HARRISBURG – Applications are now available for three programs that are helping Pennsylvania to grow its economy, achieve energy independence, and make it easier for consumers and businesses to develop and use advanced, clean energy resources.
Applications for the Energy Harvest and Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant programs, as well as funding from the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, can be downloaded from www.depweb.state.pa.us.
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said the funds available through these programs will expand the use of renewable energy technologies in the commonwealth and help citizens and businesses manage increasing energy costs by using alternatives that also boost the state’s economy.
“We’re investing in the future of Pennsylvania’s families and businesses by using our resources to build a new energy economy in the commonwealth—one that encourages clean and renewable resources that are indigenous to our state and are, increasingly, more cost competitive with conventional fuels,” said McGinty. ”The ongoing run-up in energy prices is putting a pinch on the pocketbooks and budgets of consumers and companies. The investments we’re making through these three programs will help spur the development of energy from things such as solar, wind and biomass—all of which Pennsylvania has in abundance. By supporting these technologies and opening new markets to their use, we’re not only working to create new jobs, but also making these alternatives more cost effective for consumers, which will save them money on their energy bills.”
Details on the three grant program rounds that opened today are as follows:
• Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA)
This year, up to $12.8 million is available through two PEDA grant opportunities. Up to $11 million will be available statewide for innovative, advanced energy projects and advanced energy businesses interested in locating to the state.
Another $1.8 million is available to municipalities, local government authorities and first responders in Duquesne Light Company’s electric service territory and immediately adjacent areas for energy efficiency and renewable power. The funds are intended to help local governments and first responders cope with rising energy costs and to ensure a secure energy supply for critical operations. Gov. Edward G. Rendell revived PEDA after years of inactivity to help spark innovation and economic development in Pennsylvania’s energy industry. Since 2005, PEDA has approved 81 grants and loans totaling more than $31 million for clean energy projects that are leveraging an estimated $362 million in other investment.
• Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG)
AFIG grants help support energy security by investing in companies that produce and market homegrown biofuels and consumers that purchase hybrid vehicles. This year, more funding is available to for fleet vehicles, providing incentives for businesses to incorporate the latest fuel and engine technologies.
Approximately $10 million is available this year. AFIG will continue funding to cover the added cost to purchase biofuel blends, as well as continuing the 5 cents per gallon production incentive for biofuels.
Since Governor Rendell expanded the AFIG three years ago, it has provided more than $17.8 million to 54 projects and leveraged $164 million in investments by public and private fleet operators, fuel providers and the federal government. AFIG funding awarded since 2004 has supported the use of more than 6 million gallons of biodiesel-blended fuel, as well as the production of 37 million gallons of biodiesel through 2009.
In addition, over the past three years, AFIG has invested approximately $4.5 million in rebates for the purchase of nearly 9,000 hybrid electric vehicles.
• Energy Harvest
Approximately $5 million will be available through the Energy Harvest grant program, which was established by Rendell in 2003.
Energy Harvest promotes awareness and builds markets for cleaner or renewable energy technologies. Innovative projects that are eligible include renewable energy deployment, including biomass; waste coal reclamation for energy; deployment of innovative efficiency technologies; and distributed generation projects.
Since 2003, Energy Harvest has invested nearly $26 million and leveraged $66 million in private investments.
Applications for all three grant programs must be postmarked or received by June 20. Directions for submitting applications to each of the programs can be found in the respective application guideline. For more information and to download applications and guidelines, visit here, keywords: PEDA, Energy Harvest or Alternative Fuels.