Inflation Reduction Act - Transmission Siting and Economic Development Program

Background
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is issuing, on behalf of the Grid Deployment Office (GDO), this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Awards made under this FOA will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by Section 50152 of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) – Grants to Facilitate the Siting of Interstate Electricity Transmission Lines. The IRA makes the single largest investment in energy and climate in American history, putting the United States on a pathway to achieving the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy and climate goals, including a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, while securing America’s position as a world leader in domestic clean energy manufacturing, creating quality jobs, investing in communities, and advancing environmental justice.

Grant Details
The program aims to ensure the timely siting and construction of new or upgraded interstate or offshore electric transmission facilities while providing economic benefits to impacted communities. It supports efforts to standardize and streamline siting and permitting processes, coordinate across jurisdictions, and carry out robust public engagement. Economic development grants can be awarded to siting authorities or other state, local, or Tribal governmental entities for activities that will promote economic development in communities that may be affected by the construction and operation of a covered transmission project. The FOA invites applications for two areas of interest: siting and permitting activities and economic development initiatives.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include state, local, Tribal governmental entities, and other organizations involved in siting and permitting activities or economic development initiatives. Applicants must submit a Concept Paper by 5:00pm ET on the due date listed above to be eligible to submit a Full Application. Registration with Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange (INFRASTRUCTURE eXCHANGE) is required.

Period of Performance
For Area of Interest 1 – Siting and Permitting: DOE anticipates making awards that will run for 24 months in length.

For Area of Interest 2 – Economic Development: DOE anticipates making awards that will run for 24-48 months from the time that the awardee receives disbursed funds.

Grant Value
$300,000,000 of federal funding is available for awards through this FOA. The approximate total federal funding available for all awards under each Area of Interest is subject to change.