Minnesota Energy CenterMN Renewable Energy RoundtableOctober 24, 2013
Bruce [email protected]
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The Minnesota Energy Center was established in 2013 to support energy-related programs in the State to meet current and future workforce needs
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Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeFiscal Lead
Bruce PetersonDirectorSt. Cloud Technical and Community College
2013 accomplishments to date…
Improve connections for businesses to communicate their need for prepared college and university graduates;MN Energy Consortium Strategic PlanningXcelEnergy Renewable Development FundCoordinate business and higher education collaboration to support educational opportunities for K-12 students to learn more about industry;2014 Concurrent enrollment projectAssess and develop industry (career) pathways to increase student program completion and program efficiencies; and,Energy Technical Specialist consortium degreeRevise curriculum and programs to address the occupational-specific and non-technicalMnSCUInstitutionsurvey
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As we look forward to the year ahead, our priorities have been identified
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Minnesota Energy Consortium (MEC)
Minnesota Energy Center (MnEC)
Improving the pipeline for technical experts to teach energy curriculaKyle Ault, ALLETE
Qualified workforcePeterWasburg, Ottertail PowerAndyZieglmeier, SCTCC
Career awareness and creating a diverse pipelineMalinda Mehrhoff, Dakota Electric Assoc.Nancy Juntunen, Great River Energy
Initiate the Xcel Energy RDF grant program
Provide support to the MEC
K-12 career awareness and outreach
Analysis of ETS curriculum
Assessment ofMnSCUprograms and resource
Creation of resource website
To recap highlights of the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund opportunity
Proposalswere consideredfor various-sized projects in three categories:EnergyProduction,Researchand Development whichincludesa new initiative for renewableelectricenergy delivery projects, andResearchFunding for Minnesota highereducation institutions*MnECsubmitted a block grant application for $5.5 millionAnoka-Ramsey Community College submitted a R&D application for $828,900:Research Coordinated Solar PV Demonstration Project
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$30 million
$10 million
*Change in RDF based on 2012Legislation (S.F. 2181)
Thank you for everyone’s patience
RFP PhaseEvaluation & Public CommentPhase
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Xcel Energy filed intent with MPUC11/29/12
RFP released2/15/13
Proposals due4/1/13
Initial WebEx with Xcel Energy7/16/12
1stpublic comment deadline9/27/13
2ndpublic comment deadline10/11/13
3rdpublic comment deadline 12/12/13
Recommendations submitted to MPUC7/29/13
The good news is that we made the cut!
The RDF advisory group strongly supported providing a $4.5 million block grant for theMnSCUproposal. The RDF advisory group believes the proposal has thepotential for the development of a coordinated and well-managed program to solicit research projects that are relevant to Minnesota and also the ability to have the research incorporated into a jobs training program. The statewide aspect is very attractive and the proposal anticipatesbeneficial partnerships/linkagesbetween academics, industry, agriculture, existing workforce specialists, students currently enrolled in workforce training programs, and local community stakeholders. The program also allowsresearchers at smaller campusesto compete for funds.Although the RDF advisory group recommended a $4.5 million block grant award toMnSCU, the Company is proposing Commission approval ofMnSCU’srequest for $5.5 million. The RDF advisory group and theCompanyareproposing RDF grants awards for EP and R&D projects in the full amount requested by the applicants, and propose to do the same forMnSCU. The Company believesMnSCU’sproposal is exemplaryand their grant request should also be fully funded. If the Commission approves a grant award forMnSCU, we will then enter into a RDF grant contract with the institution and submit it to the Department of Commerce for review and approval.
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Source: Xcel Energy RDF Selection Report
In addition the Anoka-Ramsey project also made the cut!
Project Goal: To demonstrate three types of solar energy deployment which will bea living, hands-on laboratory for research and skills development.ProjectDescription: ARCC will be installing two photovoltaic (PV) arrays, aunique ground-mountarray and a roof-mounted array on its Training Center, as well asa solarelectric vehicle (EV) charging station that is integrated with a carport outsideits mainadministrative building. The solar arrays and the EV charging station willbe monitoredfor performance data and will also be hands-on laboratoriesintegrated withsolar energy related coursework and energy research activities at ARCC.Installed Capacity: 458.38 kWContact: Jon Olson,[email protected]
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Source: Xcel Energy RDF Selection Report
We anticipate the next steps for theMnSCUblock grant are:
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Goal is to fund up to 14 projects with a maximum request of $275,000 (+ 15% indirect costs)
Next steps for the Minnesota Energy Center
MnECPartnership Agreementfinalized and signedMnECLeadership team finalizedMnECcommittees and project teamsidentified and activities beginXcel Energy RDF grant programbegins
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Contact Bruce
Contact Jaime
To follow the RDF activity:www.puc.state.mn.us, select “SearcheDockets”Enter the year (12) and the docket number (1278)
Contact Information
Bruce PetersonExecutive Dean for Academic InitiativesSt Cloud Technical and Community [email protected]
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