DOE allocates $125 million to 63 tribal energy projects in 16 states
61 tribal entities will begin award negotiations for projects supported through FY 2026, effective immediately.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that more than $125 million is available for 63 tribe-led projects selected for award negotiations. The projects span 16 states, including Alaska, and involve 61 tribal entities.
"President Trump has prioritized delivering affordable, reliable, and secure energy to the American people since day one, and this administration is taking decisive action to deliver on that commitment," U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly said. "This historic investment will help address longstanding energy challenges facing tribal communities by lowering electricity costs, expanding access to reliable power, and creating new opportunities for economic development."
Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum noted that the selection "represents the largest-ever single investment in tribal energy development in the office's 20-year history." He added that the funding supports projects at any development phase and a broad set of technologies, from generation and transmission to critical mineral initiatives.
The 63 projects fall into three focus areas. Thirteen projects will deploy community-scale energy solutions, bringing electric service to 150 tribal homes lacking power, converting 500 homes and businesses to natural-gas heating, and upgrading electrical infrastructure. Twenty-seven projects will fund pre-development activities such as utility authority studies, transmission and distribution assessments, resource evaluations, resiliency measures, and workforce development. The remaining twenty-three projects will support planning, assessment, and feasibility work for large-scale energy ventures, including geothermal and other resources that can provide baseload power, backup resilience, and revenue through power sales. Funding will be drawn from Fiscal Year 2026 and prior-year congressional appropriations.
Selection for award negotiations does not guarantee a final award. DOE and applicants must complete a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection at any time.
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