The recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), together with existing legislation such as the 2008 Farm Bill, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005, has created unprecedented opportunities for renewable energy and clean technology companies to obtain funding from the federal government for a wide variety of energy and environmental projects. A summary of the major funding opportunities announced by the federal government during the last week can be viewed by clicking on the following links:
- Renewable and Clean Technologies
- Environmental Programs
- Recent Developments Related to Funding Opportunities
Funding under these programs will be awarded on a competitive basis and under tight application deadlines. Applications must contain detailed information regarding an applicant's proposal, and actual funding awards require the negotiation of detailed documentation similar to that used in complex project financings.
WilmerHale's Energy and Clean Technology practice group has extensive experience in the areas of public policy, government contracting, project finance and development, and energy regulation. We are uniquely positioned to expertly advise renewable energy and clean technology companies on the complex issues and opportunities that arise in connection with these federal funding opportunities, and to assist companies in both obtaining government funding and successfully developing their projects.
RENEWABLE AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
Upcoming Department of Labor Recovery Act Competitive Grant Opportunities. The Department of Labor will soon issue award solicitations for worker training and placement in emerging renewable energy, efficiency and clean technology sectors. A total of $750,000,000 will be made available under the solicitations, which DOL plans to issue no later than June 30, 2009.
Current application deadline: TBD
For details, click here.
NIST Recovery Act Measurement Science and Engineering Research Grants Program. The National Institute of Standards and Technology will award up to $1,500,000 per applicant for science and engineering research in one of six topic areas: energy, environment and climate change, information technology/cybersecurity, biosciences/healthcare, manufacturing, and physical infrastructure.
Current application deadline: July 13, 2009
For details, click here and here.
High Penetration Solar Deployment. DOE will provide up to $5,000,000 per applicant for projects that (1) develop the needed modeling tools and data with high penetration scenarios of photovoltaics on a distribution system; (2) develop monitoring, control and integration systems to enable cost-effective widespread deployment of small modular photovoltaic systems; or (3) demonstrate the integration of photovoltaics and energy storage into smart grid applications. Funded projects are intended to facilitate widespread growth of grid-tied photovoltaic installations.
Current application deadline: July 30, 2009
For details, click here.
Geothermal Technologies Program. DOE will award up to $5,000,000 per applicant for projects related to geothermal technologies involving one of three topic areas: (1) validation of innovative exploration technologies; (2) geothermal energy production from low temperature resources, coproduced fluids from oil and gas wells, and geopressured resources; and (3) geothermal data development, collection and maintenance. Projects that create a large number of jobs, have aggressive schedules for completion, contemplate cost share above the minimum level required, or involve cooperation between industry and accredited educational institutions are encouraged.
Current application deadline: July 22, 2009
For details, click here.
Solar Market Transformation. DOE will award up to $6,000,000 per applicant for projects in one of two topic areas: (1) scale-up of projects and innovative programs that tackle specific barriers to urban solar development, and (2) projects that address the workforce development needs of solar energy industry. Eligibility for topic area (1) is restricted to the twenty five (25) existing "Solar America Cities." Topic area (2) eligibility is unrestricted.
Current application deadline: July 30, 2009
For details, click here.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems Component Research and Development/Analysis. The application deadline for this funding announcement has been extended.
New application deadline: July 17, 2009
For details, click here.
To view a full summary of the solicitation, click here.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems Demonstration. The application deadline for this funding announcement has been extended.
New application deadline: July 30, 2009
For details, click here.
To view a full summary of the solicitation, click here.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
EPA Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Grant Program. EPA anticipates awarding up to ten cooperative agreements (up to $4 million in total annually) to entities that can provide multi-media environmental finance expertise and outreach to regulated parties (e.g., states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector) to help them address the costs of meeting environmental goals and requirements. Under this program, EFCs will be established to provide finance-related training, technical assistance, finance studies, and other analytical support. Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit universities and colleges and non-profit organizations.
Current application deadline: July 15, 2009
For details, click here.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
USDA Awards Stimulus Funds for Water and Wastewater Projects. On May 28, USDA announced that it has awarded nearly $143 million in ARRA funds for water and environmental projects intended to provide safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment systems for rural towns and communities in 21 states. This funding is in addition to the $615.8 million announced by USDA on April 28, as discussed in our May 4, 2009 e-alert.
For the list of the new projects selected for funding by USDA, click here.
