To provide guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Eligible Uses: Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as biomass (e.g., biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, solid fuels); geothermal for electric generation or direct use; hydropower below 30 MW; hydrogen; small and large wind generation; small and large solar generation; ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation. Funds also may be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC); insulation; lighting; cooling or refrigeration units; doors and windows; electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots; switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor; replacement of energy-inefficient equipment. Agricultural producers may use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.