Programs

DNR OFFERS COMMERCIALIZATION VENTURES PROGRAM

A cost-sharing grant program known as the Commercialization Ventures Program (CVP) is available through the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Energy Section. The program solicitation period is now open to Louisiana companies with projects that will accelerate the commercialization of emerging renewable energy technologies. The aim of the program is to put into the marketplace new energy technologies, as well as to improve or expand facilities for manufacturing renewable energy technologies.

Projects must demonstrate a need for federal financial participation and will be chosen on the basis of technical merit, potential for commercial success, and other market-oriented criteria. While other government programs offer assistance for research and development, this program will only assist in commercializing technologies that are essentially technically proven. Solicitation is open to projects that produce or deliver electricity, thermal energy, or other forms of energy or fuel using renewable energy technologies.

The CVP can invest up to 50 percent of the cost of selected projects. All eligible projects must include at least one for-profit partner, involve primarily U.S.-based manufacturing, and demonstrate a significant need for federal assistance to support commercialization of the technology.

To obtain further information on the CVP program or how to submit a proposal for a specific project, contact Wade Byrd of DNR's Energy Section at (504) 342-3476. The closing date for solicitation is August 29, 1996. The U.S. Department of Energy is the federal sponsor.

Editors: For more information contact Wade Byrd, Energy Section Project Manager at (504) 342-3476, or Phyllis Darensbourg, Public Information Officer at (504) 342-8955.