U.S. EPA Source Reduction Assistance (SRA) Grants Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to eligible entities (including states, inter- and intrastate bodies, localities, Tribes, and their instrumentalities and non-profits) in Regions 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 for research, investigation, experiments, surveys, studies, demonstration, education, and/or training using source reduction approaches (also known as “pollution prevention” or “P2”). Suggested project types include but are not limited to prevention of greenhouse gas emissions, including through energy efficiency; hazardous materials source reduction; innovative approaches to conservation of materials and resources; and environmental justice through P2 actions. A total of $1.5 million in federal funds awards ranging from $40,000 to $240,000 each requiring 5% match are expected. Applications are due April 15, 2024.
U.S. DOE Announces FY24 Funding Round for Grid Resilience Funding for States, Territories, and Tribes
On January 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office released the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant FY24 Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) to open the allocation request and application period for grid resilience formula funding for FY24. The program is supported by the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA) under section 40101(d). The grants will provide $562 million to States, Territories, and Tribes to strengthen and modernize the electric grid. This is in addition to the $772 million in grants already awarded to states and tribes through this program in FY22 and FY23. Applications for FY24 funding are due April 17, 2024.
U.S. DOE issues $425 million Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a $425 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program, to offer grants to small- and medium-sized manufacturers to enable them to build new or retrofit existing manufacturing and industrial facilities in communities where coal mines or coal power plants have closed. These facilities will produce or recycle advanced energy products or contribute to emissions reductions within the manufacturing sector. The FOA builds on a previous funding round of $275 million for seven projects. This second round prioritizes two areas of interest: (1) Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling and (2) Industrial Decarbonization. Concept papers are due April 8, 2023, 5:00 p.m. ET with full applications due June 24, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. DOE Publishes Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation Funding Opportunity Announcement
On March 4, 2024 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published the second Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation grant program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This competitive FOA makes $90 million available for partnerships that include State Energy Offices as lead applicants or as partners. Concept papers are due April 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. To learn more click here or contact Ed Carley (ecarley@naseo.org).
U.S. EPA Grant Funding Offers $32 Million to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be offering $32 million to states, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and nonprofits that support low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal K-12 public schools and/or school districts in the development and adoption of comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans or in the efforts monitor and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and indoor air pollutants. EPA anticipates selecting four to six awardees, with individual grant amounts between $5 million and $8 million to support five years of IAQ and GHG emission reduction activities. Applications are due March 19, 2024. Please contact iaqschools@epa.gov with any comments or questions.
U.S. DOE Offers $83.1 million for Energy and Emissions Intensive Industry RD&D
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) focuses on applied R&D and pilot demonstration for the highest GHG-emitting subsectors, specifically chemicals and fuels; iron and steel; food and beverage; cement and concrete, asphalt pavements, and glass; and forest products. Concept papers are due March 19, 2024 and full applications due June 11, 2024. Please see EERE eXCHANGE for more information and the full FOA.
U.S. DOE Announces $63 Million Available to Accelerate Domestic Heat Pump Manufacturing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced availability of $63 million to grow domestic manufacturing of residential heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and other heat pump systems and components. This investment under the Inflation Reduction Act utilizes the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of key clean energy technologies, including electric heat pumps. This funding opportunity builds on first round of $169 million in funding to manufacturers of heat pumps and components in November 2023. Read the full funding opportunity here. Concept papers, required for all applicants, are due on March 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Full applications are due on April 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Sign Up for U.S. DOE Energy Security and Grid Resilience Cohorts Extended to March 15
(State and Territory Energy Offices Only)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Security and Grid Resilience Cohorts represent a joint effort between the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER) and the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) in collaboration with NASEO, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to respond to state needs associated with implementation of federal grid resilience funding and development of state energy security plans (SESPs). These cohorts invite public utility commissions, State Energy Offices, consumer advocates, and emergency management agencies from different states to exchange ideas and input on best practices for advancing critical energy topics in their state. There will be a total six (6) cohorts:
- Grid Resilience Grant Implementation
- Risk Assessment Approaches
- Grid Resilience Metrics
- Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Regulatory Mechanisms to Support Grid Resilience
- Resilience Valuation Frameworks
The deadline to register has been extended to March 15, please register here.
Grid Deployment Office Announces Request for Proposals for the Second Round of the Transmission Facilitation Program
On February 6, 2024, , the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the second round of the Transmission Facilitation Program, a $2.5 billion revolving fund that helps large-scale new and upgraded transmission lines overcome financial hurdles. Through the RFP, DOE anticipates deploying up to $1.2 billion in federal support to accelerate transmission buildout through capacity contracts, an innovative approach that can increase the confidence of investors and potential customers while reducing risk for projects. The RFP is seeking project proposals to use capacity contracts that commit DOE to purchasing up to 50% of the maximum capacity of a transmission line. DOE’s capacity contract establishes the agency as an anchor customer who can provide certainty for potential financers and other customers. DOE will sell its capacity rights in these projects to other customers to recover its costs. The submission deadline for the first part of the application process is March 11, 2024.
U.S. DOE Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship Expands Eligibility to State and Territory Energy Offices and Opens Application Period
On February 1, 2024 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the third round of the Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship, a workforce development program that matches recent graduates and energy professionals to key energy organizations that support efforts that advance clean energy solutions. Applications are now open for eligible Host Institutions, which for the first time this year also include State Energy Offices. Host Institution applications are due on March 5, 2024. Applications should include a project scope and describe their institution’s needs.
Through this program, host institutions receive support to help them accelerate the transition to clean electricity and better take advantage of federal grid resilience and modernization funding opportunities, while also increasing access to clean-energy career opportunities across the United States. Fellows will spend up to two years supporting projects that the Host Institutions identify as critical to enhancing grid resilience or advancing decarbonization while ensuring energy affordability and grid reliability. These can include state engagement in electrification, accelerated electric vehicle deployment, essential grid services on the distribution system, development of tribal energy expertise, and more. For more information, please click here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kirsten Verclas (kverclas@naseo.org).
U.S. DOE Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grant Program - Open Solicitation
The United States Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with its partnership intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in assessments by Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC), DOE CHP/Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnerships, and other qualified “IAC-equivalent” programs. The IAC Program team will hold monthly “office hours” (next on February 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET) to answer questions about the implementation grant program and application process in preparation for the March 31, 2024 deadline. Questions can be submitted prior to office hours via Slido here.
U.S. Treasury and IRS Propose Guidance on 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit
On December 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced proposed guidance on the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the 45X credit proposes clarifying definitions and confirms credit amounts for the manufacture and sale of eligible components, including solar energy components, wind energy components, inverters, qualifying battery components, and applicable critical minerals. It also proposes definitions for key terms to incentivize production in the United States and clarify circumstances under which taxpayers can claim the credit, including provisions for making elective payment (“direct pay”) or credit transfers. Comments on the NPRM are due by February 13, 2023 and can be made via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov (indicate IRS and REG-107423-23). A public hearing on this has been scheduled for February 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Requests to speak and outlines of topics to be discussed at the hearing must be received by February 13, 2024, and requests to attend received by February 20, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. DOE Extends Deadline for IRA Building Energy Code Letter of Intent Submissions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) previously announced the availability of $240 million in formula funding for adoption of the Latest Model Building codes and $160 million for the adoption of Zero Energy Building Codes. The Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) modification published on November 17, 2023 extends the deadline for the required Letter of Intent from interested states and territories to Wednesday, January 31, 2024, to reserve funds in order to be eligible to submit a full application for formula funding. The deadline for submitting the full application is September 30, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Ed Carley at: ecarley@naseo.org.
Initial Information Submission Window Open for National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
On December 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) issued a final Guidance Document on the new four-phase process to designate National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs). It also opened a public comment period to submit information on potential geographic areas to consider for NIETC designation.
A NIETC is an area of the country where DOE has determined that the lack of adequate transmission harms consumers. DOE has the authority to designate priority areas where new transmission infrastructure is urgently needed to advance important national interests, such as increased electric reliability and reduced consumer costs. NIETC designation is informed by the findings in DOE’s 2023 National Transmission Needs Study, which assesses both historic and anticipated future transmission capacity constraints and congestion. NIETC designation unlocks key federal financing and permitting tools to spur construction of urgently needed transmission infrastructure within a NIETC.
Interested parties are invited to submit information relevant to potential geographic areas to consider for NIETCs by 5:00 p.m. ET on February 2, 2024. For more information on NIETCs, click here.
U.S. DOE Announces Funding to Advance the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy
On December 15, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) released a $59 million funding opportunity announcement to accelerate the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. Selected projects will focus on advancing fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicles and other heavy transportation applications; developing and demonstrating hydrogen-based zero-emissions equipment for seaport facilities; addressing key challenges to siting, permitting, and installation; and improving community engagement and outreach to support environmental justice (EJ) and ensure equitable deployment of clean hydrogen systems. Achieving these goals will support the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. Concept papers are due January 26, 2024 and full applications are due March 22, 2024. For more information on this opportunity click here.
Building Performance Institute Standard 2400 Annex E Available for Public Comment
An update to Standard Practice for the Standardized Qualification of Whole-House Energy Savings Predictions by Calibration to Energy Use History Informative Annex E: Alternative Asset‐Based Savings Calculation with Insufficient Energy Use Data is available for public comment until January 16, 2024. The standard is referenced in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Section 50121 Home Energy Performance-Based Whole-House Rebates (HOMES). It specifies a process to calculate predicted energy savings using building simulation software and actual energy bills. The standard is available here.
U.S. DOE Opens Second Round of Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program
On November 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy opened the second round of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which will provide an investment of an additional $3.9 billion for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. Successful projects will deploy federal funding to maximize grid infrastructure deployment at-scale and leverage private sector and non-federal public capital to advance deployment goals. The GRIP Programs are:
- Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants (FY24/FY25 $918 million) fund comprehensive transmission and distribution technology solutions that will mitigate multiple hazards across a region or within a community.
- Smart Grid Grants (FY24/FY25 $1.08 billion) increase the flexibility, efficiency, reliability, and resilience of the electric power system, with particular focus on increasing capacity of the transmission system, improving interconnection processes to accelerate clean energy build out, integrating renewable energy at the transmission and distribution levels, and facilitating the electrification of vehicles, buildings, and other grid-edge devices.
- The Grid Innovation Program (FY24/FY25 $1.82 billion) provides financial assistance to one or multiple states, Tribes, local governments, and public utility commissions to collaborate with electric grid owners and operators to deploy projects that use innovative approaches to transmission, storage, and distribution infrastructure to enhance grid resilience and reliability.
Sate Energy Offices are eligible to apply for the Smart Grid Grants and the Grid Innovation Program. Concept papers are a required first step in the application process and are due at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 12, 2024.
Grid Deployment Office Announces Grid Resilience Technical Assistance Consortium Funding Opportunity
On January 4, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) announced a funding opportunity for the Grid Resilience Technical Assistance Consortium, which is intended to provide technical assistance for grid resilience planning and decision making to accelerate analysis of regional climate change threats and impacts on electric grid infrastructure.
Through this initial grant opportunity, up to $2 million will be made available to support the formation of regional consortia comprised of universities, non-profits, and industry organizations. The goal of these consortia is to enable grant recipients of GDO’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant program to leverage existing models, tools, and methodologies that would allow rapid decision-making to prioritize investments for impactful community benefits.
Interested parties are invited to register here for a Listening Session scheduled for January 10, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The deadline for applications for potential consortium members closes at 5:00 p.m. ET on February 15, 2024. More information regarding this program can be found on the Grid Deployment Office website here.
U.S. DOE Opens Second Round of Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program
On November 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy opened the second round of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which will provide an investment of an additional $3.9 billion for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. Successful projects will deploy federal funding to maximize grid infrastructure deployment at-scale and leverage private sector and non-federal public capital to advance deployment goals. The GRIP Programs are:
- Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants (FY24/FY25 $918 million) fund comprehensive transmission and distribution technology solutions that will mitigate multiple hazards across a region or within a community.
- Smart Grid Grants (FY24/FY25 $1.08 billion) increase the flexibility, efficiency, reliability, and resilience of the electric power system, with particular focus on increasing capacity of the transmission system, improving interconnection processes to accelerate clean energy build out, integrating renewable energy at the transmission and distribution levels, and facilitating the electrification of vehicles, buildings, and other grid-edge devices.
- The Grid Innovation Program (FY24/FY25 $1.82 billion) provides financial assistance to one or multiple states, Tribes, local governments, and public utility commissions to collaborate with electric grid owners and operators to deploy projects that use innovative approaches to transmission, storage, and distribution infrastructure to enhance grid resilience and reliability.
Sate Energy Offices are eligible to apply for the Smart Grid Grants and the Grid Innovation Program. Concept papers are a required first step in the application process and are due at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 12, 2024.
FEMA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides annual funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states, local communities, tribes, and territories on hazard mitigation activities. In fiscal year 2023 (FY2023), FEMA will be offering a total of $1 billion, allocating $112 million for new, non-competitive “Building Code Plus-Up” grants that can be used to support eligible energy code adoption, development, and implementation activities that contribute to increased building resilience. This "Plus-Up" provides grants of up to $2 million for each state and territory applicant and makes $25 million available for allocations to tribal nations, in addition to the $2 million for each state and territory applicant under the annual state or territory allocation grant set-aside, bringing each state and territory's maximum possible allocation from BRIC up to $4 million. State and territory applicants may apply for funding between October 16, 2023, and February 29, 2024. NASEO developed a state action guide on deploying energy resilience projects under the BRIC Program, which can be found here. For more information on the BRIC FY2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity, please visit the the BRIC webpage, or reach out to Ed Carley (ecarley@naseo.org), Blake Kinney (bkinney@naseo.org), and Jasmine Xie (jxie@naseo.org).
U.S. DOE Extends Deadline for $2 Billion Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chain (MESC) will hold an informational webinar on January 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (register here) on the full application process for the Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants FOA and extends the deadline for full applications to January 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The $2 billion funding opportunity, announced on August 31, 2023, will provide cost-shared grants for domestic production of efficient hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid, plug-in electric drive, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. This program will expand manufacturing of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electrified vehicles and components and support commercial facilities including those for vehicle assembly, component assembly, and related vehicle part manufacturing. The program aims to support a just transition for workers and communities in the transition to electrified transportation, with particular attention to communities supporting facilities with longer histories in automotive manufacturing. Preference will also be given to projects that commit to pay high wages for production workers and maintain collective bargaining agreements.
U.S. DOE Announces FY24 Allocations and Application Period for Grid Resilience Formula Grants to States and Indian Tribes (40101(d))
On December 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) published the fiscal year 2024 grant allocations to States, Territories, and Tribes for the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program. The application period for Grid Resilience Formula Grants will open in January 2024 and GDO has published an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) as the application process differs between existing grant recipients, current grant applicants, and new grant applicants. To date, the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program has awarded more than $750 million in funding to enhance states, territories, and Indian tribe’s efforts in strengthening and modernizing the electric grid. With an additional $1.4 billion to be distributed over the next three years, states will continue to pursue a variety of projects that increase grid resiliency and reliability. Please click here to read the full announcement from GDO.
U.S. Department of Treasury and IRS Release Hydrogen Production Credit Guidance
On December 22, 2023, the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released proposed regulations on the Clean Hydrogen Production Credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Treasury Department’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) provides definitions of key terms in the statute, including lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, qualified clean hydrogen, and qualified clean hydrogen production facility. For hydrogen production facilities meeting prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship requirements, the amount of the credit ranges from $0.60 per kilogram (kg) of hydrogen produced to $3 per kg of hydrogen, depending on the lifecycle emissions of the hydrogen production. The proposed rules explain the three criteria that must be reflected by hydrogen producers claiming the tax credit related to incrementality, deliverability, and time-matching. The guidance will undergo 60 days of public comment and hearings before being finalized.
U.S. DOE Open Solicitation: Grants for Small and Medium-sized Manufacturers
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened solicitation for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to receive 50% cost-shared grants of up to $300,000 to implement recommendations made by Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs), Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnerships (CHP TAPs), and qualified third-party assessors. DOE is also soliciting applications from third-party assessors interested in qualifying as “IAC-equivalent” so their clients can be eligible for future implementation grants. Implementation grant applicants and applicants for third-parties seeking “IAC-equivalent” qualification may click here for more information (next deadline for both are December 31, 2023, 5:00 p.m. ET.) A list of Round 1 Implementation Grant Awardees and qualified third-party assessors can be found here.
U.S. Department of Energy Announces New Energy Auditor Training Program Opportunity
On November 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) published a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the release of the Energy Auditor Training Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Section 40503 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided SCEP $40 million for a competitive (required in statute) opportunity open to State Energy Offices to provide energy auditor trainings. The NOI indicates that SCEP will divide the funds equally available between residential and commercial auditing at $18 million each and make 8-10 awards for each category. Additional information is available on the Energy Auditor Training Grant Program website.
U.S. DOE Announces $18 Million in Technical Assistance for LEAP
The U.S. Department of Energy announced more than $18 million in technical assistance services for the second round of Communities Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) to support 24-32 low-income, energy burdened communities in their clean energy transitions. Selected communities will be matched with DOE’s network of technical assistance providers who will assist them with developing local energy action plans that focus on areas such as advanced nuclear technology, clean energy planning and development, carbon capture and storage, clean transportation planning and investment, community resilience microgrids, and more.
Eligible applicants are low-income, energy burdened communities that are also either disadvantaged or experiencing direct economic impacts from the shift away from fossil fuels. Applicant teams must include at least one community-based organization and one local government or Tribal entity. Applications must be submitted no later than December 14, 2023 by 5:00 p.m. ET. More information about Communities LEAP and how to apply can be found at Communities LEAP | Department of Energy.
GSA/DOE Issues Green Proving Ground FY24 RFI for Technologies that Support Net-Zero Carbon Buildings
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), has issued the FY24 request for information (RFI) for technologies that can enable energy efficiency, drive decarbonization and support the transition to a more efficient electric infrastructure. This year’s RFI seeks emerging and sustainable technologies that support:
- Deep Energy Retrofits
- All-Electric Buildings and Vehicle Fleets
- Net-Zero Operations
- Healthy and Resilient Buildings
- Building Commissioning and Control
Submissions should be early- or underutilized-commercial technologies ready for evaluation in occupied, operational buildings. The RFI is now open until December 8, 2023, 11:59 PM ET. For more on this RFI click here. The November 9 informational webinar recording will be posted on the GSA Center for Emerging Technologies YouTube channel.
U.S. DOE Energy Efficient Transformer and Extended Product System Rebates
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened a $10 million Energy Efficient Transformer Rebates Program for owners of industrial or manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings, and multifamily buildings as well as utilities and energy service companies for the replacement of a qualified energy inefficient transformer with a qualified energy efficient transformer. DOE also opened a $10 million Extended Product System Rebates Program offering rebates to any purchasers of qualified extended product systems (i.e., electric motor, electronic control, and driven load) and manufacturers of commercial or industrial machinery or equipment that incorporates a qualified extended product system. A Rebates Portal provides more information and means to register and apply for rebates. Rebate applications for both programs must be received by December 8, 2023, with rebates available through December 31, 2023, or until funds are expended; whichever comes first.
U.S. DOE Opens $30M+ Voucher Program to Advance Clean Energy Demonstration and Commercialization
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened a voucher program to connect U.S. entrepreneurs; businesses; technology developers; state, Tribal and local governments; and other partners with third-party voucher providers to advance demonstration and commercialization of innovative energy technologies. This program was developed by the Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) in partnership with the Offices of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). This is also a call to businesses, non-profits, National Labs, and others providing commercialization support in the clean energy space. Vouchers can be used to access test-bed performance validation capabilities, industry certification testing, technical and business maturation services, siting/permitting support, and other commercialization assistance. Opportunities include (1) Pre-Demonstration Commercialization Support (OCED/EERE), (2) Performance Validation, Modeling, and Certification Support (OCED/EERE), (3) Clean Energy Demonstration Project Siting/Permitting Support (OCED/EERE), (4) Commercialization Support (EERE), and (5) Commercialization Support (FECM). Additional information is available via the ENERGYWERX website.
Engagement Opportunity with EPA Grants for Climate Action Planning
The Inflation Reduction Act established the $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Phase 1, launched on March 1, 2023, allocates $250 million to states, local governments, tribes, and territories for designing climate action plans targeting Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions in electricity generation, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste management. Recipients of the Phase 1 planning grants must submit Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) by March 1, 2024. Phase 2, unveiled on September 20, 2023, offers up to $4.6 billion in competitive grants for implementing GHG reduction measures, and to be eligible, measures must be outlined in the PCAPs. EPA is conducting Technical Assistance Forums to support planning grant recipients including on energy-related topic areas. Lead state organizations are directed by program guidance to conduct interagency and intergovernmental outreach in the development of the PCAPs.
U.S. DOE Launches Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) Funding for 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office (BTO) has announced the 2024 Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) Funding Opportunity, which allocates up to $30 million across nine focus areas to pioneer research, development, and validation of technologies aimed at significantly advancing building decarbonization. In its tenth program year, the technologies developed through BENEFIT 2024 should push the boundaries of HVAC equipment, reduce the expenses associated with building envelope and lighting retrofits, and enhance building resilience against blackouts and extreme weather. The 2024 BENEFIT FOA also champions the Affordable Home Energy Earth Shot, the latest of eight Energy Earthshot™ initiatives introduced by the DOE. This specific endeavor aims to slash the costs linked to decarbonizing affordable housing by a minimum of 50% while simultaneously reducing residents' energy bills by at least 20% within a decade. Eligible applicants for 2024 BENEFIT funding include state and local government entities. For more details about this funding opportunity and to apply, please visit this page.
U.S. DOE Announces $121 Million to Reduce Industrial Sector Emissions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) issued a $38 million funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to accelerate innovative, cross-sector technologies required to create a clean energy economy. Additionally, DOE announced a notice of intent (NOI) to issue a $83 million funding opportunity that will decrease emissions in the hardest to decarbonize industrial subsectors.
- The Cross-Sector Technologies (CST) FOA focuses on high-impact, applied research, development, and pilot demonstration projects to advance the transformational cross-sector technologies and innovations required to reduce energy use and GHG emissions across the industrial sector. FOA topics include electrification of industrial heat, efficient energy use in industrial systems, and decarbonizing organic wastewater and wet waste treatment. Concept papers are due December 18, 2023, at 5:00pm ET, and full applications are due March 20, 2024, at 5:00pm ET.
- The Energy- and Emissions-Intensive Industries (EEII) NOI focuses on applied RD&D for the highest GHG-emitting industrial subsectors -- chemicals and fuels; iron and steel; food and beverage; building and infrastructure materials (including cement and concrete, asphalt pavements, and glass); and forest products -- that account for more than 65% of U.S. industrial manufacturing emissions. It also includes a joint topic with the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) focused on pre-front-end engineering and design (pre-FEED) studies that support the development of decarbonized industrial processes such as: (a) integration of green hydrogen as a feedstock in clean fuels, chemicals, and iron and steel production; (b) carbon capture for select industrial sectors; and (c) integration of multiple decarbonization technologies for chemical production, mineral processing, and iron and steel.
U.S. DOE Issues Notice of Intent to Fund Research for Waste-to-Energy Community Solutions that Advance the U.S. Bioeconomy
The DOE’s Bioengineering Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) announced their Notice of Intent to issue a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) to support the development of community planning and strategies for converting organic waste into feedstock for various clean transportation projects. The potential FOTA is expected for December 2023 and could include up to $7.5 million in federal funding to focus on the topics of supporting communities’ development of in-depth feasibility analyses of potential waste-to-fuels solutions and supporting communities with completed feasibility studies to advance detailed engineering designs, and in some cases, support the initiation of experimental work and data generation to further define project concepts. BETO has compiled a Teaming Partner list to encourage collaboration and facilitate the formation of project teams to provide additional expertise and resources to successfully meet the FOA goals. For more information, please visit the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange.
Colorado Energy Office Request for Information: Colorado Medium- and Heavy-Duty (M/HD) Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Corridors
On behalf of the state of Colorado, Colorado Energy Office is issuing an RFI to inform the design and development of the state’s Fleet Zero-Emission Resource Opportunity (Fleet-ZERO) Medium- and Heavy-Duty Charging Corridors funding lane, receive feedback on the draft of Colorado M/HD Charging Corridors GIS Map, and gain a better understanding of the prospective business models, scope, design, timelines, anticipated demand, utilization, costs, and other helpful information in relation to successfully deploying M/HD corridor charging throughout Colorado. Responses to the RFI are due December 1, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. MT.
FEMA Announces Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides annual funding for the Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states, local communities, tribes, and territories on hazard mitigation activities. In fiscal year 2023 (FY2023), FEMA will be offering a total of $1 billion, allocating $112 million for new, non-competitive “Building Code Plus-Up” grants that can be used to support eligible energy code adoption, development, and implementation activities that contribute to increased building resilience. This "Plus-Up" provides grants of up to $2 million for each state and territory applicant and makes $25 million available for allocations to tribal nations, in addition to the $2 million for each state and territory applicant under the annual state or territory allocation grant set-aside, bringing each state and territory's maximum possible allocation from BRIC up to $4 million. State and territory applicants may apply for funding between October 16, 2023, and February 29, 2024. NASEO developed a state action guide on deploying energy resilience projects under the BRIC Program, which can be found here. For more information on the BRIC FY2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity, please visit the the BRIC webpage, or reach out to Ed Carley (ecarley@naseo.org), Blake Kinney (bkinney@naseo.org), and Jasmine Xie (jxie@naseo.org).
U.S. DOE Opens $30M+ Voucher Program to Advance Clean Energy Demonstration and Commercialization
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened a voucher program to connect U.S. entrepreneurs; businesses; technology developers; state, Tribal and local governments; and other partners with third-party voucher providers to advance demonstration and commercialization of innovative energy technologies. This program was developed by the Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) in partnership with the Offices of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). This is also a call to businesses, non-profits, National Labs, and others providing commercialization support in the clean energy space. Vouchers can be used to access test-bed performance validation capabilities, industry certification testing, technical and business maturation services, siting/permitting support, and other commercialization assistance. Opportunities include (1) Pre-Demonstration Commercialization Support (OCED/EERE), (2) Performance Validation, Modeling, and Certification Support (OCED/EERE), (3) Clean Energy Demonstration Project Siting/Permitting Support (OCED/EERE), (4) Commercialization Support (EERE), and (5) Commercialization Support (FECM). Additional information is available via the ENERGYWERX website.
U.S. DOE and U.S. EPA issue Notice of Intent to Fund Methane Reductions from the Oil and Gas Sector
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued a notice of intent announcing the first in a series of funding opportunities. Up to $350 million in formula funding is planned for eligible states to help industry voluntarily identify and permanently reduce methane emissions from low-producing (marginal) conventional wells. States will be able to use a portion of their award for environmental restoration and to enhance monitoring capacity for low-producing conventional wells, which will improve their ability to identify and prioritize methane emissions for mitigation. DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) plans to issue the funding opportunity announcement later this summer. Following this non-competitive solicitation, EPA and DOE intend to offer one or more additional competitive solicitations to monitor and mitigate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, which will be available to a broader range of applicants.
U.S. DOE and U.S. DOI Release Offshore Wind Action Plan
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released An Action Plan for Offshore Wind Transmission Development in the U.S. Atlantic Region. This is a set of actions for Federal, state, and local governments; industry; and other stakeholders to catalyze offshore wind energy, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and create jobs. The plan outlines immediate actions needed to connect the first generation of Atlantic offshore wind projects onto the electric grid, and longer-term efforts to support needed transmission over the next several decades. The final plan can be found here.
U.S. DOE Announces Funding for Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Grid Deployment Office announced a funding opportunity of up to $300 million in grants for states, tribes, and local governments to accelerate and strengthen electric transmission siting and permitting processes. The program is supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and is designed to help overcome state and local challenges to expanding transmission capacity while also supporting communities along major new and upgraded lines. Concept papers are due November 17, 2023 (extended), with full applications due April 5, 2024.
U.S. DOE Issues $50 million Funding Opportunity for Distributed Energy Systems Demonstration
The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) issued a new $50 million funding opportunity to demonstrate distributed energy systems that not only include distributed renewable generation but also flexible energy management by buildings, EV charging, heat pumps, energy storage, and other equipment. Distributed energy systems can enhance energy reliability and resilience, reduce electric losses and stresses on the grid, and support decarbonization and environmental objectives. OCED will provide up to 50 percent of the cost share for 2-4 utility and/or private sector led projects to demonstrate the reliable operation and financial value of connected energy systems with high levels of renewable generation and a variety of connected energy assets. Concept papers are due by November 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., ET. Learn more and apply here.
U.S. DOE Announces New Program to Support State Participation in Wholesale Electricity Markets
On September 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the funding opportunity announcement for the Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagement Program (WEMSE). This funding is intended to provide states and regions with technical and financial assistance related to developing, expanding, and improving wholesale electricity markets. This program is designed to enable states and other eligible entities to perform analytical studies on critical market issues, convene stakeholders, or increase a state or region’s capacity to engage in market design reform efforts and stakeholder planning processes at a regional level. DOE anticipates making approximately $9 million of federal funding available through the WEMSE program, which will include three rounds of funding. The concept paper for the first round of funding will be due on November 3, 2023; subsequent rounds of funding will open in 2024. The multiple rounds of funding are intended to afford states, market operators, and other wholesale market stakeholders the time to develop coalitions and coordinate joint applications.
U.S. DOE Announces Transportation- and Battery-Related Manufacturing Grant and Loan Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced grant and loan programs to expand clean vehicle-related manufacturing as well as a notice of intent to strengthen battery-related material processing and manufacturing.
- Two billion dollars of Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants will be offered to support domestic production of efficient hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid, plug-in electric drive, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and their components, including for facilities for vehicle and component assembly and related vehicle part manufacturing. The concept paper deadline is November 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET, with full applications due January 9, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Up to $10 billion of loans will be made available through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program to finance the conversion or replacement of facilities to manufacture a range of advanced technology vehicles and their components, including light-duty vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, locomotives, maritime vessels including offshore wind vessels, aircrafts, and hyperloop.
- DOE issued a Notice of Intent to provide funding under “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 40207(b) Battery Materials Processing and 40207(c) Battery Manufacturing Grants Round II”.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant Program (REAP TAG), which will award up to $21.25 million in grants to entities that are able to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for submitting full applications to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Grants will prioritize applicants assisting distressed or disadvantaged communities, applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies, or applicants seeking grants under $20,000. Eligible applicants include units of State, Tribal, or local government; land-grant colleges, universities, or other higher education institutions; electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and other utility entities; non-profit and for-profit entities; among others. Applications are due on August 15, 2023. Please visit the program website to learn more about the opportunity.
Call for Comments on Proposed Rule to Bolster Solar and Wind Development on Federal Lands
On June 15, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management within the U.S. Department of Interior announced a proposed update of its renewable energy regulations to promote the development of solar and wind energy on public lands. The intent of this proposed rule is to reduce fees for these projects by around 80%, facilitate development in priority areas by streamlining review of applications, and deliver greater certainty for the private sector. Comments on this proposed rule are due by August 15, 2023. Additional details can be found in this announcement.
August 14 Deadline: Notice of Intent for $7 Billion Solar for All Competition in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The Solar For All program will provide subsidies and other financial assistance to residential rooftop and residential-serving community solar projects in and benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. All applicants must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to participate in the competition, due on August 14, 2023 for territories (specifically, The Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients; and August 28, 2023 for Tribal governments and Intertribal Consortia. To view the application materials, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All page.
U.S. Department of Education Announces $40 Million Funding Opportunity through the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Education issued a notice announcing funding through the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure Grant Program, which will issue $40 million in grants for fiscal year 2023 to increase the capacity of States to support local educational agencies with infrastructure improvements for healthier and more energy efficient school facilities. The Department of Education will offer two funding tracks, one for State Education Agencies to increase capacity to support high-need local educational agencies, and the second for other state entities, which may include State and Territory Energy Offices, to engage in interagency capacity building with State Education Agencies. Only one application per State or Territory may be submitted under each funding track. The Department of Education anticipates offering 8-13 awards with an average size of $4,000,000. Applications opened on June 5, 2023, and will close on August 7, 2023. Additional program details can be found here.
Technical Assistance for Prospective Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Applicants
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) has launched a new technical assistance program to support prospective applicants to the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program. The competitive technical assistance program will help small- and medium-sized manufacturers understand requirements of the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program and prepare for future applications. Such applications must propose a project to build, retrofit, or expand facilities in coal communities for producing or recycling goods used to support clean energy supply chains Applications for this competitive technical assistance program are due Friday, May 26, 2023. The technical assistance program is being administered by NREL in partnership with MESC. Learn more about the technical assistance program and Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program.
DOE Announces $54 Million Funding Opportunity to Expand Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) and Create Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTACs)
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Offices of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to establish new Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) at community colleges, trade schools, and union training programs, as well as to create new Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTACs) at institutions of higher education, including Tribal colleges and universities. The new IACs will focus on high-quality skilled trades job pathways in fields such as industrial electrician, energy management, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, while providing hands-on support to small and medium manufactures. The new BTACs will expand these benefits to commercial and institutional buildings to help lower utility costs and allow companies to reinvest in businesses, employees, and community services. BTACs will train students and workers as engineers, architects, building scientists, building energy permitting and enforcement officials, and building technicians in energy-efficient design and operation. The IAC and BTAC programs will provide services in historically underserved communities and support DOE’s work toward honoring the President’s Justice40 Initiative. Concept papers are required and are due on May 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET, with full applications due on July 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
DOE Issues Notice of Intent and Request for Information on National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Request for Information (RFI) to inform the designation of NIETCs. The RFI seeks feedback on final guidelines, procedures, and evaluation criteria for the designation process. Designation of a NIETC provides opportunities for federal investment and public-private partnerships and regulatory and permitting tools that spur investment in transmission in certain geographic areas. Feedback will help DOE more accurately identify areas with the greatest transmission need and the greatest potential for near term deployment. DOE will also consider results from the National Transmission Needs Study when identifying NIETCs. Comments are due 45 days after the RFI is published in the federal register.
Opportunity: Receive No-Cost Solar Energy Assistance Through SolSmart
NASEO invites State Energy Offices to join SolSmart, a national program that helps local governments and regional organizations become solar energy leaders. SolSmart provides no-cost technical assistance to help jurisdictions increase their knowledge, meet community challenges, and achieve solar energy goals. NASEO is a partner of SolSmart, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. SolSmart encourages local governments to streamline permitting requirements, review planning and zoning rules, track solar energy metrics, and work with community organizations to meet equity goals, among other actions to advance solar energy growth. More information is available on the website here. Please reach out to Kelsey Jones (kjones@naseo.org) with any questions.
USDA Announces Funding Availability for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) that received additional infusions of funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Funding will be awarded through six quarterly application windows with the first application period taking place from April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023. Additional information on eligible projects and scoring can be found on the USDA website here.
DOE Publishes Building Energy Codes Notice of Intent and Request for Information
On March 31, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Notice of Intent to release $950 million of funding on a competitive basis for building energy codes and standards over multiple years. In addition, DOE published the Technical Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes or Standards Request for Information (RFI). DOE will host a public information webinar on April 18, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. ET to 3:00 p.m. ET. Responses to the RFI are due to DOE on April 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET. If you have questions, please contact Ed Carley (ecarley@naseo.org).
DOE Announces $50 million State Manufacturing Leadership Program Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), announced $50 million in funding to States under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to accelerate use of smart manufacturing technologies. The State Manufacturing Leadership Program supports new or expanded State programs that enable small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to increase their use of smart manufacturing and high-performance computing (HPC) technologies and tools. Smart manufacturing technologies provide real-time data and insight that SMMs can use to reduce costs by optimizing energy management, productivity, and energy efficiency. HPC resources can enable faster and more accurate modeling, simulation, and data analysis to solve technological problems and reduce costly “trial and error” steps during development. The Program will provide up to $2 million to States on a competitive basis over a three-year term and will require at least a 30% cost match. The Funding Opportunity Announcement, FAQ, instructions for joining the Program’s Teaming Partner List, and other information are at the Clean Energy Infrastructure eXCHANGE. (State Energy Offices and other state agencies/instrumentalities are eligible applicants.)
DOE Announces Hydroelectric Incentives Program Funding Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Deployment Office issued application guidance and opened solicitations for up to $200 million in funding through the Hydroelectric Production Incentives and Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentives programs supported by the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). The first will look at incentivizing qualified hydroelectric facilities for electricity generated and sold in calendar years in 2021 and 2022 (applications are due May 8, 2023), while the second will look at enabling implementation of capital improvements to boost efficiency (applications are due June 20, 2023). An informational webinar will be held on April 5, 2023, and registration is required.
DOE Announces Request for Proposals on Community-Based Residential Decarbonization Demonstration Projects
The US. Department of Energy (DOE), through their Building America Program, has issued a request for proposals from teams of community organizations, research institutions, utility and industry trades, and other topic experts to create research and demonstration projects for decarbonizing the existing U.S. residential housing stock. The projects should include a detailed stakeholder engagement strategy, ensure the equitable distribution of community benefits, address workforce training challenges, and demonstrate scalability. DOE intends on awarding up to eight project grants ranging from $1 million to $4 million. Comprehensive application information and eligibility criteria can be found here.
NARUC Request for Proposals – Support for Distributed Energy Resource Integration & Compensation Initiative
With funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners seeks to engage a Consultant to provide states with robust technical assistance and support with distributed energy resource (DER) integration and compensation that enables states to meet their goals for participation of aggregated DERs in the electricity system. Click here fore more information.
DOE Announces $750 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) issued a $750 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on behalf of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office to improve the efficiency, increase the durability, and reduce the cost of producing clean hydrogen with electrolyzers; advance new manufacturing technologies and techniques for clean hydrogen production; and create innovative and practical approaches to increase the reuse and recycling of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The FOA is broken into two areas of interest (Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program and Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing and Recycling) and is made up of six topical areas. State, local, and Tribal governments are eligible applicants. Concept papers are due April 19, 2023 and full applications are due July 19, 2023. For more information access the FOA here.
DOE Announces $6 Billion Funding Opportunity for Industrial Demonstrations
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for approximately $6 billion to accelerate decarbonization projects and enhance American economic competitiveness in energy-intensive industries. The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), in collaboration with the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), will provide up to 50% of the cost for first-of-a-kind or early-stage commercial-scale projects from the highest emitting industries involving cross-cutting technologies that have the greatest potential, directly or indirectly, to achieve significant decarbonization domestically and globally. Applicants must include a community benefits plan for engaging communities and labor; investing in America’s workforce; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and implementing the Justice40 Initiative. Concept papers are due by April 21, 2023, and full applications are due by August 4, 2023. Read the full FOA here and learn more about the Industrial Demonstrations Program here.
DOE Announces Funding for Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for $315 million of the expected $1 billion for the Energy improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The ERA seeks to improve energy systems in areas with less than 10,000 people. $300 million is available for projects that increase energy affordability and promote climate resilience and $15 million is available for the Energizing Rural Communities Prize which will help connect communities with government funding and partners to support the implementation of clean energy projects. Concept papers for the ERA are due April 14, 2023 with full applications due June 28, 2023 – state and local governments are eligible. For the prize funding, applications are due May 24, 2023.
DOE Announces Funding for Two Carbon Management Programs
In February 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, in collaboration with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) announced $2.5 billion in funding opportunities for two programs: Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilots (concept papers are due April 5, 2023) and Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program (letters of intent were due March 28, 2023). The programs will look at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation and the industrial sector by demonstrating and deploying carbon management technologies. State and local governments are eligible to apply for both.
DOE Announces $450 million for Clean Energy Demonstration Projects on Current and Former Mine Land
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to advance clean energy demonstration projects on current and former mine land. Funded with $450 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Clean Energy Demonstration Program on Current and Former Mine Land (CEML) will support up to five clean energy projects, with awards ranging from $10 million to $150 million. Eligible clean energy technologies for deployment include solar, microgrids, geothermal, direct air capture, solar storage, advanced nuclear technologies, and electricity generation with carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration. State and local government entities are eligible to apply. Applicants will be required to submit a Community Benefits Plan to detail how the projects will support community and workforce development and deliver benefits to disadvantaged communities as part of the Justice40 Initiative. Concept papers are due May 11, 2023, and full applications are due August 31, 2023. The FOA can be found here. Interested applicants can register here for an informational webinar on April 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET.
DOE Announces $750 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) issued a $750 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on behalf of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office to improve the efficiency, increase the durability, and reduce the cost of producing clean hydrogen with electrolyzers; advance new manufacturing technologies and techniques for clean hydrogen production; and create innovative and practical approaches to increase the reuse and recycling of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The FOA is broken into two areas of interest (Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program and Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing and Recycling) and is made up of six topical areas. State, local, and Tribal governments are eligible applicants. Concept papers are due April 19, 2023 and full applications are due July 19, 2023. For more information access the FOA here.
DOE Notice of Intent: Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program (Section 40209).” DOE anticipates that the FOA will award financial assistance in the form of cooperative agreements or grants to small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms to establish new facilities or to re-equip or expand existing facilities to manufacture or recycle advanced energy property in energy communities (map). The anticipated FOA will provide approximately $350 million in awards with a focus on projects with high supply chain impacts and strong community benefits plans. Please click here for more information including a link to the full NOI document.
DOE Releases National Transmission Needs Study for Public Comment and Feedback
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) released a draft of the National Transmission Needs Study for public comment and feedback. The Needs Study provides information about present and anticipated future capacity constraints and congestion on the nation’s electric transmission grid and serves as DOE’s triennial state of the grid report. Findings of the Needs Study will provide public insight into areas of the power grid that would benefit from increased transmission capacity. In October 2022, an initial draft of the Needs Study was released to States, Tribes, and regional grid entities to ensure regional, interregional, and national perspectives are taken into consideration. DOE received nearly 180 comments from 20 different entities and that feedback has been incorporated into this second draft. DOE is requesting feedback on the second Draft National Transmission Needs Study, specifically on the analysis used, conclusions, or any other comments or suggestions for improving the study. Public comments and questions about the draft Needs Study are due 45 days from publication of the Needs Study notification in the Federal Register. GDO anticipates releasing the final Needs Study in Summer 2023.
EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG)
This EPA program, provided under the Inflation Reduction Act, will offer grants to states, territories, tribes, air pollution control agencies, and local governments to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Phase 1 of the program will provide $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants and Phase 2 will grant $4.6 billion competitively for implementation. The program will be designed to provide flexible support to states, tribes and local governments regardless of where they are in their climate planning and implementation process. Find more info on the program, to access February 15 introductory webinar materials and sign up for the CPRG newsletter, visit here.
Invitation to Complete the 2023 U.S. Energy and Employment Report Survey
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with BW Research Partnership, has launched a data collection effort for the 2023 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER), a workforce survey of the energy and motor vehicle business community. NASEO Affiliate members and other energy sector partners of the State and Territory Energy Offices are invited to take their confidential, voluntary survey, which will take between 15-25 minutes to complete. Responses will provide the crucial feedback DOE and its partners need to ensure the contributions of energy companies to the U.S. economy are well understood by policymakers. To be included, complete the survey by March 13, 2023.
EPA Announces Grants for States to Support Class VI Well Programs for CO2 Sequestration
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will make $50 million available to help states, Tribes, and territories develop Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI programs that establish regulatory “primacy” for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. Interested states, Tribes, and territories must first submit a letter of intent (LOI) to indicate their interest in the grant program by March 20, 2023, identifying which state agency will administer the program. Additional information on the grant opportunity can be found here and a template for the LOI here.
DOE Announces Availability of Technical Assistance to Improve Interconnection Processes
The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) is a program led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Wind Energy Technology and Solar Energy Technologies Office and is funded through the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). i2X works to streamline the interconnection process for clean energy resources. The recently announced technical assistance opportunity will be provided by three national labs and will support up to 12 projects leading to grid modeling, development of case studies, technical road mapping, and more. State, territorial, local, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply by 4:00 pm ET p.m. March 21, 2023.
DOE Announces $6 Billion Funding Opportunity for Industrial Demonstrations
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for approximately $6 billion to accelerate decarbonization projects and enhance American economic competitiveness in energy-intensive industries. The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), in collaboration with the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), will provide up to 50% of the cost for first-of-a-kind or early-stage commercial-scale projects from the highest emitting industries involving cross-cutting technologies that have the greatest potential, directly or indirectly, to achieve significant decarbonization domestically and globally. Applicants must include a community benefits plan for engaging communities and labor; investing in America’s workforce; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and implementing the Justice40 Initiative. Concept papers are due by April 21, 2023, and full applications are due by August 4, 2023. Read the full FOA here and learn more about the Industrial Demonstrations Program here.
DOE Announces Funding for Two Carbon Management Programs
In February 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, in collaboration with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) announced $2.5 billion in funding opportunities for two programs: Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilots (concept papers are due April 5, 2023) and Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program (letters of intent are due March 28, 2023). The programs will look at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation and the industrial sector by demonstrating and deploying carbon management technologies. State and local governments are eligible to apply for both.
DOE Opens Third Round of Applications for Technical Assistance to Support Energy Resilience for Remote and Island Communities
On February 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced that the third round of applications are open for the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP). The program, which is a part of the Energy Transitions Initiative (ETI), will provide technical assistance for remote and island communities to strengthen their energy systems and address unique energy resilience challenges. Remote and island communities will have the opportunity to collaborate with a network of partners including DOE, national laboratories, regional partner organizations, and local stakeholders to purse clean and efficient solutions for a community-driven energy transition through strategic resilience planning. Up to two communities will be chosen for the program and this round of ETIPP has expanded the scope to communities in the Gulf of Mexico (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas). Applications for ETIPP will remain open through May 19, 2023 and more information about program can be found here. An ETIPP informational webinar will take place on April 11, 2023, registration is open here.
DOE Announces Funding for Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for $315 million of the expected $1 billion for the Energy improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The ERA seeks to improve energy systems in areas with less than 10,000 people. $300 million is available for projects that increase energy affordability and promote climate resilience and $15 million is available for the Energizing Rural Communities Prize which will help connect communities with government funding and partners to support the implementation of clean energy projects. Concept papers for the ERA are due April 14, 2023 with full applications due June 28, 2023 – state and local governments are eligible. For the prize funding, applications are due May 24, 2023.
DOE Releases Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Revolving Loan Fund Program Guidance
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released guidance documents for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF Program). The RLF Program allocates $250 million to State and Territorial Energy Offices to capitalize revolving loan funds to conduct audits and finance energy efficiency improvements in the residential and commercial building sectors. The guidance documents include application instructions for the capital available under the program, the capital allocations for the program (including priority state allocations), an application checklist, the reporting template, a template for declining funds for the program, and the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document for the states. Applications are due no later than April 21, 2023. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Sam Cramer, Senior Program Director, at scramer@naseo.org.
DOE Releases Application Materials for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of State and Community Programs has launched the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Formula Application Hub as a one-stop-shop for information for State Energy Offices and units of local government eligible to receive EECBG formula funds. Pre-award information sheets are due by April 28, 2023, and DOE will review and approve applications for grants and vouchers on a rolling basis through January 31, 2024. Please contact Sandy Fazeli (sfazeli@naseo.org) with questions.
Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project Community Technical Assistance
ETIPP provides technical assistance to remote and island communities to identify and plan locally-relevant clean energy and resiliency solutions. To learn more about applying for technical assistance, click here. Applications will close on May 19, 2023.
U.S. Treasury Issues Guidance on Two IRA Tax Credit Provisions
The U.S. Treasury Department issued initial guidance (news release) for two Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit programs. The 45C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit program (guidance) will provide $10 billion in investment tax credits for industrial projects that make, process, or recycle qualifying clean energy products and materials, such as for renewables, industrial decarbonization, electric vehicles, carbon management, and critical minerals. Forty percent of credits are reserved for projects in communities with closed coal mines or retired coal-fired power plants. The application process for the first tranche begins May 31, 2023. The 48(e) Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program (guidance) offers a boost of up to 20 percentage points to the investment tax credit for solar and wind energy projects in low-income communities. A two-phase application process for this program will open in 2023.
DOE’s Loan Programs Office Enables New Financing Opportunities for State-Financed Energy Projects
U.S. DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO), which has provided loans to companies that have successfully launched new energy technologies, can now provide financing for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even if they do not rely upon technology that is untested in the marketplace. An adjustment in the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act enabled LPO to make loans under its Title 17 program as long as those projects receive funding from a qualifying state financing entity. Therefore, LPO can now provide loan guarantees and project financing to a wide range of potential customers, including rural and underserved communities. Generally, the threshold to request LPO loans is a minimum $100 million project. LPO is ready to provide support at the conceptual level or assist with technical details on the financing parameters. More information about the program and how to contact LPO is available here.
DOE Seeks Reviewers for Energy Storage RD&D Program Applications
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking reviewers, including State Energy Officials, for two recently released Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA). The first, Innovations to Accelerate Energy Storage Deployment (C56-09 Small Business Program), is looking to fund projects that enhance energy storage’s ability to provide benefits and reduce current barriers that prevent or delay energy storage from being deployed. The second, Long Duration Energy Storage Demonstrations FOA, will support projects capable of delivering electricity for 10-24 hours or longer. Please reach out to Vinod Siberry (vinod.siberry@hq.doe.gov) if you are interested in serving as a reviewer for either program.
Initial Program Design Announced for the EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)
EPA has released program design details on the GGRF program, created under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program will offer $7 billion in Zero-Emissions Technology Fund competitive grants to states, tribes, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit entities to deploy residential rooftop solar, battery storage, and community solar in low-income and disadvantaged communities, as well as $20 billion in General and Low-Income Assistance competitive grants to eligible nonprofit entities to collaborate with community financial institutions to provide financial and technical assistance for projects that reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of air pollution, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. EPA anticipates releasing a Notice of Funding Opportunities in early Summer 2023. To read the press release, click here. For program resources and updates, please visit this website.
U.S. Department of Energy Notice of Intent: State Manufacturing Leadership Program
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Notice of Intent to invest up to $50 million to work with States to accelerate use of smart manufacturing technologies and practices and provide access to tools and assistance. The State Manufacturing Leadership Program supports new or expanded State programs that exhibit leadership in accelerating the deployment and use of smart manufacturing and high performance computing technologies by small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs).
Applications Open for EPA 2023 Environmental Government-to-Government Program
EPA is accepting applications for projects that address environmental and public health challenges in overburdened and underserved communities. States partnering with community-based organizations are eligible to apply. More information is available on the EPA website.
U.S. Department of Energy Opens Applications for Grants to Support Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities
The U.S. Department of Energy has launched two new funding opportunities to support energy upgrades in America’s highest-need K-12 school facilities, the Renew America’s Schools grant ($80 million) and the Energy CLASS Prize ($4.5 million). Eligible primary applicants are local education agencies, but governmental entities such as state and local agencies may join applications as project partners. To view the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Renew America’s Schools, visit DOE EERE Exchange. To view program guidelines and official rules for the Energy CLASS Prize, please visit this website. For the latest announcements and resources, including recordings of webinars held on the two new programs on December 6th and December 7th, please visit DOE’s website.
U.S. Department of Energy Workforce Development ORISE Fellow
The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking to hire federal employees who will help manage and supervise a new workforce development program created through the Inflation Reduction Act, including the “State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants” program which includes $200 million in funds for states to support residential energy efficiency and electrification workforce. DOE does not yet have position descriptions for these roles yet, so reach out to Mary MacPherson (mary.macpherson@hq.doe.gov) to learn more about them.
U.S. Department of Energy Announces $23M to Fund Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnerships
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) announced a $23 million funding opportunity to establish a regional network of Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnerships (TAPs) to help industrial facilities and other large energy users increase the adoption of onsite energy technologies. Such technologies include battery storage, combined heat and power (CHP), district energy, geothermal, industrial heat pumps, renewable fuels, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, thermal storage, and wind power. The FOA is expected to include about $23 million in federal funding through cooperative agreements for the following:
- Topic 1 - Regional Onsite TAPs: Funding up to 10 entities to serve as regional Onsite Energy TAPs, each serving a multi-state region.
- Topic 2 - Onsite Energy Technical Analysis and Support Center: Funding one national entity to serve as the Onsite Energy Technical Analysis and Support Center.
Subject to the availability of funds, the awards will be issued as cooperative agreements with an estimated period of performance of three years for Topic 1 and four years for Topic 2. Full applications are due April 21, 2023. View the full funding opportunity for more information.
To encourage the formation of a diverse range of project teams, a Teaming Partner List is offered where interested parties can provide contact information and indicate areas of expertise and interest. Updates to the Teaming Partner List are available on the EERE Exchange website.
U.S. Department of Energy Releases Updated Notice of Intent to Fund Carbon Conversion Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) released an updated Notice of Intent (NOI) on the $100 million Carbon Conversion Program under IIJA Section 40302 to provide grants for the procurement and use of commercial and industrial products that are derived from anthropogenic carbon oxides. The grants will demonstrate the role carbon conversion/utilization products can play in replacing incumbent products and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. States, local governments, and public utilities or agencies are considered eligible entities and a 50% non-federal cost share will be required. DOE anticipates the FOA being issued in the first quarter of this year. Click here for more information and to access the NOI.