Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund is opening a new round of the Research, Development and Demonstration (RDD) Program.
Background
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 this funding will help further innovation in Washington’s clean energy sector.
Grant and funding
Approximately $10 million in Climate Commitment Act funding is available for 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. The Clean Energy Fund RD&D program is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Eligibility
Applicants should be a Washington-based for-profit, nonprofit, local government, research institution, federally recognized tribe, higher education institution, national lab or state agency. Organizations based outside Washington may still be eligible if they benefit the state and have a significant presence in Washington through investments or research. Please see the comprehensive Request for Applications for more information.
Projects should be at a Technology Readiness Level of 4-7 upon award, and they need to fall within one or more 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
Timeline
- Applicant’s Conference: July 13, 2026, 2 p.m.
- Applications due: September 3, 2026, 4 p.m.
- Anticipated successful/unsuccessful applicant notifications: October 23, 2026
Applicant conference
We’ll host a virtual Pre-Application Conference on July 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. to assist with the application process.
Register in advance for the July 13 meeting
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
All questions and responses will be published in the Q&A folder in the RFA Box folder.