Commerce is now accepting applications for clean energy projects that modernize the electric grid, enhance community resilience, and promote solar energy deployment. Approximately $32 million is available to public and private entities.
Commerce will prioritize “construction-ready” projects that are prepared to begin work immediately and complete construction by June 2027. Commerce will also prioritize projects that deliver benefits to or conduct meaningful community engagement with vulnerable populations and overburdened communities, including tribes. Awards will range from $50,000 to $2,500,000.
Eligibility
- Consumer-owned retail electric utilities
- For-profit entity
- Investor-owned retail electric utilities
- Local government
- Nonprofit organization
- Research institution
- State agency
- Tribal government*
- Tribes’ contracted service provider*
*Note: Tribes are encouraged to submit applications to the Tribal Clean Energy Grants RFA, which dedicates grant funds specifically to tribe-led projects.
Project activities include:
- Deployment, installation, or construction of clean energy technologies
- Facility improvements to enable clean energy deployment
- Pre-development studies, siting and permitting, assessments, and analysis
- Community engagement, education, and outreach
- Emergency energy planning and resilience upgrades
- Workforce development
Project technology examples include:
- Solar
- Energy storage
- Grid resilience
- Wind
- Biomass
- Renewable hydrogen
- Geothermal
- Other technology that uses renewable resources to enhance Washington’s clean energy economy
Technical assistance
Applicants interested in solar and energy storage may apply for a no-cost feasibility study from Commerce. If the project is feasible and cost-effective, the grantee may be eligible for additional funding for construction without completing an additional application. Review the Request for Applications (RFA) for more details.