I have 3 programs to share with you today that all deal with renewable energy. So to get things started off….

Biomass Research and Development Initiative

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) are offering funding through a grant for Biomass Research and Development. Funding can be used on: Technologies and processes necessary for abundant commercial production of biofuels at prices competitive with fossil fuels; High-value biobased products; and a diversity of economically and environmentally sustainable domestic sources of renewable biomass for conversion to biofuels, bioenergy, and biobased products. Eligible applicants include: non-profits, academia and the private sector. Pre-applications are due June 7, 2010 and more information can be found at http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=MHtLLqTZjDqDKXvvh1z5GyT1dFy6dcS4PNG0JLRRy9bTP2TnN10P!-2132130105?oppId=54455&mode=VIEW

USDA-Repowering Assistance Program

Eligible biorefineries in existence before June 18th, 2008 can partake in this program which encourages the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in the operation of this biorefineries. Payments will be made based on the amount of fossil fuel a renewable biomass system is replacing; the cost effectiveness and economic benefit to the area. For applications please contact your USDA-Rural Development State Office.

USDA-Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels payments to Advanced Biofuel Producers

This program provides payments to to eligible advanced Biofuel producers in rural areas for the production of fuel derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch to include: biofuels derived from cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, sugar, starch, waste material, diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable biomass included vegetable oil and animal fat, biogas, and butanol. For applications please contact your state USDA-Rural Development office.

This week I wanted to give a shout out to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Biofuels Grant Program. This program is a way to increase the access to, and usage of, biofuels by Hoosier consumers and therefore move Indiana’s economy forward. E85 is an 85 percent ethanol fuel blended with 15 percent petroleum fuel.

This program awards funds (up to $20,000) for the installation of E85 refueling infrastructure at public refueling stations. The equipment purchased and installed for an E85 refueling station should be compatible with E85. Commercial refueling facilities or local units (defined as: cities, towns, counties, or townships) are eligible to apply. Those who own or operate multiple locations are allowed to apply for more than one location; however, each location needs to be on its own application and each will be scored separately.

Costs that are eligible under this grant program include: biofuels equipment, installation and site preparation for biofuels pumps only, and signage. Under the equipment category, only tank, pump, canopy and lighting expenses directly related to the dispensing of biofuels will be considered eligible costs. Eligible projects must apply commercially available technologies. Biofuels grants will not be awarded to fund research projects.

This grant has an open application period and more information about this grant along with an application can be found on ISDA’s website at: http://www.in.gov/isda/2401.htm