North American Windpower: Rhode Island Gov't. Awards Funding To Renewable Energy Projects

by NAW Staff on Tuesday 01 November 2011

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee has announced that $2.7 million in new grants will be made available through the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp.'s Renewable Energy Fund (REF). This funding will help accelerate 16 renewable energy projects with combined private and public investments totaling $5.7 million.

The new grants will support a wide range of Rhode Island businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and housing/residential projects designed to boost energy efficiency with the installation of renewable energy systems or conduct feasibility studies to identify clean energy development opportunities around the state. All projects must be completed by March 1, 2012.

The projects awarded grants include two involving wind energy. The town of Jamestown, R.I., will receive $117,775 for a wind feasibility study and pre-development support for its planned 1.5 MW wind turbine project and position the town to execute agreements with the appropriate wind developer and complete the project.

The other wind power award will go to the Washington County Regional Planning Council in Westerly, R.I., which will receive $22,000 to complete the interconnect studies for potential renewable energy projects at the Westerly Landfill. The town has been trying to develop renewable energy projects, primarily large-scale wind and solar PV facilities. In preparing for development, the town is seeking to continue making progress on several pre-development activities, especially feasibility and interconnection studies on the site for the proposed projects.

The grants are a result of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to help states advance renewable energy development and assist businesses in lowering their energy costs. Grants were awarded through a publicly announced proposal solicitation process managed by the REF.

Don't miss the latest wind energy news -- register to receive NAW's news headlines.

Latest Top Stories

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.

WINDPOWER Panelists Issue A Call To Arms: Protect RPS Mandates

Votes on several legislative bills concerning state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are nearing. How can you help protect and maintain these development drivers?

Wind Industry Still Awaits First Eagle-Take Permit Under BGEPA

The first wind developer to apply for a take permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has withdrawn its application.