New York Five Cities Energy Master Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal Energy Master Plans

 

 

Introduction

Municipal Energy Masterplans (MEPs)are detailed long-term plans established to reduce energy use, mitigate climate-change-related greenhouse gas emissions and improve the overall energy efficiency.  MEPs propagate a community culture of energy conservation while also aligning communities for future development through sustainable energy generation and transmission infrastructure. Cities with poor unsustainable energy systems are likely to witness poor economic growth. In contrast, cities implementing sustainable energy solutions are more likely to witness rapid economic growth that is climate-resilient. Dr. Noel Brown, a former United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) director for the North American region, notes that although the national governments sign the Climate Change Conventions, the true leadership for energy conservation and emission reduction rests with the municipal leaders. Local governments determine the energy and carbon pictures of their cities. While each city is different, its energy plans must be built on the particular needs and resources at its disposal. This study accesses the Municipal Energy master plans of five such states in the USA, analyzing the energy strategies, energy goals, and energy opportunities.

Concord Energy Master Plan

The City of Concord developed the Concord Energy Master Plan was to provide information on sustainable energy and energy efficiency and enable Concord citizens to make informed policy decisions on energy use and efficiency.

Energy strategies/technologies

The Concord energy committee is adopting a strategy that will ensure the energy performance of all public facilities is assessed and addressed comprehensively and consistently. Initiatives under this strategy include;

• Smart grid- The City continues to adopt wireless, programable thermostats even as new heating systems are installed in public facilities. The Smart Grid will provide crucial historical data on the heating/cooling of each of the municipal’s buildings. The same also needs to be streamlined to enable access through a single user interface.
• Reporting and control system- the Town has adopted DOER’s Peregrine’s Mass Energy Insight tool as its preferred software for energy reporting and control. It can upload monthly data on natural gas and electric consumption and avail through an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
• Weatherization- the Town has established a pilot weatherization project to sample and analyze buildings’ envelope deficiencies and evaluate strategies for improving the performance of the building envelope.
• Lighting- under the same pilot project, the lighting system of the sample buildings are being upgraded for lighting efficiency. The aim is to identify opportunities for improvement during rollout and obtain quotes for the actual implementation cost.
• Other initiatives to be considered include integrating air conditioning systems, heating plants review, integrating design teams in buildings, and organization of roles and responsibilities for energy efficiency.

Energy goals

The overall goal of the Concord Energy Master Plan is to provide a roadmap to advance the people of Concord to a point where they have;

1. A working partnership with the National grid that enables them to pursue joint goals
2. Close collaboration with the Concord municipal Light Plant to develop and promote sustainable energy practice

• A set of tools for educating the public on the importance of sustainable energy practice

1. A set of metrics that show the progress of the Town and the committee in areas of energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy
2. A mechanism for assessing energy consumption in all sectors of the community

Energy opportunities

In 2007, Governor Patrick established the Development Committee to focus state policies and practices around a series of sustainable development principles. The principles included; advancing equity, protecting land and ecosystems, efficient decision-making, and increased job and business opportunities. The Smart Growth Energy program seeks to advance these principles through; state-funded grants and awards, technical assistance, annual educational conferences, and the development of a toolkit with model bylaws.

https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3527/Concord-2011-Energy-Master-Plan-PDF

Los Angeles Public Works Renewable Energy Master Plan

The Los Angeles Public works developed a Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) to provide a roadmap for renewable energy generation in Public Works facilities. The master plan explores numerous case studies, technologies and offers recommendations for the project’s future. The renewable energy projects are expected to offset energy usage in the public facilities on-site and off-site.

Energy strategies/technologies

Los Angeles Public Works considers several technologies and solutions for the REMP. The renewable energy solutions considered for further research were selected based on; the Public Work operations, space availability in facility locations, and the potential for infrastructure integration. Public Works seeks to employ them to achieve its net-zero energy goals. They include;

• Energy Management Systems (EMS) – The system incorporates software tools to manage energy generation and load. The system can be as simple as a building’s EMS, which manages heating, lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation from a centralized base. It is worth noting that the complexity of the EMS can be increased as the facilities size and diversity of portfolio (microgrids, renewable energy generators, the number of buildings, etc.) increases.
• Solar installations– considered for their massive potential for renewable energy generation and Eco-friendliness. While there are several options available, the department considers specific types for the project. For instance, floating solar systems are preferred for reservoirs, water treatment sites, and irrigation plants—other recommended installation types in the REMP include; rooftop solar, carport solar, and ground-mounted solar.
• Kinetic energy– The Public Works considered a fast-rotating flywheel for its two main advantages; unlimited high-power charge and discharge throughout its life cycle. It is also a more sustainable environmental solution with less potential environmental impact.
• Solar + battery storage– Battery energy storage is considered for its multi-purpose nature, including microgrid, renewable generation integration, emergency backup, peak shaving/demand charge reduction, and grid services. It is set to lower dependence on natural pas Peaker plants.
• Solar +Battery Storage+ EV- This was chosen as a priority for future projects given electrification of the transport sector is gaining momentum and funding for EV projects is becoming more available

Energy goals

REMP’s main goal is to define a high-level roadmap towards net-zero energy by 2030. It seeks to achieve this goal by identifying opportunities to expand renewable energy generation at Public Works facilities and developing about 20 projects that can be implemented to achieve this goal.

Other goals include;

1. To support Los Angeles’ ‘Our County Sustainability Plan’ which seeks to achieve energy and energy efficiency goals
2. to become a reliable provider of renewable energy to the Clean Power Alliance, which seeks to expand their energy procurement from local sources.

Energy opportunities

Energy opportunities in REMP include;

• expanding research in renewable energy solutions
• improve the energy use efficiency
• job creation and economic growth
• climate resilience and emissions reduction

https://dpw.lacounty.gov/adm/sustainability/docs/Public%20Works%20REMP.pdf

 

 

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Municipal Energy Master Plan provides a roadmap on how the City seeks to lead by example in the fight against climate change. The City seeks to reduce energy use and costs, improve operations’ efficiency, and advance environmental stewardship per its commitment to a low-carbon climate-resilient development agenda.

Energy goals

The City’s energy goals include;

2030. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s-built environment by 50% by 2030.
2031. To reduce the City’s built environment energy use 20% by 29030.

• To generate or purchase 100% of all electricity for the city-built environment resources by 2030

1. To maintain or reduce the City’s built environment cost of energy

Energy strategies/technologies

Philadelphia’s Municipal Energy Master Plan has two main strategies for the built environment; Strategy 1: Lower Energy use and Strategy 2: Clean Energy Supply.

Strategy 1: Lower Energy Use- The City, seeks to lower energy use and improve energy efficiency to save on costs and reduce climate change-related carbon emissions. To put the energy-saving potential of the City’s buildings into perspective, the Energy office is modeling and analyzing the impact of several potential energy conservation measures (ECM) and updating the Master Plan with the results as new technologies emerge.

Strategy 2: Clean Energy Supply- the City, seeks to clean its energy supply and electricity grid to meet both government and citywide emission reduction goals. To achieve a 100% transition to renewable energy per Major Kenney’s 2017 directive, the City seeks to generate and purchase clean energy. It is also working to influence the generation that feeds into the regional electricity grid.

Energy opportunities

Strategy 1: Lower Energy Use-Opportunities in this strategy include;

• LED street lighting to replace high-pressure sodium lights
• Building retro-commissioning and controls to improve building performance and ensure buildings operate as designed
• LED lighting and occupancy sensors to improve lighting quality and reduce energy use in City facilities. Occupancy sensors increase energy use efficiency even further.
• Building envelope environments such as efficient window replacements, building weatherization and sealing, and new roofing solutions can help insulate and hold conditioned air in buildings, thus averting the need for continuous air conditioning.
• Policy, program, and system change for better-designed facilities that operate more efficiently.

Strategy 2: Clean Energy Supply-The opportunities here include;

• Purchasing clean energy where the City can leverage its buying power to enter into long-term energy purchasing agreements (PPAs) ensures the grid’s carbon intensity is lowered.
• On-site clean energy generation where the City can install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) on City facilities to generate their renewable energy

https://www.phila.gov/media/20170927092513/MunicipalEnergyMasterPlan.pdf

 

 

New Jersey

            New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan is a comprehensive document that addresses New Jersey’s energy system, including electricity production, buildings, transportation, and related greenhouse gas emissions.  According to the plan, the 2050 100 percent clean energy goal requires that the state attains 100 percent carbon-neutral electricity generation and full electrification of the transport and building sectors by 2050. It is the first in a series of steps that the state is undertaking to ensure it generates, consumes, and consistently manages energy with the climatic, societal, and economic demand s of its people.

Energy goal

The overall goal of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan is to provide a roadmap for the state’s administration to attain 100% clean energy by 2050.

Energy strategies/technologies

The New Jersey Energy Master Plan identifies seven key strategies for the implementation of the plan.

Strategy 1: Reducing Energy Consumption and Emission from the Transportation Sector- seeks to electrify the transport sector, leverage technology to reduce emissions and miles traveled, and encourage electric vehicle adoption

Strategy 2: Accelerating Deployment of Renewable Energy and Distributed Energy Resources – to be achieved by developing community solar, solar thermal, offshore wind energy development and energy storage. It also entails the adoption of new market structures for energy development and cost reduction.

Strategy 3: Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Reducing Peak Demand- to be achieved through enacting 0.75% and 2% utility energy efficiency standards for natural gas and electricity and improving overall energy efficiency programs in New Jersey.

Strategy 4: Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector- to be achieved through decarbonization and electrification of existing and new buildings and expansion of the statewide net zero carbon homes incentive program.

Strategy 5: Decarbonizing and modernizing New Jersey’s Energy System- To be achieved through investment in grid technology reducing reliance on natural gas, planning, and establishing Integrated Distribution Plans and sophistication of rate design.

Strategy 6: Supporting Community Energy Planning and Action in Underserved Communities- will be achieved through clean power generation, prioritization of clean transport options in communities, the establishment of community energy plans, and incentivization of local, clean energy production.

Strategy 7: Expand the Clean Energy Innovation Economic- the state seeks to develop clean energy knowledge services and products exported to other regions, thereby growing jobs and driving investment in the region. The attraction of supply chain businesses and fueling clean energy research and development in the state.

Energy opportunities

• Develop clean and renewable energy
• Create sustainable, well-paying jobs within the energy sector
• Build sustainable energy and transportation infrastructure
• Improve public health
• Energy consumption reduction and energy use efficiency
• Development of a modern energy grid

https://nj.gov/emp/energy/ https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20200127a.shtml

http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200127/84/84/03/b2/2293766d081ff4a3cd8e60aa/NJBPU_EMP.pdf

New York Five Cities Energy Master Plan

            New York’s Five Cities Energy Master Plan represents a wide-ranging effort to rethink how municipalities can minimize their energy use cost-effectively and systematically. The plan integrates the Cities of Albany, Yonkers, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. It seeks to complement Gov. Cuomo’s landmark BuildSmart NY program, which endeavors to enhance energy efficiency in its government buildings.

Energy goals

These energy goals cut across all the five Cities and include;

1. To strengthen reliability and resiliency of cities’ energy infrastructure
2. To reduce energy consumption

• To catalyze clean energy investment and economic development

1. To enhance the quality of life
2. To contribute to a cleaner environment

Energy strategies/technologies

All five cities are implementing initiatives that revolve around the following ten strategies;

• Promoting/ supporting community building retrofits
• Reducing emissions/ fossil-fuels dependence of fleets
• Expanding clean, distributed generation infrastructure
• Coordinating with utilities/state to improve energy infrastructure
• Pursuing energy-efficiency improvements for municipal buildings
• Zoning/infrastructure improvement to promote alternative modes of transportation
• Increasing electricity production from renewable energy sources
• Improving the energy efficiency of outdoor lighting
• Reducing municipal utility costs
• Implementing transport management tools to reduce idling and vehicle emissions

Energy opportunities

• Energy distribution and supply
• Transportation efficiency
• Energy planning and coordination
• Energy efficiency in buildings

https://www.nypa.gov/-/media/nypa/documents/document-library/operations/five-cities/2015-01-31-buffaloenergyplan.pdf

Summary

            In conclusion, municipal energy master plans provide Cities and States with long-term plans for reducing energy use, improving energy efficiency, and mitigating climate change-triggering greenhouse emissions. They work to strengthen the community culture of energy conservation while also setting precedence for future planning and development. They highlight options for local renewable energy production and endeavor to support low carbon climate-resilient economic development. From the review above, it is clear that all master plans endeavor to set goals for energy use reduction and energy efficiency, set working strategies to achieve these goals, highlight benefits expected from implementing these strategies, and recommend suggestions for future consideration. Through energy master plans, states can achieve their emission targets while also steering towards a carbon-free economic development pathway.

 

 

References

Concord Energy Master Plan (2011). Retrieved from https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3527/Concord-2011-Energy-Master-Plan-PDF

Los Angeles Public Works Renewable Energy Master Plan (2020) Retrieved from: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/adm/sustainability/docs/Public%20Works%20REMP.pdf.

New York Power Authority (2015). Retrieved from: https://www.nypa.gov/-/media/nypa/documents/document-library/operations/five-cities/2015-01-31-buffaloenergyplan.pdf

Philadelphia Municipal Energy Master Plan (2017.) Retrieved from https://www.phila.gov/media/20170927092513/MunicipalEnergyMasterPlan.pdf

State of New Jersey Municipal Energy Master Plan (2019). Retrieved from http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200127/84/84/03/b2/2293766d081ff4a3cd8e60aa/NJBPU_EMP.pdf

Vaughan Municipal Energy Master Plan (2013). Retrieved from https://www.vaughan.ca/cityhall/environmental_sustainability/Pages/Municipal-Energy-Plan.aspx

 

 

 

 

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