Agency underscores potential economic, job growth benefits of unique program that enables highly innovative energy projects
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) today announced the annual launch of its OPEN Energy Program, which provides opportunities to submit applications for innovative energy projects and initiatives that are outside of the agency’s established suite of programs. Many of these projects help generate new opportunities for clean energy technologies, especially those that are nearing commercialization. The OPEN Energy Program’s grants also encourage energy and workforce development and help recipients become more productive and competitive by implementing greenhouse gas-mitigating measures.
“MEA is an agency that seeks input and ideas from a wide range of stakeholders and sources. Every year, we receive interesting proposals that do not fit into a pre-existing program offered by the agency. The OPEN Energy Program enables interested organizations to pitch the agency on new ideas – and Maryland can fully capture the economic and sustainability benefits from those opportunities,” said MEA Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Innovation spurs economic activity. The OPEN Energy Program provides a unique pathway for advancing cutting-edge projects with the potential for unlocking significant new job growth and training opportunities, along with environmental improvements.”
The Maryland Energy Administration is focused on efforts that result in tangible and measurable efforts and demonstrate specific benefits to the state, in line with the agency’s mission to promote clean, affordable and reliable energy and energy-related emissions reductions in a just and equitable manner.
Proposals that closely align with these and other state goals may be funded if favorably reviewed. Because full proposal development takes time, MEA challenges interested entities to provide short initial proposals, including an application and concept paper. A team from the agency will review the concept papers and provide feedback or request clarifying information.
The Maryland Energy Administration estimates that the funding level for the OPEN Energy Program, which is in its third year of operation, will be $3.5 million in fiscal year 2024 (FY24).
In previous years, the program helped move forward several projects, including a $1 million award to the Regional Manufacturing Institute to educate manufacturing organizations on opportunities to reduce energy consumption, adopt clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in greater competitiveness and productivity. The OPEN Energy Program also has helped the Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation in Allegany County install a solar photovoltaic system to power this non-profit historic and environmental education facility. Evergreen leverages this system to involve K-12 students and others on the technical aspects of solar as part of its science, technology, engineering and math educational efforts in a rural setting where these technologies are not currently as widely deployed.
Full details on the program are included in the FY24 Funding Opportunity Announcement. To be considered for FY24 funding, it is strongly suggested that OPEN Program proposals be submitted before January 31, 2024.
The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration is to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. Visit our website at Energy.Maryland.gov to learn more about our programs and services, and follow us on social media to keep up with us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
