Twenty Tennessee farms and businesses are set to benefit from over $3.6 million in federal grants aimed at supporting clean energy projects. These projects include the installation of solar power systems and various measures to enhance energy efficiency. In total, the projects are projected to generate or save enough electricity to power 415 homes annually, resulting in significant savings for businesses.
This funding comes as part of the Rural Energy for America Program, with the United States Department of Agriculture selecting 1,147 projects nationwide for investment. The department recently announced over $256 million in loans and grants for this purpose, with all 20 of Tennessee’s selected projects set to receive grants.
The majority of these projects are funded by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates hundreds of billions of dollars towards clean energy and sustainability initiatives. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, there have been calls to rescind any unspent IRA funds. In response, the Biden administration has been working to allocate remaining funds before Trump’s inauguration.
Among the Tennessee awardees are seven farms, many of which are involved in poultry operations. For example, Larry Cunningham from Spring City will use his $117,357 grant to upgrade cooling equipment and improve insulation in his poultry houses, saving an estimated $8,758 in annual energy costs. Another recipient, Jenny Farm in Bradford, will receive nearly $336,000 to install a 250-kilowatt solar power system, generating enough energy to power 25 homes annually.
Overall, these grants represent a significant investment in clean energy projects in Tennessee, with the potential to make a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.
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