The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) works alongside coastal, remote, and island communities that are seeking to improve the resilience, affordability, and reliability of their energy systems. ETIPP helps these communities overcome the unique geographical and logistical challenges that limit their access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy resources.
This multi-year, cross-sector technical assistance program applies a tailored approach to each participating community. Leveraging the experience and expertise of its partner network—a broad coalition of local stakeholders, regional organizations, national laboratories, and DOE offices—ETIPP helps communities proactively identify and implement solutions that suit their particular needs.
ETIPP offers two tracks: strategic energy planning and in-depth technical assistance for specific energy projects. Selected communities receive support for a project scoping phase (one to six months), followed by energy planning and analysis projects (12 to 18 months) that:
- Address the community's energy priorities, goals, challenges, and opportunities.
- Advance the community's ability to implement strategic, whole-systems solutions.
- Develop replicable approaches that can add value in neighboring communities, or those with similar characteristics.
In addition to direct funding, communities participating in ETIPP can expect substantial in-kind support from partnering national labs in the form of energy analysis, planning, and, where appropriate, support for leading-edge technology solutions. ETIPP regional partners also provide general program guidance and education.
ETIPP uses the Energy Technology Innovation Initiative's (ETI's) proven framework to find solutions to community energy challenges and share best practices and innovations. The program has supported 57 communities since its inception in 2020.
Community members gathered at the ETIPP annual meeting in the fall of 2024.
Learn More About ETIPP
ETIPP is managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). For more information about the program, application process, participating communities, and additional resources, visit NREL’s ETIPP website, or contact ETIPP@nrel.gov with questions.