The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) has launched a new Operational Demonstration Program to fund the installation, demonstration and testing of pre-commercial clean energy technologies in Connecticut by providing loans of $150,000 to $500,000. In addition, $4 million in funding has been budgeted for the program over the next two fiscal years, which will support up to six new projects per year.
New features of the program include semiannual application and funding cycles, a more streamlined application process, a competitive judging process and an expanded list of eligible technologies. Full systems, system components or manufacturing innovations in the following areas are eligible for funding:
- Electricity generation using renewable energy sources or high-efficiency methods;
- Advanced energy efficiency and energy management for buildings and industrial processes; and
- Hydrogen and biofuels production for stationary electricity generation.
Eligible technologies must be proven technically feasible and field operational.
The program is designed to competitively select and fund projects with strong commercial promise and potential to deliver significant benefits to Connecticut, including job creation, reduced energy costs and environmental benefits. Under the new program, prospective applicants are directed to a pre-qualification survey, which poses a series of questions to screen for basic eligibility. Next, eligible applicants are invited to submit a detailed application that is evaluated by CCEF staff and then judged by a panel of industry experts. Winning applicants are recommended to the CCEF board for final funding approval.
For more information on the program, visit ctcleanenergy.com/opdemo.
SOURCE: Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
