The USDA has announced it will be investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP).
The move is part of a wider push to expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and increase domestic fertilizer production. The awards include $157 million in REAP grants and loan guarantees for 675 projects in 42 states, as well as $50 million in FPEP investments for seven projects in seven states.
Nearly 30 of the funded projects focus on biogas and bioenergy, including various anaerobic digestion projects to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), as well as biogas-fueled combined-heat-and-power (CHP) and an anerobic digestion for fertilizer production. Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the awards at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, saying: “President Biden and USDA are ensuring farmers, ranchers and small businesses are not only a part of the clean energy economy, but directly benefiting from it.” Vilsack added that the investments would create good-paying jobs and save people money on their energy costs that they could then invest back into their businesses and communities.
