Energy Department Announces $50 Million Investment to Advance Affordable, Reliable, and Secure Energy for Tribes

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy (IE) today announced a $50 million notice of funding opportunity aimed at fostering affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions in Indian Country.

Energy.gov

March 25, 2026

These new investments will support Tribal-led energy project planning and development, strengthening energy reliability and increasing electricity access across Tribal communities

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Indian Energy (IE) today announced a $50 million notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) aimed at fostering affordable, reliable, and secure energy solutions in Indian Country. This investment will support Tribal-led community-scale energy project planning and development and large-scale energy project planning.

In accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, Unleashing American Energy, this NOFO highlights the fundamental role of energy in strengthening Tribal economies.

“This investment reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to ensuring Tribal communities have access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “By strengthening local energy infrastructure, we are supporting long-term economic growth, energy independence, and resilience across Indian Country.

“This $50 million competitive funding opportunity for Tribal entities is directly aligned with the priorities of the U.S. Department of Energy,” said DOE's Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum. “This funding will unleash Tribal energy development— supporting energy projects that aim to cut energy costs, expand electricity access, and advance economic opportunities. It’s exciting and like nothing we have offered before.”

Through the Unleashing Tribal Energy Development NOFO, the Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, which include Alaska Native regional corporations and Village corporations, Tribal and intertribal organizations, Tribal Energy Development Organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities—or any consortium of these eligible groups–to focus on:

1. Construction and installation of Tribal community-scale energy projects to meet the needs of the community
2. Predevelopment activities required to identify community-scale energy opportunities and bring projects from concept to implementation ready
3. Planning, assessment, and feasibility activities to de-risk and advance development for large-scale Tribal energy projects that provide opportunities for revenue generation and economic development DOE works comprehensively from inception through commercialization, helping Tribes develop solutions to their energy challenges. This NOFO supports planning and feasibility assessments for large-scale Tribal energy projects that can then allow Tribes to unlock additional financing through the DOE’s Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) Tribal Energy Financing Program (TEFP). The TEFP focuses on large-scale energy development and was recently amended by the Working Families Tax Cut to eliminate the Federal Support Restriction.

“Energy projects that go from planning and development to loan are a testament to the power of DOE’s collaboration with Tribes to drive forward large energy development projects,” DOE’s EDF Director Gregory A. Beard said. “EDF is excited to be part of the solution to accelerate Tribal energy projects and drive more affordable, reliable, and secure energy.”

Through this NOFO, DOE's Office of Indian Energy will continue to maximize the deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives. These efforts will help build the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement those energy solutions to unleash American energy.

A webinar with additional information on this funding opportunity and how to apply will be held on April 9, 2026.

Applications are due July 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

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Tags:
- Tribal Energy Access
- Funding Opportunities

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