RE-Powering Feasibility Study program

National Information

RE-Powering America's Land Siting Renewable Energy on Potentially Contaminated Land and Mine Sites

Region 5 Renewable Energy Feasibility Study

EPA has established a Regional RE-Powering Feasibility Study program to assist local governments or communities that want to evaluate the potential for renewable energy development on contaminated properties.

EPA will provide Feasibility Studies (FS) at a limited number of eligible Brownfield properties in Region 5 at no cost to the local governments and/or communities. These feasibility studies:

will be conducted by:
- EPA
- and the Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- and/or the Superfund Reuse Initiative Consultant, Skeo
will determine:
- best renewable energy technology for the site
- optimal location for placement of the renewable energy technology
- potential energy generating capacity
- return on the investment
- economic feasibility of the renewable energy project(s)

RE-Powering Feasibility Studies Protocol

Purpose of Regional Feasibility Study Program

The purpose of this RE-Powering Feasibility Study (FS) program is to provide local governments and/or communities with the assistance to analyze the potential for wind, solar, biomass or small hydro development on potentially contaminated sites. The analysis includes determining the best renewable energy technology for the site, the optimal location for placement of the renewable energy technology on the site, potential energy generating capacity, the return on the investment, and the economic feasibility of the renewable energy projects. With this assistance, the goal is to allow the reuse of sites, strengthen economic development, improve communities, create jobs, develop partnerships, decrease the use of greenspace for siting renewable energy and increase the amount or renewable energy generated in the Region.

Process

Prepare a letter requesting assistance. Your letter must provide the following information:

Project Contact: The requestor must form a team to work with EPA/NREL and to follow up on the FS and technical assistance.
Site Status: Describe site status, such as ownership and requestor's ability to obtain legal access to property.
Map and Physical Description of Property: Provide a detailed map and physical description of the property. Describe the property size and location within the community.
Environmental Status of Property: Provide information regarding the environmental status of the property, including detailed information on known contamination and potential clean-up if required.
Critical Infrastructure in Place: Describe existing infrastructure, availability and proximity to grid. (electric transmission lines, roads, water, zoning, etc.)
Demonstrate/Describe Economic Development Potential: Describe economic development potential and how this project fits in city’s, community's or neighborhood’s plan for economic and/or sustainable development.
Demonstrate Need for Assistance: Describe the need for this assistance from EPA/NREL.
Description of Proposed Project: What type of energy is being contemplated? (Wind, Solar, Biomass, etc.)
Agreements in Place: Provide an agreement or statement of interest from local utility company. Describe any discussions held, readiness to take energy, etc.
Community Interest/Support: Demonstrate strong community interest and developed partnerships. Describe community and local business interest, information on developed partnerships.

Submit the application package to the Region 5 Brownfield Renewable Energy Coordinator: