Large Onsite Renewables InitiativeThe Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust does not anticipate holding another round of the Large Onsite Renewables Initiative (LORI). Many of the projects that would otherwise be supported by LORI will, however, be eligible for funding under new initiatives. In support of the 5-Year Strategic Plan, the Trust is taking a more technology focused approach to project funding. Whereas LORI has historically provided funding for a variety of onsite renewable energy technologies greater than 10 kW in scale, future funding programs will likely be based on specific technologies of all sizes. For example, the Commonwealth Wind incentive program was recently launched to support wind energy projects in Massachusetts. The Trust will continue to make more information available about funding opportunities for other technologies in early summer of 2009. The Trust will continue providing funding for renewable energy projects that maximize the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy for the ratepayers of the Commonwealth. Feasibility Study and Design & Construction Grants
The Large Onsite Renewables Initiative (LORI) awards grants for feasibility studies and design & construction projects of qualifying renewable energy systems greater than 10 kW. A project is eligible for funding if it is located at a commercial, industrial, institutional, or public site, and if the electric system will be served by a Massachusetts investor-owned electric utility company or a Municipal Light Plant Department that pays into the Renewable Energy Trust. Qualifying renewable energy technologies include: wind energy, fuel cells, hydroelectric, landfill gas, and advanced biomass power conversion technologies. For solar photovoltaic projects, please refer to the Commonwealth Solar webpage for more information. Awarded grant amounts will follow the guidelines below. Feasibility Grants are capped at $40,000 with an applicant cost share of 15%. Design & Construction Grants are calculated based on an Incentive Matrix (see solicitation). Design grants are capped at the lesser of $125,000 or 75% of actual cost, and construction grants are capped at the lesser of $275,000 or 75% of actual costs. Applications for LORI are due on a biannual basis. Awards are granted based on a competitive selection process. Round 6 is projected to have ~$3.0 million available for grant funding. Examples of successful LORI Feasibility and Design & Construction projects can be seen on the Previous LORI Award Recipient link. Prior to submitting a LORI application, each applicant must secure a consulting team. We recommend speaking with a few consultants before determining which team to work with. Please note that Massachusetts government entities interested in submitting an application must demonstrate compliance with Massachusetts Public Procurement Law (e.g., procure a consulting team prior to submitting an application). For more summary information on the application process, refer to the “Navigate The Process" tool on the right. Prior to submission of an application, please review the Solicitation and the required deliverable templates below. **Please note that MTC reserves the right to adjust support levels for technologies over time to develop a diverse project portfolio or ensure diversity of business types or locations. MTC retains sole discretion to make any and all such adjustments it deems appropriate. Any adjustments in the allocation of funding levels for projects will not be retroactive to earlier awards.** SOLICITATION SCHEDULE (Round 6 now closed)
APPLICATION MATERIALS AND OTHER INFORMATION (Round 6)
CONTACT
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