Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Updated February 10, 2023
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
R40913
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives: A Summary of Federal
Programs
R40913
February 10, 2023
Lynn J. Cunningham
Senior Research Librarian
Energy is crucial to operating a modern industrial and services economy. Concerns
Claire M. Jordan
about the availability and cost of energy and about environmental impacts of fossil
Research Librarian
energy use have led to a wide variety of federal incentives for renewable energy and
energy efficiency. This report outlines current federal programs providing grants, loans,
loan guarantees, tax credits, and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency,
energy conservation, and renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and
deployment (RDD&D). These incentives aim to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency
measures and to develop and commercialize renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Many of the existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs have authorizations tracing back to
the 1970s. Many programs have been reauthorized and redesigned repeatedly to meet changing economic
factors. The programs apply broadly to sectors ranging from industry to academia and from state and local
governments to rural communities.
Since 2005, Congress has passed several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005;
P.L. 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140); the Energy
Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the Emergency Economic Stabilization
Act of 2008 (EESA; P.L. 110-343); the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L.
111-5); the Energy Act of 2020 (Division Z of P.L. 116-260); the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA; P.L. 117-58), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and a budget reconciliation
measure commonly referred to as the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” (IRA; P.L. 116-169). Each of those
laws established, expanded, or modified energy efficiency and renewable energy RDD&D programs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number of efficiency and renewable energy
incentive programs, including RDD&D grants and contracts, weatherization assistance, production
incentives, loan guarantees, and technology transfers. DOE also provides grants to states for energy policy
development and assists other federal agencies in developing and implementing energy efficient and
renewable energy resources.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs several programs that largely focus on biofuels, such as
ethanol and wood energy. Other USDA programs include assistance to rural communities with high energy
costs, biomass crop assistance, grants and loans to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy for
agricultural producers and rural businesses, assistance to general consumers for rural energy savings, and
sustainable agricultural research.
The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) administers tax credits and other incentives for energy
efficiency and renewable energy. Eligible activities include energy efficient home improvements,
renewable energy production, and business investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Other federal agencies with energy efficiency and renewable energy programs include the following:
Department of the Interior (DOI), with programs on tribal energy production and use;
Small Business Administration (SBA), with loan programs to help borrowers upgrade
their facilities and fund energy efficiency or renewable energy projects;
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with energy efficient mortgages
and loan programs;
Congressional Research Service
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Fannie Mae, with a “Green Initiative” loan program;
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which provides energy assistance to
low-income households; and
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides energy efficient mortgages.
A wide range of entities are eligible for these energy efficiency and renewable incentives, including biofuel
producers; state, local, and tribal governments; businesses; schools and universities; research organizations;
builders and developers; homeowners; utilities; and veterans. Eligibility also includes a variety of energyrelated technologies, such as advanced batteries, heating and cooling systems, vehicles and biofuels,
appliances, building envelope technologies, renewable energy production technologies, lighting, and
electricity generation and transmission.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
I. Department of Energy/Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) ................. 3
Renewable Energy..................................................................................................................... 3
Biomass ............................................................................................................................... 3
Geothermal.......................................................................................................................... 4
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells .................................................................................................... 5
Solar .................................................................................................................................... 6
Water Power ........................................................................................................................ 7
Wind Energy ....................................................................................................................... 8
Energy Efficiency ...................................................................................................................... 9
Buildings ............................................................................................................................. 9
Industrial ............................................................................................................................ 11
Vehicles ............................................................................................................................. 13
Other Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs ................................................... 14
Other DOE Offices/Cross-Cutting Programs .......................................................................... 17
II. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ......................................................................................... 25
III. U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) ........................................................................... 34
Homeowner ............................................................................................................................. 34
Business and Industry ............................................................................................................. 36
IV. Department of the Interior (DOI)............................................................................................. 41
V. Small Business Administration (SBA) ...................................................................................... 42
VI. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)............................................... 43
VII. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ............................................................... 45
VIII. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ................................................................................... 46
IX. Fannie Mae .............................................................................................................................. 47
Tables
Table A-1. Federal Incentives by Agency ...................................................................................... 48
Table B-1. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility ................................................................. 57
Table B-2. Index of Programs by Technology Type ...................................................................... 59
Table D-1. Expired Federal Incentives by Agency ........................................................................ 67
Appendixes
Appendix A. Summary of Federal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives/Index of Programs ..................................................................................................... 48
Appendix B. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility and Technology Type .......................... 57
Appendix C. Expired Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentive
Programs..................................................................................................................................... 61
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Appendix D. Summary of Expired Federal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives/Index of Programs ..................................................................................................... 67
Contacts
Author Information........................................................................................................................ 69
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Introduction
The United States has an abundance of natural resources. For much of the nation’s history, energy
availability was not a concern as commercial, residential, and industrial needs could be met by
domestic supplies. However, industrialization, population growth, and the increased demand for
consumer goods led to growing dependence on foreign sources of energy during the 20th century
to supplement the demands of a growing economy.
Several factors prompted federal efforts to increase U.S. energy independence and reduce
domestic consumption, including dependence on foreign energy sources; environmental impacts
of fossil fuels; and concerns over the volatility of prices driven by fluctuations in supply spurred
by world events. As a major result, numerous programs have been established focusing on energy
efficiency, conservation of domestic resources, and research that targets the development of
renewable sources of energy. Many of these programs have roots dating back to the 1970s and
have been redesigned many times since.
Many of the programs included in this report have been reauthorized and redesigned periodically
to meet changing economic conditions and national interests. The programs apply broadly to
sectors ranging from industry to academia and from state and local governments to rural
communities. Each program has been designed to meet perceived current needs as well as future
anticipated challenges.
Since 2005, Congress has passed several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110140); the Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA; P.L. 110-343); the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5); the Energy Act of 2020, enacted as Division
Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (P.L. 116-260); the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117-58), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL); and a
budget reconciliation measure commonly referred to as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA;
P.L. 117-169). Each of those laws established, expanded, or modified energy efficiency and
renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) programs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number of efficiency and renewable
energy incentive programs. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the
Treasury (Treasury) also operate several programs. A few programs can also be found within the
Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
the Small Business Administration (SBA), Fannie Mae, the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This report outlines current federal programs providing grants, loans, loan guarantees, tax credits,
and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable
energy RDD&D. It does not address other nonrenewable or energy efficiency programs at DOE
(e.g., nuclear energy, fossil fuels) or climate specific and nonrenewable fuel or transportation
programs.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) identified these programs using authoritative federal
resources, including, but not limited to, agency documents and websites, budget justifications,
public laws, congressional hearings, committee reports, CRS and GAO reports, the Database of
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE),1 and the Assistance Listings (formerly
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) housed on the SAM.gov website.2 This report is not
intended to be comprehensive and may not include every federal program or incentive on this
topic.
Federal programs are grouped by administering agency with agencies listed in descending order
by number of programs, from greatest to least. Within each (agency) section, programs are listed
in alphabetical order. For each program, CRS provides the administering agency; authorizing
laws; the past 10 years of annual funding;3 the most recent agency budget request; scheduled
termination date (if any); program description; a list of qualified applicants; a list of qualified
technologies; and additional information resources in the “For More Information” section, which
includes references and links to primary federal agency websites and program documents, when
available.
Most program descriptions are compiled from authorizing statutes, the U.S. Code, agency
documents and websites, Administration budget request documents, and relevant CRS reports. In
some instances, program descriptions were compiled, in part, from DSIRE and the Assistance
Listings. Budgetary figures are compiled primarily from executive agency budget justifications,
congressional committee reports, and the annual Budget of the United States Government. In
cases where program budget figures are not available in these documents, estimated budget data
from the Assistance Listings may be included.
This report contains four appendixes, which summarize both current and expired federal
renewable energy and energy efficiency programs as well as index current programs by applicant
eligibility and technology type:
1. Appendix A (Table A-1) contains a summary of the programs/incentives
discussed in the body of the report, listed by agency;
2. Appendix B (Tables B-1 and B-2) index all programs/incentives by applicant
eligibility and technology type;
3. Appendix C is a listing of expired federal renewable energy and energy
efficiency programs/incentives); and
4. Appendix D (Table D-1) contains summaries for those expired
programs/incentives.
As of February 2023, this report includes programs established prior to the passage of IIJA and
IRA. Funding data for and changes to programs affected by those laws are noted in this update.
Additional renewable energy and energy efficiency programs and tax incentives established by
IIJA and IRA will be added to this report as programs are finalized and provided guidance by
federal agencies.
For more information on agriculture-related energy grant programs, energy tax incentives, and
development of and deployment of alternatives to conventional fuels and engines in
transportation, see the following CRS reports:
CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding
History, by Kelsi Bracmort;
1 See Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), at https://www.dsireusa.org/.
2 See https://sam.gov/.
3 In some instances funding information for older fiscal years is provided to demonstrate funding fluctuations. In
instances where programs have been established after FY2013, a complete funding history is provided.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
CRS In Focus IF10639, Farm Bill Primer: Energy Title, by Kelsi Bracmort;
CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs,
by Kelsi Bracmort;
CRS Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R.
5376), coordinated by Molly F. Sherlock;
CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology
Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.
I. Department of Energy/Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Renewable Energy
Biomass
1. Bioenergy Technologies Office (formerly the Biomass and Biorefinery Systems
R&D Program)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act (P.L. 95-618)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L.
101-218)
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (P.L. 101-549)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (Title III of Agricultural Risk Protection
Act of 2000; P.L. 106-224)
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171)
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-234)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title IX, Sec. 9009
Annual Funding
$185.2 million for FY2013
$182.3 million for FY2014
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Scheduled
Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified
Technologies
For More Information
$175.9 million for FY2015
$225 million for FY2016
$205 million for FY2017
$221.5 million for FY2018
$226 million for FY2019
$259.5 million for FY2020
$255 million for FY2021
$262 million for FY2022
$340 million requested for FY2023
None
This program works with industrial partners, national laboratories, universities, and other
stakeholders to develop the technologies and systems needed to cost-effectively
transform the nation’s renewable and abundant domestic biomass resources into clean,
affordable, and sustainable biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. In recent years, the
program has been primarily geared toward development and deployment of ethanol from
non-food feedstocks (e.g., wastes, switchgrass, algae), but is now expanding its scope to
include additional alternative fuels, such as bio-butanol, green gasoline, sustainable
aviation fuel, sustainable marine fuel, and biodiesel.
Colleges and universities; profit organizations
Biomass
See CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A
Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.; DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies
Office overview; EERE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office – Funding Opportunities; and
program number 81.087 at the SAM.gov website.
Geothermal
2. Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 (P.L.
93-410)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title III, Sec. 3002
Annual Funding
$35 million for FY2013
$44.8 million for FY2014
$54.3 million for FY2015
$71 million for FY2016
$69.5 million for FY2017
$80.9 million for FY2018
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$84 million for FY2019
$110 million for FY2020
$106 million for FY2021
$109.5 million for FY2022
$84 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA
$202 million requested for FY2023
None
This program partners the federal government with industry, academia, and research
facilities to further the development and deployment of innovative geothermal energy
technologies. Currently, the program’s technology portfolio has prioritized earlystage R&D in four geothermal categories: hydrothermal, enhanced geothermal
systems (EGS), low temperature and co-produced resources, and systems analysis.
Competitive solicitations issued as Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are
the principal mechanism used by the GTO to contract for cost-shared research,
development, and demonstration projects.
Profit organizations; colleges and universities
Geothermal
See EERE’s Geothermal Technologies Office website; EERE’s Geothermal
Technologies Office – Open Funding Opportunities; and program number 81.087 at
the Sam.gov website.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
3. Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies Office
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-275)
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act (P.L. 94413)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978 (Title III of
Department of Energy Act of 1978-Civilian Applications; P.L. 95-238)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Methane Transportation Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980
(P.L. 96-512)
Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-494)
Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of
1990 (P.L. 101-566)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-271)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title IX, Sec. 9009
Annual Funding
$95.8 million for FY2013
$89.5 million for FY2014
$94.8 million for FY2015
$101 million for FY2016
$101 million for FY2017
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$115 million for FY2018
$120 million for FY2019
$150 million for FY2020
$150 million for FY2021
$150 million for FY2021
$157.5 million for FY2022
$200 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA
$200 million additionally appropriated for FY2023 from IIJA
$186 million requested for FY2023
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
None
This program partners with industry, academia, and national laboratories and works
in close coordination with Vehicle Technologies and other programs at DOE to
overcome technical barriers through R&D of hydrogen production, delivery, and
storage technologies; overcome technical barriers to fuel cell technologies for
transportation, distributed stationary power, and portable power applications;
address safety issues and facilitate the development of model codes and standards;
validate and demonstrate hydrogen and fuel cells in real-world conditions; and
educate key stakeholders whose acceptance of these technologies will determine
their success in the marketplace.
Federal government; national laboratories; colleges and universities; and profit
organizations
Hydrogen and fuel cells
See EERE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies website; EERE’s Hydrogen and Fuel
Cell Technologies Office – Funding Opportunities; and program number 81.087 at
the Sam.gov website.
Solar
4. Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1984
(P.L. 95-590)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
P.L. 102-46 [Technical amendment to the Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal
Power Production Incentives of 1990]
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260 ),
Title III, Sec. 3004
Annual Funding
$269.1 million for FY2013
$254.3 million for FY2014
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Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$230.8 million for FY2015
$241.6 million for FY2016
$207.6 million for FY2017
$241.6 million for FY2018
$246.5 million for FY2019
$280 million for FY2020
$280 million for FY2021
$290 million for FY2022
$80 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA
$534.6 million requested for FY2023
None
SETO partners with industry, national laboratories, and universities to develop and
bring solar energy technologies to the marketplace by improving the energy
efficiency, cost effectiveness, reliability, resilience, security, siting, integration,
manufacturability, installation, decommissioning, and recyclability of solar energy
technologies. This program finances R&D in seven major subprograms: Photovoltaics
(PV), Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), Systems Integration for Solar Technologies,
Balance of Systems Soft Cost Reduction, Manufacturing and Competitiveness,
Equitable Access to Solar Energy, and Solar Workforce Development.
Industry; national laboratories; colleges and universities
Solar
See EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office website; EERE’s Solar Energy
Technologies Office – Funding Opportunities; and program number 81.087 at the
SAM.gov website.
Water Power
5. Water Power Technologies Office (formerly Wind and Hydropower
Technologies Program)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title III, Sec. 3001
Annual Funding
$54.7 million for FY2013
$57.8 million for FY2014
$60 million for FY2015
$70 million for FY2016
$84 million for FY2017
$105 million for FY2018
$105 million for FY2019
$148 million for FY2020
$150 million for FY2021
$162 million for FY2022
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Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$562.8 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA4
$276.8 million additionally appropriated for FY2023 from IIJA
$190.5 million requested for FY2023
None
This program partners with the national laboratories, industry, universities, and
other federal agencies to promote the development and deployment of technologies
capable of generating environmentally sustainable and cost-effective electricity from
the nation’s water resources (both conventional and marine and hydrokinetic
technologies).
Federal, state, local, and tribal governments; national laboratories; industry; small
businesses; colleges and universities
Hydroelectric; hydrokinetic energy; wave energy; tidal energy; ocean thermal energy
conversion
See EERE’s Water Power Technologies Office website; EERE’s Water Power
Technologies Office – Funding Opportunities; and program number 81.087 at the
SAM.gov website.
Wind Energy
6. Wind Energy Technologies Office (formerly Wind and Hydropower
Technologies Program)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L.
101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title III, Sec. 3003
Annual Funding
$86.1 million for FY2013
$87 million for FY2014
$105.9 million for FY2015
$95.5 million for FY2016
$90 million for FY2017
$92 million for FY2018
$92 million for FY2019
$104 million for FY2020
$110 million for FY2021
$114 million for FY2022
$100 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA
$345.4 million requested for FY2023
None
Scheduled
Termination
Description
This program partners with federal, state, and other stakeholder groups to conduct
research and development activities through competitively selected, cost-shared
4 Additional FY2022 and FY2023 IIJA appropriations to be managed by EERE as well as the Grid Deployment Office.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Qualified
Applicant(s)
Qualified
Technologies
For More
Information
research and development projects with industry to improve the performance, lower
the costs, and accelerate the deployment of wind energy technologies. This program
finances R&D in 10 major subprograms: Offshore Wind, Distributed Wind, Atmosphere
to Electrons, Resource Assessment and Characterization, Next-Generation Wind
Technology, Testing and Certification, Wind Manufacturing and Supply Chain,
Environmental Impacts and Siting of Wind Projects, Workforce Development and
Education, and Grid Integration.
Federal, state, local, and tribal governments; national laboratories; industry; small
businesses; colleges and universities
Wind
See EERE’s Wind Energy Office website; EERE’s Wind Energy Technologies Office –
Funding Opportunities; and program number 81.087 at the SAM.gov website.
Energy Efficiency
Buildings
7. Building Technologies Office (BTO)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Amendments of 1988 (P.L. 100-357)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title I, Sec. 1007
Annual Funding
$204.6 million for FY2013
$173.6 million for FY2014
$168.2 million for FY2015
$200.5 million for FY2016
$199.1 million for FY2017
$220.7 million for FY2018
$226 million for FY2019
$285 million for FY2020
$290 million for FY2021
$307.5 million for FY2022
$565 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA5
$255 million additionally appropriated for FY2023 from IIJA
5 Additional FY2022 and FY2023 IIJA appropriations to be managed by EERE as well as the Office of State and
Community Energy Programs (SCEP) and the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC).
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Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$392 million requested for FY2023
None
In partnership with the private sector, state and local governments, national
laboratories, and universities, the Building Technologies Office works to improve the
efficiency of buildings and the equipment, components, and systems within them,
including electric grid integration and advanced energy storage. The program supports
research and development (R&D) activities and provides tools, guidelines, training, and
access to technical and financial resources. The program’s key areas are: emerging
technologies residential buildings integration, commercial buildings integration,
appliance and equipment standards, and building energy codes.
State, local, and tribal governments; universities; national laboratories
Energy-efficient innovations for building envelopes, equipment, lighting, daylighting, and
windows; passive solar; photovoltaics; fuel cells; advanced sensors and controls; and
combined heating, cooling, and power systems
See EERE’s Building Technologies Office website; and EERE’s Building Technologies
Office – Funding Opportunities.
8. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Administered by
Authority
Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title I, Sec. 1011
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, P.L. 117-58)
Annual Funding
$131.7 million for FY2013
$173.9 million for FY2014
$193 million for FY2015
$215 million for FY2016
$228 million for FY2017
$251 million for FY2018
$254 million for FY2019
$308.5 million for FY2020
$315 million for FY2021
$315 million for FY20226
$3.5 billion additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA7
6 Of the $315 million appropriated for FY2022, $15 million is authorized for Weatherization Readiness Funds (WRF).
WRF are designated for use by grantees in addressing structural and health and safety issues. This funding is
anticipated to reduce the frequency of deferred homes that require other services, outside the scope of weatherization,
before the weatherization measures can be installed. WRF were authorized by Section 1011 of the Energy Act of 2022,
which amended sections of the Energy Conservation and Production Act, including the addition of Section 414D, to
“expand the number of dwelling units that are occupied by low-income persons that receive weatherization assistance
by making such dwelling units weatherization-ready.” See Department of Energy, Weatherization Program Notice 222, p.2.
7 IIJA WAP funding will be tracked, monitored, and reported separately from annual FY2022 appropriated funding and
subsequent years. IIJA funds to remain available until expended. See Department of Energy, Weatherization Program
Notice BIL 22-1, p. 3.
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Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$502.2 million requested for FY2023
None
This program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the
energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. DOE provides
funding and technical guidance to states, which manage the day-to-day details of the
program. Low-income families receive services from a network of more than 900 local
weatherization service providers who install energy efficiency measures in the homes
of qualifying homeowners free of charge.
State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Weatherization technologies include a wide range of energy efficiency measures for
retrofitting homes and apartment buildings. Weatherization service providers choose
the best package of efficiency measures for each home based on an energy audit of the
home. Typical measures may include installing insulation, sealing ducts, tuning and
repairing heating and cooling systems, and if indicated, replacing the same; mitigating air
infiltration; and reducing electric base load consumption.
See EERE’s Weatherization Assistance Program website; the National Association for
State Community Services Program’s (NASCSP’s) WAP Clearinghouse; EERE’s
Weatherization Success Stories website; program number 81.042 at the SAM.gov
website; and CRS Report R46418, The Weatherization Assistance Program Formula,
by Corrie E. Clark and Lynn J. Cunningham.
Industrial
9. Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)/
Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) (formerly the Advanced
Manufacturing Office - AMO)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title I, Sec. 1013
Annual Funding
$114.3 million for FY2013
$175.4 million for FY2014
$194.2 million for FY2015
$228.5 million for FY2016
$257.5 million for FY2017
$305 million for FY2018
$320 million for FY2019
$395 million for FY2020
$396 million for FY2021
$416 million for FY2022
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Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$475 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA8
$250 million additionally appropriated for FY2023 from IIJA
$582.5 million requested for FY2023
None
In 2022, DOE split the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) into two offices: the
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) and the
Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO).
AMMTO researches, develops, and demonstrates next-generation materials and
manufacturing technologies needed to increase U.S. industrial competitiveness and to
drive economy-wide decarbonization. It supports the national plan to revitalize
American manufacturing, secure critical supply chains, and develop diverse innovation
ecosystems.
IEDO provides planning, management, and direction necessary for (1) a balanced
national program of research, development, demonstration, technical assistance; (2)
workforce development to drive energy, materials and production efficiency; and (3)
decarbonization across the industrial sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by
2050.
National laboratories; companies; state, local, and tribal governments; colleges and
universities
Crosscutting technologies that improve the efficiency of technologies that are
common to many industrial processes and can benefit multiple industries.
Crosscutting technology R&D areas include combustion, distributed energy, energy
intensity processes, fuel and feedstock liability, industrial materials for the future,
nanomanufacturing, and sensors and automation.
See EERE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Office (AMMTO) website; EERE’s
Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) website; and EERE’s AMMTO
and IEDO Funding Opportunities.
10. Inventions and Innovations Program
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding9
Scheduled Termination
Description
EERE
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Policy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93577)
$940,000 for FY2012
$1 million for FY2013
$0 for FY2014-FY2018
$50,000 for FY2019
$0 for FY2020
$0 for FY2021 (est.)
FY2022 and FY2023 budget request data are unavailable as of January 2023; the
FY2022 and FY2023 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this
program.
None
This program provides financial and technical assistance for research and
development of innovative, energy-saving ideas and inventions with future commercial
market potential. It supports energy efficiency and renewable energy technology
development in areas that align with Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
programs. This program has not expired, but it has not been regularly funded since
2013, and it is unlikely that it will receive significant funding in future years.10
8 Additional FY2022 and FY2023 IIJA appropriations to be managed by EERE as well as SCEP and MESC.
9 Funding information taken from a now-archived Assistance Listing website.
10 According to the program description in the Assistance Listings at the beta.Sam.gov website, noted on July 9, 2018,
October 18, 2019, October 26, 2020, and, most recently, at the SAM.gov website on July 28, 2021.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Individuals; small businesses
Specific energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies not listed
See NREL’s Inventions and Innovation: Helping Bring Your Energy Ideas to Market;
Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Decarbonization Offices funding opportunities
website.
Vehicles
11. Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)
Administered by
Authority
EERE
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title IX, Sec. 9009
Annual Funding
$303.2 million for FY2013
$282.2 million for FY2014
$272.5 million for FY2015
$310 million for FY2016
$307 million for FY2017
$337.5 million for FY2018
$344 million for FY2019
$396 million for FY2020
$400 million for FY2021
$420 million for FY2022
$1,250 billion additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA11
$1,240 billion additionally appropriated for FY2023 from IIJA
$602.7 million requested for FY2023
None
The VTO works with industry leaders to develop and deploy advanced transportation
technologies that could achieve significant improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency and
displace oil with other fuels that ultimately can be domestically produced in a clean
and cost-competitive manner. Program activities include research, development,
demonstration, testing, technology validation, technology transfer, and education. Key
technology areas include Batteries, Charging, and Electric Vehicles; Energy Efficient
Mobility Systems; Advanced Combustion Systems and Fuels; Lightweight Propulsion
Materials; and Technology Integration.
Industry; colleges and universities; federal, state, and local governments; national
laboratories
Hybrid electric systems; biofuels or fuels technology; advanced internal combustion
engines; advanced charging and battery systems; advanced propulsion and
lightweighting materials; and technology integration
See EERE’s Vehicle Technology Office website; EERE’s Vehicle Technologies Office –
Funding Opportunities; and EERE’s Vehicle Technologies Program Factsheet.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
11 Additional FY2022 and FY2023 IIJA appropriations to be managed by EERE as well as MESC.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Other Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs
12. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG)
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
EERE
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140), Title V, Subtitle E
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, P.L. 117-58), Division D, Title V,
Subtitle D, Sec. 40552
$0 for FY2008
$3.2 billion for FY2009 from ARRA
$0 for FY2010-FY2021
$550 million for FY202212
This program was initially authorized through FY2012. The IIJA authorized funding for
the program for FY2022 with monies to be available until expended.
This program is part of DOE’s Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program. The
EECBG Program provides formula and competitive grants to empower local
communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation’s long-term goals for
energy independence and leadership on climate change. Grants can be used for
energy efficiency and conservation programs and projects community-wide, as well as
renewable energy installations on government buildings.
State, local, and tribal governments, including U.S. territories;
Energy efficient equipment and lighting; district heating and cooling systems; combined
heat and power systems; landfill gases, solar; wind; fuel cells; biomass
See EERE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program website; and
program number 81.128 at SAM.gov website.
13. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination,
Outreach, Training, and Technical Analysis/Assistance Grant Program
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding13
Scheduled Termination
EERE
Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
$36.1 million for FY2013
$27.1 million for FY2014
$33.1 million for FY2015
$19.5 million for FY2016
$41 million for FY2017
$21.7 million for FY2018
$16 million for FY2019
$8.1 million for FY2020
$23.2 million for FY2021
$7.5 million for FY2022 (est.)
FY2023 budget request data are unavailable as of January 2023; the FY2023 DOE
budget justifications do not provide details on this program.
None
12 FY2022 IIJA funding for the program to remain available until expended.
13 Funding information taken from the Assistance Listings, see
https://sam.gov/fal/5abada163cd316e59c6bb19b216d75e3/view.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
This program provides financial assistance for information dissemination, outreach,
training, and related technical analysis/assistance that will (1) stimulate increased
energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, industry, and the federal sector and
encourage increased use of renewable and alternative energy; and (2) accelerate the
adoption of new technologies to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable
and alternative energy through the competitive solicitation of applications.
State and local governments; Native American organizations; individuals; universities;
profit organizations; private nonprofit organizations; public nonprofit organizations;
Alaskan Native corporations and universities
Specific energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies not listed
See program number 81.117 at the SAM.gov website.
14. Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486), Title XII, Section 1212
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title II, Subtitle A, Section 202
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260)
Title III, Sec. 3006(c)
$4.95 million for FY2006
$4.95 million for FY2007
$4.95 million for FY2008
$5 million for FY2009
$0 for FY2010-FY2022
$0 requested for FY2023
End of FY2026
This program provides incentive payments for electricity generated and sold by new
qualifying renewable energy facilities. Qualifying systems are eligible for annual incentive
payments of 1.5¢ per kilowatt-hour in 1993 dollars (indexed for inflation) for the first
10-year period of their operation, subject to the availability of annual appropriations in
each federal fiscal year of operation.
State, local, and tribal governments; public utilities; not-for-profit electrical
cooperatives; Native American corporations
Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; geothermal electric;
anaerobic digestion; marine energy (tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal)
See U.S. Code: 42 U.S.C. §13317.
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
15. State Energy Program (SEP)
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
SCEP
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
State Energy Efficiency Programs Improvement Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-440)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-388)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, P.L. 117-58), Division D, Title V,
Subtitle D, Sec. 40109
$47.1 million for FY2013
$50 million for FY2014
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$50 million for FY2015
$50 million for FY2016
$50 million for FY2017
$55 million for FY2018
$55 million for FY2019
$62.5 million for FY2020
$62.5 million for FY2021
$63 million for FY2022
$500 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA
$70 million requested for FY2023
None
SEP provides grants to states, tribal governments, and territories to design and carry
out their own renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, tailored to their
unique resources, delivery capacity, and energy goals.
These grants support state energy offices in their development and implementation of
energy programs that deploy portfolios of clean energy technologies addressing their
specific goals and needs. A broad range of activities encompass the state energy offices’
formula work, including energy planning; building energy code adoption,
implementation and compliance in continued coordination with EERE’s Building
Technologies Office; financing mechanisms for institutional retrofit programs; loan
programs; energy savings performance contracting to retrofit government buildings
and facilities; comprehensive residential energy programs for homeowners;
transportation programs that accelerate the use of alternative fuels, including electric
vehicles and infrastructure; and programs that remove barriers and support supply side
and distributed renewable energy.
State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies
See EERE’s State Energy Program website; EERE’s State Energy Program Success
Stories website; and program number 81.041 at the SAM.gov website.
16. Office of Indian Energy Assistance Programs (formerly the Tribal Energy
Program, TEP)
Administered by
Authority
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE)
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title VIII, Sec. 8013
Annual Funding
$9.4 million for FY2013
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Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$8.3 million for FY201414
$14.7 million for FY201515
$13.2 million for FY2016
$13.5 million for FY201716
$15.7 million for FY2018
$13.2 million for FY2019
$17 million for FY2020
$17 million for FY2021
$17 million for FY2022
$129.7 million requested for FY2023
None
This program promotes tribal energy sufficiency, economic growth, and employment
on tribal lands through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency
technologies. The program provides financial assistance, technical assistance,
education, and training to tribes for the evaluation and development of renewable
energy resources and energy efficiency measures. In FY2015, DOE transferred TEP
from the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (WIP) to the new Office of
Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE).
Tribal governments
Energy efficient technologies: clothes washers; refrigerators/freezers; water heaters;
lighting; lighting controls/sensors; chillers; furnaces; boilers; air conditioners;
programmable thermostats; energy management; systems/building controls;
caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air sealing; building insulation; windows; doors; siding;
roofs; comprehensive measures/whole building; and other energy efficiency
improvements may be eligible. Renewable energy technologies: passive solar space
heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; wind; biomass; hydroelectric;
geothermal electric; geothermal heat pumps
See the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Program’s website; the Office of Indian
Energy Policy and Program’s Current Funding Opportunities; National Renewable
Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) report: Tribal Energy Program – Assisting Tribes to
Realize Their Energy Visions; DSIRE’s program summary for the Tribal Energy
Program; and CRS In Focus IF11793, Indian Energy Programs at the Department of
Energy, by Corrie E. Clark and Mark Holt.
Other DOE Offices/Cross-Cutting Programs
17. Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy Financial Assistance Program
(ARPA-E)
Administered by
Authority
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69), Sec. 5012
14 The Tribal Energy Program (TEP) was funded in FY2014 within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy appropriation, included with the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs. See Department of Energy,
FY2014 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, p. EE-249.
15 In 2015, TEP was transferred to the Office of Indian Energy (IE) and funding for FY2015 and FY2016 was provided
within the DOE Departmental Administration appropriation. See Department of Energy, FY2015 Congressional Budget
Request, volume 3, p. 18.
16 For FY2017, DOE requested funding for TEP as a separate appropriation from the Departmental Administrative
appropriation “to align the budget structure with IE’s mission and activities.” See Department of Energy, FY2017
Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, p. 756.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title X, Sec. 10001
P.L. 117-167 (commonly referred to as the CHIPS and Science Act), Div. B, Title VI,
Sec. 10771
Annual Funding
$250.6 million for FY2013
$280 million for FY2014
$280 million for FY2015
$261.7 million for FY2016
$276.8 million for FY2017
$353.3 million for FY2018
$334.8 million for FY2019
$390 million for FY2020
$392 million for FY2021
$392 million for FY2022
$643 million requested for FY2023
Scheduled
Termination
Authorized through FY2025. Passed in December 2020, the Energy Act of 2020 [P.L.
116-260, 42 U.S.C. 16538(l)] also stipulates that “not later than 3 years after
December 27, 2020, the Secretary [of Energy] is authorized to enter into a contract
with the National Academy of Sciences under which the National Academy shall
conduct an evaluation of how well ARPA–E is achieving the goals and mission of
ARPA–E.” Furthermore, the evaluation may include “a recommendation on whether
ARPA-E should be continued or terminated.”
Description
This program will fund organizations that have proposed sophisticated energy
technology R&D projects that (1) translate scientific discoveries and cutting-edge
inventions into technological innovations and (2) accelerate transformational
technological advances in areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake
because of high technical or financial risk. Transformational energy technologies are
those that have the potential to create new paradigms in how energy is produced,
transmitted, used, or stored.
The CHIPS and Science Act (P.L. 117-167) authorized an additional $1.2 billion in
appropriations for FY2023-FY2026 for the purpose of funding specific “key
technology focus areas.”17 These focus areas include, among others, advanced energy
and industrial efficiency technologies, such as batteries and advanced nuclear
technologies, including but not limited to the purposes of electric generation.
ARPA-E welcomes submissions from any type of capable technology research and
development entity. This includes, but is not limited to for-profit entities, academic
institutions, research foundations, not-for-profit entities, collaborations, and
consortia. Individuals are typically eligible to apply for funding. However, any ARPA-E
award funding would need to be made to a business entity formed by the applicant, if
selected for award negotiations. The lead organization that will enter into the
agreement with ARPA-E must be a U.S. entity.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Transformational energy technologies
See ARPA-E’s General Questions website; National Academy of Sciences program
evaluation: An Assessment of ARPA-E (2017); and program number 81.135 at the
SAM.gov website.
17 For a full list of specific technologies in the “key technology focuses areas” see Section 10387 of the CHIPS and
Science Act (P.L. 117-167). For authorization of the additional $1.2 billion in appropriations for ARPA-E, see Section
10771(7) of the same law.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
18. Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Research, Development
and Analysis Grant Program (Office of Electricity - OE)
Administered by
Authority
Office of Electricity (OE)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Superconductivity and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-697)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title VIII, Sec. 8001, 8003, 8004, and 8007
Annual Funding
$129.2 million for FY2013
$144.2 million for FY2014
$144.2 million for FY2015
$178 million for FY2016
$201.1 million for FY2017
$220 million for FY2018
$139 million for FY201918
$172 million for FY202019
$193.7 million for FY202120
$193.7 million for FY202221
$279.8 million requested for FY202322
None
This grant program aims to develop cost-effective technology that enhances the
reliability, flexibility, efficiency, resiliency, affordability, and security of the electric
grid.
State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; private
nonprofit organizations; research organizations
Specific technologies not listed
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
18 For FY2019, DOE split the Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability appropriation into two appropriations:
Electricity Delivery (OE) and Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). The CESER
appropriation for FY2019 was $108.5 million. To compare to previous years, the combined appropriation for the now
separated programs in FY2019 would be $247.5 million. See Department of Energy, FY2019 Congressional Budget
Request, volume 3 part 1, pp. 7-9, 13, 57-59.
19 The CESER appropriation for FY2020 was $143 million. To compare to previous years, the combined appropriation
for the now separated programs in FY2020 would be $315 million. See Department of Energy, FY2021 Congressional
Budget Request, volume 3 part 1, pp. 265, 321.
20 The CESER appropriation for FY2021 was $144 million. To compare to previous years, the combined appropriation
request for FY2021 would be $337.7 million. See Department of Energy, FY2022 Congressional Budget Request,
volume 3 part 1, pp. 14, 74.
21 The CESER appropriation for FY2022 was $143 million. To compare to previous years, the combined appropriations
for FY2022 would be $346.7 million. DOE’s FY2022 budget request proposed transferring responsibility of R&D for
energy sector cybersecurity to OE, including a request for $25 million for the cyber R&D program. See Department of
Energy, FY2023 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, pp. 6-9 and Department of Energy, FY2023 Congressional
Budget Request, volume 4, pp. 320-325.
22 DOE’s FY2023 budget request for OE similarly proposed transferring responsibility of R&D for energy sector
cybersecurity to OE. OE’s appropriation request for FY2022 was $279.8 million and included $20 million for a Cyber
Resilient and Secure Utility Communications Networks R&D program. See Department of Energy, FY2023
Congressional Budget Request, volume 4, pp. 349-352.
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
For More Information
See OE’s Technology Development website; and program number 81.122 at the
SAM.gov website.
19. Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Administered by
Authority
Office of Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP)
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116260), Title I, Sec. 1012
Annual Funding
$28.3 million for FY2013
$28.2 million for FY2014
$27 million for FY2015
$27 million for FY2016
$27 million for FY2017
$27 million for FY2018
$30 million for FY2019
$40 million for FY2020
$40 million for FY2021
$40 million for FY2022
$250 million additionally appropriated for FY2022 from IIJA23
$155.2 million requested for FY2023
None
FEMP assists federal agencies in developing and implementing cost-effective energy
and water management and energy-related investment practices: (a) to coordinate
and strengthen energy and water resilience; and (b) to promote environmental
stewardship.
The program’s main activities include: providing guidance, reference materials, and
resource links to help agencies comply with federal laws and requirements;
facilitating technology integration for optimizing agency facilities and fleets;
leveraging funding sources to support federal projects with technical and
procurement expertise; providing technical assistance to federal agencies; tracking
agency accountability in reporting annual energy and water consumption and
resource management efforts for federal facilities; and providing training to foster
and maintain a high-performance workforce that constructs, operates, and maintains
energy-efficient and cost-effective federal facilities.
Federal agencies
Energy efficient technologies; solar; wind; incremental hydro; ocean; biomass;
geothermal
See EERE’s Federal Energy Management Program website; and FEMP’s Annual
Reports to Congress on Federal Government Energy Management.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
23 Additional FY2022 IIJA funding appropriated for the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Grant
Program.
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
20. Office of Science Financial Assistance Program
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding24
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Office of Science (SC)
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-703), Section 31
Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438), Title I, Section 107
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
$965.1 million for FY2013
$1.1 billion for FY2014
$1.1 billion for FY2015
$1.1 billion for FY2016
$1.1 billion for FY2017
$1.3 billion for FY2018
$1.2 billion for FY2019
$1.2 billion for FY2020
$1.37 billion for FY2021
$1.35 billion for FY2022 (est.)
$1.35 billion for FY2023 (est.)
FY2023 budget request data are unavailable as of January 2023; the FY2023 DOE
budget justifications do not contain estimates regarding how much funding from the
SC are provided for renewable energy and energy efficiency R&D grants.
None
The Office of Science’s (SC) mission is to deliver scientific discoveries and major
scientific tools to transform our understanding of nature and advance the energy,
economic, and national security of the United States. SC accomplishes its mission and
advances national goals, in part, by supporting science for advanced and sustainable
energy. SC supports a wide range of funding modalities from single principal
investigators to large team-based activities to engage in fundamental research on
energy production, conversion, storage, transmission, and use.
State, local, and tribal governments; colleges and universities; profit commercial
organizations; private nonprofit organizations; public nonprofit organizations; small
businesses
Specific advanced technologies not listed
See the Office of Science’s Funding Opportunities website, and program number
81.049 at the SAM.gov website.
21. Loan Guarantee Program (Loan Programs Office)
Administered by
Authority
Loan Programs Office (LPO)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title XVII
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8)
Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 11210)
Energy Act of 2020 (Div. Z of Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020; P.L. 116-260),
Title IX, Sec. 9010
Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA; P.L. 117-58), Division D, Title IV, Sec.
40401
24 Funding information taken from the Assistance Listings, see
https://sam.gov/fal/2ce2a503273bc133bfb5a1e142201bcd/view. The obligations for financial assistance do not include
all funding for Office of Science programs.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA; P.L. 117-169), Title V, Sec. 50141, 50144
Annual Funding
Section 1703 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program (permanent)
$0 for FY2013
$7.9 million for FY201425
$17 million for FY201526
$17 million for FY201627
$139,000 for FY201728
$30.9 million for FY201829
$12.3 million for FY201930
$29 million for FY202031
$29 million for FY202132
$29 million for FY202233
$3.6 billion appropriated for FY2022 from IRA
$168.2 million requested for FY202334
Section 1705 Temporary Loan Guarantee Program
$0 for FY2008
25 For FY2014, $42 million was enacted for administrative purposes only, but these expenses were offset by $34.1
million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $7.9 million. See Department of Energy, FY2016
Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, pp. 721-722.
26 For FY2015, $42 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were offset by $25
million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $17 million. See Department of Energy, FY2017
Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, pp. 743-744.
27
For FY2016, $42 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were offset by $25
million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $17 million. See Department of Energy, FY2018
Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, pp. 717-719.
28 For FY2017, $37 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were reduced by
(1) an offset of $27 million in collections from applicants and borrowers and (2) a rescission of an additional $9.861
million of administrative appropriations from FY2012 and FY2013 (P.L. 115-31) for a net appropriation of $139,000.
See Department of Energy, FY2019 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3 part 2, pp. 453-455.
29 For FY2018, $33 million was enacted for administrative purposes. These administrative expenses were reduced by
an offset of $2.1 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $30.9 million. See
Department of Energy, FY2020 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3 part 2, pp. 455-457.
30 For FY2019, $33 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were reduced by
$20.7 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $12.3 million. See Department of
Energy, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3 part 2, pp. 391-393.
31 For FY2020, $32 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were reduced by
$3 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $29 million. See Department of
Energy, FY2022 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3 part 2, p. 309.
32 For FY2021, $32 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses are expected to be
offset by $3 million for a net appropriation of $29 million. See Department of Energy, FY2023 Congressional Budget
Request, volume 3, p. 103.
33 For FY2022, $32 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses are expected to be
offset by $3 million for a net appropriation of $29 million. See Department of Energy, FY2023 Congressional Budget
Request, volume 3, p. 103.
34 For FY2023, a net total of $168.2 million was requested. This total includes $66.2 million for administrative
expenses and $150 million for credit subsidy costs offset by an estimated $48 million in offsetting collections. The
$150 million for credit subsidy costs is associated with an additional $5 billion of loan guarantee authority open to a
range of eligible projects, increasing available Title 17 loan authority from $22.4 billion to $27.4 billion. See
Department of Energy, FY2023 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3 (p. 104).
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$6 billion was appropriated for FY2009. However, $2 billion of that funding was
transferred to the “cash for clunkers” automobile trade-in program by P.L. 111-47.35
An additional $1.5 billion was rescinded for the Education Jobs and Medicaid
Assistance Act, P.L. 111-226 (Section 308), leaving a total of $2.5 billion remaining
from the FY2009 appropriations.
$0 for FY2012-FY2022
$0 requested for FY202336
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Section 1706 Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Financing
$5 billion appropriated for FY2022 from IRA
None for the permanent (Section 1703) loan guarantee program. Projects authorized
by the temporary loan guarantee (Section 1705) had to begin construction no later
than September 30, 2011. The LPO continues to administer and monitor loan
guarantees for Section 1705 projects. The IRA (P.L. 117-169, Title V, Section 50144)
authorized Section 1706 through FY2026.
This program provides federal loan guarantees to encourage early commercial use in
the United States of new or significantly improved technologies in energy projects that
(1) avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of
greenhouse gases; and (2) employ new or significantly improved technologies as
compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the
guarantee is issued. Temporary loan guarantees were also made under Section 1705
for rapid deployment of certain renewable and electric transmission projects up
through September 30, 2011.
The IRA (P.L. 114-169) established a temporary Section 1706 loan guarantee authority
that could finance energy infrastructure. The bill defines energy infrastructure as (1)
electricity generation and transmission or (2) production, processing, and delivery of
fossil fuels, petroleum-derived fuels, or petrochemical feedstocks. To qualify for a 1706
loan guarantee, projects would need to (1) retool, repower, repurpose, or replace
energy infrastructure that has ceased operations—subject to a requirement that fossil
fuel electricity generation projects must avoid, reduce, utilize, or sequester air
pollutants and anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions or (2) enable operating energy
infrastructure to avoid, reduce, utilize, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic
emissions of greenhouse gases.
State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; public nonprofit
organizations. No federal entity may apply.
Solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics; wind; hydroelectric;
renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric; fuel cells; manufacturing facilities;
daylighting; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal; biodiesel
See DOE’s Loan Guarantee Program website; See program number 81.126 at the
SAM.gov website; DSIRE’s program summary for the Loan Guarantee Program; CRS
Insight IN11432, Department of Energy Loan Programs: Title XVII Innovative
Technology Loan Guarantees, by Phillip Brown et al.; and CRS Insight IN11984,
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA): Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Programs, by
Phillip Brown.
22. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)/Small Business
Technology Transfer Program (STTR)
Administered by
EERE
35 For more information, see CRS Report R40669, Energy and Water Development: FY2010 Appropriations,
coordinated by Carl E. Behrens. To discuss with a CRS analyst, congressional staff may contact Mark Holt.
36 The authority to enter into new loan guarantees under Section 1705 expired on September 30, 2011, but the Loan
Program Office (LPO) continues to administer and monitor the portfolio of loan guarantees obligated prior to the
expiration date. See Department of Energy, FY2023 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3. p. 116.
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Authority
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219)
Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (P.L. 106-554), Appendix I, Title I (Small
Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000)
Small Business Technology Transfer Program Reauthorization Act of 2001 (P.L. 10750)
SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-81, Div. E, Title L)
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (P.L. 114-328), Div. A, Title
XVIII, Sec. 1834
SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-183)
Annual Funding37
$26.4 million for FY2013 (SBIR: $23.4 million; STTR: $3 million)
$30.8 million for FY2014 (SBIR: $27.4 million; STTR: $3.4 million)
$28.4 million for FY2015 (SBIR: $25.1 million; STTR: $3.3 million)
$30.2 million for FY2016 (SBIR: $26.3 million; STTR: $3.9 million)
$45.2 million for FY2017 (SBIR: $38.9 million; STTR: $6.3 million)
$58.2 million for FY2018 (SBIR: $51 million; STTR: $7.2 million)
$58.9 million for FY2019 (SBIR: $51.5 million; STTR: $7.4 million)
$78.33 million for FY2020 (SBIR: $66.76 million; STTR: $11.57 million)
$80.5 million for FY2021 (SBIR: $70.3 million; STTR: $10.1 million)
$68.1 million for FY2022 (SBIR: $59.7 million; STTR: $8.4 million)
$102.1 million requested for FY2023 (SBIR: $89.6 million; STTR: $12.6 million)
Scheduled Termination
The SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-183) reauthorized SBIR and STTR
through FY2025.
Description
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfers
(STTR) are U.S. government programs in which federal agencies with large research
and development (R&D) budgets set aside a small fraction of their funding for
competitions among small businesses only. DOE’s SBIR-STTR program is designed to
stimulate technological innovation by small advanced technology firms and provide
new, cost-effective scientific and engineering solutions to challenging problems. EERE
funds appropriated for SBIR/STTR are allocated to larger EERE technology programs,
detailed earlier in this report, including Biomass, Geothermal, Hydrogen & Fuel Cell,
Solar Energy, Water Power, Wind Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Building
Technologies, and Vehicle Technologies.
Small businesses
Research areas include energy production (fossil, nuclear, renewable, and fusion
energy); energy use (in buildings, vehicles, and industry); fundamental energy sciences
(materials, life, environmental, and computational sciences, and nuclear and high
energy physics); environmental management; and nuclear nonproliferation
See EERE’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfers
(SBIR/STTR) website; program number 10.212 (SBIR) at the SAM.gov website; and
CRS Report R43695, Small Business Research Programs: SBIR and STTR, by Marcy Gallo.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
23. Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program (Loan Programs Office)
Administered by
Authority
LPO
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title V, Section 503(a)
Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 2017
(P.L. 115-325), Title I, Sec. 101(c)
37 Annual funding listed for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfers
(STTR) programs includes only those funds distributed to DOE’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
See Department of Energy, FY2023 Congressional Budget Request, volume 4, p. 16.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169), Title V, Sec. 50145
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
$9 million for FY2017
$8.939 million for FY2018
$1 million for FY2019
$2 million for FY2021
$2 million for FY2022
$75 million appropriated for FY2022 from IRA
$1.9 million requested for FY2023
None. However, in FY2021, LPO has proposed to terminate the Tribal Energy Loan
Guarantee Program.38
This is a partial loan guarantee program that can guarantee up to $2 billion in loans to
support economic opportunities to tribes through energy development projects and
activities.
Tribal government; members of eligible tribes, including eligible joint ventures or
authorized corporate entities
A broad range of energy-related projects can be supported, including, but not limited
to solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, electric transmission infrastructure, and
energy storage.
See LPO’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program website; CRS Insight IN11452,
Department of Energy Loan Programs: Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee, by Corrie E. Clark
et al.; CRS Insight IN11984, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA): Department of Energy
Loan Guarantee Programs, by Phillip Brown; and CRS In Focus IF11793, Indian Energy
Programs at the Department of Energy, by Corrie E. Clark and Mark Holt.
II. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
1. Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Program
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Rural Development (RD)
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (P.L. 74-605)
Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-472)
$9.2 million for FY2013
$10 million for FY2014
$10 million for FY2015
$10 million for FY2016
$10 million for FY2017
$10 million for FY2018
$10 million for FY2019
$10 million for FY2020
$10 million for FY2021
$10 million for FY2022
$10 million requested for FY2023
None
This program provides financial assistance to rural communities with extremely high
energy costs (exceeding 275% of the national average).
State, local, and tribal governments (including U.S. territories); for-profit businesses;
nonprofit businesses; cooperatives; individuals
38 For FY2021, DOE proposed eliminating the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program. See Department of Energy,
FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, volume 3, part 2, p. 401.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Qualified Technologies
Solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal electric, solar thermal process
heat, solar photovoltaics, wind (all), biomass, hydroelectric, wind (small),
hydroelectric (small)
For More Information
See USDA’s High Energy Cost Grants website; program number 10.859 on the
SAM.gov website; and DSIRE’s program summary for the High Energy Cost Grant
Program.
2. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels
Administered by
Authority
RD
Annual Funding
Mandatory: The 2018 farm bill (P.L. 115-334) authorized mandatory funding of
$7 million annually for FY2019-FY2023 to remain available until expended. $7
million was appropriated annually for FY2019, FY2020,39 FY2021, and
FY202240.
Discretionary: The 2018 farm bill authorized discretionary funding of $20
million annually for FY2019-FY2023. No discretionary funding was
appropriated for FY2019-FY2022.
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title
IX, Section 9005
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79)
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334)
Scheduled Termination
Description
Mandatory funding authorized through FY2023.
The 2008 farm bill established a new Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels to
support and expand production of advanced biofuels—that is, fuel derived from
renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch—under which USDA would
enter into contracts with advanced biofuel producers to pay them for production
of eligible advanced biofuels. The policy goal is to create long-term, sustained
increases in advanced biofuels production.41 Payments are of two types: one based
on actual production, and a second based on incremental production increases.
Not more than 5% of the funds in any year can go to facilities with total refining
capacity exceeding 150 million gallons per year (7 C.F.R. Part 4288, Subpart B).
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
Eligible advanced biofuels producers
Payments will be made to eligible advanced biofuel producers for the production of
fuel derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch, to include
biofuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin; biofuel derived from sugar
and starch (other than ethanol derived from corn kernel starch); biofuel derived
from waste material, including crop residue, other vegetative waste material, animal
waste, food waste, and yard waste; diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable
biomass, including vegetable oil and animal fat; biogas (including landfill gas and
sewage waste treatment gas) produced through the conversion of organic matter
from renewable biomass; butanol or other alcohols produced through the
conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; and other fuel derived from
cellulosic biomass
For More Information
See USDA program website; program number 10.867 on the SAM.gov website;
CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi
39 In the FY2022 Budget Appendix, USDA notes a transfer of an additional $100 million from the Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) in FY2020 for $107 million total available funding for that fiscal year, likely reflecting the
availability of carryover funding. See the Appendix volume for FY2022 Budget of the United States Government, p.
133.
40 USDA notes a similar transfer of an additional $100 million from the CCC in FY2022 for $107 million total
available funding for that fiscal year. See the Appendix volume for FY2023 Budget of the United States Government, p.
136.
41 For more program information, see the “Advanced Biofuel Payment Program,” RD, USDA at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/advanced-biofuel-payment-program.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and
Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
3. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)
Administered by
Authority
Farm Services Agency (FSA)
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA; “2002 farm bill,” P.L. 107171), Title IX
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title IX,
Sec. 9001 created new Section 9011 under FSIRA
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79), Sec. 9010
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334)
Annual Funding
Mandatory: The 2018 farm bill did not authorize any mandatory annual funding
for FY2019-FY2023. Previously, the 2014 farm bill authorized mandatory funding
of $25 million annually from FY2014 through FY2018. The FY2015, FY2016, and
FY2017 appropriation acts (P.L. 113-235, P.L. 114-113, and P.L. 115-31,
respectively) limited mandatory funding to $23 million in FY2015, $3 million in
FY2016, and $3 million for FY2017. The FY2018 appropriations act (P.L. 115141) provided no mandatory funding for BCAP.
Discretionary: The 2018 farm bill authorized $25 million in annual discretionary
funding for BCAP for FY2019-FY2023. No funding was appropriated for FY2019FY2022.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Funding authorized through FY2023.
BCAP provides assistance to support the production of eligible biomass crops on land
within approved BCAP project areas. In exchange for growing eligible crops, the FSA
will provide annual payments through 5- to 15-year contracts. Under these contracts
up to 50% of establishment costs may also be provided. FSA will also provide
matching payments to eligible material owners at a rate of $1 for each $1 per dry ton
paid by a qualified biomass conversion facility. Matching payments may not exceed
$20 per ton and are limited to no more than two years per participant.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
Eligible biomass material owners and eligible biomass producers
Eligible material for a matching payment is renewable biomass, as defined by the 2014
farm bill, with several important exclusions including harvested grains, fiber, or other
commodities eligible to receive payments under the Commodity Title (Title I) of the
2014 farm bill. (The residues of these commodities, however, are eligible and may
qualify for payment.) Also excluded are animal waste and animal waste by-products
including fats, oils, greases, and manure; food waste and yard waste; and bagasse.
Eligible crops include renewable biomass, with the exception of crops eligible to
receive a payment under Title I of the 2014 farm bill and plants that are invasive or
noxious, or have the potential to become invasive or noxious.
For More Information
See the USDA BCAP website; CRS Report R41296, Biomass Crop Assistance Program
(BCAP): Status and Issues, by Mark A. McMinimy; CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the
2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The
Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
4. Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI)
Administered by
Authority
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA)/EERE (DOE)
Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (BRDA; P.L. 106-224), Title III
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA; “2002 farm bill,” P.L. 107171), Title IX, Sec. 9008
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title IX,
Sec. 9008 Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Section 9010
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title VII, Sec.
7507
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Mandatory: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory funds of $3 million were
authorized for FY2014 through FY2017 to remain available until expended. No
mandatory funds were authorized or appropriated for FY2018. The 2018 farm
bill did not extend mandatory funding for BRDI.
Discretionary: The 2018 farm bill authorized $20 million in annual appropriations
for FY2019-FY2023. No discretionary funding was appropriated through FY2022.
Funding authorized through FY2023.
BRDI is an interagency collaboration program between USDA’s National Institute of
Bioenergy (Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment) and DOE’s Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Bioenergy Technologies Program). The
program provides competitive grants, contracts, and financial assistance for research,
development, and demonstration of technologies and processes for biofuels and
biobased products.
Colleges and universities (including 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-Grant Colleges and
Universities); national laboratories; federal research agencies; state research agencies;
small businesses; nonprofit organizations; and/or a consortium of two or more
entities identified as eligible
Biomass; biofuels; biobased products
See the Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Board’s BRDI website; program
number 10.312 on the Sam.gov website; CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018
Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm
Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
5. Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing
Assistance Program (formerly the Biorefinery Assistance Program)
Administered by
Authority
RD
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title IX,
Sec. 9001 created the Biorefinery Assistance Program
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79), Title IX, Sec. 9003 amended
and renamed the program as the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased
Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title IX, Sec.
9003
Annual Funding
Mandatory: Under the 2018 farm bill, mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC) funding of $50 million for FY2019 and $25 million for FY2020 (to remain
available until expended) was authorized for loan guarantees. $50 million was
made available for FY2019. $24 million in funding was made available for
FY2020.42 $5 million in funding was made available for FY2021. No funding was
made available for FY2022.
Discretionary: Funds of $75 million annually are authorized to be appropriated for
FY2014-FY2018 and FY2019-FY2023. For FY2009-FY2013, $150 million was
authorized to be appropriated annually. No discretionary funding was
appropriated for this program through FY2022, and there is no budget request
for discretionary appropriations for FY2023.43
42 The original mandatory funding of $25 million for FY2020 was reduced by $1 million for a final total of $24 million
in mandatory funds made available to the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing
Assistance Program. This reduction is noted in the Appendix volume to the FY2021 Budget of the United States
Government on p. 142.
43 See the Appendix volume to the FY2023 Budget of the United States Government, p. 146: “The 2023 Budget does
not request discretionary funding for this program because mandatory funding is provided through the 2018 Farm Bill.”
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Mandatory funding authorized through FY2020 and discretionary funding authorized
through FY2023.
The purpose is to assist in the development of new and emerging technologies for the
development of advanced biofuels, so as to increase the energy independence of the
United States; promote resource conservation, public health, and the environment;
diversify markets for agricultural and forestry products and agriculture waste material;
and create jobs and enhance the economic development of the rural economy.
Competitive grants and loan guarantees are made to fund the development,
construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries using eligible
technologies. Biorefinery grants can provide for up to 30% of total project costs. Loan
guarantees are limited to $250 million or 80% of project cost.
Individuals; tribal entities; state government entities; local government entities; U.S.
territory government entities; corporations; farm cooperatives; farmer cooperative
organizations; associations of agricultural producers; national laboratories; institutions
of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; public power entities; consortia of any
of the previous entities
Technologies being adopted in a viable commercial-scale operation of a biorefinery
that produces an advanced biofuel, renewable chemical, or biobased product; and
technologies that have been demonstrated to have technical and economic potential
for commercial application in a biorefinery that produces an advanced biofuel,
renewable chemical, or biobased product.
See the USDA program website; USDA’s Biorefinery program fact sheet; program
number 10.865 at the SAM.gov website; CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018
Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm
Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
6. Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program
Administered by
Authority
Forest Service (FS)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title
IX, Sec. 9013
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79), Title IX, Sec. 9012
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title VIII, Sec.
8644
Annual Funding
Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.
Discretionary: Discretionary funding of $25 million annually is authorized to be
appropriated for FY2019-FY2023 under the 2018 farm bill. $1.5 million was
appropriated for FY2020. This was the first year Congress appropriated funds
directly for the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation competitive
funding program.44 $2 million was appropriated for FY2021, $16.4 million for
FY2022,45 and the agency requested $12.5 million for FY2023.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Funding authorized through FY2023.
The 2018 farm bill extended the program through FY2023 and changed the name to
the Community Wood Energy and Wood Energy Innovation Program. The program
provides matching grants for the installation of community wood energy systems or
building an innovative wood product facility.
A community wood energy system is defined in the 2018 farm bill as an energy
system that produces thermal energy or combined thermal energy and electricity,
services public facilities owned or operated by state or local governments, and uses
woody biomass. This includes single-facility central heating, district heating systems
44 United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service FY2022 Budget Justification (p. 146).
45 The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-103) appropriated $12 million and an additional $4.373
million from IIJA (P.L. 117-58) was used to fund Community Energy Wood grants in FY2022.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
for multiple buildings, combined heat and electric systems, and other related
biomass energy systems.
The 2018 farm bill added innovative wood product facilities to the program, defining
such a facility as a manufacturing or processing plant or mill that produces: building
components or systems using panelized wood construction; wood products derived
from nanotechnology or other new technology processes; or other innovative wood
products using low-value, low-quality wood.
Grants are capped at 35% of the capital cost of the system or facility (50% under
special circumstances), and are awarded for systems with a nameplate capacity not
exceeding 5 megawatts of thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy
as directed by statute.
State and local governments
Biomass
See the Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Grants program website; the Forest
Service’s Community Wood Grant Program Awards website; the federal Biomass
Research and Development (BR&D) Board’s “Wood Innovations Program” Power
Point document; program number 10.708 at the Sam.gov website; CRS In Focus
IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort; and
CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by
Kelsi Bracmort.
7. New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program
Administered by
Authority
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (P.L. 95113)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246)
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79)
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title VII, Sec.
7130
Annual Funding
The program received $875,000 for FY2010 and an estimated $875,000 for FY2011.
The program authorization expired after the end of FY2012, and it received no funding
through FY2018. Despite being reauthorized by the 2018 farm bill (P.L. 115-334), the
program received no funding for FY2019 through FY2022.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Authorized through FY2023.
This program provides grant funding for approved technology development, applied
research, and training to develop an agriculture-based renewable energy workforce.
The initiative supports bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, and agriculture-based
renewable energy resources. The program’s authority expired after FY2012, but the
2018 farm bill reauthorized the program for FY2019 through FY2023.
Public or private nonprofit community colleges; advanced technology centers
Biomass; bioenergy
See the archived CFDA web page for program number 10.314; and 7 U.S.C. §3319e.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
8. Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Grants and Loans
Administered by
Authority
(RD)
Food Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title IX,
Sec. 9001(a)
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79), Title IX, Sec. 9007
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title IX, Sec.
9007
Annual Funding
Congressional Research Service
Mandatory: The 2018 farm bill retains mandatory CCC funding of $50 million
for FY2014 and each fiscal year thereafter. (Thus, unlike other farm bill
30
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
renewable energy programs, REAP’s mandatory funding authority does not
expire with the 2018 farm bill.) Mandatory funds are to remain available until
expended.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Discretionary: Under the 2018 farm bill, discretionary funding of $20 million
annually is authorized to be appropriated for FY2019-FY2023; of this amount,
$335,000 was appropriated for FY2019, $706,000 for FY2020, $10.4 million for
FY2021,46 and $12.9 million for FY2022. $30 million was requested for FY2023.
Under the 2014 farm bill, discretionary funding of $20 million annually was
authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018; of this amount, $3.5 million was
appropriated for FY2014, $1.35 million for FY2015, $0.5 million for FY2016,
$352,000 for FY2017, and $293,000 for FY2018.
Under the 2008 farm bill, $25 million was authorized to be appropriated annually for
FY2009-FY2013. Actual discretionary appropriations have been $5 million in FY2009,
$39.3 million in FY2010, $5 million in FY2011, $3.4 million in FY2012 and in FY2013;
$3.5 million in FY2014; and $1.35 million in FY2015.
None
REAP promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy for agricultural producers
and rural small businesses through the use of: (1) grants and loan guarantees for
energy efficiency improvements (EEI) and renewable energy systems (RES); (2) grants
for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance; and (3) grants for
conducting renewable energy systems (RES) feasibility studies (eligible entities include
rural small businesses and agricultural producers).
The 2014 farm bill added new funding and a three-tiered application process with
separate application processes for grants and loan guarantees for RES and EEI
projects based on the project cost. It also excluded the use of REAP funds for
installing retail energy dispensing equipment, such as blender pumps.
The 2018 farm bill amended the financial assistance for energy efficiency
improvements and renewable energy systems section to include certain limitations
for loan guarantees to purchase and install energy efficient equipment or agricultural
production or processing systems. It also placed a cap of 15% of available funds per
year to be imposed on loan guarantees to agricultural producers for energy efficiency
equipment.
Commercial; schools; state, local, and tribal governments, rural electric cooperatives;
agricultural; public power entities. Eligibility extends to these listed entities in the
U.S. territories.
Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; wind;
biomass; hydroelectric; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric;
geothermal heat pumps; CHP/cogeneration; hydrogen; direct-use geothermal
(electric); anaerobic digestion; small hydroelectric; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean
thermal; renewable fuels; fuel cells using renewable fuels; microturbines. Specific
energy efficiency technologies not identified.
See the REAP program website; program number 10.868 at the Sam.gov website;
CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi
Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding
History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
9. Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP)
Administered by
Authority
RD
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79), Title VI, Sec. 6205
46 the Consolidated Appropriation Act, FY2021 (P.L. 116-260, §781) appropriated $10 million in additional
discretionary funding to REAP. This additional amount was added to the base discretionary appropriation of $392,000
for loan subsidies and grants and is to remain available until expended. Section 781 directs the Agriculture Secretary to
use the additional $10 million “to carry out a pilot program to provide financial assistance for rural communities to
further develop renewable energy.”
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title VI, Sec.
6303
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.
Discretionary: Under the 2014 farm bill, discretionary funding of $75 million
was authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. The 2018 farm bill
extended this authorization of $75 million for FY2019-FY2023. Of this amount,
no funding was appropriated for FY2015 and FY2016; $8 million was
appropriated annually for FY2016-FY2018; $10 million was appropriated for
FY2019; $12 million was appropriated for FY2020; $11 million was appropriated
for FY2021; $11.5 million was appropriated for FY2022; $26.3 million was
requested for FY2023.
Funding authorized through FY2023.
The Rural Energy Savings Program provides loans to entities that agree to make
affordable loans to help qualified consumers implement durable and cost-effective
energy efficiency upgrades or install cost-effective renewable energy or energy
storage systems. The 2018 farm bill requires that loans from eligible entities to
qualified consumers may not exceed 5% in interest and must be used for certain
purposes (e.g., to establish a loan loss reserve).
Public power entities (public power districts and public utility districts) and rural
electric cooperatives that have borrowed, repaid, prepaid, or are paying an electric
loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS); or any other entity
that is determined eligible for a loan from RUS according to federal regulations (see
7 CFR 1701.101)
On- or off-grid renewable energy systems; on- or off-grid energy storage systems;
cost-effective, commercial technologies to increase energy efficiency.
Specific renewable energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency technologies not
identified.
See the RESP program website; USDA’s RESP fact sheet; program number 10.751 at
the Sam.gov website; CRS In Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy
Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title:
An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
10. Sun Grant Program
Administered by
Authority
NIFA
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246), Title VII,
Sec. 7526
Agricultural Act of 2014 (“2014 farm bill,” P.L. 113-79), Title VII, Sec. 7516
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 farm bill,” P.L. 115-334), Title IX, Sec.
7414
Annual Funding
Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.
Discretionary: Under the previous 2008 and 2014 farm bills, discretionary
funding of $75 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2008-FY2018.
The 2018 farm bill extended this authorization of $75 million for FY2019FY2023. Of this amount, $2.5 million was appropriated in FY2015 and FY2016,
and $3 million was appropriated for FY2017-FY2021. $3.5 million was
appropriated for FY2022. $3 million was requested for FY2023.
Scheduled Termination
Description
Funding authorized through FY2023.
The Sun Grant Initiative (SGI) is a national network of land-grant universities and
federally funded laboratories coordinated through six regional Sun Grant centers. The
centers receive funding to enhance national energy security using biobased energy
technologies, to promote diversification and environmental sustainability of
agricultural production through biobased energy and product technologies, to
promote economic diversification in rural areas through biobased energy and product
technologies, and to enhance the efficiency of bioenergy and biomass research and
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
development programs.47 Competitive grants are available to land-grant schools
within each region to be used toward integrated, multistate research, extension, and
education programs on technology development and implementation.
The combined six regions and subregions, covering all 50 states and U.S. territories
are North-Central Region, Northeastern Region, Southeastern Region, South-Central
Region, Western Region, and the Western Insular Pacific Subcenter Region.
Colleges and universities: specifically, eligible applicants must represent a consortium
of 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant universities made up of one university from each
of the (six) Sun Grant regions and subregion.
Biomass; biofuels; biobased products
See the program website; program number 10.320 at the Sam.gov website; CRS In
Focus IF10288, Overview of the 2018 Farm Bill Energy Title Programs, by Kelsi Bracmort;
and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by
Kelsi Bracmort.
11. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
NIFA; Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624)
Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act Amendments of 1991 (P.L. 102-237)
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“2008 farm bill,” P.L. 110-246)
$19.3 million for FY2013
$22.7 million for FY2014
$23 million for FY2015
$25 million for FY2016
$27 million for FY2017
$27 million for FY2018
$37 million for FY2019
$37 million for FY2020
$40 million for FY2021
$40 million for FY2022
$60 million requested for FY2023
None
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) is designed to
increase knowledge concerning agricultural production systems that conserve soil,
water, energy, natural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat. SARE provides grants
through the agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy efficiency research and
extension initiative for projects with the purpose of enhancing the production of
biomass energy crops and the energy efficiency of agricultural operations.
Federal and state governments; colleges and universities; state agricultural experiment
stations; state cooperative extension services; nonprofit organizations; individuals
with demonstrable expertise
Biomass; biofuels; other technologies not identified.
See the USDA/NIFA supported website for SARE; program number 10.215 at the
SAM.gov website.
47 University of Tennessee; “Sun Grant Initiative” [archived].
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
III. U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury)
Tax credits for biofuels and vehicles are covered in detail in CRS Report R42566, Alternative
Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J.
Cunningham et al.
Homeowner
1. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (formerly the tax credit for
Nonbusiness Energy Property or Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit)
Administered by
Authority
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
26 U.S.C. §25C
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (EIA; P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
Description
December 31, 2032
For 2006 through 2022, this incentive provided a 10% credit for energy efficiency
improvements to the building envelope of existing homes and capped amounts
($50-$300) for the purchase of specific types of high-efficiency heating, cooling, and
water-heating equipment. Efficiency improvements or equipment must serve a
dwelling in the United States that is owned and used by the taxpayer as a primary
residence. The maximum lifetime amount of homeowner credit through 2022 is
$500.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-169) extended the tax credit through
2032. Beginning in 2023, the credit’s rate increases to 30% with an annual limit of
$1,200 and a $600 per-item limit for most equipment. The annual limit will be
$2,000 for taxpayers who claim expenses related to air source (natural gas) or
geothermal electric heat pumps, air source or geothermal heat pump water heaters,
and biomass stoves. Biomass stoves are eligible for the Residential Clean Energy Tax
Credit through 2022, but eligibility for biomass-related expenses switches over to
this credit starting in 2023.
Other modifications include: increasing the annual limits for windows; creating an
annual limit for doors; providing a 30% credit (up to $150) for home energy audits;
permitting taxpayers who do not own their residence to claim the credit for
expenditures on energy property and allowing the credit for residences other than
the taxpayer’s primary residence; and, starting in 2025, requiring taxpayers to
submit a product identification number to the IRS to claim the credit.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
Residential
Water heaters; furnaces; boilers; heat pumps; air conditioners; building insulation;
windows; doors; circulating fans used in a qualifying furnace; biomass and stoves that
use qualified biomass fuel
For More Information
See IRS Form 5695: Residential Energy Credits; IRS Form 5695 Instructions; CRS
Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by
Molly Sherlock.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
2. Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit (formerly the Residential Renewable
Energy Tax Credit)
Administered by
Authority
IRS
26 U.S.C. §25D
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
Description
December 31, 2034
This incentive provides a tax credit for qualified expenditures for qualified energy
property that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States and is used as a
residence by the taxpayer. Expenditures include both the purchase of the system
and installation labor costs.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-169) extended the tax credit through
2034 and modified the annual credit rate for each technology. A 26% credit for all
qualified technology systems (see below) was in place through December 31, 2021,
but the new law increases the credit rate to 30% for 2022 through 2032, and then
reduces the rate to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
Additional modifications include: adding stand-alone energy (battery) storage
systems to the list of qualified technologies starting in 2023; moving eligibility for
biomass-related expenses for the credit to the Energy Efficient Home Improvement
Credit; and renaming this credit as the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
Residential
Solar electric (including photovoltaics); solar water heating; small wind; fuel cells;
geothermal heat pumps; energy (battery) storage systems; qualified biomass fuel
property
For More Information
See IRS Form 5695: Residential Energy Credits; IRS Form 5695 Instructions; CRS
Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by
Molly Sherlock; CRS Report R42089, Residential Energy Tax Credits: Overview and
Analysis, by Margot L. Crandall-Hollick and Molly F. Sherlock.
3. Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate and Personal)
Administered by
Authority
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
IRS
26 U.S.C. §136
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-188)
None
Energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities, either directly or
indirectly, are nontaxable: “Gross income shall not include the value of any subsidy
provided (directly or indirectly) by a public utility to a customer for the purchase or
installation of any energy conservation measure.”
Residential; multifamily residential
Technologies installed to reduce electricity or natural gas consumption or improve
the management of energy demand in a dwelling unit, including, but not limited to,
solar water heat, solar space heat, photovoltaics, and other energy efficiency
technologies not identified.
See current IRS Publication 525 (2021), Taxable and Nontaxable Income; or all
archived versions (1995-2020) of IRS Publication 525.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Business and Industry
4. Accelerated Depreciation Under the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery
System (MACRS)
Administered by
Authority
IRS
26 U.S.C. §168
26 U.S.C. §48
Tax Reform Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-514)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97)
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
Description
None
Under MACRS, businesses may recover investments in certain property through
depreciation deductions. The MACRS establishes a set of class lives for various types
of property, ranging from three to 50 years, over which the property may be
depreciated. A number of renewable energy technologies are classified as five-year
property (26 U.S.C. §168(e)(3)(B)(vi)) under MACRS.
The 2017 tax revision (P.L. 115-97), signed in December 2017, extended the “placed
in service" deadline for bonus depreciation. Equipment placed in service after
September 2017 and before January 1, 2023 can qualify for 100% bonus deprecation;
for equipment placed in service during the period covering 2023 through 2026,
bonus depreciation reduces 20% each year: 80% for 2023, 60% for 2024, 40% for
2025, and 20% for 2026.48
The IRA (P.L. 117-169) amended the deduction by adding energy storage
technologies to the list of eligible technologies/equipment; and allowing any facility
qualifying for the clean electricity PTC or any facility or property qualifying for the
clean electricity ITC to be treated as 5-year property under the modified
accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS), making it so that cost recovery for
renewable energy investments would be generally similar to current law. This last
amendment applies to facilities and property placed in service after December 31,
2024.
Solar illumination, fuel cells, microturbines, CHP, and small wind property are
eligible for five-year cost recovery if construction began before January 1, 2022.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
Commercial; industrial
Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat;
photovoltaics; landfill gas; wind; biomass; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal
electric; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; municipal solid waste; CHP/cogeneration;
solar hybrid lighting; direct use geothermal; anaerobic digestion; microturbines;
energy storage technologies
For More Information
See IRS Publication 946: How To Depreciate Property; IRS Form 4562: Depreciation
and Amortization, and Instructions for Form 4562; and CRS Report R46451, Energy
48 Bonus depreciation applies to many classes of property or equipment other than renewable energy technologies
covered by MACRS. With 100% bonus depreciation available, businesses can choose to deduct the cost of renewable
energy property immediately, as opposed to recovering the cost of the investment over five years (MACRS). Beginning
in 2023, when bonus depreciation reduces 20% annually through 2026 (see program description above), businesses can
opt to deduct the remaining percentage immediately or the entire amount over five years under MACRS if they choose
not to take the bonus depreciation deduction. See CRS Insight IN11828, Effective Marginal Tax Rates on EnergyRelated Capital Investments: Effects of the Investment Tax Credit and Accelerated Depreciation, by Molly F. Sherlock,
for more information.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Tax Provisions Expiring in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 (“Tax Extenders”), by Molly F.
Sherlock, Margot L. Crandall-Hollick, and Donald J. Marples.
5. Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Administered by
Authority
IRS
26 U.S.C. §48
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-223)
Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86; P.L. 99-514)
Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-647)
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-239)
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-508)
Tax Extension Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-227)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (EISA; P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
Expires on December 31, 2024; superseded by the Clean Electricity Investment
Credit after 2024 (26 U.S.C. §48E)
Description
The ITC is a credit against the cost of investments in qualified renewable-energy
property. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-169) extends the expiration
date for this credit to December 31, 2024. After 2024, the credit will be superseded
with a new technology-neutral tax credit (Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit)
under section 45E of the Internal Revenue Code.
IRA further modifies the tax credit by expanding the list of eligible technologies and
establishing the following: new base credit amounts for qualified energy technology
property; new criteria to qualify for the full credit; a new bonus credit for projects
using domestically produced steel, iron or other component parts; increases the
credit amount for facilities located in “energy communities”49 as well as for facilities
paying prevailing wages during the construction phase and meeting apprenticeship
requirements; bonus credits for small solar and wind projects (less than 5 MW) built
in low-income communities; and procedures for tax-exempt entities to monetize the
tax credit, allowing payments in excess of tax liability to be refunded as “direct pay.”
Base credit percentage rates for most technologies is 6%, including solar, small wind,
fuel cells, geothermal, waste energy recovery, biogas, combined heat and power,
energy storage, and microgrid controllers. The base percentage rate for microturbine
property is 2%. These amounts can increase to 30% and 10%, respectively, if projects
pay prevailing wages during the construction phase, during the first five years of
operation, and meet registered apprenticeship requirements. The higher credit rates
are also available to any project with a maximum net output of less than one
megawatt of electrical or thermal energy and for facilities that begin construction
before 60 days after the Secretary of the Treasury publishes guidance on the wage
and registered apprenticeship requirements.
Technologies eligible for the Production Tax Credit (PTC) are eligible to opt for the
ITC in lieu of the PTC.
49 CRS Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by Molly Sherlock: “An
energy community is defined as being a brownfield site; an area which has or had certain amounts of direct
employment or local tax revenue related to oil, gas, or coal activities and has an unemployment rate at or above the
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Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Commercial; industrial; utilities; agricultural; tax exempt entities, including nonprofits,
state governments, tribal governments, local governments, and Alaska Native
Corporations
Solar energy technologies (solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric;
solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics); hybrid (fiber-optic) solar lighting; wind
energy systems (small wind; large wind; offshore wind); biomass/biogas; fuel cells;
geothermal systems (electric, heat pumps, direct-use); CHP/Cogeneration;
microturbines; waste energy recovery property; energy storage systems; thermal
energy storage; microgrid controllers; electrochromic glass; interconnection
property associated with the installation of energy property
See IRS Form 3468 (Investment Credit); CRS Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by Molly Sherlock; and CRS In Focus
IF10479, The Energy Credit or Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC), by Molly F. Sherlock.
6. Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction
Administered by
Authority
IRS
26 U.S.C. §179D
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
None50
Description
A tax deduction is available to owners of new or existing buildings who install (1)
interior lighting, (2) building envelope, or (3) heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot
water systems that reduce the building’s total energy and power cost in comparison
to a building meeting minimum requirements set by ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1.
Beginning in 2023, taxpayers may claim a deduction for energy efficiency building
retrofits that reduce a building’s energy usage intensity.
The previous maximum deduction allowed was $1.80 per square foot, but reduced
deductions were available for single-system upgrades. The IRA made several
modifications to the deduction, effective January 1, 2023, including modifying the
value of the deduction; changing the deduction’s energy efficiency requirements;
establishing a bonus deduction value for projects meeting certain prevailing wage
and apprenticeship requirements; and allowing tax-exempt entities (building owners)
to allocate the deduction to the person primarily responsible for designing the
property in lieu of the owner of such property. Government entities were
previously allowed to claim the credit, but IRA expanded the list of tax-exempt
entities to include non-profit organizations.
The updated efficiency standard requires a qualifying building to increase its
efficiency relative to a reference building by 25%. Deduction values are set at $0.50
per square foot, and increased by $0.02 for each percentage point by which the
certified efficiency improvements reduce energy and power costs, with a maximum
amount of $1.00 per square foot. For projects that meet prevailing wage and
national average; or a census tract or any adjoining tract in which a coal mine closed after December 31, 1999, or in
which a coal-fired electric power plant was retired after December 31, 2009.”
50 This tax deduction was made permanent with passage of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020
(Division EE, section 102 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, P.L. 116-260).
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registered apprenticeship requirements, the base amount is $2.50 per square foot,
which increases by $0.10 for each percentage point increase in energy efficiency,
with a maximum amount of $5.00 per square foot. The maximum deduction amount
is the total deduction a building can claim less deductions claimed with respect to
the building in the preceding three years.
Taxpayers making energy-efficiency retrofits that are part of a qualified retrofit plan
on a building that is at least five years old are able to deduct their adjusted basis in
the retrofit property (so long as that amount does not exceed a per-square foot
value determined on the basis of energy usage intensity). To qualify, retrofit plans
must be expected to reduce a building's energy use intensity by at least 25%.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Commercial; builder/developer. Tax exempt entities, including non-profits, local
governments, state governments, and the federal government can transfer their
deduction to the party responsible for creating the energy-efficient environment.
Equipment insulation; water heaters; lighting; lighting controls/sensors; chillers;
furnaces; boilers; heat pumps; air conditioners; caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air
sealing; building insulation; windows; doors; siding; roofs; comprehensive
measures/whole building
See DOE’s 179D Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction web page;
Energy Savings Modeling and Inspection Guidelines for Commercial Building Federal Tax
Deductions in 2016 or Later (September 2016) by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL); and CRS Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction
Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by Molly Sherlock.
7. Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders
Administered by
Authority
IRS
26 U.S.C. §45L
Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-172)
Energy Improvement and Extension Ac of 2008 (EIEA; P.L. 110-343)
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
(P.L. 111-312)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
Description
December 31, 2032
Contractors building energy-efficient homes and producers of manufactured energyefficient homes are eligible for a tax credit for each qualifying new home they build.
The IRA of 2022 extended this credit through December 31, 2032, increased and
modified the credit amount, and established bonus credits for multifamily units.
For homes constructed and acquired after 2022, a $2,500 credit is available for new
homes meeting certain Energy Star efficiency standards, and a $5,000 credit is
available for new homes that are certified as zero-energy ready homes. Multifamily
dwellings meeting certain Energy Star efficiency standards are eligible for a $500
credit per unit, with a $1,000 per unit credit available for eligible zero-energy ready
multifamily dwellings.
The credits for multifamily dwelling units are increased to $2,500 and $5,000,
respectively, if the taxpayer ensures that laborers and mechanics employed by
contractors and subcontractors in the construction of the residence are paid
prevailing wages.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Builder/developer
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Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Comprehensive measures/whole building
See IRS Form 8908 (Energy Efficient Home Credit); and CRS Report R47202, Tax
Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by Molly Sherlock.
8. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
Administered by
Authority
IRS
26 U.S.C. §45
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170)
Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-147)
Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-311)
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-357)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA, P.L. 117-169)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2024; superseded by the Clean Electricity Production Credit after 2024
(26 U.S.C. §45Y)
The federal PTC is a per-kilowatt-hour tax credit for electricity generated by qualified
energy resources and sold by the taxpayer to an unrelated person during the taxable
year. The duration of the credit is 10 years after the date the facility is placed in
service for all facilities placed in service after August 8, 2005.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-169) extends the expiration date for
this credit to December 31, 2024. After 2024, it will be superseded with a new
technology-neutral tax credit (Clean Electricity Production Credit) under section 45Y
of the Internal Revenue Code.
The law also: reinstitutes the credit for solar technologies (previously expired in
2005); establishes a new bonus credit for projects using domestically produced steel,
iron or other component parts; increases the credit amount for facilities located in
“energy communities”51 as well as for facilities paying prevailing wages during the
construction phase and meeting apprenticeship requirements; and extends the option
to claim the energy investment tax credit (ITC) in lieu of the PTC.
Commercial; industrial; tax exempt entities, including: non-profits; state government;
and local government
Wind (large, small, offshore); solar photovoltaic; solar thermal electric; geothermal
electric; hydroelectric; marine and hydrokinetic power (i.e., flowing water, tidal
energy, wave energy, ocean thermal); biomass; landfill gas; municipal solid waste;
anaerobic digestion
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
51 CRS Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by Molly Sherlock : “An
energy community is defined as being a brownfield site; an area which has or had certain amounts of direct
employment or local tax revenue related to oil, gas, or coal activities and has an unemployment rate at or above the
national average; or a census tract or any adjoining tract in which a coal mine closed after December 31, 1999, or in
which a coal-fired electric power plant was retired after December 31, 2009.”
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For More Information
See IRS Notice 2016-31; CRS Report R47202, Tax Provisions in the Inflation Reduction
Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376), by Molly Sherlock; and CRS Report R43453, The Renewable
Electricity Production Tax Credit: In Brief, by Molly F. Sherlock
IV. Department of the Interior (DOI)
1. Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP): Minerals and Mining on
Indian Lands
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); Division of Energy and Mineral Development (DEMD)
Snyder Act of 1921 (P.L. 67-85), 25 U.S.C. §13
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638), 25 U.S.C. §450
Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-382), 25 U.S.C. §§2101 et seq.
Umatilla Basin Project Act (P.L. 100-557), 16 U.S.C. §§1271 et seq.
$12.87 million for FY2011
$12.7 million for FY2012
$12 million for FY2013
$9.62 million for FY2014
$5.14 million for FY2015
$6 million for FY2016
$5.3 million for FY2019
$6.5 million for FY2020
No data available for FY2017, FY2018, FY2021, or FY2022
None
Funding may be used to facilitate the inventory, assessment, promotion, and
marketing of both renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources on
Indian lands. Funds are awarded competitively to support assessment and inventory
programs or to develop baseline data, but they cannot be used for development
purposes.
Federally recognized Indian tribes; individual American Indian mineral owners
Renewable energy technologies
See BIA’s Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) website; and program
number 15.038 at the SAM.gov website; or contact the Division of Energy and Mineral
Development at (303) 969-5270.
2. Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant Program
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
BIA/DEMD
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Indian Tribal Energy Resource Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005
(Title V of Energy Policy Act of 2005; P.L. 109-58)
$250,000 for FY2011
$0 for FY2012
$400,000 for FY2013 (est.)
$700,000 for FY2014
$1.56 million for FY2015
$1.4 million for FY2016
$1.7 million for FY2017
$1 million for FY2019
No data available for FY2018, FY2020-FY2022
None
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Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
This program provides grants to Indian tribes to (1) develop and sustain the
managerial and technical capacity needed to develop their energy resources; and (2)
properly account for resulting energy production and revenues.
Tribal governments
Renewable energy technologies
See BIA’s Tribal Energy Development Capacity Grant Program website; and program
number 15.148 at the SAM.gov website; or contact the Division of Energy and Mineral
Development at (303) 969-5270.
V. Small Business Administration (SBA)
1. 7(a) Loan Guarantees
Administered by
Authority
Annual Funding
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Small Business Act of 1953 (P.L. 83-163)
7(a) loan guaranty administrative costs are funded through the SBA’s appropriation
for business loan administration ($159.5 million in FY2010, $152.694 million in
FY2011, $147.958 million in FY2012, $140.219 million in FY2013 (after
sequestration), $151.560 million in FY2014, $147.726 million in FY2015, $152.726
million in FY2016, $152.726 million in FY2017, $152.782 million in FY2018, $155.150
million in FY2019 and FY2020, $160.3 million in FY2021, and $163.0 million in
FY2022).
The SBA reports that it spent $95.090 million in FY2010, $88 million in FY2011,
$93.640 million in FY2012, $75.390 million in FY2013, $66.578 million in FY2014,
$63.013 million in FY2015, $75.791 million in FY2016, $82.173 in FY2017, $89.785
million in FY2018, $91.569 million in FY2019, $71.723 million in FY2020, and
$58.493 million in FY2021 on 7(a) loan administration. The SBA budgeted $73.703
million for 7(a) loan administration in FY2022.
In addition, the 7(a) loan guaranty program was provided $80 million in FY2010, $80
million in FY2011, $139.4 million in FY2012, $213.8 million (after sequestration) in
FY2013, $99.0 million in FY2020, and $15 million in FY2021 for loan credit subsidies.
No funding was provided for loan credit subsidies for FY2014 through FY2019 or for
FY2022.
None
This program guarantees loans from lenders to small businesses that are unable to
obtain financing on reasonable terms and conditions in the private credit
marketplace, but can demonstrate an ability to repay loans if granted, in a timely
manner. Guaranteed loans are made available to for-profit small businesses. The
SBA’s 7(a) lending authority includes (1) regular 7(a); (2) SBAExpress Program; (3)
the CapLines Program; (4) Small/Rural Lender Advantage initiative; (5) Export
Express Program; (6) Export Working Capital Program; (7) International Trade; and
(8) Community Advantage initiatives.
Small businesses meeting the size and eligibility standards
Not specifically listed
See the SBA website; program number 59.012 at the SAM.gov website; and CRS
Report R41146, Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program, by Robert
Jay Dilger. To discuss with a CRS analyst, congressional staff may contact Anthony
Cilluffo.
2. 504 Loan Guarantees
Administered by
Authority
SBA
Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (P.L. 85-699)
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Annual Funding
504 loan guaranty administrative costs are funded through the SBA’s appropriation
for business loan administration ($159.5 million in FY2010, $152.694 million in
FY2011, $147.958 million in FY2012, $140.219 million in FY2013 (after
sequestration), $151.560 million in FY2014, $147.726 million in FY2015, $152.726
million in FY2016, $152.726 million in FY2017, $152.782 million in FY2018, $155.150
million in FY2019 and FY2020, $160.3 million in FY2021, and $163.0 million in
FY2022).
The SBA reports that it spent $36.232 million in FY2010, $38.888 million in FY2011,
$39.612 million in FY2012, $40.474 million in FY2013, $39.410 million in FY2014,
$40.018 million in FY2015, $29.998 million in FY2016, $30.676 million in FY2017,
$38.792 million in FY2018, $38.355 million in FY2019, and $32.778 million in
FY2020, and $29.270 million in FY2021 on 504 loan administrative costs. The SBA
budgeted $36.374 million for 504 loan administration in FY2022.
In addition, the 504 loan guaranty program was provided $67.7 million in FY2012,
$98.1 million (after sequestration) in FY2013, $107.0 million in FY2014, and $45.0
million in FY2015 for loan subsidy costs. No funding was provided for loan credit
subsidies for FY2016 through FY2022.
Scheduled Termination
Description
None
This program provides long-term fixed rate financing for major fixed assets, such as
land, buildings, equipment, and machinery. Of the total project costs, a third-party
lender must provide at least 50% of the financing; the Certified Development
Company provides up to 40% of the financing through a 100% SBA-guaranteed
debenture; and the applicant provides at least 10% of the financing. Qualified
projects are required to modernize or upgrade facilities by (1) reducing energy use
by at least 10%; (2) employing sustainable or low-impact design that reduces fossil
fuel use; (3) planning, equipping, and/or installing process upgrades or renewable
energy sources; or (4) supporting renewable fuels production by biodiesel and
ethanol producers.
Small businesses meeting the size and eligibility standards
Fossil fuels; energy efficiency equipment; renewable energy sources (unspecified);
renewable fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
See the SBA website; program number 59.041 at the SAM.gov website; and CRS
Report R41184, Small Business Administration 504/CDC Loan Guaranty Program, by
Robert Jay Dilger. To discuss with a CRS analyst, congressional staff may contact
Anthony Cilluffo.
VI. U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD)
1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
Administered by
Authority
Scheduled Termination
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Conventional mortgages: Private lenders that sell mortgage loans to Fannie Mae or
Freddie Mac may also offer Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs).
EEMs were initially introduced by lenders in the 1980s. In 1992, three pieces of
legislation passed by Congress worked toward standardizing and expanding the use
of EEMs. In 1992, Congress established an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Pilot
Program (P.L. 102-550). The program was later expanded beyond five states to
become a national program. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
(HERA; P.L. 110-289) increased the maximum amount that can be added to an FHA
mortgage for energy efficient improvements. The 111th Congress included incentives
to encourage green home improvements in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5).
None
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Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Homeowners can take advantage of EEMs to finance a variety of energy efficiency
measures, including renewable energy technologies, in a new or existing home. The
federal government directly provides these loans through the FHA and VA lending
programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also purchase EEMs from primary
lenders. Primary lenders may issue EEMs that do not conform to underwriting
standards.
The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA’s
Section 203 (b) program, provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage
payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for
this loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. VA: available to qualified military
personnel, reservists, and veterans; Conventional: Applicants qualifying for a
conventional mortgage are also eligible for an energy efficient mortgage.
Passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics;
daylighting; and other technologies not specifically identified
See the HUD, RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network), Energy Star, and
DSIRE websites.
2. FHA PowerSaver Loan Program
Administered by
Authority
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
FHA
No statutory authority. HUD developed the PowerSaver as part of the Recovery
Through Retrofit initiative launched in May 2009 by the White House Task Force on
Middle Class Working Families to develop federal actions for expanding green job
opportunities in the United States and boosting energy savings by improving home
energy efficiency.52
PowerSaver began as a nationwide two-year pilot program, launched in 2011. No
termination date has been identified.
PowerSaver offers FHA-backed loans, with three financing options for homeowners
to make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades in their residences: (1)
PowerSaver Home Energy Upgrade (up to $7,500) for smaller projects; (2)
PowerSaver Second Mortgage (Title I, up to $25,000) for larger retrofit projects;
and (3) PowerSaver Energy Rehab (203(k)). This 203(k) loan is for home purchase
or refinance, targeting either home buyers wishing to combine home improvements
with a home purchases or to homeowners wishing to include home improvements
when refinancing an existing mortgage. For the 203(k), current loan limits for a
single-unit property vary by area from $217,500 to $625,000. For all three
PowerSaver products, borrowers must select from a list of approved PowerSaver
lenders.
These loans are available to homeowners who meet the following criteria: a
minimum credit score of 660 and a maximum total debt to income ratio of 45%
(monthly income divided by monthly debt payments). Eligible housing is limited to
single unit homes that must be owner-occupied.
Energy efficient improvements, including installation of insulation, duct sealing,
replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heaters, home automation
systems and controls (e.g., smart thermostats), solar panels, solar thermal hot water
systems, small wind power, and geothermal systems.
See EERE’s fact sheet; DSIRE website; and FHA’s approved list of lenders for
PowerSaver.
52 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “HUD Announces Pilot Program to Help Homeowners Pay
for Energy Improvements to their Homes,” press release, November 9, 2010, at
https://archives.hud.gov/news/2010/pr10-251.cfm
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VII. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS)
1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Administered by
Administration For Children and Families
Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA)
Authority
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-35), Title XXVI, §2602
The Human Services Amendments of 1994 (P.L. 103-252), Title III, §§302–304(a),
311(c)(1)
Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of
1998 (P.L. 105-285), Title III, §302,
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58), Title I, Subtitle B, §121(a))
Annual Funding
$3.29 billion for FY2013
$3.43 billion for FY2014
$3.39 billion for FY2015
$3.37 billion for FY2016
$3.39 billion for FY2017
$3.64 billion for FY2018
$3.65 billion for FY2019
$4.64 billion for FY202053
$8.2 billion for FY202154
$3.76 billion for FY202255
None
Scheduled Termination
Description
LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating or
cooling their homes. In most states, it also helps people make sure their homes are
more energy efficient by paying for certain home improvements, known as
weatherization.
53 The Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA), initially released approximately
$3.32 billion of FY2020 regular block grant funding to LIHEAP grantees on November 1, 2019. This funding was
provided under the Continuing Appropriations Resolution 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019, (P.L. 116-59). A
second release of $381 million was appropriated under the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 11694) and announced on February 27, 2020. A third round of funding of $37 million was released on April 3, 2020, under
the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94). Finally, an additional $900 million in supplemental
funding was appropriated for FY2020 under the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) on March 27. 2020. Those funds were
released on May 8, 2020. The CARES Act allows LIHEAP grantees to carryover up to 100% of the supplemental
funding for obligation in FY2021. Grantees must obligate at least 90% of the nonsupplemental FY2020 funding by
September 30, 2020.
54 OCS’ Division of Energy Assistance initially released approximately $3.36 billion of FY2021 regular block grant
funding to LIHEAP grantees on November 5, 2020. This funding was provided under the Continuing Appropriations
Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159). A second release of $346 million was appropriated by Congress
under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), signed into law on December 27, 2020. A third round
of $4.5 billion in supplemental LIHEAP funding for FY2021 was announced on May 4, 2021. These supplemental
funds were appropriated under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. 117-2).
55 OCS’ Division of Energy Assistance initially released approximately $3.37 billion of FY2022 regular block grant
funding to LIHEAP grantees on November 1, 2021. This funding was provided under the Extending Government
Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43). A second (non-supplemental) release of over $385
million was announced on April 21, 2022. The funds for the second release were appropriated under the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103).
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Funds are allotted to states, tribes, and territories according to a formula prescribed by
the LIHEAP statute. State, tribal, and territorial governments manage the day-to-day
details of the program, including the award of assistance to eligible applicants.
The LIHEAP statute limits the amount of funds that each grantee (state, tribe, or
territory) may spend on weatherization to 15% of the funds available, or up to 25% with
a waiver from HHS. However, in cases of floods or natural disasters, work can be done
under the crisis part of the grantee’s LIHEAP program, thus bypassing the
weatherization limits.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Weatherization technologies include a wide range of energy efficiency measures for
retrofitting homes and apartment buildings. Typical measures may include installing
insulation; sealing ducts; tuning and repairing broken or inefficient heating and cooling
systems and if indicated, replacing the same; mitigating air infiltration; and reducing
electric base load consumption.
For More Information
See OCS’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) website; program
number 93.568 at the Sam.gov website; and CRS Report RL31865, LIHEAP: Program and
Funding, by Libby Perl.
VIII. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
Administered by
Authority
Scheduled Termination
Description
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
FHA and VA. Conventional mortgages: Private lenders that sell mortgage loans to
Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may also offer EEMs
EEMs were initially introduced by lenders in the 1980s. In 1992, three pieces of
legislation passed by Congress worked toward standardizing and expanding the use of
EEMs. In 1992, Congress established an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Pilot Program
(P.L. 102-550). The program was later expanded beyond five states to become a
national program. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA; P.L. 110289) increased the maximum amount that can be added to an FHA mortgage for
energy efficient improvements. The 111th Congress included incentives to encourage
green home improvements in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(ARRA; P.L. 111-5).
None
Homeowners can take advantage of EEMs to finance a variety of energy efficiency
measures, including renewable energy technologies, in a new or existing home. The
U.S. federal government directly provides these loans through the FHA and VA
lending programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will also purchase EEMs from primary
lenders. Primary lenders may issue EEMs that do not conform to underwriting
standards.
The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA’s
Section 203 (b) program, provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage
payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for this
loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. VA: available to qualified military personnel,
reservists, and veterans; Conventional: applicants qualifying for a conventional
mortgage are also eligible for an energy efficient mortgage.
Passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; daylighting;
and other technologies not specifically identified
See the HUD, RESNET, Energy Star, and DSIRE websites.
Congressional Research Service
46
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
IX. Fannie Mae
1. Fannie Mae Green Initiative-Loan Program
Administered by
Authority
Fannie Mae
Scheduled Termination
Description
None
This program provides owners of multifamily properties (rental or cooperative
properties with five or more units) with two financing options,56 as well as tools to
make energy- and water-saving property improvements:
Qualified Applicant(s)
Qualified Technologies
For More Information
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-448)
The Green Rewards program provides up to an additional 5% of loan proceeds by
including up to 75% of projected owner energy and water savings and 25% of
projected tenant savings in the loan underwriting. Selected property upgrades must
be completed within 12 months of loan closing.
The Green Building Certification financin
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