More than $16 million is available to help develop clean energy projects that will save energy and money for those

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who develop them, create jobs and improve the environment, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said today.

The state funding is being made available through the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, or PEDA.
 
“When we began our effort to make Pennsylvania energy independent, we recognized the need for projects that use advanced technologies to help meet our future energy needs while generating new employment opportunities for Pennsylvanians,” said Hanger. “Previously, we were far too dependent on foreign oil and far too many of our energy dollars were leaving the state. We needed to look within our borders for innovative ways to conserve and generate energy, and create jobs. PEDA has been a major vehicle in helping us attain those goals.”

PEDA is a competitive grant program that finances innovative, clean energy projects and companies, and promotes the continued growth of Pennsylvania’s green energy industry. The maximum award is $1 million per project.

The PEDA program had been inactive for a number of years before Governor Edward G. Rendell revived it in 2005. Since then, PEDA's diverse projects have produced remarkable results. The program has invested more than $75 million in 147 projects that leveraged an estimated $1.1 billion in private investments. Those projects have been responsible for creating more than 1,700 permanent jobs and more than 1,400 temporary ones.

The 25 projects PEDA funded in 2009 will combine to generate and conserve enough energy to power more than 26,000 homes, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to removing more than 17,000 cars from our roadways.

The available funds include $2 million specifically set aside for municipalities, local government authorities, and first responders in Duquesne Light Co.’s electric service territory and immediately adjacent areas to help these entities cope with high energy costs and ensure they have a secure energy supply that is needed for critical operations. Those funds are made available through the settlement of a ratepayer case between Duquesne Light Co. and the Public Utility Commission.

Applications must be submitted via the Environmental eGrant system at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. Paper applications will not be accepted. The deadline to submit applications is 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 15.

“As the demand for energy continues to increase, so does the demand for innovative solutions to meet those needs,” said Hanger. “Pennsylvanians have exhibited a willingness to undertake the types of projects necessary to keep us moving forward. Now in its sixth year, PEDA grants will continue to assist our residents in their efforts.”

Grants will be announced at the PEDA Board of Director's meeting on Friday, Aug. 27.
 
To view program guidelines, download an application or for additional information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: PEDA, or call the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Energy and Technology Deployment at 717-783-8411.

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