DOE accelerating deployment of renewable energy on tribal lands
March 18, 2015 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has chosen 11 tribal communities to receive nearly $6 million to speed the implementation of renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies on tribal lands. The Obama Administration made the commitment to partner with Tribal Nations, and these projects build upon that -- providing Native American tribes and Alaska Native villages clean energy options that will reduce fossil fuel use and save money. Tribal renewable energy resources comprise approximately five percent of all U.S. renewable energy resources, so the facility- and community-scale projects support national energy goals to strengthen tribal energy self-sufficiency, create jobs and further economic development. The projects represent a total investment of $13.5 million, with the funding leveraged by nearly $7.5 million in cost share by the selected tribes. "The Energy Department is committed to helping Native American tribes develop clean, affordable and reliable energy options," said Kathleen Hogan, deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency. "By harnessing America's clean energy on tribal lands, tribes across the country can cut energy bills, spur economic development and advance energy solutions in their local communities." Since 2002, DOE's Tribal Energy Program has invested $41.8 million in 183 tribal clean energy projects, and, in collaboration with DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, continues to provide financial and technical assistance to tribes for the evaluation and development of their renewable energy resources, implementation of energy-efficiency technologies to reduce energy use, and provides education and training to help build the knowledge and skills essential for sustainable energy projects. For more: © 2015 FierceMarkets, a division of Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. |