Articles and Resources
ICECF Biomass Grant Program
Funding Due Date July-16, 2013
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) funds projects by public sector and non-profit entities to purchase and install biomass energy systems, "including combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion" platforms. Priority is given to projects for which all other funding has been secured, projects that include a significant education and outreach component in the project, and projects that complement existing energy efficiency practices.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Funding Due Date April-30, 2013
USDA is now accepting applications for FY2013 REAP funding, with extended deadlines. REAP provides grants and guaranteed loans to eligible rural small businesses and farmers to purchase renewable energy systems or perform renewable energy system feasibility studies. Most biomass heat, power, and liquid fuels platforms are eligible. For purchasing renewable energy systems, grants are capped at 25% of project costs, up to $500,000, and guaranteed loans are capped at 75% of project costs, up to $25 million. Feasibility study grants are capped at 25% of study costs, up to $50,000. Special priority is given to grant applications requesting $20,000 or less. See the REAP FY2013 Federal Register Notice for full details. See FarmEnergy.org, maintained by the Environmental Law & Policy Center, for useful general information about applying for REAP.
All grant and combined grant + guaranteed loan applications are due May 31, 2013. Guaranteed loan-only applications are accepted continuously through July 15, 2013.
To discuss potential projects and obtain application materials, Illinois farmers and small businesses are encouraged to contact Rural Energy Coordinator Mary Warren in the USDA Rural Development Illinois office, at mary.warren@il.usda.gov or 217-403-6218. Applicants from other states can identify their coordinators here. Applications can also be downloaded directly from Grants.gov by searching for CFDA Number 10.868.
DCEO Biomass & Biogas to Energy Grant Program (closed)
Funding Due Date April-30, 2012
The Biomass & Biogas to Energy Grant Program remains open and additional applications are still being sought. Applications are considered on a rolling basis through April 30, 2012. But program funds have historically run out quickly, so apply ASAP.
Projects designed to use biogas or biomass as a source of fuel to
produce electricity with combined heat and power (CHP) through
gasification, co-firing or anaerobic digestion technologies are being
targeted. Grants are for up to 50% of projects costs, with a maximum
award of $500,000 for biomass projects and $225,000 for biogas projects. The same feedstock exclusions mentioned above apply here as well.
DCEO Renewable Energy Development Grant Program (closed)
Funding Due Date October-28, 2011
The Renewable Energy Business Development Grant Program supports the development, retooling, or expansion of renewable energy businesses and component manufacturers. Applications are due October 28, 2011. Grants are for up to 50% of projects costs, with a maximum award of $500,000.
Machinery, equipment, industrial systems, site improvements, and
engineering services are examples of eligible expenses. Industrial
systems to manufacture biomass conversion equipment are potentially
eligible; check with DCEO staff about your specific project idea.
According to DCEO staff, biomass densification or pre-treatment equipment is potentially eligible,
at least if the value-added biomass product (e.g. pellets) is intended
for sale. Applicants will need to comply with a DCEO requirement
excluding "energy from the incineration, burning or heating of waste
wood, tires, garbage, general household, institutional and commercial,
industrial lunchroom or office waste, landscape waste, or construction
or demolition debris."
