UL project aims to bring green energy to Louisiana rural farmers and communities
In Louisiana, The Advocate reported that The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newest project offers rural farmers and small businesses across Louisiana access to funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements. The project funded through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program is spearheaded by UL professors Peng Yin and Terrence Chambers and aims to lower overhead utility costs for local producers, ranchers and small businesses via energy assessments, according to the report. While the university has offered energy assessments for quite some time, this new endeavor allows the university to connect customers to resources and funding that covers up to 50% of improvement cost, Peng Yin, UL associate professor of mechanical engineering, said. Farmers and small businesses have access to up to $500,000 for energy efficiency improvements and up to $1 million for renewable energy implementation, Yin said. The university’s goal is to perform at least 20 assessments annually with 75% of assessments focused on disadvantaged communities, Yin said. UL, with assistance from Louisiana Rural Development will provide outreach sessions throughout the state to inform farmers and communities of the opportunities at their disposal, the report added.
