By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded more than $650,000 in grants to support rural Kansas communities in building renewable energy systems and improving energy efficiency. These grants aim to help local businesses reduce energy costs and promote clean energy solutions.
According to the USDA, these grants will assist seven communities in Kansas. For instance, a $98,764 grant will allow an established leather manufacturer in Atchison to install a 68.73-kilowatt (kW) solar system. This project will generate 97,427 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which is enough to power eight homes.
Another project will receive a $131,950 grant to install a 144.4 kW solar system in Osage City. This initiative will replace 205,859 kWh annually, equivalent to powering 18 homes. Similarly, a $78,801 grant will help install a 44.88 kW solar system for a shopping centre in Paola, saving enough electricity to power five homes.
Other grants focus on improving energy efficiency. In Tonganoxie, a grocery store will receive $48,208 to upgrade its lighting to LED, saving 89,773 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power eight homes. WaKeeney's grocery store will also receive $95,037 to upgrade refrigeration and lighting, saving over 104,000 kWh per year, powering nine homes.
In Quinter, a hotel will receive $135,279 to install a 79.2 kW solar system, expected to replace 136,540 kWh annually, enough for 12 homes. Lastly, $65,201 will go towards installing a 31.9 kW solar array in Hutchinson, powering four homes each year.
These projects represent a significant investment in Kansas' rural energy infrastructure, helping businesses reduce their energy costs while contributing to clean energy goals.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Kansas, Business, Energy