The US Department of Energy (DOE) is boosting the Weatherization Assistance Program with $25m funding to increase home energy efficiency and clean energy jobs.
As part of the $3.5bn Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), the DOE has allocated $25m for the Enhancement & Innovation (E&I) competitive grant program. The initiative is now open for project applications that expedite the energy transition.
The projects must support low-income US households in the midst of the energy transition, helping to improve energy efficiency, making green energy more accessible, and creating lucrative jobs in the clean energy sector.
Jennifer Granholm, the US Secretary of Energy, said: “Today’s funding will expand the reach of the Weatherization Assistance Program to invest in more low-income households and create clean energy jobs.
“The Enhancement and Innovation grants help support ambitious projects customised for local community needs: creating net-zero energy neighbourhoods through community solar panels, addressing structural repairs necessary to complete weatherisation, even establishing a workforce training program for the next generation of clean energy professionals—the sky’s the limit.”
Weatherization Assistance Program develops thousands of energy-efficient homes
The Weatherization Assistance Program was established in 1976 and, to date, has helped over seven million US households reduce energy costs.
The scheme services 35,000 homes annually, installing upgrades and cutting-edge technologies to improve home energy efficiency, prepare homes for electrification, and bring benefits to communities disproportionately impacted by high energy burden.
On average, homes save $372 as a result of the upgrades. The installation of which also provides a range of highly skilled, local clean energy jobs.
What projects are eligible under the new funding?
Under the E&I grant, the DOE aims to award multiple projects with funding up to $2m, with current WAP grantees, subgrantees and other non-profit organisations being eligible.
The grant will build on the Justice40 Initiative, financing a wide range of activities, helping to retrofit homes, install renewable energy technologies, enhance health and safety, developing a skilled workforce, and encourage energy efficiency best practices.
The funding will also support projects that support low-income households and hire, train, and retain employees in the sector with well-paid jobs.
On 20 July, the DOE will hold an informational webinar for potential applications, with concept papers for projects due on 31 August.
Full applications for the funding are due on 5 January 2024, with the DOE scheduled to announce the winners in June of next year.
