The U.S. Department of Energy is extending the application deadline for the third round of Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance to May 22, 2015. The START Program provides federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal entities with on-the-ground support to accelerate clean energy project deployment as part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to help tribal communities nationwide enhance their energy security and build a sustainable energy future.
Through the START Program, the Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy and its National Laboratory experts provide technical assistance for tribal clean energy development by supporting community- and commercial-scale renewable energy projects across the country. Since its launch in December 2011, the START Program has helped 21 tribal communities advance their clean energy technology and infrastructure projects — from solar and wind to biofuels and energy efficiency.
Eligible applicants for this opportunity include Indian Tribes, Alaska Native regional corporations and formally organized tribal energy resource development organizations. Applicants designated as White House Climate Action Champions will be given preferential consideration.
“The program is very flexible, providing expertise in different areas as project needs change, including the site location,” said James Jensen, project manager for Southern Ute Alternative Energy, LLC, which received START assistance in 2013, to help advance the development of its $3 million, 1-megawatt solar photovoltaic project.
Up to five projects will be selected by late June 2015. Technical assistance will be provided from July 2015 through August 2016.
For more information and application requirements, please visit the Energy Department’s Office of Indian Energy website.