The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $180 million to fund 586 clean energy projects across 42 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The funding aims to expand renewable energy systems, reduce energy costs, and create jobs in rural communities, backed by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in U.S. history.
In particular, the following projects will receive funding:
Frank’s Inc. in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, received $84 thousand to upgrade its firewood processor, projected to save $13 thousand annually while reducing energy use by 167,466 kilowatt hours (kWh), enough to power 15 homes​.
Sierra Cascade Forest Products LLC in Lyons, Oregon, secured $68 thousand for a renewable energy system, saving $5 thousand yearly while generating 71,483 kWh annually, sufficient to power four homes​.
KJO Enterprises, a cabinet-making business in Hamilton, Montana, received $153 thousand for a 71-kilowatt solar array, expected to reduce costs by $16 thousand and replace 94,890 kWh of electricity annually​.
Paniolo Hardwoods LLC in Kamuela, Hawaii, received $99 thousand for a photovoltaic system that offsets dry kiln operational costs and reduces coal consumption by 49,572 pounds per year​.
The USDA expects these projects to be implemented throughout 2025, with ongoing monitoring to ensure energy efficiency goals are met. The next phase will involve further evaluations of renewable energy project effectiveness, with additional rounds of funding anticipated for the second half of the year​.