Wisconsin Moves toward Cleaner Energy with Grant Program
Gov. Jim Doyle recently launched Clean Energy Wisconsin to promote renewable energy, create new jobs, and increase energy security and efficiency in the state.
Doyle also announced that the Department of Commerce will soon begin taking applications from businesses and researchers for financial assistance from the new Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund. The application period for the first round of funding will run from April 1 to June 2.
The department expects to award $15 million annually in grants and loans for research and development, commercialization or adoption of new technologies, and supply chain development. Eligible applicants include businesses and researchers. Through the development and deployment of new discoveries and innovations, Wisconsin will use its natural resources and manufacturing expertise to develop new businesses focused on reducing foreign oil dependence. This effort will leverage nearly $1 billion in private investment and create new jobs for Wisconsin families on our farms, in our forests, in our research labs and for our manufacturers.
The governor's plan for energy independence includes: Generating 25 percent of electricity and 25 percent of the fuels for state resident's cars and trucks from renewable sources by the year 2025; capturing 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bioproducts, and using Wisconsin's capability for research to become the country's leader in making alternative energies more affordable and available to all.
For more information about the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/renewableenergy.