The U.S. Department of Energy last week started taking funding applications under its Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership, which offers support to remote, rural and electrically isolated communities to develop microgrids.
The C-MAP pilot program focuses on Alaska, Hawaii and tribes in the Southwest and the Great Plains, DOE said on Oct. 2.
“Through the [C-MAP], DOE plans to work closely with rural and tribal communities to develop microgrid technologies that will lead to more reliable, affordable energy in isolated regions,” Geri Richmond, DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, said.
Funding is available for four types of projects:
- Regional microgrid community operations assistance (maximum award of $650,000);
- Regional microgrid community development assistance (maximum award of $550,000);
- Microgrid development (maximum award of $300,000); and
- Microgrid transformation (maximum award of $400,000).
DOE plans to make three to five awards for each topic.
C-MAP projects will become models to scale and replicate microgrid solutions in energy-burdened areas across the country, DOE said in a fact sheet.
DOE said the program is geared for governments overseeing energy systems, local power companies, independent energy suppliers and community support organizations that provide energy services to remote underserved, and/or indigenous communities.
Applications for funding are due by Dec. 20, and DOE expects it will announce its selections in the spring.
