Ethan Bellavance

April 30, 2010

CDAE 106

Summary of Field Work

There are two things that I have done to fill my 35-45 hours of work in this class. The first thing that I have done was to attend the third generation algae and biofuels conference at UVM. At this conference I was able to learn an extensive amount about algae and its potential to supplement fossil fuels in the future. At this two-day conference I was able to learn about how scales of algae farming are being increased as well as how there are multiple pathways of use for algae. I attended this conference for about 13 hours total listening to every presentation and discussing with presenters further on their reactions and predictions of algae and the role it will play in the future.

The other way I filled my remaining hours was to intern at EnSave. EnSave is an agriculture energy efficiency business. There I created a comprehensive plan describing renewable energy, and incentives that are provided by state and national government agencies. I then discussed how these technologies could be applied to the farm setting. The two renewable fuels that I was assigned to research were Wind and Biogas. The first thing I proceeded to do was locate and describe all applicable incentives provided through power companies, Vermont state agencies, and finally national energy incentives. With this information I researched the two sources of energy in detail and created an outline of how these energy sources worked and how they could be applied in a farm setting. I then created cost estimates for these energy sources. This proved simple with wind and extremely difficult with biogas. With wind energy I was able to compare different wind speeds, to different wind turbines, and create a cost per kilowatt of installed capacity. I then inserted different incentive structures and showed how costs were reduced. Unfortunately Biogas energy is too new and extremely difficult to find a price on a, per cow, or per farm basis. To help with this research I talked to Mike Raker of Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, Dan Scruton, and UVM extension agent Glenn Rogers. Each of these experts could not lock down a consistent price due to large variability of many factors. These factors include utility hook up, structure, machinery, repair and maintenance, and finally digester construction fees. These all are susceptible to location variances and because of this digester prices can vary up to one million dollars.

With this information I collected it was possible for me to draw up a concise comprehensive outline of the technologies. These outlines then could be provided to EnSave customers around the country. This experience for me was extremely eye opening. I was also able to establish relations with a local business, experience the working world, and learn from professionals in an energy related field.