U.S. Energy Department Announces $22 Million to Enhance Renewable Energy Siting

The U.S. Energy Department on March 25 announced up to $22 million in investment to enhance the siting and permitting process for the development of large-scale renewable energy facilities across six states. The Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning, or R-STEP, program will distribute $10 million among six projects based in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.

The program’s goal is to offer expertise, training, and technical resources to local governments and communities engaged in renewable energy initiatives. This initiative aligns closely with Biden’s overarching goal of achieving a 100 percent clean electricity sector by 2035 and transitioning to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, with solar, wind, and energy storage playing crucial roles, with solar and wind needed to contribute up to 80 percent of U.S. electricity. The announcement of a second round of funding, totaling $12 million. By fostering collaboration between state entities and local stakeholders, the R-STEP program not only seeks to expedite renewable energy deployment but also to ensure equitable expansion, community engagement, and economic opportunities across diverse regions.

The R-STEP collaboratives will engage diverse stakeholders involved in the energy planning process, including state and regional agencies, universities, developers, technical experts, utility commissions, farmers unions, tribes, and community organizations.

The collaboratives, led by various institutions, aim to assist states in renewable energy planning and decision-making by offering technical resources, education, and facilitation services to communities, with a focus on transparent and inclusive processes. Each collaborative receives funding over 3 years, with specific amounts allocated for their respective projects.