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The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources compiles some of the latest state and federal funding opportunities related to energy research, development, education, and other energy-related topics. View the list of new funding opportunities here.
Latest RFPs from the Minnesota Department of Commerce
The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources on May 12 issued request for proposals (RFPs) for specific-topic Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) Grants and for two private contractor opportunities to help support Commerce work on advancing the use of combined heat and power. The three most recent RFPs are described below and can be downloaded from the Commerce website RFP page:
Title: Conservation Applied Research and Development Grant Program RFP-01 (Specific Topics)
Description: Commerce seeks proposals from organizations and individuals interested in conducting applied research and development projects in nine topic areas. This effort is intended to inform electric and natural gas utility Conservation Improvement Program development and state energy policy. Up to $2.5 million from the Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) Grant Program is available for this RFP.
Topic: Conservation improvement
Deadline: July 21, 2014
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Title: Meeting Facilitator for Combined Heat and Power Stakeholder Process
Description: Commerce seeks a qualified contractor to organize, facilitate, and report on the results of a series of stakeholder engagement meetings focusing on combined heat and power (CHP) issues involving Minnesota’s regulatory framework, technical/economic potential, and education/training needs. The objective of these public meetings is to inform various stakeholders of current efforts underway to increase CHP implementation, facilitate discussion regarding the opportunities and barriers to greater CHP deployment, and more.
Topic: Combined heat and power
Deadline: May 27, 2014
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Title: Engagement Survey Designer/Administrator for Combined Heat and Power Stakeholder Process
Description: Commerce seeks a qualified contractor to develop and administer a pre- and post-engagement survey to quantitatively measure the level of change in stakeholder attitudes and perceptions before and after a series of stakeholder engagement meetings focusing on CHP issues involving Minnesota’s regulatory framework, technical/economic potential, and education/training needs.
Topic: Combined heat and power
Deadline: May 27, 2014
Opportunities still available for 2014 MiM solar thermal rebates
Applications reopened on March 17 for the solar thermal rebate portion of the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until 2014 funds are fully reserved. The solar thermal rebates are for customers of electric investor-owned utilities (Xcel Energy, Alliant Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power). Rebates are available to commercial and residential property owners who install solar thermal systems using collectors certified as Made in Minnesota. More information is available on the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program webpage.
2014 Rural Energy for America Program funding notice is issued
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on May 5 that it will award up to $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees for 2014 through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Applications are being accepted from farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses for loans, grants, and combination loan-grants to help finance renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects. To learn of deadlines and details, view the funding notice. Minnesotans can apply for REAP through Minnesota’s USDA Rural Development Office. Additional REAP funds are expected to be released later this year, according to Ron Omann, state energy/environmental coordinator for the Minnesota Rural Development Office.
Funding Resources
We have compiled a variety of energy-related funding resources for those who want to conduct their own search of funding opportunities. Check out the Financial Assistance Directory for a list of state, federal and foundation funding resources.
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