The Arkansas Advanced Energy Association announced a plan to stimulate Arkansas’ economy this month.
The Energize Arkansas Communities & Homes Initiative, or EACH, aims to bolster local enterprise and promote sustainability, the AAEA said.
The trade association includes companies, utilities and groups offering advanced energy solutions for the state’s “new economy.”
AAEA Executive Director Lauren Waldrip said the group’s sectors like energy efficiency, lithium production and grid development are critical to the state’s economic future. The initiative hopes to generate hundreds of jobs, particularly in rural Arkansas.
“A strong economy is built through strong leadership, inviting legislation, supportive policies, and a business-conducive environment,” Waldrip said in a written statement. “We recognize that powerful engines of growth are found at the local level, where unsung heroes — local leaders who love their towns and communities — work tirelessly to build and sustain the economy. These leaders are the backbone of community development and economic work, and we are here to support their efforts.”
Overcoming Challenges
The EACH Initiative will help city and county leaders by providing critical resources, support and capacity-building opportunities. The idea is to overcome constrained budgets and challenges that seem overwhelming, Waldrip said.
The project will offer assistance in workforce development, finding funding and building technical support for communities. “Local leaders will gain access to tools and expertise that can drive economic growth, enhance energy efficiency, and build resilient infrastructure in their towns and counties,” the association said.
“Partnering with the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association has been a game-changer for Fayetteville,” said AAEA member Peter Nierengarten, an official with the city of Fayetteville. “Through AAEA, we’ve gained invaluable insights into regulatory processes, ensuring we are well-informed and actively participating in crucial discussions that shape our city’s future.”
He said the resources and networks the AAEA provided have “significantly bolstered our economic development efforts, offering us access to funding, technical support, and collaborative opportunities that are instrumental in driving sustainable growth.”
Workforce Training
The AAEA launched a workforce training and apprenticeship program with grant funding from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development. The effort cuts training costs for employers and prepares workers for well-paid jobs in the energy sector.
The association takes an employer-driven approach to workforce development, ensuring that the training and apprenticeships meet industries’ specific needs.
“By aligning educational and skill-building initiatives with actual industry demands, AAEA helps employers address skill gaps effectively,” the association said.
The AAEA is also expert in finding funding opportunities, including energy efficiency programs, Waldrip said.
Funding Sources
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, for example, have an application period extended through Oct. 31. And an additional state competitive program will launch next month.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency provide Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, known as CPACE, as well as workforce development resources for eligible communities.
The association also pointed to the State Funding Readiness Project, which offers pro-bono community “capacity-building and grant-writing. The Clean Energy Communities Fund provides seed grants to 2,000 communities to electrify and shift to cleaner energy. And the Solar for All Program is a $93 million initiative to expand solar energy adoption in low-income areas.
Through the Arkansas Energy Performance Contracting (AEPC) Program, municipalities can upgrade their infrastructure and cut energy costs. Nonprofits and public entities can also now receive direct payments for tax credits, making these benefits accessible without traditional tax liabilities, Waldrip said.
To fortify the EACH initiative, the AAEA is offering free first-year membership to Arkansas cities and counties.
“This membership provides local officials with a platform to connect, share insights, and leverage collective expertise,” the association said in a news release. “Through these partnerships, AAEA aims to foster a collaborative environment where local leaders can work together to overcome challenges and drive economic growth.”
Entities can enroll online here.
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