The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will provide $12,608,524 to 47 states and three territories for 138 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The department is providing the funding through its State Energy Program Special Projects competitive grants.

“These special energy projects will help conserve energy, provide jobs, increase our national energy security, and reduce the need for new electricity generating plants,” Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said.

State energy offices will use these funds to improve the energy efficiency of schools, homes, and other buildings; promote energy-efficient industrial technologies; and support renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Some projects will identify opportunities for distributed energy, which generates electricity at or near the point of use.