Renewable Energy Business Development Grant Program

Summary

NOTE: The most recent application period closed on October 28, 2011. Check the program web site for information regarding future solicitations.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administers the Renewable Energy Business Development Grant Program. The program will support expenses related to the development, retooling, or expansion of renewable energy business and component manufacturers. Eligible costs include the purchase and installation of machinery, equipment and new industrial systems, necessary site improvements, technical or engineering services for process improvements, and the conversion of existing processes. Grant awards are available for between $100,000 and $500,000 and are limited to 50% of project costs. Applications will be accepted until October 28, 2011, subject to funding availability.

Renewable-energy technologies eligible for funding support include wind energy, solar-thermal energy, photovoltaics, dedicated crops grown for energy production and organic waste biomass, hydropower that does not involve new construction or significant expansion of hydropower dams, and "other such alternative sources of environmentally preferable energy." Energy from the incineration, burning or heating of waste wood, tires, garbage, general household, institutional and commercial waste, industrial lunchroom or office waste, landscape waste, or construction or demolition debris is not eligible.

Projects must be located in Illinois. In addition, because the program is funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund, grants are available only to customers of utilities that impose the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge, as defined in 20 ILCS 687/6-5. Participating utilities are listed on the application available at the program website. See the program web site for additional details and requirements.