Programs and Announcements

USDA supports the entire supply chain of renewable energy production, from feedstock research and development to the consumer, through programs in:

Research and education
Feedstock development and production
Feedstock conversion and commercialization
Renewable electricity production
Energy efficiency and conservation
Other USDA energy-related programs

USDA draws expertise from more than a dozen USDA agencies and offices, including:

Programs

Announcements (Federal Register Financial and Rules Notices)

Here is a list of current notice of solicitation for applications, and Federal Register rules and proposed rules announcements at USDA for energy/renewable energy programs. A brief description of the program is below, click on link for details regarding eligibility, other requirements, how to apply, point of contact, terms, Q&A and more.

Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program

This program provides loan guarantees up to $250 million to assist in the development, construction and retrofitting of new and emerging technologies. These technologies are: advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products. (Letter of Intent required)

Application Window: Open

Letter of Intent deadline: On or Before September 1, 2022
Submit Applications no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, October 1, 2022.

Distributed Generation Energy Project Financing

The RUS Electric Program can provide loans and loan guarantees to energy project developers for distributed energy projects including renewables that provide wholesale or retail electricity to existing Electric Program borrowers or to rural communities served by other utilities. Electric Program project financing loans follow the same regulatory requirements and processes as do our traditional electric infrastructure loans and loan guarantees (also known as system loans or loans for rural electrification).

Application Deadline: Open

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers a program to support Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Practices with a focus on Climate-Smart Forestry and Agriculture and Drought Resilience management practices.

Application Deadline: Open

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant

This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing Renewable Energy Development Assistance (REDA).

Application Window: Open

Applications due January 31, 2023

Federal Register

Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Application Window: Open

Applications due October 31, 2022 (set-aside) and March 31, 2023

Federal Register

Rural Energy Pilot Program

The Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) grant offers financial assistance for rural communities to further develop renewable energy.

Application Window: Open

Letter of Intent: On or Before April 19, 2022
Submit Completed Applications no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, July 18, 2022

Federal Register

Rural Energy Savings Program

The Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) provides loans to rural utilities and other companies who provide energy efficiency loans to qualified consumers to implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures. (Letter of Intent required)

Application Window: Open