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Office of Indian Energy News
August 31, 2026
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Welcome to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE) monthly newsletter! In each issue, we share the latest Tribal energy news, funding, events, and opportunities. |
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 Tribal Energy NOFO Draws Applications for 10 Times Available Funding
Released in March 2026, the Unleashing Tribal Energy Development Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicited applications from Indian Tribes for up to $50 million to maximize the deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives. IE received a robust and highly competitive response, with applications requesting approximately 10 times the amount of funding available! This incredible response is a clear signal of the need for affordable, reliable, and secure energy in Indian Country. IE anticipates announcing selections in November 2026. Read more here.
IE Releases Strategic Plan
IE recently released its Strategic Plan, which identifies actions the Office is taking to unleash American energy through approaches grounded in Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The strategy focuses on promoting Tribe-led energy development and affordable, reliable, and secure energy in Indian Country.
IE’s four cross-cutting goals organize the Office’s strategic program investments:
- Improve electricity access, costs, and service for Tribal communities.
- Grow the Tribal workforce to lead energy initiatives.
- Unlock the energy wealth of Tribal Nations.
- Cut red tape for Tribes developing energy projects.
This framework establishes a clear line of sight from goals to outcomes and ensures IE’s work results in tangible improvements for Indian Tribes.
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 IE Launches Host Institution Application for Energy Innovator Fellowship
IE has opened the Host Institution application process for the Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF), a program that offers recent graduates and early-career professionals a valuable educational opportunity to collaborate with critical energy organizations on host-driven projects. Funded in part by IE, a goal of the program is to grow Tribal energy capacity and career opportunities across the country.
Host Institution applications are due October 2, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. Register for an application informational webinar, to be held September 2, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET.
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DOE Opens Sixth Annual Technical Assistance Application for Coastal, Remote, and Island Communities to Join the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project
On August 13, DOE announced that applications are open for the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP), which helps coastal, remote, and island communities develop more affordable, reliable, and secure energy systems through strategic energy planning support and deep-dive technical assistance. Through ETIPP, National Laboratory researchers and regional partner organizations collaborate with communities across eight regions in the United States and its territories for up to 24 months to develop strategies for more resilient, affordable energy systems. In its first five cohorts, ETIPP has supported 95 community projects and partnered with local stakeholders, including local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and utilities, to strengthen energy systems in 21 states and territories. The 2026 ETIPP application period runs until November 18, 2026.
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A Framework to Advance Mining Innovation and Safety With AI
DOE and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently partnered to advance mining innovation and safety through a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, advanced sensors, and other emerging technologies. The five-year agreement strengthens Federal coordination to advance mining innovation while improving worker safety, increasing productivity, and supporting the secure domestic production of critical minerals.
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Open Funding, Technical Assistance, and Other Opportunities |
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Accepting Applications, Ongoing |
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Opportunity to Provide Public Comment |
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Notice of Funding Opportunity |
September 8, 2026,
at 5 p.m. ET |
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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September 2, 2026 | 3–4 p.m. ET
Tribal Entities and Tribal governments, including natural resources departments, Tribal Colleges and Tribal utilities, and intertribal organizations, should join this webinar to learn more about how to apply to host an Energy Innovator Fellow for a one- to two-year fellowship funded by DOE.
September 10, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time
Explore how Tribal communities are integrating energy efficiency measures into new and existing buildings to achieve cost and energy savings. Hear directly from two Tribes that have successfully implemented these kinds of measures across multiple facilities, gaining insights from their experiences and lessons learned. This webinar will cover various types of energy efficiency measures, aiding in the evaluation of their potential suitability for your Tribe's facilities.
October 15, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time
This webinar will focus on ways Tribes have overcome critical issues by integrating flexibility, planning, and education into their DOE projects. From complex supply chain and contractor landscapes to intuitive project management structure, these Tribes have expanded their capacity to ensure successful project results.
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Recent Webinar Materials
View recordings and presentation materials from past webinars.
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Trending on Social Media
Interact with the Office of Indian Energy on social media. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum and DOE Tribal Affairs Specialist Tommy Jones met with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, DOE Energy Innovator Fellow Mia Wei, and Navajo Nation staff to discuss shared priorities, including energy expansion, economic growth, grid resilience, and workforce development.
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