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It’s the beginning of the end for for renewable energy projects.

The Oregon Department of Energy today announced that applications for the last round of BETC funding for the current biennium will be accepted beginning Jan. 3, 2011. There is $35 million in renewable tax credits available through June 30, 2011, which will be doled out in three phases over the next six months, according to Diana Enright, spokeswoman for the energy department.

The first funding phase will award $15 million to projects costing less than $500,000 between Jan. 3 and May 19, 2011. The second funding phase will award $10 million to projects costing more than $500,000 but less than $6 million between March 7 and April 8, 2011. The last phase will award $10 million to projects costing $6 million or more between Jan. 24 and Feb. 28, 2011.

Enright noted that new applications for BETC will be available online starting Jan. 3, 2011. Old forms will not be accepted, so applicants should make sure they have the most up-to-date application.