Wednesday, January 21, 2009

GOV RITTER ANNOUNCES $370,000 IN ENERGY GRANTS


Gov. Bill Ritter and Energy Office Director Tom Plant today announced more than $370,000 in New Energy Economic Development (NEED) grants are being awarded to eight organizations in biomass, energy efficiency, wind, solar and other projects to help create jobs and strengthen local economies. The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) administers the grants using Clean Energy Funds.  
 
"NEED grants allow organizations and communities to make strategic investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will put people to work and strengthen local economies in the short-term," Gov. Ritter said. "In the long-term, these grants support our New Energy Economy through clean, modern energy and build healthy, sustainable and vibrant communities."
 
The Clean Energy Fund grants are from gaming revenues. The GEO received 57 applications seeking nearly $3 million in grant funding for the third round of NEED grants. The eight grant projects will leverage $552,999 in public-private local matching funds, and bring a combined $924,120 investment to Colorado communities.
 
"NEED grants are highly competitive, demonstrating the depth and strength of Colorado's New Energy Economy and the innovative nature of our Colorado businesses," said GEO Director Plant.  "Projects that target investment in emerging technologies, grow the market penetration of well-established technologies and attract New Energy Economy investments to Colorado were selected." 
 
The eight Colorado NEED award winners are: 
 
  • City of Greeley:  The City of Greeley received $82,489 to conduct a feasibility analysis for the development of a "Greeley Clean Energy Park." Contact: John Pantaleo, City of Greeley, john.pantaleo@greeleygov.com, 970.350.9702, www.greeleygov.com.   
 
  • Colorado Brownfields Foundation:  Located in Jefferson County, this organization received $25,000 to create a model for the feasibility of using multiple renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and methane, at a former landfill site in Colorado Springs. Contact: Raena Blumenthal, Colorado Brownfields Foundation, raena@ColoradoBrownfieldsFoundation.org, 303.962.0941,www.coloradobrownfieldsfoundation.org.   
 
  • Energistic Systems:  Based in Golden, this company received $100,000 for a new and innovative solar thermal system called SunTrac. Contact:  William Lowstuter, Energistic Systems, blowstuter@energisticsystems.us, 303.807.3497, www.energisticsystems.us. 

  • GARNA and The Global Biomass Network Project, Inc. – non- profit partners  Located in Salida, this organization received $100,000 in matching funds to support the development of a waste wood diversion/gasification project at the Chaffee County landfill. Contact: Patricia St. Germain, Executive Director, pstgermain@globalbiomassnetwork.org, 719.207.7058 or Alison Ramsey, 719.539.5106, www.garna.org. 

  • Hybrids Plus, Inc.:  This Boulder-based company received $25,000 to design and develop a second generation extended-range battery for plug-in hybrid vehicles, in correlation with Xcel Energy's Smart Grid City Project. Contact: Susan Nedell, Hybrids Plus, Inc. susan@hybrids-plus.com, 303.444.0569, www.hybrids-plus.com.

  • Lotus Energy Solutions:  Based in Telluride, this company received $832.00 in matching funds to acquire a duct blaster and Manual J Software that will be housed in San Miguel County. This will allow homes in the area to receive Home Energy Rating System ratings and to become ENERGY STAR certified. Contact:  David Allen and Kim Wheels, dgallen2@gmail.com, kimwheels@gmail.com, 970.708.7071.   
 
  • Nexajoule, Inc.: This Boulder-based company received $25,000 to refine designs and conduct field testing on an energy efficient evaporative chiller that can supplement or replace refrigerant-based air conditioning systems. Contact: Eric Jarvis, Nexajoule, Inc., ejarvis@nexajoule.com, 303.641.1119, www.nexajoule.com.
 
  • Southeast CO RC&D:  Based in Lamar, this organization received a $12,800 grant to install "Fat Spaniel" technology on farm-scale wind turbines to increase the agriculture community's knowledge base, heighten interest and demonstrate the application of wind technology in eastern Colorado. Contact:  Misty George, Southeast Colorado RC&D Council, misty.george@co.nacdnet.net, 719.523.4522,www.southeastcolorado.info
 
The GEO has awarded two previous NEED grant rounds in 2008, totaling $1,006,600.00 for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state. For more information about the NEED Grants, including the application information and deadlines, visit the Governor's Energy Office, www.colorado.gov/energy.