New technology grants for energy efficiency programs are now available through the National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, Economics program, or NICE.
Utah industries may apply for up to $400,000 in grant money for programs targeted toward industrial waste prevention. There is $100,000 in funding available for energy efficiency projects. Successful applicants can receive as much as 45 percent of project costs. Targeted industries include those producing pulp and paper, chemicals, petroleum and coal products and primary metals. Other industries are also eligible.A two-page, preliminary abstract is due by March 25 at the Office of Energy Services for an initial screening. Qualifying proposals are sent to the U.S. Department of Energy. The final proposal deadline is Sept. 1, 1999. Evaluations will be completed by Dec. 10. The NICE awards will be announced by Jan. 15, 2000.
Grants are awarded to projects that use new technologies to provide significant energy savings, reduce industrial waste, or use waster productively to improve industrial cost competitiveness.
Previous recipients of this award are Covol Technologies, Inc, of Lehi and Process Innovators of Salt Lake City. Covol is developing a process to bind waste materials in the metals industry. Process Innovators is developing technology for petroleum refining that is both productive and efficient.
For more information contact the Utah State Department of Community and Economic Development Energy Services office, 801-538-8690 or 1-800-662-3633.