The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $145 million in funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to support energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments in rural America. This funding aims to assist agricultural producers and rural small business owners in lowering energy costs, creating new revenue streams, and strengthening the resilience of their operations. Eligible energy technologies for the loan and grant awards include wind, renewable biomass, ocean, geothermal, green hydrogen, solar, and hydropower. Researchers like Elise DeGeorge from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory highlight the importance of hydropower as a 'place-based' clean energy solution. DeGeorge provides valuable tips for applicants looking to propose hydropower energy systems. For those interested in understanding renewable energy concepts, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Energy Basics page offers insights. Applicants seeking USDA’s REAP funding are encouraged to reach out to their local USDA State Energy Coordinators for guidance or visit the rd.usda.gov website. The initiative aims to promote diverse clean energy projects in rural areas to drive sustainability and economic growth.