The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the launch of the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program. Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program will help small- to medium-sized manufacturers employ carbon-reduction retrofits, convert their facilities, or build new facilities to produce or recycle advanced energy technologies. The Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program is the start of an enhanced investment in regions where coal mines or power plants have closed.
Today’s announcement sets the stage for potential applicants to receive technical assistance before applying to the grant program. Resources from the new grant program will boost employment opportunities for underserved and overburdened communities and workers impacted by changes in the energy economy—including closed coal mines, power plants, and manufacturing facilities—crucial to the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to an equitable clean energy transition.
“With today's announcement, we are helping manufacturers prepare to take advantage of a groundbreaking new program that will expand our nation’s manufacturing base in former coal communities,” said Kathleen Hogan, Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Infrastructure. “As this program moves forward, DOE will continue to expand and deepen our partnerships with communities and manufacturers, working together to create a clean energy future.”
The Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program will provide technical assistance and grants to small- and medium-sized manufacturers in former coal communities, with priority given to minority-owned manufacturers. The program provides $750 million for grants to expand or establish manufacturing or recycling facilities for the production or recycling of advanced energy technologies (including clean electricity, industrial decarbonization, clean transportation, and clean fuels), or to re-equip existing manufacturing facilities with equipment designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As a first step, DOE is providing tailored technical assistance to eligible manufacturers interested in seeking a grant under the program. DOE experts are available to help manufacturers assess what types of assistance would be most impactful based on an individual company’s priorities and challenges. Assistance opportunities focus on assessing eligibility, enhancing the impact of projects that may be supported under this new grant program, and connecting manufacturers to existing programs and resources.
Interested entities can submit a short form for initial consideration and to determine eligibility. Significantly expanded technical assistance, grants, and other new resources focused on retooling existing manufacturing facilities and establishing new facilities to make clean energy products will become available in later stages.
Manufacturing is a key driver of the U.S. economy and a large factor in the prospect for economic growth. Leveraging billions of dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and existing agency efforts, DOE is committed to supporting high-paying jobs for low-income communities and dislocated energy workers by making transformative investments in new manufacturing infrastructure for advanced energy technologies, as well as helping existing manufacturers reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Visit DOE’s website to learn more.