Weekly Jolt ? Accessible Solar Energy, Cows, Algae, and More!

Come Work With Us

EERE is searching for a?visionary new director?for our Building Technologies Office! This senior executive role will oversee a diverse portfolio of activities designed to enable high-performing, energy-efficient, and demand-flexible buildings in both new and existing markets.?Help us revolutionize energy affordability, competitiveness, and resilience in America's homes and commercial buildings by?applying today.

Ready for the next Solar Decathlon? Applications are now open! The Solar Decathlon collegiate competition challenges competitors to build high-performance, low-carbon buildings, preparing the next generation for a professional future in clean energy. Make sure to apply!

The Winners’ Circle

Explore the “moo”tual benefits of cattle agrivoltaics with this upcoming prize opportunity for U.S. farmers, landowners, and solar developers. The American-Made Large Animal and Solar System Operations (LASSO) Prizes offers over $8 million to develop co-location practices for grazing and solar installation, build pilot sites, and share best practices. Follow the prize and start building your team today!

The AlgaePrize 2023–2025 student finalist teams are working toward unlocking algal energy! From improving commercial seaweed cultivation to making nanomaterials from macroalgae, these finalists are already turning research proposals into real results. Read the latest progress updates to see how.

What’s New in Renewable Energy?

Accessible and equitable solar energy may be coming to a rural community near you! The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) launched their Achieving Cooperative Community Equitable Solar Sources (ACCESS) project, successfully starting five community solar programs in rural areas—and saving households up to their entire bill! To learn more, visit NRECA’s ACCESS webpage and explore SETO’s equitable solar access research.

Speaking of equitable solar, the Equitable Solar Communities of Practice is hosting virtual community convenings this summer, bringing together industry experts, community members, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in equitable solar energy scaling. Don’t miss out: check out the session topics and register!?

What’s New in Buildings and Industry?

If you’re a start-up looking for lab expertise, we have just the program for you. DOE’s Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) just added 33 new innovators to embed across four national laboratories, where they will network with mentors and experts to develop next-generation sustainable and equitable clean energy technologies. See how LEEP supports innovators as they prepare for a successful launch of their energy and manufacturing businesses, from lab to market.

What’s New in Sustainable Transportation and Fuels?

Want a glimpse into what it would look like to successfully integrate electric vehicles into the power grid? As part of its EVGrid Assist initiative, EERE released a guide that offers direction to stakeholders as they develop products, identify opportunities for standardization, and design new policies, rates, and services. Read the document and sign up to participate in upcoming engagement meetings and webinars.