DOE Makes $144 Million Available to Build Smart Grid Workforce (posted September 23, 2009)
On September 21, 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the availability of $144 million in Recovery Act funding to ease the transition towards a smart energy grid. A total of $100 million will be available competitively to any non-Federal domestic entity for the development and implementation of training programs for workers in the electric power sector. The remaining $44 million will be distributed by formula directly to State public utility commissions, to hire new staff and retrain existing employees.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8030.htm
To view the Funding Opportunity Announcement, go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000152&agency=DOE
DOE Solicits Comments for EECBG Competitive Program (posted September 22, 2009)
On September 14, 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a Request for Information (RFI) regarding its upcoming competition for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding. In addition to the EECBG formula grants already distributed by DOE, approximately $450 million is available on a competitive basis to states and local governments to reduce fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency. DOE is accepting comments on this new grant program until September 28, 2009.
To access this RFI, go to www.fedconnect.net and search public opportunities for “DOE Request for Information Recovery Act: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program: Competitive Grants.”
To submit a comment on this program, email: EECBG.Competitive.RFIcomments@emcbc.doe.gov
DOE Releases Smart Grid FOAs (posted July 1, 2009)
On June 25, 2009, the Department of Energy began soliciting applications for the $3.9 billion in Smart Grid grants funded by the stimulus. Approximately $3.3 billion is available under the Smart Grid Investment Program for utilities to begin implementing Smart Grid technology, and an additional $615 million is available under the Smart Grid Demonstrations Program to identify and develop new, more effective, smart grid equipment. Applications for the Demonstrations program are due on August 26, 2009, while applications for the Investment program will be accepted in three rounds, the first of which is due on August 6, 2009.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7503.htm
To access the FOAs, search for DE-FOA-0000058 (Investment) or DE-FOA-0000036 (Demonstrations) under “Public Opportunities” at: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/
DOE to Hold CREBs Webinar (posted June 18, 2009)
On June 24, 2009, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Technical Assistance Project will hold a webinar about Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs). This webinar will discuss how state and local officials can take advantage of the low-cost financing available for energy projects through the CREBs program. Applications for CREBs are due to the IRS by August 4, 2009.
To read about the webinar and register, go to: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/wip/tap_webcasts.cfm
DOE Makes Available Funding for Energy Efficiency in Industrial Sectors (posted June 2, 2009)
On June 1, 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will use $256 million in stimulus funds to support energy efficiency improvements in major industrial sectors. This funding will be divided between three sectors: Combined Heat and Power and District Energy Systems, Information and Community Technology, and Advanced Materials in Support of Advanced Clean Energy Technologies. The DOE has not yet published application details for these programs.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7434.htm
DOE Revises Smart Grid Guidelines, Establishes Interoperability Standards (posted May 19, 2009)
On May 18, 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) released new guidance on the Smart Grid stimulus grants, establishing interoperability standards for Smart Grid technology and raising the maximum award available under the grant program. After reviewing public comments, DOE decided to increase the maximum award available under the grant program from $20 million to $200 million for the Investment Grant Program and from $40 million to $100 million for the Demonstration Projects Program.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7408.htm
DOE Announces Funding for Carbon Capture and Storage Projects (posted May 19, 2009)
On May 15, 2009, the Department of Energy announced that it will use $2.4 billion in stimulus funding to expand and accelerate the commercial deployment of carbon capture and storage technology. This funding will support two new competitive grant programs, including $1.52 billion for large-scale carbon capture and storage projects from industrial sources. DOE has not yet released solicitations for these funds.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7405.htm
DOE Will Make $800 Million Available for Biomass Projects (posted May 11, 2009)
On May 5, 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will make $786.5 million in stimulus funding available for biomass projects. This money will be allocated to a mix of existing programs and new funding opportunities. DOE has not yet begun accepting applications for these funds.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7375.htm
To view the notice announcing upcoming solicitations, visit DOE’s Funding Opportunities page: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm
DOE Announces $93 Million for Wind Energy Grants (posted May 5, 2009)
On April 29, 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to make $93 million in stimulus funds available to support the development of wind energy. DOE has not yet begun accepting applications for these funds, but it has submitted a notice of intent to issue solicitations for two grant programs. One grant of $45 million will be awarded for the creation of a Wind Turbine Testing Facility, and an additional $24 million will be available for institutions of higher education to create partnerships with the wind power industry.
To read the press release announcing the availability of these funds, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7358.htm
To read the Notice of Intents, visit DOE’s Funding Opportunities website at: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm
Energy Founds 46 EFRCs Using Stimulus Funds (April 29, 2009)
On April 27, 2009, the Department of Energy announced its intent to establish 46 new Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) over the next five years, supported in part by stimulus funds. These EFRCs represent a commitment of $777 million, and will be established at universities, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations and private firms across the nation.
To read the announcement, go to: http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/EFRC.html
To view a list of the 46 EFRCs that will receive funding, to go: http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/EFRC_Synopses.pdf
Applications for ARPA – E Funding Open (April 29, 2009)
On April 27, 2009, the Department of Energy began accepting applications for funding under its Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA – E), a new agency that was established by the stimulus. Any entity that performs energy research and development is invited to submit a concept paper, which should describe their project and describe why the project qualifies as ‘transformational.’ Concept papers must be submitted by June 2, 2009, and only if a concept paper is approved will an applicant be permitted to submit a full application for funding.
To read the solicitation, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/documents2009/ARPA-E_FOA.pdf
Smart Grid Funding Plans Released (posted April 24, 2009)
On April 16, 2009, the Departments of Commerce and Energy revealed plans to develop Smart Grid technology and announced that they will hold a meeting for key stakeholders in Washington, DC in early May. Concurrently, the Department of Energy released draft grant solicitations for Smart Grid projects, and is accepting comments on these programs until May 6, 2009. Almost $4 billion was allotted for Smart Grid technology development in the stimulus bill.
To read the press release, go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Vice-President-Biden-Outlines-Funding-for-Smart-Grid-Initiatives/
To view the draft Notice of Intent for the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program and the draft Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Smart Grid Demonstrations Grant, go to: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm
EECBG Allocations Updated (posted April 15, 2009)
On April 10, 2009, the Department of Energy announced that it would make an additional $16,429,000 in funding available under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program to 23 counties in Delaware, Kansas and Louisiana. This amendment to the EECBG allocations, first released on March 26, is necessary because erroneous data was used to calculate initial formula allocations.
To view a press release, go to: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7254.htm
Updated allocations can be viewed using the interactive map on DOE’s recovery website: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/
The National Institute of Standards and Technology Announces Three-Phase Plan for Smart Grid Standards (posted April 15, 2009)
On April 13, 2009, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced that it has developed a three-phase plan to create key standards for the Smart Grid information technology network funded by the stimulus. NIST aims to complete the third and final phase, completing a testing-and-certification plan, by the end of 2009.
To read details of this announcement, go to: http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/smartgrid_041309.html
EECBG Allocations Released (posted March 26, 2009)
On March 26, 2009, the Department of Energy announced the allocations for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The majority of funding, $2.8 billion, is being distributed to states and eligible local governments through existing formulas. The formula for determining allocations to cities and counties is based on two weighted factors: resident and daytime (commuter) population. In order to receive the amount allocated to them, state and local governments must apply for funding by May 26, 2009. To view a comprehensive breakdown of EECBG funding by state, go to: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/grantalloc.html
In addition to the formula funding, the Department of Energy will host a grant competition for $400 million of EECBG dollars. To date, the Department has yet to publish guidance on how this grant program will function.
Additional information about the EECBG Program, along with application information, can be obtained at the EECBG website: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/
Two DOE Competitive Grant Programs Open (posted March 26, 2009)
The Department of Energy has begun accepting applications for two competitive grant programs funded by the stimulus bill – the Nuclear Science and Technology Initiative and the Research and Development on Alternative Isotope Production Techniques program. A wide variety of entities are eligible to apply for these funds, including universities, private corporations and non-profit organizations.
Applications for the Nuclear Science and Technology Initiative grant program are due on May 6, 2009, and applications for Research and Development on Alternative Isotope Production Techniques grant program are due on May 15, 2009. To apply for either grant program, go to: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm
Applications Open for DOE Grants (posted March 20, 2009)
On March 19, 2009, The Department of Energy (DOE) began accepting applications for stimulus funding under the Transportation Electrification and Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative programs.Both programs will fund projects that encourage the use of vehicles powered by electricity.
Both funding opportunities can be accessed through DOE's website, at: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm
Applications for National Clean Diesel Campaign Funding Available (posted March 19, 2009)
On March 19, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency began accepting applications for three competitive grant programs funded by the stimulus bill. These grants, which support the reduction of diesel emissions and finance clean diesel technology, are available to State, local and tribal governments, as well as selected non-profit organizations.
To view the Request for Application (RFA) for funds under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program (due on April 28, 2009), go to:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/documents/recovery-act-national-clean-diesel-rfa.pdf
To view the RFA for funds under the National Clean Diesel Emerging Technology Program (due on May 5, 2009), go to: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/documents/recovery-act-emerging-technology-rfa.pdf
To view the RFA for funds under the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program (due on April 28, 2009), go to: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/documents/recovery-act-smartway-finance-clean-diesel-rfa.pdf
DOE Formula Grant Programs Allocated By State (posted March 18, 2009)
The Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated stimulus funds for the Weatherization Assistance and State Energy Programs formula grants. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides grants for low-income households to make their homes more energy efficient, while grants to State Energy offices can be used for a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
To find out how much funding was allocated to each program in your State, go to DOE's stimulus website, http://www.energy.gov/recovery/ and click on your State on the interactive map.
DOE Announces Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Infrastructure Grants
(posted March 06, 2009)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the availability of federal funding to support efforts in alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Eligible entities include states, local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities in partnership with designated Clean Cities Coalition.
$300 million is available for the Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles Pilot Grant Program, which is a competitive grant program promoting the use of more efficient vehicles. Funding is to be used for cost-shared projects that expand the use of alternative fueled vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. The installation or acquisition of infrastructure necessary to directly support an alternative fueled vehicle or advanced technology vehicle is also eligible. Operation and maintenance of vehicles, infrastructure and other associated equipment acquired through the program are also allowable within specified limits.
The deadline to apply for this funding is May 29, 2009. Visit this link:
Clean_Cities_FY09_FOA_Modification_003..pdf
Department of Energy Working on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (posted February 25, 2009)
This week the Department of Energy is finalizing the formula for distributing the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. DOE's announcement on EECBG allocations is expected next week.
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