Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund

Eligibility Requirements

Definition

“Clean energy” for purposes of project eligibility means electrical, mechanical, or thermal energy produced from a method that uses one or more of the following fuels or energy sources: hydrogen, biomass, biogas, solar energy, geothermal energy, biofuel, wind energy, or hydroelectric power.  In addition, projects that propose the substitution of renewable chemicals for petroleum-derived chemicals will be considered clean energy for purposes of this definition.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants must be either a:

A. “Business,” defined as any organization or enterprise located in or expanding into this state that is operated for profit or that is non-profit and nongovernmental, including a proprietorship, partnership, business trust, joint venture, syndicate, corporation or association.  

B. “Researcher,” defined as a person, generally tied to an academic institution, whose project has progressed to the proof of concept stage and who is conducting collaborative research in partnership with an independent private or public entity.

Applicants may apply only once per funding cycle per particular project. 

Applicants with tax liens or delinquent taxes are ineligible for the program.

Individual utility companies may participate in the program through partnerships with eligible business or researcher applicants.  Funding would be awarded to the business or researcher.   Municipal or for profit utility companies as defined under Ch. 196, Wis. Stats., are ineligible for direct financial awards from the program. 

Eligible Project Types

Projects that involve the research and development of clean energy technology, the commercialization or adoption of clean energy or clean energy products, and the reduction of market or structural obstacles to the use of clean energy are eligible for funding.

The Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund is not intended to fund energy efficiency projects.  Other sources of state and federal assistance, such as Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Program are available for such projects.   

Please direct project specific or eligibility questions to David Jenkins (608 264-7651/davidj.jenkins@wisconsin.gov) at the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence.

Eligibile Projects and Applications

Research and Development Projects eligibility and application

Commercialization/Adoption Projects eligiblity and application

Supply Chain Development Projects eligibility and application

An applicant may submit only one application for the same project.  However, an applicant may apply for more than one distinct project.

Understand the Process

The grants and loans process is outlined here.