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Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Rural Developmentā€™s Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

Purpose

To forgive up to 60% of loans for renewable energy projects that use wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, or biomass, as well as for renewable energy storage projects.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

The PACE program is available to eligible applicants that generate electricity for resale to residents in both rural and nonrural areas. However, at least 50% of the population served by your proposed renewable energy project must live in communities with populations under 20,000.

Decarbonization Considerations

Energy storage projects related to a renewable energy project is an eligible use of funding. Adding energy storage to a project can reduce peak demand and provide community resiliency benefits that a standalone renewable energy project is unable to.

Equity Considerations

The program supports designated energy communities, disadvantaged communities, distressed communities, and Tribal communities. Siting proposed projects in eligible IRA bonus adder locations can reduce the overall cost of a project, provide clean energy and economic benefits to a disadvantaged community, and support broader community goals. Always ensure that impacted communities are provided opportunities to engage with the project development and implementation process.

Helpful Tips

Projects must be based on bankable power purchase agreements (PPAs) or through a financial guarantee that ensures the financial feasibility of the project. Energy must be sold for resale to eligible off-takers which can include both utility and non-utility customers. The technologies used must be commercially available. Note: This is NOT related to programs often called PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) in many states.

Other Notes

Provided the project is otherwise financially feasible, loan terms are the shorter of: 35 years; the useful life of the equipment financed; the term of the PPA; or the term of any leased real property.

Deadline (Announced or Anticipated)

September 29, 2023

Funding Available

$1,000,000,000

Max Award Amount

$100,000,000

Expected Allocations

N/A

Average Award (Estimated)

Minimum loan is $1,000,000

Matching Funds

Not required

Go to Program Website
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