The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs is set to release two Notices of Intent (NOIs) later this summer, offering a combined $30 million in funding aimed at advancing Tribal energy sovereignty and supporting clean energy transitions on Tribal lands and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
The first NOI will allocate approximately $25 million for Tribal Clean Energy Planning and Development. This funding will support planning, assessment, and development of clean energy projects for Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations. Grants will range from $100,000 to $2.5 million, with a 10% cost share required from recipients, although adjustments to this requirement may be made based on community economic conditions.
The second NOI will provide around $5 million in planning grants specifically for TCUs to aid in transitioning their campuses to clean energy. Grants will range from $100,000 to $250,000, with no recipient cost share required. TCUs or consortia of TCUs can apply through a single representative institution.
Wahleah Johns, Director of the Office of Indian Energy, emphasized the importance of these funding opportunities: “These planned FOAs are designed to support Tribes and TCUs in laying the groundwork for clean energy projects that will benefit their communities. By funding these initial steps, we aim to help Tribes and TCUs find energy solutions that are tailored to their needs.”
The DOE Office of Indian Energy has previously invested over $120 million in more than 210 Tribal energy projects between 2010 and 2022, including a $75 million commitment to Tribal energy projects selected in 2023.
