Both the US Federal government and many state governments have established goals for clean energy in the United States. While regulations aim to curtail emissions from the largest polluters, there are other projects aimed at local communities. These clean energy hub projects can empower local businesses and residential areas by providing clean energy solutions and counseling to reduce energy consumption. Best of all, it’s possible to do so with no out of pocket expense.

Clean Energy Hub Projects With No Out of Pocket Expense

The Hub Model for Clean Energy

Many regions are switching to a hub model for clean energy solutions. Clean energy savings hubs take a holistic approach to clean energy by uniting stakeholders from various organizations, both public and private. For example, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is creating regional energy hubs, including one in the Mohawk Valley.

Hubs also have the goal of benefitting historically disadvantaged populations. This is especially important because many minority communities consume more energy due to living in homes that have not been brought up to code. Furthermore, creating clean energy jobs in these communities will lift them up even further.

Hub Projects

Hub projects can be massive or modest. New Jersey has helped authorize and fund several hub projects in the state, including a offshore wind hub, which will include more connections to the grid and make it possible for other clean energy generation projects to join the hub in the future. Brooklyn has a similar project in the works.

However, smaller scale projects can be just as important. New Jersey’s Rutgers Hub is based around the EcoComplex Clean Energy Innovation Center. The Center connects enterprising students with novel ideas, large companies, and local governments to promote clean energy projects in the surrounding area.

Advantages of Working With Energy Hubs

Since hubs bring stakeholders together, they greatly simplify energy efficiency upgrades. Trustworthy suppliers and contractors are a phone call away. Expert consultants with experience in the local area are able to give SMBs and local organizations guidance to make smart decisions. Local hubs can also attract larger investments that benefit the whole community, rather than each local company trying to find their own sources of funding.

In fact, financing is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome if we hope to achieve the ambitious goals set out by the Climate Mobilization Act. A technical report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory highlighted the difficulties that smaller projects face when it comes to funding. Working with an energy hub helps to alleviate these problems and make it possible to get a project off the ground without spending up front.

Avoid Paying Out of Pocket

Between increased funding at the state level, rising interest from investors, and more cooperation between organizations of all kinds, obtaining funding for clean energy projects has never been easier. There are rebates, federal loans, government funding, and investment opportunities available for a variety of clean energy upgrades. Most importantly, the more people that participate in hub projects, the more opportunities there will be in the future.