Energy to Communities Program: In-Depth Partnerships

What are E2C In-Depth Partnerships?

In-depth partnerships help communities develop a validated plan to put energy ambitions into action and address key energy challenges. Partnerships are composed of local government, community-based organizations, electric utilities, and other key organizations that can represent the community. These partnership teams work alongside national laboratory staff to apply robust modeling and analysis tools and validate hardware in conditions that match communities’ unique conditions and contexts. This multiyear partnership allows local decision makers to evaluate and test potential scenarios and strategies before full technology adoption, thereby lowering risks to real-world implementation.

Eligibility

E2C in-depth partnerships accept community teams composed of:

• Local governments
• Community-based organizations
• Utilities.

In-depth partnerships focus broadly on cross-sectoral issues related to energy generation, mobility, and buildings. Energy security, resilience, and disaster preparedness are also considered.

Communities selected for in-depth partnerships are provided:

• A dedicated point of contact within the national laboratory system
• Direct subcontract funding to support staff or consultants
• Facilitation and community engagement support
• Extensive technical support from the DOE national laboratory complex.

News

DOE Invests $10 Million To Support Clean Energy Transitions for Communities Across the United States, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (2024)

DOE Announces $25 Million To Help Communities Expand Affordable and Reliable Clean Energy Across America, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (2023)