N.C. gets $30 million for energy plan

North Carolina will receive $30.4 million in federal stimulus money to help create renewable energy projects in the state.

The money will also be used to increase energy efficiency in government, commercial and residential building under the State Energy Program, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Thursday.

The program will use funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.to establish revolving loan programs, competitive grant programs and education and training programs designed to spur investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

A new revolving loan fund will be created to provide no- and low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, and schools and universities, along with competitive grants that will be available to businesses and organizations with innovative clean energy projects.

The state will also develop a multi-level training and workforce program through its community college and university systems to meet the needs of an emerging green economy. Education and training will focus on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies and will provide participants with skills to solve energy problems, reduce energy usage, save energy costs, and access state and federal funding opportunities.

“This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence," Chu said.

"It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."