LED manufacturer Cree (Nasdaq: CREE) is getting a $30 million boost from the federal government in the form of tax credits as part of an Energy Department effort to drive more jobs in “clean energy” manufacturing.

The government says the credits will help Cree expand in Durham as well as at a plant in Wisconsin.

“This expansion includes the purchase, installation and proprietary modification of new machinery that will allow Cree to produce 304 million next generation LED lighting systems,” the Energy Department said.

How many new jobs might be created was not specified. 

In 2010, Cree received some $39 million in benefits from the government to help drive more manufacturing. 

Thursday’s early morning announcement is Phase II of the government’s Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit. Companies involved in the program receive an investment credit of 30 percent for the manufacturing of selected energy equipment. The first phase of the program included $2.3 billion in credits. This new phase includes $150 million in credits that were not used in the initial rollout.

Projects must be placed in operation by 2017, according to the Energy Department.

The new awards were announced at the Energy Department’s American Energy and Manufacturing Competitiveness Summit. 

“Cost-effective, efficient manufacturing plays a critical role in continuing U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation, and the tax credits announced today will help reduce carbon pollution from our vehicles and buildings; create new jobs and supply more clean energy projects in the United States and abroad with equipment made in America,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz in the announcement.

Cree was one of 12 firms selected for the new phase.