September 30, 2020
Vermont

USDA awards $131,250 to Vermont wind energy group

Vermont Business Magazine | Wed, 09/30/2020 | vermontbiz.com

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $131,250 in grant funding to Green Power Farms under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The investment will be used to purchase and install three state-of-the-art wind turbines designed by Star Wind Turbines of East Dorset, Vermont. It is estimated that the 330,000 kWhs generated annually will be enough to power the equivalent of 30 homes.

USDA Rural Development State Director Anthony Linardos was pleased to announce the investment in a recent statement.

“Renewable-energy systems help farmers, rural small businesses and agricultural producers stay profitable and competitive,” he said. “This project allows Green Power Farms to provide much-needed, affordable energy to neighboring farms and small businesses, further demonstrating the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue in supporting rural communities across the country.”

Green Power Farms was established in 2019 by owners Peter and Kim Kowanko of Manchester, who are seeking to implement a localized, independent energy source for neighboring homes and businesses in southern Vermont.

The six-bladed, high-efficiency wind turbines—dubbed “Star74” designs—produce only 41 decibels at 200 feet away.

Star Wind Turbines was recently selected by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to receive a Department of Energy Competitiveness Improvement Project funding award.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas.

This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

Source: WARDSBORO, VT, September 29, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2020/09/30/usda-awards-131250-to-vermont-wind-energy-group/