Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline April 30

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is open to Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses located in areas with populations of 50,000 or less. The program deals with commercially available technology that either produces energy or conserves energy.

USDA Rural Development is currently accepting applications for FY2015 funding. The official solicitation announcement was posted in the Federal Register on December 29, 2014, advertising two rounds of competitions. Round one grant applications will be due April 30, 2015, and round two grant applications will be June 30, 2015.

There are now three new grant application templates.

–              Total Project costs of $80,000 or less

–              Total Project Costs of $80,001 – $200,000

–              Total Project Costs Greater than $200,000

Grant awards are 25% of the total eligible project costs. Renewable Energy Projects have a minimum grant request of $2,500 and a maximum of $500,000, while Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects have a minimum grant request of $1,500 and maximum of $250,000.

The REAP program can provide Guaranteed Loans up to $25 million or 75% of Total Project Costs, whichever is less. Competitions are on a monthly basis throughout the year.

Contact us for more information!

Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline April 30

Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline April 30

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The REAP/Feasibility Grant Program provides grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. It also provides funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility study for a renewable energy system. The program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation’s critical energy needs.

For the purpose of this Notice, and in addition to meeting the small business size determination as defined under small business in 7 CFR 4280.103, rural small business applicants must demonstrate that the majority (i.e., 51 percent or more) of their past 3 years’ annual receipts from their business operation are derived from a rural area. If the rural small business applicant has not engaged in business operations for the past 3 years, then information for as long as the rural small business applicant has been in business must be submitted.
Expected Number of Awards:     200
Estimated Total Program Funding:     $20,800,000
Award Ceiling:     $250,000

Contact us for more information!

Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline April 30

Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline June 15

EAST LANSING, April 25, 2011 – The United States Department of Agriculture is providing funding of $42 million in grants and up to $61 million in guaranteed loans nationally through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Funds are available to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and conduct studies to determine the feasibility of renewable energy systems.

New to this year’s REAP program is flexible fuel pumps, sometimes referred to as “blender pumps.”  It is intended to provide fuel station owners with incentives to install flexible fuel pumps that will offer Americans more renewable energy options.

Michigan USDA Rural Development will have approximately $800,000 for grant requests greater than $20,000; approximately $482,000 available for grants less than $20,000; and $1.6 million available for REAP guaranteed loans. Once the state allocation has been exhausted, unfunded applications will then compete nationally.

Eligible projects in the 12 technology areas include:

  • anaerobic digesters,
  • biomass / biofuels,
  • flex-fuel pumps
  • geothermal (including electric generation and direct use),
  • hydrogen
  • solar (small and large)
  • small hydropower projects (30 megawatts or less),
  • wind (small and large), and
  • energy efficiency improvements.

 Examples of energy efficiency projects include, but are not limited to:  the installation of more energy efficient motors, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, grain dryers, irrigation projects, refrigeration units, ventilation systems, windows, insulation, heating systems, lighting systems, and plumbing fixtures.   Please note, costs associated with increases in capacity will be reduced from total eligible project costs.

Grants can cover up to 25 percent of total eligible costs. The minimum energy efficiency grant is $1,500 and maximum is $250,000. The minimum renewable energy grant is $2,500 and maximum is $500,000. For feasibility study grants, the maximum award is $50,000 or 25 percent of eligible study costs, whichever is less. Guaranteed loans can cover up to 75 percent of total eligible cost. Loan limits are a minimum of $5000 and a maximum of $25 Million.

Applications will be evaluated and selected based on the highest scoring projects and will be funded until all funds have been awarded.   To be considered for any 2011 funding, all applications must be completed and received to the USDA Rural Development State Office or Area Offices, no later than June 15, 2011.  Neither complete nor incomplete applications received after this date will be considered for fiscal year 2011 funding.

Contact us for more information!

Rural Energy for America Program, Deadline June 15

Loans for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects – Cities and Villages

Energy projects may involve one or more of the activities listed below:

Energy Efficiency
• Lighting (e.g. fluorescent T8s/T5s, occupancy/motion sensors, etc.)
• Mechanical systems (i.e. heating, cooling and ventilation equipment)
• Water heating and pumping systems
• Advanced control systems
• Smart Metering systems
• Insulation, sealing, and other building envelope improvements
• Boiler or furnace replacement with a more efficient unit

Renewable Energy
• Solar Electricity/Photovoltaic
• Wind Turbine – 20 KW or smaller.
• Solar Thermal –20 KW or smaller.
• Solar Thermal Hot Water –
• Ground Source Heat Pump – 5.5 tons of capacity or smaller horizontal/vertical, ground, closed-loop system.
• Biomass Thermal

Other activities that meet the federal Department of Energy’s definition of energy efficiency and renewable energy will be considered. Impacted buildings or facilities must be currently occupied and have long range plans of continued use.

Projects must involve an activity and or installation or deployment of a commercially available and proven technology at buildings, facilities, and properties owned and operated by a city or village. Work already completed is ineligible.

Applicants can start work once the loan agreement is signed by DELEG. Only project-related costs that are incurred and paid for after DELEG’s loan execution may be included in the loan request. Applicants assume all financial risk should the DELEG not approve the application or if all loan documents are not executed. If the loan is not approved or executed, the DELEG is not responsible for reimbursement of any costs.

Please call for latest funding availability. Loan amounts will be between $100,000 and $2,500,000 and are limited to materials, supplies and equipment costs only.

This solicitation is open until September 30, 2011. Applications for funding will be reviewed by an evaluation committee, and awarded based on project merit and applicant creditworthiness. The DELEG reserves the right to close the solicitation period at any time.

Applicants must meet minimum credit standards determined by the DELEG Bureau of Energy Systems. Additional information may be requested during the negotiation process.
Interest on approved loans is fixed at 3% for a maximum of 6 years. For those projects with a pollution prevention component are eligible for a lower interest rate. Please contact DELEG for details. Only interest payments will be collected on disbursed loan funds for the first six (6) months starting from the closing date.
After the first six months, loan repayments are made in equal semi-annual installments of principal and interest concluding not later than 6 years after the agreement date.
There is no penalty for early repayment. A promissory note, loan agreement and security agreement are required to secure the loan. The security interest is limited to the materials, supplies and equipment purchased with loan funds. The funds are available on a reimbursement basis. Loan disbursements will be made upon the submission of the vendor’s invoice as well as the other required loan deliverables. Proof of payment is required within 30 days of each loan disbursement.

Loans for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects – Cities and Villages

Woody Biomass Engineering Grants, Deadline March 1

The U.S. Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory, requests proposals for wood energy projects that require engineering services. These projects will use woody biomass material removed from forest restoration activities, such as wildfire hazardous fuel treatments, insect and disease mitigation, forest management due to catastrophic weather events, and/or thinning overstocked stands. The woody biomass shall be used in a bioenergy facility that uses commercially proven technologies to produce thermal, electrical or liquid/gaseous bioenergy.

The funds from the Woody Biomass Utilization Grant program (WBU) must be used to further the planning of such facilities by funding the engineering services necessary for final design and cost analysis. Examples of such projects include engineering design of a 1) woody biomass boiler for steam at a sawmill, 2) non-pressurized hot water system for various applications at a hospital or school, and 3) biomass power generation facility, or similar facilities. This program is aimed at helping applicants complete the necessary design work needed to secure public and/or private investment for construction.

Contact us for more information!

Current Closing Date for Applications:     Mar 01, 2011
Funding Instrument Type:                             Grant
Expected Number of Awards:                      15
Estimated Total Program Funding:           $3,700,000
Award Ceiling:                                                   $250,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:     Yes

Eligible Applicants

  • State governments
  • County governments
  • City or township governments
  • Special district governments
  • Independent school districts
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • For profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Small businesses
  • Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Eligible applicants are businesses, companies, corporations, state, local and tribal governments, school districts, communities, non-profit organizations, or special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or ports). Only one application per business or organization shall be accepted.

Woody Biomass Engineering Grants, Deadline March 1

Rural Development and Renewable Energy

A bulletin today from USDA Rural Development:

USDA Rural Development and new Michigan State Director James J. Turner are very interested in using RD loan and grant funding authorities to “GO GREEN” in our rural communities. The state of Michigan’s high unemployment rate and decline of the auto and auto related industries necessitate that RD shift priorities somewhat to encourage the use of and develop projects that use renewable and alternative energy technologies. If our rural communities lead the way in using renewable energy sources to heat and power their municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, water and wastewater facilities, we not only help create new Michigan businesses and jobs but homeowners and businesses may well follow suite powering their homes and buildings with renewable energy. Contractors as well will be encouraged to incorporate these technologies in new construction. The demand for solar, wind and bio energy source equipment/devices will create new industries in Michigan not to mention the jobs that can be created in manufacturing the product, supplying the industry and installing them.

A good example is that on April 20th, Mariah Power opened the production line for its Windspire vertical axis wind turbine at a retrofitted auto parts facility in Manistee, Michigan. The opening of the factory means new jobs for many ex-auto industry employees. Almost 98 percent of the components for the Windspire wind turbines will be purchased from local Michigan suppliers, including steel, packing and crating supplies, and inverters. The aluminum airfoils that make up the giromill design of the turbine will be extruded by a Michigan company that currently extrudes aluminum for sun roofs in cars. The unit is 30 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it is distinguished by its sleek propeller-free design and ultra quiet operation. It is designed for powering homes, small businesses, schools, museums, parks, and much more. Wind blows against its vertical airfoils causing them to spin, this power is then converted to AC electricity and is immediately available to power your home grid and all the appliances that draw electricity from it. The Windspire 1.2 kW wind turbine typically costs between $9,000 and $12,000, fully installed. After rebates, the costs can be as low as $3,800. With a 30% federal tax credit average payback can be under 10 years.

The Swift Wind Turbine will be manufactured by Cascade Engineering in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cascade Engineering will be manufacturing all blades worldwide and will do assembly for all turbines sold in the United States. The Swift turbine is mounted on an aluminum mast with a minimum blade-roof clearance of approximately 2 feet. It is usually mounted at the highest point of a roof, in a position which benefits from maximum prevailing wind, but it will work effectively in almost any location. The Swift is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and quiet. The estimated installed cost is about $10,000 – $12,000. Depending on the installed price, cost of electricity, average wind speed, and rebates available the Swift Wind Turbine can pay for itself in as little as 3 to 5 years.

Here are the links to the two companies I was talking about.
http://www.mariahpower.com/
http://swiftwindturbine.com/?r=1
Rural Development and Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Direct Cash Reimbursements

Recovery Act Announcement: Energy, Treasury Now Accepting Applications for Funding for Renewable Energy Projects
July 31, 2009

With the goal of expanding development of renewable energy projects throughout the United States and creating new jobs, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced they are now accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities. The two Departments estimate distributing at least $3 billion in financial support to approximately 5,000 biomass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities. The funding for this effort is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Recovery Act authorized Treasury to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project’s cost; under the new program, applicants would agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The Energy Department will assist Treasury in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications.

Contact us for more information, have a great summer weekend!

Renewable Energy Direct Cash Reimbursements

Local Energy Assurance Planning Initiative, Deadline Oct 8

Today’s featured grant applies to energy planning:

“A goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), in part, is to: “facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply” and “enhance reliability and quicker repair of outages.” This initiative will create jobs at the local level and allow Cities to have well-developed, standardized energy assurance and resiliency plans that they can rely on during energy emergencies and supply disruptions. City governments will address energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities in their plans to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents have on the economy and the health and safety of citizens.

This initiative, (restricted to U.S. cities) called “Local Energy Assurance Planning” (hereinafter called the LEAP Initiative) focuses on developing new, or refining existing, plans to integrate new energy portfolios (renewables, biofuels, etc) and new applications, such as Smart Grid technology (http://www.oe.energy.gov/smartgrid.htm), into energy assurance and emergency preparedness plans. Better planning efforts will help contribute to the resiliency of the energy sector, including the electricity grid, by focusing on the entire energy supply system, which includes refining, storage, and distribution of fossil and renewable fuels.”

City and township governments are eligible to apply, the program anticipates 50 awards between $60,000 and $300,000 each.

Contact us for more information!

Local Energy Assurance Planning Initiative, Deadline Oct 8

Economic Impact Model, Renewable Energy

DOE Webcast July 29 for State and Local Officials: “How to Estimate the Economic Impacts from Renewable Energy”

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Technical Assistance Project (TAP) for state and local officials is offering a webcast on how to use a DOE-developed tool to estimate the economic impacts from electric power projects, including renewable energy generation.
The presentation will take place Wednesday, July 29, from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and is titled “How to Estimate the Economic Impacts from Renewable Energy.” The presenters will be Gail Mosey and Eric Lantz from the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Attendees will learn how to use an online economic model—called Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (JEDI)—to predict the economic development impacts of renewable energy in your state. Specifically, participants will learn how to use JEDI to design and run an economic impacts analysis and interpret the results. Finally, attendees will see an example of an analysis that the presenters recently carried out using the JEDI Wind Model.

The webcast is free of charge, but participants must register in advance to obtain a URL for the presentation and call-in phone number. Participants can register online, find information about the presenters, and read background materials and reports on the TAP Webcast section of the DOE Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program Web site.

Economic Impact Model, Renewable Energy

Community Large Scale Renewable Energy

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu today announced plans to provide up to $22 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support the planning and installation of utility-scale community renewable energy projects in up to four communities nationwide. This funding opportunity directly supports the Obama Administration’s goals of developing clean, renewable energy supplies, and creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
“American families and businesses are struggling in a recession and an increasingly competitive global economy. The Recovery Act was designed to rescue the economy from the immediate dangers it faces while rebuilding its fundamentals, with an eye toward new industry and opportunity,” Secretary Chu said. “To help meet these challenges, the Recovery Act invests significant dollars to put people to work to spur a revolution in clean energy technologies.”

The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will provide technical assistance to selected recipients, including concepts, best practices, planning, financial approaches, policy guidance, and recognition to help communities rapidly plan and deploy utility-scale renewable energy systems that provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy supplies for their communities, while creating jobs and new economic development opportunities. The projects will demonstrate how multiple renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal systems, can be deployed at scale to supply clean energy to communities.

DOE anticipates each project will leverage significant investment, including public and private sector investment in renewable energy systems. The projects funded under this Funding Opportunity Announcement are expected to create jobs and avoid 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Up to $22 million in DOE funding is available for these awards in fiscal year 2010. DOE anticipates making up to 4 awards totaling up to $21.45 million, and expects matching funds from public and private investment of $22 million or more.

Successful applicants will be awarded financial assistance to support the implementation of an integrated renewable energy deployment plan for a community, and the construction of renewable energy systems.

Completed applications are due September 3, 2009. DOE will select awardees by the end of November 2009.

Community Large Scale Renewable Energy