$425 Million Boost for Clean Energy in Former Coal Communities by Biden Administration

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has earmarked $425 million to bolster clean energy manufacturing and industrial decarbonization projects, particularly benefiting former coal communities. This initiative, deriving funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed in 2021 under President Biden’s administration, represents a significant push towards supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to greener energy solutions.

This funding allocation marks the second installment of the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program, which was set up by the BIL to aid manufacturing projects in energy communities affected by the downturn of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. The program zeroes in on two pivotal themes: Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling, and Industrial Decarbonization. The former aims at projects that establish or expand manufacturing or recycling facilities for advanced energy production or recycling. Meanwhile, the latter focuses on constructing or upgrading manufacturing facilities to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce low-carbon materials.

Eligible projects for this program include those located in communities affected by coal mine closures since 1999 or coal-fired power plant closures since 2000. Moreover, the program targets manufacturers with annual sales under $100 million and fewer than 500 employees at the plant site, emphasizing support for SMEs at the heart of these former coal communities.

U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, highlighted the initiative’s role in leveraging President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. She underscored the significance of expanding economic opportunities to former coal communities, enabling them to be at the forefront of the clean energy transition. This move not only aims at reducing the environmental footprint of these communities but also at ensuring they play a crucial role in the nation’s energy future.