Finance Committee - Agenda - 1/15/2020 - P8
H Cc i Mi
City of Nashua Planning ahd Zoning.
Community Development Division Cee ee ent
City Hall, 229 Main Street, PO Box 2019 Froneportetion Department
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061-2019 Waterways
589-3095
589-3090
589-3080
589-3100
589-3085
880-0100
589-3092
589-3119
Date: December 19, 2019
To: John Griffin, CFO; Daniel Kooken, Purchasing Manager
From: Sarah Marchant, Community Development Division Director
Re: Jackson Mills Turbine, Generator and Controls (TGC) Replacement
Background
The City of Nashua became the owner/operator of the Jackson Mills hydroelectric facility in
January of 2015, after the 30 year lease with the operator expired. This one megawatt facility
produces an average of 4,000,000 kwh of clean power per year which the City net meters to
maximize revenue. This facility was originally built in 1984 and as such is in need of
replacement of the turbine, generator and major controls. The project has been repaired twice
since 2015 in an attempt to keep it going until we can get started on a replacement.
Bond Authorization
In preparation for the replacement the Mayor and Board of Aldermen passed R-19-142
authorizing the issuance of bond for improvements to both Mine Falls and Jackson Mills hydro
projects. The issuance of the bond specifically included a new turbine, generator and
replacement controls (TGC) at Jackson Mills.
Turbine Replacement
Turbine technology has changed since the 1980s and the existing custom turbine cannot simply
be duplicated. In partnership with our operator Essex Power Services and sub-consultant HL
Turner Group, the TGC replacements were put out to bid in the spring of this year. In total we
received five submissions from AmJET Turbine, Mavel, NORCAN, Ossberger(Zeco) and Rickly
Propel. The team reviewed the proposals based on cost (including general construction to make a
new unit fit), reliability and generation capability/technology. The top three vendors were
narrowed down to Ossberger (Zeco), AmJET and Mavel. With these three vendors a more
detailed feasibility analysis of the exact scope of product, costs, guaranteed power and energy
estimates was completed. Through the above process one vendor, Mavel, rose to the top of the
analysis as the best solution for the Jackson Mills project.
Engineer of Record
With a TGC vendor selected, we then tured our attention to an engineering firm with the
experience and capabilities to implement the removal of the existing TGC and installation of a
suitable replacement including design, permitting, and construction administration. There are a
limited number of experienced engineering firms in New England that have expertise in hydro
facilities. Additionally, H.L Turner Group has extensive involvement with the Jackson Mills dam
and hydroelectric facility including installation of the original hydro facility and the conversion
of the dam to a hydraulic crestgate in 2012. In accordance with NRO 5-83 Professional Services
