The Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program is part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Under PACE, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will forgive up to 60 percent of loans for renewable energy projects that use wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, or biomass, as well as for renewable energy storage projects. At least 50 percent of the population served by your proposed renewable energy project must live in communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) seeks research projects to address priorities in the following areas: the cost-effective deployment of EV charging for those without easy home charging; innovative solutions to improve mobility options for underserved communities; community engagement to accelerate clean transportation options in underserved communities; batteries and electrification; materials technologies; mobility system supporting public transportation; advanced vehicle charging solutions, dimethyl ether engine for off-road applications, hydrogen combustion engines, to improve fuel economy and reduce GHG emissions with the goals of carbon pollution free electricity by 2035 and net-zero of GHG emissions by 2050.

This Ride and Drive Electric FOA seeks applications to address discrete barriers to
a future where everyone can ride and drive electric. Specifically, this FOA will
directly advance the goal of building a national network of EV chargers for all
Americans by supporting EV charging reliability, resiliency, equity, and workforce
development. Topics include:

1. Enhancing EV Charging Resiliency
2. Community-Driven Models for Electric Vehicle Charging Deployment
3. Workforce Development
4. Increasing Commercial Capacity for Testing and Certification of High-Power Electric
   Vehicle Chargers
5. Validating Public EV Charging Infrastructure Real-World Performance and Reliability

Proposals contemplated under this FOA will be submitted by nonprofit 501(c)(3) applicants interested in serving as “Prime recipients” to assemble, post-award, a portfolio of nonprofit buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) organizations in need of energy efficiency upgrades. Prioritization will be given to applicants proposing to assemble portfolios that will achieve significant energy and cost savings; will reduce emissions; have an effective plan for evaluation, measurement, and verification of energy savings; demonstrate a plan for prioritizing the financial need of subrecipients; and align with the Justice40initiative goals. Applicants are encouraged to articulate a plan for recruiting building energy efficiency projects that meet or exceed the above priorities on a portfolio basis.

This $4.75 million funding opportunity that will create one or more university-led Centers of Excellence to increase offshore wind expertise at U.S. universities; develop partnerships to address key offshore wind development challenges; and educate the next generation of offshore wind experts in the United States. The Centers of Excellence will catalyze innovative research, educational programming, and stakeholder engagement to address regional and technological challenges within the U.S. offshore wind sector. The Centers will establish strong cross-sector partnerships to identify and conduct critical, multi-disciplinary research that can address key offshore wind energy technology and deployment challenges.

This topic area will provide up to $10 million to support a community-led tidal and/or current energy planning and development project in the United States. Alongside a project developer, community members will inform the technology design and development process and drive community engagement and education, ensuring appropriate awareness and consideration of the needs and priorities of those directly and indirectly affected. The goal is to create a collaborative partnership between the developer and community to ensure local energy goals align with proposed technologies and to prioritize the reliable installation, operation, and maintenance of technologies in challenging geographies with limited resources.

This topic area will provide up to $35 million to support the development of a pilot tidal and/or current technology demonstration site in state waters. Projects will develop plans for a tidal and/or current demonstration site; engage with Tribal, local, state, labor, and regulatory parties; build local commercial and supply chain relationships; develop needed infrastructure at the site; and install 1 to 5 megawatts of tidal and/or current turbine capacity at the site.

The TSAF supports tribes in asserting control over their energy resources and
focuses on making project implementation feasible by leveraging state and
federal programs, philanthropic dollars, and partnerships with other tribes
across Indian County while working in alignment to identify, develop, finance
and implement solar power projects that meet community needs, including
education, hands-on training, and energy cost reductions for tribal members.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Tribal Energy Plan Grant program will provide funding up to $50,000 for up to one year for tribal energy plan projects. The development of Tribal Energy Plans are intended to help tribal communities quickly and efficiently triage the known practical and impactful strategies to reduce greenhouse gas, reduce energy costs, and operate more sustainably. The grants can be used to compensate the planning team for their time, contract the services of consultants or other third-party experts, and cover the costs of public meetings and other methods soliciting public input.

Raise Green, the climate investment marketplace for clean energy and local impact projects, will now become part of Honeycomb Credit, the investment platform empowering local businesses, uniting two mission-driven platforms and creating a one-stop shop for impact investors seeking diverse opportunities that support both local economic growth and climate initiatives across the country. Together, Honeycomb and Raise Green aim to democratize impact investing by offering expanded opportunities to make meaningful investments. Whether interested in supporting a small local business or a clean energy initiative, investors can find an accessible and streamlined experience that aligns with their values.

Designer Fund invests in early stage tech companies that use design to improve health, sustainability, and prosperity for all people. Partner with us for an average investment of $500K, monthly design help, and a community of design leaders who you can call upon.