Author: US DOE Staff Published: 5/24/23 EERE
Energy Earth Shot
DOE Launches New Energy Earthshot to Decarbonize Transportation and Industrial Sectors
Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm announced the launch of the Clean Fuels & Products ShotTM, which aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from carbon-based fuels and products critical to our way of life. This is the seventh DOE Energy Earthshot, and it focuses on reducing carbon emissions from the fuel and chemical industry through alternative, sustainable sources of carbon to achieve a minimum of 85% lower GHG emissions compared to fossil-based sources by 2035.
National Transportation Week Recap
EERE’s Vehicle Technology Office announced a $99.5 million funding opportunity to support projects that improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure for underserved communities, develop electric vehicles batteries that use abundant materials, and provide consumer education on electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging.
In addition, 45 projects totaling $87 million and spanning 18 states and Washington, D.C. were selected to advance production of next-generation electric vehicle technologies, train the future electrified transportation workforce, and ensure the equitable deployment of clean mobility options in disadvantaged communities.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $51 Million in America’s Electric Vehicle Charging Network
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, managed by DOE and Department of Transportation (DOT), announced a $51 million Ride and Drive Electric funding opportunity through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate the electrification of the nation’s transportation sector and spur private sector investments in clean transportation. Concept papers are due June 16.
The National Charging Experience Consortium was also launched to advance rapid, on-the-ground solutions that ensure a convenient, reliable, equitable, and easy-to-use charging experience for all Americans. The consortium has commitments from 30 companies and organizations that are working to support the deployment of a reliable national charging network.
DOE announced nearly $42 million in funding for 22 projects in 14 states to advance critical technologies for producing, storing, and deploying clean hydrogen, and $17.8 million to establish a new North American university research consortium that will help states and tribal communities implement grid resilience programs and achieve decarbonization goals. The funding will reduce the cost of clean hydrogen, deliver cleaner air, create more high-quality jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Funding Updates
DOE Announces $3 Million for Waste-to-Energy Community-Driven Solutions
DOE awarded $3 million in funding for two projects to improve local community waste-to-energy processes and infrastructure. These projects will explore new approaches to reuse waste streams as energy, nutrients, and other resources.
DOE’s National Labs
NREL $150M IRA Investment to Accelerate a Clean Energy Future
DOE announced a $150-million investment to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that will help the laboratory keep the United States on the cutting edge of clean energy technology and lead the world in the transition to carbon-free power sources. Of the investment, $93 million is earmarked for modernizing NREL’s research infrastructure, including facilities to advance technologies such as sustainable aviation fuels, and $57 million will focus on laboratory renovations and deferred maintenance.
Renewable News
DOE Announces Winners of 10th Annual Collegiate Wind Competition
DOE announced the winners of the 10th annual Collegiate Wind Competition, which aims to prepare the next-generation wind energy workforce through real-world technology, project development, and outreach experience. Kansas State University rose above 12 other teams to claim first place by developing the best solution to the challenges associated with fixed-bottom offshore wind energy projects.
Tackling High Costs and Long Delays for Clean Energy Interconnection
Reports released by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory show that renewable generation and energy storage projects face lengthy approval processes to interconnect to the transmission grid, increasing overall timelines and costs. Without reforms, interconnection is likely to remain a major obstacle in meeting the goals of clean energy deployment and decarbonization.
Events and Webinars
Learn How Efficiency Programs are Preparing for Inflation Reduction and Infrastructure Act Funding
May 25 | 1 p.m. ET
Join this Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call to learn about the significant levels of U.S. government investment and how states, cities, utilities, and residential energy-efficiency programs are planning for it.
Events and Webinars
Learn How Efficiency Programs are Preparing for Inflation Reduction and Infrastructure Act Funding
May 25 | 1 p.m. ET
Join this Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call to learn about the significant levels of U.S. government investment and how states, cities, utilities, and residential energy-efficiency programs are planning for it.
Building with Benefits: Low-to-Moderate-Income Access
May 31 | 2 p.m. ET
This webinar will explore existing best practices for community solar projects and programs to increase access to community solar for low- to moderate-income households, including outreach and engagement strategies, best practices for enrollment and verification, and key consumer protection considerations.
HBCU Clean Energy Prize Informational Webinar
June 6 | 1 p.m. ET
Join presenters for an overview of the two prize tracks, requirements, and timelines, including a Q&A session.
Comprehensive Energy Savings Performance Contract In-Person Workshop
June 6 | 10 a.m. –6:30 p.m. ET
This three-day workshop educates attendees on how to implement energy and water projects through an energy savings performance contract.
Workshop: Deploying Purpose-Grown Energy Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
June 6–7 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET
Join us in Kansas City, Missouri, to discuss successes, challenges, information gaps, and opportunities for deploying energy crops to produce sustainable aviation fuel on a commercial scale.
Transitioning to a Sustainable, Circular Economy for Plastics
June 8-9 | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. ET
Join the Bioenergy Technologies Office in Seattle, Washington, to identify current gaps and challenges in transitioning to a sustainable, circular economy for plastics.
June 12–15 (virtual)
Join the Vehicle Technologies Office for their annual merit review. Reviewers will evaluate projects based on how much they contribute to or advance DOE’s missions and goals.