Grants to advance a clean and just energy future- Coming Soon!
In the first half of 2024, Commerce will offer clean energy funding opportunities to enhance grid resilience, promote the equitable adoption of clean energy technologies, and drive market innovation. Funding will be allocated in alignment with our state's clean energy, climate, and environmental justice goals.
Funding areas include:
- Tribal-led clean energy development
- Clean and resilient energy projects benefitting historically marginalized communities (like low-income and communities of color)
- Electric grid modernization and innovation
- Innovative large-scale and dual-use solar
- Solar paired with battery storage for community facilities and low-income community solar
- Clean energy project siting and permitting
- Building, industry, aviation and maritime decarbonization
- State match to unlock federal funding
In response to valuable feedback from the Request for Information (RFI) issued in fall 2023 and previous stakeholder input, Commerce is implementing a new approach designed to reduce barriers for applicants, maximize the construction timeline for clean energy projects, and enhance equitable outcomes.
In addition, Commerce is partnering with the Department of Health to pilot an environmental justice advisory committee. Commerce intends to involve and compensate community participation in the grant evaluation process. To learn more, sign up to receive updates on our webpage.
Through a combination of fund sources, Commerce expects to make a minimum of $167 million available for grants. Three application opportunities will be tailored to specific applicants and project types.
 Tribal clean energy development
Approximately $16 million will be available exclusively for tribes to support the planning, designing, and constructing of clean energy projects that promote sovereignty, advance resiliency, and contribute to Washington’s decarbonization goals. This opportunity is expected to launch in early Feb. 2024.
Commerce will prioritize outreach to tribes to encourage first-time applicants who haven't been able to access clean energy funding programs. To address the varying levels of capacity and readiness, Commerce intends to accept applications on an ongoing basis. We welcome collaboration from tribes on developing the application process and a notification has been sent to the tribal leaders requesting feedback. Upcoming engagement opportunities include:
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Zoom Gathering, Jan.18th from 3:00-4:00pm
- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Winter Convention in Portland, Oregon on Jan. 28 - Feb. 1
Additional engagement opportunities may be requested by contacting our Office of Tribal Relations.
Projects advancing environmental justice and equity
Approximately $67 million will be available to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects that will advance environmental justice and energy equity to benefit historically marginalized communities (like low-income and communities of color) This funding opportunity is expected to open in early February 2024. Upcoming engagement opportunities include:
General solicitation for clean energy projects
Approximately $84 million will be available to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects through a general round, open to eligible project types and applicants for all funding areas. This funding opportunity is expected to open in late spring 2024.
Commerce intends to offer additional informational sessions in early 2024. To receive notification of these opportunities, please subscribe to our list at the bottom of the energy homepage.
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