The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced $5.4 million in Energy Harvest Grants to support 28 projects. The grants will leverage almost $14 million in private investments and create or retain more than 100 jobs.

“The rising energy prices we face today are creating challenges for our families and businesses,” said Gov. Rendell. “What’s more, our dependence on foreign fuels is threatening our national security and way of life. This is unacceptable.

“Rather than continuing to rely on oil supplies that may come from politically unstable or hostile nations, or electricity derived from dirtier fossil fuels, we’re investing in our future by supporting the development of alternative and renewable energy technologies that will strengthen our economy, create new jobs, and protect our environment. These projects illustrate the interest and commitment that companies, universities and other organizations have expressed in investing in Pennsylvania’s new energy economy and creating opportunities here.”

Including the projects announced this week, Energy Harvest has invested almost $26 million and leveraged $66 million in private investments.

The projects receiving support will generate 18.5 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity; replace 3.1 billion BTUs of natural gas and 225,000 gallons of petroleum-based fuels; reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 29 million pounds; and remove 204,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 56,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide. Sulfur dioxide emissions are a major source of acid rain. Nitrogen oxides combine with volatile organic compounds to form smog.

A list of grants awarded is available online.

11/16/2007