Application deadlines are coming up in March for funds being offered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) for microgrids and resiliency projects.
The state is continuing previous microgrid funding and also launching a new capital development program.
Since it began offering microgrid grants in 2020, Maryland has given a boost to microgrids for communities, campuses and critical facilities.
“Our state continues to be a leader and innovator in a growing clean energy economy, and the projects that these programs fund are proof of those efforts,” said Mary Beth Tung, MEA director. “Microgrids, resiliency hubs and other systems, in addition to clean and efficient energy upgrades, are important components of achieving a truly resilient Maryland.”
The state is now accepting applications through three programs:
Resilient Maryland Capital Development Pilot Program
This new program helps communities, businesses, organizations, utilities (including municipal, electric cooperatives) and others fund the equipment, installation, commissioning and interconnection costs for microgrid systems. The state seeks projects that improve the resilience of essential organizations and infrastructure for community safety and continuity, socioeconomic equity, and that contribute to the clean energy economy.
The application deadline is March 31 at 5 p.m. EST. The contact for more information is [email protected].
FY22 Resilient Maryland Planning and Design Program
This competitive grant program helps offset the costs of analyzing, planning and designing clean and resilient distributed energy resources. For 2022, the state seeks projects that pursue creative solutions, incorporate innovation, explore potentially replicable and scalable project models, and enhance energy equity to Maryland communities experiencing vulnerabilities and challenges.
Listen to a discussion moderated by the MEA’s Brandon Bowser about a microgrid planned by Frostburg State University, which won funding from Maryland.
Maryland expects to distribute $300,000, but it may be more or less depending on the quantity and quality of applications received.
The application deadline is March 31 at 5 p.m. EST.
The contact for more information is [email protected].
FY22 Resiliency Hub Grant Program
Grants will go toward the construction of solar plus storage systems at “resiliency hubs,” centers where local low and moderate income residents can congregate during a power outage.
At a minimum, the resiliency hubs must provide emergency heating and cooling; refrigeration of temperature sensitive medications; access to plugs to charge cell phones and computer batteries; ventilation and emergency lighting.
The grants will pay for solar and battery energy storage systems as well as the associated racking, mounting and wiring equipment.
The state accepted a round of applications in December 2021 and is now soliciting a second round. Funding for the first round totaled $500,000, and the second round will be limited to $646,400.
The application deadline for the Resiliency Hub Grant Program is March 1 at 5 p.m. EST. The contact for more information is [email protected].
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