The $194 million REAP awards support more than 650 projects in 35 states and Puerto Rico. The USDA announced the REAP awards as part of a larger $238 million funding announcement that also included approximately $43 million in grants awarded under the agency’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to expanding access to modern clean energy systems and fueling options that strengthen the nation’s energy independence while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we are excited to partner with hundreds more family farms and small businesses to address the impacts of climate change, grow the economy and keep rural communities throughout the country strong and resilient.”
Bioenergy projects selected for funding include:
A $55,031 grant awarded to Indiana-based Culver Duck Farms Inc. to support the purchase and installation of a generator system that converts waste gas from an anaerobic digestion system into electricity. The project is expected to save the business $934,000 annually and generate 2.92 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which is enough to power 224 homes.
A $1 million grant awarded to California-based Force Energy Corp. to offset the costs associated with installing an energy efficient biomass combined-heat-and-power system using waste wood chips. The system is expected to produce 2.8 million kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power 263.36 homes.
A $570,625 grant awarded to California-based Hat Creek Bioenergy LLC to offset the costs associated with installing an energy efficient bioenergy power plant that will enable the company to convert sustainably sourced wood to renewable power, heat and biochar. The system is expected to produce 23.652 million kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power 2,224.6 homes.
A $221,814 grant awarded to Pennsylvania-based Everite Door Co. to support the purchase and replacement of a biomass boiler system. The new energy efficient biomass boiler will utilize waste wood chips and will provide heat to the business. The project is expected to save the business approximately $41,100 per year and will decrease energy consumption by 57%.
A $1 million grant awarded to Florida-based Trenton Biochar Services LLC to support the purchase and installation of a gasifier. The installation will increase the efficiency of the business operation and result in energy use and cost reductions. The project is expected to reduce energy purchases and generate the business $697,339.80 per year.
The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2 billion through REAP to support renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will help rural business owners lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen their resiliency of operations.
