The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Tribal Energy Plan Grant program offers up to $50,000 for one year to support tribal energy plan projects. This initiative aligns directly with TSAF's mission to serve, support, and strengthen American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal communities by investing in solar energy development and sustainability. The grants are designed to help tribal communities identify practical and impactful strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and operate more sustainably.
The primary beneficiaries of this program are federal tribal governments in the lower 48 states and Alaska, including their energy departments or natural resources authorities, as well as tribal-led non-profit organizations with direct ties to these communities. The impact goals are centered on empowering these communities to achieve greater energy independence and environmental stewardship through comprehensive energy planning.
The program prioritizes the development of holistic energy plans that can encompass various renewable energy sources. These include solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, bioenergy, biogas, biofuel, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, hydropower, nuclear, marine energy, ethanol, wave power, and ground source heat pumps. The grants can cover costs for planning teams, third-party consultants, and public meetings to ensure broad community input.
Expected outcomes include the creation of well-defined Tribal Energy Plans that outline actionable steps for sustainable energy development. Measurable results will be seen in the adoption of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, ultimately leading to more sustainable operations within tribal communities. The TSAF's strategic priority is to foster long-term energy resilience and environmental health for AI/AN tribes through direct financial support and capacity building in energy planning.
