This new program was created by the 2008 Farm Bill.  It provides financial incentives to existing rural "biorefinery" owners who want to replace their fossil fuel-powered heat or power systems with biomass-powered systems.  (“Biorefineries” are defined as facilities that primarily convert renewable biomass into liquid transportation biofuels.)  An independent feasibility study on the conversion is required in support of each application.  RD will award Repowering assistance to the most meritorious proposals via a national competition.  Awardees will receive payments for up to 50% of the cost of their repowering project not to exceed $5 million.  The incentive is paid 20% upon project completion and thereafter semiannually at the rate of $0.50 per million BTU’s of biomass energy produced for three years or until the award amount is reached.  In FY2009, approximately $20 million is available, to remain available until expended. 

Getting Started

• Form RD 9004-1, Repowering Assistance Program Application.   (NOTE:  Applications for this program are sent directly to Washington, DC.)

• Form RD 9004-2, Repowering Assistance Program Agreement

• Forms for grant applicants - follow this link to obtain the forms mentioned in the Federal Register notice above

• RD-Oregon Energy portal - includes links to other energy efficiency-supporting programs & agencies in Oregon

RD-Oregon contacts for the Biorefinery Repowering Assistance program