

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Updated August 18, 2020
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
R40913
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Summary
Energy is crucial to operating a modern industrial and services economy. Concerns about the
availability and cost of energy and about environmental impacts of fossil energy use have led to a
wide variety of federal incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. These incentives
aim to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to develop and
commercialize renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Many of the existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programs have authorizations
tracing back to the 1970s. Many programs have been reauthorized and redesigned repeatedly to
meet changing economic factors. The programs apply broadly to sectors ranging from industry to
academia and from state and local governments to rural communities.
Since 2005, Congress has passed several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-
140); the Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA; P.L. 110-343); and the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; P.L. 111-5). Each of those laws established, expanded,
or modified energy efficiency and renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and
deployment (RDD&D) programs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number of efficiency and renewable
energy incentive programs, including RDD&D grants and contracts, weatherization assistance,
production incentives, loan guarantees, and technology transfers. DOE also provides grants to
states for energy policy development and assists other federal agencies in developing and
implementing energy efficient and renewable energy resources.
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs several programs that largely focus on biofuels,
such as ethanol and wood energy. Other USDA programs include assistance to rural communities
with high energy costs, biomass crop assistance, grants and loans to promote energy efficiency
and renewable energy for agricultural producers and rural businesses, assistance to general
consumers for rural energy savings, and sustainable agricultural research.
The Department of the Treasury administers tax credits and other incentives for energy efficiency
and renewable energy. Eligible activities include energy efficient home improvements, renewable
energy production, and business investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Other federal agencies with energy efficiency and renewable energy programs include the
following:
Department of the Interior (DOI), with programs on tribal energy production and
use;
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with energy efficient
mortgages and loan programs;
Small Business Administration (SBA), with loan programs to help borrowers
upgrade their facilities and fund energy efficiency or renewable energy projects;
Fannie Mae, with a “Green Initiative” loan program;
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which provides energy
assistance to low-income households; and
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides energy efficient mortgages.
Congressional Research Service
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
A wide range of entities are eligible for these energy efficiency and renewable incentives,
including biofuels producers; state, local, and tribal governments; businesses; schools and
universities; research organizations; builders and developers; homeowners; utilities; and veterans.
Eligibility also includes a variety of energy-related technologies, such as advanced batteries,
heating and cooling systems, vehicles and biofuels, appliances, building envelope technologies,
renewable energy production technologies, lighting, and electricity generation and transmission.
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
I. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ............................... 2
Renewable Energy..................................................................................................................... 2
Biomass ............................................................................................................................... 2
1. Bioenergy Technologies Office (formerly the Biomass and Biorefinery
Systems R&D Program) ............................................................................................ 2
2. Regional Biomass Energy Grant Programs .............................................................. 3
Geothermal .......................................................................................................................... 3
3. Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) .................................................................. 3
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells .................................................................................................... 4
4. Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies Office ............................................................. 4
Solar .................................................................................................................................... 5
5. Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)............................................................... 5
Water Power ........................................................................................................................ 6
6. Water Power Technologies Office (formerly Wind and Hydropower
Technologies Program) .............................................................................................. 6
Wind Energy ....................................................................................................................... 7
7. Wind Energy Technologies Office (formerly Wind and Hydropower
Technologies Program) .............................................................................................. 7
Energy Efficiency ...................................................................................................................... 8
Buildings ............................................................................................................................. 8
8. Building Technologies Office ................................................................................... 8
9. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) .............................................................. 8
Industrial ............................................................................................................................. 9
10. Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO, formerly the Industrial
Technologies Program - ITP) .................................................................................... 9
11. Inventions and Innovations Program .................................................................... 10
Vehicles .............................................................................................................................. 11
12. Vehicle Technologies Office .................................................................................. 11
Other Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs .................................................... 11
13. Conservation Research and Development Grants ................................................. 11
14. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination,
Outreach, Training, and Technical Analysis/Assistance Grant Program ................. 12
15. Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) ................................................. 12
16. Renewable Energy Research and Development Program .................................... 13
17. State Energy Program (SEP)................................................................................. 14
18. Office of Indian Energy Assistance Programs (formerly the Tribal Energy
Program, TEP) ......................................................................................................... 14
Other DOE Offices/Cross-Cutting Programs .......................................................................... 15
19. Advanced Research Projects Energy Financial Assistance Program
(ARPA-E) ................................................................................................................ 15
20. Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Research, Development and
Analysis Grant Program (Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy
Reliability - OE) ...................................................................................................... 16
21. Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) ................................................... 17
22. Financial Assistance Program (Office of Science) ............................................... 18
23. Loan Guarantee Program (Office of the Chief Financial Officer) ........................ 18
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24. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)/Small Business
Technology Transfer Program (STTR) .................................................................... 20
II. Department of Agriculture ........................................................................................................ 21
1. Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Program .............................. 21
2. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels ............................................................ 21
3. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) ........................................................... 22
4. Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) ......................................... 23
5. Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing
Assistance Program (formerly the Biorefinery Assistance Program) ...................... 23
6. Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program .................................... 24
7. Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Grants and Loans ............................ 25
8. Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) ................................................................. 26
9. Sun Grant Program ................................................................................................. 26
10. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) ..................... 27
III. U.S. Department of the Treasury ............................................................................................. 28
Homeowner ............................................................................................................................. 28
1. Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate and
Personal) .................................................................................................................. 28
2. Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit .............................................................. 28
3. Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit ............................................................. 29
Business and Industry ............................................................................................................. 29
4. Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) ....................................................... 29
5. Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction ........................................ 30
6. Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders ................................ 30
7. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit ......................................................... 31
State, Local, and Tribal Governments ..................................................................................... 32
8. Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) ...................................... 32
IV. Department of the Interior ....................................................................................................... 32
1. Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP): Minerals and Mining
on Indian Lands ....................................................................................................... 32
2. Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant Program .............................. 33
V. Small Business Administration ................................................................................................. 33
1. 7(a) Loan Guarantees .............................................................................................. 33
2. 504 Loan Guarantees .............................................................................................. 34
VI. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ........................................................... 35
1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) ...................................................................... 35
2. FHA PowerSaver Loan Program ............................................................................ 35
VII. Department of Health and Human Services ........................................................................... 36
1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) .................................. 36
VIII. Department of Veterans Affairs ............................................................................................ 37
1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) ...................................................................... 37
IX. Fannie Mae .............................................................................................................................. 38
1. Fannie Mae Green Initiative-Loan Program ........................................................... 38
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Tables
Table A-1. Federal Incentives by Agency ...................................................................................... 39
Table B-1. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility ................................................................. 47
Table B-2. Index of Programs by Technology Type ...................................................................... 48
Table D-1. Expired Federal Incentives by Agency ........................................................................ 57
Table D-2. Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit (26 U.S.C. §30B) ................................................... 59
Appendixes
Appendix A. Summary of Federal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives/Index of Programs ..................................................................................................... 39
Appendix B. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility and Technology Type .......................... 47
Appendix C. Expired Federal Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentive
Programs..................................................................................................................................... 50
Appendix D. Summary of Expired Federal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives/Index of Programs ..................................................................................................... 57
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 59
Congressional Research Service
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Introduction
The United States has an abundance of natural resources. For much of the nation’s history, energy
availability was not a concern as commerce and industry needs could be met by domestic
supplies. However, industrialization and population growth, and the continuing development of a
consumer-oriented society, led to growing dependence on foreign sources of energy during the
20th century to supplement the demands of a growing economy.
Recognizing the impacts of depending on foreign energy sources, coupled with concerns over the
volatility of prices driven by fluctuations in supply spurred by world events, prompted federal
efforts to increase U.S. energy independence and reduce domestic consumption. As a major
result, numerous programs have been established, focusing on energy efficiency, domestic
conservation resources, and research that target the development of renewable sources of energy.
Many of these programs have roots dating back more than 40 years and have been redesigned
many times over that period.
Many of the current programs have been reauthorized and redesigned periodically to meet
changing economic conditions and national interests. The programs apply broadly to sectors
ranging from industry to academia and from state and local governments to rural communities.
Each program has been designed to meet perceived current needs as well as future anticipated
challenges.
Since 2005, Congress has passed several major energy laws: the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58); the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-
140); the Energy Improvement and Extension Act (EIEA), enacted as Division B of the
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA; P.L. 110-343); and the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; P.L. 111-5). Each of those laws established, expanded,
or modified energy efficiency and renewable energy research, development, demonstration, and
deployment (RDD&D) programs. The Department of Energy (DOE) operates the greatest number
of efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs. The Department of the Treasury and the
Department of Agriculture (USDA) operate several programs. A few programs can also be found
among the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), the Small Business Administration (SBA), Fannie Mae, the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This report outlines current federal programs and provisions providing grants, loans, loan
guarantees, tax credits, and other direct or indirect incentives for energy efficiency, energy
conservation, and renewable energy RDD&D. The programs are grouped by administering
agency with references to applicable federal agency websites. Incentives are summarized and
indexed in the appendixes.
Most program descriptions were compiled from authorizing statutes, the U.S. Code, and
Administration budget request documents. Other program descriptions and some funding
information were compiled from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
(DSIRE), the Assistance Listings (formerly the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or
CFDA) housed on the beta.SAM.gov website, and the Energy Star website. Most budgetary
figures were compiled from executive agency budget justifications and congressional committee
reports. For more information on agriculture-related grant programs, see: CRS Report R45943,
The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS In
Focus IF10288, Overview of Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill, by Kelsi Bracmort. For
more information on programs supporting the development and deployment of alternatives to
conventional fuels and engines in transportation, see CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J.
Cunningham et al.
I. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy
Biomass
1. Bioenergy Technologies Office (formerly the Biomass and Biorefinery Systems
R&D Program)
Administered by
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
Authority
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act (P.L. 95-618)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L.
101-218)
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (P.L. 101-549)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-
575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (Title III of Agricultural Risk Protection
Act of 2000; P.L. 106-224)
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171)
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-148)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-234)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$180 mil ion for FY2011
$195 mil ion for FY2012
$185.2 mil ion for FY2013
$182.3 mil ion for FY2014
$175.9 mil ion for FY2015
$225 mil ion for FY2016
$205 mil ion for FY2017
$221.5 mil ion for FY2018
$226 mil ion for FY2019
$259.5 mil ion for FY2020
$44.5 mil ion requested for FY2021
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Scheduled
None
Termination
Description
This program works with industrial partners, national laboratories, universities, and other
stakeholders to develop the technologies and systems needed to cost-effectively
transform the nation’s renewable and abundant domestic biomass resources into clean,
affordable, and sustainable biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. In recent years, the
program has been primarily geared toward development and deployment of ethanol from
non-food feedstocks (e.g., wastes, switchgrass, algae), but is now expanding its scope to
additional alternative fuels, such as bio-butanol, green gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Col eges and universities; profit organizations
Qualified
Biomass
Technologies
For More Information See CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A
Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.; DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies
Office overview; DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office – Funding Opportunities online
resource; and program number 81.087 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
2. Regional Biomass Energy Grant Programs
Administered by
Bioenergy Technologies Office, EERE
Authority
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for FY1987 (P.L. 99-591)
Annual Funding
$0 for FY2011-FY2020
FY2021 budget request data are currently unavailable; the FY2021 DOE budget
justifications do not provide details on this program.
Scheduled Termination None
Description
This program provides assistance to increase America’s use of fuels, chemicals,
materials, and power made from domestic biomass on a sustainable basis. Assistance
may be used to develop and transfer any of several biomass energy technologies to the
scientific and industrial communities. For regional programs, such technologies wil be
appropriate for the needs and resources of particular regions of the United States. This
program has not expired, but it has not been regularly funded since 2011, and it is
unlikely that it wil receive significant funding in future years.1
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and local governments; col eges and universities; profit organizations; nonprofit
organizations
Qualified Technologies Biomass
For More Information
See program number 81.079 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
Geothermal
3. Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974 (P.L.
93-410)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
Energy Security Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-294)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
1 According to the program description in the Assistance Listings at the beta.Sam.gov website on July 9, 2018.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$37 mil ion for FY2011
$37 mil ion for FY2012
$35 mil ion for FY2013
$44.8 mil ion for FY2014
$54.3 mil ion for FY2015
$71 mil ion for FY2016
$69.5 mil ion for FY2017
$80.9 mil ion for FY2018
$84 mil ion for FY2019
$110 mil ion for FY2020
$26 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program partners the federal government with industry, academia, and research
facilities to further the development and deployment of innovative geothermal energy
technologies. Currently, the program’s technology portfolio has prioritized early-
stage R&D in three geothermal categories: hydrothermal, enhanced geothermal
systems (EGS), and low temperature.
Competitive solicitations issued as Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are
the principal mechanism used by the GTP to contract for cost-shared research,
development, and demonstration projects.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Profit organizations; col eges and universities
Qualified Technologies
Geothermal
For More Information
See EERE’s Geothermal Technologies Office website; and program number 81.087 at
the beta.Sam.gov website.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
4. Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies Office
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-275)
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development and Demonstration Act (P.L. 94-
413)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978 (Title III of
Department of Energy Act of 1978-Civilian Applications; P.L. 95-238)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Methane Transportation Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980
(P.L. 96-512)
Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-494)
Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of
1990 (P.L. 101-566)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-271)
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Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$95.8 mil ion for FY2011
$101.3 mil ion for FY2012
$95.8 mil ion for FY2013
$89.5 mil ion for FY2014
$94.8 mil ion for FY2015
$101 mil ion for FY2016
$101 mil ion for FY2017
$115 mil ion for FY2018
$120 mil ion for FY2019
$150 mil ion for FY2020
$42 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program partners with industry, academia, and national laboratories and works
in close coordination with Vehicle Technologies and other programs at DOE to
overcome technical barriers through R&D of hydrogen production, delivery, and
storage technologies; overcome technical barriers to fuel cell technologies for
transportation, distributed stationary power, and portable power applications;
address safety issues and facilitate the development of model codes and standards;
validate and demonstrate hydrogen and fuel cells in real-world conditions; and
educate key stakeholders whose acceptance of these technologies wil determine
their success in the marketplace.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Federal government; national laboratories; col eges and universities; and profit
organizations
Qualified Technologies
Hydrogen and fuel cells
For More Information
See EERE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies website; and program number
81.087 at the beta.Sam.gov website.
Solar
5. Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act of 1984
(P.L. 95-590)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
P.L. 102-46 (technical amendment to the Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal
Power Production Incentives of 1990}
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$259.6 mil ion for FY2011
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$284.7 mil ion for FY2012
$269.1 mil ion for FY2013
$254.3 mil ion for FY2014
$230.8 mil ion for FY2015
$241.6 mil ion for FY2016
$207.6 mil ion for FY2017
$241.6 mil ion for FY2018
$246.5 mil ion for FY2019
$280 mil ion for FY2020
$67 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
SETP partners with industry, national laboratories, and universities to develop and
bring reliable and affordable solar energy technologies to the marketplace. This
program finances R&D in five major subprograms: Photovoltaics (PV); Concentrating
Solar Power (CSP), Systems Integration for Solar Technologies, Balance of Systems
Soft Cost Reduction, and Innovations in Manufacturing Competitiveness.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Industry; national laboratories; col eges and universities
Qualified Technologies
Solar
For More Information
See EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office website; and program number 81.087 at
the beta.SAM.gov website.
Water Power
6. Water Power Technologies Office (formerly Wind and Hydropower
Technologies Program)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$29.2 mil ion for FY2011
$58.1 mil ion for FY2012
$54.7 mil ion for FY2013
$57.8 mil ion for FY2014
$60 mil ion for FY2015
$70 mil ion for FY2016
$84 mil ion for FY2017
$105 mil ion for FY2018
$105 mil ion for FY2019
$148 mil ion for FY2020
$45 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program partners with the national laboratories, industry, universities, and
other federal agencies to promote the development and deployment of technologies
capable of generating environmentally sustainable and cost-effective electricity from
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
the nation’s water resources (both conventional and marine and hydrokinetic
technologies).
Qualified Applicant(s)
Federal, state, local, and tribal governments; national laboratories; industry; small
businesses; col eges and universities
Qualified Technologies
Hydroelectric; hydrokinetic energy; wave energy; tidal energy; ocean thermal energy
conversion
For More Information
See EERE’s Water Power Technologies Office website; and program number 81.087
at the beta.SAM.gov website.
Wind Energy
7. Wind Energy Technologies Office (formerly Wind and Hydropower
Technologies Program)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L.
101-218)
Solar, Wind, Waste, and Geothermal Power Production Incentives Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-575)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$78.8 mil ion for FY2011
$91.8 mil ion for FY2012
$86.1 mil ion for FY2013
$87 mil ion for FY2014
$105.9 mil ion for FY2015
$95.5 mil ion for FY2016
$90 mil ion for FY2017
$92 mil ion for FY2018
$92 mil ion for FY2019
$104 mil ion for FY2020
$22.1mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled
None
Termination
Description
This program partners with federal, state, and other stakeholder groups to conduct
research and development activities through competitively selected, cost-shared
research and development projects with industry to improve the performance, lower
the costs, and accelerate the deployment of wind energy technologies.
Qualified
Federal, state, local, and tribal governments; national laboratories; industry; small
Applicant(s)
businesses; col eges and universities
Qualified
Wind
Technologies
For More
See EERE’s Wind Energy Office website; and program number 81.087 at the
Information
beta.SAM.gov website.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Energy Efficiency
Buildings
8. Building Technologies Office
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Amendments of 1988 (P.L. 100-357)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$207.3 mil ion for FY2011
$214.7 mil ion for FY2012
$204.6 mil ion for FY2013
$173.6 mil ion for FY2014
$168.2 mil ion for FY2015
$200.5 mil ion for FY2016
$199.1 mil ion for FY2017
$220.7 mil ion for FY2018
$226 mil ion for FY2019
$285 mil ion for FY2020
$61 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
In partnership with the private sector, state and local governments, national
laboratories, and universities, the Building Technologies Program works to improve
the efficiency of buildings and the equipment, components, and systems within them,
including electric grid integration and advanced energy storage. The program supports
research and development (R&D) activities and provides tools, guidelines, training, and
access to technical and financial resources.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and local governments; universities; national laboratories
Qualified Technologies
Energy-efficient innovations for building envelopes, equipment, lighting, daylighting, and
windows; passive solar; photovoltaics; fuel cells; advanced sensors and controls; and
combined heating, cooling, and power systems
For More Information
See EERE’s Building Technologies Office website.
9. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$171 mil ion for FY2011
$68 mil ion for FY2012
$131.7 mil ion for FY2013
$173.9 mil ion for FY2014
$193 mil ion for FY2015
$215 mil ion for FY2016
$228 mil ion for FY2017
$251 mil ion for FY2018
$254 mil ion for FY2019
$308.5 mil ion for FY2020
$0 requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination None
Description
This program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the
energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. DOE provides
funding and technical guidance to states, which manage the day-to-day details of the
program. Low-income families receive services from a network of more than 900 local
weatherization service providers who install energy efficiency measures in the homes
of qualifying homeowners free of charge.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Qualified Technologies
Weatherization technologies include a wide range of energy efficiency measures for
retrofitting homes and apartment buildings. Weatherization service providers choose
the best package of efficiency measures for each home based on an energy audit of the
home. Typical measures may include installing insulation, sealing ducts, tuning and
repairing heating and cooling systems, and if indicated, replacement of the same;
mitigating air infiltration; and reducing electric base load consumption.
For More Information
See EERE’s Weatherization Assistance Program website; the National Association for
State Community Services Program’s (NASCSP’s) WAP Clearinghouse; EERE’s
Weatherization Success Stories website; and program number 81.042 at the
beta.SAM.gov website.
Industrial
10. Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO, formerly the Industrial Technologies
Program - ITP)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989
(P.L. 101-218)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Annual Funding
$105.9 mil ion for FY2011
$112.7 mil ion for FY2012
$114.3 mil ion for FY2013
$175.4 mil ion for FY2014
$194.2 mil ion for FY2015
$228.5 mil ion for FY2016
$257.5 mil ion for FY2017
$305 mil ion for FY2018
$320 mil ion for FY2019
$395 mil ion for FY2020
$94.6 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
AMO works with industry to improve industrial energy efficiency and environmental
performance while increasing productivity by conducting R&D on new energy
efficient technologies; supporting commercialization of emerging technologies;
providing plants with access to proven technologies, energy assessments, software
tools, and other resources; and promoting energy and carbon management in
industry.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Industrial organizations
Qualified Technologies
Crosscutting technologies that improve the efficiency of technologies that are
common to many industrial processes and can benefit multiple industries.
Crosscutting technology R&D areas include combustion, distributed energy, energy
intensity processes, fuel and feedstock liability, industrial materials for the future,
nanomanufacturing, and sensors and automation.
For More Information
See EERE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office website.
11. Inventions and Innovations Program
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Policy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-
577)
Annual Funding
$0 for FY2011
$940,000 for FY2012
$1 mil ion for FY2013
$0 for FY2014-FY2020
FY2021 budget request data are currently unavailable; the FY2021 DOE budget
justifications do not provide details on this program.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides financial and technical assistance for research and
development of innovative, energy-saving ideas and inventions with future commercial
market potential. It supports energy efficiency and renewable energy technology
development in focus areas that align with Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy programs. This program has not expired, but it has not been regularly funded
since 2013, and it is unlikely that it wil receive significant funding in future years.2
Qualified Applicant(s)
Individuals; small businesses
Qualified Technologies
Specific energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies not listed
For More Information
See program number 81.036 at the beta.SAM.gov website. The U.S. Department of
Energy’s Inventions & Innovations website has been retired. To access information on
financial opportunities and current solicitations, visit the Advanced Manufacturing
2 According to the program description in the Assistance Listings at the beta.Sam.gov website, first noted on July 9,
2018, and, more recently, on October 18, 2019.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Office’s (formerly the Industrial Technologies Program’s) funding opportunities
website.
Vehicles
12. Vehicle Technologies Office
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$293.2 mil ion for FY2011
$321 mil ion for FY2012
$303.2 mil ion for FY2013
$282.2 mil ion for FY2014
$272.5 mil ion for FY2015
$310 mil ion for FY2016
$307 mil ion for FY2017
$337.5 mil ion for FY2018
$344 mil ion for FY2019
$396 mil ion for FY2020
$74.4 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
The Vehicle Technologies Program works with industry leaders to develop and deploy
advanced transportation technologies that could achieve significant improvements in
vehicle fuel efficiency and displace oil with other fuels that ultimately can be
domestically produced in a clean and cost-competitive manner. Program activities
include research, development, demonstration, testing, technology validation,
technology transfer, and education.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Industry; col eges and universities; federal, state, and local governments; national
laboratories
Qualified Technologies
Hybrid electric systems; biofuels or fuels technology; advanced internal combustion
engines; advanced propulsion materials
For More Information
See EERE’s Vehicle Technology Program website; and EERE’s Vehicle Technologies
Program Factsheet.
Other Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs
13. Conservation Research and Development Grants
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Further Continuing Appropriations Act for FY1983 (P.L. 97-377)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$300 mil ion for FY2011
$188.3 mil ion for FY2012
$164 mil ion for FY2013
$38.5 mil ion for FY2014
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$0 for FY2015; $142.4 mil ion was de-obligated from this CFDA program number for
FY2015
$180.7 mil ion for FY2016
$102.7 mil ion for FY2017 (est.)
$156.7 mil ion for FY2018 (est.)
$42.3 mil ion for FY2019 (est.)
FY2020 estimated funding and FY2021 budget request data are unavailable; the FY2021
DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides project grants to conduct balanced, long-term research efforts
in buildings technologies, industrial technologies, vehicle technologies, and hydrogen
and fuel cell technologies.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; private nonprofit
institutions/organizations
Qualified Technologies
Hydrogen and fuel cells; energy efficient technologies; advanced battery manufacturing
For More Information
See program number 81.086 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
14. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination,
Outreach, Training, and Technical Analysis/Assistance Grant Program
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Annual Funding
$15 mil ion for FY2011
$32.2 mil ion for FY2012
$36.1 mil ion for FY2013
$27.1 mil ion for FY2014
$33.1 mil ion for FY2015
$19.5 mil ion for FY2016
$41 mil ion for FY2017 (est.)
$21.7 mil ion for FY2018 (est.)
$9.6 mil ion for FY2019 (est.)
FY2020 estimated funding and FY2021 budget request data are unavailable; the
FY2021 DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides financial assistance for information dissemination, outreach,
training, and related technical analysis/assistance that wil (1) stimulate increased
energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, industry, and the federal sector and
encourage increased use of renewable and alternative energy; and (2) accelerate the
adoption of new technologies to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable
and alternative energy through the competitive solicitation of applications.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and local governments; Native American organizations; individuals; universities;
profit organizations; private nonprofit organizations; public nonprofit organizations;
Alaskan Native corporations and universities
Qualified Technologies
Specific energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies not listed
For More Information
See program number 81.117 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
15. Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486), Title XII, Section 1212
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title II, Subtitle A, Section 202
Annual Funding
$4.95 mil ion for FY2006
$4.95 mil ion for FY2007
$4.95 mil ion for FY2008
$5 mil ion for FY2009
$0 for FY2010-FY2020
$0 requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
End of FY2026
Description
This program provides incentive payments for electricity generated and sold by new
qualifying renewable energy facilities. Qualifying systems are eligible for annual incentive
payments of 1.5¢ per kilowatt-hour in 1993 dol ars (indexed for inflation) for the first
10-year period of their operation, subject to the availability of annual appropriations in
each federal fiscal year of operation.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; public utilities; not-for-profit electrical
cooperatives; Native American corporations
Qualified Technologies
Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfil gas; wind; biomass; geothermal electric;
anaerobic digestion; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal
For More Information
See United States Code: 42 U.S.C. §13317
16. Renewable Energy Research and Development Program
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Department of Energy Act of 1978-Civilian Applications (P.L. 95-238), Section 207
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 (P.L.
101-218)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$114.7 mil ion for FY2011
$233.2 mil ion for FY2012
$356.6 mil ion for FY2013
$157.7 mil ion for FY2014
$0 for FY2015 (est.); $109.4 mil ion was de-obligated from this CFDA program number
for FY2015
$245.4 mil ion for FY2016
$384.8 mil ion for FY2017 (est.)
$249 mil ion for FY2018 (est.)
$88.6 mil ion for FY2019
FY2020 funding estimates and FY2021 budget request data are unavailable; the FY2021
DOE budget justifications do not provide details on this program.
Scheduled Termination None
Description
This program provides financial assistance to conduct balanced research and
development efforts in the fol owing energy technologies: solar, biomass, hydrogen, fuel
cells and infrastructure, wind, waterpower, hydrogen, and geothermal. Assistance may be
used to develop and transfer renewable energy technologies to the scientific and
industrial communities, states, and local governments.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; col eges and universities; profit organizations; private
nonprofit organizations
Qualified Technologies
Solar; biomass; hydrogen; fuel cells; wind; hydropower; geothermal
For More Information
See program number 81.087 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
17. State Energy Program (SEP)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
State Energy Efficiency Programs Improvement Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-440)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-388)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$50 mil ion for FY2011
$50 mil ion for FY2012
$47.1 mil ion for FY2013
$50 mil ion for FY2014
$50 mil ion for FY2015
$50 mil ion for FY2016
$50 mil ion for FY2017
$55 mil ion for FY2018
$55 mil ion for FY2019
$62.5 mil ion for FY2020
$0 requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
SEP provides grants to states to design and carry out their own renewable energy and
energy efficiency programs.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Qualified Technologies
Emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies
For More Information
See EERE’s State Energy Program website; EERE’s State Energy Program Success
Stories website; and program number 81.041 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
18. Office of Indian Energy Assistance Programs (formerly the Tribal Energy
Program, TEP)
Administered by
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE)
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-620)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-12)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$7 mil ion for FY2011
$10 mil ion for FY2012
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$9.4 mil ion for FY2013
$8.3 mil ion for FY20143
$14.7 mil ion for FY20154
$13.2 mil ion for FY2016
$13.5 mil ion for FY20175
$15.7 mil ion for FY2018
$13.2 mil ion for FY2019
$17 mil ion for FY2020
$4.5 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program promotes tribal energy sufficiency, economic growth, and employment
on tribal lands through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency
technologies. The program provides financial assistance, technical assistance,
education, and training to tribes for the evaluation and development of renewable
energy resources and energy efficiency measures. In FY2015, DOE transferred TEP
from the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program (WIP) to the new Office of
Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE).
Qualified Applicant(s)
Tribal governments
Qualified Technologies
Energy efficient technologies: clothes washers; refrigerators/freezers; water heaters;
lighting; lighting controls/sensors; chil ers; furnaces; boilers; air conditioners;
programmable thermostats; energy management; systems/building controls;
caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air sealing; building insulation; windows; doors; siding;
roofs; comprehensive measures/whole building; and other energy efficiency
improvements may be eligible. Renewable energy technologies: passive solar space
heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; wind; biomass; hydroelectric;
geothermal electric; geothermal heat pumps
For More Information
See the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Program’s website; National Renewable
Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) report: Tribal Energy Program – Assisting Tribes to
Realize Their Energy Visions; and DSIRE’s program summary for the Tribal Energy
Program.
Other DOE Offices/Cross-Cutting Programs
19. Advanced Research Projects Energy Financial Assistance Program (ARPA-E)
Administered by
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)
Authority
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69), Section 5012
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358)
Annual Funding
$15 mil ion for FY2009
$165.6 mil ion for FY2011
$275 mil ion for FY2012
$250.6 mil ion for FY2013
$280 mil ion for FY2014
3 The Tribal Energy Program (TEP) was funded in FY2014 within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy appropriation.
4 In 2015, TEP was transferred to the Office of Indian Energy (IE) and funding for FY2015 and FY2016 was provided
within the DOE Departmental Administration appropriation.
5 For FY2017, DOE requested funding for TEP as a separate appropriation from the Departmental Administrative
appropriation “to align the budget structure with IE’s mission and activities.”
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$280 mil ion for FY2015
$261.7 mil ion for FY2016
$276.8 mil ion for FY2017
$353.3 mil ion for FY2018
$334.8 mil ion for FY2019
$390 mil ion for FY2020
$0 requested for FY20216
Scheduled
After ARPA-E has been in operation for six years, the Secretary of Energy shall offer
Termination
to enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences under which the
National Academy shall conduct an evaluation of how well ARPA-E is achieving its
goals and mission. The evaluation shall include the recommendation of the National
Academy of Sciences on whether ARPA-E should be continued or terminated.
Description
This program wil fund organizations that have proposed sophisticated energy
technology R&D projects that (1) translate scientific discoveries and cutting-edge
inventions into technological innovations and (2) accelerate transformational
technological advances in areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake
because of high technical or financial risk. Transformational energy technologies are
those that have the potential to create new paradigms in how energy is produced,
transmitted, used, or stored.
Qualified Applicant(s)
ARPA-E welcomes submissions from any type of capable technology research and
development entity. This includes, but is not limited to for-profit entities, academic
institutions, research foundations, not-for-profit entities, col aborations, and
consortia. Individuals are typically eligible to apply for funding. However, any ARPA-E
award funding would need to be made to a business entity formed by the applicant, if
selected for award negotiations. The lead organization that wil enter into the
agreement with ARPA-E must be a U.S. entity.
Qualified Technologies Transformational energy technologies
For More Information
See ARPA-E’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website; and program number
81.135 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
20. Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Research, Development
and Analysis Grant Program (Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy
Reliability - OE)
Administered by
Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE)
Authority
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
Energy Security Act (P.L. 96-294)
National Superconductivity and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-697)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$138.2 mil ion for FY2011
$136.2 mil ion for FY2012
$129.2 mil ion for FY2013
$144.2 mil ion for FY2014
$144.2 mil ion for FY2015
6 The FY2021 budget request proposes to eliminate ARPA-E while incorporating APRA-E’s approach to technology
development into the execution of applied energy office funding. The FY2021 budget requests no additional
appropriation for new ARPA-E competitive solicitations and requests the cancellation of $332 million of unobligated
balances.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$178 mil ion for FY2016
$201.1 mil ion for FY2017
$220 mil ion for FY2018
$139 mil ion for FY20197
$173 mil ion for FY20208
$175.4 mil ion requested for FY20219
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This grant program aims to develop cost-effective technology that enhances the
reliability, efficiency, and resiliency of the electric grid.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; private
nonprofit organizations; research organizations
Qualified Technologies
Specific technologies not listed
For More Information
See OE’s Technology Development website; and program number 81.122 at the
beta.SAM.gov website.
21. Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA; P.L. 94-163)
Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA; P.L. 94-385)
Department of Energy Organization Act (P.L. 95-91)
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA; P.L. 95-619)
Federal Energy Management Improvement Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-615)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
Annual Funding
$30.4 mil ion for FY2011
$29.9 mil ion for FY2012
$28.3 mil ion for FY2013
$28.2 mil ion for FY2014
$27 mil ion for FY2015
$27 mil ion for FY2016
$27 mil ion for FY2017
$27 mil ion for FY2018
$30 mil ion for FY2019
$40 mil ion for FY2020
$8.4 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
FEMP assists federal agencies in developing and implementing energy efficient and
renewable energy resources to meet energy management regulations and goals.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Federal agencies
Qualified Technologies
Energy efficient technologies; solar; wind; incremental hydro; ocean; biomass;
geothermal
7 For FY2019, DOE split the Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability appropriation into two appropriations:
Electricity Delivery (OE) and Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). The CESER
appropriation for FY2019 was $108.5 million. To compare to previous years, the combined appropriation for the now
separated programs in FY2019 would be $247.5 million.
8 The CESER appropriation for FY2020 is $143 million. To compare to previous years, the combined appropriation for
the now separated programs in FY2020 would be $316 million.
9 DOE’s budget request for CESER for FY2021 is $173.1 million. To compare to previous years, the combined
appropriation request for FY2021 would be $348.5 million.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
For More Information
See EERE’s Federal Energy Management Program website; and FEMP’s Annual
Reports to Congress on Federal Government Energy Management.
22. Financial Assistance Program (Office of Science)
Administered by
Office of Science
Authority
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (P.L. 83-703), Section 31
Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-438), Title I, Section 107
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-577)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$1.3 bil ion for FY2011
$1 bil ion for FY2012
$965.1 mil ion for FY2013
$1.1 bil ion for FY2014
$1.1 bil ion for FY2015
$1.1 bil ion for FY2016
$1.1 bil ion for FY2017 (est.)
$1.3 bil ion for FY2018 (est.)
$1.2 bil ion for FY2019 (est.)
$1.2 bil ion for FY2020 (est.)
FY2021 budget request data are unavailable; the FY2021 DOE budget justifications do
not provide details on this program.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides financial support for fundamental research in the basic sciences
and advanced technology concepts and assessments in fields related to energy.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; col eges and universities; profit commercial
organizations; private nonprofit organizations; public nonprofit organizations; small
businesses
Qualified Technologies
Specific advanced technologies not listed
For More Information
See program number 81.049 at the beta.SAM.gov website; and the Office of Science’s
Funding Opportunities website.
23. Loan Guarantee Program (Office of the Chief Financial Officer)
Administered by
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title XVII
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8)
Department of Defense and Ful -Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-
10)
Annual Funding
Section 1703 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program (permanent)
$169.6 mil ion for FY2011
$0 for FY2012
$0 for FY2013
$7.9 mil ion for FY201410
$17 mil ion for FY201511
10 For FY2014, $42 million was enacted for administrative purposes only, but these expenses were offset by $34.1
million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $7.9 million.
11 For FY2015, $42 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were offset by $25
million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $17 million.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
$17 mil ion for FY201612
$139,000 for FY201713
$30.9 mil ion for FY201814
$12.3 mil ion for FY201915
$29 mil ion for FY202016
$0 requested for FY202117
Section 1705 Temporary Loan Guarantee Program
$0 for FY2008
$6 bil ion was appropriated for FY2009. However, $2 bil ion of that funding was
transferred to the “cash for clunkers” automobile trade-in program by P.L. 111-47.18
An additional $1.5 bil ion was rescinded for the Education Jobs and Medicaid
Assistance Act, P.L. 111-226 (Section 308), leaving a total of $2.5 bil ion remaining
from the FY2009 appropriations.
$0 for FY2010-FY2019
$0 requested for FY202019
Scheduled Termination
None for the permanent (Section 1703) loan guarantee program. Projects authorized
by the temporary loan guarantee (Section 1705) had to begin construction no later
than September 30, 2011. The Loan Programs Office (LPO) continues to administer
and monitor loan guarantees for Section 1705 projects.
Description
This program provides federal loan guarantees to encourage early commercial use in
the United States of new or significantly improved technologies in energy projects that
(1) avoid, reduce, or sequester air pol utants or anthropogenic emissions of
greenhouse gases; and (2) employ new or significantly improved technologies as
compared to commercial technologies in service in the United States at the time the
guarantee is issued. Temporary loan guarantees were also made under Section 1705
for rapid deployment of certain renewable and electric transmission projects up
through September 30, 2011.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; universities; profit organizations; public nonprofit
organizations. No federal entity may apply.
Qualified Technologies
Solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat; photovoltaics; wind; hydroelectric;
renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric; fuel cells; manufacturing facilities;
daylighting; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal; biodiesel
12 For FY2016, $42 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were offset by $25
million in collections from borrowers for a net appropriation of $17 million.
13 For FY2017, $37 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were reduced by
(1) an offset of $27 million in collections from applicants and borrowers and (2) a rescission of an additional $9.861
million of administrative appropriations from FY2012 and FY2013 (P.L. 115-31) for a net appropriation of $139,000.
14 For FY2018, $33 million was enacted for administrative purposes. These administrative expenses were reduced by
an offset of $2.1 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $30.9 million.
15 For FY2019, $33 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were reduced by
$20.7 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $12.3 million.
16 For FY2020, $32 million was enacted for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses were reduced by
$3 million in collections from applicants and borrowers for a net appropriation of $29 million.
17 For FY2021, $3 million is requested for administrative expenses. These administrative expenses are expected to be
offset by an estimated $3 million for a net appropriation of $0. The FY2021 budget requests also proposes to cancel an
FY2011 loan subsidy appropriation of $160.7 million for the Section 1703 loan guarantee program and to cancel $489
million in remaining, emergency designated, unobligated credit subsidy balances appropriated by the American
Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5).
18 For more information, see CRS Report R40669, Energy and Water Development: FY2010 Appropriations,
coordinated by Carl E. Behrens.
19 The authority to enter into new loan guarantees under Section 1705 expired on September 30, 2011, but LPO
continues to administer and monitor the portfolio of loan guarantees obligated prior to the expiration date.
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For More Information
See program number 81.126 at the beta.SAM.gov website; DSIRE’s program summary
for the Loan Guarantee Program; and DOE’s Loan Guarantee Program website.
24. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)/Small Business
Technology Transfer Program (STTR)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219)
Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (P.L. 106-554), Appendix I, Title I (Small
Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000)
Small Business Technology Transfer Program Reauthorization Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-
50)
SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-81, Div. E, Title L)
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (P.L. 114-328), Div.A, Title
XVIII, Section 1834
Annual Funding20
$24.2 mil ion for FY2011
$29.1 mil ion for FY2012
$26.4 mil ion for FY2013 (SBIR: $23.4 mil ion; STTR: $3 mil ion)
$30.8 mil ion for FY2014 (SBIR: $27.4 mil ion; STTR: $3.4 mil ion)
$28.4 mil ion for FY2015 (SBIR: $25.1 mil ion; STTR: $3.3 mil ion)
$30.2 mil ion for FY2016 (SBIR: $26.3 mil ion; STTR: $3.9 mil ion)
$45.2 mil ion for FY2017 (SBIR: $38.9 mil ion; STTR: $6.3 mil ion)
$58.2 mil ion for FY2018 (SBIR: $51 mil ion; STTR: $7.2 mil ion)
$58.9 mil ion for FY2019 (SBIR: $51.5 mil ion; STTR: $7.4 mil ion)
$67.9 mil ion for FY2020 (SBIR: $59.5 mil ion; STTR: $8.4 mil ion)
$16.5 mil ion requested for FY2021 (SBIR: $14.5 mil ion; STTR: $2 mil ion)
Scheduled Termination
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (P.L. 114-328, Division
A, Title XVIII, Section 1834) reauthorized SBIR and STTR through FY2022.
Description
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfers
(STTR) are U.S. government programs in which federal agencies with large research
and development (R&D) budgets set aside a small fraction of their funding for
competitions among small businesses only. DOE’s SBIR-STTR program is designed to
stimulate technological innovation by small advanced technology firms and provide
new, cost-effective scientific and engineering solutions to challenging problems. EERE
funds appropriated for SBIR/STTR are allocated to larger EERE technology programs,
detailed earlier in this report, including Biomass, Geothermal, Hydrogen & Fuel Cell,
Solar Energy, Water Power, Wind Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Building
Technologies, and Vehicle Technologies.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Small businesses
Qualified Technologies
Research areas include energy production (fossil, nuclear, renewable, and fusion
energy); energy use (in buildings, vehicles, and industry); fundamental energy sciences
(materials, life, environmental, and computational sciences, and nuclear and high
energy physics); environmental management; and nuclear nonproliferation
For More Information
See EERE’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfers
(SBIR/STTR) website; and program number 10.212 (SBIR) at the beta.SAM.gov
website.
20 Annual funding listed for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfers
(STTR) programs includes only those funds distributed to DOE’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
II. Department of Agriculture
1. Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities Program
Administered by
Rural Development
Authority
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (P.L. 74-605)
Grain Standards and Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-472)
Annual Funding
$12.0 mil ion for FY2011
$9.5 mil ion for FY2012
$9.2 mil ion for FY2013
$10 mil ion for FY2014
$10 mil ion for FY2015
$10 mil ion for FY2016
$10 mil ion for FY2017
$10 mil ion for FY2018
$10 mil ion for FY2019
$10 mil ion for FY2020
No funds requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides financial assistance to rural communities with extremely high
energy costs (exceeding 275% of the national average).
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments (including U.S. territories); for-profit businesses;
non-profit businesses; cooperatives; individuals
Qualified Technologies
Not specifically identified
For More Information
See USDA’s High Energy Cost Grants website; DSIRE’s program summary
for the High Energy Cost Grant Program; and program number 10.859 on
the beta.SAM.gov website.
2. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels
Administered by
Rural Development
Authority
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9005
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79)
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334)
Annual Funding
Mandatory: The 2018 farm bil (P.L. 115-334) authorized mandatory funding of $7
mil ion annually for FY2019-FY2023 to remain available until expended. $7 mil ion
was appropriated for FY2019 and FY2020.
Discretionary: The 2018 farm bil authorized discretionary funding of $20 mil ion
annually for FY2019-FY2023. No discretionary funding was appropriated for
FY2019 or FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Mandatory funding authorized through FY2023.
Description
The 2008 farm bil established a new Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels to
support and expand production of advanced biofuels—that is, fuel derived from
renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch—under which USDA would
enter into contracts with advanced biofuel producers to pay them for production
of eligible advanced biofuels. The policy goal is to create long-term, sustained
increases in advanced biofuels production.21 Payments are of two types: one based
on actual production, and a second based on incremental production increases.
21 For more program information, see the “Advanced Biofuel Payment Program,” RD, USDA at
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/advanced-biofuel-payment-program.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Not more than 5% of the funds in any year can go to facilities with total refining
capacity exceeding 150 mil ion gallons per year (7 C.F.R. Part 4288, Subpart B).
Qualified Applicant(s)
Eligible advanced biofuels producers
Qualified Technologies
Payments wil be made to eligible advanced biofuel producers for the production of
fuel derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch, to include
biofuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin; biofuel derived from sugar
and starch (other than ethanol derived from corn kernel starch); biofuel derived
from waste material, including crop residue, other vegetative waste material, animal
waste, food waste, and yard waste; diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable
biomass, including vegetable oil and animal fat; biogas (including landfil gas and
sewage waste treatment gas) produced through the conversion of organic matter
from renewable biomass; butanol or other alcohols produced through the
conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; and other fuel derived from
cellulosic biomass
For More Information
See program number 10.867 on the beta.SAM.gov website; USDA program
website; CRS In Focus (IF10288), Overview of Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm
Bill, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An
Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
3. Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)
Administered by
Farm Services Agency (FSA)
Authority
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA; P.L. 107-171), Title IX
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9001
created new Section 9011 under FSIRA
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Section 9010
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334)
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: The 2018 farm bil did not authorize any mandatory annual funding for
FY2019-FY2023. Previously, the 2014 farm bil authorized mandatory funding of $25
mil ion annually from FY2014 through FY2018. The FY2015, FY2016, and FY2017
appropriation acts (P.L. 113-235, P.L. 114-113, and P.L. 115-31, respectively) limited
mandatory funding to $23 mil ion in FY2015, $3 mil ion in FY2016, and $3 mil ion for
FY2017. The FY2018 appropriations act provided no mandatory funding for BCAP.
• Discretionary: The 2018 farm bil authorized $25 mil ion in annual discretionary
funding for BCAP for FY2019-FY2023. No funding was appropriated for FY2019 or
FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Funding authorized through FY2023.
Description
BCAP provides assistance to support the production of eligible biomass crops on land
within approved BCAP project areas. In exchange for growing eligible crops, the FSA
wil provide annual payments through 5- to 15-year contracts. Under these contracts
up to 50% of establishment costs may also be provided. FSA wil also provide
matching payments to eligible material owners at a rate of $1 for each $1 per dry ton
paid by a qualified biomass conversion facility. Matching payments may not exceed
$20 per ton and are limited to no more than two years per participant.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Eligible biomass material owners and eligible biomass producers
Qualified Technologies
Eligible material for a matching payment is renewable biomass, as defined by the 2014
farm bil , with several important exclusions including harvested grains, fiber, or other
commodities eligible to receive payments under the Commodity Title (Title I) of the
2014 farm bil . (The residues of these commodities, however, are eligible and may
qualify for payment.) Also excluded are: animal waste and animal waste by-products
including fats, oils, greases, and manure; food waste and yard waste; and bagasse.
Eligible crops include renewable biomass, with the exception of crops eligible to
receive a payment under Title I of the 2014 farm bil and plants that are invasive or
noxious, or have the potential to become invasive or noxious.
For More Information
See the USDA BCAP website; CRS Report R41296, Biomass Crop Assistance Program
(BCAP): Status and Issues, by Mark A. McMinimy; CRS In Focus (IF10288), Overview of
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943,
The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
4. Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI)
Administered by
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA)/EERE (DOE)
Authority
Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (BRDA; P.L. 106-224), Title III
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA; P.L. 107-171), Title IX,
Section 9008
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9008
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Section 9010
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), Title VII, Section 7507
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: Under the 2014 farm bil , mandatory funds of $3 mil ion were
authorized for FY2014 through FY2017 to remain available until expended. No
mandatory funds were authorized or appropriated for FY2018. The 2018 farm bil did
not extend mandatory funding for BRDI.
• Discretionary: The 2018 farm bil authorized $20 mil ion in annual appropriations for
FY2019-FY2023. No discretionary funding has been appropriated through FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Funding authorized through FY2023.
Description
BRDI is an interagency col aboration program between USDA’s National Institute of
Bioenergy (Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment) and DOE’s Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (Bioenergy Technologies Program). The
program provides competitive grants, contracts, and financial assistance for research,
development, and demonstration of technologies and processes for biofuels and
biobased products.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Col eges and universities (including 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-Grant Col eges and
Universities); national laboratories; federal research agencies; state research agencies;
small businesses; non-profit organizations; and/or a consortium of two or more
entities identified as eligible
Qualified Technologies
Biomass; biofuels; biobased products
For More Information
See the program website; program number 10.312 on the beta.Sam.gov website; CRS
In Focus (IF10288), Overview of Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill, by Kelsi
Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding
History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
5. Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing
Assistance Program (formerly the Biorefinery Assistance Program)
Administered by
Rural Development
Authority
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9003
created the Biorefinery Assistance Program
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Title IX, Section 9003 amended and renamed
the program as the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product
Manufacturing Assistance Program
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), Title IX, Section 9003
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: Under the 2018 farm bil , mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC) funding of $50 mil ion for FY2019 and $25 mil ion for FY2020 (to remain
available until expended) was authorized for loan guarantees. $50 mil ion was made
available for FY2019. $24 mil ion in funding was made available for FY2020.22
22 The original mandatory funding of $25 million for FY2020 was reduced by $1 million for a final total of $24 million
in mandatory funds made available to the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing
Assistance Program. This reduction is noted in the Appendix volume to the Budget of the United States Government
for FY2021 on p. 142.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
• Discretionary: Funds of $75 mil ion annually are authorized to be appropriated for
FY2014-FY2018 and FY2019-FY2023. For FY2009-FY2013, $150 mil ion was
authorized to be appropriated annually. No discretionary funding has been
appropriated for this program through FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Mandatory funding authorized through FY2020 and discretionary funding authorized
through FY2023.
Description
The purpose is to assist in the development of new and emerging technologies for the
development of advanced biofuels, so as to increase the energy independence of the
United States; promote resource conservation, public health, and the environment;
diversify markets for agricultural and forestry products and agriculture waste material;
and create jobs and enhance the economic development of the rural economy.
Competitive grants and loan guarantees are made to fund the development,
construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries using eligible
technologies. Biorefinery grants can provide for up to 30% of total project costs. Loan
guarantees are limited to $250 mil ion or 80% of project cost.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Individuals; tribal entities; state government entities; local government entities;
corporations; farm cooperatives; farmer cooperative organizations; associations of
agricultural producers; national laboratories; institutions of higher education; rural
electric cooperatives; public power entities; consortia of any of the previous entities
Qualified Technologies
Technologies being adopted in a viable commercial-scale operation of a biorefinery
that produces an advanced biofuel, renewable chemical, or biobased product; and
technologies that have been demonstrated to have technical and economic potential
for commercial application in a biorefinery that produces an advanced biofuel,
renewable chemical, or biobased product.
For More Information
See the USDA program website; program number 10.865 at the beta.SAM.gov
website; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding
History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
6. Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program
Administered by
Forest Service
Authority
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9013
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Title IX, Section 9012
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), Title VIII, Section 8644
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.
• Discretionary: Discretionary funding of $25 mil ion annually is authorized to be
appropriated for FY2019-FY2023 under the 2018 farm bil , but no funds have been
appropriated through FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Funding authorized through FY2023.
Description
The 2018 farm bil extended the program through FY2023 and changed the name to
the Community Wood Energy and Wood Energy Innovation Program. The program
provides matching grants for the installation of community wood energy systems or
building an innovative wood product facility.
A community wood energy system is defined in the 2018 farm bil as an energy
system that produces thermal energy or combined thermal energy and electricity,
services public facilities owned or operated by state or local governments, and uses
woody biomass. This includes single-facility central heating, district heating systems
for multiple buildings, and combined heat and electric systems, and other related
biomass energy systems.
The 2018 farm bil added innovative wood product facilities to the program, defining
such facility as a manufacturing or processing plant or mil that produces: building
components or systems using panelized wood construction; wood products derived
from nanotechnology or other new technology processes; or other innovative wood
products using low-value, low-quality wood.
Grants are capped at 35% of the capital cost of the system or facility (50% under
special circumstances), and are awarded for systems with a nameplate capacity not
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
exceeding 5 megawatts of thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy
as directed by statute.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and local governments
Qualified Technologies
Biomass
For More Information
See CRS In Focus (IF10288), Overview of Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill, by
Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and
Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
7. Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) Grants and Loans
Administered by
Rural Development
Authority
Food Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9001(a)
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Title IX, Section 9007
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), Title IX, Section 9007
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: The 2018 farm bil retains mandatory CCC funding of $50 mil ion for
FY2014 and each fiscal year thereafter (Thus, unlike other farm bil renewable energy
programs, REAP's mandatory funding authority does not expire with the 2018 farm
bil ). Mandatory funds are to remain available until expended.
• Discretionary: Under the 2018 farm bil , discretionary funding of $20 mil ion
annually is authorized to be appropriated for FY2019-FY2023; of this amount,
$335,000 was appropriated for FY2019 and $706,000 for FY2020.
Under the 2014 farm bil , discretionary funding of $20 mil ion annually was
authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018; of this amount, $3.5 mil ion was
appropriated for FY2014, $1.35 mil ion for FY2015, $0.5 mil ion for FY2016,
$352,000 for FY2017, and $293,000 for FY2018.
Under the 2008 farm bil , $25 mil ion was authorized to be appropriated annual y for
FY2009-FY2013. Actual discretionary appropriations have been $5 mil ion in FY2009,
$39.3 mil ion in FY2010, $5 mil ion in FY2011, $3.4 mil ion in FY2012 and in FY2013;
$3.5 mil ion in FY2014; and $1.35 mil ion in FY2015.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
REAP promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy for agricultural producers
and rural small businesses through the use of: (1) grants and loan guarantees for
energy efficiency improvements (EEI) and renewable energy systems (RES); (2) grants
for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance; and (3) grants for
conducting renewable energy systems (RES) feasibility studies (eligible entities include
rural small businesses and agricultural producers).
The 2014 farm bil added new funding and a three-tiered application process with
separate application processes for grants and loan guarantees for RES and EEI
projects based on the project cost. It also excluded the use of REAP funds for
installing retail energy dispensing equipment, such as blender pumps.
The 2018 farm bil amends the financial assistance for energy efficiency improvements
and renewable energy systems section to include certain limitations for loan
guarantees to purchase and install energy efficient equipment or agricultural
production or processing systems. It also places a cap of 15% of available funds per
year to be imposed on loan guarantees to agricultural producers for energy efficiency
equipment.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; schools; state, local, and tribal governments; rural electric cooperatives;
agricultural; public power entities
Qualified Technologies
Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; wind;
biomass; hydroelectric; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal electric;
geothermal heat pumps; CHP/cogeneration; hydrogen; direct-use geothermal
(electric); anaerobic digestion; small hydroelectric; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean
thermal; renewable fuels; fuel cells using renewable fuels; microturbines. Specific
energy efficiency technologies not identified.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
For More Information
See the program website; CRS In Focus (IF10288), Overview of Bioenergy Programs in
the 2018 Farm Bill, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy
Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
8. Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP)
Administered by
Rural Development
Authority
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Title VI, Section 6205
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), Title VI, Section 6303
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.
• Discretionary: Under the 2014 farm bil , discretionary funding of $75 mil ion was
authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. The 2018 farm bil extended this
authorization of $75 mil ion for FY2019-FY2023. Of this amount, no funding was
appropriated for FY2015 and FY2016; $8 mil ion was appropriated annually for
FY2016-FY2018; $10 mil ion was appropriated for FY2019; and $12 mil ion was
appropriated for FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Funding authorized through FY2023.
Description
The Rural Energy Savings Program provides loans to entities that agree to make
affordable loans to help qualified consumers implement durable and cost-effective
energy efficiency upgrades or install cost-effective renewable energy or energy
storage systems. The 2018 farm bil requires that loans from eligible entities to
qualified consumers may not exceed 5% in interest and must be used for certain
purposes (e.g., to establish a loan loss reserve).
Qualified Applicant(s)
Public power entities (public power districts and public utility districts) and rural
electric cooperatives that have borrowed, repaid, prepaid, or are paying an electric
loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS); or any other entity
that is determined eligible for a loan from RUS according to federal regulations (see
7 CFR 1701.101)
Qualified Technologies
On- or off-grid renewable energy systems; on- or off-grid energy storage systems;
cost-effective, commercial technologies to increase energy efficiency
Specific renewable energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency technologies not
identified
For More Information
See the program website; Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) factsheet; program
number 10.751 at the beta.Sam.gov website; CRS In Focus (IF10288), Overview of
Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill, by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943,
The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
9. Sun Grant Program
Administered by
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Authority
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title VII, Section 7526
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79), Title VII, Sections 7128, 7516
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334), Title IX, Sections 7414, 7614
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: No mandatory funding has been authorized.
• Discretionary: Under the previous 2008 and 2014 farm bil s, discretionary funding of
$75 mil ion was authorized to be appropriated for FY2008-FY2018. The 2018 farm
bil extended this authorization of $75 mil ion for FY2019-FY2023. Of this amount,
$2.5 mil ion was appropriated in FY2015 and FY2016, and $3 mil ion was
appropriated for FY2017-FY2020.
Scheduled Termination
Funding authorized through FY2023.
Description
The Sun Grant Initiative (SGI) is a national network of land-grant universities and
federally funded laboratories coordinated through six regional Sun Grant centers. The
centers receive funding to enhance national energy security using biobased energy
technologies, to promote diversification and environmental sustainability of
agricultural production through biobased energy and product technologies, to
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
promote economic diversification in rural areas through biobased energy and product
technologies, and to enhance the efficiency of bioenergy and biomass research and
development programs.23 Competitive grants are available to land-grant schools
within each region to be used toward integrated, multistate research, extension, and
education programs on technology development and implementation.
The combined six regions and subregions, covering all 50 states and U.S. territories
are: North-Central Region, Northeastern Region, Southeastern Region, South-
Central Region, Western Region, and the Western Insular Pacific Subcenter Region.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Col eges and universities: specifically, eligible applicants must represent a consortium
of 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant universities made up of one university from each
of the (six) sun grant regions and subregion.
Qualified Technologies
Biomass; biofuels; biobased products
For More Information
See the program website; program number 10.320 at the beta.Sam.gov website; CRS
In Focus (IF10288), Overview of Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill, by Kelsi
Bracmort; and CRS Report R45943, The Farm Bill Energy Title: An Overview and Funding
History, by Kelsi Bracmort.
10. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
Administered by
National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Agricultural Research Service; and other
appropriate agencies
Authority
Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624)
Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act Amendments of 1991 (P.L. 102-237)
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246)
Annual Funding
$19.2 mil ion for FY2011
$13.5 mil ion for FY2012
$19.3 mil ion for FY2013
$22.7 mil ion for FY2014
$23 mil ion for FY2015
$25 mil ion for FY2016
$27 mil ion for FY2017
$27 mil ion for FY2018 (est.)
$37 mil ion for FY2019
$37 mil ion for FY2020
$37 mil ion requested for FY2021
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
The purpose of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE)
is, in part, to encourage research designed to increase our knowledge concerning
agricultural production systems that conserve soil, water, energy, natural resources,
and fish and wildlife habitat. SARE provides grants through the agricultural bioenergy
feedstock and energy efficiency research and extension initiative for projects with the
purpose of enhancing the production of biomass energy crops and the energy
efficiency of agricultural operations.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Federal and state governments; col eges and universities; state agricultural experiment
stations; state cooperative extension services; nonprofit organizations; individuals
with demonstrable expertise
Qualified Technologies
Biomass; biofuels; other technologies not identified.
For More Information
See program number 10.215 at the beta.SAM.gov website; and CRS Report R41985,
Renewable Energy Programs and the Farm Bill: Status and Issues, by Randy Schnepf.
23 See “Sun Grant Initiative,” at http://www.sungrant.org/.
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III. U.S. Department of the Treasury
Please note that tax credits for biofuels and vehicles are covered in detail another CRS Report
R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal
Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.
Homeowner
1. Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate and Personal)
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §136
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-188)
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
Energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities, either directly or
indirectly, are nontaxable: “Gross income shall not include the value of any subsidy
provided (directly or indirectly) by a public utility to a customer for the purchase or
installation of any energy conservation measure.”
Qualified Applicant(s)
Residential; multi-family residential
Qualified Technologies
Technologies installed to reduce electricity or natural gas consumption or improve
the management of energy demand in a dwelling unit, including, but not limited to,
solar water heat, solar space heat, photovoltaics, and other energy efficiency
technologies not identified.
For More Information
See Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 525 (2018), Taxable and Nontaxable
Income.
2. Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §25C
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (EIA; P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2017
Description
A 10% credit for energy efficiency improvements to the building envelope of
existing homes and capped amounts ($50-$300) for the purchase of specific types of
high-efficiency heating, cooling, and water-heating equipment. Efficiency
improvements or equipment must have served a dwelling in the United States that
is owned and used by the taxpayer as a primary residence. For purchases made in
2011-2017, the maximum lifetime amount of homeowner credit for all
improvements combined is $500 total. For purchases made in 2009 or 2010, the
maximum amount of homeowner credit was $1,500 total.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Residential
Qualified Technologies
Water heaters; furnaces; boilers; heat pumps; air conditioners; building insulation;
windows; doors; roofs; circulating fans used in a qualifying furnace; biomass and
stoves that use qualified biomass fuel
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For More Information
See IRS Form 5695: Residential Energy Credits; IRS Form 5695 Instructions; and
CRS Report R42089, Residential Energy Tax Credits: Overview and Analysis, by Margot
L. Crandall-Hol ick and Mol y F. Sherlock.
3. Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §25D
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2021
Description
A taxpayer may claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures for a system that
serves a dwelling unit located in the United States and is used as a residence by the
taxpayer. A 30% credit for solar energy systems is in place through December 31,
2019, but is reduced over the tax credit’s final two years: 26% for 2020 and 22% for
2021.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Residential
Qualified Technologies
Solar electric (including photovoltaics); solar water heating; small wind; fuel cells;
geothermal heat pumps
For More Information
See IRS Form 5695: Residential Energy Credits; IRS Form 5695 Instructions; and
CRS Report R42089, Residential Energy Tax Credits: Overview and Analysis, by Margot
L. Crandall-Hol ick and Mol y F. Sherlock.
Business and Industry
4. Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C §48
Energy Tax Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-618)
Crude Oil Windfall Profit Tax Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-223)
Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86; P.L. 99-514)
Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-647)
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-239)
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-508)
Tax Extension Act of 1991 (P.L. 102-227)
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-486)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (EISA; P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2021, for hybrid (fiber-optic) solar lighting, fuel cells, small wind
systems, combined heat and power systems (CHP), microturbines, and geothermal
heat pump systems
December 31, 2019, for large wind energy systems
December 31, 2017, for non-wind PTC-eligible property
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Description
Credit is 30% for hybrid (fiber-optic) solar lighting, fuel cells, and small wind energy
systems, reduced to 22% in 2020 before expiring on December 31, 2021;
30% for solar energy systems through December 31, 2019, reduced to 26% in 2020
and 22% in 2021. 10% credit for solar energy after 2021;
10% for geothermal electric (no termination);
10% for microturbines, and CHP until December 31, 2021;
Technologies eligible for the Production Tax Credit (PTC) are eligible to opt for the
ITC in lieu of the PTC if construction commenced prior to January 1, 2018. As of
January 1, 2018, only wind energy systems are eligible to claim the ITC in lieu of the
PTC. 24% credit for large wind systems for 2017, gradually reducing each year to
12% in 2019 when the credit ends (December 31, 2019).
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; industrial; utilities; agricultural
Qualified Technologies
Solar energy (solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal
process heat; photovoltaics); hybrid (fiber-optic) solar lighting; small wind; large wind;
biomass; fuel cells; geothermal (electric, heat pumps, direct-use); CHP/Cogeneration;
microturbines
For More Information
See IRS Form 3468 (Investment Credit); and CRS In Focus IF10479, The Energy Credit:
An Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy, by Mol y F. Sherlock.
5. Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §179D
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2017
Description
A tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot is available to owners of new or existing
buildings who install (1) interior lighting, (2) building envelope, or (3) heating,
cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems that reduce the building’s total energy and
power cost by 50% or more in comparison to a building meeting minimum
requirements set by ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007. Energy savings must be
calculated using qualified computer software approved by the IRS.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; builder/developer; state government; federal government (deductions
associated with government buildings are transferred to the designer)
Qualified Technologies
Equipment insulation; water heaters; lighting; lighting controls/sensors; chil ers;
furnaces; boilers; heat pumps; air conditioners; caulking/weather-stripping; duct/air
sealing; building insulation; windows; doors; siding; roofs; comprehensive
measures/whole building
For More Information
See DOE’s 179D Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction web page;
IRS Notice 2006-52 (original interim guidance); IRS Notice 2008-40 (clarification of
rules set in Notice 2006-52); IRS Notice 2012-26 (modification of Notice 2008-40);
the Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition FAQ web page; and Energy
Savings Modeling and Inspection Guidelines for Commercial Building Federal Tax
Deductions in 2016 or Later (September 2016) by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL).
6. Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §45L
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Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-172)
Energy Improvement and Extension Ac of 2008 (EIEA; P.L. 110-343)
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
(P.L. 111-312)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2017
Description
This program provided tax credits of up to $2,000 for builders of all new energy-
efficient homes, including manufactured homes constructed in accordance with the
Federal Manufactured Homes Construction and Safety Standards.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Builder/developer
Qualified Technologies
Comprehensive measures/whole building
For More Information
See IRS Form 8908 (Energy Efficient Home Credit).
7. Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authorizing Statute(s)
26 U.S.C. §45
Internal Revenue Code
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170)
Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-147)
Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-311)
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-357)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2019, for wind energy facilities; December 31, 2017, for all other
technologies
Description
The federal renewable electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) is a per-kilowatt-hour
tax credit for electricity generated by qualified energy resources and sold by the
taxpayer to an unrelated person during the taxable year. The duration of the credit is
10 years after the date the facility is placed in service for all facilities placed in service
after August 8, 2005; unused credits may be carried forward for up to 20 years
fol owing the year they were generated or carried back one year if the taxpayer files
an amended return.
P.L. 114-113 extended the expiration date for this tax credit to December 31, 2019,
for wind facilities commencing construction, with a phase-down beginning for wind
projects commencing construction after December 31, 2016. P.L. 115-123 extended
the tax credit for other eligible renewable energy technologies commencing
construction through December 31, 2017.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; industrial
Qualified Technologies
Landfil gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; municipal solid waste;
hydrokinetic power (i.e., flowing water); anaerobic digestion; small hydroelectric; tidal
energy; wave energy; ocean thermal
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For More Information
See IRS Notice 2016-31; CRS Report R43453, The Renewable Electricity Production
Tax Credit: In Brief, by Mol y F. Sherlock.
State, Local, and Tribal Governments
Cross-Cutting
8. Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §168
26 U.S.C. §48
Tax Reform Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-514)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)
Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-295)
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-113)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97)
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
Under MACRS, businesses may recover investments in certain property through
depreciation deductions. The MACRS establishes a set of class lives for various types
of property, ranging from 3 to 50 years, over which the property may be
depreciated. A number of renewable energy technologies are classified as five-year
property (26 U.S.C. 168(e)(3)(B)(vi)) under MACRS.
P.L. 115-97, signed in December 2017, extended the “placed in service" deadline for
bonus depreciation. Equipment placed in service after September 2017 and before
January 1, 2023 can qualify for 100% bonus deprecation; for equipment placed in
service during the period covering 2023 through 2026, bonus depreciation reduces
20% each year: 80% for 2023, 60% for 2024, 40% for 2025, and 20% for 2026.24
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; industrial
Qualified Technologies
Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat;
photovoltaics; landfil gas; wind; biomass; renewable transportation fuels; geothermal
electric; fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; municipal solid waste; CHP/cogeneration;
solar hybrid lighting; direct use geothermal; anaerobic digestion; microturbines
For More Information
See IRS Publication 946, IRS Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization, and
Instructions for Form 4562.
IV. Department of the Interior
1. Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP): Minerals and Mining on
Indian Lands
Administered by
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); Division of Energy and Mineral Development (DEMD)
Authority
Snyder Act of 1921 (P.L. 67-85), 25 U.S.C. 13
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638), 25 U.S.C. 450
24 Bonus depreciation applies to many classes of property or equipment other than renewable energy technologies
covered by MACRS. With 100% bonus depreciation available, businesses can choose to deduct the cost of renewable
energy property immediately, as opposed to recovering the cost of the investment over five years (MACRS). Beginning
in 2023, when bonus depreciation reduces 20% annually through 2026 (see program description above), businesses can
opt to deduct the remaining percentage immediately or the entire amount over five years under MACRS if they choose
not to take the bonus depreciation deduction.
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Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-382), 25 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.
Umatil a Basin Project Act (P.L. 100-557), 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.
Annual Funding
$12.87 mil ion for FY2011
$12.7 mil ion for FY2012
$12 mil ion for FY2013
$9.62 mil ion for FY2014
$5.14 mil ion for FY2015
$6 mil ion for FY2016
No data available for FY2017-FY2020
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
Funding may be used to facilitate the inventory, assessment, promotion, and
marketing of both renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources on
Indian lands. Funds are awarded competitively to support assessment and inventory
programs or to develop baseline data, but cannot be used for development purposes.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Federally recognized Indian tribes; individual American Indian mineral owners
Qualified Technologies
Renewable energy technologies
For More Information
See program number 15.038 at the beta.SAM.gov website; and BIA’s Energy and
Mineral Development Program (EMDP) website.
2. Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) Grant Program
Administered by
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Indian Tribal Energy Resource Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005
(Title V of Energy Policy Act of 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Annual Funding
$250,000 for FY2011
$0 for FY2012
$400,000 for FY2013 (est.)
$700,000 for FY2014
$1.56 mil ion for FY2015
$1.4 mil ion for FY2016
No data available for FY2017-FY2020
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides grants to Indian tribes to (1) develop and sustain the
managerial and technical capacity needed to develop their energy resources; and (2)
properly account for resulting energy production and revenues.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Tribal governments
Qualified Technologies
Renewable energy technologies
For More Information
See program number 15.148 at the beta.SAM.gov website; BIA’s Tribal Energy
Development Capacity Grant Program website; or contact IEED, the Division of
Indian Energy at (202) 219-0740.
V. Small Business Administration
1. 7(a) Loan Guarantees
Administered by
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Authority
Small Business Act of 1953 (P.L. 83-163)
Annual Funding
7(a) loan guaranty administrative costs are funded through the SBA’s appropriation
for business loan administration. ($159.5 mil ion in FY2010, $152.694 mil ion in
FY2011, $147.958 mil ion in FY2012, $140.219 mil ion in FY2013 (after
sequestration), $151.560 mil ion in FY2014, $147.726 mil ion in FY2015, $152.726
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mil ion in FY2016, $152.726 mil ion in FY2017, $152.782 mil ion in FY2018, and
$155.150 mil ion in FY2019 and FY2020).
The SBA reports that it spent $95.090 mil ion in FY2010, $88.000 mil ion in FY2011,
$93.640 mil ion in FY2012, $75.390 mil ion in FY2013, $66.578 mil ion in FY2014,
$63.013 mil ion in FY2015, $75.791 mil ion in FY2016, $82.173 in FY2017, and
$89.785 mil ion in FY2018, and $91.569 mil ion in FY2019 on 7(a) loan
administration. The SBA has budgeted $95.871 mil ion for 7(a) loan administration in
FY2020.
In addition, the 7(a) loan guaranty program was provided $80 mil ion in FY2010, $80
mil ion in FY2011, $139.4 mil ion in FY2012, and $213.8 mil ion in FY2013 (after
sequestration) for loan credit subsidies.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program guarantees loans from lenders to small businesses that are unable to
obtain financing on reasonable terms and conditions in the private credit
marketplace, but can demonstrate an ability to repay loans if granted, in a timely
manner. Guaranteed loans are made available to for-profit small businesses. The
SBA’s 7(a) lending authority includes (1) regular 7(a); (2) SBAExpress Program; (3)
the CapLines Program; (4) Small/Rural Lender Advantage initiative; (5) Export
Express Program; (6) Export Working Capital Program; (7) International Trade; and
(8) Community Advantage initiatives.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Small businesses meeting the size and eligibility standards
Qualified Technologies
Not specifically listed
For More Information
See CRS Report R41146, Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program, by
Robert Jay Dilger; the SBA website; and program number 59.012 at the
beta.SAM.gov website.
2. 504 Loan Guarantees
Administered by
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Authority
Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (P.L. 85-699)
Annual Funding
504 loan guaranty administrative costs are funded through the SBA’s appropriation
for business loan administration ($159.5 mil ion in FY2010, $152.694 mil ion in
FY2011, $147.958 mil ion in FY2012, $140.219 mil ion in FY2013 (after
sequestration), $151.560 mil ion in FY2014, $147.726 mil ion in FY2015, $152.726
mil ion in FY2016, $152.726 mil ion in FY2017, $152.782 mil ion in FY2018, and
$155.150 mil ion in FY2019 and FY2020).
The SBA reports that it spent $36.232 mil ion in FY2010, $38.888 mil ion in FY2011,
$39.612 mil ion in FY2012, $40.474 mil ion in FY2013, $39.410 mil ion in FY2014,
$40.018 mil ion in FY2015, $29.998 mil ion in FY2016, $30.676 mil ion in FY2017,
and $38.792 mil ion in FY2018, $38.355 mil ion in FY2019 on 504 loan administrative
costs. The SBA has budgeted $40.117 mil ion for 504 loan administration in FY2020.
In addition, the 504 loan guaranty program was provided $67.7 mil ion in FY2012,
$98.1 mil ion in FY2013 (after sequestration), $107.0 mil ion in FY2014, and $45.0
mil ion in FY2015 for loan subsidy costs.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provides long-term fixed rate financing for major fixed assets, such as
land, buildings, equipment, and machinery. Of the total project costs, a third-party
lender must provide at least 50% of the financing; the Certified Development
Company provides up to 40% of the financing through a 100% SBA-guaranteed
debenture; and the applicant provides at least 10% of the financing. Qualified
projects are required to modernize or upgrade facilities by (1) reducing energy use
by at least 10%; (2) employing sustainable or low-impact design that reduces fossil
fuel use; (3) planning, equipping, and/or installing process upgrades or renewable
energy sources; or (4) supporting renewable fuels production by biodiesel and
ethanol producers.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Small businesses meeting the size and eligibility standards
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Qualified Technologies
Fossil fuels; energy efficiency equipment; renewable energy sources (unspecified);
renewable fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol
For More Information
See CRS Report R41184, Small Business Administration 504/CDC Loan Guaranty
Program, by Robert Jay Dilger; the SBA website; and program number 59.041 at the
beta.SAM.gov website.
VI. U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development
1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
Administered by
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Conventional mortgages: Private lenders that sell mortgage loans to Fannie Mae or
Freddie Mac may also offer Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs).
Authority
EEMs were initially introduced by lenders in the 1980s. In 1992, three pieces of
legislation passed by Congress worked towards standardizing and expanding the use
of EEMs. In 1992, Congress established an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Pilot
Program (P.L. 102-550). The program was later expanded beyond five states to
become a national program. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
(HERA; P.L. 110-289) increased the maximum amount that can be added to an FHA
mortgage for energy efficient improvements. The 111th Congress included incentives
to encourage green home improvements in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5).
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
Homeowners can take advantage of EEMs to finance a variety of energy efficiency
measures, including renewable energy technologies, in a new or existing home. The
federal government directly provides these loans through the FHA and VA lending
programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac wil also purchase EEMs from primary
lenders. Primary lenders may issue EEMs that do not conform to underwriting
standards.
Qualified Applicant(s)
The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA’s
Section 203 (b) program, provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage
payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for
this loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. VA: available to qualified military
personnel, reservists, and veterans; Conventional: Applicants qualifying for a
conventional mortgage are also eligible for an energy efficient mortgage.
Qualified Technologies
Passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics;
daylighting; and other technologies not specifically identified
For More Information
See the HUD, RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network), Energy Star, and
DSIRE websites.
2. FHA PowerSaver Loan Program
Administered by
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
Authority
No statutory authority. HUD developed the PowerSaver as part of the Recovery
Through Retrofit initiative launched in May 2009 by the White House Task Force on
Middle Class Working Families to develop federal actions for expanding green job
opportunities in the United States and boosting energy savings by improving home
energy efficiency.
Scheduled Termination
PowerSaver began as a nationwide two-year pilot program, launching in 2011. No
termination date for this program is listed in online government information
sources identified at this time.
Description
PowerSaver offers FHA-backed loans, with three financing options for homeowners
to make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades in their residences: (1)
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PowerSaver Home Energy Upgrade (up to $7,500) for smaller projects; (2)
PowerSaver Second Mortgage (Title I, up to $25,000) for financing larger retrofit
projects; and (3) PowerSaver Energy Rehab (203(k)). This 203(k) loan is for home
purchase or refinance, targeting either home buyers wishing to combine home
improvements with a home purchases or to homeowners wishing to include home
improvements when refinancing an existing mortgage. For the 203(k), current loan
limits for a single-unit property vary by area from $217,500 to $625,000. For all
three PowerSaver products, borrowers must select from a list of approved
PowerSaver lenders.
Qualified Applicant(s)
These loans are available to homeowners who meet the fol owing criteria: a
minimum credit score of 660 and a maximum total debt to income ratio of 45%
(monthly income divided by monthly debt payments). Eligible housing is limited to
single unit homes that must be owner-occupied.
Qualified Technologies
Energy efficient improvements, including installation of insulation, duct sealing,
replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heaters, home automation
systems and controls (e.g., smart thermostats), solar panels, solar thermal hot water
systems, small wind power, and geothermal systems.
For More Information
See EERE’s factsheet; DSIRE website; and FHA’s approved list of lenders for
PowerSaver.
VII. Department of Health and Human Services
1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Administered by
Administration For Children and Families
Office of Community Services, Division of Energy Assistance
Authority
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-35), Title XXVI, §2602
The Human Services Amendments of 1994 (P.L. 103-252), Title III, §§302–304(a),
311(c)(1)
Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Services Act of
1998 (P.L. 105-285), Title III, §302,
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58), Title I, Subtitle B, §121(a))
Annual Funding
$2.16 bil ion for FY2007
$2.6 bil ion for FY2008
$5.1 bil ion for FY2009
$5.1 bil ion for FY2010
$4.7 bil ion for FY2011
$3.47 bil ion for FY2012
$3.29 bil ion for FY2013
$3.43 bil ion for FY2014
$3.39 bil ion for FY2015
$3.37 bil ion for FY2016
$3.39 bil ion for FY2017
$3.64 bil ion for FY2018
$3.65 bil ion for FY2019
$4.64 bil ion for FY202025
25 The Office of Community Services (OCS), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA), initially released approximately
$3.32 billion of FY2020 regular block grant funding to LIHEAP grantees on November 1, 2019. This funding was
provided under the Continuing Appropriations Resolution 2020, and Health Extenders Act of 2019, (P.L. 116-59). A
second release of $381 million was appropriated under the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-
94) and announced on February 27, 2020. A third round of funding of $37 million was released on April 3, 2020 under
Congressional Research Service
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Scheduled Termination None
Description
LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating or
cooling their homes. In most states, it also helps people make sure their homes are
more energy efficient by paying for certain home improvements, known as
weatherization.
Funds are allotted to states, tribes, and territories according to a formula prescribed by
the LIHEAP statute. State, tribal, and territorial governments manage the day-to-day
details of the program, including the award of assistance to eligible applicants.
The LIHEAP statute limits the amount of funds that each grantee (state, tribe, or
territory) may spend on weatherization to 15% of the funds available, or up to 25% with
a waiver from HHS. However, in cases of floods or natural disasters, work can be done
under the crisis part of the grantee’s LIHEAP program, thus bypassing the
weatherization limits.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Qualified Technologies Weatherization technologies include a wide range of energy efficiency measures for
retrofitting homes and apartment buildings. Typical measures may include installing
insulation; sealing ducts; tuning and repairing broken or inefficient heating and cooling
systems and if indicated, replacement of the same; mitigating air infiltration; and reducing
electric base load consumption.
For More Information
See CRS Report RL31865, LIHEAP: Program and Funding, by Libby Perl; and the LIHEAP
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) website.
VIII. Department of Veterans Affairs
1. Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
Administered by
FHA and VA. Conventional mortgages: Private lenders that sell mortgage loans to
Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may also offer EEMs
Authority
EEMs were initially introduced by lenders in the 1980s. In 1992, three pieces of
legislation passed by Congress worked towards standardizing and expanding the use
of EEMs. In 1992, Congress established an FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage Pilot
Program (P.L. 102-550). The program was later expanded beyond five states to
become a national program. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
(HERA; P.L. 110-289) increased the maximum amount that can be added to an FHA
mortgage for energy efficient improvements. The 111th Congress included incentives
to encourage green home improvements in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5).
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
Homeowners can take advantage of EEMs to finance a variety of energy efficiency
measures, including renewable energy technologies, in a new or existing home. The
U.S. federal government directly provides these loans through the FHA and VA
lending programs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac wil also purchase EEMs from primary
lenders. Primary lenders may issue EEMs that do not conform to underwriting
standards.
Qualified Applicant(s)
The loan is available to anyone who meets the income requirements for FHA’s
Section 203 (b) program, provided the applicant can meet the monthly mortgage
payments. New and existing owner-occupied homes of up to two units qualify for this
the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L.116-94). Finally, an additional $900 million in supplemental
funding was appropriated for FY2020 under the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) on March 27. 2020. Those funds were
released on May 8, 2020. The CARES Act allows LIHEAP grantees to carryover up to 100% of the supplemental
funding for obligation in FY2021. Grantees must obligate at least 90% of the non-supplemental FY2020 funding by
September 30, 2020.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
loan. Cooperative units are not eligible. VA: available to qualified military personnel,
reservists, and veterans; Conventional: applicants qualifying for a conventional
mortgage are also eligible for an energy efficient mortgage.
Qualified Technologies
Passive solar space heat; solar water heat; solar space heat; photovoltaics; daylighting;
and other technologies not specifically identified
For More Information
See the HUD, RESNET, Energy Star, and DSIRE websites.
IX. Fannie Mae
1. Fannie Mae Green Initiative-Loan Program
Administered by
Fannie Mae
Authority
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-448)
Scheduled Termination None
Description
This program provides owners of multifamily properties (rental or cooperative
properties with five or more units) with three financing options and tools to make
energy- and water-saving property improvements:
The Green Rewards program provides up to an additional 5% of loan proceeds by
including up to 50% of projected energy and water savings in the loan underwriting.
Selected property upgrades must be completed within 12 months of loan closing.
The Green Preservation Plus program provides additional loan proceeds to
Multifamily Affordable Housing (MAH) properties by allowing up to an 85% Loan-
to-Value (LTV); lower Debt-Service-Credit-Ratio (DSCR) up to five basis points
lower than standard rates; and access to property’s equity amount equal to
investments in efficiency. Energy- and water-saving improvements must equal at
least 5% of the original mortgage loan amount.
The Green Building Certification Pricing Break provides the 10-basis-point pricing break
to any acquisition or refinance loan on a conventional or affordable property that
has a current, eligible Green Building Certification.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Only multifamily properties are eligible for the program.
Qualified Technologies Clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, water heaters, lighting, furnaces, boilers,
heat pumps, air conditioners, caulking/weather-stripping, duct/air sealing, building
insulation, windows, roofs, comprehensive measures/whole building, custom/others
pending approval, insulation, tankless water heaters
For More Information
See the Fannie Mae and DSIRE websites.
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Appendix A. Summary of Federal Renewable
Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives/Index of
Programs
Table A-1. Federal Incentives by Agency
Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
Department of
Advanced
Develops and supports the
42 U.S.C.
$395 mil ion
None
Energy
Manufacturing
commercialization of new
§17111 et
Office (formerly
energy efficient
seq.
Industrial
technologies to improve
Technologies
industrial efficiency while
Program)
increasing productivity
Advanced
Grants to finance
42 U.S.C.
$390 mil ion
Program
Research Projects
sophisticated energy
§16538
evaluation after
Energy Financial
technology R&D projects to
FY2012
Assistance
accelerate transformational
Program (ARPA-E) technology advances
Bioenergy
Grants to develop cost-
42 U.S.C.
$259.5 mil ion
None
Technologies
effective technologies and
§16232
Office (formerly
systems to transform
Biomass and
domestic biomass
Biorefinery
resources into biofuels,
Systems R&D
bioproducts, and biopower
Program)
Building
Provides financial and
42 U.S.C.
$285 mil ion
None
Technologies
technical assistance to
§17061-
Office
improve efficiency of
17124
buildings and the
equipment, components,
and systems within them
Conservation
Grants to finance long-
42 U.S.C.
$42.3 mil ion for
None
Research and
terms R&D efforts in
§5901 et
FY2019 (est.)
Development
buildings, industrial,
seq.
FY2020 funding
Grant Program
vehicles, and hydrogen/fuel
data not available
cell technologies
Electricity Delivery Grants to develop cost-
42 U.S.C.
$173 mil ion
None
and Energy
effective technology to
§17381 et
Reliability,
enhance the reliability,
seq.
Research,
efficiency, and resiliency of
Development and
the electric grid
Analysis Grant
Program
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
Energy Efficiency
Provides financial
See Notes
$9.6 mil ion for
None
and Renewable
assistance to stimulate
fieldb
FY2019 (est.);
Energy
increased usage of energy
FY2020 funding
Information
efficiency/ renewable
data not available
Dissemination,
energy technologies and
Outreach,
accelerate the adoption of
Training, and
these technologies
Technical
Analysis/Assistanc
e Program
Federal Energy
Provides assistance to
42 U.S.C.
$40 mil ion
None
Management
federal agencies in
§17131 et
Program
developing and
seq.
implementing energy
efficiency and renewable
energy technologies to
meet energy management
goals
Financial
Grants support research in
42 U.S.C.
$1.2 bil ion (est.)
None
Assistance
the basic sciences and
§13503
Program
advanced technology
(Office of Science)
concepts and assessments
in fields related to energy
Geothermal
Partners DOE with
42 U.S.C.
$110 mil ion
None
Technologies
industry, academia, and
§16231 et
Office
research facilities to
seq. and 42
develop geothermal energy
U.S.C.
technologies
§17191 et
seq.
Hydrogen & Fuel
Partners DOE with
42 U.S.C.
$150 mil ion
None
Cell Technologies
industry, academia, and
§16151 et
Office
national laboratories to
seq.
develop hydrogen and fuel
cell technologies for the
marketplace
Inventions and
Provides financial and
42 U.S.C.
$0
None
Innovations
technical assistance to
§5913
Program
develop innovative cost-
effective ideas and
inventions with future
commercial value and
focuses on energy
efficiency and renewable
energy technologies
Loan Guarantee
Loan guarantees to
42 U.S.C.
$29 mil ion for
None for the
Program
encourage commercial use
§16511 et
the Innovative
Section 1703
of new or significantly
seq.
Technology Loan
program.
improved technologies that
Guarantee
avoid, reduce, or sequester
Program (Section
1703)
For Section 1705
program,
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
air pol utants or
$0 for the
construction had
greenhouse gas emissions
Temporary Loan
to begin by
Guarantee
9/30/2011
Program (Section
1705)
Office of Indian
Provides financial and
25 U.S.C.
$17 mil ion
None
Energy Assistance
technical assistance,
§3501 et
Programs
education, and training to
seq.
(formerly the
tribes to evaluate and
Tribal Energy
develop renewable energy
Program)
sources and energy
efficiency measures
Regional Biomass
Provides financial
See Notes
$0
None
Energy Programs
assistance to increase
fieldb
America’s use of fuels,
chemicals, materials, and
power made from
domestic biomass
Renewable Energy
Provides incentive
42 U.S.C.
$0
End of FY2026
Production
payments for electricity
§13317
Incentive
generated and sold by new
qualifying renewable energy
facilities
Renewable Energy
Provides financial
42 U.S.C.
$88.6 mil ion for
None
Research and
assistance to conduct R&D
§16231 et.
FY2019.
Development
efforts in renewable energy seq.
FY2020 funding
Program
technologies
data not available
Small Business
Grants for small businesses
15 U.S.C.
$59.5 mil ion for
End of FY2022
Innovation
to develop and
§638
SBIR
Research/Small
commercialize energy
$8.4 mil ion for
Business
technologies, including
STTR
Technology
energy efficiency and
Transfer Programs renewable energy
technologies
Solar Energy
Partners with industry,
42 U.S.C.
$280 mil ion
None
Technologies
universities, and national
§16231 et
Office
laboratories to finance
seq. and 42
R&D and bring reliable and
U.S.C.
affordable solar energy
§17171 et
technologies to the
seq.
marketplace
State Energy
Provides grants to states to 42 U.S.C.
$62.5 mil ion
None
Program
design and implement their
§6321 et
own renewable energy and
seq.
energy efficiency programs
Vehicle
Partners with industry
42 U.S.C.
$396 mil ion
None
Technologies
leaders to develop and
§17011 et
Office
deploy advanced
seq.
transportation
technologies to improve
vehicle fuel efficiency and
domestically produce clean
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
and affordable alternative
fuels
Water Power
Partners with industry,
42 U.S.C.
$148 mil ion
None
Technologies
states, federal entities, and
§16231 et.
Office (formerly
other stakeholders on
seq. and 42
Wind and
R&D projects to improve
U.S.C.
Hydropower
performance, lower costs,
§17211 et
Technologies
and accelerate deployment
seq.
Program)
of water power
technologies
Weatherization
Provides financial and
42 U.S.C.
$308.5 mil ion
None
Assistance
technical assistance to
§6861 et
Program
states to increase the
seq.
energy efficiency of low-
income households
Wind Energy
Partners with industry,
42 U.S.C.
$104 mil ion
None
Technologies
states, federal entities, and
§16231 et.
Office (formerly
other stakeholders on
seq.
Wind and
R&D projects to improve
Hydropower
performance, lower costs,
Technologies
and accelerate deployment
Program)
of wind energy
technologies
Department of
Assistance to High
Provides financial
7 U.S.C.
$10 mil ion
None
Agriculture
Energy Cost Rural
assistance to rural
§918a
Communities
communities with high
Program
energy costs
Bioenergy
Supports and ensures an
7 U.S.C.
Mandatory
Authorized
Program for
expanding production of
§8105
funding of $7
through FY2023
Advanced Biofuels
advanced biofuels by
mil ion annually
providing payments to
for FY2019-
advanced biofuels
FY2023 to
producers
remain available
until expended
Discretionary
funding of $20
mil ion
authorized
annually for
FY2019-FY2023
No discretionary
funding has been
appropriated for
FY2020
Biomass Crop
Provides assistance to
7 U.S.C.
The FY2018 farm
Authorized
Assistance
support the production of
§8111
bil authorized no through FY2023
Program (BCAP)
eligible biomass crops on
mandatory
land within approved
funding for
project areas
FY2019-FY2023
Discretionary
funding of $25
mil ion
authorized
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
annually for
FY2019-FY2023
No discretionary
funding has been
appropriated for
FY2020
Biomass Research
Provides competitive
7 U.S.C.
Mandatory
Authorized
and Development
grants, contracts, or
§8108
funding of $3
through FY2023
Initiative
financial assistance for
mil ion for
RD&D of technologies and
FY2014-2017 to
processes for biofuels and
remain available
biobased products.
until expended;
Mandatory
funding not
extended by
2018 farm bil
Discretionary
funding of $20
mil ion
authorized
annually for
FY2019-FY2023
No discretionary
funding has been
appropriated
through FY2020
Biorefinery,
Assists in the development
7 U.S.C.
$24 mil ion in
Authorized
Renewable
of new technologies for
§8103
mandatory
through FY2023
Chemical, and
development of biofuels
funding was made
Biobased Product
available for loan
Manufacturing
guarantees for
Assistance
FY2020.
Program
No discretionary
funding has been
appropriated
through FY2020
Community
Provides grants to states
7 U.S.C.
No discretionary
Authorized
Wood Energy and
and local governments to
§8113
funding has been
through FY2023
Wood Innovation
develop community wood
appropriated
Program
energy plans or acquire or
through FY2020
upgrade community wood
energy systems
Rural Energy for
Provides grants and loan
7 U.S.C.
Mandatory CCC
None
America Program
guarantees to promote
§8107
funds of $50
energy efficiency and
mil ion
renewable energy to
authorized for
agricultural producers and
FY2014 and each
rural small businesses
fiscal year
thereafter
$706,000 was
appropriated for
FY2020
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
Rural Energy
Provides loans to power
7 U.S.C.
$12 mil ion for
Authorized
Savings Program
producing entities to make
§8107a
FY2020
through FY2023
loans to consumers for
durable, cost-effective
energy efficiency upgrades
or installation of renewable
energy or energy storage
systems
Sun Grant
7 U.S.C.
$3 mil ion
Authorized
Program
§8114
through FY2023
Sustainable
Provides grants for
7 U.S.C.
$37 mil ion
None
Agriculture
research projects with the
§5801 et
Research and
purpose of enhancing
seq.
Education
biomass energy crop
production and increasing
the energy efficiency of
agricultural operations
Department of
Business Energy
Provides a tax credit for
26 U.S.C.
N/A
12/31/2019 for
the Treasury
Investment Tax
30% of total expenditures
§48
large wind systems;
Credit
on eligible systems placed
12/31/2021 for
in service, except
geothermal heat
geothermal systems,
pumps,
microturbines, and
microturbines,
combined heat and power
CHP systems,
systems (10%)
hybrid solar
lighting, fuel cells,
small wind systems;
No expiration date
for geothermal
electric and solar
thermal
Energy Efficient
Tax deduction for certain
26 U.S.C.
N/A
12/31/2017
Commercial
qualifying systems and
§179D
Buildings Tax
buildings
(amended)
Deduction
Energy-Efficient
Provides tax credits of up
26 U.S.C.
N/A
12/31/2017
New Homes Tax
to $2,000 for builders of
§45L
Credit for Home
new, energy-efficient
(amended)
Builders
homes
Modified
Allows businesses to
26 USC
N/A
N/A
Accelerated Cost-
recover investments in
§168 26
Recovery System
certain renewable energy
USC §48
(MACRS)
property through
depreciation deductions
Renewable Energy
Provides a per-kilowatt-
26 U.S.C.
N/A
12/31/2019 for
Production Tax
hour tax credit for
§45
wind energy
Credit (PTC)
electricity generated by
(amended)
systems
qualified renewable energy
12/31/2017 for all
technologies and sold
other systems
during the tax year
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
Residential Energy
Corporate and personal
26 U.S.C.
N/A
None
Conservation
tax exemptions for energy-
§136
Subsidy Exclusion
conservation subsidies are
(amended)
(Corporate and
provided by public utilities,
Personal)
either directly or indirectly
Residential Energy
Provides tax credit to
26 U.S.C.
N/A
12/31/2017
Efficiency Tax
residents/individuals for the §25C
Credit
installation of qualified
energy efficient equipment
to existing homes (primary
residence)
Residential
Provides a tax credit to
26 U.S.C.
N/A
12/31/2021
Renewable Energy
residents/ individuals for
§25D
Tax Credit
the installation of qualified
(amended)
renewable energy systems
to existing homes (primary
residence)
Department of
Low Income
Provides assistance to help
42 U.S.C.
$4.64 bil ion
None
Health and
Energy Assistance
low income households
§8621 et
Human Services
Program
pay for heating and cooling
seq.
their homes and energy
efficiency improvements
Department of
Energy Efficient
Provides backing of loans
12 U.S.C.
N/A
None
Housing and
Mortgages
for energy efficient
§1701z-16
Urban
mortgages to finance the
Development
installation of energy
efficiency or renewable
energy technologies in new
or existing homes
FHA PowerSaver
Offers loans backed by
See Notes
N/A
None
Loan Program
FHA to finance energy
fieldb
efficiency and renewable
energy upgrades to single-
unit homes
Department of
Energy and
Facilitate the inventory,
25 U.S.C.
$6 mil ion for
None
the Interior
Mineral
assessment, promotion,
§5301
FY2016; no data
Development
and marketing of both
25 U.S.C.
currently
Program: Minerals
renewable and
§13
available for
and Mining on
nonrenewable energy and
25 U.S.C.
FY2017-FY2020
Indian Lands
mineral resources on
§2101 et
Indian lands
seq.
16 U.S.C.
§1271 et
seq.
Tribal Energy
Grants to Indian tribes to
25 U.S.C.
$1.4 mil ion for
None
Development
develop and sustain the
§3502
FY2016; no data
Capacity Grant
managerial and technical
currently
capacity needed to develop
available for
their energy resources and
FY2017-FY2020
properly account for
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Administering
U.S. Code
FY2020a
Expiration
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Appropriations
Date
resulting energy
production and revenues
Department of
Energy Efficient
Provides backing of loans
12 U.S.C.
N/A
None
Veterans Affairs
Mortgages
for energy efficient
§1701z-16
mortgages to finance the
installation of energy
efficiency or renewable
energy technologies in new
or existing homes
Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae Green
Provides owners of
12 USC
N/A
None
Initiative- Loan
multifamily properties
1716 et.
Program
(rental or cooperative
seq.
properties with 5 five or
more units) with three
financing options and tools
to make energy- and
water-saving property
improvements
Small Business
7(a) Loan
Provides guaranteed loans
15 U.S.C.
$95.9 mil ion
None
Administration
Guarantees
from lenders to small
§636(a)
businesses
504 Loan
Provides long-term fixed
16 U.S.C.
$40.1 mil ion
None
Guarantees
rate financing for major
§685
fixed assets, such as land,
buildings, equipment, and
machinery
Source: The Congressional Research Service (CRS).
a. FY2020 appropriations data compiled by CRS using executive agency budget justifications, congressional
committee reports, and program descriptions from the online edition of the Assistance Listings.
b. Some programs are not specifically identified or codified in the United States Code.
Congressional Research Service
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Appendix B. Index of Programs by Applicant
Eligibility and Technology Type
Table B-1. Index of Programs by Applicant Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility
Program Numbersa
Agricultural/Extension/Biofuel Producers
II-2, II-3, II-5, II-7, II-10, III-4
Alaska Native Corporations
I-14
Builder/Developer
III-5, III-6
Commercial/Industrial/For-Profit
I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, I-5, I-6, I-7, I-10, I-12, I-13, I-14, I-16, I-19, I-20, I-
22, I-23, II-1, II-2, II-3, II-5, II-7, III-4, III-5, III-7, III-8
Cooperative/Col aborative/Consortia
I-15, I-19, II-1, II-4, II-5, II-7, II-8, II-9
Federal Government
I-4, I-6, I-7, I-12, I-21, II-4, II-10, III-5
Higher Education (Col eges and Universities)
I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, I-5, I-6, I-7, I-8, I-12, I-13, I-14, I-16, I-19, I-20, I-
22, I-23, II-4, II-5, II-9, II-10
Land Grant Universities (1862 1890, 1994)
II-4, II-9
Local Government
I-2, I-6, I-7, I-8, I-12, I-13, I-14, I-15, I-16, I-20, I-22, I-23, II-1, II-5,
II-6, II-7
National Laboratories
I-4, I-5, I-6, I-7, I-8, I-12, II-4, II-5
III-4
Nonprofit
I-2, I-13, I-14, I-15, I-16, I-19, I-20, I-22, I-23, II-1, II-10
Other/Cross-Cutting
I-19, III-8
Research Organization
I-19, I-20
Residential/Individual
I-11, I-14, I-19, II-1, II-5, II-10, III-1, III-2, III-3, IV-1, V-1, VI-1, VI-2,
IX-1
Schools
II-7
Small Businesses
I-6, I-7, I-11, I-19, I-22, I-24, II-4, III-4, V-1, V-2
State Government
I-2, I-6, I-7, I-8, I-9, I-12, I-13, I-14, I-15, I-16, I-17, I-20, I-22, I-23,
II-1, II-4, II-5, II-6, II-7, II-10, III-5, VII-1
Tribal Government
I-6, I-9, I-13, I-14, I-15, I-16, I-17, I-18, I-20, I-22, I-23, II-1, II-5, II-
7, IV-1, IV-2, VII-1
U.S. Territories
I-9, I-17, VII-1
Utilities
I-15, II-5, II-7, II-8, III-4
Veterans
VI-1, VIII-1
Source: CRS.
a. Program numbers correspond to agency (Roman numeral) and (Arabic) number assigned to each program
as displayed in this report’s Table of Contents.
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Table B-2. Index of Programs by Technology Type
Qualified Technologies
Program Numbersa
Advanced Batteries
I-12, I-13
Air Conditioners
1-9, I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, IX-1
Alternative Vehicles/Vehicle Technologies
I-4, I-12, III-8
Anaerobic Digestion
I-16, II-7, III-8
Batteries (Energy Storage)
I-12, I-13, I-20, II-8
Biodiesel / Biofuels
I-1, I-12, I-23, II-2, II-4, II-5, II-10, III-8
Boilers
1-9, I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, IX-1
Biomass
I-1, I-2, I-15, I-16, I-18, I-21, II-2, II-3, II-4, II-5, II-6, II-7, II-9,
II-10, III-2, III-4, III-7, III-8
Caulking/Weather Stripping
I-9, I-18, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, VIII-1, IX-1
Chil ers
I-18, III-5
Clothes Washers
I-18, IX-1
Combined Systems/CHP/Energy Management
I-8, I-18, II-7, III-4, III-8
Systems
Comprehensive/Whole Building
I-18, III-5, III-6, IX-1
Doors
I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1, IX-1
Duct/Air Sealing
I-9, I-18, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-I, VIII-1, IX-1
Equipment (Energy Efficient)
I-8
Fuel Cells
I-4, I-8, I-13, I-16, I-23, II-7, III-3, III-4, III-8
Furnaces
1-9, I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, VIII-1, IX-1
Geothermal (All)
I-3, I-16, I-21, II-7, III-4, III-8, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1
—Geothermal (Direct Use)
II-7, III-4, III-8, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1
—Geothermal (Electric)
I-15, I-18, I-23, II-7, III-4, III-7, III-8, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1
—Geothermal (Heat Pumps)
I-18, II-7, III-3, III-4, III-8, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1
Heat Pumps
III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1, IX-1
Hybrid Electric
I-12
Hydrogen
I-4, I-13, I-16, II-7
Hydropower (All)
I-6, I-16, I-21, III-7
—Hydroelectric
I-6, I-18, I-23, II-7, III-7
—Hydrokinetic
I-6, III-7
—Ocean
I-6, I-15, I-21, I-23, II-7, III-7
—Tidal
I-6, I-15, I-23, II-7, III-7
—Wave
I-6, I-15, I-23, II-7, III-7
Insulation
I-9, I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, VIII-1, IX-1
Landfil Gas
I-15, III-7, III-8
Lighting/Lighting Sensors
I-8, I-18, I-23, III-4, III-5, III-8, VI-1, VIII-1, IX-1
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Qualified Technologies
Program Numbersa
Manufacturing Facilities
I-23
Microturbines
II-7, III-4
Municipal Solid Waste
III-7, III-8
Other Technologiesb
I-9, I-11,1-13, I-14, I-17, I-18, I-19, I-20, I-22, I-24, II-1, II-7,
II-8, II-10, III-1, IV-1, IV-2, V-1, V-2, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, VIII-1,
IX-1
Smart/Programmable Thermostats
1-9, I-18, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, VIII-1, IX-1
Refrigerators/Freezers
I-18
Renewable Transportation Fuels
I-23, II-7, III-8
Roofs
I-18, III-2, III-5, IX-1
Siding
I-18, III-5
Smart Grid
I-20
Solar (All)
I-5, I-8, I-16, I-21, II-7, III-3, III-4, III-8
—Photovoltaics
1-5, I-8, I-15, I-18, I-23, II-7, III-1, III-3, III-4, III-8, VI-1, VI-2,
VIII-1
—Solar Space Heat
I-18, II-7, III-1, III-3, III-4, III-8, VI-1, VIII-1
—Solar Thermal Electric/Process
I-15, I-23, II-7, III-3, III-4, III-8
—Solar Water Heat
II-7, III-1, III-3, III-4, III-8, VI-1, VI-2, VIII-1
Water Heaters
I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VIII-1, IX-1
Wind
I-7, I-15, I-16, I-18, I-21, I-23, II-7, III-3, III-4, III-7, III-8, VI-2
Windows
I-8, I-9, I-18, III-2, III-5, VI-1, VI-2, VII-1, VIII-1, IX-1
Source: CRS.
a. Program numbers correspond to agency (Roman numeral) and (Arabic) number assigned to each program
as displayed in this report’s Table of Contents.
b. Other technologies include: cross-cutting and advanced technologies; other unspecified technologies; and all
energy efficiency and/or renewable energy technologies not specifically identified.
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Appendix C. Expired Federal Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy Incentive Programs
1. Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343), Division B, Section
205
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), Division
B, Sections 1141-1144
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. 114-113), Division Q, Section 193
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-123), Division D, Section 40403
Scheduled Termination
Varied by technology type; see Table D-2 in Appendix D.
Description
Enacted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, this provision included separate credits for
four distinct types of vehicles: fuel cells, advanced lean burn technologies, qualified
hybrid and plug-in electric technologies, and qualified alternative fuels technologies.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Taxpayers
Qualified Technologies
Hybrid gasoline-electric; diesel; battery-electric; alternative fuel and fuel cell vehicles;
advanced lean-burn technology vehicles; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
For More Information
See the IRS website for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit; IRS News Releases,
Fact Sheets and Legal Guidance on Hybrid Vehicles and Alternative Motor Vehicles;
and IRS Form 8910, Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit.
2. Assisted Housing Stability and Energy and Green Retrofit Investments
Program (Recovery Act Funded)
Administered by
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Authority
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
(Project Grants)
$0 for FY2009
$235 mil ion for FY2010
$0 for FY2011
Scheduled Termination
9/30/2012. All obligations were to be made by September 30, 2010. Receiving
property owners were required to spend the funds on the specific improvements
within two years of receipt.
Description
Program provided funding for energy and green retrofit investments to certain
eligible assisted, affordable multifamily properties. Funding included incentives for
participating property owners, a set-aside for administrative functions, and a set-aside
for due diligence and underwriting support. Assistance was for specific retrofit
purposes.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Residential
Qualified Technologies
Specific technologies not identified
3. Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. 54 (CREBs or “old CREBs”); 26 U.S.C. 54A and 26 U.S.C. 54C (New
CREBs)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432)
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Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97)
Annual Funding
EPACT originally al ocated $800 mil ion of tax credit bonds to be issued between
January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. Fol owing the enactment of the federal
Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, the IRS made an additional $400 mil ion in
CREBs financing available for 2008 through Notice 2007-26. In November 2006, the
IRS announced that the original $800 mil ion allocation had been reserved for a total
of 610 projects. The additional $400 mil ion (plus surrendered volume from the
previous allocation) was allocated to 312 projects in February 2008. Of the $1.2
bil ion total of tax-credit bond volume cap allocated to fund renewable-energy
projects, state and local government borrowers were limited to $750 mil ion of the
volume cap, with the rest reserved for qualified municipal or cooperative electric
companies. The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (Div. A,
Section107) allocated $800 mil ion for New CREBs. In February 2009, the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Div. B, Section 1111) allocated an
additional $1.6 bil ion to expand the total New CREBs allocation to $2.4 bil ion. IRS
Notice 2015-12 announced the availability of close to $1.4 bil ion in remaining
volume cap for New CREBs. On March 5, 2015, the IRS opened the rol ing volume-
cap application window for governmental bodies and cooperative utilities, as well as
a closed-end application period for public power providers.
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2017
Description
CREBs were used to finance renewable energy projects and were issued,
theoretically, with a 0% interest rate. The borrower paid back only the principal of
the bond and the bondholder received federal tax credits in lieu of the traditional
bond interest. P.L. 115-97 permanently repealed several tax credit bonds, including
CREBs.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; municipal utility; rural electric cooperative
Qualified Technologies
Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfil gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric;
geothermal electric; municipal solid waste; hydrokinetic power; anaerobic digestion;
tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal
For More Information
See IRS Bul etin 2007-14; IRS Notice 2009-33; IRS Notice 2015-12; CRS Report
R40523, Tax Credit Bonds: Overview and Analysis, by Grant A. Driessen and Jeffrey M.
Stupak; and archived CRS Report R41573, Tax-Favored Financing for Renewable Energy
Resources and Energy Efficiency, by Mol y F. Sherlock and Steven Maguire.
4. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program (EECBG)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140), Title V, Subtitle E
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$0 for FY2008
$3.2 bil ion for FY2009 from ARRA
$0 for FY2010-FY2012
Scheduled Termination
This program was authorized through FY2012. An act of Congress is required to
reauthorize this program.
Description
This program was part of DOE’s Weather and Intergovernmental Program. The
EECBG Program provided formula and competitive grants to empower local
communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation’s long-term goals for
energy independence and leadership on climate change. Grants could be used for
energy efficiency and conservation programs and projects community-wide, as well as
renewable energy installations on government buildings.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments, including U.S. territories
Qualified Technologies
Energy efficient equipment and lighting; combined heating and cooling systems;
combined heat and power systems; solar; wind; fuel cells; biomass
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For More Information
See EERE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Program website; and
program number 81.128 at beta.SAM.gov website.
5. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology Deployment,
Demonstration, and Commercialization Grant Program
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT; P.L. 102-486)
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L. 110-140)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Annual Funding
$0 for FY2008
$21.8 mil ion for FY2009
$7.2 mil ion for FY2010. All funds obligated under this program in FY2010 were
Recovery Act funds.
$1 mil ion for FY2011
$0 for FY2012-FY2018; all obligations under this program were made with Recovery
Act (P.L. 111-5) funds. This program expired on 9/30/2015 and all awarded funds had
to be expended by that date.
Scheduled Termination
None
Description
This program provided financial assistance for the technology deployment,
demonstration, and commercialization of energy efficiency and renewable energy
technologies. This included biomass, building technologies, federal energy management,
geothermal technologies, projects involving hydrogen, fuel cells and infrastructure
technologies, industrial technologies, solar energy technologies, vehicle technologies,
weatherization and intergovernmental technologies, and wind and hydropower
technologies.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State governments; profit organizations
Qualified Technologies
Biomass; geothermal; hydrogen and fuel cell technologies; solar; hydropower
For More Information
See program number 81.129 at the beta.SAM.gov website
6. Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (EEARP)
Administered by
EERE
Authority
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58)
Title I, Part B; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-
5)
Annual Funding
$0 for FY2008
$298.5 mil ion in FY2009 from ARRA
$0 for FY2010-FY2013
Scheduled Termination
This program was authorized through FY2010. An act of Congress is required to
reauthorize this program.
Description
The program provided financial and technical assistance to states to establish
residential Energy Star rated appliance rebate programs. The program’s objectives
were to reduce fossil fuel emissions created as a result of activities within the
jurisdictions of eligible entities, and to improve energy efficiency in the residential
sector.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State governments, including U.S. territories and possessions
Qualified Technologies
Energy efficient appliances
For More Information
See program number 81.127 at the beta.SAM.gov website.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
7. Energy Efficient Appliance Tax Credit for Manufacturers
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §45M
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005; P.L. 109-58), Title XIII, Subtitle C, Section
1334(a)
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343), Division B, Section
305
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
(P.L. 111-312)
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA, P.L. 112-240)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2013
Description
A tax credit for each manufacturer was limited to a total of $25 mil ion for 2011,
2012, and 2013 combined.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Industrial; appliance manufacturers
Qualified Technologies
Clothes washers; dishwashers; refrigerators
For More Information
See the IRS website for this credit; IRS form 8909.
8. New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program
Administered by
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Authority
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (P.L. 95-
113)
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246)
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79)
Annual Funding
This program was not funded after FY2011. The program received $875,000 for
FY2010 and an estimated $875,000 for FY2011. The Consolidated and Further
Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 112-55, did not provide funding for the New Era
Rural Technology Competitive Grants Program (RTP) in FY2012.
Scheduled Termination
Authorized through FY2013. The program was not funded after FY2011, but NIFA did
not archive the program until grant awards had reached their Statutory Time Limit.
Description
This program provided grant funding for approved technology development, applied
research, and training to develop an agriculture-based renewable energy workforce.
The initiative supported bioenergy, pulp and paper manufacturing, and agriculture-
based renewable energy resources.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Public or private nonprofit community col eges; advanced technology centers
Qualified Technologies
Biomass; bioenergy
For More Information
See the archived CFDA web page for program number 10.314.
9. Program of Competitive Grants for Worker Training and Placement in High
Growth and Emerging Industry Sectors
Administered by
Employment Training Administration
Authority
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), Title VIII
Annual Funding
Project Grants:
$0 for FY2008
$750 mil ion for FY2009 (ARRA) which remained available through June 30, 2010
$0 for FY2010-FY2015
Scheduled Termination
The program had no fixed termination date. It was established and funded by the
Recovery Act, but the program has not been funded since 2009. It is no longer listed
in the online federal Assistance Listings (formerly the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance) at the beta.SAM.gov website.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Description
This program provided competitive grants for worker training and placement in high
growth and emerging industry sectors.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments; col eges and universities; private nonprofit
institutions/organizations
For More Information
See the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Training and Employment Notice for this
program.
10. Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. §54A
26 U.S.C. §54D
26 U.S.C. §6431
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-97)
Scheduled Termination
December 31, 2017
Description
QECBs were used by state, local, and tribal governments to finance certain types of
energy projects. QECBs, as tax credit bonds, provided federally subsidized financing to
all issuers. The original limit on the volume of energy conservation tax credit bonds to
be issued by state and local governments was $800 mil ion. The American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the allowable bond volume to $3.2 bil ion.
P.L. 115-97 permanently repealed several tax credit bonds, including QECBs.
Qualified Applicant(s)
State, local, and tribal governments
Qualified Technologies
Solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; landfil gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric;
geothermal electric; municipal solid waste; hydrokinetic power; anaerobic digestion;
tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal
For More Information
IRS Notice 2009-29; IRS Notice 2010-35; IRS Announcement 2010-54; IRS Notice
2012-44; CRS Report R40523, Tax Credit Bonds: Overview and Analysis, by Grant A.
Driessen and Jeffrey M. Stupak; and archived CRS Report R41573, Tax-Favored
Financing for Renewable Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency, by Mol y F. Sherlock and
Steven Maguire.
11. Qualifying Advanced Energy Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Administered by
Internal Revenue Service
Authority
26 U.S.C. 48C
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5), Division B,
Section 1302
IRS Notice 2013-12 Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit Phase II
Scheduled Termination
Applications no longer accepted. Phase concept papers were due to DOE by
4/9/2013; final applications were due to DOE on 7/23/2013.
Description
This tax credit was designed to encourage a U.S.-based renewable energy
manufacturing sector. Projects receiving awards were eligible for a tax credit of 30%
of the qualified investment required for an advanced energy project.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; industrial; manufacturing
Qualified Technologies
Lighting; lighting controls/sensors; energy conservation technologies: smart grid;
solar water heat; solar thermal electric; photovoltaics; wind; geothermal electric;
fuel cells; geothermal heat pumps; batteries and energy storage; advanced
transmission technologies that support renewable energy generation; renewable
fuels; fuel cells using renewable fuels; microturbines
For More Information
See DOE’s 48C Manufacturing Tax Credits Fact Sheet; EERE’s FAQ web page for
48C Phase II Program; and the IRS’s 48C web page.
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
12. Renewable Energy Grants (1603 Program)
Administered by
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Authority
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
(P.L. 111-312), Section 707
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2010 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5) Division B,
Sections 1104 and 1603
U.S. Department of Treasury: Grant Program Guidance (amended)
Scheduled Termination
Construction must have begun by December 31, 2011. Applications must have been
submitted before October 1, 2012.
Description
The purpose of the 1603 payment was to reimburse eligible applicants for a portion
of the cost of installing specified energy property used in a trade or business or for
the production of income.
Qualified Applicant(s)
Commercial; Industrial; Agricultural
Qualified Technologies
Solar water heat; solar space heat; solar thermal electric; solar thermal process heat;
photovoltaics; landfil gas; wind; biomass; hydroelectric; geothermal electric; fuel
cells; geothermal heat pumps; municipal solid waste; CHP/cogeneration; solar hybrid
lighting; hydrokinetic; anaerobic digestion; tidal energy; wave energy; ocean thermal;
microturbines
For More Information
See the Treasury’s 1603 website; 1603 program guidance; and archived CRS Report
R41635, ARRA Section 1603 Grants in Lieu of Tax Credits for Renewable Energy:
Overview, Analysis, and Policy Options, by Phil ip Brown and Mol y F. Sherlock.
13. Repowering Assistance Program (RAP)
Administered by
Rural Development (USDA)
Authority
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246), Title IX, Section 9004
Agricultural Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-79). Title IX, Section 9004
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-334)
Annual Funding
• Mandatory: Under the 2014 farm bil , mandatory funding of $12 mil ion for FY2014
was authorized, to remain available until expended (i.e., no new baseline funding after
FY2014). For FY2015, Congress reduced available funds by $8 mil ion through the
FY2015 agricultural appropriations act, P.L. 113-235. Under the agricultural
appropriations act for FY2013 (P.L. 113-6), Congress directed that funds available for
this program be reduced by $28 mil ion.
Under the 2008 farm bil (P.L. 113-79) mandatory funding of $35 mil ion for FY2009,
was authorized to remain available until expended.
• Discretionary: The 2014 farm bil authorized discretionary funding of $10 mil ion
annually to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018, but no discretionary funding has been
appropriated through FY2018.
Discretionary funding of $15 mil ion annually for FY2009-FY2013 was authorized to be
appropriated under the 2008 farm bil and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
(ATRA; P.L. 112-240, §701) extension. Of this amount, $15 mil ion was appropriated
in FY2010 through FY2013.
Scheduled Termination
The program had no fixed termination date. It was authorized through FY2018, but
then repealed by the 2018 farm bil .
Description
The Repowering Assistance Program (RAP) made payments to eligible biorefineries
(those in existence on the June 18, 2008, enactment of the 2008 farm bil ) to
encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels used to
provide heat for processing or power in the operation of these eligible biorefineries.
Not more than 5% of the funds were made available to eligible producers with a
refining capacity exceeding 150 mil ion gallons of advanced biofuel per year. RAP was
repealed by the 2018 farm bil .
Qualified Applicant(s)
Eligible biorefineries in existence on or before June 18, 2008.
Qualified Technologies
Renewable biomass
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Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
For More Information
See program number 10.866 on the beta.SAM.gov website; the USDA program
website; CRS In Focus (IF10288), Overview of Bioenergy Programs in the 2018 Farm Bill,
by Kelsi Bracmort; and CRS Report R43416, Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill:
Status and Funding, by Kelsi Bracmort.
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Appendix D. Summary of Expired Federal
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Incentives/Index of Programs
Table D-1. Expired Federal Incentives by Agency
Administering
U.S. Code
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Expiration Date
Department of
New Era Rural
Provided grant funding for
7 U.S.C. §3319e
Authorized
Agriculture
Technology
approved technology
through FY2013
Competitive Grants development, applied
Program
research, and training to
develop bioenergy and
agriculture-based
renewable energy
resources
Repowering
Provided financial
7 U.S.C. §8104
Authorized
Assistance Program
incentives to biorefineries
through FY2018
in existence on June 18,
2008, to replace the use of
fossil fuels used to produce
heat or power by installing
new systems that use
renewable biomass or to
produce new energy from
renewable biomass
Department of
Energy Efficiency
Grants to finance energy
42 U.S.C.
Authorized
Energy
and Conservation
efficiency and conservation
§17151-17158
through FY2012a
Block Grants
programs/projects in local
Program
communities and
renewable energy
installations on government
buildings
Energy Efficiency
Provides financial assistance 42 U.S.C. §16191 Authorized
and Renewable
for deployment,
et seq.
through FY2015
Energy Technology
demonstration, and
and
Deployment,
commercialization of
Demonstration, and energy efficiency and
42 U.S.C. §16231
Commercialization
renewable energy
et seq.
Grant Program
technologies
Energy Efficient
Provided financial and
42 U.S.C. §15821 Authorized
Appliance Rebate
technical assistance to
through FY2010
Program
states to establish
residential Energy Star
rated appliance rebate
programs
Department of
Clean Renewable
Bonds financed renewable
26 U.S.C. §54
12/31/2017
Treasury/Internal
Energy Bonds
energy projects
(old CREBs); 26
Revenue Service
(CREBs)
U.S.C. §54A and
26 U.S.C.
54C(New
CREBs)
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link to page 65 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
Administering
U.S. Code
Agency
Program
Description
Citation
Expiration Date
Energy Efficient
A tax credit for each
26 U.S.C. §45M
12/31/2013
Appliance Tax
manufacturer was limited
Credit for
to a total of $25 mil ion for
Manufacturers
2011, 2012, and 2013
combined
Qualified Energy
Bond authority is allocated
26 U.S.C. §54A
12/31/2017
Conservation
to state, local, and tribal
26 U.S.C. §54D
Bonds (QECBs)
governments to finance a
26 U.S.C. §6431
broad range of energy
efficiency and renewable
energy projects
Qualifying
This tax credit was
26 U.S.C. §48C
7/23/2013
Advanced Energy
designed to encourage a
Manufacturing
U.S.-based renewable
Investment Credit
energy manufacturing
sector
Renewable Energy
The purpose of the 1603
No U.S. Code
Construction had
Grants (1603
payment was to reimburse
citation; see P.L.
to begin by
Program)
eligible applicants for a
111-5 (ARRA)
12/31/2011;
portion of the cost of
§1603(a)
the last day to
installing specified energy
submit applications
property used in a trade or
was 10/1/2012)
business or for the
production of income.
Alternative Motor
Provides tax credit for
26 U.S.C. §30B
Varied by
Vehicle Credit
hybrid and lean-burn
technology type:
vehicles
See Table D-2
below
Department of
Assisted Housing
This program provided
No U.S. Code
End of FY2012
Housing and
Stability and Energy
funding for energy and
citation; see P.L.
Urban
and Green Retrofit
green retrofit investments
111-5 (ARRA)
Development
Investments
to certain eligible assisted,
(HUD)
Program (Recovery
affordable multifamily
Act Funded)
properties. Funding
included incentives for
participating property
owners, a set-aside for
administrative functions,
and a set-aside for due
diligence and underwriting
support. Assistance was for
specific retrofit purposes
Department of
Program of
Intended to preserve and
See Notes field
None
Labor
Competitive Grants create jobs; promote
for Worker
economic recovery; assist
Training and
those most impacted by
Placement in High
the recession; provide
Growth and
investments; and invest in
Emerging Industry
infrastructure
Sectors
Source: CRS.
Note: Some programs are not specifically identified or codified in the U.S. Code.
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58
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs
a. The EECBG program was designed as a part of the Recovery Act (P.L. 111-5), with a one-time
appropriation in FY2009. Due to the size of the appropriation, funds were let out over multiple fiscal years.
DOE had an evaluation of the EECBG program. For more details, see DOE’s evaluation results website.
Table D-2. Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit (26 U.S.C. §30B)
Type of Credit
Expiration Date
Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Credit
December 31, 2017
Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit
December 31, 2014
Qualified Plug-In Electric Motor Vehicle Conversion Credit
December 31, 2011
Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Credit
December 31, 2010
Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicle Credit
December 31, 2010
Qualified Hybrid Motor Vehicle Credit
December 31, 2010
Source: U.S. Code and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Author Information
Lynn J. Cunningham
Senior Research Librarian
Disclaimer
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under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
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Congressional Research Service
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