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TALLAHASSEE – The Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) received more than 180 grant proposals
during the past month for the Renewable Energy
Technologies Grant Program. Part of the 2006 Florida
Energy Act, the grant program is designed to stimulate
capital investment in the state and promote and enhance
the statewide utilization of renewable energy
technologies.
“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 Deputy
Secretary Mike Sole. “We are encouraged that a variety
of organizations are taking this opportunity to pursue
grant funding for renewable energy technologies, and
look forward to exploring the ideas presented in the
grant proposals.”
DEP received 183 grant proposals seeking nearly $215
million in grant funding and providing more than $505
million in cost share for renewable energy projects. The
proposals, which include technologies such as bioenergy,
solar and hydrogen, will now be evaluated by the state
based on a number of different criterion, including cost
share percentage, economic development potential, energy
efficiency and how the project fosters public awareness
of renewable energy technologies.
Through the 2006 Florida Energy Act, the Florida
Legislature appropriated $15 million for the Renewable
Energy Technologies Grant Program, 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, solar
energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, ocean energy,
waste heat and hydroelectric power. Grants will be
awarded January 2007 at a maximum of $2.5 million per
project.
Spearheaded by Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida
Legislature, the 2006 Florida Energy Act takes 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 four
year, $100 million plan will 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.floridaenergy.org.
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