Energy

The Appalachian Region is rich in a variety of energy resources, including conventional fossil fuels, renewable fuels, and alternative energy fuels. The Region's mines currently produce more than a third of the nation's coal, and its electrical utilities provide 15 percent of the nation's electrical output. The development of alternative and renewable energy in the Region is growing rapidly. The energy industry in Appalachia directly generates almost 150,000 jobs, with hundreds of thousands more generated by businesses involved in the production and distribution of related goods and services.

By using its full range of energy resources and employing emerging energy technologies and practices, the Region can create and retain jobs; increase the supply of locally produced, clean, affordable energy; help companies stay competitive; and keep the Region moving toward energy independence.

ARC provides a range of assistance to help communities develop clean energy programs, as well as support to help new energy businesses expand and create local jobs. Commission-supported activities include:

• Training and education programs focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean fossil energy production.
• Direct grant support for energy-efficient buildings and water facility projects, and the underwriting of programs to help clean-energy businesses expand and grow.
• Strategic partnerships to develop new policies and programs with leaders in the new energy economy, such as industry trade associations, non-profit organizations, utilities, and public agencies.
• Research into economic opportunities provided by the new energy economy.

In 2006, ARC created an "energy blueprint" for Appalachia to provide a strategic framework for the promotion of energy-related job opportunities through the stimulation of sustainable energy production, efficiency, and innovation efforts in the Region. The report Energizing Appalachia: A Regional Blueprint for Economic and Energy Development (PDF: 650 KB) provides an overview of the global, national, and regional energy landscapes, explains the energy blueprint's goal and strategic objectives, and identifies specific strategies that can be pursued by ARC and its partners.

In October 2009, ARC held a conference on new opportunities for business growth and job creation in the new-energy sector. Materials from the conference New Energy, New Jobs, New Opportunities for Appalachia are available in the events section of this site.

Renewable-Energy and Energy-Efficiency Grant Competition Winners

Since 2007, ARC has funded 39 projects totaling nearly $2 million in the areas of renewable-energy production, energy-efficient facilities, green business financing programs, and workforce training and certification programs through energy grant competitions. Grantees include K-12 schools, vocational schools, community colleges, nonprofits and universities.

2009 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants
2008 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants
2007 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants

Energy Links

Research Reports
Examples of Projects
Additional Resources