DOE Issues Loan Solicitation for Renewable Energy Manufacturing

Department of Energy - DOE announced on August 12 a new loan guarantee solicitation for renewable energy manufacturing projects including components for solar and wind energy. The solicitation covers manufacturing of commercial technology systems as well as wind turbine blades and solar photovoltaic components. It uses American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through Section 1705 of the DOE's Loan Guarantee Program, and will include up to $750 million to pay the credit subsidy costs of loan guarantees. The solicitation will support the deployment of renewable energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will help increase employment in the nation's green manufacturing sector.

To assist those applying, DOE recently implemented a number of improvements to its Loan Guarantee Program. For example, applicants can use the newly launched, user-friendly online application portal. As with earlier solicitations, the manufacturing solicitation will consist of a two-step process with rolling deadlines. The first Part I deadline is September 30, 2010, and the first Part II deadline is November 30, 2010. Final Part I applications are due November 30, 2010, and final Part II applications are due January 31, 2011. See the DOE press release and the Loan Guarantee Program Web site.