The U.S.Department of Energy(DOE)has announced the selection of six projects,with a total value of$11.6 million,funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.These projects are part of the second round of a program designed to streamline planning,siting,and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy facilities.Six state-based collaborative teams will develop statewide and Tribal initiatives to support communities in evaluating and planning for large-scale renewable energy and energy storage projects.

Furthermore,the DOE has launched an$8.2 million prize to advance agrivoltaics,specifically the co-location of solar energy production and cattle grazing.The objective is to provide support for pilot and demonstration projects designed to gather and share data on costs,business models,and outcomes associated with cattle agrivoltaics,which is the co-location of photovoltaics(PV)and cattle grazing operations.Multi-stakeholder teams comprising solar and agricultural experts will work to develop impactful projects that deepen the understanding of cattle agrivoltaics and showcase successful business models that support the United States'decarbonisation goals and sustainable land use.

"Large-scale renewable energy projects are strengthening the grid,fueling local economies,creating good paying jobs,and lowering household energy costs across America.These new initiatives highlight the breadth of DOE's work to support communities and developers working on local energy transitions,so that no one is left behind on our national journey to a secure and equitable clean energy future for all Americans,"said Jeff Marootian,principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at DOE.

（Picture: Veer）