Maryland Energy Administration announces $1.4 Million in awards for Innovative and Novel Efforts under the OPEN Energy Program.
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) recently announced that four awardees have been selected for its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) OPEN Energy Program. The four awards total $1.4 million in funding to help advance the State’s energy goals in innovative ways. MEA launched the OPEN Energy Program to provide an opportunity to receive and award proposals for energy projects and initiatives outside of the agency’s suite of established technology and sector-specific energy programs. OPEN allows MEA to advance the state’s energy policy goals and objectives by providing grants for these efforts.
According to the press release:
“Collectively these awards provide a variety of benefits that can aid us in accelerating clean and reliable energy in Maryland”, said Dr. Mary Beth Tung, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “Through this program package and our partnerships, we are working to foster energy cost reductions in our communities, add additional benefits to our energy workforce, and stimulate the potential for new cleantech industries and while strengthening Maryland’s position as a clean energy leader. OPEN received overwhelming support with 14 applications from Maryland businesses, non-profits, and government entities. The 14 applications collectively requested a total of more than $3.5 million in grant funds. The submissions were evaluated based on the reasonableness of the proposals, alignment with the criteria published in the Funding Opportunity Announcement and overall technical potential.”
An awardee from Allegany County is highlighted below, and a full list with detailed information is available MEA.
Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation – Allegany County:
Evergreen Heritage Center (EHC) is a 131-acre historic Appalachian farm that has been hosting award-winning education and training programs since 2008, serving 10,000 students and visitors annually. In 2022 to 23, the EHC plans to expand its use of green energy solutions across its campus to provide real world examples of alternative energy technology applied in rural settings. Five innovative, replicable projects have been designed to support the EHC Foundation’s goals of financial sustainability, resilience, STEM education/training, and inclusive rural economic development. The EHC will provide a demonstration of renewable energy applications including a farm-wide aggregate net metering system capable of islanding during power outages, novel uses of solar such as pond aeration and charging of mobile electronics, a microhydro demonstrator system.
