The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is currently soliciting applications for Technical Services/Technical Studies grants through its Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy program. According to MassCEC, the program intends to “advance the Commonwealth’s goal of substantially increasing the diversion of source-separated organics away from landfilling or incineration.”

This funding opportunity is designed to support technical studies regarding the exploration or development of organics-to-energy facilities. Technical Services grants are only available to public entities such as municipalities, state agencies, regional governmental entities, or federal agencies with a project site in a Massachusetts municipality.

Organics-to-energy systems convert organic materials into heat, electricity, or compressed natural gas fuel. One type of organics-to-energy system is anaerobic digestion (AD), a process through which microorganisms break down organic materials to produce methane which can generate heat or electricity. The EPA created a webpage on anaerobic digestion which contains basic information, environmental benefits, types of anaerobic digesters, project profiles, tools and resources, and publications.

Qualified applicants can receive up to $50,000. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and currently this is no deadline for the applications. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their project informally with MassCEC before submitting materials.

MassCEC’s Organics to Energy program is also soliciting applications for two other types of projects: Implementation and Pilot Projects as well as Feasibility Studies. These grants are available to both private and public entities.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. If you need assistance with setting up a composting or recycling program, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.