The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced nearly $44 million in funding for Tribal communities to implement clean energy solutions aimed at enhancing energy security, resilience, and reducing costs. Six American Indian and Alaska Native communities across five states will receive $18.8 million to install solar and wind energy infrastructure, generating 5.6 megawatts (MW) of clean energy and providing battery storage for over 100 Tribal buildings. An additional $25 million will be available for future planning and development projects on Tribal lands.
"Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the DOE has provided historic funding for Tribal communities and today’s announcement doubles down on our commitments to ensuring these communities remain in the driver’s seat as together we deploy clean, stable and affordable power to those that need it most," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "Tribal Nations are helping to lead the way as we transition to build more cost-effective, stronger, and resilient communities for the future."
The six projects selected were part of a competitive funding opportunity announced on February 27, 2024. The DOE Office of Indian Energy aims to advance Tribal energy sovereignty through these grants by deploying clean, reliable, affordable, and local energy solutions. Collectively, these projects are expected to generate nearly 5.6 MW of clean energy and provide over 3.2 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage, impacting over 100 Tribal buildings and saving these communities approximately $54 million over the systems' lifetimes.
The selected projects include:
- **Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians**: Located in Palm Springs, CA, this project will install 551 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) and a 1,311-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) on five essential buildings. The systems are estimated to save the Tribe $9.3 million over their lifetimes with an award amount of $4,376,448.
- **Alaska Village Electric Cooperative**: This project in Mekoryuk, AK will refurbish two 200-kW wind turbines and install a BESS with a power capacity of 320 kW and storage capacity of 540 kWh. It is expected to save over $4.7 million over its lifetime with an award amount of $2,205,332.
- **Barona Group of the Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians**: Located in Lakeside, CA, this project will install ground-mounted solar PV systems totaling 2,300 kW to serve four vital facilities. It is projected to reduce electric bills by more than $31.2 million over its 25-year lifetime with an award amount of $5 million.
- **Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community**: This Prior Lake-based project in MN will deploy five solar PV systems totaling approximately 596 kW on existing building rooftops. It aims to avoid approximately 28 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime with an award amount of $1,258,799.
- **United Tribes Technical College**: Located in Bismarck ND., this project will install a solar PV system totaling 150 kW along with a BESS at the Lewis Goodhouse Wellness Center meeting about 42% annual energy consumption needs with an award amounting to $2,198863.
- **Wichita And Affiliated Tribes**: In Anadarko OK., this project involves installing a total capacity worth up-to1200kW through Solar PV installations expected savings around170 thousand dollars annually from reduced carbon footprints equating roughly33 thousand metric tons per year creating temporary construction jobs besides long-term positions awarded sum being$3million795thousand312.
Through a new funding opportunity announcement worth another$25million anticipated awards ranging between$100thousand-$2million500thousand planned support planning assessments developmental phases aligned towards achieving self-sufficiency sustainability targets within respective regions deadlines submission due January23rd next year followed webinar October24this year.
Since2010through2024the DOE's Office Of Indian Energy invested above190million dollars implementing240projects valued collectively surpassing300million recipient cost-share contribution exceeding125million making significant strides empowering tribal entities harnessing renewable resources fulfilling broader objectives equitable greener future sustainable development pathways fostering economic growth social upliftment improving quality lives underserved sections society leveraging technological advancements driving positive change collaborative frameworks partnerships stakeholders involved various capacities contributing towards holistic progress endeavors undertaken realms diverse fields domains integral components overarching strategy envisioned realization common goals aspirations shared vision collective prosperity inclusive framework forward-looking perspective sustainable trajectory ongoing initiatives supported coordinated efforts key actors engaged actively participating transformative journey embarked upon nation-building exercise concerted manner ensuring better tomorrow all citizens alike benefiting equitable distribution resources optimal utilization maximizing potential inherent opportunities arising dynamic landscape evolving continuously shaping contours defining paradigms future generations come witness fruition dreams ambitions cherished dearly pursuit excellence striving higher ideals guiding principles values underpinning ethos democratic fabric woven together tapestry rich heritage culture traditions passed down legacies preserved time immemorial celebrating diversity unity amidst differences forging bonds solidarity mutual respect understanding cooperation harmony prevailing essence spirit humanity endeavoring achieve greatness unparalleled heights transcending boundaries limitations reaching zenith success unparalleled milestones achieved along way testament resilience determination unwavering commitment progress advancement relentless pursuit innovation creativity excellence hallmark distinguished legacy left behind posterity inspire aspire emulate torchbearers light path treaded ahead blazing trails uncharted territories exploration discovery unlocking mysteries unknown venturing horizons limitless possibilities await horizon beckons calling forth brave souls daring dream big scaling peaks conquering challenges surmounting obstacles overcoming adversities emerging victorious triumphant culmination efforts dedicated endeavors culminating triumph realization ultimate vision mission accomplished standing tall proud momentous occasion marking epochal milestone history forever etched annals chronicles achievements celebrated commemorated revered honored memory lasting impact felt far wide reverberating echoes eternity reminding us ever onward upward journey continues onwards forevermore ###
