Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), and ENERGYWERX
Purpose
To support the creation of new, or the expansion of existing, state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy siting processes at the state and local levels.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
Eligible activities could include: 1) engaging communities, local and Tribal governments, and other stakeholders to identify priorities and resource needs for renewable energy planning, siting, and permitting; 2) establishing a state-specific technical assistance and information hub to address questions and requests from local governments and/or Tribes regarding large-scale renewable energy siting and proactive planning for future deployment; 3) conducting trainings and workshops with local governments and/or Tribes to improve technical understanding of renewable energy planning and siting; 4) hiring or subcontracting to expand technical capacity on siting processes, renewable energy technologies, community engagement planning and execution, and community plan development.
Decarbonization Considerations
Large-scale renewable energy facilities are essential to decarbonize the grid and have a high potential to help reduce the emissions in communities where these facilities are located. This program is focused on helping State and local governments embrace critical roles in facilitating and approving large-scale renewable energy facilities even when they may not always have the resources, time, or expertise to plan proactively for future deployment of large-scale renewable energy facilities or to address siting barriers. For Round 2, where there is appreciable need within a state, proposals may include activities related to clean energy technologies such as geothermal power, agrivoltaics, offshore wind, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, in addition to land-based wind, large-scale solar, and energy storage.
Equity Considerations
Collaboratives should consist of cross-disciplinary teams with an understanding of local community needs and a variety of expertise relevant to planning for and siting large-scale renewable energy facilities. Collaboratives could include but are not limited to state energy offices, Governors’ offices, Extension offices, universities, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and other organizations. Collaboratives should include organizations familiar with the needs of local communities within the state, organizations with experience providing educational or technical assistance services to local communities, and organizations with expertise in renewable energy siting topics (e.g., environmental impacts, tax policies, zoning ordinance development).
Helpful Tips
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to consider how software tools that utilize machine learning or similar technologies could support renewable energy planning, siting, and permitting activities. DOE highly encourages state energy offices (or equivalent agencies) and university extension offices to lead or participate in applications but recognizes that the organizations best suited to perform these activities will vary from state to state. Applicants are encouraged to team with other organizations including, but not limited to, Tribal governments, universities, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations.
Other Notes
Renewable energy siting refers to a complex series of decision-making processes and actions that determine the location and design of new wind, solar, storage, or other renewable energy facilities. See previous selections here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/renewable-energy-siting-through-technical-engagement-and-planning#selections