Waste-to-Energy Technical Assistance for Local Governments
NREL provides U.S. local governments with technical assistance to advance waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).
The technical assistance addresses knowledge gaps, specific challenges, decision-making considerations, planning, and project implementation strategies related to WTE. The WTE resources considered include organic waste such as food waste, wastewater sludge, animal manure, and fats, oils, and greases.
Eligibility
All U.S. municipalities and counties in the lower 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, as well as tribal governments, are eligible for WTE technical assistance at no cost. Entities representing multiple municipalities are also eligible as well as airport authorities and municipal utilities authorities. Note: A community does not have to have an existing or planned waste resource or energy recovery project to be eligible. Communities in the strategic planning phase when it comes to these waste streams are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Request Technical Assistance
Applications are no longer being accepted for the Fiscal Year 2023 program. To receive updates about future technical assistance opportunities, contact the WTE Technical Assistance Team.
Technical Assistance Informational Webinars
Waste-to-Energy Technical Assistance for Local Governments
Text version. Download presentation slides.
Exploring Solutions To Convert Waste-to-Energy Bioproducts
Visit BETO's website for text version and presentation slides.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about WTE technical assistance, see frequently asked questions.
Featured Publications
Summary of Federal and Select States Funding Sources for the Solid Waste and Wastewater Sectors, NREL Brochure (2023)
Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste: Products and Their Uses, NREL Brochure (2022)
Comparison of Select Food Waste Utilization Options, NREL Brochure (2021)
Past Recipients
City of Pensacola, Florida
City of Gainesville, Florida
Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
Miami Dade Water and Sewer, Florida
Ramsey Washington Recycling and Energy Board, Minnesota
Lincoln County, Montana
Allegheny County Airport Authority, Pennsylvania
City of Spokane, Washington
County of Kauai, Hawaii
Monterey One Water, California
Interlocal Solid Waste Authority, Tennessee
City of Unalaska, Alaska
Region 1 Planning Council, Illinois
City of Watsonville, California
Brunswick County Government, North Carolina
City of Rockdale, Texas
Pasco County, Florida
Region 1 Planning Council, Illinois
City and County of Denver, Colorado
Hartford Solid Waste Task Force, Connecticut
City of Unalaska, Alaska
City of Ames, Iowa
North Central Texas Council of Governments, Texas
Seward Climate Action Plan Committee, Alaska
Monterey One Water, California
City of Madison, Wisconsin
Interlocal Solid Waste Authority, Tennessee
Savannah Industrial Park, Illinois
City of Watsonville, California
City of Frostburg, Maryland
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
City of Boston, Massachusetts
Orange County and City of Orlando, Florida
City of Walla Walla, Washington
Contact
If you have questions, contact the WTE Technical Assistance Team.