Technical assistance is an important component of creating energy resilience in rural communities. Yet, the term “technical assistance” can be hard to grasp. In this article, we outline:
Technical assistance addresses a specific challenge or need that is essential to the success of a current project’s implementation. The result is usually a tangible product or specific deliverable designed to help move a project forward towards its successful completion.
Technical assistance can help rural communities explore energy resiliency options by guiding them through technology options (battery storage, microgrids, renewable power generation) convening expert stakeholders, and providing technical assistance for project management. Areas of assistance can include but are not limited to:
The Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project is offering technical assistance to 8-12 remote, islanded communities. For Alaskan communities, the technical assistance is provided two Alaska-based organizations, the Renewable Energy Alaska Project and Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP), as well as the staff of National Laboratories. National Laboratories is the leading institution for scientific innovation in the United States for more than seventy years and invented the technology that powers electric vehicles, levitated trains with magnets, and mapped the universe. Communities who are interested must apply to the program by February 15th, 2021.
The project’s goal is to increase communities’ overall energy resilience by working alongside communities to identify and advance strategic, whole-system energy solutions that prioritize community values, needs, and goals. The project will be collaborative and community-driven so that communities can acquire the skills and tools to make decisions that are best for them and will accelerate the sharing of best practices and innovations across technologies and sectors.
Visit the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project website to start the application.
Important dates to remember:
