On March 11, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $17 million in new funding to deploy energy infrastructure on tribal lands. This funding through the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs will support Indian Tribes, which include Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations, interested in harnessing their vast undeveloped energy resources.
Through grants awarded as result of this FOA, DOE intends to provide financial support under the provisions of the Title V of EPAct 2005. Specifically, the Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, which include Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations (hereafter referred collectively as “Indian Tribes”), Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations, to:
- Topic Area 1: Install energy generating system(s) and/or energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal Building(s)
- Topic Area 2: Deploy community-scale energy generating system(s) on Tribal Lands
- Topic Area 3: Install energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple essential tribal facilities during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience
The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resilience for Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages.
For additional details, read the press release and download the full FOA. The FAQ webpage on EERE Exchange also offers answers to frequently asked questions about the funding opportunity.
An informational webinar was held March 14, 2019, to describe the FOA in detail, presenters discussed who is eligible to apply, what an application needs to include, cost share and other requirements, how to ask questions, and how applications will be selected for funding. Download and view the presentation.
Applications are due May 1, 2019.