The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $425 million in funding to help reduce industrial emissions and advance clean energy manufacturing in coal communities across the country.
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and managed by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program will support small and midsize manufacturers in current and former coal communities that are focused on producing and recycling clean energy products, as well as investing in decarbonization at their facilities. This opportunity builds on a first round of investments in 2023, representing $275 million of federal funding for seven projects in seven states.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said the funding aims to “expand economic opportunities to ensure former coal communities can take full advantage of the clean energy transition and continue their leading role in powering our nation.”
Funding Opportunity
In this second round of funding, the DOE will prioritize two investment themes: “Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling” aims to establish, re-equip, or expand existing manufacturing or recycling facilities for the production or recycling of advanced energy. “Industrial Decarbonization,” which is a new area of interest for the program, is focused on building or upgrading manufacturing facilities to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create low-carbon materials.
Projects under this funding program must occur in communities where coal mines have closed since Dec. 31, 1999, or coal-fired power plants have closed since Dec. 31, 2009. A mapping tool showing eligible communities under the program is available here.
Read the full funding opportunity here. Concept papers are due April 8, and full applications are due June 24.