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:
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
Smart Grid Demonstrations. DOE's Smart Grid Demonstrations funding solicitation, now available in final form, will offer grants of up to an estimated $100,000,000 per applicant for regionally unique demonstration projects that will showcase the viability of smart grid technologies, quantify smart grid costs and benefits and validate new smart grid business models. Projects involving utility scale energy storage systems, such as advanced battery systems, ultra-capacitors, flywheels and compressed air systems may also be funded under the program. A minimum 50% cost share is required. Through the program, DOE expects to collect information on technologies that may be implemented and replicated on a national scale.
Current application deadline: August 26, 2009
For details, click here.
Smart Grid Investment Grant Program. DOE will award between $300,000 and $200,000,000 to support the manufacturing, purchasing and installation of smart grid technologies and related tools for immediate commercial deployment in a range of applications, including in transmission and distribution systems, advanced metering, appliances and equipment. The program requires a cost share of at least 50%, and projects must have a period of performance of no more than three years.
Optional letter of intent due: July 16, 2009
Current application deadline: August 6, 2009
For details, click here.
Energy Training Partnership Grants. The Department of Labor will issue grants of up to $5,000,000 per applicant for projects that provide training and placement services for workers, which will prepare them for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, as well as green occupations in other industries.
Current application deadline: September 4, 2009
For details, click here.
Solar America Cities–Technical Outreach. DOE will award up to $6,000,000 per applicant for projects that will address solar-related information needs, and provide mechanisms that will aid local governments in receiving and sharing timely information on solar energy.
Current application deadline: October 15, 2009
For details, click here.
Large Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility. DOE will award one grant of $45,000,000 to a state, county or city government, an institution of higher education, or other entity for the design, construction and operation of a dynamometer facility that will test 5-15 Megawatt wind turbine drivetrains and supporting systems. Applicants must submit detailed multi-phase plans, including concept designs, preliminary designs, engineering procurement and construction contract management, and operation and maintenance plans.
Letter of intent deadline: July 15, 2009
Current application deadline: August 6, 2009
For details, click here.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Issues Report on FY 2010 Funding. The Energy Technology Innovation Policy Research Group at Harvard's Belfer Center has issued its analysis and recommendations on DOE's FY 2010 Budget Request, and ARRA funding expected to become available in FY 2010. The report notes that available funds for energy research, development and deployment are expected to double from $2.6 billion in FY 2009, to $7.2 billion in FY 2010, spurring innovation in a range of energy technologies.
To view the full text of the report, click here.
