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.
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.