The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs announced that it has selected 13 tribal energy projects to receive funding of $7.8 million.

Through these grants, the Office of Indian Energy will continue its efforts to maximize the development and deployment of energy solutions in consultation with American Indians and Alaska Natives. These awards will install energy systems on tribal buildings and on a community scale for beneficiary tribes and Alaska Native villages, which provided matching funds to implement these projects. These selections are the result of a competitive funding opportunity announced November 14, 2016.

"These projects, consistent with President Trump's America First Energy Plan and the vision Secretary Perry has for Indian Country, will install 6.3 megawatts of new energy generation for more than 3,000 tribal buildings and homes across the nation, and save benefitted communities more than $2 million each year," said Office of Indian Energy Director William Bradford. "These energy development and efficiency projects will provide economic benefits to American Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages for many years to come."

The Office of Indian Energy promotes tribal energy sufficiency and fosters economic development and employment on tribal lands by providing tribal communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to harness their indigenous energy resources, develop energy, reduce energy costs, create jobs, build resilience, and implement successful strategic energy solutions. Since 2002, DOE has invested more than $66.5 million in more than 200 tribal energy projects valued at more than $126 million, provided technical assistance to Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages to evaluate and develop their energy resources, and provided education and training to help build the human capacity that is essential to launch energy projects that promote enduring tribal sovereignty and prosperity.

DOE | www.energy.gov