USDA launches $410 million rural power program and expands anaerobic digester reviews

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is advancing two major renewable‑energy initiatives. Through an inter‑agency agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, the agency’s AgSTAR program has completed more than 20 technical reviews of Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant and loan applications for anaerobic digesters serving dairy, swine and poultry operations between 2021 and 2024. The reviews apply a detailed risk‑analysis checklist that evaluates feedstock supply, biogas production, engineering design, financing and permitting to ensure realistic and financially viable projects.

Separately, USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Karl Elmshaeuser announced the Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Program, a new $410 million funding effort that will offer partially forgivable loans ranging from $1 million to $100 million. The program supports the construction of rural electricity infrastructure using hydro, geothermal, biomass and energy‑storage technologies, aiming to improve grid reliability and lower costs for American families. Letters of interest are accepted from September 8 to October 9, 2026.