Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project Opens Applications To Support Coastal, Remote, and Island Communities
Program Provides Energy Planning and Technical Support for Local Governments, Community Organizations, Utilities, and Other Groups Across the Country
Many coastal, remote, and island communities need more affordable, reliable, and secure energy systems but lack the resources to change the status quo. Aging infrastructure and harsh weather conditions can leave these relatively isolated places vulnerable to energy disruptions and the attendant restoration costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) connects these communities with energy experts who can deliver strategic energy analysis and planning support to improve the affordability, reliability, and security of their local energy systems. ETIPP is accepting applications now through July 27, 2025, for new communities to join the program.
ETIPP communities receive up to two years of technical support from researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories, along with input from regional partner organizations that have relevant expertise and connections in their specific geographic areas.
This program offers two tracks for technical assistance: strategic energy planning or technical deep dives. Communities in the early stages of planning energy system improvements will spend four to eight months in ETIPP developing a strategic energy plan that clearly defines their energy goals and objectives. Those joining ETIPP with an existing energy plan or well-defined energy project will embark on a 12- to 24-month process to explore the technical dimensions of specific energy solutions.
Now entering its fifth year, ETIPP has already partnered with 57 communities—including local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and utilities—to develop strategic plans and validate prospective technology investments for local energy projects.
Providing local leaders with information to address local energy challenges is the key driver of ETIPP's services. Communities collaborate with national laboratory researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, NREL, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories to advance their local goals and make decisions informed by world-class modeling and analysis.
Additionally, selected communities may have the opportunity to receive funds (up to $20,000 for communities selected for strategic energy planning and up to $50,000 for those engaging with deep-dive technical assistance) for services rendered to help implement the technical assistance.
ETIPP is currently accepting applications through July 27, 2025. Prospective applicants must first contact an ETIPP regional partner or program manager to discuss their eligibility. ETIPP's regional partners include Groundswell for the Southeastern Seaboard region; Hawaii State Energy Office for the Pacific region; Hispanic Federation for communities in Caribbean territories; Island Institute for Northeast communities; Renewable Energy Alaska Project for Alaska; Slipstream for communities in the Great Lakes region; Spark Northwest for communities in the Pacific Northwest; and Southeast Sustainability Directors Network and STEM NOLA for communities along the Gulf Coast.
Visit the ETIPP page to learn more about the program, eligibility, and application process and to apply.
ETIPP is managed by NREL and funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.