Pennsylvania is advancing a statewide industrial decarbonization program designed to help manufacturers and industrial facilities cut emissions, lower energy costs and modernize operations.
The Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania program (RISE PA), is a $396 million grant initiative funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The program provides funding for small-, medium- and large-scale decarbonization projects at industrial facilities.
The program targets Pennsylvania’s industrial sector, which state officials identify as the highest-emitting sector statewide. Industrial operations account for just over 30% of the commonwealth’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
In its first round of funding, the program awarded 31 total projects with $267 million in funding.
As part of this round, a global vaccine manufacturer has received a $10.6 million grant in Pennsylvania to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its facility in Monroe County. The France-based company was awarded the funding through the state’s RISE PA program.
The company is using the funding to replace eight natural gas fired dehydrators used to process and dispose of egg waste generated during vaccine production with a new paddle dryer and regenerative thermal oxidizer. The move is expected to reduce natural gas use by approximately 65 percent.
The application period for the program’s second round of funding is being extended through July 31 for medium and large projects.
Eligible projects reduce emissions caused by burning fuels, leaks from industrial equipment, or chemical reactions associated with industrial processes.
Projects may reduce emissions through electrification, efficiency improvements, low-carbon fuel switching, on-site renewable energy, carbon capture and storage technologies, and reducing fugitive emissions from natural gas, oil, and coal systems.
Photo by Hc Digital from Pexels
For more of the latest from the expansive government marketplace, check Government Market News daily for new stories, insights and profiles from public sector professionals. Check out our national contracting newsletter here.
