Higher education institutions, especially Minority-Serving Institutions, are encouraged to seek for money from the Clean Energy Fund of Texas (CEFTX) to spearhead renewable energy projects in 18 states and Washington, D.C.
CHARGE (Communities Helping America Renew and Grow the Economy), a $156 million program for community solar and battery storage projects in EPA Regions 3, 4, and 6, is a call to action for campus communities like Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to empower communities like those served by Minority-Serving Institutions, through solar energy infrastructure investment,” stated Teresa Morales, CHARGE Program Director. “As an integral part of the community, colleges are uniquely positioned to lead the way in solar energy infrastructure investment – lowering energy costs, creating good-paying jobs, and equipping students to become the next generation of clean energy leaders.”
The awardees will work with local groups to conduct community solar projects that are anticipated to reduce home power costs by up to $77 million. Institutions will construct practical training programs internally to generate a talent pipeline for the clean energy industry.
Program Highlights:
- 40 community solar projects generating 95 MW of power and 48 MWh of storage.
- 8,870 households expected to save 25% on energy bills, generating $77M in total household savings
- 1,900 jobs and $137 million in community wealth generated through shared ownership
- 3.14 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions avoided, equivalent to removing about 700,000 cars from the road for a year.
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia are among the states and territories where higher education institutions may apply.
