U.S. Energy Department Announces $44 Million for Tribal Communities to Deploy Clean Energy Solutions

The U.S. Energy Department on Sept. 27 announced approximately $44 million for tribal communities to install clean energy technology that will lead to reduced energy expenditures, along with energy resilience and security. The department awarded $18.8 million to American Indian and Alaska Native communities for clean energy infrastructure deployment and announced another $25 million for future planning and development on tribal lands.

The department signed off $18.8 million to help six native communities across five states to install cost saving, clean energy infrastructure, particularly wind and solar energy equipment, which will assist in generation 5.6 megawatts (MW) of clean energy and battery storage for more than 100 buildings. The funding supports the Biden administration’s pledge to defend and support Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, honoring the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations, and making sure Tribal nations have accessibility to economical clean energy technology.

The projects were selected via a competitive funding opportunity announcement at the start of the year. Through these grants, the Office of Indian Energy will accelerate the deployment of clean energy technology on tribal lands.

Earlier this month, the Loan Program’s office announced the closing of a $72.8 million loan guarantee to finance the development of a solar-plus-long-duration-storage microgrid n the Tribal lands of the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians near Alpine, California. This project will provide reliable utility-scale energy generation and storage by supporting the installation of a 15 MW photovoltaic system and a 70 MWh battery long-duration battery system.

The six projects selected will install various clean energy infrastructure ranging from solar photovoltaics, battery storage energy systems and wind turbines. The installation of the equipment will assist the tribe’s long-term goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.

A new $25 million funding opportunity has been announced to support projects focused on planning, assessment, and development of clean energy for Tribal buildings or on Tribal lands. Applications are due by Jan. 23, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on Oct. 24.