USDA invests $14M to boost clean energy in Wisconsin

By Blake Jackson

Julie Lassa, the Wisconsin State Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, announced a $14 million grant investment to expand access to clean energy and biofuels in Wisconsin.

This funding, awarded through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), will support 42 projects across 27 counties.

“The dozens of awards I’m announcing today will help lower energy costs and provide a historic opportunity for farmers and rural businesses to invest in clean energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements,” said Lassa.

“Many of these investments are made possible with help from President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act and will create more energy independence, save businesses money on their bottom-line, and strengthen economic development in rural communities.”

The grants will fund various projects, including:

• Rosewood Dairy in Kewaunee County will receive a $500,000 REAP grant to install energy-efficient lighting. This is expected to save the business over $18,000 annually and reduce energy use by 60%.
• GRO Alliance, a small business in Grant County, will use a $438,500 REAP grant to install a solar energy system. This project is anticipated to save $45,118 per year and replace 66% of the company's energy use.
• JT Petroleum LLC, a chain of fueling stations, will receive a $5 million HBIIP grant to expand renewable fuel sales and infrastructure. This project will install dispensers and storage tanks for biofuels at 19 stations across four states, including Wisconsin. It is expected to increase biofuel sales by over 6 million gallons per year.

You can find a complete list of funded projects on the USDA website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/reap-and-hbiip-grant-awards-1-13-2025-0.pdf.

Since 2021, USDA has invested nearly $83 million in Wisconsin through REAP, HBIIP, and other programs. These investments are helping rural communities transition to clean energy and build a more sustainable future.

Photo Credit: usda