Rural Kentucky to Welcome Major Energy Projects
TL/DR –
Kentucky is working to become the leading hydro-building state in the US, aided by a new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture which supports cost-efficient and energy saving investments in rural areas of the state. The funding comes from the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program, established by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, and projects are receiving between $16 million to $19 million towards their costs. One such project includes a new large hydro turbine as part of Lock and Dam 12’s hydroelectric plant, which is expected to power nearly 4,500 homes, attract more people to the area, and create job opportunities.
Kentucky Aims to Lead in Hydro-Building with Energy-Saving Investments
Kentucky is working to become the leading state in hydro-building across the nation, employing cost-effective methods. A recent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is driving cost-efficient and energy-saving investments in Kentucky’s rural areas.
Key Points
- Kentucky strives to be the top hydro-building state in the U.S.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant fuels cost-effective, energy-saving investments in rural Kentucky.
- The Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, funding these initiatives, is a part of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
- Projects are receiving around $16 million to $19 million towards their total costs.
In Estill County, on the banks of the Kentucky River, a large hydro turbine is part of Lock and Dam 12’s hydroelectric plant developed by Berea College. “[We aim to] build on the success of an experiment like this with a series of four additional hydroelectric stations funded by USDA PACE,” said Berea College President Cheryl Nixon.
According to the USDA, the PACE program is funded by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Nearly 4,500 homes will benefit from the energy generated by this turbine. Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., believes it will attract more people to the area and create job opportunities.
“The produced electricity will be utilized by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which serves 89 counties. This will help us land more development projects and jobs in the coming years,” Beshear commented.
Judge/Executive Donnie Watson, who has deep roots in the area, hopes this initiative will stimulate growth and revitalization. “We need to try to leave our environment a little better than how we found it,” Watson stated.
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