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RMI’s Guide to Federal Clean Energy Incentives

A great green rush is underway, as companies, governments, and individuals race to cash in on unprecedented incentives and policies that are supercharging the US transition to clean energy.

On this page, learn how to maximize benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and related federal policies and incentives.

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The Opportunity: Unprecedented Federal Investment

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the greatest investment in US economic growth and climate action in our lifetimes. Together with related bills, its benefits will be far-reaching, including nationwide economic stimulus, cleaner air, improved health, new jobs, progress toward climate goals, and more. Across the board, these equity-focused incentives are designed to ensure benefits flow to the communities that need them most. And yet, these incentives’ sheer scale and complexity can slow adoption, raising the risk of missing key deadlines.

To cut through this complexity, in this section, we’ve highlighted the opportunities and how to access them.

Breaking Down the Inflation Reduction Act. Program by Program. Incentive by Incentive.

This spreadsheet breaks down the funding opportunities in the IRA to allow a variety of users to easily find out which programs and tax incentives can benefit them.
Congress’s Climate Triple Whammy: Innovation, Investment, and Industrial Policy

The Inflation Reduction Act along with the IIJA and CHIPS and Science Act will help the US build out a robust clean energy industry and tackle climate change.
The Economic Tides Just Turned for States

RMI uncovers the surprising, transformative benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and clean energy for US states.
How the Inflation Reduction Act Will Spur a Revolution in EV Battery Supply Chains

The IRA’s provisions for critical minerals, the “clean vehicle credit” could catalyze a new era of US leadership in sustainable supply chains.

The Inflation Reduction Act Could Transform the US Buildings Sector

The Inflation Reduction Act could drive millions of retrofits, upgrades, and clean technology installations in US homes, schools, and workplaces.
State Clean Energy Economy Opportunity

Envision how 22 states can produce and use more clean power
To see more opportunity resources, filter the resources below by the Opportunity tag.
The Key: Effective Implementation

But to maximize the benefits to the economy, health, and climate from these investments, rapid implementation is imperative. It's now up to state and local policymakers, businesses, nonprofits, utilities, and everyday consumers to seize the opportunity and implement the IRA.

In this section, we've assembled more detailed information and guidance to effectively pursue and apply IRA investments across multiple programs, recipients, and sectors.

The Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) Program Playbook for States

By supporting high-impact EIR projects, states can help revitalize existing energy infrastructure in ways that reduce pollution, create jobs, and bring billions in new investment to communities.
The State Energy Financing Institution (SEFI) Program Playbook for States

By funding or financing as little as 1%–5% of the project through an eligible SEFI, states can now strategically unlock billions in low-interest federal financing for large economic development projects, directing massive amounts of private capital to their communities.
State Energy Policy in a Land of New Federal Opportunity

Unprecedented new and expanded federal programs have fundamentally shifted the landscape of what’s economically and politically feasible for state policymakers, creating a massive opportunity for states to unlock wide-ranging benefits and attract billions in federal funds and private investment for their residents and businesses.

Unlocking the IRA: Six Key Opportunities for State Policymakers

For State Policymakers - How states can capitalize on historic climate and clean energy funds.
Bring in the Billions

US states are currently in a race to the top to grow their economies. States across the political spectrum recognize that many of the fastest growing sectors are in the clean energy economy. But do…
What Utility Regulators Need to Know about the IRA

For Utility Regulators - The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment to date to modernize the US energy system, and regulators have a role to play in its implementation.
To see more implementation resources, filter the resources below by the Implementation tag.
The Results: Success Stories

The good news is that many states, cities, businesses, and other stakeholders are already accessing this funding and building out clean energy projects. While federal authorities continue to roll out guidance on funding, projects that were in the pipeline are already benefiting and new projects are seeing their design, development, and deployment speed up.

To document this progress, below, we are collecting case studies and examples of successful IRA implementations.

How Cities Can Scale On-Site Solar with New Federal Incentives

San Antonio, Texas, will soon be one of the first major US cities to leverage the new “direct pay” mechanism to build one of the largest on-site solar projects for local governments.
On the Climate Bill’s Second Birthday, Surging Successes — But a Split Reality

The Inflation Reduction Act promised an unprecedented wave of clean energy growth. Two years on, the act’s impacts are exceeding even optimistic initial estimates.
Back to School, with Electric Buses

Going back to school with clean, electric school buses means healthier kids and less pollution.
4 Communities Embrace Clean Energy Incentives

America Is All In hit the road this fall, bringing IRA resources, expertise, and collaboration to three cities: Charlotte, North Carolina; Orlando, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio.
Narrowing the Solar Equity Gap through Solarize

Cities are helping low- and moderate-income households install solar with Solarize campaigns.
Virtual Power Plants, Real Benefits

This analysis from RMI's VP3 illustrates the benefits of virtual power plants and describes key priorities for unlocking market growth.
To see more success stories, filter the resources below by the Success Stories tag.
Key Tools
Decarbonizing Industry Resource Tool (DIRT)

Get the DIRT on industrial decarbonization incentives. This tool can help project developers, industrial companies, and investors discover the state and federal financial incentives that may be applicable to their heavy industry and transport projects.

AFFORD

Find, compare, and prioritize funding options with the America’s Federal Funding Opportunities and Resources for Decarbonization tool
Clean Growth Toolkit

Evaluate feasible clean energy and cleantech industries for your metro area
Energy Policy Simulator

Estimate the environmental, economic, and health impacts of hundreds of climate and energy policies
State Scorecards

See where 20 different states stand on climate progress

America Is All In Federal Funding Hub

Keep up to date with federal funding opportunities and deadlines
State Clean Energy Economy Opportunity

Envision how 22 states can produce and use more clean power
eLab Accelerator: Financing the Shift to Clean Energy

Build competitive and ambitious clean energy project applications that can unlock billions of dollars of federal resources with the help of our experts
All IRA Resources
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Electricity

Utility Planning Update, Q3 2024

2024 | Article

Our most recent review of utility planning reveals significant load growth, increased use of gas plants, and higher projected emissions for the US electricity sector.

Electricity

Clean Repowering

2024 | Presentation

RMI research and analysis highlights how clean energy resources can interconnect faster and cheaper by developing at existing generation sites.

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