The funding opportunity "Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025" (DE-FOA-0003428) is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support clean energy projects in rural and remote areas. The total available funding is $400 million, and the DOE expects to make 20-50 awards ranging from $2 million to $50 million each, in the form of Cooperative Agreements. The program aims to address higher energy costs, less resilient energy systems, and fewer clean energy alternatives often faced by rural and remote areas, serving communities of 10,000 people or fewer.
The goals of the program are to deliver measurable and sustained benefits to these areas by funding replicable clean energy projects that reduce energy costs, improve energy access and resilience, increase economic opportunities, and reduce environmental harm. The projects must demonstrate effective approaches for improving energy systems using climate-resilient technologies and include strategies such as community engagement, workforce development, and accessible financing mechanisms.
Applicants must submit a concept paper by February 27, 2025, and full applications by August 28, 2025. Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes, state and local governments, non-profits, for-profits, tribal organizations, rural electric cooperatives, farming associations, labor unions, and institutions of higher education. The program also encourages collaboration with DOE, National Laboratories, and other stakeholders to share lessons learned from the funded projects.
The funding is divided into four topic areas:
1. Open Category (expected award size: $10M-$50M) aims to support a broad range of clean energy projects.
2. Dual Use and Co-Location (expected award size: $10M-$50M) targets projects combining energy supply with other activities, such as agrivoltaics.
3. Smaller-Scale Community-Centered Projects (expected award size: $2M-$10M) supports community-driven clean energy initiatives.
4. Isolated Microgrids and Unelectrified Buildings (expected award size: $2M-$10M) targets clean energy projects for isolated microgrids and unelectrified buildings, often in ultra-remote areas.
Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including the technical approach, community engagement, financial viability, management capabilities, and alignment with program goals. The program also places an emphasis on providing benefits to disadvantaged or high-energy burden communities, promoting economic and environmental justice, and enhancing energy resilience.
