ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 5, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer announced today that USDA is investing $6,539,447 million in renewable energy projects across the state. The projects will primarily include the installation of energy-efficient grain dryers, solar arrays, and wind turbines. The projects are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants announced today in Minnesota include:
- Granite Falls Energy LLC in Granite Falls will use a $1,000,000 grant to install a Mechanical Vapor Recompression system. The project, which will increase ethanol production by up to 8,300,000 gallons a year, is expected to save the business $29,818,530 per year and 63,539 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 58 homes.
- Terry Dybdahl’s farm in Clinton will use a $172,496 grant to install an energy efficient grain dryer. This project is expected to save the farm $32,230 per year and will replace 443,255 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 41 homes.
- Timothy Behrends’ farm in Hastings will use a $61,956 grant to install a 38 kilowatt (kW) solar array. This project is expected to save the farm $9,258 per year and will replace 76,140 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power seven homes.
- Whispering Pines Lodge LLC in Ely will use a $72,248 grant to install a 27 kilowatt (kW) solar array. The project is expected to save the camping resort $4,030 per year and will replace 32,826 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes.
- Steffel Pork LLC in Olivia will use a $94,320 grant to install a 25 kilowatt (kW) wind turbine. This project is expected to save the business $9,647 per year and will replace 98,750 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power nine homes.
“These REAP investments ensure farmers, ranchers, and small businesses are benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Landkamer said. “The investments announced will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure while saving energy costs that can be invested back into rural Minnesota communities.”
Today’s announcement comes after Secretary Vilsack’s visit at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The department is awarding $157 million for 675 projects in 42 states, including more than $94 million from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Background: Rural Energy for America Program
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean 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.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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