RMI Chosen as Key Facilitator for DOE Energy Future Grants Program
Driving Clean Energy Innovation and Equitable Solutions
Boulder, CO— October 31, 2024
The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Future Grants (EFG) Program has chosen RMI (founded as Rocky Mountain Institute), Southface Institute, and Sustainable Capital Advisors (SCA) to serve as key facilitators for the EFG Program Technical Assistance Cohorts. RMI and Southface Institute will take the lead in cohort facilitation, with SCA serving as a specialized lead in equitable climate financing.
Under this initiative, RMI will provide direct support for projects focused on power and resilience, while Southface Institute will lead efforts in buildings, housing, and transportation. SCA will offer specialized, equitable climate financing support to all EFG Phase 1 projects, with their engagement adapting to meet the needs and interests of participants, potentially through small cohorts or collective resources for all 40 project teams.
These organizations were selected for their proven expertise and unique capabilities in driving innovation across the EFG Program’s focus areas. Together, we will partner with DOE to craft curriculum, training, and collaboration opportunities, while providing hands-on support to Phase 1 awardees. Throughout this process, grantees will have the opportunity to provide feedback to inform future iterations of the program.
The EFG Program Technical Assistance Cohorts are designed to equip grantees with the resources and guidance necessary to successfully implement their EFG-funded projects. With $27 million in financial and technical assistance at stake, this program is poised to drive clean energy innovation through local, state, and tribal government-led partnerships.
By bringing together leaders from industry, academia, and public sector entities, this initiative will foster collaboration and support EFG grantees throughout the 12-month planning phase. Our goal is to empower cohort members with facilitation, subject-matter expertise, and tailored support for their projects.
These opportunities are managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) set up by the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). This agreement enables ENERGYWERX to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of clean energy solutions.
“At RMI, we see a tremendous opportunity for communities to shape their energy transition to not only accelerate clean technology adoption but also address other local priorities ranging from resilience to affordability to community health,” said Steve Abbott, who leads RMI’s efforts to help US communities leverage federal programs and incentives to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to collaborate with pioneering EFG recipients to identify solutions to achieve their distinct objectives and demonstrate the opportunity that this transition holds for communities across the country.”