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
CHE-DMR-DMS Solar Energy Initiative. The National Science Foundation will award approximately $500,000 per year for up to three years to academic institutions for projects that support interdisciplinary efforts that address scientific challenges implicated in the efficient harvesting, conversion and storage of solar energy. Projects must involve groups of three of more researchers. Research groups must consist of at least one chemistry researcher, one materials researcher, and one mathematical science researcher.
Preliminary proposal deadline: December 8, 2009
Full application deadline: March 10, 2010
For details, click here.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
DOE to Waive Certain NEPA Requirements for Funded Heat and Power Systems Projects. DOE published a Notice of Variance ("Variance") last week, which waives certain NEPA requirements for projects funded under its "Deployment of Combined Heat and Power, District Energy Systems, Waste Energy Recovery Systems, and Efficient Industrial Equipment Initiative" program. The Variance waives NEPA procedures requiring independent evaluation and verification of data, and preparation of an environmental critique and environmental synopsis for projects. Potential environmental impacts posed by projects will instead be outlined in a "Merit Review Report" and associated environmental questionnaire.
To view the full text of the DOE Notice of Variance, click here.
