The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) released two funding opportunities under the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program.
In January 2023, DOE announced up to $15 million in prize funding for the Energizing Rural Communities challenge that will develop partnership plans or innovative financing strategies to help rural or remote communities improve their energy systems and advance clean energy demonstration projects. Applications were due on May 24, 2023, 67 winners for Phase One prizes of $100,000 each were announced in July 2023, and 33 winners for Phase Two of $200,000 each were announced in September 2024.
In March 2023, DOE opened applications for $300 million in funding for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program to advance reliable clean energy in rural and remote communities with fewer than 10,000 people. The first stage of the funding application process required Concept Paper submittals that were due in April 2023. OCED notified those who submitted Concept Papers in May or early June 2023 that they were either encouraged or discouraged from submitting a Full Application. Full Applications for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity Announcement were due in August 2023. On February 27, 2024, OCED announced projects selected for award negotiations following a rigorous Merit Review process to identify meritorious applications to the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program based on the criteria listed in the Funding Opportunity Announcement. OCED began awarding ERA projects in August 2024.
In May 2023, DOE opened applications for $50 million in grant funding for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program to advance reliable clean energy in rural and remote communities with fewer than 10,000 people. The first stage of the funding application process required Pre-Application submittals that were due in July 2023. OCED notified those who submitted Pre-Applications in September that they were invited to submit a Full Application. Full Applications for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Grant Funding Opportunity Announcement were due in October 2023. On April 30, 2024, OCED announced projects selected for award negotiations following a rigorous Merit Review process to identify meritorious applications to the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program based on the criteria listed in the Funding Opportunity Announcement.
In August 2024, DOE issued a Notice of Intent for up to $400 million to spur innovative, community-focused clean energy solutions in rural and remote areas across the United States. An official Notice of Funding Opportunity is anticipated in fall 2024.
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