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Ky. Office of Energy Policy Announces Funding Opportunities and Application Webinars April 24th
10:30 a.m. ET - The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) provides up to $2 million for energy efficiency projects undertaken through Kentucky's local governments. Applications will be available beginning May 1 to May 31st. Up to five grants between $500,000 to $1 million will be awarded for projects with an August 2024 start date. While a cost share is not required, projects with a cost share will receive bonus points in scoring.
Register here for the EECBG Webinar
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrduigrzMqH9MHrPXFdMIGh1KNvfX3tr9S
2:00 p.m. ET - The VW Environmental Mitigation Fund- Level 2 Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
provides funding for the installation and operation of light-duty zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. The application deadline for the reimbursable rebate program is 4:00 p.m. ET, May 31, 2024.
Register here for the VW Webinar
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcOCqqDMiEtSs3UVIj2n-ix247p3Fr_Ww
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The Office of Energy Policy (OEP) has published the results of a year-long feasibility study that could help advance Kentucky’s hydrogen economy, reduce freight emissions, and support leadership in the manufacturing and transportation sectors. The Hydrogen-Powered Truck Operation in Kentucky study was completed by HDR, Inc. an engineering firm in Lexington, through the efforts of Kentucky’s regional Hydrogen Hub Workgroup and Office of Energy Policy. The study examines the potential for hydrogen-powered truck operations in Kentucky, identifying opportunities, constraints, and possible funding sources.
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The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy, recently announced up to a total of $10.6 million for the Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagement Program. The program provides funding to states and regions related to developing, expanding, or improving wholesale electricity markets. This engagement will ensure these stakeholders can provide critical insight into market design, expansion, and improvement activities.
The Kentucky Office of Energy Policy signed a letter of support for the National Association of State Energy Officials program, one of the six projects selected to receive funding, to identify and implement market improvements. NASEO's efforts will strive to examine how state-level integrated resource planning can be coordinated with broader regional plans to enable states' successes and to engage local governments and other stakeholders (such as the private sector and community groups that the state energy offices interact with) on resilience, reliability, and market tissues.
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Researchers at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) are investigating a new technology that they hope will give new life to Kentucky’s oil and natural gas wells. Funded by the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, CAER's Cementitious Materials Research Group, along with industrial partner Enhanced Solutions Services, have developed a method to utilize coal combustion products to recover and enhance production from pre-existing oil and natural gas wells. The CAER team is using ash fracking, a green technology paired with simple pumping equipment that creates a small operational footprint — a crucial factor in Eastern Kentucky topography.
Read the full article here.
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Applications are open for the second round of funding: The 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize. This is the second round of funding from the Renew America's Schools Program, designed to fund energy efficiency and renewable projects in public schools. This application implements a prize-to-cooperative-agreement funding model to streamline the application process, expedite the award process, and provide winners earlier and more targeted support. Click here for more information on how to apply for this grant.
The Office of Energy Policy recognizes Kentucky's Greenup County School District, as a past recipient of a Renew America's Schools Grant. Funding provides improvements in three schools to replace the roof, install solar electric panels, and solar thermal water heating technology, replace lighting, and replace 18 single-pane windows. The proposed project, supported by an energy savings performance contract, enables the implementation of a wide range of energy conservation technologies. Click here to learn more.
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The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation through the Department of Energy, has made available $54 million in new federal funding for projects that will expand community e-mobility access and provide clean reliable energy. The program will make strategic investments at the local level that address key barriers to expanding access to electrified mobility options for individuals without home charging; accelerate the transition to electrified fleets; and mature the implementation of managed charging systems to mitigate impacts and optimize usage of the grid. Applicants must submit a concept paper by May 20, 2024, and full applications are due July 16, 2024. Learn more.
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The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Clean Ports Program is now open for applications. this program, established by the IRA, provides $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure and climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. The program's goals include transitioning the port sector to zero-emissions operations, reducing diesel pollution In near-port communities, and ensuring meaningful community engagement and emissions reduction planning become standard practices in the port industry. There are two Notices of Funding opportunities available. Read more.
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The U.S. Department of Energy led the development of a Blueprint as a national strategy for aggressively reducing building greenhouse gas emissions while delivering equity, affordability, and resilience benefits to communities. The Blueprint's goals ensure that the low-carbon buildings transition benefits disadvantaged communities reduces energy costs, and increases the ability of communities to withstand stresses.
Download the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint.
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The Kentucky Solar Energy Society and local partners announce free Solar 101 Workshops to educate the City of Frankfort residents, small businesses, and organizations about the benefits of group solar purchasing. The workshops are open to the public and scheduled for April 24, 6-8 p.m. at Paul Sawyier Public Library and May 8, 6- p.m. at Franklin County Extension Office. Visit SolarizeFrankfort@fastmail.org for more information.
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What's Happening at the Office of Energy Policy | |
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Kenya Stump presented at the KIUC Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers (KIUC) Conference on April 12. OEP staff Lona Brewer, Carol Stringer, and Eileen Hardy attended the virtual conference.
Kenya Stump participated in leading discussions about the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit, to the MESD (Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chairs) and Energy Communities IWG, Illinois Coal Basin 48C Regional Event in Evansville, IN on April 16.
On April 23, Kenya Stump will participate in the NARUC/NASEO/NGA Advanced Nuclear State Collaborative Workshop in Knoxville, TN.
Emma Stone participated in the Bluegrass Greensource Sustainability Summit, on April 10 at the University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center, Lexington.
Amanda LeMaster was the guest speaker and attended the Microgrid Knowledge Conference hosted by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Baltimore, MD on April 23-25.
OEP welcomes two new staff members. Spencer Rodgers is supporting fiscal responsibilities relating to federal and state grant management and other financial administrative duties. Emma Stone is serving as grants manager supporting existing programs and collaborating in program development for state and federal initiatives.
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Data Visualization of the Month | | |
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The Office of Energy Policy released the Power Plant Profiles Dashboard. The Dashboard provides detailed summaries of Kentucky’s power plants including capacity, generation, emissions, and fuel usage.
Questions may be directed to the Office of Energy Policy, Evan.Moser@ky.gov.
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National Energy Foundation
The National Energy Foundation's rEV program is an electrifying educational experience driving understanding around electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This program is designed to educate students on the benefits of EVs through a STEM-based curriculum, as well as introduce them to career opportunities in transportation electrification.
OEP has supported NEF through the State Energy Program to provide educational tools for students and teachers in grades 7-12 on EV technologies, charging, economics, and grid issues.
Photo courtesy of National Energy Foundation
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Video: Energy Conservation vs. Efficiency | | |
Office of Energy Policy | Energy and Environment Cabinet | 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601 |
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