Department of Energy puts up $425M grant to push clean energy products in former coal communities

Pulling on funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $425 million would go toward a grant program to expand the U.S. industrial base and improve supply chains for clean energy manufacturing.

As managed by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program will back small and medium-sized manufacturers in current and former coal communities. These manufacturing endeavors will focus on producing and recycling clean energy products, coupled with decarbonization investments.

“All across America, we’re seeing a manufacturing boom that is revitalizing communities while preserving and expanding the local workforce,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “DOE is utilizing the historic investments in President Biden’s Investing in America agenda 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.”

This announcement followed a first-round, $275 million set of investments in 2023 into seven selected projects. This second round prioritizes two areas: clean energy manufacturing and recycling, and industrial decarbonization. As such, applicants are asked to emphasize the establishment, re-equipping, or expansion of existing manufacturing or recycling facilities for the production or recycling of advanced energy. Industrial decarbonization aspects will focus on building or upgrading manufacturing facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create low carbon materials.

The government released a mapping tool showcasing eligible communities for the program.

Regardless of the area of interest, projects will need to settle on communities where coal mines have closed since Dec. 31, 1999, or where coal-fired plants have closed since Dec. 31, 2009. All applicants will need to submit a plan showing the project’s quantifiable impact and benefits to the workers and local community. Concept papers will be due April 8, 2024, while full applications will be due June 24, 2024.