USDA Offers Clean Energy Grants and Loan Guarantees

March 28, 2007

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering $176.5 million in loan guarantees and $11.4 million in grants to support investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements by agricultural producers and small businesses. Loan guarantees cover up to 50 percent of a project's cost and will not exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project's cost, with a limit of $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems. Grant applications must by postmarked no later than May 18th, while the deadline for loan applications or grant and loan combinations is July 2nd. See the USDA press release, and for the complete details, see the announcement from the March 22nd edition of the Federal Register.