The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Drought & Climate Resilience Office has multiple open funding opportunities for agricultural energy projects this Spring.

 

ACRE3

The ACRE3 (Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) Program has two open funding opportunities.

·     Energy Audits and Technical Reports for Agricultural Energy Projects:

The first step in a large energy-related project should be an energy audit (for energy efficiency projects) or a technical report/ assessment (for renewable energy projects). To meet our mission of supporting producers, increasing operation resiliency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, CDA will fund these reports for agricultural producers who are looking to reduce energy costs or use renewable energy. The application window is open now through May 15, 2026. 

·     Implementation Grant for Agricultural Energy Projects:

This grant funds the construction and installation of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on farms and ranches. Any feasible technology will be considered. The project must focus on agricultural energy loads, though it is permitted to be blended with residential loads. The majority of the energy should be used on site. The application window is open now through May 29, 2026. 

Attend an informational webinar about ACRE3 on April 13, 2026 at 1pm. Register here.

 

AGRIVOLTAICS R&D 

The Agrivoltaics Research & Demonstration Grant Program will fund one more round of projects. This grant encourages innovative projects, including demonstrations of agrivoltaics, research projects, and outreach campaigns to further agrivoltaics and Colorado’s agricultural economy. Grantees will have two years to complete their grant projects, roughly June 2026 to June 2028. Applications will open on April 13 and close on June 15, 2026.

Attend an informational webinar about Agrivoltaics R&D on April 20, 2026 at 1pm. Register here.