21st Century Energy Grant

Amount of Funding: $11.947 million

The Energy Office believes this proposed program will encourage and expand the use of solar, wind or other renewable energy generation systems and biofuels infrastructure in Arizona.

Nature of Projects: The program would fund studies to develop new, significant solar, wind or other renewable energy generation systems on public lands and to fund demonstrations of renewable energy systems on high profile public buildings and public spaces and a biofuels infrastructure grant program. Renewable energy projects could be at Arizona State Parks, rest stops, public museums or even public transit stations. The renewable grant program will also be open to non-profit organizations to install solar water heating or solar PV on their buildings. Also included will be demonstrations of renewable energy products that are manufactured in Arizona. A competitive grant program for biofuels infrastructure will be offered. The grant program criteria and funding levels have not been developed as of yet but the funding will be competitive and will be implemented in a series of funding and scoring rounds.

UPDATE! 2-4-10: Additional State Actions - In 2009, the Energy Office identified 11 shovel ready solar installation projects and dedicated $1 million to solar projects on two state buildings and in nine state parks. These projects are expected to be operational in 2010. In addition, it was decided the term “public buildings or public spaces” would apply to state government facilities. This was due to local government entities being awarded more than $70 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, which may use funding for renewable energy projects on local government buildings.

UPDATE! 2-4-10: Timeline - The Energy Office announced a first round of funding in August and December of 2009. Funding opportunities for additional programs will be announced in early 2010.

Long-term Benefits: The Energy Office estimates this program will increase renewable energy activity and biofuels infrastructure throughout Arizona but we do not have an estimate for the amount of energy that will be reduced or the amount of fuel that would be dispensed as a result of this program.

Job Creation: Energy staff estimates 136 jobs will be created.

Implementation: The Energy Office has preliminary grant guidelines in place to implement this program. Administrative and programmatic costs are included in the total project budget proposed above. Staff members who implement or manage the overall strategy or programs are direct costs to the project.