Minnesota
Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund is a combination of research and development programs and business start up/expansion programs financed by Xcel Energy ratepayers. The efforts are designed to increase the market penetration of renewable energy resources at reasonable costs. The RDF is currently (as of May 2007) in its third round of funding with up to $23 million available to support new ways to produce electricity from renewable sources. Funding is available for various-sized projects in two categories: energy production, and research and development.