The Washington State Clean Energy Fund enables a mix of projects administered by Commerce’s State Energy Office. Projects must provide a public benefit to the citizens of Washington through development, demonstration, and deployment of clean energy technologies that save energy and reduce energy costs, reduce harmful air emissions, or otherwise increase energy independence for the state.
The Washington State Department of Commerce will be accepting applications for Research, Development and Demonstration grants beginning July 16. The Washington State Legislature created the program to support Washington’s research institutions, organizations and clean energy technology companies. You can find more information here.
Bidders’ Conference
A bidder’s conference will be held Aug. 7 from 3 – 4 p.m. via Skype meeting. This meeting will be recorded and posted to the Commerce website for reference. Your attendance is highly recommended if your organization is planning on participating in the application process. Below is the information to join the Skype meeting:
- Join Skype Meeting
- Trouble Joining? Try Skype Web App
- Join by phone: (360) 407-3813 (COM) | English (United States)
- Conference ID: 315128
Research, Development, and Demonstration Program
The RD&D (Research, Development and Demonstration) program was created as part of the Clean Energy Fund. The purpose is to support Washington’s research institutions, organizations and clean energy technology companies. The primary goals are to:
- Provide a benefit to the public through development, demonstration, and deployment of clean energy technologies that save energy and reduce energy costs, reduce harmful air emissions, or otherwise increase energy independence for the state.
- Increase the competitiveness of Washington-based research entities by providing a required cost-share or match funding assistance.
- Bring in new non-state funding to help grow Washington’s clean technology sector.
- Develop and strengthen relationships and new technologies in the clean energy sector.
The legislation mandates that eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Advancing energy storage and solar technologies
- Advancing bioenergy and biofuels
- Development of new earth abundant materials or lightweight materials
- Engineering advanced energy storage materials
- Implementing innovative approaches for recycling of battery components
- Developing new renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies
Match
RD&D funds must be matched by the applicant with non-state dollars at a 1:1 or greater ratio. A higher ratio is desired and additional consideration may be given during the application review process based on this. Matching funds may be sought from lending institutions, investors, federal awards, non-state awards, or the applicant.
-
- Applicants are expected to notify Commerce of all applicable non-state award decisions.
- Applicants who do not receive their non-state match funding within 12 months of receipt of their award letter may apply for future funding pending new opportunity announcements.
- An additional six months to secure required match, for a total of 18 months following the date on the award letter, may be provided on a case-by-case basis.
- Successful applicants that secure less than 1:1 match will have the award reduced to the secured match amount.