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The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) has announced that the state is now accepting
grant proposals for the Renewable Energy Technologies Grant
Program. Part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act, DEP's Florida Energy
Office administers the grant program, which is designed to
stimulate capital investment in Florida and promote and enhance the
statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies.
"As Florida continues to strive for
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to encourage
investment in alternative energy technologies, which will help
build a clean, diverse and reliable supply of energy for Florida,"
said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. "Investments in cutting-edge
ventures ensure a stronger economy and a cleaner environment for
the next generation of Floridians."
The targeted grants program is designed to
advance the already growing establishment of renewable energy
technologies in the state, such as hydrogen, biomass, solar energy,
geothermal energy, wind energy, ocean energy, waste heat and
hydroelectric power. Grant proposals are evaluated based on a
number of different criteria, including cost share percentage,
economic development potential, energy efficiency and how the
project fosters public awareness of renewable energy technologies.
Grants will be awarded at a maximum of $2.5 million per project.
Eligible applicants include Florida municipalities and county
governments, established for-profit companies licensed to do
business in Florida, universities and colleges in the state,
utilities located and operating within Florida, not-for-profit
organizations and state agencies.
"Through the Renewable Energy Technologies
Grant Program, Florida is encouraging investment in alternative
energy, which can help reduce demand for foreign fuels, promote
energy diversity, reduce pollution and promote economic growth,"
said DEP's Florida Energy Office Director Jeremy Susac. "We
encourage organizations to take this opportunity to pursue grant
funding for renewable energy technologies, and look forward to
exploring the ideas presented in the grant proposals."
Earlier this year, Lieutenant Governor
Jeff Kottkamp joined Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H.
Bronson and DEP Secretary Sole to announce the first recipients of
Florida's renewable energy technologies grants. Eight
organizations received $15 million in grant funding, with at least
$5 million to support bioenergy projects and $10 million for
projects that generate or utilize other renewable energy resources,
including hydrogen, biomass and solar energy. In 2007, Governor
Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature appropriated $12.5
million to continue the Renewable Energy Technologies Grants
Program.
The 2006 Florida Energy Act took the first
comprehensive step toward a diverse, reliable and secure energy
future by reducing regulatory barriers to expedite electric
generation capacity and providing rebates, grants and tax
incentives to drive the development of alternative fuel
technologies. The act helps diversify the state's fuel supply,
reduce Florida's dependence on imported oil, spur economic growth
and promote energy conservation and efficiency.
For more information about the 2006
Florida Energy Act or information on the grant program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/energy.
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