6 clean energy projects in Northeast Wisconsin among recipients of USDA grants

(WLUK) — Over $14 million is being invested in clean energy projects statewide, including several right here in Northeast Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday it is awarding grants to 42 projects in 27 counties. Three projects are receiving about $9.6 million through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, and 39 projects are getting approximately $4.4 million from the Rural Energy for America Program.

Officials say the funds are intended to expand access to clean energy systems and increase the availability of domestic biofuels.

“The dozens of awards I’m announcing today will help lower energy costs and provide a historic opportunity for farmers and rural businesses to invest in clean energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements,” USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa said in a news release.

Many of these investments… will create more energy independence, save businesses money on their bottom-line, and strengthen economic development in rural communities.

Since 2021, USDA has invested nearly $48 million in 259 projects in Wisconsin through REAP, and over $34.5 million through HBIIP in projects with impact in Wisconsin.

To learn more about the Northeast Wisconsin projects that received grants, see below.

In Fond du Lac County, JP Grahl Farms, a real estate operation in Eden, will use a $70,963 to install a small solar electric array. This project is expected to save $10,078 per year. It will replace 71,983 kilowatt hours (kWh) (60 percent of the company s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power six homes.In Kewaunee County, Quali T Screening, Inc., a small business in Luxemburg, will use a $29,965 REAP grant to install a roof-mount solar electric array. This project is expected to save $2,911 per year. It will replace 24,258 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.Also in Kewaunee County, Lazy J Dairy Farms, LLC, a dairy operation in Luxemburg, will use a $224,227 REAP grant to install a solar electric array. This project is expected to save $22,009 per year. It will replace 225,075 kilowatt hours (kWh) (100 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 20 homes.Also in Kewaunee County, Rosewood Dairy, Inc., a rural small business in Algoma, will use a $500,000 REAP grant to install new, more energy efficient lighting. This project is expected to save $18,419 per year. It will save 237,768 kilowatt hours (kWh) (60 percent of the business’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 21 homes.In Marinette County, Frank’s Inc. a logging operation in Peshtigo, will use a $84,485 REAP grant to purchase and install a more energy-efficient firewood processor. This project is expected to save the small business $13,061 per year. It will save 167,466 kilowatt hours (72 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 15 homes.In Shawano County, Bisley Fabrication, a rural small business in Gresham, will use a $147,500 REAP grant to install a roof-mounted electric array. This project is expected to save $18,319 per year. It will replace 163,560 kilowatt hours (100 percent of the company’s energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power 16 homes.