Funding Available for Renewable Energy Projects

According to a January 2009 Time magazine article, Wisconsin is among the top tier of states encouraging energy efficiency. That ranking is another indication that Wisconsin has the resources and know-how to become a leader in renewable energy.

In 2008, Governor Jim Doyle launched a $150-million, ten-year grant and loan program - The Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund. The fund will support cutting-edge research and development, the manufacture and production of new clean energy products, and ways to make clean energy use widespread and cost-effective.

The program's objectives are as follows:

• Increase public and private investment in clean energy;
• Expand Wisconsin's clean energy industry;
• Support the creation of green collar jobs;
• Capture an increasing percentage of the growing clean energy market;
• Increase the supply of and access to clean energies;
• Support commercialization and adoption of clean energy technology; and
• Develop clean energy infrastructure and reduce market obstacles.

In September, the Department of Commerce made initial awards to 22 companies, totaling $7.3 million in grants and loans. These awards will leverage $44.2 million in other investments.

Commerce is looking forward to some exciting new projects as we prepare for our next round of funding. Interested companies can contact Sue Hart, energy specialist, Department of Commerce, at 608-261-2509 or susan.hart@wisconsin.gov

-- Tony Hozeny