Maryland Kicks Off Annual Application Period for OPEN Energy Innovation Program, a Pathway to Funding for Outside-the-Box Clean Energy Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Zink | 443-758-7344

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) start of the application period for its OPEN Energy Innovation Program, which provides funding to impactful energy projects that fall outside the range of the agency’s existing suite of programs. 

“The OPEN Energy Innovation program provides a path forward for imaginative projects that can deliver concrete emissions-reduction results, but which might not otherwise be eligible to receive state funding,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Through the OPEN Innovation Program, interested Marylanders can pitch the agency on new ideas – and Maryland can fully capture the benefits from those opportunities.”   

Now in its fifth year, the groundbreaking OPEN Energy Innovation Program fosters and supports the development of innovative clean energy technologies. By providing funding and resources, the program aims to accelerate the commercialization of promising ideas and solutions that address the urgent need for sustainable energy. 

The OPEN Energy Innovation Program’s previous year (FY24) awards will cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2,200 metric tons when implemented, akin to taking more than 500 gas-powered automobiles off the road for one year. 

The FY25 OPEN Energy Innovation Program does not have a set funding amount. Total annual funding will be based on the quality of applications received and outcomes related to the evaluation criteria. 

The Maryland Energy Administration is dedicated to supporting projects that deliver measurable benefits to Maryland, aligning with our mission of promoting clean, affordable, and reliable energy while reducing emissions in a fair and equitable way. 

Proposals that closely align with these and other state goals may be funded if favorably reviewed. Because full proposal development takes time, the agency encourages  interested entities to provide short initial proposals, including an application and concept paper. A team from the agency will review the concept papers and provide feedback or request clarifying information.  

Full details on the program are included in the FY25 Funding Opportunity Announcement. To be considered for FY25 funding, it is strongly suggested that OPEN Energy Innovation Program proposals be submitted before January 24, 2025. 

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) promotes clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency and its programs, visit our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook. 

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