Oregon Issues 11 Awards for Renewable Energy, Thermal Systems & Fuel Projects

The Oregon Department of Energy has issued 11 awards in a competitive process to study the feasibility of specific and new renewable energy, heat, and fuel projects in Oregon. Eleven projects in nine counties received funding ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, at a total commitment level of $351,000. The purpose of the CREFF program is to encourage widespread adoption of renewable energy projects that reduce Oregon’s dependence on fossil-based energy sources and promote sustainable economic development. Studies may address initial resource assessments, siting and permitting requirements, transmission and interconnection, environmental footprint, and long-term economic viability.

“These funds help communities and businesses answer their first critical questions about developing renewable energy,” says Rebecca Sherman, Renewable Energy Development Coordinator at the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE). “With a feasibility study in hand, our awardees will have a solid financing platform and a road map to building their new projects.”

The Department of Energy issued renewable energy feasibility awards for eleven studies. Information about all of the awards is available online at http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/CREFF.shtml/. Three of the eleven awards are highlighted below:

Crane Wind and Solar Thermal Study (Crane School District, Harney County, $31,000)

The Crane School District will construct a wind-testing tower to help them design and build a wind turbine on school grounds. The school district also will examine opportunities for a solar thermal project to help heat water in the school cafeteria and campus dormitory.

Lakeview Heating District Study (Town of Lakeview, Lake County, $40,000)

The Town of Lakeview has ample geothermal resources and has already successfully implemented geothermal heating projects in large public facilities. With this award, Lakeview will map out the potential for a heating district, supplying geothermal heat to town businesses and buildings.

Wallowa Combined Heat and Power (Wallowa Resources, Wallowa County, $20,000)

Wallowa Resources transformed the old Wallowa County Hospital in Enterprise into the Wallowa Resources Stewardship Center. The Center will evaluate, design, and create a financing plan to build a combined heat-and-power boiler to heat the Center efficiently, fueled by biomass stocks such as briquettes.

To read the rest of the awards click here

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