The Biden-Harris Administration has announced an additional $9 million investment in the Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) Implementation Grants program. This funding, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to support 47 small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the country. The initiative will enable these manufacturers to implement various energy efficiency projects, including the installation of onsite solar and heat pumps, improvements in lighting and heating, and the electrification of industrial equipment and fleets.

Supported by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), the ITAC Implementation Grants program provides up to $300,000 to manufacturers for implementing recommendations made by DOE and other qualified energy assessments. The program is designed to lower energy costs, improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and support small businesses within the domestic manufacturing sector.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is powering a clean energy transition, delivering new manufacturing opportunities throughout the nation,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE is ensuring American leadership in advanced manufacturing by training the next generation of clean energy workers and mitigating upfront costs for small-and-medium sized manufacturers to increase their energy efficiency.”

The grants are expected to help SMMs identify cost-effective opportunities to improve energy efficiency, increase competitiveness, and reduce emissions. The 47 selected projects are anticipated to abate more than 28,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Additionally, DOE announced that the ITAC program is open for further applications and revealed 11 new entities that will provide and coordinate energy assessments across eight states.

Today’s announcements underscore the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to revitalize American manufacturing, create union jobs in industrial communities, support small businesses, lower energy costs, strengthen energy security, advance environmental justice through the Justice40 Initiative, and achieve a net-zero economy by 2050.

For over four decades, the ITAC program has provided more than 21,000 energy assessments at SMMs. These assessments typically identify over $150,000 in potential annual energy savings per manufacturer.

The $9 million investment will be complemented by an additional $14 million from industry investments supporting the 47 grants. Fifteen projects will benefit disadvantaged communities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local jobs.

Under this administration's tenure so far, 162 businesses across 36 states have been selected for a combined total of over $26 million through the ITAC program for implementing energy-saving improvements matched by more than $50 million in industry investments. These improvements are projected to save approximately $15.6 million annually in energy costs while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 55,000 tons per year.

Selection for award negotiations does not guarantee funding; compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations must be ensured first. DOE may cancel negotiations at any time during this process if necessary.

SMMs interested in learning more about this program can attend office hours on September 19th from 2:00-3:00 pm EST or find further details online about MESC's mission to modernize national energy infrastructure while supporting a clean and equitable transition.