Skip to main content

Energy to Communities Program: In-Depth Partnerships

Through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy to Communities (E2C) program, NREL offers in-depth technical partnerships that support communities in developing abundant, reliable, affordable, and secure energy systems.

Illustration of molecules connected together in a star-shaped pattern.
Sitka, Alaska harbor

What are E2C In-Depth Partnerships?

In-depth partnerships help communities develop a validated plan to put energy ambitions into action and address key energy challenges. Partnerships are composed of local government, community-based organizations, electric utilities, and other key organizations that can represent the community. These partnership teams work alongside national laboratory staff to apply robust modeling and analysis tools and validate hardware in conditions that match communities’ unique full technology adoption, thereby lowering risks to real-world implementation.

Eligibility

E2C in-depth partnerships accept community teams composed of:

  • Local governments
  • Community-based organizations
  • Utilities.

In-depth partnerships focus broadly on cross-sectoral issues related to energy generation, mobility, and buildings. Energy security, resilience, and disaster preparedness are also considered.

Communities selected for in-depth partnerships are provided:

  • A dedicated point of contact within the national laboratory system
  • Direct subcontract funding to support staff or consultants
  • Facilitation and community engagement support
  • Extensive technical support from the DOE national laboratory complex.

Other Program Support

Illustration of molecules connected together in a star-shaped pattern.
Illustration of molecules connected together in a triangle-shaped pattern.
Two dots connected by two arrows pointing toward the other.

Learn more about the full E2C program offerings.

Contact

If you have questions about E2C in-depth partnerships, please email E2C.

Sign up for E2C email updates to be notified when program applications open.


Share

Last Updated April 2, 2025