ST. PAUL, Minn. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Minnesota Colleen Landkamer announced Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, that USDA is partnering with farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

.

“As drivers of our economy, farmers and rural business owners deserve affordable energy,” Landkamer said. “That’s why I’m proud to announce over $1 million in REAP grants that will lower energy costs for farmers and small business and help them expand their operations, all while tackling climate change. These investments showcase the variety of people and businesses in rural Minnesota using programs like REAP to cut energy costs.”

Thursday’s announcement included three investments in Southeast Minnesota:

• Karen S. Dunlay in St. Charles will use a $29,500 grant to install a 37.5 kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save the farming operation $8,177 in annual electrical costs and will replace 74,332 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power seven homes.
• Kolling Family Corporation in Spring Valley will use a $23,229 grant to install a 15.5 kilowatt solar array. This project is expected to save the home improvement center $3,174 in annual electrical costs and will replace 22,111 kilowatt hours per year.
• William Souba in Owatonna will use a $244,207 grant to install two 25 kilowatt wind turbines. This project is expected to save the nursery and tree farm $27,550 in annual electrical costs and will replace 186,000 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power 17 homes.

Seven other investments were announced in Minnesota:

• Lawrence Capko in Swanville will use a $39,975 grant to install a 501-kilowatt solar array for. This project is expected to save the farming operation $8,750 in annual electrical costs and replace 66,700 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power six homes.
• David J. Scheibel in Bird Island will use a $122,500 grant to install a 25-kilowatt wind turbine. This project is expected to save the farming operation $11,870 in annual electrical costs and will replace 98,750 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power nine homes.
• Brad D. Baumgardt in Buffalo Lake will use a $245,000 grant to install two 25 kilowatt wind turbines. This project is expected to save the farming operation $20,207 in annual electrical costs and will replace 161,728 kilowatt hours (kWh) (148 percent of the farm’s annual energy usage) per year, which is enough electricity to power 15 homes.
• Larry Baumgardt in Buffalo Lake will use a $245,000 grant to install two 25 kilowatt wind turbines. This project is expected to save the farming operation $20,901 in annual electrical costs and will replace 190,000 kilowatt hours (195 percent of the farm’s annual energy usage) per year, which is enough electricity to power 18 homes.
• Kevin Hoban in Ogema will use a $208,034 grant to install an energy efficient grain dryer. This project is expected to save the farming operation $8,606 in annual electrical costs and will replace 144,465 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough electricity to power 13 homes.
• Forrest D. Briard in Frazee will use a $148,693 grant to install an energy efficient grain dryer. This project is expected to save the farming operation $37,193 in annual electrical costs and will replace 676,275 kilowatt hours (54 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough electricity to power 62 homes.
• Dierks Bros Inc. in Chokio will use a $62,075 grant to install an energy efficient grain dryer. This project is expected to save the farming operation $8,870 in annual electrical costs and will replace 204,253 kilowatt hours (41 percent of the farm’s energy use) per year, which is enough electricity to power 19 homes.

The 10 Minnesota projects totaling $1,368,213 were included in a national announcement made by USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small in Somerset, Pennsylvania. In all, USDA is providing $104 million in funding that will support over 300 clean energy projects in 34 states.

Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $2.3 billion through REAP in 7,923 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, contact a

local energy coordinator

.

A

complete list of all REAP projects

is available online.

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