"We, in Pennsylvania, have the ingenuity and resources to develop and deploy new clean energy technology," Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "Our commonwealth is offering significant financial incentives to make energy manufacturing a cornerstone in the state's economic future and ensure that more electricity generation comes from environmentally beneficial sources. PEDA refocuses our priorities on indigenous energy resources by investing in clean, efficient energy made in Pennsylvania."

The 17 selected projects will receive financial assistance in the form of grants or loans for a variety of electric power projects, including wind, solar, biomass, waste coal and coal gasification, and comprehensive redevelopment plans, among others. The state financing supports millions of dollars in funding being invested into the projects by private interests.

These projects also will stimulate the state economy, creating as many as 1,786 permanent construction jobs in the commonwealth. In addition, the research projects, if successful, could net as many as 327 full-time jobs.

Projects were evaluated on a variety of criteria, including their ability to promote Pennsylvania's indigenous energy resources, encourage energy diversity and enhance energy security. The projects were judged on their potential to create jobs and stimulate investment in the commonwealth. Potential environmental benefits, as well as technical feasibility and cost- effectiveness, were also considered.

PEDA was established in 1982 to promote applied energy research, provide financial incentives for the deployment of clean, alternative energy projects and promote investment in Pennsylvania's energy sector. After a period of inactivity, Gov. Edward G. Rendell revitalized PEDA as part of his strategy to build a clean, indigenous, diversified energy industry in the state.

Rendell, members of the General Assembly and legislative leaders have been working aggressively to put in place policies and financial tools designed to promote advanced energy projects in the state. Pennsylvania is home to one of the nation's most progressive alternative energy portfolio standards, ensuring that in 15 years, 18 percent of all of the energy generated comes from clean, efficient sources. Pennsylvania is one of two states with a portfolio standard that includes energy efficiency.

On Dec. 15, the Governor signed an executive order, "Energy Management and Conservation in Commonwealth," that ensures maximum efficiency in energy management and conservation in state facilities through the implementation of a centralized energy strategy. This measure will decrease energy consumption and energy costs and promote a cleaner environment.

Currently, DEP is receiving applications for the Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program, which funds projects that save resources, improve the environment, spur economic growth and job creation, and enhance homeland security. The program awarded $10 million and leveraged another $26.7 million in private funds since its inception May 2003.

Rendell's Growing Greener II initiative is critical to expanding Energy Harvest and building on the success that the program and other energy initiatives already have achieved. Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly approved a $625 million bond initiative in the May 17 primary election, and the administration and Legislature are working to enact enabling legislation to fund a vast array of environmental initiatives included in Growing Greener II.

For more information on PEDA, visit DEP's Web site at http://www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: "PEDA." To download an application for the current Energy Harvest grant round, which ends July 22, use Keyword: "Energy Harvest."

CHESTER COUNTY

-- Franklin Fuel Cells Inc. will receive $460,000 to research ongoing development of solid oxide fuel cell technology.