Photo Courtesy of Scientific American
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding underThe Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for feasibility studies for renewable energy systems in agriculture and rural small business.
“Renewable energy production represents a promising revenue source for America’s producers while meeting the nation’s need for new sources of renewable energy,” Vilsack said. “These grants will help encourage the development of viable renewable energy projects across the nation and help small business owners, farmers, ranchers and agriculture producers conduct feasibility studies that identify renewable energy opportunities.”
Projects that produce energy from solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, geothermal and hydrogen-based sources are eligible for funding as long as the project producers heat, electricity of fuel. The system must be in a rural area and owned by the applicant.
$3 million dollars is available from the USDA for the REAP program. The funding awards are competitive and available for $50,000 to 25 percent of total project cost. Applicants must apply by October 5.
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