Biomass Energy Program

The Michigan Biomass Energy Program (MBEP) encourages increased production and use of biomass energy through information dissemination and financial assistance. MBEP receives its primary funding from the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program. MBEP offers project funding, when available, to increase public awareness, assist in the development of production capacity, and expand markets for energy/fuel, including biogas, derived from Michigan biomass resources. Funding is typically available for projects in the following categories: biofuels/bioenergy education and biomass technology demonstrations and feasibility studies. All projects must be based in Michigan. Biofuels/bioenergy education activities are those that increase awareness of energy or fuel derived from Michigan biomass resources within a target audience. Biomass technology demonstrations projects/feasibility studies are those that contribute to the deployment/enhanced performance of fully commercialized biomass energy technologies, and which may result in increased biofuels/bioenergy production, higher production efficiency, and/or market development.

Maximum funding for projects is usually $24,950, with matching funds required. Matching funds cannot be from a federal funding source and must be applied to costs directly related to the project, but can include in-kind contributions.