FCOG Final Deliverable amen

Fremont County Green
Feasibility Study
Research Team: Jacob Tolman, Joseph Huckbody, John Beck, Justin Andersen, Thresia Mouritsen
Spring 2012

2
Executive Summary
Southeastern Idaho has received a grant from the US Federal Government. A portion of this grant
was set aside to conduct this feasibility study on the development of green and renewable energies
that were considered viable to the area: solar, geothermal, wind, micro hydro, natural gas, and
biomass.
Results showed that solar, geothermal, and residential wind (small wind) are viable for the area. Solar
is the most viable for the area for its low investment costs, low maintenance, and high durability.
Geothermal testing in Newdale, ID shows that there is sufficient subterranean heat for a geothermal
plant. Further testing will pinpoint the location for the equipment. Low maintenance, high operating
capacity, permanent job creation, and positive side effects make geothermal a feasible resource for
the area. Residential wind turbines (defined as producing 100 KW or less) avoid aesthetic concerns
raised by utility wind turbines. Small windmills have a lower cut-in (or start-up) speed that allows
them to begin producing energy sooner. Wind patterns in the area are not ideal for utility-size
windmills, but can provide for small wind turbines.
Micro hydro and natural gas require additional studies. Micro hydro has low maintenance and
consistent energy production, but remoteness of the sites along with the need to develop multiple
sites may outweigh the benefit. Natural gas has high-energy output and high job creation, but
threatens the area with water sterilization, raising natural gas prices, and possibly a large carbon
footprint.
Biomass and large wind are not feasible for the area. A biomass case study showed that the price for
biomass fuel is currently ten times higher than what would be feasible for a self-sustaining facility. A
biomass facility in the area would require heavy subsidies to operate. Large wind requires certain
geography and wind patterns to make it feasible. The Fremont County Area does not provide such
an environment.

3
Table of Contents
Executive Summary...................................................................................................................2
Scope and Purpose ....................................................................................................................3
Methodology..............................................................................................................................3
Research ....................................................................................................................................4
Local Utilities .....................................................................................................................................4
Tax Incentives ....................................................................................................................................6
Solar Energy .......................................................................................................................................7
Wind Energy..................................................................................................................................... 14
Geothermal Energy .......................................................................................................................... 18
Micro Hydroelectric ......................................................................................................................... 29
Natural Gas....................................................................................................................................... 34
Biomass ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Recommendations...................................................................................................................47
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................49
Appendix A – Wind Map.........................................................................................................57
Appendix B – Available Biomass Fuel....................................................................................58
Appendix C – Biomass Payback Scenario ..............................................................................65
Scope and Purpose
The Eastern Idaho Entrepreneurial Center (E Center) was commissioned to conduct a feasibility
analysis concerning the development of the natural energy sources available in the areas of the Idaho
counties of Fremont, Madison, Teton and Teton, Wyoming. The energy sources focused on are:
hydro, geothermal, wind, biomass, solar, and natural gas
Methodology
The team’s primary source of information was the US Department of Energy (DOE), whose
information was backed up by industry experts, case studies, tax incentives, and local utility
providers. Research results were then analyzed and compared to the environment found in the
counties of Fremont, Madison, Teton (Idaho), and Teton (Wyoming) – hereafter referred to as the
“Fremont County Area.” The energy sources were then prioritized according to the following
criteria: initial investment cost, payback period, geographical environment, ecological impact, energy
production, and sustainability. Conclusions were drawn based on the data gathered.

4
Research
Local Utilities
The payback schedule for any energy investment is directly related to the energy rates
offered by local utility companies.
Rocky Mountain Power and Fall River Rural Electric are the only two electric utility
providers in the Idaho counties. Lower Valley Energy is the sole provider of utility energy in Teton,
WY. Each offers their own rates, but they are broken down into two types of service: residential and
non-residential. The rates offered through Rocky Mountain Power are seasonal, charging more in
the summer (May 1 to October 31) than in the winter (November 1 to April 30).1
Each utility
provider has a Demand Charge for non-residential customers where their use is measured every 15
minutes throughout the month and the highest use rate is charged an additional amount based on
the peak usage for that month. For example, if the Demand Charge is $8.00 and throughout the
month the highest demand of kW was 60, then they will still be charged the total kWh usage that
month, but then an additional $480 would be applied (60kW x $8).
Rate schedules of Rocky Mountain Power are as follows:2
Table 1
Residential Service Charge Summer Winter
Up to 700 kWh $5 10.2013¢/kWh 7.8085¢/kWh
More than 700 kWh $5 13.7717¢.kWh 10.5415¢/kWh
General (Residential & Farm) Service Charge Summer Winter
Less than 2,300 volts $15 8.5835¢/kWh 7.4928¢/kWh
More than 2,300 volts $46 8.5835¢/kWh 7.4928¢/kWh
General (Large Power) Service Charge Summer Winter
0-2,300 volts $35 3.5305¢/kWh 3.5305¢/kWh
More than 2,300 volts $105 3.5305¢/kWh 3.5305¢/kWh
Demand Charge $13.28 $10.92
Customers who produce electricity for on-grid connections can sell back excess energy at the
same rate that Rocky Mountain Power offers, if the energy produced is less than 25 kW. This is
referred to as “Net Metering.” For non-residential customers who produce on-grid energy:
Net Metering Rate Credit equals 85 percent of the monthly weighted average of the
daily on-peak and off-peak Dow Jones Mid-Columbia Electricity Price Index (Dow Jones
1
(Rocky Mountain Power, 2012)
2

5
Mid-C Index) prices for non- firm energy. This rate is calculated based upon the previous
calendar month’s data.3
Rates in the area of Fall River Rural Electric are as follows:4
Table 2
Fall River will purchase back excess energy from residential energy producers at the retail
rate in the form of credit towards the following month’s bill. Excess energy on December 31st
of
each year will be given to Fall River without any compensation to the residential energy producer.
The policy only extends to residential customers who produce 25 kW or smaller.5
Rates in the area of Lower Valley Energy are as follows:6
Table 3
Service Type Service Charge Kilowatt-hour
Residential $15 5.063¢/kWh
Small Commercial $15 5.321¢/kWh
Small Irrigation $15 5.320¢/kWh
Service Type Demand Charge Kilowatt-hour
Large Power Service $6.74 3.402¢/kWh
Large Irrigation $6.74 3.402¢/kWh
Lower Valley Energy does not have a Net Metering policy listed on their website and calls to
metering manager were not returned.
According to the 2010 US Census, the average monthly kWh consumption in the state of
Idaho is 1,020 – the lowest retail cost in any other state of territory of 7.99 cents per kWh. Idaho has
an average household monthly electric bill of $81.46. Wyoming residential usage averages at 887
kWh per month with an average rate of 8.77 cents and monthly bill of $77.43. 7
3
4
(Fall River Electric, 2012)
5
(Fall River Rural Electric, 2009)
6
(Lower Valley Energy, 2012)
7
(US Department of Energy, 2011)
Service Type Service Charge Kilowatt-hour Demand Charge
Residential
0-2,000 kWh $36 7.1¢/kWh -$
Over 2,000 kWh $36 7.438¢/kWh -$
General Service (<50KW) $36 4.7¢/kWh $8.17/kWh
General Service (>50KW) $58 4.7¢/kWh $8.17/kWh

6
Tax Incentives
Residential
Solar, Photovoltaic, Wind, Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps
The Federal Government offers a 100% deduction for residential customers who install these energy
sources that produce at least 25 kW of electricity on their property. The income tax deduction is as
follows: 40% in the first year, then 20% for the next three years. The total amount is limited to
$5,000 per year, $20,000 over the four years.8
Utility & Commercial
Large Wind, Small Wind, Biomass, Geothermal, Micro Turbine, Solar
The Federal Government offers a grant refund to certain approved renewable energies that are used
for utility and commercial purposes. These grants are not limited by the amount redeemable, rather
only by the percentage of total costs towards construction of the energy facilities.
Utility Source Expiration Incentive
Large Wind 1-Jan-13 30% Grant Refund
Biomass 1-Jan-14 30% Grant Refund
Geothermal 1-Jan-14 30% Grant Refund
Microturbine 1-Jan-17 10% Grant Refund
Solar 1-Jan-17 30% Grant Refund
Small Wind 1-Jan-17 30% Grant Refund
8
(Energy.Gov)
Residential Source Expiration Incentive
Solar 1-Jan-17 30% Tax Deductible
Wind 1-Jan-17 30% Tax Deductible
Geothermal 1-Jan-17 30% Tax Deductible
Biomass 1-Jan-17 30% Tax Deductible

7
Solar Energy
Outline of Energy
Description
Solar energy is the conversion of sunlight and heat into electricity.
Requirements
Solar panels require sunlight to either reflect & store heat, or to create an electric current
between two oppositely charged layers of material. Surface area is the basis of solar energy
production: the more area available to utilize the sunlight, then the more energy will be produced.
Outline of Technology
Description
Photovoltaic - PV
PV converts sunlight into energy at the atomic level. As explained by NASA, “Some
materials exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect that causes them to absorb photons of
light and release electrons. When these free electrons are captured, an electric current results that can
be used as electricity.” 9
Public and private companies are carrying out solar cell research and
development. Current developments include PV roofing materials, windows, and paints, which
would make the requirements of home construction perform “double duty as solar energy
collectors.” 10
The PV cells have two sides:
positive and negative. When sunlight hits
the surface, electrons travel to the
opposite panel to create an electric
current. The individual cells are one-half
to four inches large and only produce
between one to two watts, which is not
enough power for most applications.11
Groups of cells make a panel, groups of
panels make an array, and numerous
arrays create a system. The cells
contain no moving parts and are
very reliable. Because of this, reliability is measured on modules and systems rather than individual
cells.12
PV systems can be used on a residential or utility scale. Shown here in Figure 1 is the
estimated solar energy available through PV technology.
9
(Knier, 2002)
10
(Langston, 2011)
11
(US Energy Information Administration, 2012)
12
(Department of Energy, 2011)
(http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/pv_systems.html)
Figure 1

8
Figure 2
There are two ways that PV technology is employed: the flat-plate system and the
concentrator system. “The simplest PV array consists of flat-plate PV panels in a fixed position. The
advantages of fixed arrays are that they lack moving parts, there is virtually no need for extra
equipment, and they are relatively lightweight.” Flat-plate panels are ideal for rooftops and
residential locations seeing as their fixed and start-up costs are low. However, they do not have a
tracking system so their energy creation is less than optimal.13
The concentrator system is much more efficient and much more expensive. It reduces the
amount of solar cells needed to produce energy, takes up less space, and makes the use of more
expensive materials a more feasible option. However, this system requires an expensive form of
optics to concentrate the light as well as a much more precise (and costly) tracking system in order
for it to be effective.14
Figure 3 illustrates the layout of a PV cell. The cover film and the encapsulant must be a
transparent and non-reflective materials to better absorb and utilize the sun’s energy.
13
(US Energy Information Agency, 2011)
14

9
Figure 3
Concentrating Solar Power – CSP
CSP comes in a three different forms: power tower, linear concentrator, and a dish/engine
system. All of them have an array of mirrors (called heliostats) that carry no photovoltaic ability. They
reflect sunlight and refocus it to heat a liquid (i.e.: water, molten salt, oil, or something that retains
heat well) that turns a turbine with steam and creates electricity. CSP is primarily a utility-size
technology and has the benefit of being able to produce electricity when it is dark or cloudy: the
liquid involved is often stored and used to create steam long after the sun has gone down. The
heated liquid, if not used to turn a turbine, can retain its heat for several days of storage. However,
the CSP process requires high amounts of direct sunlight, such as what is best found in the
American Southwest. Shown in Figure 4 is the estimated solar energy resource available for CSP in
the US. There is much more potential for PV technology in Southeastern Idaho than for CSP.
Below is an explanation of the three types of CSP, but little research was done due to poor
feasibility.
Figure 4

10
CSP – Tower Power System
The CSP power tower system (Figure 5) uses an array of heliostats to focus the sun’s energy
on a receiver atop a tower, which heats a liquid to create steam that turns the generator. Some are
used today to create up to 200 MW of electricity.15
Figure 5
(www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=530)
CSP – Linear Concentrator System
Another form of CSP is the linear concentrator system seen here in Figure 6. It uses the
same concept as the power tower method, but instead the heated liquid is placed in a metal tube
directly in front of the U-shaped heliostats. These systems can produce up to 80 MW of energy.16
Figure 6
15
16

11
CSP – Dish System
The third form of CSP is dish/engine system. “The dish/engine system produces relatively
small amounts of electricity compared to other CSP technologies-typically in the range of 3 to 25
kilowatts.” 17
Figure 7
Energy Output
Each solar cell produces about one to two watts each, requiring that even small residential
projects have multiple panels in order to be feasible. The demand for PV energy has grown in the
past 10 years: worldwide solar energy production was at about 1.5 GW in 2000, and has grown to
over 64 GW at the end of 2011, averaging a growth rate of 25% in the past five years.18
This
increasing demand has led and will continue to lead to more efficient technology in the coming
years.
Efficiency in solar panels is measured by how much energy is produced versus how much is
possible. The range of efficiency is broad, spreading from 5%-43% efficiency, depending on the type
of material used in the cells. 19
See Figure 15 for a comparable list of solar panel options.
Operational Costs
PV solar technology has received considerable attention for research & development over
the past decades, which has led to today’s market being filled with numerous manufacturers and
dealers across the globe. There are companies in the state of Idaho that sell solar panels, with prices
varying from dealer to dealer, and many more across the nation. According to a news report in the
Idaho Statesman, the US Department of Commerce ruled that China was dumping solar panels into
the US market below cost of production, negatively affecting the profit margins of domestic solar
production facilities. With a high amount of dealers and international competition, PV technology
has come to be very affordable to homes, businesses, and even utilities.
17
18
(International Energy Agency, 2012)
19
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2012)

12
A number of factorsmake solar energy the cheapest that it has ever been. The US
government offers tax benefits of up to 30% and energy initiatives to increase renewable energy
dependence. International trade practices are causing the prices of solar energy technology to
decrease rapidly.
“The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is pursuing the SunShot Initiative: a program that
will aggressively drive innovation to make solar energy cost-competitive—without subsidy—within a
decade.” Goals have been set into place by the DOE to reduce solar installment costs by as much as
75% within the decade and making solar account for 15-18% of total US electrical consumption by
the year 2030.20
Despite record lows in solar panel prices, sales have not gone up accordingly. “Part of the
reason is that Idaho’s electric rates are low enough that the economic motivation is not high.” 21
Earlier this year, a Chinese-backed company, Hoku Materials, fired 100 employees from its
polysilicon plant in Pocatello, ID, before final construction on the plant was even finished.22
Maintenance on PV cells is minimal. Because leaves and debris may impede light from
getting to the cells, a wash and sweeping of the panels about once or twice every year is all that is
needed for maintenance. In the research performed, most manufacturers held a 25-year guarantee
on their products. It was repeatedly said that the panels would generate electricity long after that –
up to 40 years or more – assuming proper care is given.
Because there is little maintenance, job creation with this technology is almost entirely on the
side of manufacturing and installation. Figure 8 is a table that contains a price comparison from a
number of different brands. Energy output is based on five hours of sunlight per day. Mounting
racks are approximately $75 per panel.23
Figure 8
20
21
(Barker, 2012)
22
(Reuters, 2012)
23
(Wholesale Solar, 2011)
Brand Cost
Monthly
Energy
Output
(kWh)
Number of
Panels
Mounting
Racks
AUO 1,325$ 33.6 1 Included
SolarEdge 4,757$ 256.8 8 Not Included
Solar Sky 13,065$ 976.5 30 Not Included
Solar Sky 17,065$ 1,302.0 40 Not Included
Solar Sky 34,125$ 2,604.0 80 Not Included

13
Tax Incentives
Utility tax incentives include a tax credit of 30% for PV systems, so long as they are placed
in service before December 31, 2016. 24
Residential tax incentives allow the purchaser to deduct 40%
of the cost of installation the first year and then 20% each year after for three additional years. The
limit for a residential purchase is $5,000 per year and $20,000 over four years.25
Environmental Impact
Solar energy use on a utility-scale or on a residential scale has not shown any negative
environmental effects to date. Concern has been raised about the manufacturing process of
polysilicon conductors in PV cells, but more industry research is needed to confirm these concerns.
In a report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), it is estimated that during the
expected lifetime (28 years) of a 1,000 KW solar panel array, it would “avoid conventional electrical-
plant emissions of more than half a ton of sulfur dioxide, one-third a ton of nitrogen oxides, and
100 tons of carbon dioxide.” That adds up to “nearly 8 pounds of sulfur dioxide, 5 pounds of
nitrogen oxides, and more than 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide” of atmospheric toxins avoided every
month. 26
Case Study
Nebraska Photovoltaic System
A rancher in Nebraska used a solar powered water pump to provide water for his cattle in a
remote location. Sunlight conditions were similar to that of Southeastern Idaho. The total cost of
the project was $5,510, pumped an average 5,800 gallons per day, and had a capacity of 544 Watts.
Maintenance lasted about 20 minutes per occasion to wash off the panels, tighten bolts, and clip
back any vegetation that blocked sunlight from reaching the solar panels.
“According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a 1 kW solar PV
system installed in Nebraska results in annual emissions savings of 4,570 pounds (2,077 kg)
of carbon dioxide, 7 pounds (3.18 kg) of nitrogen oxides, and 9 pounds (4.09 kg) of sulfur
dioxide.”27
Recommendation
The research suggests that CSP technology is not the better option for southeastern Idaho due to
its unavailability of energy and that it relies on focusing and retaining heat, thereby competing with
the local climate for the majority of the year. The payback timeline would be exceptionally long and
likely will not be met within the lifetime of the equipment.
Photovoltaic cell technology can offer a reliable source of energy since it can operate on
cloudy days or when sunlight is not at its strongest. It can also blend in with its surroundings and be
placed in areas without taking up precious real estate, such as rooftops or remote locations.
Investment requirements are low and the payback period can be short, within a few years.
24
(Environmental Protection Agency, 2012)
25
(DSIRE, 2011)
26
27
(Black & Veatech, 2003)

14
Wind Energy
Outline of Energy
Description
Movement of air creates wind energy. Windmills harness this energy through its blades: wind
passes through the blades of the windmill that turns a generator, or turbine. This form of energy is
renewable since the supply of wind is not exhausted after being used.
Requirements
Windmills have a cut-in speed where the blades begin to turn, a rated speed where optimal
performance is achieved, and a cut-out speed where the blades cease turning as a safety measure.28
Details on the size and speeds are dependent on the type of windmill and will be given in the
technology outline.
Available Options
Windmills come in various shapes and sizes, but they function the same way: wind passes
through rotating blades, which cause a large shaft to spin. That shaft, called the low-speed shaft, spins
the smaller high-speed shaft,
which powers the generator
located behind the blades.
That energy is then sent to
the grid, or to an energy
storage unit.
Wind patterns show
that the wind power in the
Fremont County Area is not
sufficient to sustain a utility-
size wind farm at a profitable
level. Average wind speeds
are sufficient to break cut-in
speed of 7mph, but do not
sustain themselves at the
rated speed of 25mph and
higher.29
See Appendix A for a wind map of the area.
Provided in Figure 10 is a short list of comparable windmills. Only those that are rated to be
on-grid (able to connect with the local electrical utility network) were considered.
28
(The Energy Bible, 2010)
29
(U.S. Department of Energy, 2012)
Figure 9

15
Figure 10
Case Study
East of Idaho Falls is the Goshen Wind Farm with 83 different windmills producing 1.5 MW
each, a total of 124.5 MW of power - enough energy to power 37,000 homes. 30, 31
The windmill of
choice is the GE 1.5 MW xle. Matt Ordway, Vice President of Finance at Ridgeline Energy, says that
total construction of the wind farm took between 7-9 months. They began building the foundations
for all the windmills simultaneously, and continued doing the same steps for all the windmills
together. Construction costs averaged to be about $2,000-$2,500 per kilowatt (approximately
$285M). Ordway claims that construction of windmills now would likely be cheaper than they were
a year ago because the tax incentive for large wind production expires at the end of 2012.32
Geographical Requirements
The industry standard of distance between windmills is four to five rotor diameters from
side-to-side and six to seven rotor diameters from front-to-back.33
This is to maximize productivity
of each windmill and to also protect them should one malfunction. This rule of spacing applies to
both utility- and residential-size windmills. The ground-level land requirements per windmill are
relatively small, but the spacing of the windmills requires vast amounts of area above ground level.
Industry standard is to space the windmills four to five rotor diameters apart from front to back and
then six to seven rotor diameters from side to side. For example, the Goshen Wind Farm covers
11,000 acres, averaging about 88 MW per acre.34
The industry has an average of 60 MW per acre.35
Pollution & Environmental Impact
Wind energy has zero pollution.36
Dan Fesenmeyer, account manager at General Electric
Energy, said that often cattle can walk to the base of the tower and eat the grass. Farmers and
30
(Ridgline Energy, 2011)
31
(Diamond Generating Corporation, 2012)
32
(Ordway, 2012)
33
(Fesenmeyer, 2012)
34
(British Petroleum Alternative Energy, 2010)
35
(Fesenmeyer, 2012)
36
(Raihani, 2011)
Company Model Purpose Cost/unit Energy output
Cut-in
Speed m/s
(mph)
Rated Speed
m/s (mph)
Cut-out
Speed m/s
(mph)
Tower
Height
Rotor
Diameter
Minimum
Distance
Between
Windmills
General Electric GE 1.X Utility $1.8-$2.2 M 1.25-1.75 MW 3.5 (7.83) 11.5 (25.72) 25 (55.92) 80-100 m 80-120 m 400 m
General Electric GE 2.X Utility $3.2 M 2.5-2.75 MW 3.5 (7.83) 11.5 (25.72) 25 (55.92) 80-100 m 80-120 m 400 m
Bergey WindPower 10 kW Excel Residential $42-$68 K 10 kW 3.4 (7.5) 12 (27) 60 (134) 18-49 m 7 m 35 m
Aeolos (UK) 20 KW Residential $36-$40 K 20 kW 3.5 (7.83) 10 (22.37) 25 (55.92) 24 m 9 m 54 m
Bergey WindPower 5 kW Excel Residential $32-$58 K 6.2 kW 2 (4.5) 11 (24.6) 60 (134) 18-49 m 6.2 m 31 m
Hengfeng (China) HF-15KW Residential $16-$30 K 15 kW 3.0 (6.71) 10 (22.37) 30 (67.1) 16 m 2 m 10 m
Southwest Windpower Skystream 3.7 Residential $12-$15 K 2.4 kW 3.5 (7.83) 13 (29) 63 (140) 10-21 m 3.72 m 18.6 m

16
ranchers like wind farms because they get a three percent return on land used by windmills and they
also get roads on their ranch that they can use.37
Although carbon pollution from windmill energy production is nonexistent, some have
raised health concerns about the proximity of windmills to residential areas.38
Infrasound, which is
sound at a frequency below the lower limit of human audibility, has been reported to cause some
negative health effects to those within close proximity of windmills. The scholarly journal
Environmental Health reports that some people living near turbines suffer from dizziness, vertigo,
nausea, visual blurring and other symptoms that could be caused by the noise and flickering of the
blades. 39
The article recommends that windmills not be constructed in residential areas, if possible. If
they are, then the sound emitted by the windmills should not exceed 40 decibels (dB). It explains
that infrasound is in everyday life from mining to automobiles, from airplanes to ocean waves, and
some mammals use infrasound as means of communication.
Operators & Suppliers of Technology
Operational Costs
After researching and speaking with several members in the industry, General Electric Wind
Energy is the largest manufacturer of wind turbines and windmills in the US. It has two standard
platforms for utility-sized windmills: 1.X and 2.X machines, referring to the amount of megawatts
they produce. Dan Fesenmeyer quoted prices for the machines: 1.X machines cost between $1.8-2.2
million per unit and 2.X machines cost up to $3.2 million per unit. Fesenmeyer explained that costs
would depend on where the windmill would be built (size of generator, distance for shipment, type
of terrain, roads). Speed of construction may vary. Some construction teams may be able to build
three windmills per day or one per week pending factors including: experience, size of total project,
weather, and availability of materials.40
According to the Department of Energy, “Wind energy is one of the lowest-priced
renewable energy technologies available today, costing between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour,
depending upon the wind resource and project financing of the particular project.”41
The current
average retail price per kilowatt-hour in Idaho is 6.49¢.42
Matt Ordway, vice president of finance at Ridgeline Energy, says that there is a 2.5¢ per kw-
hour tax credit for wind farms, plus a 30% government grant refund available after construction is
complete. These benefits for large wind projects expire on December 31, 2012. Unless they are extended,
Ordway predicts that large utility wind farm production will not continue.43
37
(Fesenmeyer, 2012)
38
(Berwald, 2008)
39
(Knopper & Ollson, 2011)
40
(Fesenmeyer, 2012)
41
42
(Intitute for Energy Research)
43
(Ordway, 2012)

17
Small windmill production (under 100 kW) has tax benefits of up to $20,000 that will
continue on until Jan 1, 2017.44, 45
These benefits, with lower costs and lower cut-in speeds, make
small wind (less than 100 KW) a viable source of energy in the area.
Workforce Management
A farm consisting of 20 units will offer a full-time staff of three to four people for
monitoring and upkeep. Depending on health and safety standards, three people are typically needed
to service a tower and perform maintenance, which can be outsourced. Regular maintenance should
be performed every six months and takes less than one working day to complete.46
Salary for windmill technicians can vary. Since the industry is new, exact numbers on
industry-wide salaries and training differ. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that training and
certification to be a windmill technician can be done at technical schools and community colleges.
BLS reports that starting annual salaries are between $35,000 and $40,000, but may vary by location.
There is a shortage of technicians and the most experienced wind techs can demand high salaries.47
Conclusion & Recommendation
Wind patterns show that wind power in the Fremont County Area is not sufficient to sustain
a utility-size wind farm at a profitable level. Average wind speeds for the area are sufficient to break
cut-in speed of 7mph, but rarely sustain themselves at the rated speed of 25mph and higher where
maximum production is obtained.48
The areas where that sort of sustainable wind is found are
located on the ridges of the Big Hole Mountains, just southwest of the Teton Basin. Costs to
construct windmills on that terrain would exceed the return on investment within the 20-year life
expectancy of the windmills.49
With the tax benefits expiring at the end of this year, expected profit
margins and lists of potential investors are decreasing.
It is feasible that smaller residential-size windmills could be used in the area to power
buildings, businesses, homes, and farms in the Fremont County Area. These smaller windmills have
lower noise pollution, lower visual impact on the landscape, and tax benefits will not expire until
December 31, 2016.
44
(Idaho State Legislature)
45
(Green Energy Solutions, 2011)
46
(Fesenmeyer, 2012)
47
(United States Department of Labor, 2011)
48
49
(Fesenmeyer, 2012)

18
Geothermal Energy
Outline of Energy
Definition
Geothermal Energy is created by using subterranean groundwater that is heated by a nearby
dormant volcano at depths of up to 9,800 feet.50
Geothermal operates at up to 95% of its electricity
generating capacity year round.51
The energy is harvested by drilling wells to the depth of the water,
separating the steam from the hot water, and sending the steam to the power plant. The water is
then returned to the reservoir to generate more harvestable steam energy. This process makes
geothermal energy clean and renewable.
Description
There are three technologies used to extract heat and produce energy from geothermal
sources. They are: dry steam, flash steam, and binary-cycle. The dry steam process extracts fluids in a
gaseous state and runs them through a turbine that powers a generator. The flash steam plant, the
most common in use today, involves pumping highly pressurized fluid to the surface where it enters
a low pressure tank, which prompts a “flash” steam reaction to drive the turbine. The binary-cycle
power plant passes hot water through a heat transfer with a lower steam point liquid that vaporizes
and drives the turbines to generate electricity.52
The different technologies are further discussed in
the Available Options section of this document. Geothermal production, like fossil fuels, provides
continuous base load energy (meaning it doesn’t need to be stored for later use like resources that do
not run continually).53
This form of energy is renewable because it is derived from a conceivably
limitless and renewing energy source – the earth’s heat.
Requirements
Few locations have the conditions to generate geothermal energy; there must be a fracture in
the earth’s crust that enables molten rock to come close to the surface and heat underground water
to a high temperature, there must be enough fluid to power the generator, and the ground must be
permeable.54
The type of power plant used to produce energy depends upon the resource: whether it
is in a liquid or gaseous state and its temperature. The only operating geothermal power plant in
Idaho, the Raft River plant, operates a binary-cycle with water at 300°F.55
Available Options
Dry Steam
Dry steam plants use hydrothermal fluids that are stored in the earth as steam. Since the
hydrothermal resource is already steam, it travels directly to a turbine to drive a generator, bypassing
50
(Chevron Corporation, 2012)
51
(Standard Steam, 2012)
52
53
(Union of Concerned Scientists, 2009)
54
55
(Geothermal Energy Association, 2012)

19
any steam conversion process. Dry steam plants emit some excess steam with very minor amounts
of gases (depending on the location and makeup of the resource). A dry steam power plant system
was the first type of geothermal power generating technology put into use. Steam technology is used
today at the Geysers in northern California, currently the world's largest single source of geothermal
power. The resource must be naturally found in a gaseous state for dry steam to work.56
See Figure
11 for a visual depiction of the process described.
Figure 11
Flash Steam
Flash steam power plants are the most common type of geothermal power generator in
operation. To be viable for this plant design, resource fluids must be at temperatures greater than
360°F. The water is pumped through a high-pressure tube into a low-pressure tank at ground level,
which causes some of the fluid to quickly vaporize, hence the use of the word "flash" to describe the
process. From this point the vapor drives a turbine that in turn drives a generator. To increase
efficiency, any liquid that did not “flash” can be moved to another tank where it can be flashed again
and produce more energy.57
See Figure 12 for a visual depiction of the process described.
56
57

20
Figure 12
Binary Cycle
With binary-cycle power, the resource from the geothermal reservoir never comes in contact
with ground level turbine and generator units.58
To be used in a binary-cycle plant, the resource
needs to have a low to moderate temperature range, between 185 and 338°F. The geothermal fluid
passes through a heat exchange with a secondary fluid (typically a butane or pentane hydrocarbon)
that has a much lower boiling point than water, which causes the secondary fluid to vaporize. From
here the vapor drives the turbines, which power the generators, which creates electricity. Binary-
cycle plants are closed-loop systems, so nothing is emitted into the atmosphere. Resources in the
low to moderate temperature range are the most common in the world. The binary-cycle plant is the
technology that is expected to be implemented most in the future.59
See Figure 13 for a visual
depiction of the process described.
Figure 13
58
59

21
The Standard Steam Trust (SST) has confirmed that the geothermal site in Newdale,
Fremont County, ID is a viable site for a geothermal power plant. The location is classified as a
phase 1 project, meaning that the resource has been procured and identified.60
A capacity estimate
has not yet been made to determine the potential power supply of the resource in Newdale.61
The research done in Newdale has concluded that there is an abundant resource of ground
water. Results from the drill holes for the SST project show yields in excess of 3,000 Gallons per
Minute (gpm); most pronounced near the Teton Dam Fault. In some of the holes drilled to depths
of 150-200 meters, water is confirmed at 100°F. Local irrigation lessors pump over 2,400 gpm from
wells that reach 124°F.62
The Raft River geothermal power plant (discussed further under the Case Study below) has a
similar temperature range to what has been found in the Newdale project. For this moderate
temperature range, the binary-cycle technology is the most feasible option to generate electric
power.63
Case Study
The Raft River project, which is located approximately 200 miles SE of Boise, ID, is the only
geothermal power plant operating in the state of Idaho. Based on estimates from GeothermEx Inc.
the 8 square mile plot of land may be capable of producing 110 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The
Raft River area was designated as a known geothermal resource area in 1971, and in 1973 the United
States Geological Survey and Energy Research and Development Administration (now the
Department of Energy (DOE)) began a geothermal exploration program in southern Idaho.
Between 1974 and 1980, 84 wells were drilled at Raft River, including 7 deep wells that formed the
basis for a geothermal demonstration plant. The first utility-size binary-cycle geothermal power plant
in the world, a 7 MW binary system using isobutane as the binary fluid, was constructed and tested
at this site.64
This plant operated from late 1981 until June 1982, generating 4 MW net from
geothermal fluids that ranged in temperature between 135-145°C. Due to a change in government
priorities, the DOE declared the project a success and decided to sell off the plant equipment.65
Although the exhibition plant only produced electricity for several months on a test basis,
the technology has become a proven technology for producing electrical power from moderate
temperature geothermal resources in the world. The site was chosen for the proven hot water
resource that had already been developed and tested, and the facilities that were already in place. The
Raft River site remained untouched for the next 20 years. U.S. Geothermal Inc. acquired the site in
60
61
(Fleischmann, 2006)
62
(Standard Steam Trust, 2009)
63
(U.S. Geothermal Inc., 2008)
64
(Photo Researchers, Inc., 2012)
65

22
2002, and after upgrading existing wells and drilling additional wells, another binary plant was
installed. The field began generating approx.10 MW in January 2008.66
The Raft River field contains 9 deep geothermal wells (> 1500 m depth), 4 are currently used
for production and 3 for reinjection. Production temperatures are approximately 140 °C, with a total
production rate of ~400 kg/s. The production wells generally produce from approximately 1400 m
depth on the northwest side of the field, and approximately 1750 m depth on the southeast side of
the field.67
The following information on the Raft River Area may be useful in determining the makeup
of the Newdale project geological implications: 68
The geology in [Raft River Valley] is complex, and reflects the combined influences
of these two geologic terrains…The Raft River basin consists of ~1800 m of Tertiary and
Quaternary infill sediments and volcanic rock overlying the Precambrian basement. The top
300 m of basin fill defines the Raft River Formation, composed of fluvial, alluvial and loess
sediments that are lenticular and gradational in nature…Two major fault zones have been
identified on the west side of the valley: the Bridge Fault Zone and the Horse Wells Fault
Zone…The NW production wells are believed to intersect permeable zones associated with
the Bridge Fault (or adjacent parallel faults). From geophysical data, another major structure
has been inferred to exist beneath the Tertiary deposits - the Narrows Zone, which trends
northeast-southwest and has been interpreted as a basement shear. The intersection of the
assumed Narrows Zone and Bridge Fault Zone plays an integral role in controlling the
location of the upflow zone in the geothermal system.
Figure 14 shows the modular construction of the binary-cycle geothermal power plant in the Raft
River project:
Figure 14
66
67
68
(Bridget Ayling, 2011)

23
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the following variables would be required for
a location with similar characteristics to the Newdale project:
• Low mineral and gas content in the resource.
• Shallow underground lakes to extract and replace the fluid.
• Private land for ease of permits.
• Close to existing power lines.
• Another source of water for evaporative cooling.
• If it is a closed loop system, fluid temperature must be at least 300º F. The other types
can operate with fluid temperatures as low as 210º F.
• “The flow required depends on the temperature of the fluid, the ambient (sink)
characteristics, and the pumping power required to supply and dispose of the fluid.
Excluding fluid pumping, a closed-loop binary-cycle geothermal power plant would need
450 to 600 gpm to generate 1 MW from a 300° F fluid with an air temperature of 60° F.
If the fluid temperature were only 210° F, one would need 1,300 to 1,500 gpm to
generate the same amount of power.” 69
Newdale, located near the Wyoming border in southern Fremont County, has the most
potential for geothermal energy creation in the county. In the 1980s two commercial geothermal
wells were drilled outside of Newdale on private land. The resource was not deemed sufficient to
produce power at that time, but the temperatures indicated that further study and power creation
would be possible. The two wells drilled measured 190°F (87.8°C) at 2,920 feet and 180.5°F
(82.5°C) at 3,358 feet.70
Binary-cycle power plants operate using water at temperatures between 185
and 338°F (85 to 170°C).71
The binary system can operate at these temperatures, which are below
the boiling point of water, through the selection of an appropriate secondary fluid. The upper
temperature limit is restricted by the stability of the binary fluids. The lower temperature limit is
restricted by practical and economic considerations, as the heat exchanger size for a given capacity
becomes impractical and the energy requirements from well and circulating pumps require a large
percentage of the electricity output.72
The binary plants in use today are mostly small modular units varying in size from hundreds
of kilowatts to several megawatts.73
The small-scale development allowed by modular construction is
cost effective and facilitates short manufacturing and installation times, with the ability to expand.
The problem of creating a larger power plant in the 10 to 50 MW range is solved by developing a
plant with a large number of modular units together in a common resource area. Down hole pumps
may be used in connection with the modular binary-cycle plant where resource wells do not flow
spontaneously, or in locations where the geothermal fluid is prone to flashing (leaving the
69
(U. S. Department of Energy, 2011)
70
(Fleischmann, 2006)
71
(Antal, 2001)
72
(Antal, 2001)
73
(Antal, 2001)

24
pressurized state). Binary units can then be used to extract energy from the circulating fluid through
the use of the secondary fluid.74
Geothermal power offers many advantages over fossil fuel power generation; including low
emissions, an unlimited resource, the possibility to extract minerals from the resource, and low
visual impact. The only thing emitted from geothermal flash plants is the excess steam, and that is
only in power plants designed to release steam. No air emissions or liquids are released by binary-
cycle plants, which are predicted to become the principal technology in the future.
Minerals that may be in the fluids are injected back into the reservoir with the water at a
depth much deeper than groundwater aquifers. This process recycles the geothermal water. Some
geothermal plants do produce sludge’s that require disposal. Some of these solids, such as zinc,
sulfur and silica, are now being extracted for sale, which increases the value of the resource.
Geothermal heating systems are easily integrated into communities and have little visual impact.
Geothermal power plants use small acreages, are low to ground level, and do not require storage,
transportation, or combustion of fuels. The only emission would be steam in the plants that give off
excess steam.75
Operational Costs
A binary-cycle power plant will be able produce electricity for as little as 7.37 cents per
kilowatt-hour after taking into account all related costs, including production tax credit.76, 77
There is
also potential for direct use of geothermal resources as a heating source for homes and businesses.
One potential use of direct geothermal heat is a year round greenhouse, which could offset some of
the costs related to building and running the power plant. Operating and maintenance costs (variable
costs) range from $0.01 to $0.03 per kWh. Most geothermal power plants can produce energy at
least 90% of the time, but running at 97% or 98% may increase maintenance costs. An ability to
charge higher prices for the electricity justifies running the plant 98% of the time because the higher
maintenance costs will be recovered.78
Feasibility
Geographical Availability
The following statistics were retrieved from SST corporate website, and describe the
Newdale, Idaho project: 79
• Land position 77% complete in target area of 22 square miles
74
(Antal, 2001)
75
76
(California Energy Commission, 2003)
77
78
79

25
• Majority Fee land allows for rapid permitting
• Water well flows of over 3,000 gallons per minute and above 125 °F
• Temperature gradient drilling program completed
• Detailed gravity data
• 119 KV transmission line crosses the property
• Drill three to five production wells in 2010
The prospect described by SST lies approximately 80 km southwest of Yellowstone National
Park and encompasses 11,211 acres (45 sq. km) of state- and privately-owned land. SST acquired the
geothermal leases in 2010. A 119 kV transmission line crosses the project, supplying the Idaho Falls-
Pocatello grid, and geothermal energy generated in Newdale is expected to be able to feed that line.
There had been previous exploration done by AMAX and Union Oil of California (in the 1980’s)
that confirmed the presence of hot water in 17 holes drilled northeast of the town of Newdale, but
at that time the resource was not viable for energy creation with the available technology.
In 2009 SST drilled 20 temperature gradient wells outside of Newdale, in addition to the 17
already drilled. They concluded from the results of these drills that the Newdale area has abundant
groundwater resources with the potential to create geothermal energy. The thermal system in
Fremont County encompasses an area of approximately 50 sq km. Based on its review and analysis
of historic and proprietary geologic and technical data, SST concluded that there is potential for
geothermal resource beneath the Newdale project.80
Ecological Impact
Geothermal plants can use up to use five gallons of freshwater per mWh, but binary air-
cooled plants require no fresh water. Natural gas facilities use, on average, 361 gallons per mWh.
Geothermal fluids used for electricity generation are injected back into the geothermal reservoirs
using wells with thick walls to prevent cross-contamination of secondary fluids with groundwater
systems.81
The geothermal resource is not released into surface waterways. Geothermal power plants
can be easily designed to blend in to their surrounding and vary from small personal use systems to
large mass energy production power plants. They can be incorporated into multiple-use lands with
farming, skiing, hunting, and many other activities and cause no harm.82
Based on a test period of 30
years to compare the life cycle impacts of different power sources, “a geothermal facility uses 404
square meters of land per gigawatt hour, while a coal facility uses 3,632 square meters per gigawatt
hour.” 83
Subsidence, the slow, downward sinking of land, may be linked to reservoir pressure decline
cause by geothermal resource power generation. Injection technology used in geothermal power
plants in the United States has been proven to slow the process and mitigate some of the effects.
Geothermal energy production and re-injection into the reservoir have caused some low-magnitude
events known as micro-earthquakes. These events are too minimal to be detected by humans and are
80
81
82
(Alyssa Kagel, 2007)
83

26
often voluntarily monitored by the company that owns the geothermal project. Geothermal
development does not include removing, changing or damaging visible geothermal landmarks, such
as geysers or hot springs. Depending on the location, an environmental impact review may be
required before constructing a geothermal power plant. This review is designed to categorize
potential impact on vegetation and animal life in the area. Geothermal power plants are designed to
minimize the potential effect upon wildlife and vegetation, and they are constructed in accordance
with state and federal regulations that protect areas determined viable for development.84
There is
almost no sound emission from the power plant, and therefore should not be considered an issue of
concern.85
Sustainability
Cost
Costs of a geothermal plant are heavily weighted toward early expenses for research and
building, rather than resources to keep them running. Well drilling occurs first, followed by resource
analysis of the drilling information. These two steps have already been completed for the Newdale
site. After analysis has been made that prove the viability of the resource, design of the actual plant
is conducted. The initial cost for the field and power plant is usually around $2500 per installed KW
on average, but in a small (<1MW) power plant it will most likely be $3000 to $5000/KW.86
Well
flow rate has the greatest influence on the economic results of the plant. A 10-year payback period
can be achieved as long as the electricity sales rate is above 6 cents/kWh and the well flow rate is at
least 16,649 liters per min. At a more modest flow rate of 3,459 lit/min, most scenarios have
payback periods below 20 years as long as the energy is sold for above $0.06/kWh. Lower flow rates
will take more time or necessitate a higher energy charge rate.87
Benefit
One prominent advantage of a binary-cycle geothermal power plant is that it does not create
any pollution. Once a viable piece of land has been chosen, purchasing the land is usually less costly
than buying land for construction of oil, gas, coal or nuclear power plants because a geothermal
plant uses less land space. Cost is also reduced because it is a clean energy, so developers may
receive tax cuts, little to no environmental bills or quotas to comply with a carbon emission scheme.
Running costs for the plants are low as there are no costs for purchasing, transporting, or cleaning
up of fuels you may usually purchased to generate the power. The only power that needs to be
supplied is electricity to pump the geothermal resource through the power plant, and this can be
supplied by the power plant itself.88
Renewable energy resources like geothermal can help states
diversify the mix of fuels they rely on for power and protect customers from volatile electricity
prices. The fuel costs for a geothermal power plant are not dependent upon volatile markets.
84
85
86
87
(Crissie D. Fitzgerald, 2003)
88
(Clean Energy Ideas, 2012)

27
The following figure shows the number of jobs that would be created by the development
and operations of a 50 MW capacity geothermal power plant:89
Figure 15
Table
1:
Jobs
Involved
in
Geothermal
Development

(50
MW)
Stage
of
Development
No.
of
jobs
Start-‐up 10
–
13
Exploration 11
–
22
Drilling 91
–
116
Plant
Design
and
Construction
(EPC) 383
–
489
Operation
and
Maintenance 10
–
25
Power
Plant
System
Manufacturing 192
–
197
Total 697
–
862
The benefits of a geothermal power plant are:90
• Constructing a geothermal power plant can help generate economic development
opportunities, especially in rural areas. Direct employment for operating the plant is estimated to
be 1.7 permanent jobs per megawatt (MW) of capacity installed.91
• The energy produced on a small or large scale can provide heat for agricultural, industrial
and space heating applications.
• Geothermal power plants provide steady and predictable base load power supply.
• New geothermal power plants currently generate electricity between $0.05 and $0.08 per
kWh, which can decrease below $0.05 per kWh after capital investment has been recovered.
Geothermal energy can be maintained at a stable price.
• Direct use applications and power plants can generate tax revenue and royalty payments
for federal, state and local governments. They also create construction, operation,
administrative and maintenance jobs. Adding geothermal power will diversify the mix of
fuels that the state depends on.
• Responsibly managed geothermal resources can deliver energy and provide power for
decades.
• Geothermal power plants in the United States are capable of operating 98% of the time.
• The power plants require no fuel purchase and are compatible with agricultural and
recreational land uses.
89
(Gawell, 2012)
90
(National Geothermal Collaborative, 2004)
91
(Gawell, 2012)

28
• Geothermal plants produce a small amount of pollutant emissions, which can be reduced
to zero with a binary-cycle plant.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Research shows geothermal energy is a feasible option for Freemont County and the surrounding area for
power generation working toward independent sustainability. Newdale has the most readily developable
potential for a geothermal power plant.92
Based on research in the area, a binary-cycle system is the
most viable power plant design for power creation in the Newdale project.93
A geothermal power
plant will provide an excellent source of clean, inexpensive, simple, renewable power, while
providing jobs and decreasing the overall cost of energy. While more research needs to be done to
determine the exact potential for power generation, geothermal energy is a resource that should be
examined in Fremont County.
Geothermal energy can be used for many different purposes depending on the scale. A
power plant designed to fuel multiple populated areas is an option. Geothermal energy can be put to
use in other ways, which will provide the surrounding communities with increased employment
opportunities, reduced heating costs and reliance on outside providers for fuel and other resources.
Geothermal direct heat can heat a greenhouse that can grow produce year-round and heat
government and private buildings through a direct heating system. All of these options should be
considered along with the use of large-scale geothermal energy.
92
(Fleischmann, 2006)
93
(Antal, 2001)

29
Micro Hydroelectric
Outline of Energy
Description
Moving water possesses kinetic energy, which has the ability to be harnessed and used for
productive purposes. Hydroelectric energy is the production of mechanical energy by passing water
through a hydraulic machine that is rotated by the action of water, which in turn rotates an electrical
generator to produce energy.94
Requirements
To have an effective micro hydroelectric project, it is necessary to have a source of moving
water. After a source has been found, a water conveyance system is needed to either channel or pipe
the water to a turbine or waterwheel that connects to a generator, which produces energy. To
control the resulting energy levels, a regulator is needed. Lastly, wiring is required to conduct the
electricity to the grid or storage locations.95
Available Options
Hydroelectric energy has been utilized for many years and three different methods have been
developed to take advantage of the water source.
Run-of-the-River
Run-of-the-river systems divert water from a river or stream to a turbine. After passing through the
turbine, water is fed back into the original source. This system is most cost-effective in areas that
already have dams in place that provide energy. There is low environmental impact due to the
simplicity of materials.96
Impoundment
Impoundment involves the use of dams to store and hold water. Large-scale hydroelectric projects
utilize this method due to the large amount of energy that can be produced. This method has a large
negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem.97
Pumped Storage
Pumped storage involves pumping water that has already passed through the turbines into a storage
pool. This allows the energy provider to release water during times of high energy consumption and
retain water during low levels of consumption. This method has a substantial environmental
impact.98
94
(Warnick, 1982)
95
96
97
98
(Program, 2011)

30
Case Studies
Logan, UT
Logan is located at the mouth of Logan Canyon and is ideally situated for hydroelectric
power. In 2003, the City of Logan hired Stanley Consultants of Salt Lake City, Utah, to provide an
in-depth study of eleven sites within Logan’s existing culinary and irrigation supply system as
potential micro hydro sites. Due to the variance in flow rates, only one site showed a payback of less
than 20 years. Four others were considered potentially viable. Stanley Consultants estimated that
800,000 kWh could be produced annually at this site. This would result in $47,200 of annual income
for the city. The project was estimated to cost $528,000 and a payback of roughly 12 years. The final
cost of the project was $1.4 million and is expected to produce 750,000 kWh a year – the equivalent
of $30,000 to $50,000 of revenue. The expected payback will range from 14 to 24 years. The
maintenance costs are estimated at $5,000 per year. The life of the turbine is about 25-30 years
depending on how much sediment is in the water.99
Pleasant Grove, UT
Pleasant Grove hired Water Works Engineers to conduct a study of the city’s potential for
micro hydro projects. In fall of 2009, the Battle Creek area was identified as having the best
conditions for micro hydro application. With the development of a system using new technology,
Pleasant Grove believes it can take advantage of many other sites in the city’s culinary water system.
The City estimates that it could produce 1,072,801 kWh of electricity annually. This would be
enough energy to offset the current electrical consumption for all of the city’s municipal buildings.
Financially, the city expects a potential payback in as little as five years.100
99
(Lab, 2010)
100
(Lab, 2010)
Figure 16

31
The most important requirement in determining whether a particular site is economically
viable is whether it has sufficient head and flow to produce energy.101
Head is the height difference
between the starting point of the forebay and the location of the turbine in the powerhouse. Flow,
listed as gallons per minute, is how much water passes through within a set amount of time. The
amount of possible energy production is dependent on sufficient levels of both head and flow. An
ideal location has large head and large flow, creating the greatest potential for maximum energy
output from the micro hydro system. Low head and low flow sites can produce energy, but the
payback period would be too long to make it economically viable.
Energy Output Levels
For a hydroelectric project to qualify as micro hydro, the energy production level must be
under 100 kW. Any system that produces more than 100 kW of energy is considered small hydro
and introduces additional legal and permit issues.102
Pollution, Byproducts & Environmental Impact
Small run-of-the-river projects are free from many of the environmental problems associated
with large-scale projects because they use the natural flow of the water and cause little change in
flow. Dams built for some run-of-the-river projects are small and impound little water, while many
projects do not require a dam. Effects such as oxygen depletion, increased temperature, decreased
flow, and rejection of upstream migration aids, like fish ladders, are not problems for many run-of-
the-river projects.103
Legal Requirements
To install and operate any hydropower project, regardless of size, it requires permits. The
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), requires application and permits for projects that
produce more than 5 megawatts of electricity. Micro hydro falls into an exemption category with
FERC because of its small energy output.104
Federal permits are not required, but states still require
permits. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality requires that each project receive
certification that the state’s water quality standards are not violated.105
Installation can begin upon
receipt of the certification. There are no limits to who can or cannot install, maintain, or use a micro
hydro system since most of its applications are with individual homes and small communities.
Operators and Suppliers of Energy Technology
Operational Costs
Since each micro-hydro site differs in capacity and in complexity of equipment, the cost is
not consistent across sites. Between the cost of materials and labor, the total up-front investment
could range from $10,000 – $30,000.106
The operation and maintenance costs of hydropower are
101
(Warnick, 1982)
102
(Laboratory N. R.)
103
(Laboratory N. R.)
104
(Commission, 2012)
105
(Quality, 2011)
106
(Energy, 2010)

32
between 1.5% and 2.5% of investment cost per year.107
The above stated initial investment amounts
would require yearly maintenance costs of $150 - $750. The current price per kilowatt-hour is
6.49¢.108
Feasibility
Geographical Availability
Figure 17, which contains the Idaho counties of
Fremont, Madison, and Teton, has yellow dots representing
potential micro hydro locations. There are a total of 197
different locations that would satisfy the power potential
range of micro hydro projects.109
Ecological Impact:
The environmental impact of a micro hydro system
is minimal at any one of these locations. The nature of
micro hydro and run-of-the-river applications does not need
dams or other damaging equipment. Included in the
information CD of this report is a list of the coordinates,
distance from sub stations, energy potential, head and flow
rates, and other critical data of the identified sites.
Sustainability
Cost
The cost to sustain a micro hydro system in any of
the three Idaho counties is limited to the maintenance costs
and upkeep of state permits. These costs vary depending on
the size and complexity of the system.
Benefit
As long as water continues to flow, there will be an unlimited sustained amount of energy
that can be used. Hydropower is a power source with a steady flow of energy at all hours of the day,
all year round.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Due to the ease of installation, availability of locations, sustainability of the resource, and low
maintenance cost, micro hydroelectric energy is a viable option for providing green energy to the
area. Further investigation at each of the micro hydro sites identified will determine individual
viability. Because micro hydro is a small-scale project, the amount of energy created is low and only
a few individuals or businesses would benefit. It would create few jobs even if multiple sites were
developed, due to low maintenance requirements. The desire to provide a self sustaining, job
107
(Program, 2011)
108
(Research)
109
(Laboratory I. N.)
Number ofmicrohydro locations
Fremont 114
Madison 31
Teton 52
All in Mega Watts
Total Average 0.039
Fremont Average 0.039
Madison Average 0.036
Teton Average 0.041
Fremont Total 4.46
Madison Total 1.12
Teton Total 2.12
Figure 17

33
creating, green energy source that will impact the region most likely would not be achieved through
the use of micro hydro. Larger scale hydro projects would be more capable of providing the cash
flow needed to attain the degree that is sought after.

34
Natural Gas
Outline of Energy
Definition
Natural gas is a fossil fuel: it is formed from the remains of biological material that lived
millions of years ago. In its purest form, natural gas is odorless, colorless, and shapeless. It is a
composition of hydrocarbon gases, primarily methane. The composition of natural gas varies (see
Figure 18). When burned, natural gas creates energy with few emissions.
Description
The recent drop in price of natural gas (gas) has generated a lot of interest in gas-powered
vehicles and electricity for communities. Gas is found in reservoirs underneath the earth. Production
companies search for evidence of these reservoirs by using technology that helps find the gas and
drill wells where it is likely to be found.
Requirements
A lot of resources are needed to create power from gas. An important requirement is a
steady supply of natural gas. The facility would need to include a turbine and/or a boiler.
Available Options
There are three main turbine designs to generate power from natural gas. The first design is
a traditional steam turbine that relies on a furnace to burn gas to heat a bioler that creates the steam
to power the turbine.
The second design is a simple-cycle combustion that is similar to a jet engine. This uses a gas turbine
to convert the heat energy of combustion into mechanical energy, which then operates an electrical
generator.
The combined-cycle design features heat recovery boilers that take the exhaust heat at
approximately 1,125 degrees Fahrenheit from a gas turbine and convert it to steam. The steam goes
Figure 18

35
through conventional steam turbines to generate more electricity, which creates additional
efficiencies compared to simple-cycle combustion turbines and conventional steam power plants.
Figure 19 shows a natural gas turbine from General Electric (GE). This turbine works by
burning gas and spinning very fast. The power generator creates electricity by spinning. These
turbines can range from 300 horsepower (hp) to 268,000 hp. There are three major parts of a gas
turbine: compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine. Gas is compressed to 30 times ambient
pressure, and then the air is released into the combustion chamber. Inside the combustion chamber,
temperatures can reach up to 2,600˚F. The combustion chamber then spins the electric turbine to
create energy. A simple turbine design has a thermal efficiency between 15-42%. The thermal
efficiency is defined as the ratio of used energy from the turbine to the fuel energy input.
Figure 19 Gas Turbine
In Figure 20, natural gas is used to heat a boiler of water. The water is used to generate
steam that powers a steam turbine to generate electricity. Out of the three types of layouts, this is the
least efficient. Only 33 to 35 percent of the thermal energy used to generate the steam is converted
into electrical energy.110
There is also controversy with this design because the water gets so hot it
will sterilize the water from a lake or river and threatening the wildlife.111
110
(Electric Generation Using Natural Gas)
111
(EPA, 2007)

36
Figure 20 Boiler/Steam Turbine
The design of a combined cycle natural gas facility is much more complex but reaps a
thermal efficiency of up to 60%.112
The turbine works the same as it would in a simple combustion
layout, but a boiler absorbs part of the 2,600˚F produced from the turbine. Usually, a plant will have
a supplementary-fired boiler that can be used to increase the steam production.
Figure 21 Combined Cycle
Case Study
Southern Montana Electric (SME) is in a two-phase project to build a natural gas facility.
The first phase was to build a 40 MW station that uses a simple cycle combustion turbine generator
(CTG). This portion of the project is complete, and in 2014 or 2015 construction will begin to
upgrade the plant and will boost capacity to 120 MW. SME states that the project will bring 300-400
additional workers.
112
(Langston)

37
The second phase of the project will build one more additional simple cycle gas-fired CTG,
two additional gas compressors, two additional generator step-up transformers, and one additional
unit auxiliary transformer. Phase two will also include the addition of combined cycle equipment
including two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s) with natural gas-fired duct burners.113
The
cost of phase one of the project was $85 million. SME intended on borrowing up to $215 million
for phase two.
Late 2011, SME filed for bankruptcy. It appears that a lot of the bankruptcy issues are
related to poor management. According to an article in the Billings Gazette "Three members of
Southern's six-member board said they were blindsided by the surprise bankruptcy filing, which
came hours after a tumultuous meeting in which half of the members walked out to protest the
board's refusal to seat a new trustee from a member cooperative." 114
One of the biggest requirements is to be near a large source of natural gas. If the layout
requires a boiler, it will also be important to have the facility near a water source. From the cases
studied, many of these projects have two phases. A simple combustion power generating station is
created in the first stage. During the second phase, the design is upgraded to a combined cycle
system, which sometimes includes another gas turbine. In the SME case, it is mentioned that the
station would cause noise pollution. The SME station required six acres.115
If a combined cycle or a steam turbine design is used, there could be a maximum of 216 gpm of
wastewater that must be treated. This water would contain slight traces of boiler water treatment
chemicals. SME would discharge the water back into their lakes and streams because the traces were
so small. There is concern about the water during the boiler process that is heated to steam: the heat
process sterilizes the water, killing all living matter. Some of this matter is food for fish or other
animals. There is concern that sterile water will have a major impact on the environment.
Nitrogen oxide (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), particulate
matter (PM), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microns (PM10),
particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide
(SO2), and lead (Pb) are all found in the emissions of a natural gas facility.116
113
(Overview of Highwood Generating Station Project, 2012)
114
(Johnson, 2011)
115
(Quality, 2009)
116
(EPA, AP-42, Vol. I, 3.1: Stationary Gas Turbines, 200)

38
Figure 22
In the SME case, it estimated that operating the facility would result in CO2 emissions of roughly
250,000 tons per year (See Figure 22).
Operational Costs
Depending on the layout, different technologies are needed. A combined cycle design would
require a gas-powered and a steam-powered turbine. The major suppliers of turbines are
Westinghouse, General Electric, and Siemens.117
According to PJM, the variable operation and
maintenance (VOM) costs for a combined cycle turbine are $2.50 per mWh. For a single
combustion turbine, the VOM costs are $2.00 per mWh.118
Workforce Management
The Highwood Power Station employs 20 full-time people. There are many positions needed
for day-to-day operations. Depending on the size of the plant, there will need to be people to
purchase fuel contracts, arrange financing, and customer support. According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the mean salary for a natural gas operator is $59,870.119
During peak times of construction,
Highwood required approximately 320 construction personnel.120
117
(Weiss, 2012)
118
(PJM Interconnection LLC, 2011)
119
(Gas Plant Operators)
120
(Quality, 2009)

39
Conclusion & Recommendation
The biggest argument against natural gas is its fluctuation in price (see Figure 23). With
recent advancements in natural gas mining, prices have dropped to a 10-year low.121
Another
difficult struggle for Fremont County would be maintaining a steady supply of gas. Highwood
Montana built their plant near an existing pipeline and built a connection from the pipeline to their
power station. Fremont County would have to work with Intermountain Gas Company’s existing
structure.
Natural gas is a
clean energy source as a
fossil fuel and is found
locally in the United
States. Once Fremont
County learns how to
get a steady supply of
natural gas it could open
doors for additional natural gas use.
Natural gas is a clean, cheap, and abundant energy resource. Many people in the industry
view natural gas as a "bridging" energy source meaning that it is a temporary solution to help move
us from environmentally straining resources to more environmentally friendly resources. Research
suggests continuing to pursue natural gas energy production. An additional study could help clarify
some opportunities and threats regarding natural gas viability in southeast Idaho.
121
(Natural Gas, 2012)
Figure 23

40
Biomass
Energy Outline
Description
Energy can be created from left over tree branches and grass clippings. A few common
forms of biomass include: wood, agricultural products, solid waste, landfill gas, and alcohol fuels.
Description
The extraction of energy takes place by burning the biomass and creating steam. That steam
is then used to turn turbines that generate electricity. Other forms of biomass energy collection
would include the fermentation of biological matter to create alcohol and the capture of methane gas
from landfills.
Requirements
Biomass energy requires vegetation for harvesting. Usually the fastest or most common
biologically growing material in the area is used. It requires the species to be within a short distant of
the plant – most biomass projects are never pursued because the distance to transport the material
out weights the benefit.
Biomass projects require a system that harvests and gathers the biomass species. The next
step is to create a processing facility that can reduce the size of the biomass product.122
The major
components of a biomass power plant are the boiler and incinerator.
Outline Technology
There are three ways to capture energy from biomass. The first is to burn the biomass and
create steam to run turbines (Figure 24). The second is to allow the biomass to go through a
fermentation process and create alcohol (Figure 25). The third is a gasification process where the
biomass is turned into a gas (Figure 26).
Figure 24
123
122
(Zarf, 2012)

41
Figure 25
124
Figure 26
125
Energy Output
The largest biomass project that is under construction is projected to produce 750
megawatts of energy.126
“Biomass energy in general costs around 10-13c/kWh depending on the
feedstock used and the type of technology used in energy conversion.”127
123
(Sobolik, 2012)
124
(Alexandra Dock, 2012)
125
(WPP Energy Corp, 2012)

42
Figure 27
128
Pollution
Biomass is considered a renewable green energy because the material that is burned to
produce energy can be replanted. The replanting process absorbs the carbon that is emitted from
the burning process.
“Inevitably, the combustion of biomass produces air pollutants, including carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, and particulates such as soot and ash. The amount of pollution emitted per unit of
energy generated varies widely by technology.” 129
Laws on Biomass
Biomass plants are subject to industrial inspection laws as well as state safety requirements.
Biomass plants produce soot that is displaced into the air and then mixes with rainwater. The plant
must be continually tested for pollution output levels which would include nitrogen oxides (NOx),
126
(The Bio Energy Site, 2012)
127
(Green World Investor Mar, 2011)
128
(NREL, 2012)
129
(Michael Brower, 1992)

43
carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxides (SO2). The Environmental Protection Agency requires
by law that continuous emissions monitors be in place during operation.130
Operational/Supplier Costs
Biomass fuel is measured in bone dry tons (bdt). Depending on the efficiency of the
technology, between 7,500 and 9,000 bdt of fuel is required to produce 1 MW of power on an
annual basis. Previous feasibility studies have shown that access to fuel is a make-or-break factor.
The two options are to produce or to find a supplier.
Idaho has potential to produce enough material for biomass energy from crop residue, forest
residue, and primary mill residue. Primary mill residue is composed of wood materials (coarse and
fine) and bark generated at manufacturing plants (primary wood-using mills) when round wood
products are processed into primary wood products, like slabs, edgings, trimmings, sawdust, veneer
clippings and cores, and pulp screenings.
There are different suppliers for biomass energy.
Many biomass plants use wood pellets as fuel.
Wood pellet suppliers are fairly common in the
United States. There are various grades of wood
pellets. Residential grade pellets are available for at-
home use at local hardware stores. Bulk pellets are
used for large-scale power production. The closest supplier for bulk pellets is in Oregon.
For a more comprehensive list of biomass prices and availability, see Appendix B.
Job Creation
Construction Jobs Created/Retained
Direct Consulting (Architecture/Engineering) 6-8
Direct Construction (Mechanical, Electrical, General
Contracting, etc.)
50-75
Indirect (Parts Houses, Distribution, Supply Vendors, etc.) 30
Long-Term
Maintenance /Operations Staff Jobs Created (staff needed) 8-12
Direct Wood Products Industry Jobs Created/Retained
(Logging, Transportation, Parts, etc.)
10+
Annual Temporary Service & Maintenance (2-3 weeks) 2-3131
130
(Continuous Emissions Monitors, 2005)

44
Start up and Feasibility costs (3 MW Facility)
Fuel Storage & Reclaim $400,000 - $700,000
Gasification System &
Emission Control
$3.5 MM - $5 MM
ORC Power Generation $2.5 MM - $3.5 MM
Installation $2 MM - $3 MM
Total Installed Cost $8.4 MM - $12.2 MM
Plus Building & Foundations $1.5 MM - $2.5MM
Potential Project Cost $9,900,000 - $14,700,000
Cost of Fuel $30 per bone dry ton (bdt)
Cost of Power (Purchased) $88 per mWh (includes green
tags)
Cost of Money 5% tax-exempt
Cost of Construction $15.4 million 132
Case Study
Boise County conducted a biomass feasibility study for its area. Final recommendations were
that the infrastructure and available fuel could not sustain anything more than a three MW energy
plant. Either large amounts of federal grants and other financial assistance were needed, or the
power purchase rates would need to increase by nearly 40% to make the operation financially viable.
Lastly, “there is no credit-worthy source for a 20-year investment-grade supply of fuel.” The study
concluded that the possibility of a biomass facility in the area might exist in the future. 133
The following map shows potential biomass fuel in the form of logging residue. “Logging
residue comprises unused portions of trees, cut or killed by logging and left in the woods. Other
removable materials are the unutilized volume of trees cut or killed during logging operations.
Source: USDA, Forest Service's Timber Product Output database, 2007.”
131
(McKinstry, 2011)
132
(McKinstry, 2011)
133
(McKinstry, 2011)

45
Figure 28
134
Depending on the efficiency of the technology, equipment, and design, between 7,500 and
9,000 bdt of fuel is required to produce 1 MW on an annual basis.135
Fremont’s available biomass is
below operational needs. Figure 29 shows the available biomass resources in Fremont County. In
the earlier WGA (2006) study, it was assumed that 50% off the removals would be used for higher-
valued products and 50% available for use as fuel. 136
For more details on the Boise biomass study,
see Appendix C
New Bundling Technology
$29 to $34 per bdt cost per ton of biomass. 137
Figure 29
134
(NREL, 2012)
135
(McKinstry, 2011)
136
(Cook, 2011)
137
(Rummer, 2004)

46
System cost does not include support cost, move-in cost, cost of employee transportation,
cost of transportation to market, or profit allowance 138
Feasibility
The over all cost of bundling the biomass outweighs the current cost thresholds for a
financially feasible operation. The current amount of biomass yield in the area doesn’t meet the
minimum requirements for the plant to operate efficiently. The county itself contains a sufficient
amount of biomass but 50% of those materials could be used for higher valued production.
“There is no credit worthy source for a 20 year investment grade supply of fuel. Although
there is an abundance of biomass resources particularly on Federal lands, there is no policy allowing
for the sustainable recovery of waste biomass from overgrown forests.”139
138
(Whisper Mountain Professional Services, Inc., 2010)
139
(McKinstry, 2011)

47
Recommendations
Listed here are the energy sources that were studied and analyzed. The research team has taken the
liberty to list them in their most feasible potential, starting with the most feasible.
Solar: Of the two sources discussed (concentrating solar power (CSP) & photovoltaic (PV)
technology), PV far exceeds the former in terms of energy production and compatible
environmental criteria. The current production of PV technology has made it the cheapest that it has
ever been. Low prices coupled with tax incentives make the payback period three to five years; the
shortest of all other energies discussed in this report. The sun’s rays have enough energy in the
Fremont County Area to produce ample electricity for residential and general buildings alike by
using current rooftops and under-used land for solar panel placement. Although permanent job
creation is virtually zero, the low investment costs, free fuel, minimal maintenance costs (apart from
occasional cleaning), and high durability make solar energy a highly feasible energy source.
Small wind: This sort of wind power eliminates much of the aesthetic concerns raised by large wind
production, primarily because the landowner purchases these residential windmills. Their cut-in
speed is much lower than that of large windmills, allowing them to produce energy with slower wind
at lower heights. Initial investment is more than that of residential solar, making the payback period
much longer, yet still well within the expected lifetime of the machine. Because of the small aesthetic
impact, the ease of construction, low maintenance, free fuel, and existing tax incentives, small wind
is considered a feasible source of energy for the area.
Geothermal: Some additional geological research is needed for precise placement of the geothermal
facility in Newdale, but the technology is available for immediate use. The binary system
recommended would provide zero emissions, no pollutants, as well as the options for a self-powered
greenhouse with the potential to gather revenue from the minerals brought up from subterranean
levels. Able to operate 24/7/365, this energy source has the potential of 98% operating time
(excepting regular maintenance), and the fuel is free. Permanent job creation is small and will depend
on energy production. Payback period is 10-20 years, pending total initial investment costs and
energy prices. Because energy demands and prices are growing, the research team has found that
geothermal energy development is feasible for the area.
Micro Hydro: Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has already identified nearly 200 sites that could be
developed. Installation is very possible given current technology and payback period ranges from 5-
20 years, depending on energy production. Concerns are: distance from energy storage/usage,
potential energy production, and overall impact. A large portion of the sites identified will need to
be developed if any significant impact is to happen. Maintenance is low and permanent job creation
is much more likely, especially if multiple sites are developed.
Natural Gas: Current changes in gas prices make the energy source very cheap and job creation is the
largest of the energy sources discussed here, but up front investment costs are the highest of the
energy sources researched – $300 million or more. If local natural gas pockets were to be harvested,
the costs would be much higher, as would the carbon footprint in the area. The Intermountain Gas
Company has existing infrastructure that could possibly be used towards developing a natural gas-
powered energy facility, but this raises the concern that local residential gas prices could increase

48
with a higher demand from the energy facility. Water conditions would also need to be addressed
because after water is used in a gas plant, it is often entirely sterile and threatens local wildlife when
injected back into the water source where it originated. Additional studies will need to be performed
to determine the exact impact a natural gas power plant would have on the area. At this time, the
research team claims that a natural gas energy facility is potentially feasible.
Large Wind: Utility-size wind turbines must be located in areas with sustainable high winds at 80-120
meters. The Fremont County Area does not currently have the matching geography and wind
patterns to make large wind a feasible source of energy for the area. Additionally, the existing tax
incentives for large wind turbine production will expire on December 31, 2012. Industry officials
claim that, unless the tax incentives are extended, construction of utility-size wind farms will not
continue.
Biomass: Construction of a biomass facility is the second highest: nearly $15 million. Although the
fuel is readily available, it has many other potential purposes other than as an energy source. Current
biomass fuel prices are nearly 10X higher than what would be needed to make this energy source
self-sustaining. At the current market, heavy subsidies are required in order to make the pursuit of
biomass feasible.

49
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