US Energy Department announces $237 million grid supply chain funding opportunity

WASHINGTON, Oct 30 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $237 million funding opportunity to strengthen supply chains for critical electric grid components, saying the investment is expected to deliver an estimated $125 million in annual utility savings.

Up to $50 million will go to projects that promote greater refurbishment and reuse of existing grid equipment and materials. Up to $187 million will go to projects that increase the use of alternative materials and subcomponents sourced and made in the U.S., DOE said. The department said the investment is also expected to keep an estimated $50 million per year in the U.S. economy that would otherwise go to foreign suppliers.

The Grid Supply Chain Alternatives to Lead Energy Dominance (Grid SCALED) opportunity is the first under DOE's Grid Supply Chain Program, which is authorized to provide up to $375 million. Applicants must submit a concept paper by Nov 20, 2026, to qualify to submit a full application, and full applications are due by Feb 8, 2027.