On August 29, 2023, DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) announced a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under Section 50152 of the Inflation Reduction Act which allocates $760 million to make grants for siting authorities to facilitate the siting and permitting of “covered transmission projects” (high voltage interstate or offshore electricity transmission lines) or for other government entities to create economic development activities for communities that may be affected by the construction and operation of these covered transmission projects. Funding is issued on behalf of DOE’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) and aims to help support timely construction of new or upgraded electric transmission facilities while considering equity, environmental justice, energy justice, job quality, and Tribal cultural resources.
Concept Papers are due 10/31/2023 at 5:00 PM ET with full applications due 4/5/2024 at 5:00 PM ET. DOE is considering a webinar in the future and will publish details as available. Questions regarding this FOA’s content can be directed to FOA3101@netl.doe.gov.