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The Santa Fe Biomass-Fired District Energy Project
Downtown District Energy Project: Preliminary engineering and
design of the main district heating system downtown and the four
micro-grids projects were completed and presented by BIOS and
Local Energy in a public slide presentation in July. Since then,
the focus of the project has been placed on the final engineering
design and construction of a demonstration system at Santa Fe
Community College or one of the other micro-grid sites for completion
by November 2005. The success of this demonstration will provide
an impetus and foundation for the public and political support
required to build the larger district heating system downtown
which will necessitate a multi-year and multimillion dollar community
investment.
Economic Analysis:The completion of preliminary
design calculations in July allowed a more detailed study of the
cost of the biomass systems as well as the economic benefits. Even
before considering the value of the emissions reductions and job
creation, the micro-grid at the Santa Fe Community College shows
excellent potential for cost-effective implementation using standard
commercial practices. Research is continuing regarding the local
economic effects of unstable and climbing energy prices, and on the
estimated value of stabilizing them with local biomass by three renowned
energy economists: Michael Shuman, Kelly O’Donnell, and David
Blond. They are also investigating green credit trading, job creation,
and the economic multiplier benefit of utilizing local suppliers
and resources.
Micro-grid Biomass Systems: On October 27, 2004,
the Governing Body of the Santa Fe Community College unanimously
approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Local Energy affirming their
ability and willingness to construct a biomass heating system if
Local Energy designs a system that provides a reasonable return-on-investment.
In November we begin the detailed engineering design of SFCC Biomass-fired
Heating System with our associates, BIOS Bioenergiesysteme from Austria.
In November and December BIOS and Local Energy will meet with key
personnel from Saint John's College and the South Capitol Complex
to discuss the feasibility of proceeding with their micro-grid systems.
Investigation of Biomass Equipment Suppliers: Relationships
are being developed with American manufacturers of biomass boilers
and pipe for use in the main (downtown) heating system and in the
micro-grids. These manufacturers are currently developing their responses
to our requests for preliminary proposals and initial technical questions.
This research process will provide us with information on the best
technologies available domestically, that will be compared to the
systems available from Europe to ensure that the most reliable, efficient
and cost-effective biomass equipment is utilized.
Emissions Study: Emissions impacts of the main grid
and micro grid systems have been calculated and were presented in
July with the preliminary design study. The main downtown grid has
the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions (the main component
of greenhouse gases that are aggravating global warming) by 12,000
to 18,000 tons per year for the heat-only and CHP options, respectively.
The micro-grid at the Santa Fe Community College could reduce their
CO 2 emissions by 2,300 tons per year for a heat-only system.
Final Report: The final report has been completed and submitted to the USDA. The final report and all related documents can be access through both the links below and through our Document Library.
Biomass-Fired District Energy: A Source of Economic Development and Energy Security - Final Report
Mark Sardella, PE
December 2006
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Santa Fe District Energy Project: Fuel Study
Klaus Supancic, et al
June 2005 |
 View PDF (1.9 MB) |
The Cost of Heating with Natural Gas in Santa Fe, and Expected Future Trends
Frank Currie, PE
January 2007 |
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Household Energy Consumption and Cost in Santa Fe County
Kelly O'Donnell
October 2004 |
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Economics of Proposed Biomass-fired District Heating System for Santa Fe, New Mexico
Michael Shuman
November 2005 |
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Conceptual Ownership Models for the Proposed Biomass-fired Downtown District Heating System in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Loretta McGrath
November 2005 |
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Community-Based Energy: A Return is Long Overdue
Mark Sardella PE
November 2005
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