Inflation Reduction Act: Blueprint for Clean Energy Revolution

As far as revolutions go, it's a big week in clean energy news.

📈 On its first anniversary, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—a blueprint for the largest U.S. energy transformation—is saving Americans more money on home energy bills, improving the health of our communities and our planet strengthening the economy, and creating good-paying jobs. Take a look at these clean energy opportunities that will save money and the environment:

• The Inflation Reduction Act in Its First Year
• Significant Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act on the U.S. Energy Economy and Emissions Reductions
• Applications Open for States and Territories to Implement $8.5 Billion for Home Energy Rebates
• How to Ensure Your Home Energy Audit Qualifies for a $150 Tax Credit 
• Geothermal Heat Pump Information for Consumers
• Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credit Opportunities for Hydropower and Marine Energy
• U.S. Wind Industry Federal Incentives, Funding, and Partnership Opportunities Fact Sheet

💰 Funding Spurs Innovation

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Water Power Technologies Office and the Minority-Serving Institutions STEM Research and Development Consortium released a $1.2 million funding opportunity to support high-impact, water power research ideas from minority-serving colleges and universities. This program is part of “Seedlings for Universities” initiative to fund research and development activities in academic institutions that do not have significant existing water power research portfolios.  

Seven! projects will share more than $6.1 million to reduce embodied carbon and operational energy from materials, buildings, and industrial processes.

And DOE unlocked billions of dollars in private capital to improve the efficiency of federal facilities, awarding energy saving performance contracts (ESPCs) to 20 energy service companies. Since 1998, more than 30 federal agencies have used ESPCs to help fund decarbonization projects across the United States.

🧭 Clean Energy in Action

Inspired by her parents, Monica Sanchez is celebrating 10 years of public service by doubling down on climate change and spreading the word about clean energy. As director of external affairs at EERE, Sanchez’s primary responsibility is crafting messaging that resonates with the American people and working with stakeholders to build a national network of Clean Energy Champions.

Heading north to a 100% clean energy future. Alaska is a reminder that different places need different approaches to transition to clean energy. So, DOE’s Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project works with low-population communities—like the remote and island communities of Alaska—to transform their energy systems and address the unique energy challenges each community encounters. 

📅 What’s Happening at EERE

Registration for the Fall 2023 Geothermal Collegiate Competition is now open, inviting teams from colleges and universities to develop real-world geothermal solutions. Teams compete for cash prizes in two tracks, technical and policy, while gaining experience in the renewable energy industry. Deliverables are due December 20.

Are you looking for a career in clean energy? Join us each Thursday in September for a weekly webinar series highlighting EERE careers in renewable energy, sustainable transportation and fuels, buildings and industry, and business operations. Each session features EERE leaders and employees who will share their career journeys and explain why it is the most exciting time to be part of the clean energy revolution at DOE. Hear from hiring managers about how you can apply to be a clean energy champion.

On September 7, you can join EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act has impacted domestic solar manufacturing and encouraged equitable solar energy deployment since it was passed last year—and where DOE sees the industry heading next. 

For more events and webinars, check out EERE's webpage.

Stay tuned for more electrifying clean energy news ⚡