The three alternative energy programs are accepting grant applications now. The deadline for receipt of applications for all three programs is June 15. The available energy-development grants are:

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG). $16.4 million is available through this program to finance the production and use of clean-burning alternative fuels in Pennsylvania.

AFIG funding awarded over the past two years will result in the use of 1.5 million gallons of B20 (20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel) and the production of 33 million gallons of biodiesel through 2008.

Grant funds awarded through AFIG can cover the added cost to purchase E85 ethanol-blended fuels or biodiesel and to install related refueling equipment. Pennsylvania producers of ethanol or biodiesel are eligible for a reimbursement of 5 cents a gallon for up to 12.5 million gallons covering a 12-month period.

Pennsylvania has awarded almost $32 million through AFIG since its inception in 1992 for 1,000 projects in almost every county in the commonwealth. AFIG funds have leveraged more than $118 million from public and private fleet operators, fuel providers and the federal government.

Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA). $10 million is available from PEDA, which so far  has directed $21 million in grants and loans for 57 clean energy projects that are leveraging another $240 million in private investment.

Applicants for PEDA financing can seek grant assistance for capital costs for a variety of innovative, advanced energy projects. Eligible PEDA projects may include solar energy; wind; low-impact hydropower; geothermal; biologically derived methane gas, including landfill gas; biomass; fuel cells; coal-mine methane; waste coal; integrated gasification combined cycle; demand management measures, including recycled energy and energy recovery, energy efficiency and load management; and clean, alternative fuels for transportation. PEDA particularly encourages applicants with projects related to distributed generation for critical public infrastructure to apply.

PEDA financing is available to organizations operating in Pennsylvania and to those businesses interested in locating their advanced energy operations in Pennsylvania.

Energy Harvest. Up to $5 million in grants is available in this fifth round of funding under the Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant program. Since May 2003, Energy Harvest has awarded $21 million and leveraged another $51.9 million in private funds.

Grants fund projects that promote awareness and build markets for cleaner or renewable energy technologies. Energy Harvest grants will fund innovative energy deployment projects that emphasize protecting Pennsylvania’s air or water quality while supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life in the commonwealth. Eligible proposals include: renewable energy deployment, including biomass energy; waste coal reclamation for energy; deployment of innovative energy efficiency technologies; and distributed generation projects.