TALLAHASSE, FL – The Florida Opportunity Fund has launched a Clean Energy Investment Program, a fund of $36 million in federal stimulus dollars for state projects that promote adoption of clean energy technology.
“From renewable energy products to energy efficiency in manufacturing, the program has the potential todeliver strong employment growth and significant economic benefits to the State,” said Louis Laubscher, chief operating officer and senior vice president of Enterprise Florida.
The Clean Energy Investment Program is a direct investment initiative that will provide qualifying Florida businesses with funding primarily for three uses:
• Facility and equipment improvement with energy efficient products and materials;
• Acquisition or demonstration of renewable energy products for use in their operations;
• Improvement of existing production, manufacturing, assembly or distribution processes to increase
energy efficiency.
“The Florida Opportunity Fund will make capital available to businesses with an investment model that can provide funds for years to come. It’s a great way for the State to advance and sustain its clean energy industry while addressing the need to reduce energy use,” said Christian Poindexter, a member of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and the former Chairman and CEO of Constellation Energy.
Florida is a leader in establishing a green energy economy. A recent report from Pew Charitable Trusts shows the State added more than 31,000 clean energy jobs from 1998 to 2007, ranking in the top 10 states. Florida clean energy jobs grew at a rate of 7.9 percent, while nationally jobs only grew by 3.7 percent.
