Continuing to roll out funds under the State Energy Program (SEP), U.S. DOE Secretary Steven Chu has announced more than $153 US million US in Recovery Act funding to support renewable energy projects in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Initial funds of 40% have been authorized, with 10% of total funding previously available to states to support planning activities and the remaining funds will be provided to the states upon successful implementation of the programs. While the bulk of the programs focus on energy efficiency measures, the following states have indicated that they will be implementing renewable energy programs as follows:
Mississippi - $16.1 million for a range of projects that will include the design and implementation of selected pilot projects for renewable energy installations, providing incentives to public and private entities to build or expand renewable energy production or manufacturing facilities that produce energy or transportation fuels from biomass, solar or wind resources. Additional funding available - $20 million.
Montana - $10.3 million which will include grants to speed the implementation of new clean energy technologies that have moved into the production phase but are not yet well known or utilized in the state. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will be able to increase the amount it lends in low-interest loans to consumers, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to install various renewable energy systems, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass. Additional funding available - $13 million.
New York - $49.2 million. A portion of the SEP funds will encourage installation of a range of solar PV and solar thermal systems across the state, and to provide training opportunities for installers. Additional funding available - $61.5 million. (Source: U.S. DOE, July 6, 2009)
Contact: Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. DOE, (202) 586-9220, [email protected], www.energy.gov.
