Clean Energy Economic Development Initiative (CEEDI)

This program is no longer available.The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is offering grants and loans to Maryland businesses to assist in the growth of the clean energy industry throughout the State.

The program is available to both existing clean energy businesses and businesses seeking to become established in Maryland. It operates under a competitive solicitation process and does not specify detailed requirements related to eligible projects or activities. The overarching program parameters are as follows:Project contributes to the Maryland clean energy sector Project immediately or rapidly generates a quantifiable number of sustainable jobs in Maryland Project demonstrates leveraging of additional funds from other sources Project will comply with special terms and conditions associated with the use of federal economic recovery, or ARRA, money (e.g., Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements)In accordance with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) guidance, applicants must submit information on how the project will promote the conservation of energy in Maryland; reduce the rate of energy demand growth in Maryland; and reduce dependence on imported oil in Maryland.

The program application notes that ARRA funds are not targeted to fund research and development, market feasibility studies, pilot projects, start-up companies, or the development of a completely new or untested technology. In addition, all projects are subject to a general prohibition on using SEP funds for construction or repair of buildings or structures; and the purchase of land, buildings or structures, or any interest therein. An exception to the building construction or repair prohibition is made for demonstrations of commercially available energy efficiency or renewable energy techniques and technologies. A total of $7 million in two funding cycles is available for projects under this solicitation, all of it from State Energy Program (SEP) funding under ARRA. The application deadline for the second funding cycle expired April 30, 2010. Please consult the program website for further details.