Nevada Clean Energy Fund Pursues Historic Federal Solar Grant
Nevada’s “green bank” plays important role bringing federal funds into the state
RENO, NV – In a significant step toward advancing clean energy access and sustainability for the state of Nevada, the Nevada Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) has submitted a $250 million grant application to the Solar for All federal funding opportunity. This initiative, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, represents a historic opportunity to bring substantial funding into the state for clean energy projects that benefit all Nevadans.
NCEF, under the leadership of CEO Kirsten Stasio, is dedicated to driving the transition to a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy in Nevada. The Solar for All program is a pivotal component of this mission that would provide funding for solar installations on homes, affordable housing properties, and community-scale solar and energy storage projects. Importantly, Solar for All prioritizes low-income and historically underserved communities throughout Nevada.
“Our proposal represents more than just funding; it represents a commitment to leveling the energy playing field for all Nevadans,” said Kirsten Stasio, CEO of the Nevada Clean Energy Fund, emphasizing the transformative potential of this grant application. “With $250 million in potential funding, we have a unique opportunity to make solar energy accessible to those who need it most while fostering sustainable development across the state.”
The Nevada Solar for All proposal would leverage NCEF’s diverse network of partners across the state to meaningfully involve communities and conduct targeted outreach, education, technical assistance, and workforce development in rural, urban, Tribal, and persistent poverty communities. The Nevada Solar for All proposal seeks to catalyze market transformation and impact for low-income solar in Nevada well beyond the federal program’s five-year term by spurring regulatory and permitting change, building a sustainable and diverse solar workforce, and leveraging private capital.
NCEF received overwhelming support for its application, with letters of endorsement from over 70 Nevada entities, including the Governor’s Office of Energy, state and local governments, Tribes, workforce development organizations, utilities, affordable housing developers, community leaders, and members of Nevada’s Congressional Delegation, among others. NCEF also received advising and professional federal grant writing support from Nevada GrantLab, the State Funding Readiness Project, Climate Finance Solutions, the Environmental Protection Network, and the Nevada Office of Federal Assistance. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of the Solar for All program in advancing Nevada’s clean energy goals.
The EPA seeks to make one award per state and territory, and NCEF is the only applicant for Nevada. The EPA anticipates making award notifications in March 2024, with funds expected to flow in July 2024. NCEF remains committed to advancing clean energy initiatives and will keep stakeholders and the public updated on progress.
This historic opportunity, driven by NCEF’s dedication and the support of Nevada’s communities, aligns perfectly with Nevada’s abundant solar resources and the state’s commitment to a sustainable future.
For media inquiries or additional information about the Nevada Clean Energy Fund and its mission, please contact [email protected].
About the Nevada Clean Energy Fund:
NCEF is a nonprofit organization that supports a thriving, affordable, and accessible clean energy economy by providing financial and technical resources to Nevadans. NCEF was established by state legislation in 2017 as the state’s green bank.