Resource Details
Agriculture, Energy, Sustainability
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants
The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as: Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels); Geothermal for electric generation or direct use; Hydropower below 30 megawatts; Hydrogen; Small and large wind generation; Small and large solar generation; Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.
Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as: High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC); Insulation; Lighting; Cooling or refrigeration units; Doors and windows; Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots; Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor; Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.
Eligibility
Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and small businesses in eligible rural areas are eligible.
Businesses must be in located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less. Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas
Top Benefits
- Helps increase American energy independence
- Increases the private sector supply of renewable energy
- Decreases the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements
- Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy for small businesses and agricultural producers
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
Contact
715-619-3123
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Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.