Agriculture and Green Energy (NJ)
Overview
Green Energy Components
Renewable Fuels
Grant Programs
Other Helpful Links
Energy Management
- Farm Energy (from eXtension)
- Farm Energy Audits
- Field Operations: Fuel Use & Energy Saving Tips (88k PDF)
- Understanding On-Farm Utility Costs & Billing(948k PDF)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Farms
A clean, abundant, reliable and affordable source of energy is essential to any business, including agriculture. Renewable energy is a never-ending supply of energy through sources like wind and sun. As stewards of our environment, farmers can reinforce their pledge to sustainable agriculture by using renewable energy and help reduce pollution, global warming, and our dependence on imported fuels. Installation of energy efficient equipment, adoption of energy-saving practices and renewable energy generation is a viable option for New Jersey farmers seeking to reduce their operating costs.
Construction permits, farmland assessment implications, and municipal zoning laws must be considered prior to the installation of wind turbines and other structures.
For additional information, call the Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources at (609) 292-5532.
More information:
Agriculture and Green Energy Examples Construction Permits Farmland Assessment Right-to-Farm Wind Tower Height Restrictions Energy Programs Financial Assistance
New Jersey Clean Energy Program: Provides financial incentives (rebates of 30% – 70% of system costs) to owners who install qualifying clean energy generation systems such as fuel cells, photovoltaics (solar electricity), small wind and sustainable biomass equipment.
www.njcep.com/Green Energy: Information about renewable energy is availabe on the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website. The site explains the various green energy components: sun, wind, and renewable fuels – biogas, biodiesel, and ethanol. It also gives the rationales for turning to green energy sources. The site contains many links to obtain further information on green energy, as well as links to the studies used in determining the Department’s positions.
www.state.nj.us/agriculture/greenenergy.htmRenewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program: This program currently funds grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business for assistance with purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements. New for 2006, the program offers both grants and guaranteed loans for eligible projects. In addition, projects with total eligible costs under $200,000 can apply under a Simplified Application Process designed to streamline the application process for small projects.
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.htmlBiomass Research and Development Initiative Grants: Up to $15 million is available through the United States Departments of Agriculture and Energy to support the President’s energy plan to develop renewable energy and expand the economic prospects and environmental benefits of biomass. These grants are available to eligible entities to carry out research, development and demonstrations on biobased products, bioenergy, biofuels, biopower and related processes. This funding opportunity is intended to promote greater innovation and development related to biomass, and to support Federal policy calling for greater use of biomass-based products, feedstock production, and processing and conversion. The focus of this year’s grant program is on development and demonstration projects that lead to greater commercialization.
To apply: www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/USDA/NRCS/2890/67-3A75-5-22/Attachments.html#upload4211
For more details: www.bioproducts-bioenergy.govNew Jersey SmartStart Building: Can be implemented when starting a commercial or industrial project from the ground up, renovating existing space, or upgrading equipment. SmartStart Buildings can provide a variety of free support to yield substantial savings in the short and long term. If an interested party contracts with an outside firm to implement a full-phase energy audit, the utility can pay up to 50 percent of the study cost with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000.www.njsmartstartbuildings.com/main/program_over.html