A new initiative led by Dr. Peng Yin and Dr. Terrence Chambers at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is set to revolutionize energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption for agricultural producers and rural small businesses across the state.
The project, funded by the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant, aims to provide crucial technical assistance to promote energy efficiency improvement (EEI) and renewable energy system (RES) projects.
"We are thrilled to lead this initiative aimed at empowering Louisiana's agricultural producers and rural small businesses to embrace energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. With our team's expertise and the support of the REAP Grant, we are confident that we can make a significant impact in helping these communities save energy, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future," said Yin, associate professor of mechanical engineering.
The primary goal of the project is to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Louisiana in applying for REAP grants by offering technical expertise on energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy systems.
"As a researcher passionate about sustainable energy solutions, I'm honored to be part of this collaborative effort to support Louisiana's agricultural and rural communities. By leveraging our expertise and partnerships, we aim to empower businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices and renewable energy systems, driving economic growth and environmental stewardship across the state," said Chambers, director of the University’s EDA-funded Green Hydrogen Center of Excellence and its Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Center and co-principal investigator on the REAP Grant.
The project will focus on three key objectives:
- Conducting assessments: The team plans to perform at least 20 assessments annually on EEI and RES projects, with a special focus on disadvantaged communities, aiming for at least 75% of assessments from these communities.
- Assistance with grant applications: With a target of converting at least 70% of the assessments into successful REAP Grant applications, the project aims to provide comprehensive support throughout the application process.
- Outreach Activities: To raise awareness and promote REAP grants and technical assistance, the team plans to conduct at least 20 outreach activities each year across Louisiana.
"We are proud to support UL Lafayette's efforts in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption for Louisiana's agricultural producers and rural small businesses. This initiative aligns with our mission to drive economic growth and sustainability in rural communities across the state," said Deidre Deculus Robert, Louisiana Rural Development state director.
The proposed service area encompasses the entire state, ensuring that no corner of Louisiana is left behind in the transition toward sustainable energy practices. The technical assistance offered includes energy assessment, photovoltaics feasibility assessment, report generation, grant application assistance and project management support.
The energy assessment process will involve several steps, including benchmarking, data collection, analysis, reporting, and implementation planning. It will focus on major energy-consuming equipment and systems such as lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, motors/pumps/fans, water heaters, compressed air, process heating/cooling, and combustion.
Additionally, the project will offer photovoltaics feasibility assessments to estimate annual electricity generation through system design and performance modeling. This will include electricity bill analysis economic assessments and implementation planning.
The project team, comprising UL Lafayette experts and experienced EEI and RES vendors, will collaborate to ensure the success of each assessment and grant application. Leveraging established partnerships with utilities, economic development agencies, and community-based organizations, the team aims to recruit customers and spread awareness about the benefits of REAP grants and technical assistance.
Photo caption: Front row, from left: Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, vice president of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development; Deidre Deculus Robert, director of state USDA Rural Development; Dr. Peng Solomon Yin, associate professor in Mechanical Engineering and principal investigator of the REAP grant; Chaston Price, coordinator of state USDA Rural Development Energy; Dr. Terry Chambers, director of the University’s EDA-funded Green Hydrogen Center of Excellence and its Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Center and co-PI on the REAP grant; and Danielle Grey, Management Support assistant with state USDA Rural Development. Back row, from left: Chad LaComb, director of Economic and Community Development; Whey McGrew, director of Business Programs with state USDA Rural Development; Dr. Mark Zappi, executive director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana and director of the Center for Environmental Protection; and Dr. Alan Barhorst, department head of Mechanical Engineering. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette