DOE Makes Up to $11.5 Million Available for Energy Projects on Tribal Lands

1. Install energy efficiency measures and/or energy generating system(s) for tribal building(s) that may include deep energy retrofits, energy generating systems, or a combination of energy efficiency measures.
2.  Deploy community-scale energy generating system(s) on tribal lands to provide electricity to a substantial number of buildings or even an entire tribal community.
3. Install energy system(s) for autonomous operation to power single or multiple essential tribal loads during emergency situations, or to power a substantial number of essential tribal loads for community resilience.

This is the first time that DOE’s Office of Indian Energy is issuing a FOA on an entirely fuel and technology neutral basis. According to the DOE, this is consistent not only with an all-of-the above energy policy, but also with the principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Biomass, biogas, solid waste, waste gases, waste process heat, photovoltaic, wind, hydropower, solar thermal, and geothermal are among the eligible energy technologies.

Selected projects will take on a 50 percent cost-share in order to reduce or stabilize energy costs, as well as increase energy security and resilience for Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages. 

DOE expects to make approximately $5.5 million to $11.5 million of federal funding available under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. DOE anticipates making approximately 6 to 15 awards under this FOA. DOE may issue awards in one, multiple, or none of the topic areas.

The full FOA is available HERE. An informational webinar will be held February 27, 2018, to provide potential applicants with more information. To learn more about the programs and projects within the Office of Indian Energy visit HERE.