The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy has published a new funding opportunity to continue to advance the clean energy transition on Tribal lands. Through this opportunity, the DOE Office of Indian Energy will continue its efforts to advance Tribal energy sovereignty and maximize the deployment of clean, reliable, affordable and local energy solutions. In support of these objectives, the DOE Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications for the planning, assessment, and development of clean energy projects on Tribal Buildings or Tribal Lands.
The funding opportunity has three topic areas it will consider for funding, described in more detail below. Each award period can last two to three years.
Topic Area 1 - Tribal Clean Energy Planning
Projects selected under Topic Area 1 (Tribal Clean Energy Planning) are intended to result in specific outcomes (measurable results or end-products) which may include, but are not limited to: a strategic energy plan, energy options analysis; energy audits; climate resiliency plan; development of an energy organization or office; establishment of energy policy, regulations or codes; and skills development and training. Funds under this Topic Area may be used for internal personnel costs (e.g., energy and infrastructure management roles) and for community outreach.
Topic Area 2 - Comprehensive Clean Energy Feasibility and Viability Assessment
Projects selected under Topic Area 2 (Comprehensive Clean Energy Feasibility and Viability Assessment) are intended to result in a comprehensive project plan sufficient to move a project to the design and development phase of a clean energy project on Tribal Buildings or Tribal Land (see Topic Area 3). It is anticipated that the proposed comprehensive feasibility and viability assessment, as a minimum, is based on a completed energy options analysis (see Topic Area 1).
Topic Area 3 - Design and Development of Clean Energy Projects
Projects selected under Topic Area 3 (Design and Development of Clean Energy Projects) are intended to result in projects ready for deployment (final design, installation, commissioning and monitoring) of clean energy technology on Tribal Buildings or Tribal Lands. It is intended that the proposed development activities are the result of a comprehensive feasibility and viability assessment (see Topic Area 2).
A summary of each topic area and its award range is as follows:
| Topic Area | Topic Area Title | Minimum Amount of DOE Funding per Individual Award | Maximum Amount of DOE Funding per Individual Award |
| 1 | Tribal Clean Energy Planning | $100,000 | $350,000 |
| 2 | Comprehensive Clean Energy Feasibility and Viability Assessment | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
| 3 | Design and Development of Clean Energy Projects | $250,000 | $2,500,000 |
Eligible applicants include:
- Indian Tribes
- Tribal consortia
- Intertribal organization, such as intertribal councils, regional tribal organizations or associations, and Tribal federations
- Tribal energy development organizations, such as:
- Any enterprise, partnership, consortium, corporation, or other type of business organization that is engaged in the development of energy resources and is wholly owned by an Indian Tribe or
- Any “organization” of two or more entities, at least one of which is an Indian Tribe, that has the written consent of the governing bodies of all Indian Tribes participating in the organization to apply for a grant, loan, or other assistance
- Tribal lands, such as any land which is located within the boundaries of an “Indian reservation”, lands purchased or owned by an eligible applicant, or lands held under a long-term land lease by an eligible applicant
Cost-share requirement
All applicants are required to provide a non-federal cost share of at least 10% of the total allowable costs of the project. Cost share reductions from 10% to 0% will be based on financial need, specifically (1) poverty rate, or (2) median household income of the Tribal community as a percentage of statewide median household income. Applicants requesting a cost-share reduction can complete the application based on the requested cost-share reduction amount and percentage. However, if DOE does not approve the request for reduced cost share, the applicant will be required to meet the 10% cost share requirement.
To see if you qualify for a cost-share reduction, follow the instructions in this cost-share reduction request document.
DOE expects to make approximately $25 million of federal funding available for new awards under this funding opportunity and anticipates making approximately 20 to 40 awards. DOE may issue awards in one, multiple, or none of the following Topic Areas.
Upcoming webinar
Tribal Clean Energy Planning and Development FOA Webinar
Thu, Oct 24, 2024 2:00 PM - 4:30pm CT / 3:00-5:30pm ET
Resources