Technology  May 7, 2010

Funds now available for rural renewable energy program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Funding is now available from four USDA Rural
Development renewable energy programs.

USDA is accepting applications for grants and loan guarantees in the
Rural Energy for America Program until June 30. REAP provides funds to
agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and
install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency
improvements.

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Eligible projects include installing renewable energy systems such as
wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters,
hydroelectric, and ocean or hydrogen systems. Funding may also be used
to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve
heating and cooling systems.

Information on this grant is available under Opportunity No.
RDBCP-10-REAP-RES-EEI at Grants.gov.

In addition to the REAP program, USDA is also planning to accept
applications for three other renewable energy programs in the near
future:

  • The Biorefinery Assistance Program provides guaranteed loans to
    develop and construct commercial-scale biorefineries or to retrofit
    existing facilities using eligible technology for the development of
    advanced biofuels. The amount of a loan guaranteed for a project under
    this program cannot exceed 80 percent of total eligible project costs.

  • The Repowering Assistance Program is designed to encourage the use of
    renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to
    provide process heat or power in the operation of biorefineries in
    existence on June 18, 2008.

  • The Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels works to support and
    ensure expanding production of advanced biofuels by providing payments
    to eligible advanced biofuels producers. Advanced biofuels are derived
    from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. These include
    cellulose, sugar and starch, crop residue, vegetative waste material,
    animal waste, food and yard waste, vegetable oil, animal fat, and biogas
    (including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas).

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Funding is now available from four USDA Rural
Development renewable energy programs.

USDA is accepting applications for grants and loan guarantees in the
Rural Energy for America Program until June 30. REAP provides funds to
agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and
install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency
improvements.

Eligible projects include installing renewable energy systems such as
wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters,
hydroelectric, and ocean or hydrogen systems. Funding may also be used
to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve
heating and…

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