Commerce Now Accepting Applications for the Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Program

Source: Washington Department of Commerce, May 3, 2021

As announced previously, Commerce opened a new round of Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) grants on April 30, 2021. Approximately $7.8 million in grants are available under this round of funding for Washington-based entities to engage in strategic research and development of new and emerging clean energy technologies that will help achieve state, national and international climate goals.

The RD&D Program is funded through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF). Washington’s CEF program supports research, development and deployment of clean energy technologies, smart grid innovation, energy efficiency and more. To date, the fund has invested more than $131 million in transformative projects and clean energy job creation around the state.

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New for this round of funding

These grants will support statewide clean energy strategies that align with the 2021 State Energy Strategy and Energy Climate Policy Advisory Committee report recommendations.

Additional changes include requiring applicants to explain how projects contribute to broader impacts. A $1 million portion of the total available funds will be designated (with reduced match requirements) for applicants including non-profits, local governments, smaller research institutions, and Federally Recognized Tribal Governments, and all organizations serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) primary service populations, including Tribal Colleges, Tribal utilities and others (“Tribes”). Please note that national labs are not eligible for the designated amount or reduced match.

Applicants eligible for the remainder of the funds include, but are not limited to, national labs, established research institutions and private companies.

Application Process

The application will be conducted in two phases.

The deadline for submission of Phase One, is May 28, 2021. Please find the RFA, Application and support documentation on the RD&D website.