The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $22 million set aside to improve the planning, siting and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy facilities.

Six state-based projects are receiving $10 million through the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program, aimed at developing and expanding statewide initiatives that provide expertise, trainings and technical resources to local governments and communities as they plan for and evaluate large-scale renewable energy and storage projects.

“Solar and wind energy and battery storage are on the rise throughout America. This year, we expect these to make up a record-breaking 94% of our nation’s new electric-generating capabilities,” says U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

“Often, the biggest barrier to deploying that clean generation is siting and permitting. The Biden-Harris Administration is helping provide local leaders with the resources needed to deploy more clean energy to their residents in a way that is tailored to their unique needs.”

The selected collaboratives are: Indiana, led by Purdue University Extension; Iowa, led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Michigan, led by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Mississippi, led by Mississippi Development Authority Energy & Natural Resources Division; North Carolina and South Carolina, led by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center; and Wisconsin, led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Round One of the R-STEP program is administered by ENERGYWERX. This funding mechanism is made possible through the innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions.

The post DOE Earmarks $22M for Renewable Facility Planning, Siting Improvements appeared first on Solar Industry.

DOE Earmarks $22M for Renewable Facility Planning, Siting Improvements