Pace Energy and Climate Center

01 Apr 2019

Estimating the Air Emissions of Stationary Engine Generators under Two Megawatts

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Joseph O’Brien Applegate, Dr. Sreekanth Venkataraman, Dr. Praveen Amar

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2019

Abstract: The provision of electric power to homes, businesses and industry via distributed generation (“DG”)2 technologies has increased at a rapid pace over the last 10 to 15 years. New York has made the development of a distributed energy future a centerpiece of the Governor’s path breaking “Reforming the Energy Vision” initiative. The environmental consequences of dramatic increases in distributed generation, however, have not been empirically examined. Because certain forms of DG have previously only run to a very limited extent, their emissions were not regulated closely. However, evolving markets and new rate structures could create incentives that encourage an increase in the operating hours of fossil-fired DG. In this study we have...

01 Apr 2016

2015 Annual Report

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Climate, DER, Markets,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: The Pace Energy and Climate Center had an amazing year in 2015. Our staff members and law student interns engaged in some of the most important clean energy policy and development issues in New York and in the Northeast region, as well as in selected venues across the United States and around the world. We have made important progress in empowering continued advancement toward a cleaner energy present and a more sustainable future for all of us. We are really proud of what we have done, and hope you will find our report interesting and informative. We are especially grateful for all the support from Pace University and the Pace Law School, and from our many donors and clients. We couldn’t do any of this without them! You will find our rep...

01 Jan 2016

Combined Heat and Power on Brownfield Sites

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Linda Shaw, Colleen Cain, Evans Paul

Topics: CHP,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2016

Abstract: Remediated brownfield sites offer an attractive and underutilized opportunity for siting clean distributed generation and CHP. Parties who remediate a contaminated site can be eligible for significant financial incentives from the existing NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credits, coupled with NYS incentives through NYSERDA, and federal tax credits.

01 Jan 2015

Microgrid & District Energy: Pathways to Sustainable Urban Development

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Nick Martin, Laxmi Rao

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: This report provides an introduction to microgrid concepts, identifies the benefits and most common road blocks to implementation, and discusses proactive steps municipalities can take to advance economically viable and environmentally superior microgrids. It also offers advocacy suggestions for municipal leaders and officials to pursue at the state and regional level. The contents are targeted to municipal government staff but anyone looking for introductory material on microgrids should find it useful.

01 Jan 2015

Microgrid & District Energy: Pathways to Sustainable Urban Development-Case Studies

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Nick Martin, Laxmi Rao

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2015

Abstract: These are the case studies for the that report introduces microgrid concepts, identifies the benefits and most common road blocks to implementation, and discusses proactive steps municipalities can take to advance economically viable and environmentally superior microgrids. It also offers advocacy suggestions for municipal leaders and officials to pursue at the state and regional level. The contents are targeted to municipal government staff but anyone looking for introductory material on microgrids should find it useful.

01 Jan 2014

Power Through Storms

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2014

Abstract: NoneCombined Heat and Power delivers business continuity, risk reduction, and critical infrastructure resiliency benefits during times of extreme weather events and wide spread grid outages.

01 Jul 2013

Commity Energy Brief: CHP in Hospitals

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Combined heat and power systems can provide power, hot water, and space heating and cooling more reliably, more efficiently, and at lower costs than traditional systems. For these reasons, in addition to the ability to provide power during grid outages, hospitals make ideal hosts for CHP systems.

01 Jan 2013

Community Energy Brief: Powering Through Storms

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Climate,

States: National,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Combined heat and power delivers business continuity, risk reduction, and critical infrastructure resiliency benefits during grid outages caused by storms.

01 Jan 2013

Community Microgrids: Smarter, Cleaner, Greener

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Jordan Gerow, Franz Litz, and Nick Martin

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2013

Abstract: Community Microgrids: Smarter, Cleaner, Greener is an introductory report on community microgrids and the many benefits they offer. It lays out a roadmap for communities considering microgrids from setting goals and identifying the vision for a project to choosing sites, completing analyses, acquiring financing, and getting approval to build. The report also considers the regulatory environment for microgrid development and offers recommendations for making the region friendlier to microgrids. This document should be read by municipal and community leaders, state and local government and regulatory officials, emergency managers, large business owners, and any other individuals interested in resilient, affordable, and clean energy.

01 Jan 2012

The Impact of Climate Change on the Urban Environments of the Northeast

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, Technology, Utility Reform,

States: Northeast,

Resource Type: Policy Brief

Adoption Year: 2012

Abstract: Explores the consequences of extreme weather conditions on the urban environments of the Northeast.

01 Feb 2011

Deployment of Distributed Generation for Grid Support and Distribution System Infrastructure: A Summary Analysis of DG Benefits and Case Studies

Author: Franz Litz, Nicholas Bianco, Michael B. Gerrard, and Gregory E. Wannier

Topics: CHP, DER, Energy Efficiency,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: Distributed generation (DG) and combined heat and power (CHP), and more broadly Distributed Energy Resources (DER) that encompasses DG, CHP, and energy efficiency resources (EE) can provide numerous benefits both to the electric transmission and distribution (T&D) and to society overall. For some time, the potential benefits of DG CHP have been identified, speculated upon, and in some instances, analyzed and quantified. Studies have been conducted by industry participants, utilities, regulators and their national and regional organizations, the Department of Energy and the National Energy labs, and numerous energy experts and consultants. These numerous studies have identified numerous benefits including avoided costs of energy, generation...

01 Jan 2011

CHP in Hospitals

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Resiliency,

States: National,

Resource Type: Fact Sheet

Adoption Year: 2011

Abstract: Overview of the benefits CHP offers to support the mission of hospitals

01 Jan 2010

Realizing Real Time Pricing Promise: What CHP Offers MHP

Author: Thomas Bourgeois and William Pentland

Topics: CHP,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2010

Abstract: Real-time pricing (RTP) programs provide economic incentives for customers to reduce energy consumption during peak hours. Several states have created RTP rate structures voluntary and mandatory – on various categories of customers, usually industrial, larger commercial and institutional customers. In 2006, New York State imposed mandatory hourly pricing (MHP) for all distribution utilities on a select group of customers initially ranging in size from 1,000 kW maximum peak demand to 1,500 kW maximum peak demand, depending upon the utility. The maximum peak demand level triggering mandatory hourly pricing was scheduled to drop over time, so that by Spring 2011 all customers with maximum peak demand levels in the range of 300 kW to 500 kW w...

25 Jun 2009

Brownfield Tax Credits: An Incentive for Siting CHP

Author: Prepared for by NYSERDA

Topics: CHP,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2009

Abstract: Recently enacted state legislation provides a significant suite of state tax credits aimed at brownfield redevelopment. These refundable credits are directly applicable to any capital investment at an eligible site. Brownfield redevelopment tax credits coupled with other financial incentives can encourage the use of CHP where such use is suitable for brownfield redevelopment. Using cost-effective CHP at a brownfield site to better manage energy costs could improve project economics for the brownfield developer, the end use property owner and tenants at the site.

08 Dec 2008

Reply Brief: Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of ConEd for Electric Services

Author: PECC Staff

Topics: CHP, DER, Utility Reform,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Comments

Adoption Year: 2008

Abstract: Offering testimony on the issue of actions that ConEd can take to encourage development of DER and CHP within its service territory.

01 Jan 2007

State Experiences with Financial Incentives to Promote Clean Distributed Energy: Greenhouse Gas Reductions with CHP

Author: Thomas Bourgeois and Chris Young

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: National,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2007

Abstract: Many states have promulgated energy incentive schemes to achieve a wide variety of policy goals. Considering the context of diverse incentives and policies that promote both renewable energy (RE) and combined heat and power (CHP), this paper examines direct capacity grant incentive programs in four states (CA, CT, NJ and NY) to determine broad differences regarding their cost effectiveness, both in achieving installed capacity, and in achieving reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using two methodologies and assumptions to estimate the GHG reductions attributable to different RE and CHP technology types, the paper determines dollars of incentive per ton of CO2 reduction. CHP incentives generally offer a better value per dollar of i...

01 Jun 2006

Guidebook for Small Combined Heat and Power Systems Seeking to Obtain Emissions Reduction Credits in New York State

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Daniel Rosenblum, Chris Young

Topics: CHP, Emissions,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2006

Abstract: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is typically more efficient than the separate generation of electricity in a central power plant and production of heat in an on-site boiler. This improved efficiency can result in a reduction of air pollutant emissions. CHP projects with significant reductions in emissions are eligible to participate in the NYSDEC emission reduction credit (ERC) program. Facilities certifying ERCs can trade them, thereby improving the financial benefit of installing CHP. This guidebook is intended to assist facility managers with quantifying emissions reduction credits. An additional report, “Emissions Allowance Market Opportunities for Small Scale CHP Projects,” (NYSERDA Report #06-04) evaluates how allowance-based regula...

01 May 2003

Clean Distributed Generation In New York State: State and Local Siting, Permitting and Code Issues

Author: Thomas Bourgeois, Adam Hinge, Anish A. Joshi, and Bruce Headman

Topics: CHP, DER,

States: New York,

Resource Type: Report

Adoption Year: 2003

Abstract: A major hurdle in obtaining approvals for DG/CHP project is lack of clarity about what requirements exist, which agencies have jurisdiction, what agency processes must be followed, the timetable for approvals. This lack of clarity can consume time and money for both developers and agency staff, in the form of research, meeting, review, and correction of applications, re-design of projects, and construction modifications.