Here's a new federal funding opportunity for you.
The USDA has announced the 2011 Woody Biomass Utilization Grant. A total of $3.7 million is available, with a ceiling of $250,000 per award. State, county, city, township, and special district governments, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher ed, tribal governments and organizations, 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) non-profits, and small businesses are all eligible to apply.
The purpose of the grant is to "address the nationwide challenge of using low-value woody biomass material to create renewable energy." The grant would be for wood energy projects that require engineering services, and the woody biomass should be used in a bioenergy facility that uses commercial technologies to produce thermal, electrical, or liquid/gaseous bioenergy. The USDA has suggested some projects that include engineering design: a woody biomass boiler for steam at a sawmill or a non-pressurized system to heat water.
For more information on the grant and to determine if your project may be eligible, click here. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2011.
