[OGWG] CREFF Program Launched

[Oregon Geothermal Working Group]

Oregon Department of Energy News
625 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR 97301-3737
(503) 378-4040   Fax (503) 373-7806

For Immediate Release
January 29, 2010
#10-05

Contacts:
Rebecca Sherman
(503) 373-2120
Kathy Shinn
(503) 373-1033
In Oregon 1-800-221-8035

 GRANTS AVAILABLE TO STUDY FEASIBILITY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
 
The Oregon Department of Energy has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Community Renewable Energy Feasibility Fund (CREFF) grants program. The CREFF program offers grants of up to $50,000 to study the feasibility of specific and new renewable energy, heat, and fuel projects in Oregon.  

The purpose of the CREFF grants 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.

“Anyone can apply,” says Rebecca Sherman, Renewable Development Coordinator at the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE). “The grants program is competitive, but open to applications twice a year.” Information on the program, how to apply and the RFP are on the ODOE Web site at  http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/CREFF.shtml/ . Applications must be received by March 1 at 5 p.m.

The CREFF program was established in 2007 with funds from a legal settlement between the state of Oregon and Reliant Energy. One million dollars of the settlement was set aside to provide financial assistance for feasibility studies for renewable energy projects that benefit Oregon energy consumers and local communities.

In the long term, ODOE hopes to build a reference library with funded feasibility studies and to operate the CREFF as a revolving fund, in which successful renewable energy projects pay back their grants and recharge fund monies. This will allow the CREFF program to continue to foster renewable energy development in Oregon into the future.

In 2009 the CREFF program issued its first round of awards at a total grant level of $171,500. These grants represent a range of renewable energy sectors throughout Oregon, and will result in six feasibility studies examining wind, bioenergy, hydropower and solar projects.  

###