DOE funds earmarked for energy infrastructure projects
Department of Energy (DOE) announced Tuesday that it has earmarked $16 million for 14 tribal energy infrastructure projects through its Office of Indian Energy.
“The tribal energy infrastructure projects announced today are another example of cross-cutting energy efforts being deployed by DOE, in partnership with tribal communities, to provide affordable and reliable energy across the country,” Mark W. Menezes, Under Secretary of Energy, said. “These projects will unleash sovereign Native American and Alaska Native energy development; however, each tribe believes is best for their community.”
The DOE said the effort would aid Native American and Alaska Native communities in harnessing energy resources to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resilience.
“The selected projects are consistent with the principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination, with a fuel- and technology-neutral energy strategy that recognizes the breadth of energy resources on tribal lands, and each tribe’s right to use them as they see fit,” Kevin R. Frost, Office of Indian Energy director, said. “Combined, these projects add up to over 13 megawatts of installed generation that will impact over 900 tribal buildings, with combined annual savings of approximately $7.5 million—significant investments that will yield tangible results to improve the quality of life for these communities.”
The projects will install energy systems for tribal buildings and provide autonomous operation for increased community resilience.
