penntap.psu.edu/">Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State secured and will manage $51.4 million through the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) initiative, a statewide grant program aimed at supporting small to mid-size manufacturers across the state.
PennTAP will manage the $40 million Small-scale Award Track (SAT) program, a portion of the $51.4 million total RISE PA funding, which provides support for eligible manufacturers to implement energy savings strategies. PennTAP will partner with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to coordinate the SAT program as a complement to the DEP's Medium- and Large-scale Award Track (MAT/LAT) programs.
"RISE PA is a program that does it all - it creates good-paying, family-supporting jobs, it helps Pennsylvania businesses stay competitive in a global marketplace, and it cleans the air and fights climate change," said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Pennsylvania has a long industrial history, and this program is going to write the next chapter of it - more jobs, stronger communities and cleaner air."
The remaining funds are allocated for program management and administration of the grant. They will also support the execution of over 250 energy efficiency/pollution prevention assessments for small and mid-size manufacturers at no cost to the manufacturers, which will be conducted by PennTAP's team of expert regional technical advisers.
These assessments aim to provide small to mid-sized manufacturers with education on site-specific energy efficiency opportunities, assistance in prioritizing best practices, and a Technical Assessment Report - a report that acts as the first step towards applying for funding from the RISE PA program.
"This collaboration between PennTAP and the DEP will create opportunities for manufacturers across Pennsylvania to connect with the University's vast expertise and help them secure funding for innovative projects that will reduce waste, create jobs and increase competitiveness," said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research. "Penn State is dedicated to fostering partnerships such as this one that will drive innovation and economic growth, establishing a lasting impact for the commonwealth."
Manufacturers can begin applying for funding in the second quarter of 2025. Details about eligibility and funding opportunities are available on PennTAP's website.
"RISE PA is a game-changer for Pennsylvania manufacturers," said Tanna Pugh, director of PennTAP. "By helping manufacturers adopt energy-efficient technology, this program lowers costs, boosts sustainability and keeps Pennsylvania industries competitive in a changing economy."
RISE PA anticipates the SAT implementation grant will support 800 small and medium size manufacturing businesses. In addition to PennTAP, Catalyst Connection - a Pittsburgh-based non-profit that provides business support to manufacturers - is a partner providing direct support of the SAT Technical Assessment Reports requirement. Along with PennTAP and Catalyst Connection, the DEP Energy Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Training and Assessment Centers, and third-party energy assessment providers will contribute to fulfilling the requirements of the implementation grants by providing technical assistance.
As a first-of-its-kind program in the nation, RISE PA aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in industrial innovation. Eligible projects include:
- Industrial electrification
- Process efficiency improvements
- Low-carbon fuel adoption
- On-site renewable energy installation
- Carbon capture and storage
- Emissions reductions from natural gas, oil systems and coal mining
Beyond environmental benefits, RISE PA aims to create new jobs and career opportunities while reducing air pollution and supporting Pennsylvania's economic development.
About PennTAP
The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) at Penn State is a federal, state and University partnership to stimulate statewide economic development. PennTAP helps organizations maximize their competitiveness through in-person consultations, unbiased technical advice, and connections to Penn State experts, resources and programs.
PennTAP is financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.
