The federal Recovery Act money is aimed at projects proven to cut energy use that can be deployed immediately.

Maine has won grant of nearly $9.6 million for clean energy and efficiency projects across the state. The Recovery Act grant was announced yesterday by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

Chu says the money will promote cheap, clean, reliable energy technology that can be deployed immediately, and help create jobs.

State officials say about 60 percent of the funds will be competitively awarded to local cities and counties for energy saving projects, such as financial incentive programs, energy efficiency retrofits, transportation programs, energy distribution measures, and the installation of renewable energy technologies on government buildings.

Some of the money will also support grants for large-scale commercial projects. Eligible projects include improved insulation, air sealing, efficiency improvements in heating sources and distribution, efficiency controls and automation, efficiency upgrades in glazing, and other measures proven to reduce energy use.