News and reports from the Department of Energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new $24 million funding opportunity from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to further expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network. The initiative aims to engage more union training programs, community colleges, and trade schools in supporting workforce training programs that focus on clean energy jobs which do not require a four-year degree.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an allocation of over $17 million to three projects aimed at supporting the design and construction of facilities that produce rare earth elements and other critical minerals and materials from coal-based resources. The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), under the auspices of DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), will oversee these selected projects.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) a $11.5 million, three-year grant to administer the California Zero-Emission Solutions for Tomorrow (CAL-ZEST). The initiative is designed to expedite the development of next-generation, heavy-duty, zero-emission vehicles and equipment.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the allocation of $6 million to two marine energy projects aimed at advancing tidal energy research, development, and demonstration. In addition, a community-led initiative focusing on river current energy research and development has secured substantial funding of $9.5 million.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has declared the allocation of incentive payments amounting to $71.5 million, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to 46 hydroelectric projects spread across 19 states. The initiative is designed to enhance the generation efficiency of the nation's existing hydropower fleet.

The recent halt on permits for new U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities has caused concern among Asian industry groups, who fear the decision could undermine Asia's energy security and climate objectives. However, a report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) suggests these fears are unfounded, providing five reasons to support its claim.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, underscored the significance of Clean Energy Infrastructure Investments for Rural America. He stated that these investments would decrease energy costs, stimulate income generation, and facilitate job creation in rural communities.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has granted approval for the commencement of construction on the Camino Solar Project in Kern County. The solar photovoltaic facility, which will have a capacity of 44 megawatts, is set to be located on 233 acres of public lands and an additional 150 acres of private land.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding allocation of $20.5 million to 32 states, territories, local governments, and Tribes through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. This financial support will facilitate a variety of initiatives such as electric bicycle incentives, free home solarization for low-income families, municipal fleet electrification, decarbonization waste management strategies, and municipal building energy audits.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has disclosed the allocation of $34 million for 12 projects in 11 states under the Grid Overhaul with Proactive, High-speed Undergrounding for Reliability, Resilience, and Security (GOPHURRS) program. These initiatives, designed to fortify and modernize America's aging power grid, will implement solutions to enhance grid infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity of up to $70 million, aimed at supporting research into technologies that will strengthen resilience and minimize risks to energy delivery infrastructure. The DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will oversee the All-Hazards Energy Resilience program, which is designed to address potential future challenges and safeguard energy distribution.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently introduced a new regulation aimed at improving the energy efficiency of commercial fans and blowers, along with finalized standards for refrigerators and freezers. Collectively, these measures are expected to result in annual savings of $5 billion for American households and businesses.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that the Energy Auditor Training program (EAT) will distribute up to $40 million in grants for states, with the aim of training individuals to conduct energy audits or surveys for commercial and residential buildings. The DOE has initiated the application process for competitive funding, with a view to bolstering the workforce with energy efficiency certifications.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has declared the availability of up to $530 million in competitive grants for technical assistance. These grants are designed to promote the adoption and implementation of advanced energy codes, zero energy codes, and innovative building performance standards. The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is applicable to states, territories, and local government units that have the authority to adopt building codes.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a $42 million initiative named Inertial Fusion Energy Science and Technology Accelerated Research (IFE-STAR). The program is aimed at creating hubs that will promote collaborative efforts in advancing the foundational science and technology of inertial fusion energy (IFE). The projects funded through IFE-STAR will draw on the expertise and resources from DOE’s National Laboratories, academia, and industry to drive the development of inertial fusion energy system components.