Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects through a general round which is open to all eligible project types and applicants. Approximately $34 million will be available in the general round to support the following project areas: Electric grid modernization and innovation Innovative large-scale and dual-use solar Solar energy retrofits for public buildings Clean energy project siting and permitting Building, industry,…
Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects that will improve health, resiliency, and economic outcomes for communities that face inequitable risk from energy burden, pollution, and other environmental factors. For this round of grant funding, applicants will be required to demonstrate that projects benefit overburdened communities and vulnerable populations by improving environmental health conditions, reducing energy inequities, or strengthening community resiliency.…
Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects that promote tribal sovereignty, advance resiliency, and contribute to Washington’s decarbonization goals. These funds are exclusively available for federally recognized tribes and tribes’ contracted service providers. Approximately $16 million dollars will be available to support the following project areas: Tribal clean energy development Clean and resilient energy projects Electric grid modernization and innovation Innovative…
Thank you to all who joined the WA Department of Commerce’s Energy Division on December 20, 2023 for our pre-session priority briefing! We had a jam-packed meeting with a total of over 400 stakeholders from various geographies and sectors across the state. Panelists from the Energy Division’s policy team presented on a wide range of our priorities heading into the 2024 legislative session including: clean transportation, community clean energy development…
In response to valuable feedback from the Request for Information (RFI) issued in fall 2023, as well as previous stakeholder input, Commerce is implementing a new approach that is designed to reduce barriers for applicants, maximize the construction timeline for clean energy projects and enhance equitable outcomes. In the first half of 2024, Commerce will offer clean energy funding opportunities tailored to specific applicants and project types. Tribal Clean Energy…
Hydrogen can play an important role in Washington’s economy as it transforms to eliminate use of fossil fuels for energy, but the state must prioritize it for the most strategic uses, ensure adequate supplies of clean electricity for hydrogen production, and focus on environmental justice considerations, according to a report released this week by the Washington Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce has published a new legislative report titled…
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $7 billion grant program to establish regional Hydrogen Hubs across the country. In response, Governor Inslee directed Commerce to coordinate the formation of public-private partnership to build on existing momentum in the Pacific Northwest for green hydrogen development and pitch a regional hub. This led to the establishment of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2), which is chaired by Commerce’s Assistant…
Grants will support 52 planning and 39 installation solar projects that will provide back-up power for community buildings to serve emergency and other critical needs statewide. OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $35.4 million in grants to local, state, and tribal governments and non-profits to plan and install solar and battery back-up power at community buildings. The projects will provide clean back-up power for critical…
In the past two years, there has been substantial movement at the federal level to accelerate and promote hydrogen and renewable fuels development. Both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 established multi-billion dollar investments into renewable fuel initiatives in the form of grants, tax incentives, and other support. The Washington Department of Commerce has taken every available opportunity to participate…
In March 2023, Commerce announced $970,000 in Clean Energy Fund grants to five projects that will support electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the state. Eligible applicants for this first round of current funding through the Electrification of Transportation Systems program were local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, small utilities and state agencies. Commerce initially received 23 applications in a two-phase review process that resulted in the selection of these projects…