The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) has been selected for award subject to negotiations for a $100,000 grant from the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. This marks E-REP's first Department of Energy award, positioning the organization at the forefront of energy innovation and economic development in the region. This opportunity is managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). This agreement enables ENERGYWERX to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of clean energy solutions.
E-REP, in collaboration with CenterPoint Energy, NewCarbon, Circular Venture Labs, and other partners, will utilize this award to evaluate the economic impact of converting, redeveloping, and repurposing CenterPoint's aging energy assets across the Evansville Region. In addition, E-REP will conduct research and convene local, state, and national partners to diversify energy sources and help CenterPoint Energy’s and the broader regional workforce adapt to the evolving energy landscape.
"This recognition demonstrates our commitment to a diverse and resilient energy transition and continued economic development in the region," said Tyler Stock, Executive Director of Talent EVV. "We look forward to working with our partners to build our regional capacity related to energy transition."
Omar Khayum, CEO of NewCarbon, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the company's expertise to the region, stating, "I’m excited to contribute to transforming legacy infrastructure into modern, clean energy assets that will drive economic growth in the area where I grew up."
The initiative will include developing energy transition plans and training opportunities for workers moving to new roles in emerging energy sectors. It will also create a roadmap for driving economic prosperity in the Evansville Region through collaboration with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. These deliverables create an exciting opportunity to build capacity and expertise related to energy transition across industry, workforce, academic, and civic partners within the region.
Mike Roeder, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for CenterPoint, added, "This initiative will promote growth and vitality, further positioning the Evansville Region as an energy leader and our workforce for success in an innovative energy sector."
