The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $5.2 million from the Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grants initiative to support 41 small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across the country. The funding aims to enhance the facilities of these manufacturers, promoting energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction. This announcement comes as part of the DOE's efforts to revitalize American manufacturing, create jobs, and work towards a net-zero economy by 2050.
According to a press release, the projects funded by these grants will include the installation of onsite solar, geothermal heat pumps, biomass boilers, and improvements in lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The grants will also support the electrification of industrial equipment and vehicle fleets, among other initiatives. The initial allocation of $5.2 million in grants, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be supplemented by recipients' contributions of $11.7 million.
In addition to the current allocation, the DOE has reopened the program for fresh applications. Over the next year, small- and medium-sized manufacturers will have the opportunity to seek grants from an initial funding pool of $80 million. The program will then transition to an ongoing application process, providing continued support for SMMs.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the importance of these grants in supporting the manufacturing sector and addressing the climate crisis. She stated, "President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is ensuring our manufacturing sector continues to create good jobs and power our economy, particularly by providing small- and medium-sized firms the resources they need to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs and emissions."
The IAC Implementation Grants program offers manufacturers up to $300,000 to implement energy assessment recommendations. The program aims to support decarbonization solutions and enhance energy management systems in the industrial sector. It is overseen by the DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC).
This latest funding allocation from the DOE demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to promoting cleaner domestic manufacturing processes and achieving a net-zero economy by 2050. By supporting small- and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting energy-efficient practices, the DOE aims to strengthen American manufacturing competitiveness and tackle the climate crisis for generations to come.
