oregon. Current Research and Development efforts are with a combination of public agencies
and private sector partners at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Albany Oregon. He
will lead the team that prepares “Pyrolysis” elements and assist on “Facility Outputs” elements.
Chris Beatty, President, Trillium Fiber Fuels – Holds a Master of Science Degree, Materials
Science, Stanford University and is a courtesy faculty appointment at OSU Chemistry Department.
Trillium FiberFuels currently has a lab scale cellulosic ethanol process running based on ryegrass
straw. He will lead the team that prepares “Cellulosic Ethanol Conversion” elements and assist on
“Facility Outputs” elements.
Dave Nelson - Oregon Seed Council - Currently the Executive Secretary of the Oregon Seed
Council. Mr. Nelson has served on the council for over 15 years in different positions including
treasurer and executive director. Nelson also serves on the Oregon Department of Agriculture Fine
Fescue Commission. Nelson will serve as a source of information and coordination with the
Ryegrass straw growers for interviews and industry specific information. He will serve on Project
Management Team.
Additional resources who will provide expertise, data and guidance
Stephanie Page, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Renewable Energy Specialist – She will
act as liaison between the Department of Agriculture and the project team, providing guidance and
access to expertise among state organizations.
Greg Rorrer PhD, – Holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University and is a
professor of chemical engineering at OSU School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental
Engineering. He has an established research program in biochemical engineering and biomass
conversion. He is co-leader of the Biomass Conversion Technologies Working Group (BCTWG) at
Oregon State University. He will serve as a source of information for the technical aspects of energy
conversion for Ryegrass Straw.
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Ken Williamson, PhD, Oregon State University – The Department Head for Chemical
Engineering in the School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering at OSU. He will
provide information and research on the development of technology and efficiency for the
processing of biomass to energy. He is interested in the both the Bioeconomy and Sustainable
Technologies Research Center side and the Environmental Quality Commission which is interested
in alternatives to field burning.
Michael Russo, PhD, University of Oregon – Head of the Department of Management for the
Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon. His research interests include the
management of environmental issues and he has worked as an energy planner specializing in
commercialization of wind and solar energy. Russo will supervise an MBA Candidate team that will
assist in the development of the financial models for the energy processing facilities.
Peter Ruffier – Eugene Wastewater Director -Metropolitan Wastewater Management
Commission – Will provide data and review on wastewater and siting issues on MWMC lands.
Robert Sprick – Operations Supervisor, Wastewater Division – City of Eugene, Metropolitan
Wastewater Management Commission – Will provide anaerobic digestion facility operation
expertise.
Eugene Water and Electric Board – Will provide data and expertise for energy production
opportunities and potential energy source revenues.
Proposed Budget
We have attached two budget documents: 1) Budget By Category, which shows the
proposed expenditures by Research element and contractor and 2) Scope of Work and
Budget by Project Participant. This second budget outlines the scope of work that each
project participant will undertake.
Budget By Category – Attached as separate sheet.
Scope of Work and Budget by Project Participant
Lane County
Research Element 7: Facility Siting Elements Costs and Issues
Public Works Research
$5,000
Administration and Management
CAO
$15,000
Travel
$15,000
Supplies and Materials
$5,000
Contingent
$5,000
Total Budget
$45,000
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Resource Innovations, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon
Research Element 1:Harvesting, Bailing & Transportation Costs & Issues
Research and Author
$5,000
Research Element 9: Recommendations from Finding
Author
$10,000
Project Management
$10,000
Total Budget
$25,000
Lane MicroBiz
Research Element 8: Financial Model Comparison and ROI
Financial Modeling
$5,000
Total Budget
$5,000
Lane Council of Governments
Research Element 7: Facility Siting Elements Costs and Issues
Research and Author
$10,000
Total Budget
$10,000
Northwest Cooperative Development Center
Research Element 9: Recommendations from Finding
Author Final Section- Business Models
$5,000
Total Budget
$5,000
Novus Group
Research Element 2: Anaerobic Digester Energy Conversion Process
Energy Output Section
$2,000
Research Element 3: Pyrolysis Energy Conversion Process
Energy Output Section
$2,000
Research Element 4: Cellulosic Ethanol Energy Conversion Process
Energy Output Section
$2,000
Research Element 5: Pellets for Boilers Energy Conversion Process
Energy Output Section
$2,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 2-5
Energy Output Section
$2,000
Research Element 8: Financial Model Comparison and ROI
Author
$15,000
Research Element 9: Recommendations from Finding
Author Final Section
$5,000
Project Management
$5,000
Total Budget
$35,000
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Sylvatex
Research Element 3: Pyrolysis Energy Conversion Process
Preliminary Screening of Technology
$2,000
Research Element 4: Cellulosic Ethanol Energy Conversion Process
Preliminary Screening of Technology
$2,000
Research Element 5: Pellets for Boilers Energy Conversion Process
Preliminary Screening of Technology
$2,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 3,4,5
Preliminary Screening of Technology
$2,000
Research Element 9: Recommendations from Finding
Author Technology Section
$2,000
Total Budget
$10,000
Good Company
Research Element 3: Pyrolysis Energy Conversion Process
Section Author
$3,000
Research Element 4: Cellulosic Ethanol Energy Conversion Process
Section Author
$3,000
Research Element 5: Pellets for Boilers Energy Conversion Process
Section Author
$3,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 3,4,5
Section Author
$3,000
Research Element 9: Recommendations and Findings
Section Author
$8,000
Total Budget
$20,000
Essential Consulting Oregon (ECOregon)
Research Element 2: Anaerobic Digester Energy Conversion Process
Energy Output, Preliminary Screening, Section Author
$10,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 2-5
Pilot Assistance
$5,000
Total Budget
$15,000
TecFuels LLC
Research Element 3: Pyrolysis Energy Conversion Process
Research and Findings
$5,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Element 3
Pilot Lead
$10,000
Total Budget
$15,000
Trillium Fiber Fuels
Research Element 4: Cellulosic Ethanol Energy Conversion Process
Section Author
$5,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 2-5
Pilot Lead
$15,000
Total Budget
$20,000
Page 14
Lane County Application
14
Oregon Seed Council
Oregon State University
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Elements 2-5
Pilot Lead
$10,000
Total Budget
$10,000
Metropolitan Waste Management Commission
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Element 2
Pilot Lead
$10,000
Total Budget
$10,000
Unknown
Research Element 5: Pellets for Boilers Energy Conversion Process
Research and Findings
$5,000
Research Element 6: Pilot Project Research on Element 5
Pilot Lead
$10,000
Total Budget
$15,000
Research Element 1: Harvesting, Bailing & Transportation Costs & Issues
Expertise
$5,000
Research Element 9: Recommendations and Findings
Expertise
$5,000
Total Budget
$10,000
Page 15
"Lane County Ryegrass Straw Conversion to Renewable Energy and Biofuel Production Proejct/Feasibility Study" Budget
Partner
RE 1: Harvesting,
Baling, &
Transportation
RE 2: Anaerobic
Digester
Conversion
RE 3:
Pyrolysis
Conversion
RE 4: Cellulosic
Ethanol
Conversion
RE 5: Pellets for
Boiler System
Technology
RE6: Pilot
Project
Research
RE 7: Energy
Facility Siting
RE 8: Financial Model
Comparison and ROI
RE 9:
Recommendations
from Findings
Administration
Project
Management
Travel
Supplies
Materials
Contingent
TOTAL
Lane County
$ 5,000
15,000
$
15,000
$
5,000
$
5,000
$
45,000
$
Resource Innovations
$ 5,000
$ 10,000
10,000
$
25,000
$
Lane MicroBiz
$ 5,000
5,000
$
Lane Council of
Governments
$ 10,000
10,000
$
NCDC
$ 5,000
5,000
$
Novus Group
$ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000
$
15,000 $ 5,000
$ 5,000
35,000
$
Sylvatex
$ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,000
$ 2,000
10,000
$
Good Company
$ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,000 $ 3,000
$ 8,000
20,000
$
Esential Consulting
Oregon (ECOregon)
$ 10,000
$ 5,000
15,000
$
TecFuels, LLC
$ 5,000
$ 10,000
15,000
$
Trillium Fiber Fuels
$ 5,000
$ 15,000
20,000
$
Oregon Seed Council
$ 5,000
$ 5,000
10,000
$
OSU
$ 10,000
10,000
$
MWMC
$ 10,000
10,000
$
Unknown
$ 5,000 $ 10,000
15,000
$
TOTAL
$ 10,000 $ 12,000 $ 12,000 $ 12,000 $ 12,000 $ 67,000 $ 15,000 $ 20,000 $ 35,000 $ 15,000
$ 15,000 $ 5,000
$ 250,000
Page 16
Page 17
Dairy
Anaerobic
Digester
Biodiesel
Plant
Ethanol
Plant
Algae
Reactor
Ethanol
Biodiesel
Electricity
Methane
Reduced Waste Streams = CO
2
, NOx, SOx, Nutrient Load
(Nitrogen & Phosphorus), Heat, & Waste Water
Adapted from chart prepared by Kansas Bioscience Authority, NISTAC, and Sunflower Electric Power Corporation for Sunflower Integrated Bioenergy
Project. Patent Pending
Energy
Products
Biogas
Nutrients
(Nitrogen &
Phosphorus)
& Water
Electricity
Flue Gas
Algae Oil
Biodiesel
Ethanol
Wet Distillers’ Grain
Cellulosic
Materials
Tallow
Livestock
Processing
Yellow
Grease
Food Waste
Methanol
(Converted
from
Methane)
Extracted
Oil
CO
2
Integrated Bioenergy Business Park