Biopower Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you participate in the NJ Clean Energy Biopower program?
- What biomass resources are eligible for funding through the Biopower program?
- What are the Biomass eligibility requirements?
- Are there siting and permits required?
- Are there any permitting or pre application requirements?
- What types of incentives are available?
- Where can I find the incentive levels?
- How are biopower rebates calculated?
- How do I participate in the CORE rebate program?
- Where can I locate the application?
- What constitutes a complete application?
- Can I submit and application to the CORE program if I have received additional funding from another state agency?
- What kind of funding programs are offered by the state of New Jersey?
How do you participate in the NJ Clean Energy Biopower program?
To participate in NJCEP's Customer On-Site Renewable Energy program, you must install an on-site sustainable biomass or fuel cell energy generation system in New Jersey. Incentives for biopower installations are available to support up to 1MW-dc of rated capacity, but your system must be sized to meet your specific electricity needs. Eligible systems should be sized to produce no more than 100% of the historical or expected (if new construction) amount of electricity consumed at your system's site.
What biomass resources are eligible for funding through the Biopower program?
Class I organic residues are eligible for funding through the NJCEP CORE program. Class I wastes include- uses a renewable supply of organic material :
- Wood wastes not adulterated with chemicals, glues or adhesives,
- Agricultural residues (corn stover, rice hulls or nut shells, manures, poultry litter, horse manure, etc) and/or methane gases from landfills,
- Food wastes
- Municipal tree trimming and grass clipping wastes
- Paper and cardboard wastes
- Non adulterated construction wood wastes, pallets
- NJDEP evaluates biomass resources not identified in the RPS
What are the Biomass eligibility requirements?
Examples of eligible facilities for a CORE incentive include:
- Digestion of sewage sludge
- Landfill gas facilities
- Combustion of wood wastes to steam turbine
- Gasification of wood wastes to reciprocating engine
- Gasification or pyrolysis of biosolid wastes to generation equipment
Examples of Ineligible facilities include:
- Municipal solid waste combustors or Incinerators (Class II)
- Mass burn incinerators
- Sludge incineration
- Combustion of adulterated construction wood waste treated with chemicals, paints, adhesives or varnishes
Evaluation Criteria
Biomass projects will be evaluated based on the following three criteria:
- Fuel Sustainability: Each project must document the sustainability of the fuel source. This information includes the percentage of fuel input that is derived from a certified, sustainable source.
- Close Loop Operation Process: Documentation must include a description of the operational process and the associated equipment. A functional use for any refuse by-products must be documented.
- Proper Emission Levels: The project must meet the emission standards specified in the NJ State of the Art Manual (SOTA). The application will not be approved until permit approval documentation has been provided.
Are there siting and permits required?
Yes, after receiving zoning approval you must check with your local building inspector. There are additional permits required by your local and state building and safety inspector and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Agency (NJDEP).
Are there any permitting or pre application requirements?
Yes, NJDEP permitting requirements can be found by clicking here.
What types of incentives are available?
Financial incentives for systems larger than 1 MW are available through the Renewable Energy Project Grants and Financing Program. Financial incentives are applicable exclusively for:
- New Jersey ratepayers (customers of NJBPU-regulated electric or gas public utilities)
- Systems with new components
- Systems installed in New Jersey homes, businesses, institutions or non-profit facilities
- Systems that include at least a 5-year, all-inclusive warranty
- Systems installed according to the Installation Requirements specified in the appropriate Technical Worksheet
If you have any questions concerning the Self-Install Policy, please contact us prior to installing your system. 1-866-NJSMART.
Where can I find the incentive levels?
You can find them by clicking here where you will be redirected to the current incentive levels.
How are biopower rebates calculated?
INCENTIVE REQUEST CALCULATION
| 1. | Total system rated net continuous output (Section A, line 5 above): _______AC Watts |
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| 2. | Incentive Calculation (Calculate appropriate incentive based on System Rated Output): |
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| Small Systems: | ||
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2a.
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Tier I (0 to 10,000 Watts System Rated Output): _______(Watts) x $5.00/Watt = $_______ |
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| Large Systems: | ||
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2b.
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Tier I (0 to 10,000 Watts System Rated Output): _______ (Watts) x $3.00/Watt = $_______ |
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2c.
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Tier II (10,000 to 100,000 Watts System Rated Output): (______- 10,000 Watts) x $2.00/Watt + $30,000 = $_______ |
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2d.
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Tier III (100,000 to 500,000 Watts System Rated Output): (______- 100,000 Watts) x $1.50/Watt + $210,000 = $______ |
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2e.
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Tier IV (500,000 to 1,000,000 Watts System Rated Output): (______ - 500,000 Watts) x $0.15/Watt + $810,000 = $______ |
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| 3. | Requested Incentive (Enter the appropriate value from 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, or 2e): $_______ |
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| 4. | Total Installed System Cost: $_______ | |
| 5. | Maximum allowable incentive (Multiply line C4 by 60% for small systems or 30% for large systems): $_______ |
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| 6. | Final incentive amount (Input the lesser of line C3 or C5): $_______ |
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How do I participate in the CORE rebate program?
Participation Guidelines are the following:
- Prior to equipment installation, participants must submit a completed New Jersey Clean Energy Program Pre-Installation Application Form and the appropriate Technical Worksheet to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Office of Clean Energy. Upon review and approval of the application, a commitment letter will be issued approving the installation of the system and reserving the rebate.
- The Pre-Installation Application Form must include information demonstrating that the proposed system will meet all applicable technical and certification requirements as specified in the Technical Worksheet.
- Small systems (less than or equal to 10kW) must be installed within 9 months of application approval date. Medium or large systems (greater than 10kW) must be installed within 12 months.
- Applicants must allow inspection of eligible systems. Program Inspectors will have the right to inspect 100% of the installations prior to issuing the rebate incentive.
- Rebate dollars will be reserved based upon the date of the approved Pre-Installation Application Form.
Where can I locate the application?
Click here for the application.
What constitutes a complete application?
If you are interested in applying for a CORE rebate, you must submit a CORE Biomass Rebate Application Form. The application must include the following documents to be considered complete:
- CORE Rebate Application Form
- Biomass Technical Wind Worksheet
- Sustainability Determination
- Twelve months of electric bills shown in kWh
- Ten year Certification
- Final Site Plan
- Contract or Resolution to Bid
Any changes to the biomass generating system as proposed on your CORE Biomass rebate application will require that you resubmit a revised application which be subject to final approval by the CORE Program Manager.
You will also be required to have all your state and local DEP and DCA permits as well as comply with all local variances as required by your zoning board.
If you have any questions regarding your biopower rebate or the procedures to submit a formal application please contact:
Mark Loeser
mark.loeser@veic-nj.com
732-218-4430
Can I submit an application to the CORE program if I have received additional funding from another state agency?
Yes. There are no restrictions that prevent an applicant from receiving funding from another agency.
What kind of funding programs are offered by the state of New Jersey?
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) are combining their technical and financing expertise to make funding available through New Jersey's Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in New Jersey. This initiative is designed to make it more affordable and cost effective for businesses to make investments in renewable energy systems and energy efficient equipment. These additional programs will encourage businesses to invest in the best-performing equipment, which will realize substantial energy cost savings as well as environmental benefits through the use of the cleanest forms of energy.