Upcoming Events

The Transit and Shuttle Bus grant program, managed by the TDEC Office of Energy Programs, will provide financial assistance to public, non-profit, and private fleets in Tennessee that apply to replace eligible Transit or Shuttle Buses with any new Alternate Fueled or All-Electric Transit or Shuttle Buses. Additionally, fleets may also apply to Repower Transit or Shuttle Buses with new All-Electric Transit or Shuttle Bus drivetrains. Applications must be received by 4:00 PM CT on Nov. 19, 2019.

The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council will host its annual Opportunities in Energy meeting at The Square Room in Knoxville on December 5 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET. Representatives from Verizon Wireless will provide a keynote presentation on the deployment of 5G technologies and how such technologies can impact the energy sector.

On November 1, 2019, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit program design feedback for the forthcoming solicitation under the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust (VW Settlement EMT) Light Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Supply Equipment category. Responses should be transmitted electronically to TDEC.OEP@tn.gov in PDF format and must be received by 4:00 pm CT on December 6, 2019.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently released a request for proposals for students interested in competing in U.S. DOE’s Collegiate Wind Competition, which will take place in the Spring of 2021. Applications are due by December 9.

On behalf of TDEC, ETCF recently released a request for proposals under the 2020 “Reducing Diesel Emissions for a Healthier Tennessee” (RDE4HT) rebate program. RDE4HT is designed to reduce diesel emissions in the transportation sector and can support 1) the replacement of diesel vehicles with new alternative fuel vehicles; 2) the replacement of old diesel vehicles with new diesel vehicles; 3) the conversion of diesel vehicles to new alternative fuel or diesel engines; or 4) the installation of Truck Stop Electrification equipment at Tennessee-based travel centers. Applications are due by December 10, 2019.

The Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council (TREEDC) will host its 2019 Renewable Energy Summit at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville from December 12-13. The TREEDC conference will feature a mayoral panel on best practices for economic development, energy efficiency, and renewable energy innovations.

In recognition of Energy Awareness Month, U.S. EPA released a new suite of “Energy Treasure Hunt” tools to help building managers discover opportunities for energy and cost savings in their facilities. During these one-to-three-day “hunts,” participants can use energy “treasure map” checklists to uncover opportunities for efficiency projects or policies that, ultimately, save money. Those who complete a treasure hunt and submit their findings to U.S. EPA before December 31 will be eligible for special recognition by the department.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) will hold their annual Conference on Health, Environment, and Energy in New Orleans from January 21-23, 2020. Speakers will touch on energy programs that can support vulnerable populations, how health and energy targets can be translated into local action, and potential funding opportunities that can support the intersection between energy innovation and health outcomes.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Funding for Fiscal Year 2020 REAP is available in a variety of forms, each under its own application process and timeline. Grant applications are due March 31, 2020. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round.