Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia

Clean Energy Supply Chain Products and Markets offers numerous resources to help companies learn about the energy industry and identify strategies and opportunities to work in the supply chain. Engagement professionals are available to share information about the regional players in clean energy segments. They can also offer a one-on-one look at how a company might be most successfully involved in the energy supply chain, including recommendations for next steps on that journey.

Greener Factory Strategies help manufacturing companies to proceed down the net zero pathway with efficient energy practices and practical emissions reduction strategies. The first step is to identify the team of employees to support sustainable strategies. Second, establish a baseline understanding of current energy usage and carbon emissions. Third is to identify opportunities to make changes. Fourth is to look at the driving forces for making a change – such as 1) save money with energy efficiency, 2) satisfy requirements by current or potential customers, 3) comply with regulatory standards, 4) be a good community partner. This will lead to establishing goals and actions for improvement and a way to measure progress. The CEMA program developed The Greener Factory Toolkit eBook to walk companies through this process. Download it to start your journey or to enhance your current strategies.

The GHG Calculator assists with calculating a manufacturer’s greenhouse gas emissions. This is a good companion to The Greener Factory Toolkit. Click the link to enter your emissions information.

A cleaner economy vision builds on the competitive assets of the region and looks to create an Appalachian Decarbonization Hub with key elements that will include: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal energy; natural gas energy with a focus on reduced environmental impact; hydrogen technologies; carbon capture, storage and use technologies; smart grid technologies; green building technologies; plastics manufacturing and recycling technologies; low-carbon intensity products and feedstocks; electric vehicle and charging infrastructure manufacturing; and other key components of a decarbonization and net zero sector. No matter where an organization is on their journey towards efficiency and opportunity, continuing education is essential, and the Clean Energy Manufacturing program is available to support the transition. In addition to the Greener Factory Toolkit, these resources can provide insight and resources for manufacturing companies:

The CEMA program has contracted with Subcity to offer the Incentive Finder service at no cost (a $1,000 value). Eligible manufacturing companies will receive a personalized report from Subcity that identifies the grants and tax incentives that have the biggest ROI and greatest likelihood of success. Subcity can also assist the company to apply for the incentives for an additional fee.

Subcity Incentive Finder

CEMA offers mini-grants of up to $10,000 to support manufacturers who engage in a technical assistance project that will assist them to: 1) engage with the clean energy supply chain and/or 2) implement remission reduction strategies. These are reimbursement grants awarded after the project is completed to help offset some of the investment cost by the company.

Clean Energy Manufacturing Mini-grant Guidelines

There are additional grant and tax incentive opportunities that a company may qualify depending on various factors (location, industry, business size, ownership type, etc.) Here are some programs to look at: