The NextGen Energy Board is seeking applications for the next round of grants designed to further Minnesota’s bioenergy industry.
Created in 2007, the NextGen Energy board works to reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels, encourage the use of home-grown energy, works toward agricultural and environmental sustainability while ensuring rural economic vitality. The board is made up of 20 legislative, government, research, energy and agricultural leaders, including AURI Executive Director Teresa Spaeth.
The Minnesota legislature appropriated $2.5 million for bioenergy grants, which the NextGen board reviews and makes recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture for final award. The current round is available to energy production facilities that are or will produce biomass-based heat, electricity or transportation fuels; for agronomic and economic research on prairie plants and other perennials used for bioenergy; and entities providing assistance to community-owned bioenergy facilities.
The deadline for application is November 4th. A full request for proposal, including application form can be found at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/renewable/nextgen.aspx.
