WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA Rural Development has selected for funding 68 study grants nationwide to determine the feasibility of renewable energy projects.
Areas
The grants cover all five regions identified by Vilsack in his October speech to the National Press Club. The regions include the Northeast, Central/East, Southeast (including Hawaii), West and Pacific Northwest (including Alaska).
In all, studies will be funded in 27 states and the Western Pacific. Funding is made available through the Rural Energy for America Program under the 2008 Farm Bill.
“The projects announced … will provide rural small businesses and agricultural producers the opportunity to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy system installations. These investments will not only help our farmers and small businesses reduce energy costs, but also help find renewable alternatives to generate energy,” Vilsack said.
In Ohio
For example, in Lorain County, Ohio, Vermilion Wind, LLC, has been selected to receive a $6,250 feasibility study grant. This project will determine the viability for on-site wind generation at Firelands High School.
REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits.
Details
More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapGrants.html.
Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions for the grant.
Other Ohio recipients include:
Ohio Ringler Energy, LLC Anaerobic Digester $50,000
Ohio Lumber Yard and Barn Parts Direct, LLC Anaerobic Digester $10,000
Ohio Four Pines Farm Ltd Anaerobic Digester $10,000
Ohio Miedema Dairy, LLC Anaerobic Digester $10,000
Ohio Van Raay Dairy, LLC Anaerobic Digester $10,000
Ohio M&C,Inc. Anaerobic Digester $25,000
Ohio Sandy Ridge Solar, LLC 107.6 Solar PV System $2,500
Ohio Woodstone Solar One, LLC 101.6 Solar PV System $2,500
Ohio Upper Gilchrist Solar, LLC 107.6 Solar PV System $2,500
That’s great news, I’m sure going to check for the results of the study later on. In my opinion, It will be very feasible. Especially in the long term. I’m hoping for a lot more incentives from the government if the study is successful. In rural communities, I can have a big impact, and can even allow for off-the-grid building and energy buyback.