The departments of Energy and Agriculture have partnered to support the development of energy and manufacturing technologies for rural and agricultural applications. The partnership will support rural energy investments, resource optimization, innovation, rural technical assistance, energy infrastructure, power reliability and global exports of energy products from rural firms, DOE said Thursday.
“Rural America deserves the investments in energy infrastructure, technology and businesses that will be produced by this MOU,†said Undersecretary of Energy Mark Menezes who signed the MoU on DOE’s side.
Representatives from the departments signed a memorandum of understanding to commence the partnership.
“Energy creates jobs, supports local infrastructure expansion and provides new opportunities to increase economic development in rural communities,â€Â Donald LaVoy, USDA’s deputy undersecretary who signed on behalf of his department.
Efforts will aim to develop rural energy and manufacturing businesses, foster rural energy infrastructure investments, widen access of rural energy businesses to capital, fortify rural energy investments and support energy grid cybersecurity.