From wright.1128 at osu.edu Wed Dec 20 10:33:07 2023 From: wright.1128 at osu.edu (Wright, Nicole) Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:33:07 +0000 Subject: [Sc-aquaponics] USDA program for energy efficiency/renewable energy improvements Message-ID: Dear Producers, If there are energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements you'd like to make on the farm, I encourage you to look into the USDA program described below. You can find more Ohio-based resources on the Ohio State FSA page, https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Ohio/index USDA Rural Development Agency Seeks Applicants for the Rural Energy for America Program The USDA Rural Development has available the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help farmers and rural, small, for-profit businesses install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 provided the program with significant funding to help farmers and small, rural businesses implement these systems. Energy Efficiency Improvement projects can include grain dryer replacements, fans and motors, HVAC upgrades, lighting replacements along with other improvements as outlined in an energy audit. Renewable energy projects can include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Wind, Geothermal, Biomass, and Anaerobic Digester projects. Applications are being accepted quarterly with applications due to the Rural Development State Office by December 31, 2023; March 31, 2024; June 30, 2024; or September 30, 2024. * Energy Efficiency Improvement projects may be eligible for up to $500,000 or 50% of eligible project cost, whichever is less. * Renewable energy projects may be eligible for up to $1,000,000 or 50% of eligible project costs, whichever is less. Submission of a REAP application is strongly encouraged due to the increased availability of funds and per project funding. Please contact Ohio staff members with questions: * Danielle Frye 330-481-2230 frye at usda.gov * Jennifer Brown 614-255-2391 brown at usda.gov * Marcy Lucas 740-885-3319 lucas at usda.gov * Evan Kohler 614-255-2411 kohler at usda.gov * Justin Dueitt 614-255-2427 dueitt at usda.gov Additional information regarding this program can be found at the following website: Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov) NOTE: The program cannot be used for residential improvements. [The Ohio State University] Nicole Wright Aquaculture Extension Educator and LEARN Coordinator Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory School of Environment and Natural Resources Heffner Building, 352 W. Dodridge St., Columbus, OH 43202 Phone: 330-202-3594 wright.1128 at osu.edu / ohioseagrant.osu.edu Pronouns: she/her/hers -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 3605 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: