South Carolina Leads The Way With Energy Grants, Programs, Councils
The South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) has announced a new grants program for renewable energy and advanced vehicle technology projects.
Available exclusively to non-profit organizations, the program aims to redirect energy dollars now leaving the state back into South Carolina’s economy to foster a cleaner, healthier, more productive environment by reducing the adverse effects of fossil fuels. According to Elwood Hamilton, a spokesperson for the SCEO, the program satisfies a number of critical needs.
“It will save energy, continue to develop South Carolina’s renewable energy infrastructure, create new jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Hamilton said.
Until October 23, a total of $2.8 million will be available for eligible non-profit organizations. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $500,000. The $2.8 million used to fund the program are being made available by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Hamilton said the two-year grant can be used for projects involving solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas and geothermal energy, among others. Funds can also be used for converting or purchasing vehicles which use alternative fuel or advanced battery technology. These include hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
The South Carolina Energy Office, through the Plan for State Energy Policy, provides a broad range of resources designed to help citizens, businesses, and public entities save energy and money through greater efficiency, better information and enhanced environmental quality. Since 1995, the South Carolina Energy Office has helped save state citizens over $250 million through public and private energy-saving measures and new energy technologies. Services and programs include technical assistance and audits, workshops, financial assistance, free public awareness and informational materials, project grants, loans and rebates. The South Carolina Energy Office is part of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board.
Another integral part of the Control Board is the South Carolina Biomass Council which was created in April 2006 to develop a long term strategy for biomass energy in the state. The council has compiled a set of policy recommendations intended to enhance biomass-to-energy opportunities, demonstration projects, grants, and research. The South Carolina Biomass Council is a broad-based, diverse coalition of stakeholders ranging from government entities to private industry.
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With 30 years of experience writing, Robert's articles have appeared in the New York Times, North American Windpower, and Distributed Energy.
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