SPDC & Consumers Energy Partner on Renewable Energy Strategy, Anaerobic Digester-to-Power Systems
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EmailThe MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch co-hosted the 2013 Forum on Anaerobic Digester Production of Energy on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Okemos.
By: SPDC Communications
The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch co-hosted the 2013 Forum on Anaerobic Digester Production of Energy on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, in Okemos. This day-long event focused on “New Opportunities for Projects in Michigan.” The MSU School of Planning, Design, and Construction (SPDC) was a Co-Sponsor of the Forum, which is part of an ongoing research contract with Consumers Energy Company that includes collaborating with the MSU Department of Biosystems & Agriculture Engineering.
Dr. Mike Thomas, Associate Professor at SPDC, Co-Chaired the Forum and provided the Forum Overview. During his presentation, Dr. Thomas addressed the role of AD-P, or Anaerobic Digester-to-Power systems, in Consumers Energy Co. in meeting its renewable energy portfolio standards; MSU biomass-sourced research programs—screening project feasibility and cost; State renewable energy policies, regulations and incentives; new opportunities and approaches for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), interconnect costing; and project planning, financing and development--successes and lessons learned. He also highlighted recommendations for Consumers Energy Co. and its AD-P-sourced renewable energy programs, including:
- Increase proportion of AD-to-power generation in the renewable energy portfolio;
- Create a PPA template for AD-P projects;
- Build an AD-Power Project Information System;
- Consider and support project partnerships; and
- Support State and local policies/incentives to increase the role of AD-P systems statewide.
Dr. Thomas’s presentation is available for download. Questions about this MSU/SPDC project can be sent to Dr. Thomas at thomasmr7@comcast.net or call 517.332.2986.
