Community Partners Showcase Clean Energy Solutions to Department of Energy, Argonne

Clean energy initiatives can improve communities and quality of life for residents. However, access to necessary funding for long-term investments can often be the biggest challenge — particularly for communities most in need.

This was a key focal point of recent engagements between the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) and Chicago-based community leaders, small businesses and non-profit organizations. The engagements, convened by DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory, highlighted grants available to communities to invest in cost-effective and productive energy solutions.

It was also a chance for SCEP representatives to learn about active community initiatives and how the DOE can increase its partnership in deploying targeted solutions. Three of these community initiatives included the Bronzeville Community Microgrid, The Chicago Urban League Solar Installation and Shala’s Bronzeville Solar Pyramid. Together they demonstrate the community's commitment to becoming energy-independent.

“The Bronzeville community is a powerful example of community-led clean energy solutions. These initiatives will result in greater quality of life, workforce development opportunities and long-term community investments..." a reflection from Henry McKoy, DOE'S SCEP Director.

By convening members of the community with representatives from the DOE, it will lead to greater understanding as to what challenges remain and how Argonne and DOE can continue to be part of the solution.

ABOUT ARGONNE

Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.