United States (Federal) Loans and Leases
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grant
Competitive grant funding and guaranteed loans are available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development's Section 9006 Energy Program for the purchase of renewable energy systems and energy improvements for agricultural producers and small rural businesses. Qualified projects must occur in a rural area and implement technology that is pre-commercial or commercially available and replicable. Research and development does not qualify. Applicants must provide at least 75% of eligible project costs, and grant assistance to a single individual or entity may not exceed $750,000. Eligible projects include biofuels, hydrogen, and energy efficiency improvements, as well as solar, geothermal, and wind. The Section 9006 Energy Program has not been funded for Fiscal Year 2008. For more information, visit the Section 9006 Program Web site, and contact the appropriate State Rural Development Office. (Reference 7 U.S. Code 8106)
Point of Contact
Office of Rural Development
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Phone (202) 690-4730
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/energy/
SmartWay Transport Partnership
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the ground freight industry. It was designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution through increased fuel efficiency. EPA provides Partners with benefits and services that include fleet management tools, technical support, information, public recognition, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with states, banks, and other organizations to develop innovative financing options that help Partners purchase devices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, nonprofits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry.
Point of Contact
SmartWay Transport Partnership
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4767
Fax (734) 214-4052
smartway_transport@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/smartway
Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program
The goal of the Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program is to help finance technologies that are needed to convert biomass into biobased products and bioenergy in a cost-competitive manner in national and international markets. Loans for biomass conversions are eligible for financing under the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. For the purpose of this program, biomass is defined as any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis, excluding timber, and including dedicated energy crops and trees, agricultural food and feed crop residues, aquatic plants, wood and wood residues, animal wastes, and other waste materials. A biobased product is considered any commercial or industrial product that utilizes biological products or renewable domestic agricultural or forestry materials, including biofuels. For more information, visit the Biobased Products and Bioenergy Program Web site and contact the appropriate State Rural Development Office. (Reference 7 U.S. Code 8109)
Point of Contact
Office of Rural Development
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Phone (202) 690-4730
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/energy/
Loan Guarantee Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides loan guarantees to eligible projects that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, and support early commercial use of advanced technologies, including biofuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The loan guarantee program is not intended for research and development projects. DOE may issue loan guarantees for up to 100% of the amount of the loan for an eligible project. For loan guarantees of over 80%, the loan must be issued and funded by the Treasury Department's Federal Financing Bank. For additional program guidelines and solicitation announcements, please visit the Loan Guarantee Program Web site. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 16513)
Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (800) 342-5363
Fax (202) 586-4403
http://www.energy.gov
