USDA funds new renewable energy feasibility studies in 27 states

By Agri-Pulse Staff

© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday that USDA Rural Development will fund 68 study grants nationwide to determine the feasibility of renewable energy projects. The grants cover all five regions identified by the Secretary in his Oct. 2010 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 (REAP) under the 2008 Farm Bill.

“The Obama Administration is committed to helping our nation become more energy independent by helping rural businesses build renewable energy systems,” Vilsack said. “The projects announced today 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.”

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. In Matanuska Susitna Borough, Alaska, Pulse Tidal, LLC, has been selected to receive a $50,000 feasibility study grant for a hydrokinetic turbine project.

For the complete list of award recipients, please click HERE. REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits. For more information on the 2008 Farm Bill's REAP program, click HERE.