In attendance at the June 18 Workshop in Sinton, Texas, (left to right) were Andrew Robison of the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute, Teena Bell of eFormative Options, and Mike Bergey of Bergey Windpower. Photo Credit: DWEA
September 16, 2024
News — by SKowalski

AgWind Energizing Rural Communities: Tool Demo & REAP-DWEA Office Hours

By David Dunaway, eFormative Options

DWEA’s AgWind initiative, jointly funded by DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) and USDA, is making strides in highlighting distributed wind (DW) for rural and disadvantaged communities. AgWind’s focus on economic benefits for Justice40 and agricultural markets aims to empower these communities by reducing up-front barriers and streamlining project financing. Upcoming efforts will further expand AgWind’s reach and impact.

With funding through a HeroX Phase 1 prize, AgWind hosted a successful community workshop in June at the San Patricio Fairgrounds in Sinton, Texas. This event, in collaboration with USDA’s Rural Development Office and Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI), provided vital information on USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and introduced the innovative AgWind Feasibility Assessment Tool. 

The AgWind Tool, which offers no-cost site screenings and feasibility analyses for 16 certified DW turbine models, was demonstrated live in person at the Texas event and via Zoom to invited DWEA manufacturers, showcasing its ability to help landowners assess the wind energy potential of their properties. One attendee even committed to purchasing and installing a turbine! Since launched in June 2024, 17 users have generated more than 340 assessments to test the AgWind Tool. A video documenting AgWind’s first event and outreach to support DWEA’s application for Phase 2 HeroX funding is posted here. 

Looking ahead, the AgWind team is planning several key events to continue this momentum. On Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. CT, we will hold an AgWind Tool Demo for all DWEA members and allies. Interested participants can register for this event to participate live or watch the recording to learn more about the Tool’s capabilities and how it can support planning wind energy projects.

DWEA is honored to be expanding AgWind efforts in Oklahoma with funding from a USDA technical assistance grant (TAG). AgWind’s REAP TAG team will hold upcoming monthly office hours – every third Friday beginning Sept 20 – focusing on informing rural Oklahoma residents about USDA REAP benefits, assisting with the AgWind Tool and application processes to help qualify for incentives to subsidize the cost of wind turbines.

For more updates, visit www.AgWindEnergy.org. For a password to access the AgWind Tool, email: help@agwindEnergy.org.