Published: May 09, 2008 10:34 am            

Workshop to showcase rural energy options

Farmers, ranchers and rural small-business owners dealing with escalating energy costs may be eligible for grants, loans and loan guarantees under the purchase of renewable energy systems or to improve energy efficiency.

Those interested may want to attend a free May 15 workshop in Oklahoma City that will explain the various options and eligibility. These alternative energy and energy provisions are provided under Title IX of the U.S. Farm Bill.

Ron Elliott, head of Oklahoma State University’s department of biosystems and agricultural engineering, said the workshop is a way to gain insight into specific options and opportunities that may be a suitable investment for operators of agribusinesses.

“I’m often asked what options we should be looking at in terms of alternative energy,” Elliott said. “My standard answer is we need to look at them all if we’re serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

The program will take place, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the student center on the Oklahoma State University – OKC campus at 900 N. Portland Avenue. Although there is no cost to attend, participants are asked to pre-register to help ensure sufficient refreshments and snacks are available.

To register, contact Angie Albers by e-mail at albers@ou.edu or by phone at 325-8870.

Among the workshop presenters are Jody Harris, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, who will provide an overview of the farm bill provisions and how to secure funding.

Mike Kizer, OSU Cooperative Extension irrigation specialist, and Doug Hamilton, OSU Cooperative Extension waste management specialist, will lead discussion sessions on irrigation planning and poultry based energy, respectively.

Additional speakers and their topics are: Albers, Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, wind power; Bob Willis, Sunrise Alternative Energy, solar power; and Ray Chambers, Savantii Energy Services LLC, energy audits.

The workshop is sponsored by the USDA Rural Development, U.S. Department of Energy Wind Powering America Program, Oklahoma Wind Power Initiative, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, OK Renewable Energy Council, OSU and the University of Oklahoma.

        

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