HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell has announced that large-scale projects that generate electricity from biological materials such as yard, food processing and animal wastes are eligible for up to $5 million in federal funding through Pennsylvania’s Green Energy Works! program.
“Investing in and developing alternative energy projects are essential to increase our energy independence,” said Rendell. “We are investing our federal recovery money in businesses and organizations that are developing long-lasting green energy generating facilities which will help us tackle our future energy demands. In addition, these projects will supply a needed boost to our economy by creating jobs and leveraging millions more in additional investments.”
All projects must create jobs, be able to start work within six months, be completed with 24 months and prior to April 30, 2012. Guidelines may be viewed at www.recovery.pa.gov under the heading, “Where is your money going?” Click on “Energy Independence.” Applications must be submitted via the Environmental eGrants system at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. The deadline for applying is 4 p.m. on Oct. 23.
“Biogas projects take a waste material and put it to a beneficial use by creating a clean, alternative form of energy,” said Rendell. “These types of projects typically help farmers, food processors and local governments better manage waste processing in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way, while also generating energy that helps to reduce costs.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is giving us the opportunity to invest more aggressively in our future. But we must invest wisely. Green Energy Works! is an example of the diverse, large-scale approach we must take to maximize our potential to meet our energy needs.”
Part of Green Energy Works! is a series of four competitive grant programs that will provide a total of $52 million for innovative projects designed to help increase energy efficiency, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, improve service reliability, and reduce the impact of energy production on the environment.
Announced on Sept. 8, applications are currently being accepted for combined heat and power projects, which generate power and thermal energy from a single source. The deadline for combined heat and power applications is 4 p.m. on Oct. 9. In addition to the combined heat and power and biogas grant opportunities already open, Green Energy Works!, will soon offer funding opportunities for solar and wind power deployment projects.