BRIEF: DOE Commits $125M+ to 63 Tribal Energy Projects Nationwide
Written by Olivia Fellows, TribalHub Industry Engagement & Narrative Producer in General Articles
Date: October 26, 2026
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced over $125 million for 63 tribe-led projects selected for award negotiations across 16 states, including Alaska. Marking the largest single investment in the DOE Office of Indian Energy's 20-year history, the funding will support 61 tribal entities in lowering electricity costs, expanding access to reliable power, and driving regional economic development. Supported through Fiscal Year 2026 and prior-year congressional appropriations, the initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen tribal energy infrastructure across all phases of development.
The funded initiatives fall into three main operational areas to address unique community needs. Thirteen projects will focus on direct deployment and installation, bringing electric service to 150 unserved homes, converting 500 homes and businesses to natural gas heating, and upgrading critical grid infrastructure. Another 27 projects will center on predevelopment activities, funding studies for Tribal Utility Authorities, transmission networks, resource availability, and workforce programs. The remaining 23 projects will focus on planning and feasibility assessments to de-risk large-scale developments, including geothermal resources, baseload generation, and power sales opportunities.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly emphasized that the investment addresses longstanding challenges by providing affordable and reliable power to help tribal communities grow and prosper.
“President Trump has prioritized delivering affordable, reliable, and secure energy to the American people since day one, and this administration is taking decisive action to deliver on that commitment,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. “This historic investment will help address longstanding energy challenges facing tribal communities by lowering electricity costs, expanding access to reliable power, and creating new opportunities for economic development. We are ensuring that tribal communities have the energy resources they need to grow and prosper.”
“President Trump has prioritized delivering affordable, reliable, and secure energy to the American people since day one, and this administration is taking decisive action to deliver on that commitment,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. “This historic investment will help address longstanding energy challenges facing tribal communities by lowering electricity costs, expanding access to reliable power, and creating new opportunities for economic development. We are ensuring that tribal communities have the energy resources they need to grow and prosper.”
Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum noted that this effort expands the office's direction by supporting projects at any development phase, using diverse technologies ranging from generation and transmission to critical minerals.
“With this announcement, the Office of Indian Energy is making the largest-ever single investment in tribal energy development in the office’s 20-year history,” said DOE's Office of Indian Energy Director Eric Mahroum. “These projects represent a new and expanded direction for the Office, and for the first time, we’re supporting projects at any phase of development and with a broad set of technologies and approaches. Our goal is to support tribes to advance high-value energy projects, including large-scale projects like generation, transmission, distribution, and critical mineral projects.”
The selection for award negotiations is the initial phase before final funding is issued, with formal negotiations scheduled between the DOE and applicants.
The full project list is available here.