Project Support

GC RAC is a source of independent technical information useful for organizations in the early stages of project evaluation. Using our extensive expertise and national contacts, we can help organizations assess the potential and viability for clean energy projects at their facilities. Our services can help determine the value of progressing further into the project development cycle. Services include:

• Feasibility studies - We can provide technical evaluation and economic studies to assess project potential and viability. (See below for more information)
• Regulatory assistance - We can help determine regulatory requirements related to grid interconnection, emissions, renewable energy credits, and related issues.
• Incentives - We can help identify current federal and state incentives, tax treatment, and other funding opportunities
• Research - Our staff can research specific questions or requirements as needed to respond to actual project needs.

Feasibility Studies

Feasibility studies assess the technical and economic viability for projects. To determine project feasibility, we conduct a two-step evaluation comprised of an initial screening analysis followed by a detailed analysis if warranted.

Screening Analysis:

• Establish if a site is a potential candidate for a clean energy project
• Uses industry averages and "rules of thumb"
• Considers a facility's monthly electric and gas consumption data
• Results include simple payback
• +/-30% accuracy in savings in costs
• External Level 1 Screening Analysis tools:
  
      * RETScreen (Natural Resources Canada, free)
      * BCHP Screening Tool (Oak Ridge National Lab, free)

Detailed Analysis:

• Determine if a site is a viable candidate for a clean energy project
• Hour-by-hour simulation of building energy use using DOE software
• Calibration of baseline model to actual utility bills
• Sensitivity analysis for variability in electric and gas prices
• Well-defined CHP configuration and equipment set
• Evaluation of multiple scenarios
• Pro forma financial models generate internal rate of return (IRR)
• Calculation of emissions reduction potential
• +/- 20% accuracy in savings and costs

Resources

Gulf Coast Clean Energy Application Center

• LEED-accredited professional
• Regulatory expertise
• Project development expertise
• Air quality expertise

Extended Network

• Extensive links within national Clean Energy Application Center network
• Links to industrial equipment suppliers, service providers, and engineering firms
• National connections with experts at:
• U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Technologies Program
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency CHP Partnership
• Regional Clean Energy Application Centers
• International District Energy Association
• National Laboratories

Software Tools

• Spreadsheets - We use a number of spreadsheets to evaluate technical and economic viability.
• Simulation tools - We use sophisticated simulation software based on DOE 2.2 providing hourly load profiles based on local weather data.
• Emissions - We use the EPA emissions calculator to establish environmental benefits of clean energy projects.
• External Level 1 Screening Analysis tools:
  
      * RETScreen (Natural Resources Canada, free)
      * BCHP Screening Tool (Oak Ridge National Lab, free)
  

â–º Download our project support brochure