Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project Opens Applications To Support Coastal, Remote, and Island Communities | News
Program Provides Energy Planning and Technical Support for Local Governments, Community
Organizations, Utilities, and Other Groups Across the Country
Many coastal, remote, and island communities need more affordable, reliable, and secure
energy systems but lack the resources to change the status quo. Aging infrastructure
and harsh weather conditions can leave these relatively isolated places vulnerable
to energy disruptions and the attendant restoration costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) connects these communities with energy experts who can deliver strategic energy analysis
and planning support to improve the affordability, reliability, and security of their
local energy systems. ETIPP is accepting applications now through July 27, 2025, for
new communities to join the program.
ETIPP communities receive up to two years of technical support from researchers at
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories, along
with input from regional partner organizations that have relevant expertise and connections
in their specific geographic areas.
This program offers two tracks for technical assistance: strategic energy planning
or technical deep dives. Communities in the early stages of planning energy system
improvements will spend four to eight months in ETIPP developing a strategic energy
plan that clearly defines their energy goals and objectives. Those joining ETIPP with
an existing energy plan or well-defined energy project will embark on a 12- to 24-month
process to explore the technical dimensions of specific energy solutions.
Now entering its fifth year, ETIPP has already partnered with 57 communities—including
local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and utilities—to develop
strategic plans and validate prospective technology investments for local energy projects.
Providing local leaders with information to address local energy challenges is the
key driver of ETIPP’s services. Communities collaborate with national laboratory researchers
from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, NREL, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
and Sandia National Laboratories to advance their local goals and make decisions informed
by world-class modeling and analysis.
Additionally, selected communities may have the opportunity to receive funds (up to
$20,000 for communities selected for strategic energy planning and up to $50,000 for
those engaging with deep-dive technical assistance) for services rendered to help
implement the technical assistance.
ETIPP is currently accepting applications through July 27, 2025. Prospective applicants
must first contact an ETIPP regional partner or program manager to discuss their eligibility.
ETIPP’s regional partners include Groundswell for the Southeastern Seaboard region;
Hawaii State Energy Office for the Pacific region; Hispanic Federation for communities
in Caribbean territories; Island Institute for Northeast communities; Renewable Energy
Alaska Project for Alaska; Slipstream for communities in the Great Lakes region; Spark
Northwest for communities in the Pacific Northwest; and Southeast Sustainability Directors
Network and STEM NOLA for communities along the Gulf Coast.
Visit the ETIPP page to learn more about the program, eligibility, and application process and to apply.
ETIPP is managed by NREL and funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
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