USDA announces $124 million in renewable energy funding, including biomass-related projects

In a significant push towards renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $124 million (all figures U.S.) investment to support renewable energy and fertilizer production projects across 44 states.

This initiative, aimed at reducing energy costs and fostering job creation, benefits U.S. farmers, ranchers, and small rural businesses, according to the USDA.

“USDA is committed to ensuring farmers, ranchers and small businesses are directly benefitting from both a clean energy economy and a strong U.S. supply chain,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The investments announced today will expand access to renewable energy systems and domestic fertilizer, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”

Here’s a list of biomass-related projects receiving funding:

• In Idaho, Boulder Creek Oz will purchase and install a biomass furnace to provide additional heat to their cabins and mountain lodging facilities in Boundary County. This project is expected to save more than $3,800 per year. It will replace more than 3,700 kWh, which is approximately 94% of the energy use per year. It is receiving $20,000.
• In Connecticut, J. DeFrancesco & Son Inc. is receiving $90,734. This will be used to help J. DeFrancesco & Son Inc. purchase and install a Biomass Furnace Boiler System for their greenhouse operation in Northford, Connecticut. The project is expected to generate 3,983,170,000 BTUs of energy per year, which is enough electricity to power 107 homes.
• In Idaho, Boulder Creek Idaho Properties LLC is receiving $20,000. This will be used to purchase and install a biomass furnace to provide additional heat to Boulder Creek Idaho Properties LLC’s facility that hosts retreats, weddings, conferences, and rental of a commercial kitchen. Boulder Creek Idaho Properties LLC is a small rural business operation in Boundary County, Idaho. This project is expected to save $1,743 per year. It will replace 2,390 kilowatt hours (kWh) (21 percent of their energy use) per year.
• In Kentucky, Bluegrass Biochar LLC is receiving $27,000. This will be used to purchase and install an 11.2 kilowatt (kW) solar system at a biochar manufacturer in Frenchburg, Kentucky. The project is expected to save $2,115 per year in energy costs and generate 14,660 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy per year, which is enough to power 1.34 homes.