Colorado Department of Agriculture
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Current Projects

 Advancing Colorado's Renewable Energy Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Agriculture's ACRE Program has been helping Colorado's farmers and ranchers discover alternative enery sources since 2007. The links below will help you learn more about current ongoing projects for a variety of renewable energies statewide.

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Biofuels

Biofuels are produced from living organisms or from organic or food waste products. In order to be considered a biofuel the fuel must contain over 80% renewable materials.
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Biogas

This energy source uses manure for gas or heat energy utilizing anaerobic digestors.

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Biomass

This energy source taps biological waste for gas or heat energy. The material is derived from living or recently living plant or animal organisms.
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Education

These projects educate on renewable energy sources in Colorado.

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Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency is using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. It is generally a best practice to begin here before installing any renewable energy on your farm or ranch.

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Energy Options Analysis

Funds are given to those who are looking for the appropriate renewable energy for their area.
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Energy Storage

Storage and conversion of energy becomes increasingly relevant as we move towards greater reliance on non-traditional energy sources. This category contains projects that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
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Hydro

Hydroelectricity is obtained from hydropower. Hydropower (or waterpower) harnesses the energy of moving or falling water and it can be used directly as a mechanical force.

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Solar

Solar Power is produced by collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity. This is done by using solar panels, which are large flat panels made up of many individual solar cells..
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 Wind

Wind power is produced by using wind generators to harness the kinetic energy of wind.

 

rev. 4-27-11


 

 

State of Colorado Image

Picture of a rolled up newspaper

On-farm wind energy article  (11/7/08)
Commisioner tours first ACRE grant on-farm wind turbine.

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Governor's Energy Office
This is a great resource to get started using renewable energy in Colorado.

 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
The US Department of Energy's (DOE) facility for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development and deployment.

 

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
RMFU is a leader in the development of sustainable rural energy programs. As such they are another great resource for getting started in agricultural renewable energy.

 

 

RECENT REPORTS

Gas pump icon in green with text Biofuel Projects
 

Homeland Renewable Energy - Biogas Production Facility Development

Yuma Conservation District - Biodiesel Facility Feasibility

 

Tree icon in green with text Biomass Projects
 

Colorado State University - Biochar Study

GeoSynFuels - Biomass Press Research

iCast - Torrefaction Research

 

Battery icon in green with text Energy Storage Projects

iCast - Energy Storage Research

Water drop icon in green with text Hydro Power Projects

Painted Sky RC&D - Hydro Power Facility Feasibility Study

Sun icon in green with text Solar Projects  

Arrowpoint Cattle Company - Solar Dryer Study

Wind turbine icon in green with text Wind Projects

Brink, Inc. - Wind Demonstration Guide

 

 Updated 11-1-11