The U.S. Department of Energy unveiled an $80 million grant program designed to empower small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in boosting energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
The initiative, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, seeks to reduce costs and industrial emissions, according to a June 7 news release. It also aims to revitalize manufacturing and increase good paying jobs in the U.S.
“Small- and medium-sized manufacturers will play a major role in increasing domestic production of technologies and materials that will position the U.S. to lead the global clean energy transition,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in the release. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is enabling facilities across the country to increase energy efficiency, cut costs and contribute to a clean energy economy that works for all.”
The program utilizes the DOE's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) and Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) programs, which actively engage community colleges, trade schools and union training programs nationwide by providing training and leveraging their expertise, the release reported.
These centers provide detailed assessments at the SMMs, which make up more than 90% of the U.S. manufacturing base, according to the release. These assessments help identify cost-effective opportunities to improve energy efficiency, increase competition and reduce emissions.
"Today’s announcement will bolster the U.S. manufacturing base by making grants available to support projects that modernize SMMs’ facilities with improved energy and material efficiency, enhanced cybersecurity and increased use of smart and advanced manufacturing technologies to reduce waste and pollution, while increasing productivity," the release reported.
The DOE is seeking applications from non-IAC or CHP TAP assessment providers to qualify assessments from other entities as IAC-equivalent, the release said. This effort aims to expand funding opportunities for small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms in future rounds. The DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) manages the IAC Program.
