Summary

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) will conduct a feasibility study to determine the cost effectiveness and other economic, environmental, cultural, and social benefits of maximizing the diversity of energy sources used at GTB facilities. This includes an assessment of energy conservation measures as well as renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass.

Project Description

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) will conduct a feasibility study to determine the cost effectiveness and other economic, environmental, cultural, and social benefits of maximizing the diversity of energy sources used at GTB facilities. This includes an assessment of energy conservation measures as well as renewable energy sources. The study will include an assessment of the economic benefits to GTB in terms of reduced energy prices and increased job creation and related economic development activity. The study will also include an assessment of environmental benefits accruing from the potential energy diversification options.

Objective

The outcome of Grand Traverse Band's feasibility study will determine the effectiveness of renewable energy technologies to provide economic, environmental, cultural and social benefits to the tribe and all of northwest lower Michigan. Renewable resources such as wind, solar, and biomass are readily available in the study area. GTB has assessed the wind resource in two locations as part of previous study efforts and has also gained broad experience in tribal energy management, including generating significant electricity cost savings through successful negotiations with electricity providers; developing and implementing a "primary" electric distribution system covering 32 government and commercial facilities on one meter with a 2,000-kilowatt peak load; GTB submeters; and instituting wholesale bulk natural gas transportation purchases. On balance, integrating all the renewable energy options can help the tribe achieve a goal of net 100% renewable energy supply for its heating and electricity consumption.

Scope

Specific project objectives:

  • Assess tribal energy loads.

  • Measure potential for conservation or energy efficiency.

  • Assess the power market.

  • Monitor site-specific resources.

  • Consider transmission and interconnection.

  • Analyze the technology.

  • Analyze the economics.

  • Evaluate environmental benefits.

  • Assess benefits.

  • Prepare preliminary system designs.

  • Develop a plan to increase community awareness and obtain community support.

  • Plan long-term operation and maintenance.

  • Implement business and organizational planning for implementing a sustainable renewable energy.

  • Consider the financing plan.

  • Make go/no-go decisions.

Project Location

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), located in northwest lower Michigan, received federal recognition in 1980. The tribe currently has 3,982 members. Grand Traverse Band's government provides services in a six-county service area comprised of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties. Grand Traverse Band owns a total of 2,370 acres in this service area.

Project Status

This project is complete. For details, see the final report.

The project was competitively selected under the Tribal Energy Program's FY 2004 solicitation, "Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands," and started September 2005. For more information, see the project status reports from October 2005, October 2006, and December 2007.

<p><strong>Tribe/Awardee</strong><br />Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians</p><p><strong>Location</strong><br />Peshawbestown, MI</p><p><strong>Project Title</strong><br />Grand Traverse Band Renewable Energy Feasibility Study in Wind, Biomass, and Solar Energy</p><p><strong>Type of Application</strong><br />Feasibility</p><p><strong>DOE Grant Number</strong><br />DE-FG36-05GO15182</p><p><strong>Project Amounts</strong><br />DOE: $95,813<br />Awardee: $8,600<br />Total: $104,413</p><p><strong>Project Status</strong><br />Complete</p><p><strong>Project Period of Performance</strong><br />Start: September 2005<br />End: December 2006</p>