DOE Announces Investment to Streamline Renewable Energy Project Approvals

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $22 million investment to improve the processes surrounding the planning, siting and permitting of large-scale renewable energy projects.

The funding, part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will support state-based efforts to streamline procedures for wind, solar and energy storage infrastructure, Energy .gov reported.

Six state-based projects will receive $10 million via the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning program. A second funding round with up to $12 million is planned, sourced from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of the initiative in reaching clean energy goals, stating that the administration is committed to simplifying the process for local leaders to deploy clean energy projects more effectively.

To meet clean energy targets, solar and wind power will need to comprise up to 80 percent of U.S. electricity generation by 2035. The DOE investment is expected to remove local-level hurdles to achieving the said goal and ensuring the equitable distribution of renewable energy benefits.

R-STEP collaboratives will also work with local governments and communities to provide expertise, training and tailored technical assistance.