The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to use most of its funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help reduce the nation’s dependence on traditional fossil-fuel energy sources. The money is intended to benefit a wide range of individuals and groups, from low-income families to academic research teams tasked with finding the most innovative new ways to create clean, inexpensive energy. Planned programs are equally diverse, funding such things as the weatherization of homes and buildings, research into new sources of renewable energy and the development and expansion of hybrid-electric transportation.
The DOE has recently instituted a Recovery Act Clearinghouse to help increase the availability of information about DOE projects under the ARRA.
Read about the Department of Energy's current funding opporunities.
Funding Breakdown:
This page includes an overview of Economic Stimulus allocations and does not represent a comprehensive list. Note: There is some overlap in funding allocations as certain money may be counted under more than one DOE sub-agency or program. According to Recovery.gov, the full amount of money allocated for DOE programs is $32.7 billion, including overlap in funding allocations.
Weatherization: $5 billion
Weatherization funding will improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families by adding more insulation, sealing leaks, or modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, at a cost of up to $6,500 per home. To meet some of its goals, the DOE has partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to insure that Recovery Act dollars allocated for weatherization projects are spent as effectively and efficiently as possible. Occupations likely to benefit include those involved in the manufacturing, installation and sale of energy efficient housing and weatherproofing materials.
State Energy Programs: $2-3 billion
Money will be used for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy-saving improvements; to develop renewable energy and alternative fuel projects; to promote Energy Star products; to upgrade the energy efficiency of state and local government buildings; and other innovative state efforts to help families save money on their energy bills. Jobs related to the manufacturing, installation, sale and repair of energy efficient appliances, research positions concerned with developing new types of renewable energy and construction jobs are likely to benefit.
Advanced Batteries Manufacturing: $2 billion
Money allocated for components that will be used for next generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Employers that produce batteries and component parts are likely to see an increase in work opportunities.
Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: $6.7 billion
For projects that seek to improve current uses of energy and find new sources of renewable energy, including biomass, geothermal, and information and communications technology. Jobs related to the research and development of alternative energy sources, including computer programmers, field technicians and research scientists will be needed to support these projects.
Environmental Management: $6 billion
This will include jobs related to environmental cleanup work, including soil and groundwater reclamation, transportation and disposal of waste and cleaning and demolishing former weapons complex facilities.
Smart Grid & Related Programs: $4.5 billion
Money allocated to improve and upgrade energy conduits. Field technicians with electrical backgrounds will be needed to perform this work, as will construction workers and managers.
Fossil Energy R&D: $3.4 billion
Scientists and researchers working on improving the efficiency of and access to traditional energy sources will receive money as well.
Science: $1.6 billion
Money allocated for construction of new laboratories and research through existing National Laboratory facilities with a focus on energy and physical science.
ARPA-E: $0.4 billion
Money allocated for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy to “develop and deploy revolutionary advances in traditional science.”