The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new loan-guarantee solicitation for renewable energy manufacturing projects. The Commercial Technology Manufacturing Systems and Components solicitation is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through Section 1705 of the Loan-Guarantee Program.



The solicitation will support the deployment of renewable energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help increase employment in the nation's green manufacturing sector.

The solicitation will seek applications for projects that manufacture commercial-technology renewable energy systems, such as energy-storage systems, and components, such as wind turbine systems, blades or solar photovoltaic components.

A number of improvements have been implemented to help facilitate a more efficient application process. For example, the DOE has designed and organized the manufacturing solicitation to provide greater transparency into application requirements, evaluation processes, schedules and fees. Additionally, applicants can apply to the solicitation via the newly launched online application portal, which can be found at doeloan.com.

As with earlier solicitations, the manufacturing solicitation will consist of a two-step process with rolling deadlines. The first Part I deadline is Sept. 30, and the first Part II deadline is Nov. 30.

Final Part I applications are due Nov. 30, and final Part II applications are due Jan. 31, 2011. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early because projects must meet all statutory and regulatory requirements and commence construction no later than Sept. 30, 2011. The DOE will make up to $750 million available to pay the credit-subsidy costs of loan guarantees issued through this solicitation.

SOURCE: The Department of Energy