The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) program was established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and expanded with a $10 billion investment under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The Advanced Energy Project Credit provides a tax credit for investments in advanced energy projects, as defined in 26 USC § 48C(c)(1). 

The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with DOE, have announced up to $4 billion in a first round of tax credits for projects that expand clean energy manufacturing and recycling and critical materials refining, processing and recycling, and for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions at industrial facilities. 

Approximately $1.6 billion of this allocation will be set aside for projects in designated energy communities. The program will provide an investment tax credit of up to 30% of qualified investments for certified projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.  

Applicant Portal - Applications Due Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Apply at https://48c-exchange.energy.gov/

Support 48C as a Reviewer

Are you interested in supporting the implementation of this impactful program? The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains has exciting opportunities to contribute to the § 48C Tax Credit Program Application merit review process.  The § 48C Tax Credit Program aims to play a critical role to create high-quality jobs, reduce industrial emissions, and increase domestic production of critical clean energy products and materials.

To implement this mission, we need support from a diverse group of people with expertise in commercialization, supply chains, GHG emissions impacts, and workforce and community engagement. Because the scope of the § 48C program spans multiple technologies and industries in areas such as clean energy manufacturing, critical minerals and GHG emissions reductions, we also need support from experts across different technical areas.

Are you considering applying to be a DOE reviewer? As a reviewer, you will: 

• Have the opportunity to apply your expertise to inform how DOE supports energy infrastructure and supply chain activities. 
• Receive a stipend (only applicable to reviewers external to the federal government) 
• Have clear time commitments and expectations, which are clearly described in the brochure below.

Learn more by registering to be a reviewer:

• 48C Reviewer Brochure 
• 48C eXCHANGE Reviewer Registration Login How-to-Guide

Guidance

• Additional Guidance Notice 2023-44.
• Initial Guidance Notice 2023-18.
• Read Appendix C, which lists the Section 48C(e) Energy Communities Census Tracts that taxpayers may rely on to substantiate a tax return position.

Blog

• New 48C Tax Credit Will Spur Historic Investments in Manufacturing and Critical Materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• 48C FAQs - December 4, 2023 - NEW questions added.
• 48C FAQs - September 25, 2023
• 48C FAQs - July 31, 2023 
• 48C FAQs - July 21, 2023 
• 48C FAQs - July 17, 2023 
• 48C FAQs - July 13, 2023.
• The Internal Revenue Service provides frequently asked questions related to the eligibility and application of the credit.

Program Resources

• 48C designated energy communities map -NOTE:  The mapping tool may not be relied upon by taxpayers to substantiate a tax return position or for determining whether certain penalties apply and will not be used by the IRS for examination purposes.  The mapping tool does not reflect the application of the law to a specific taxpayer’s situation, and the applicable Internal Revenue Code provisions ultimately control.
• Interagency Working Group’s landing page on 48C Tax Credit Program
• Refer to DOE’s draft critical materials for energy list and USGS critical mineral list for eligibility 

Informational Webinar

DOE hosted a webinar on November 28, 2023, at 12pm ET for an informational webinar on the application process. The webinar will cover the 48C(e) application process and provide guidance for developing a strong application. Watch the webinar below, or view the webinar slides here. 

DOE and Treasury previously hosted a virtual informational webinar for potential applicants on June 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET. Watch the webinar below, or view the webinar slides here.

Help with Online Applicant Portal  

Applicants may email InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for questions regarding the registration process or submitting your application on the eXCHANGE applicant portal.  

Any questions or comments regarding the non-tax aspects of this notice can be submitted to the Department of Energy at 48CQuestions@hq.doe.gov.