Clean Energy Technologies (CETY) announced that its affiliate, Vermont Renewable Gas (VRG), has been awarded $1 million from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant. This funding will support the development of VRG’s 2.2 MW renewable energy facility in Lyndon, Vermont, part of a larger $1.05 billion USDA initiative focused on advancing rural economic growth and renewable energy.
The VRG – Lyndon project will use CETY’s HTAP Biomass Reactor technology to convert waste biomass from Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom into renewable fuel gas and BioChar fertilizer, generating over 18,000 MWh of renewable electricity and 1,500 tons of BioChar annually once operational in 2024.
Deputy U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small stated, “REAP loans and grants will lower energy costs for farmers and small businesses and help expand their operations, all while tackling climate change.”
CETY’s CEO, Kam Mahdi, expressed enthusiasm for the USDA’s commitment, saying, “CETY is delighted by the USDA’s decision to invest in VRG – Lyndon. The news of this REAP grant is a sign of USDA’s continued commitment to the VRG – Lyndon project, starting with a $300,000.00 Wood Innovations Grant through the Department’s U.S. Forest Service earlier this year.”
Mahdi added, “VRG’s combination of public and private commitments will propel VRG and CETY to achieve success in this highly profitable and growing industry. CETY values the impact that the federal Infrastructure Law and the IRA are presenting to VRG’s project. CETY looks forward to completing final permitting for the Lyndonville facility and commencing construction.”
In addition to boosting Vermont’s renewable energy sector, the project aligns with USDA’s mission to reduce energy costs and support climate goals, benefitting local farmers, rural businesses, and communities.
