USDA funding hundreds of rural renewable projects

August 21, 2013 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) is making investments of more than $21 million into energy projects nationwide to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs, use renewable energy technologies in their operations and/or conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects.

The funding, available through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill is earmarked for 631 projects across the country. REAP helps producers purchase and install renewable energy systems, reduce energy costs and increase production efficiency.

For example, a farm in Climax, N.C., will use the grant to install an energy-efficient geothermal system. A farm in Lillington, N.C., will use the grant to upgrade an anaerobic digester system to produce electricity from the farm's waste stream. A farm in Puerto Rico will use the grant to install a 23 kW photovoltaic system to replace 97 percent of the farm's energy consumption.

Under the terms of REAP, up to 25 percent of an eligible energy production or conservation project can be funded through a grant, and additional support can be provided in the form of a loan. REAP has helped fund nearly 7,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide since the beginning of the Obama Administration.

For more:
- see the recipients

Related Article:
USDA seeking projects that reduce energy use

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/usda-funding-hundreds-rural-renewable-projects/2013-08-21