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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to award over $248 million to eight new clean energy projects across 9 states through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. These projects aim to lower electricity costs for households, expand access to renewable energy, and stimulate economic growth for rural families, small businesses, and agricultural producers.
The investment comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, marking the largest rural electrification initiative since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. By partnering with rural communities, the USDA is focused on delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to support the nation’s energy security.
Some of the key projects include the installation of solar photovoltaic generation and battery energy storage systems in Wisconsin, ground-mounted solar arrays in multiple states, and solar power facilities in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. These projects are expected to power thousands of homes and businesses with renewable energy, making it more affordable for individuals and organizations to access clean power.
The PACE program, part of the President’s Justice40 Initiative, aims to ensure that benefits from federal climate and clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities. With $1 billion made available in May 2023, the USDA is committed to funding new clean energy projects and energy storage initiatives in rural America.
By selecting 27 projects totaling over $916 million to move forward in the PACE application process, the USDA is paving the way for more investments in clean energy and economic development in rural areas. As the agency continues to make PACE awards in the coming months, it remains dedicated to supporting infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities, and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is working towards transforming America’s food system, promoting equity, and building a more resilient and sustainable future for rural communities. For more information on USDA Rural Development and its initiatives, visit www.usda.gov.
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Sophie Müller completed her studies at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, earning a degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in agroecology. Her research explored the interactions between crops and their environment, particularly in relation to organic farming systems. Sophie is now a research scientist, focusing on agroecological practices that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact in agriculture.
