The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Solar with Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits 2" (SolWEB2), aiming to support research, development, and stakeholder engagement that enhances the compatibility of large-scale solar (LSS) energy facilities with wildlife. The program seeks to invest approximately $11 million in projects that either mitigate adverse environmental impacts or promote the dual use of land for solar energy and agriculture (agrivoltaics).
Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as universities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and local and state governments, with concept papers due by February 14, 2025, and full applications by May 2, 2025. The funded projects are expected to yield practical outcomes, including improved LSS siting processes, dissemination of research findings, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. Two primary topic areas exist: (1) Wildlife-Solar Energy Research, which includes strategies to minimize ecological impacts, and (2) Agrivoltaics Technical Assistance, focusing on best practices for integrating solar facilities with agricultural production.
This funding opportunity reflects the DOE's commitment to addressing land-use conflicts and enhancing ecological benefits while advancing renewable energy deployment, in line with ambitious clean energy goals set for 2035.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support research and development, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement focused on enhancing the ecological compatibility of large-scale solar (LSS) facilities with wildlife and agricultural land use (agrivoltaics). The NOFO emphasizes two main topic areas: Wildlife-Solar Energy Research and Agrivoltaics Technical Assistance. Approximately $11 million is available for projects that will mitigate wildlife impacts from LSS development and support dual land use strategies. Eligible applicants include domestic entities like universities, nonprofits, and local governments, with varying cost-sharing requirements based on project types. Concept papers are due by February 14, 2025, and full applications by May 2, 2025, with selections anticipated by July 15, 2025. The funding aims to preempt land-use conflicts while promoting ecological and economic benefits to communities involved in solar energy production.