Energy

Federal Funding Programs

Department of Energy

Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E), Department of Energy. This agency was established under the America COMPETES Act of 2007 to fund research projects to develop ‘transformative’ energy technologies that reduce foreign energy imports, reduce energy-related emissions, improve energy efficiency across the U.S. economy, and ensure that the U.S. maintains technological leadership in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies. ARPA-E supported research projects include technologies in energy storage, carbon capture, advanced biofuels, solar power, wind power, and others. Additional information about the agency and supported projects is available in a brief by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E): Innovation through the U.S. Department of Energy. (April 2012)

Biomass Research and Development Initiative, Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture. This joint DOE-USDA initiative will support the development of sustainable and economically viable sources of renewable biomass for renewable fuel and energy development. The three-year program will provide up to $35 million to fund projects to develop feedstocks, produce biofuels and other biomass-derived products, and develop analytical tools to determine the effects of expanded biofuel production on the environment.

Clean Cities Program, Department of Energy. This government-industry partnership, sponsored by DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program, supports local efforts to adopt practices that reduce the use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Under the program, nearly 90 local geographically-based coalitions composed of local fleets, fuel providers, and decision-makers focus on the goal of reducing petroleum consumption by 2.5 billion gallons by 2020 through implementation of five technologies: alternative fuels and vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, idle reduction technologies, fuel economy measures, and low-level fuel blends.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, Department of Energy. This program, authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act, is intended to help local communities with energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to reduce fossil fuel emissions; reduce total energy use of the eligible entities; improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and create and retain jobs.

State Energy Program, Department of Energy. This program provides financial and technical assistance grants to assist states with developing strategies and goals to address their energy efficiency and renewable energy priorities. The State Energy Program (SEP) website includes an overview, program guidance, goals and metrics, and links to federal regulations and guidance.

back to top