Article At A Glance
- The DOE plans to implement the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning program to encourage state and local clean energy development.
- R-STEP will have up to seven state participants.
- The DOE will provide up to $2 million to R-STEP collaboratives to facilitate the planning, siting, and eventual development of major sustainable energy facilities, including wind and solar power.
Clean energy development is on the rise among state governments thanks to federal initiatives that support the creation of energy planning and siting processes on state-wide scales. That includes large-scale renewable energy projects involving wind and solar energy facilities as well as other sustainable energy options.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently established a new program called R-STEP to support state and local energy initiatives. Customers of Verde Solutions often inquire about solar power and whether this clean energy resource makes a good investment. To help you learn more about what the state, local, and federal governments are planning with large-scale solar projects, our professionals have created the guide below to dive deeper into R-STEP.
The R-STEP Program: A Comprehensive Overview
R-STEP, or the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning program, is the latest incentive from the DOE and ENERGYWERX. The partnership comes through the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions. Both entities have an agreement that helps them engage with various organizations throughout the country to promote the fast, cost-effective development and deployment of sustainable energy solutions.
The program’s intent is to provide federal support to states and municipalities to promote the invention or expansion of large-scale renewable energy plans and facilities. Through R-STEP, local and state governments can implement new programs or initiatives to enhance local energy planning and siting processes.
Examples of the major sustainable energy projects that R-STEP will support include the production of solar energy facilities.
With the DOE’s ability to lend federal support to state-level energy programs and incentives, smaller communities throughout the country can create reasonable plans to develop large-scale renewable energy projects.
What’s the Importance of Renewable Energy Siting?
What is renewable energy siting? This complicated series of processes and actions helps determine the ideal locations for new sustainable energy facilities, including major wind and solar installations and renewable energy storage.
This brings initiatives like R-STEP into play. The program will provide resources for facilities essential for reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuels and supporting its shift toward sustainable energy sources like solar energy.
As such, participating in R-STEP will help local governments meet the Biden-Harris administration’s 2035 goal of having a 100% clean electricity sector and its 2050 goal of a net-zero emissions economy. With renewable energy siting through the R-STEP program, states and local communities will have the resources necessary to boost sustainable energy deployment outcomes.
Role of State and Local Capabilities
Even though the federal government has initiatives in play to promote the nationwide implementation of sustainable energy solutions and developments, cooperation from state and local governments is vital. These smaller government entities are essential for approving the building or expansion of large-scale renewable energy projects.
Unfortunately, state and local governments usually lack the capital to fund major clean energy infrastructure, even if they have sufficient land for large-scale projects. Local governments and renewable energy developers are key to evaluating sites for building clean energy installations. With R-STEP and the DOE’s resources and guidance, affluent, middle-class, and disadvantaged neighborhoods can benefit from the country’s transition to clean energy without a heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Benefits and Outcomes of Collaboratives in the R-STEP Program
With the R-STEP program, the DOE expects to award $1 to $2 million to a maximum of seven state-based collaboratives. The funds will help each state or collaborative group expand its local capacity for major energy planning and siting processes.
Activities and Technical Assistance Under R-STEP
Money isn’t the only thing R-STEP collaboratives will get as program participants. Additional benefits include individualized technical help with sustainable energy planning.
States will also receive peer-learning incentives to help collaboratives share information and best practices with others regarding energy siting and planning. Expanding states’ knowledge and capabilities helps ensure the success of multiple renewable plans and developments across the country.
Collaboratives in the R-STEP program can utilize their federal funding in various ways:
- Local governments can set up training sessions and workshops with state and local governments to teach valuable information about renewable energy siting.
- State and municipal governments can identify opportunities and priorities of sustainable energy planning and siting processes.
- Collaboratives could provide new resources for their state to ensure local communities can better their energy-sitting processes and improve their standing within the renewable energy industry.
- Program participants can hire renewable energy contractors and specialists from their region to help expand technical capacities for new clean energy developments and existing facilities.
R-Step Application and Process Details
R-STEP collaboratives should include state-wide teams that encompass multiple industries or specialties. Cross-disciplinary groups with ample knowledge of their local community needs will ensure they can effectively plan and site for large-scale solar and wind energy installations that benefit the masses.
The DOE recommends these groups to apply to be an R-STEP collaborative:
- Local or state universities
- Community-based organization
- Governors’ offices
- State energy agencies
Other organizations and professionals can also apply.
Explore Clean Energy Options With Verde Solutions
Our crew at Verde Solutions keeps our fingers on the pulse of sustainable energy initiatives, including the DOE’s R-STEP program, to better serve our clients from our Illinois, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Ohio offices. We know the energy planning and siting processes continue to expand every day. Thankfully, our experienced professionals can help you navigate new renewable incentives while keeping prices affordable.
Whether you’re interested in a large-scale solar panel installation or EV charging stations for your commercial property, you can count on us to provide reliable services regardless of your industry. We have hundreds of satisfied customers, and we guarantee your satisfaction as well—call (800) 541-1137 today for a consultation with our Verde Solutions professionals.
