AEA invites renewable energy grant apps

Alan Bailey

for Petroleum News

The Alaska Energy Authority is inviting applications for grants from round 18 of the agency's Renewable Energy Fund grant program. This program, which was established by the Alaska Legislature in 2008, uses a competitive selection process to provide funding assistance for renewable energy projects in the state. The concept is to help diversify and strengthen Alaska's statewide energy portfolio, AEA says.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday Sept. 12. Eligibility criteria and instructions for filing an application are available in the Renewable Energy Fund section of AEA's website.

The maximum grant for a community with low energy costs is $2 million, while the maximum for a community with high costs is $4 million. AEA says that all applications received in a timely fashion undergo a thorough four-stage evaluation process, to assess eligibility for funding, including organizational capacity; economic and technical feasibility; financial strength; matching funds; and local support. An advisory committee issues funding recommendations, with the state governor and legislature then making final funding decisions.

AEA says that since the inception of the program 296 grants have been awarded, with a total of $333 million in state funding supporting more than 110 operational projects statewide. These projects have resulted in the annual displacement of more than 13 million gallons of fuel in the state.

With bipartisan support the 2026 fiscal year state budget appropriated $6.3 million to fund the top six recommended projects from the previous round of grant applications, AEA says. This represented full state funding for the grant program, despite the state's significant fiscal constraints, the agency says.

--ALAN BAILEY