Wind Power Grants for Schools in Minnesota

Eligibility - RDFG

• Schools seeking wind power funding are eligible for the RDFG, as are federal, state, local and tribal governments, which can allocate grant dollars toward wind power programs at schools. These entities compete against commercial, industrial and agricultural agencies for RDFG funds.

  As of June 2011, projects involving wind energy production were not considered during the most recent grant cycle and are likely to remain this way during future cycles. However, wind remains eligible for projects not focused on energy production.

Funding Levels - RDFG

• RDFG funding levels vary greatly based on the Request for Proposal details provided by Xcel. In 2007, the maximum amount awarded to energy production projects was $2 million, while the maximum for research and development programs was $1 million.

  During the most recent funding cycle, Xcel awarded a total of $8.2 million to 5 energy production projects and $14.4 million to 17 research and development projects.

Completed Projects - RDFG

• Xcel Energy has awarded one RDFG to a Minnesota school for a wind power project. The Pipestone-Jasper public school system received $752,835 to construct wind turbines to generate electricity for their schools in 2003. The schools now receive a monthly credit from the Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Company for the wind energy produced by the turbines.

Current Projects - RDFG

• Since 2009, the University of Minnesota has managed a $1 million RDFG to construct a turbulence-resolving, high-resolution Virtual Wind Simulator that will enhance the design and safety of future wind energy projects by providing more precise predictions of wind turbulence at turbine levels. This research and development project is set to span three funding cycles.

Federal Grants

• In addition to the RDFG, Minnesota schools may apply to receive the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program grants. These grants are available to a wide range of entities beyond schools and a wide range of technologies beyond wind power. REAP grants cover 25 percent of costs for renewable energy programs. To apply, contact Minnesota's Rural Development State Office at 651-602-7800.