ROCKFORD -- A local company hoping to harness the Rock River to generate electrical power for homes is receiving nearly $1 million in state funding to help develop the project, State Senator Steve Stadelman confirmed today. If the initial demonstration product is successful, Rockford could become the hub for manufacture and sales of micro-hydro cycling systems.
"The test program being proposed for the Fordham Dam is just the type of clean energy development we had in mind when we approved the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act," Stadelman said. "Rockford has a proud manufacturing tradition, and being the base for production and sales of this technology will bring jobs and could lead to wider economic growth."
Latitude Power of Rockford in partnership with Studio GWA has been awarded a $914,330 grant through the Illinois Equitable Energy Future program. Latitude Principal Carl Cacciatore said the demonstration product would take 18 months to manufacture and install, including time to obtain approvals that may be required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The demonstration product would generate enough electricity to power five homes, Cacciatore said. Once proven, the technology at Fordham Dam would be expanded to generate up to 25 kilowatts an hour -- enough to supply electricity to at least 50 homes. Latitude would also need to reach an agreement with ComEd to direct the energy into its electricity grid and offer residential users a credit on their bills.
"There are all sorts of applications for this that will then spread out across the country," said Cacciatore, a retired program manager for what is now Collins Aerospace. "Rockford will be at the center of it all."
A conceptual design of the cycling system can be seen here.
Latitude's grant is among 27 being awarded statewide by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. DCEO also is opening a third round of applications for another $25.5 million in Equitable Energy Future grants, designed to benefit clean energy development in communities that have historically lacked access to capital.
Qualified entities can apply for grants from $250,000 to $1 million until 5 p.m. December 31. To view and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website or contact
