Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy
Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy
Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy
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http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.doid=-536881350&subchannel=-<br />
536881511&contentid=536885915&contenttype=EDITORIAL&programid=536885394&sp2=y&sc3=<br />
null&sc2=null&agency=Commerce<br />
The Minnesota Department of Commerce <strong>Energy</strong> Info Center is a good source of current<br />
information on energy development incentives in general. Go to:<br />
http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.dosubchannel=-536881511&id=-<br />
536881350&agency=Commerce or call Linda Limback at 651-615-1883.<br />
USDA Renewable <strong>Energy</strong> Systems and <strong>Energy</strong> Efficiency Improvements<br />
Loan guarantees and grants may be available to help agricultural producers and rural small<br />
businesses (fewer than 500 employees and less than $20 million in annual sales) purchase<br />
renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency. “Rural” is defined as an area with<br />
less than 50,000 population.<br />
Renewable energy means energy derived from wind, solar, biomass, or a geothermal source; or<br />
hydrogen derived from biomass or water using one of those energy sources. The program does<br />
not include hydro-power. <strong>Biomass</strong> includes agricultural crops, trees grown for energy<br />
production, wood waste and wood residues, plants (including aquatic plants and grasses),<br />
residues, fibers, animal and other wastes, fats, oils, and greases, but not paper commonly<br />
recycled or unsegregated solid waste.<br />
The grant cannot exceed 25% of the cost of the project cost. To be eligible, the applicant must<br />
demonstrate financial need. Grants for renewable energy systems range from $2,500 to<br />
$500,000 and those for energy efficiency improvements arrange from $2,500 to $250,000.<br />
Applicants must be citizens of the U.S. or legally admitted for permanent residence.<br />
Total funds available nationwide for grants each year are approximately $11.5 million. $175<br />
million in loan guarantees are available each year. Combinations of guaranteed loans and<br />
grants cannot exceed 50% of the eligible project costs. Deadline to apply for grants is usually<br />
May. Loan guarantee applications are received all year.<br />
For further information call Lisa Noty at 507-373-7960, extension 120, or email<br />
lisa.noty@mn.usda.gov. Or go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/06fbnofa.htm.<br />
USDA Rural Development Value-added Producer Grant (VAPG)<br />
The VAPG program assists development of value-added products or renewable energy from<br />
agricultural production, focusing on projects at farm scale.<br />
Grants up to $100,000 are available for planning and feasibility studies and up to $300,000 for<br />
working capital.<br />
Eligible ventures are those that develop renewable energy from agricultural production and/or<br />
use innovative technologies to develop value-added products. All ventures must be<br />
economically viable and sustainable. Of the four categories of value-added under this<br />
program, two are energy-related: (1) adding value through changing the physical state or form<br />
of the products (e.g. processing corn into ethanol); and (2) using agricultural products to<br />
produce renewable energy on a farm or ranch.<br />
Identifying Effective <strong>Biomass</strong> Strategies: Page 117<br />
Quantifying Minnesota’s Resources and Evaluating Future Opportunities
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