Projo Biz Blog

By Alex Kuffner
Journal staff writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Economic Development Corporation has awarded four private companies grants to fund renewable energy projects.

The EDC's board of directors voted Monday in favor of the grants from the state Renewable Energy Development Fund. The following companies receiving funding:

-- Tomorrow Biofuels, of Cranston, which will use a $250,000 grant to continue its development of a system that uses algae as a fuel source. The company uses greenhouse gases in the production of algae feed. The algae is then converted into a biofuel, which will power a 300-kilowatt generator tied into the electric grid.

-- Holliston Sand, of North Smithfield, will use a $400,000 grant to install two 180-kilowatt hydropower turbines at dams on its property that will produce 60 percent of the sand manufacturer's electricity.

-- SGE Engineers, a Portsmouth-based renewable energy consulting firm, will use a $250,000 grant to install a 100-kilowatt wind turbine at the Easton Pond Business Center that will provide 80 percent of the electricity used by the facility's tenants.

-- Hodges Badge Company, of Portsmouth, a manufacturer of ribbons, sashes, rosettes and medals, will use a $225,000 grant to install a 225-kilowatt wind turbine to offset its electricity needs.

 Tags  Cranston RI Economic Development Corporation North Smithfield RI Portsmouth RI

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