Clean Energy Technologies affiliate secures grant to build waste-to-energy facility

Clean Energy Technologies, an Irvine, California-based provider of green energy solutions, clean energy fuels and alternative electric power, has announced that its affiliate Vermont Renewable Gas LLC has been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as one of its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant recipients.

Vermont Renewable Gas was selected to receive $1 million toward the completion of its 2.2-megawatt renewable energy facility in Lyndon, Vermont, also known as VRG – Lyndon.

Administered by the USDA’s Rural Development Office, the $1.05 billion initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction Act seeks to issue grants that spur economic development and catalyze rural prosperity throughout the United States through six quarterly competitions.

The Vermont Renewable Gas project’s ability to generate renewable energy and environmental benefits to residents of Vermont using commercially available technology met several criteria items reviewed by USDA Rural Development. The USDA announcement emphasized the impact these chosen projects will have in helping farmers and rural small businesses increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.

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“REAP loans and grants will lower energy costs for farmers and small businesses and help expand their operations, all while tackling climate change,” Deputy U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small says.

Clean Energy Technologies will design, build and operate the VRG – Lyndon facility, which will be centered around the company’s HTAP (high-temperature ablative pyrolysis) Biomass Reactor Technology, a proprietary process that transforms organic waste by using ultra-high temperatures in an anaerobic environment to produce renewable electric power, biochar fertilizer and high heating value fuel gas in addition to other chemicals.

The facility will convert waste biomass from northeastern Vermont’s working lands into renewable fuel gas and biochar fertilizer. The renewable fuel gas generated will be converted into renewable electricity and heat. The plant is expected to deliver in excess of 18,000 Megawatt-hour of electricity and 1,500 tons of biochar annually and be fully commissioned within 12 months.

“Clean Energy Technologies is delighted by the USDA’s decision to invest in VRG – Lyndon,” says Kam Mahdi, CEO of Clean Energy Technologies. “The news of this REAP grant is a sign of USDA’s continued commitment to the VRG – Lyndon project, starting with a $300,000 wood innovations grant through the department’s U.S. Forest Service earlier this year. Vermont Renewable Gas’ combination of public and private commitments will propel Vermont Renewable Gas and Clean Energy Technologies to achieve success in this highly profitable and growing industry.”