The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $450 million to advance clean energy projects on current and former mine lands.
Funding earmarked in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Joe Biden, in November 2021 aims to support energy demonstration projects on current and former mine lands, according to an April 4 DOE news release.
"Deploying clean energy projects on America’s mine lands will unlock new opportunities for energy communities that have helped power our nation for generations, especially those in rural areas that have been the most affected by the energy transition," Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said in the news release. "Thanks to President Biden's Investing in America agenda, mining communities across our nation can access an unprecedented level of new funding to ensure they can help lead our clean energy future."
Deployment of clean energy projects in mining communities nationwide are "key to strengthening rural economies, creating new, good-paying jobs and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions that jeopardize public health and pollute local ecosystems," the release reported.
The newly announced funding will build on the more than $14 billion "whole-of-government effort" by the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities to that works to deliver economic opportunities to communities hardest hit by the nation's our evolving energy landscape, the news release said.
DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstration Program on Current and Former Mind Land manages the program, according to the release. The office is expected to provide up to half of costs, $10 million to $150 million, for each project. DOE is looking for "well designed, financially viable projects that can be deployed quickly."
Those projects, among other things, should provide replicable pathways to resolve barriers to expanded clean energy development on mine lands, and preserve natural and agricultural resources by repurposing mine land for clean energy projects, the release reported.
Anyone interested in applying is required to submit a Community Benefits Plan that outline how a proposed project will, among other things, invest in the American workforce, support community and workforce engagement and advance energy and environmental justice and promote diversity, the release said.
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations also is offering no-cost technical assistance for anyone considering applying for the grants. Concept papers are due by May 11 and full applications by Aug. 31, according to the release.
