Key Takeaways:
- The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded $37 million to support clean energy innovation and infrastructure projects statewide.
- $14 million will fund research and development of clean energy technologies, including projects focusing on agriculture and carbon capture.
- Grants are awarded for projects that enhance clean energy use, reduce emissions, and strengthen energy resilience across various sectors, including agriculture.
- Special focus is given to projects that benefit overburdened communities, including those in rural and tribal areas.
- Several projects emphasize agricultural applications, integrating clean energy solutions like solar and biogas into farming operations.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has distributed $37 million in grants to promote clean energy innovation and support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This funding, part of the Washington Climate Commitment Act and additional state sources, advances the state’s clean energy goals, emphasizing energy resilience and economic development. A particular focus is placed on projects related to agriculture, helping farms integrate renewable energy solutions while reducing their carbon footprint.
Supporting Clean Energy Research and Development
Of the total funding, $14 million is directed towards research, development, and demonstration of new clean energy technologies. Among the funded projects, several focus on innovations in agriculture, contributing to Washington’s broader goal of reducing agricultural emissions and improving sustainability.
Notable agriculture-related projects include:
- Carbon Containment Lab, Prosser ($990,000): A feasibility study on the use of woody biomass for biogasification and carbon sequestration. This project aims to develop a sustainable method for using agricultural byproducts, providing a renewable energy source and capturing carbon emissions.
- DWP Energy Solutions LLC, Vancouver ($270,000): Development of a solar panel that enables dual use of agricultural land, allowing for energy generation while maintaining agricultural production. This project highlights the integration of clean energy in farming without compromising land use for food production.
- Fasahov Solar, LLC, Sunnyside ($1 million): This 2 MW solar project pairs solar energy production with agrivoltaic practices, including native pollinator plants, sheep grazing, and beehives, supporting sustainable farming while generating renewable energy.
- Washington State University, Rock Island ($2,455,113): This agrivoltaic project will install a 610 kW solar system in WSU’s apple orchards to provide controlled shading for trees, improve agricultural electricity usage, and increase the yield of harvestable fruit.
These projects demonstrate the state’s commitment to integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices, helping farms reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while contributing to energy generation and climate resilience.
Clean Energy Project Funding
The remaining $23 million supports various clean energy projects across the state, including several directly related to agriculture and land management.
Key agriculture-focused projects include:
- Cloudbreak Energy Washington, LLC, Mt. Vernon ($1 million): A dual-use solar project that combines solar energy generation with agricultural practices, such as sheep grazing. This approach allows for efficient use of land, combining renewable energy with farming activities.
- Lamb Weston, Inc., Pasco and Paterson ($2.87 million and $1.74 million): These industrial decarbonization projects will upgrade energy systems at Lamb Weston’s potato processing plants, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency in Washington’s agricultural sector. The facilities will adopt energy-efficient water pre-heating technology, significantly cutting down fossil fuel usage.
Discover other projects here.
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