The Research, Development and Demonstration (RDD) program funds projects that create and test new clean energy technologies. These projects help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while supporting Washington’s clean-energy economy and creating local jobs.
Request for applications
The 2025-2027 Request for Applications opened on June 30, 2026, and applications are due September 3, 2026. See the Request for Applications BOX folder for all relevant materials including the Request for Application document, Question and Answer (Q&A) documents, and application.
In November 2025, Commerce released a Request for Information (RFI), to assess needs and demand of the program. Respondents to the RFI made it clear that this funding is key to advancing innovation in Washington’s clean energy industry.
Approximately $10 million in Climate Commitment Act funding, primarily from the 2025-2027 Biennium is available for organizations to engage in strategic research and development of new and emerging clean energy technologies that will help achieve climate goals. These grants will fund clean energy projects that align with the 2021 State Energy Strategy.
Eligibility
Applicants must be either a Washington based for-profit, nonprofit, local government, research institution, federally recognized Tribe, higher education institution, national lab or state agency. Organizations that aren’t based in Washington may still be eligible if they can provide a public benefit to the state of Washington and prove they have a significant in-state presence through investment or primary research taking place in Washington.
Projects must be at a Technology Readiness Level of 4-7 upon award, and fall within one or more of the eligible technology categories:
- Advanced bioenergy, biofuels, and biorefining
- Advanced energy storage, battery recycling, battery technologies
- Greenhouse gas removal technologies and carbon capture
- Flexible load integration or grid modernization technologies
Although other technologies are in alignment with the State Energy Strategy, this solicitation has limited eligible technology types due to funding limitations.
Key dates
Please see the comprehensive Request for Applications (RFA) for more information.
- Full application due date: September 3, 2026, 4 p.m.
- Anticipated successful and unsuccessful applicant notifications: October 23, 2026
Applicant conference
We’ll host a virtual Pre-Application Conference to assist organizations with the application process on July 13, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The RD&D Program is funded through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF). Washington’s CEF program supports research, development and deployment of clean energy technologies, smart grid innovation, energy efficiency and more.
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Questions and answers
All questions and responses will be published in the Q&A folder in the RFA Box folder. Contact Brianna Gomez-Catalan, EPICGrants@commerce.wa.gov with any questions. When submitting questions, please include “RD&D Request for Information” in the subject line.
For more information about this opportunity, please review the complete Request for Applications.