Expert Match Project Examples

In the NREL-managed Energy to Communities (E2C) program, Expert Match projects often center on answering specific questions related to a community's energy goals and challenges.

Some examples of project topics and central questions are below.

Electricity Generation

With energy goals in mind, what are some best practices to consider around zoning and permitting for our community?
What is our community's potential for using low-temperature geothermal power generation? Could we create geothermal districts?
What energy storage solutions could work with our legislation and fire code?

Resilience and Access

We want to increase access to energy and improve energy efficiency. What strategies would work in this situation?
We need expert input as we design resilience hubs in our community.
What is the potential role of solar plus storage in providing resilience benefits to the community?

Financing

We want to improve resilience for our key community buildings but need help figuring out financing. Are there best practices for engaging potential funders?

Buildings

Retrofitting buildings is a heavy lift with a lot of uncertainties. Where could we start? What strategies have worked in other towns or cities like ours?
What are the key components of a building energy benchmarking program? Are there any best practices we can refer to?

Transportation

We are looking to shift our municipal fleet and are looking for expert input on the cost savings opportunities across the fleet.
What are some public transit and micromobility options that can meet community transportation needs?