PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Molly Willard, Wood Energy and Forest Products Specialist
Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation | Agency of Natural Resources
Molly.Willard@vermont.gov, 802-261-1681
Renewable Energy Heating Funds Available for Working Lands Businesses
Montpelier, VT- The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) has been awarded a $300,000 Wood Innovations Grant from the United States Forest Service to help working lands businesses install new or upgrade existing advanced wood heating (AWH) systems.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Grant funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and will reimburse up to 50% of project costs (maximum grant amount of $25,000).
AWH systems are automated central heating systems that use pellets, chips, or cord wood to provide heat and meet certain high efficiency and low emission requirements.
Working lands businesses including greenhouses, sugar houses, dairy barns, logging equipment shops, and manufacturing facilities can reduce and stabilize their energy costs while supporting the transition to a more carbon responsible heating fuel with AWH systems.
These systems use a renewable fuel source - locally harvested and processed wood fuel - to help support local economies and provide markets for the products of sustainable forest management, and contribute to meeting the ambitious renewable energy goals in Vermont’s 2022 Comprehensive Energy Plan.
Andrew Perchlik, Director of the Clean Energy Development Fund at the Vermont Department of Public Service, said, “These grants are a great opportunity for farm and forest businesses to reduce their use of fossil fuels and strengthen the Vermont working lands economy.”
Advanced wood heating is a versatile and efficient option for a wide range of applications. Businesses can use these systems to provide both space heating and process heat, whether it is water- or air-based.
To apply, visit the Wood Energy, Small Business Incentives webpage.
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