BREAKING: The Washington State Department of Commerce has opened applications for $32 million in clean energy grants for the 2025–2027 cycle. The program is designed to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy resilience, and make clean energy more accessible across the state.
Who Can Apply
It is easier to say who can’t apply: businesses not located in Washington, and/or not licensed to do business in Washington.
Eligible applicants include:
- Local governments
- Nonprofits
- Tribes and tribal organizations
- Utilities (public and private)
- For-profit companies
- Research institutions and state agencies
Applicants’ Conference Dates:
September 30, 1:00pm: Webinar Registration – Zoom
October 15 at 10:00am: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Projects must be located in Washington and focus on clean energy technologies such as solar, battery storage, wind, hydrogen, biomass, or grid resilience improvements.
Note for Tribes: The Department of Commerce has a separate grant program specifically for tribal-led projects. Details are here: Tribal Clean Energy Grants
What’s Funded
Applicants can apply for grants in three categories:
- Technical assistance – support for feasibility studies or early-stage project planning.
- Planning and design – moving projects toward readiness for construction.
- Construction – installation of clean energy infrastructure, such as solar arrays or battery systems.
Not funded: EV charging stations, electric vehicles, and heat pumps.
Funding Amounts
- Construction grants: $75,000 to $2.5 million
- Planning/design grants: $50,000 to $100,000
- Technical assistance: provided as services rather than direct funding
For-profit applicants must provide 50% matching funds. Other applicants are not required to, but leveraging additional funding may strengthen applications.
Timeline
- Applications due: November 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM PT
- Awards announced: Mid-December 2025
- Project period: February 2026 – June 2027
Criteria For Selection
The Washington State Department of Commerce evaluates applications for the Clean Energy Grants program based on the following award criteria. While the RFA outlines priorities, specific scoring weights are not publicly provided. These criteria are drawn directly from the RFA and related Commerce program guidance.
1. Project Readiness / Capacity to Build Soon
Priority is given to projects that are ‘construction‑ready’ — able to begin quickly and complete construction by June 2027. Applicants that have already completed planning, siting, permitting, or feasibility studies will score higher.
2. Benefits for Overburdened or Vulnerable Communities
Projects that deliver meaningful benefits to overburdened or vulnerable communities, including tribes, are prioritized. Equity and environmental justice are central considerations.
3. Alignment with State Energy, Climate, and Resilience Goals
Projects should align with Washington’s energy strategies, greenhouse gas reduction targets, and grid resilience objectives.
4. Technical Feasibility & Cost‑Effectiveness
Reviewers assess whether the project is technically sound, has a clear implementation plan, realistic budget, and demonstrates cost‑effectiveness.
5. Community Engagement & Tribal Participation
Applications that include strong community engagement and consultation with tribes are more competitive.
6. Resilience, Grid Modernization, and Energy Access
Projects that strengthen resilience to outages, modernize grid operations, or improve energy access in underserved areas are emphasized.
7. Matching Funds (for Certain Applicants)
For‑profit applicants must provide at least 50% matching funds. Other applicants are not required to, but leveraging additional non‑state funds may improve competitiveness.
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