The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the allocation of $27 million in financial and technical assistance to 40 partner teams comprising states, local governments, and Tribes. The funding is provided through the Energy Future Grants (EFG) Program, which aims to support multijurisdictional partnership efforts to foster clean energy programs that enhance affordability, access, and opportunities.
According to a DOE press release, the EFG Program has selected partnerships for funding aimed at planning activities. These include enhancing community resilience, electrifying transportation and buildings, deploying clean energy microgrids, and implementing solar developments in disadvantaged communities. This announcement marks the inaugural round of competitive awards under the EFG Program established in 2023. In this phase, 40 selectees will receive up to $500,000 for planning and technical assistance.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of state, local, and Tribal governments' role in clean energy transition. "A lasting clean energy transition starts with state, local, and Tribal governments in the driver's seat, taking the wheel in pursuit of their own unique clean energy strategies," said Granholm. She further noted that with support from the EFG Program, local communities can devise their own projects to solve challenges, create new jobs, and make their clean energy goals a reality.
In addition to initial funding, awardees will also have an opportunity to compete for approximately $1 million in implementation funding during Phase 2. Technical support will be provided by ENERGYWERX through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement as stated by a DOE press release. This assistance is designed to address barriers, support project development and build capacity for the selected partnerships.
ENERGYWERX operates as a facilitator between DOE and various stakeholders to advance the development and deployment of clean energy solutions. According to information on its webpage, ENERGYWERX leverages proven methodologies with the aim of accelerating the commercialization and deployment of energy technologies. Its overarching goal is to strengthen national security ecosystems and enhance energy security.
