Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the nation's leading center for nuclear energy research and development, will benefit from NORESCO's leadership in energy solutions and services through a landmark $33 million infrastructure improvement project. The project was announced as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Transformational Energy Action Management (TEAM) Initiative.

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The project will be constructed at the Materials and Fuels Complex and will reduce energy consumption by $1.7 million annually. Savings realized from reduced energy consumption will repay project costs and are guaranteed by NORESCO. The contracting vehicle, called an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), is an alternative financing method that reduces the need for government spending.

The project includes converting the energy source for boilers from fuel oil to electricity, which will reduce annual fuel oil purchases from more than 580,000 gallons to zero. The annual carbon reduction and energy savings for the project will be equivalent to removing 1,120 cars from the road.

Moreover, the project reaches INL's short-range milestones for meeting the energy reduction requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the TEAM Initiative by reducing annual energy use by more than 5 percent and annual carbon dioxide emissions by 12.8 million pounds. By 2015, the TEAM Initiative seeks to reduce energy intensity across DOE's nationwide complex by at least 30 percent and water consumption intensity by at least 16 percent. By 2010, it seeks to acquire at least 7.5 percent of all energy across the complex from renewable sources.

"Our project will provide substantial energy and cost savings to taxpayers, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce harmful emissions and greenhouse gases. We are committed to our partnership with INL and look forward to a very successful project" said Neil Petchers, President and Chief Executive Officer of NORESCO.

Infrastructure upgrades will also improve the reliability of mechanical systems, enhance occupant comfort, and provide a safer working environment. The measures that will produce these benefits include upgrades to heating and air conditioning controls, replacement of numerous air handling units, upgrades to lighting systems, and installation of passive solar walls. The project will also eliminate underground and steam condensate lines, which have historically been the more maintenance-intensive parts of the site's steam system.

SOURCE: NORESCO, LLC