Funding Notice: $12 Million Available to Expand Capacity for Renewable Energy Planning, Siting, and Permitting

Funding Amount: $12 million

Due Date: June 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET

Webinar Date: May 2, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today opened applications for Round Two of the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program. This opportunity will award up to $12 million-funded through the Inflation Reduction Act-to support the creation or expansion of state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy siting processes at the state and local levels.

Large-scale renewable energy facilities have a pivotal role in decarbonizing the grid quickly and cost-effectively to achieve President Biden's goals of a 100% clean electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy by 2050. By supporting state-based programs that serve as a resource to local communities, R-STEP will improve renewable energy deployment outcomes for host communities, especially disadvantaged communities, local governments, and renewable energy developers.

DOE anticipates awarding approximately six to seven state-based collaboratives up to $2 million each to establish or expand their programs or initiatives. Collaboratives will also benefit from tailored technical assistance and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Activities conducted with awarded funds could include:

• Engaging communities, local and Tribal governments, and other stakeholders to identify priorities and resource needs for renewable energy planning, siting, and permitting.
• Establishing a state-specific technical assistance and information hub to address questions and requests from local governments and/or Tribes regarding large-scale renewable energy siting and proactive planning for future deployment.
• Conducting trainings and workshops with local governments and/or Tribes to improve technical understanding of renewable energy planning and siting.
• Hiring or subcontracting to expand technical capacity on siting processes, renewable energy technologies, community engagement planning and execution, and community plan development.

Developing state-specific resources to support community planning for renewable energy and implementation of siting best practices.

For Round 2, where there is appreciable need within a state, proposals may include activities related to clean energy technologies such as geothermal power, agrivoltaics, offshore wind, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, in addition to land-based wind, large-scale solar, and energy storage.

Additionally, applicants are encouraged to consider how software tools that utilize machine learning or similar technologies could support renewable energy planning, siting, and permitting activities.

DOE highly encourages state energy offices (or equivalent agencies) and university extension offices to lead or participate in applications but recognizes that the organizations best suited to perform these activities will vary from state to state. Applicants are encouraged to team with other organizations including, but not limited to, Tribal governments, universities, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations.

Collaboratives should include organizations familiar with the needs of local communities within the state, organizations with experience providing educational or technical assistance services to local communities, and organizations with expertise in renewable energy siting topics (e.g., environmental impacts, tax policies, zoning ordinance development).

The R-STEP program is managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Transitions.

Learn more about the application and selection process on the ENERGYWERX website and apply by June 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. DOE and ENERGYWERX will hold an informational webinar and objective strategy session on May 2, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET.

Questions about the R-STEP program can be submitted to [email protected].

Learn more about other open funding opportunities within DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and read about the Round 1 R-STEP selections.