Battle Creek Environmental Magnet School, St. Paul, MN
Funding for this project was approved by the Minnesota Legislature
Solar energy systems are still a fairly new technology, with high costs of implementation, at least when examined over the short-term. In order to make the installation of a solar energy system at Macalester a possibility, it is clear that several measures must be taken. First, current overall energy consumption must be reduced for all of the buildings. With less consumption, fewer solar panels are needed, thereby lowering the overall cost of the project. Additionally, outside sources of funding may be necessary to help cover the cost. Finding such funding or grants is difficult, especially for a private institution in a questionable climate. Here is an overview of what we have found, as well as some useful contacts and links.
Renewable Energy Development Fund
Environmental Assistance Grants
Inventions and Innovations Program
Renewable Energy Development Fund
What is it? Is this a possibility at Macalester? For more information about the Renewable Energy Development Fund, contact:
Bill Grant Rory Artig J. Drake Hamilton
Though this Fund is not fully established yet, it seems to be the best bet for the near future. This is a program set up by NSP using money they exchanged for the proper disposal and/or storage of several nuclear waste casks. NSP will soon take the plans for the fund to the Public Utilities Commision, who will help determine how the fund gets structured. Their are two organizations on the board for approving the plans, Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy (Me3), and the Isaac Walton League. Contacts at these organizations can be found below.
Yes and no. The fund will most likely favor Minnesota customers with a hookup to the NSP grid. However, wind energy will usually win out over solar power because it is currently more cost effective. As the fund is established, more information will be available through the organizations mentioned above regarding application procedures.
Isaac Walton League
(651)649-1446
http://www.mtn.org/~mn-ikes/
Department of Public Services
651) 297-2326
rartig@dpsv.state.mn.us
http://www.dpsv.state.mn.us/
Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy (ME3)
hamilton@me3.org
http://www.me3.org/
Environmental Assistance Grants
The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) offers Environmental Assistance Grants on a yearly basis. Funds are set aside annually for projects focusing on a variety of subjects, including pollution prevention, environmental education, sustainable community development and resource recovery. These grants are primarily for innovative projects using cutting-edge technologies or new practices, but can possibly be coordinated with a "green" or "sustainable" building development at Macalester.
Since 1985, the OEA has awarded more than $10 million in grants to organizations across Minnesota. In 1998 alone, the OEA provided $1.25 million to 24 projects leveraging nearly $3 million in matching funds and/or in-kind contributions. The OEA receives approximately 100 applications per funding round.
For additional information about OEA Environmental Assistance Grants contact:
Stacy Sullivan
Grants Coordinator
Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA)
(651) 215-0216 or 800-657-3843
http://www.moea.state.mn.us
The Inventions and Innovation program is conducted as part of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Its mission is to develop and promote the adoption of cost-effective renewable energy and energy efficiency. While primarily offered for corporations establishing innovative energy saving ideas and inventions, Macalester may be able to qualify for assistance under one of two categories. Category 1 funds up to $40,000 for conceptual ideas relating to specific Dept. of Energy topics assigned in May. Category 2 funds are up to $200,000 for more well developed inventions moving towards prototype development or commercialization. Included in this funding are technologies for more efficient electrical use and more efficient buildings.
Additional information about this program is available at the Department of Energy's website: http://www.oit.doe.gov/inventions/
The Inventions and Innovation Program
Additional Information
Financial Toolbook
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Industrial Technologies has created a Financing Toolbook to help companies determine ways to finance energy efficient technologies. While primarily aimed at manufacturing firms, the concepts and issues presented can directly relate to Macalester.
It is easily downloaded at http://www.oit.doe.gov/toolbook/ Upcoming Conference in Minneapolis, June 7, 2000
Energy Alley's upcoming financial conference is geared toward green-business (especially energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses) entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses who want to grow their companies. The momentum for this conference is building, and there will probably be many representatives from the financial community there. This could provide Macalester a prime opportunity to not only develop relationships with the local business communities and vendors working with and supplying renewable technologies, but also gain additional information about sources of financial support.
For additional information contact:
Heather Ilse
Energy Alley Coordinator
Minnesota's Environmental Initiative
(612)334-3388
hilse@mn-ei.org