U.S. Department of Energy Prize winners advance clean energy and manufacturing innovation in underserved communities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that 19 teams participating in the Community Energy Innovation Prize have completed the challenge to support innovation, entrepreneurship, capacity building, and economic development in communities historically underrepresented in clean energy funding. The 19 teams in the Clean Energy Ecosystem and Manufacturing Ecosystem tracks were awarded at least $10,000 each for completing the final IMPACT Phase of the prize, with the top performing teams receiving up to $310,000 in prize money based on the on the strength of their partnerships and proven impact in their communities.

"From providing energy efficient appliances for low-income households in California, to creating metals manufacturing jobs in former coal communities in Kentucky—these teams have enacted creative plans to address local challenges and improve the lives of people across America," said Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.