The U.S. Department of Energy is championing President Biden’s dedication to American innovation with a new call for clean energy project applications. As part of the Communities Sparking Investments in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) opportunity, a substantial sum of $18 million is allocated for high-impact clean energy initiatives led by municipalities, Tribes, and small to mid-sized towns.
Commitment to Inclusion and Affordable Clean Energy
Delivering on a commitment to environmental justice, this DOE initiative aims to empower disadvantaged and energy communities alongside Tribes with improved access to affordable clean energy solutions. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlights the administration’s focus on elevating communities historically burdened by pollution and economic exclusion, ensuring energy prosperity is shared.
Local Projects with Far-reaching Benefits
The emphasis is on funding projects that can offer local benefits like reduced energy bills and cleaner air, all the while fostering local employment opportunities. Key objectives of C-SITE include enhancing community energy autonomy, spurring economic development, and bolstering local and tribal governmental capacities and partnerships.
Justice40 Initiative and Financial Support
Diverse Energy Projects Welcomed
Applications for this program, which remain open until May 31, 2024, invite various transformative clean energy projects. Examples of such projects include municipal utilities adopting solar photovoltaic technology, energy-saving retrofits paired with battery storage, and the creation of energy-efficient community spaces in downtown areas.
Prioritizing Community Support and Engagement
Selected projects should not only deliver clear benefits but also manifest the support of community partners and stakeholders, demonstrate dynamic local engagement, and have the potential to ignite further investment into their communities.
Informational Webinars
To facilitate understanding of the C-SITE program, DOE will host informational webinars on March 7 and March 21, offering applicants crucial insights into this transformative funding opportunity.
