WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the selection of four projects totaling $7.1 million to expand a program that improves planning, siting, and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy and energy storage facilities across the United States. The collaborative teams formed through these projects, as well as 12 previously selected under the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP™) program, will develop and expand statewide initiatives that provide expertise, trainings, and technical resources to local governments, Tribal governments, and communities as they plan for and evaluate large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects.
A significant portion of large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects built in the coming years are likely to be built on private lands, where state and local authorities make permitting decisions. The state-based R-STEP collaboratives will evaluate the needs of stakeholders in their regions and develop tailored educational materials and technical assistance programs to improve planning and streamline project reviews and permit decisions. This will result in renewable energy and energy storage projects that contribute to strong local economies, resilient energy systems, and lower energy costs for households and businesses, especially in rural or underserved communities.
The R-STEP collaboratives bring together stakeholders from all sides of the energy planning process, including state and regional agencies, universities, developers, technical experts, public service commissions, farmers unions, tribes, community organizations, and other trusted entities.
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