Montana DEQ Accepting Applications for Alternative Energy Development Grants

Montana has received funds to further the development of renewable energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Some of this funding focuses on developed and proven renewable energy technologies that remain underutilized or not yet available in Montana.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will administer up to $1 million to eligible applicants. The emphasis of the grants is on projects that further the commercialization of renewable energy technologies, including energy storage systems that support renewable energy generation.

"Successful projects will be innovative," said Kathi Montgomery, the DEQ program manager. "A prime goal is market development that furthers the application of these technologies in Montana."

Examples of eligible alternative energy systems include photovoltaic or solar thermal systems, wind generators, small hydroelectric generators, geothermal heating or generating systems and biomass systems, including generation and liquid fuel applications. Examples of energy storage systems include, but are not limited to, accumulators, fuel cells and batteries that store energy that may be drawn upon at a later date for use.

Funded projects will also increase the number of jobs. And increases in energy efficiency will decrease demand for fossil fuels. Projects should help transform markets by causing lasting change in the structure or function of a market or the behavior of market participants.

Individual grants may be for up to $500,000. At least 25 percent of the total project cost must be matched with non-federal funds. A Request for Applications (RFA) remains open until May 11, 2010 and details are available at the DEQ website: http://deq.mt.gov/recovery/energy/altendevgrant.mcpx

This is a highly competitive funding opportunity. Eligible applicants for grant funding include private entities – for-profit and nonprofit – licensed to conduct business in the state of Montana.