OEP and SOAR Partnership Explores Economic Growth in Eastern Kentucky

A new project, "Coal to Nuclear: Exploring Economic Potential of Nuclear Energy in Eastern Kentucky" is spearheaded by SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc.) in partnership with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's Office of Energy Policy. The goal is to leverage the advanced capabilities of nuclear technology as a catalyst for significant economic growth and job creation. The project is an initiative of the Communities Local Energy Action Program administered by the U. S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Read the full article, The Lane Report, May 17, 2024



Bluegrass Greensource Hosts Inaugural Green Business Innovation Forum, May 31st.

The Green Business Innovation Forum will be held May 31st at Bluegrass Community Technical College Newtown Pike Campus, Lexington. This inaugural event will allow businesses big and small to spend a day diving deep into the essential topics of renewable energy, waste management, and sustainability strategy. The full-day conference (8 am to 5 pm) will bring together leaders looking to improve their sustainable business practices.

Learn more and register here.

Registration is Open for Kentucky Oil and Gas Association H2 Summit

The 2nd Annual Conferences will concentrate on integrating all forms of hydrogen production and applications with an emphasis on blue gas as a low-carbon option to power the needs of tomorrow. Click here for registration and sponsorship details.

Kentucky to receive $62 million to expand solar energy access to low-income households

The Environmental Protection Agency is awarding the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet $62,450,000 to expand access to low-income solar through financial assistance models and workforce development programming. Kentucky was among 60 selected applicants to create new or expand existing low-income solar programs. Visit the EPA Solar for All Website for complete details. Click here to view the Solar for all Fast Facts.



EPA Partners with Webster County to Support Community-Driven Energy Transition and Economic Revitalization Goals

Webster County is still experiencing the economic effects of its last mine closure in 2019 and is home to extensive abandoned mine land which the community would like to see rehabilitated and put to alternative uses. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that Webster County will receive technical assistance through the Energy Communities Technical Assistance Pilot. Webster County will use the program to identify and leverage resources and partnerships to encourage new and diverse economic opportunities.



East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) recently announced plans to add 136 megawatts of solar capacity with two new solar farms in Kentucky. The two solar farms will produce enough electricity to meet the annual power needs of 15,500 typical Kentucky homes. The Fayette County facility will be able to generate 40 MW of electricity on 387 acres. The Marion County facility will be able to generate 96 MW of electricity on 635 acres. Access the full story here.



Funding Opportunities Making Energy Improvements at Nonprofits

Apply today for the next round of Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) In-Depth Partnerships. Communities can submit proposals for up to $500,000 in funding and $3,500,000 in technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for over three years to develop secure, reliable, resilient, equitable, and affordable clean energy systems.

Learn more.

Funding Opportunity for Local Communities to Support Cost-Effective Waste-to-Energy Solutions

The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office recently announced up to $17.5 million in federal funding for local communities. The WASTE: Waste Analysis and Strategies for Transportation End-Uses funding opportunity announcement will support municipalities and transit authorities with waste-to-energy solutions for converting organic waste into feedstocks for various clean transportation fuel products that can benefit local energy economies. 

Learn more.



EPA Announces Funding Opportunity: Clean Ports Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition will fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions (criteria pollutants, air toxics, and/or greenhouse gases) at U.S. ports. EPA's Clean Ports initiative helps our nation's river and ocean ports, a critical part of our infrastructure and supply chain, and addresses public health and environmental impacts. The application deadline at 11:59 PM on May 28th.

Learn more.



IRA Clean Energy Investments by State

Clean Economy Works Tracking new clean economy projects, expansions, and production announced across America since the Inflation Reduction Act.

Home Performance Coalition, Inc.

The Home Performance Coalition, Inc. is leading Kentucky's Energy Workforce Needs Assessment Project in partnership with the Office of Energy Policy. The project is the first step to implementing the $130 Million Infrastructure Reduction Act (IRA) Home Electrification Rebate Program, by outlining Kentucky's workforce development needs and availability to grow an energy workforce.

Learn more.



Energy Saver Energy 101 Videos

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses. 

View the complete Energy 101 video series via the U.S. Department of Energy’s YouTube playlist.