LINCOLN, Neb., November 21, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Joan Scheel announced today that USDA is funding new projects in Nebraska to lower costs, expand access to clean energy, and strengthen American farms and small businesses. USDA is making the investments through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This funding includes grants that will help small businesses and farms across the country implement cost-saving, clean, efficient energy systems on their properties.
“I am thrilled to announce these investments to help our rural communities in their efforts to continue driving an economy that benefits working people right here in Nebraska,” Scheel said. “We will continue to work hard to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need for the future.”
Through REAP, USDA partners with agricultural producers and small businesses to lower business costs through clean energy and energy efficiency systems. Acting State Director Scheel also announced the availability of additional REAP funds that farmers and small businesses can apply thru March 31, 2025.
REAP Investments Lower Costs and Create Jobs
In addition, USDA is investing more than $256 million in loans and grants that will support more than 1,100 clean energy projects in 40 states. Since 2021, USDA has invested more than $2.7 billion through REAP in 9,901 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.
The investments announced today will help make it possible for agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements.
These innovations will help them increase their income, grow their businesses, and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.
In Nebraska:
- Real Estate lessor Daniel Van Boening will install a 15-Kilowatt wind turbine in Blue Hill. This project will save the business an estimated $1,650 per year and generate 49,000 kilowatt hours (100% of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power four homes per year.
- Agland Electric and Irrigation, Inc. will install a 26-kilowatt solar array in Ord. This project is expected to save the business $4,600 annually and generate 40,000 kilowatt hours of electricity (78% of the business’ energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes per year.
- Ethanol producer Sandhills Renewable Energy, LLS will install a more energy-efficient cooling tower in Atkinson. The new system is expected to save the business $320,000 in electrical costs and replace 4.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity (11% of the business’ energy use) per year, which is enough to power 417 homes per year.
- Siouxland Ethanol, LLC will install an energy-efficient free on truck oil recovery system in Jackson. The new system is expected to save the business $690,300 in electrical costs and replace 3.28 million kilowatt-hours of electricity (6% of the business’ energy use) per year, which is enough to power 3,030 homes per year.
- Real Estate lessor Greg Auten will install a 15-Kilowatt wind turbine in Blue Hill. This project will save the business an estimated $1,530 per year and generate 45,400 kilowatt hours (100% of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power four homes per year.
- Grain producer Kent Kruger will install a more energy-efficient electric irrigation motor in Randolph. The new system is expected to save the company $10,000 in electrical costs and replace 107,000 kilowatt-hours (65% of the farmer’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power nine homes per year.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Contact USDA Rural Development in Nebraska
Information on programs administered through USDA Rural Development in Nebraska is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ne, contacting your local Rural Development office, or by following @RD_Nebraska on X.
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Rural Development offices in Nebraska: https://tinyurl.com/yc7pfytn
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