ONE RED - Irrigation Engine Program

Concept 

The ONE RED Irrigation Engine Program builds off NDEE’s Clean Diesel Rebate Program by providing rebates to farmers to replace diesel engines powering irrigation well pumps with electric motors or pumps connected to the electric grid. The rebates would cover a percentage of the costs of new electrical equipment, wiring and installation, and utility upgrade and connection charges. ONE RED will fund up to $23,000 of project costs.

Funding available: $6 million 

Greenhouse gas reductions by 2030: 14,000 metric tons 

Nebraska’s agricultural economy depends on groundwater to irrigate crops such as corn, soybeans, and edible beans. As of November 2023, the state had over 96,000 active irrigation wells registered, and previous surveys have indicated at least 24% of well pumps were still powered by diesel engines. 

Replacement of these diesel engines with electric motors connected to the electric grid can save farmers money due to the low cost of electricity in Nebraska compared to fuel costs, as well as reduced maintenance costs, while reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions that can be harmful to human health. However, the up-front costs for the conversion can be a barrier to adoption. The financial incentives provided by this program are expected to spur more widespread adoption.

2024 Program

Eligibility

Any farming operation that owns a diesel engine powering an agricultural irrigation pump located in Nebraska will be eligible to apply for one irrigation engine replacement per year.

To be eligible to receive a rebate, you (or your organization) must be in compliance with all Nebraska environmental laws and with the Department’s regulations and permits at all Nebraska locations.

• The current diesel engine must be in operating condition and have operated at least 250 hours each year over the past two years. Documentation of operating hours is required.
• The applicant must submit documentation that they have owned the engine to be replaced for at least two years prior to submission of the application.
• The diesel engine must have a remaining service life of at least three years based on age, condition, and usage.
• The diesel engine must be replaced with an electric motor or, if the engine powers a generator that runs a submersible pump, by directly connecting the submersible pump to the electric grid.
• The replaced diesel engine must be disabled (scrapped).
• NDEE will reimburse 60% of the cost of the electric motor, installation, and/or required electrical infrastructure (including electric line extension) up to a maximum rebate of $23,000.
• Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.
• NDEE cannot reimburse any expenses paid before the rebate recipient has signed a project agreement with the Department.

How to apply

Applications for this program are open through January 16, 2025.  NDEE anticipates funding 50 irrigation engine rebates this year.

Application details can be found here: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/17-016.

Information for 2024 rebate selectees 

If your organization is selected to receive a rebate, information on carrying out and documenting your project and requesting reimbursement can be found here: 2024 ONE RED Irrigation Engine Rebate Selectee Information . 

Additional Information

More details about this program can be found in the workplan document attached at the bottom of this page. The full workplan is available on the ONE RED Implementation Page.

Contact

Email -- NDEE.ONERED@nebraska.gov

Or sign up for the ONE RED Listserv -- https://dee.nebraska.gov/resources-services/one-red-opportunity-nebraska-reducing-emissions-decarbonization/one-red-contact-information

Learn more about our other ONE RED Programs