Green Energy: Information about renewable energy is available 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.
Renewable 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.
Biomass 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.
New 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.