Strengthening our nation’s energy innovation and infrastructure through policy.
The Challenge
Addressing America’s Energy Financing Gap
Many transformative energy technologies stall between prototype and full-scale commercialization—a critical juncture often called the “Valley of Death.” Traditional capital markets lack the risk appetite and expertise needed to finance these projects. EIA Forum develops solutions for federal tools that bridge this gap and unlock private investment.
The Solution
De-Risking Innovation Through Smarter Financing
EIA Forum promotes a diversified approach to energy infrastructure finance, including grants, low-interest loans, credit enhancement, aggregation credit facilities, and insurance products. Together, these mechanisms accelerate deployment and create resilient, market-ready energy systems.
What’s the history?
The United States has long led the world in energy infrastructure and innovation. The journey from invention to market transformation for energy technologies and infrastructure projects. However, it is lengthy, costly, and fraught with risk. For this reason, the Federal government, beginning in the early 20th century, has heavily invested in and supported the development of energy technology and infrastructure.
The modern nuclear power industry, large-scale hydro power enterprises, and the hydraulic fracturing industry would not exist without the strong role of the Federal government.
Today, the U.S. faces more competition globally than ever before, stressing the need to maintain a leadership role in energy innovation and diversify existing energy resources. Competition from China has been especially severe and threatens the U.S.’s ability to compete in both domestic and international markets.
Recent history has seen a renewed focus on government-enabled, private-sector-led policy to ensure delivery of the next generation of American energy innovation and resilient infrastructure. Every major piece of energy legislation since the Energy Policy Act of 2005 has increased the federal government’s role, including most recently in the One Big Beautiful Bill where Congress constituted a new flagship authority explicitly designed to advance an energy dominance agenda—the Energy Dominance Financing Program.
The government has many of the tools needed to provide long-term financing to energy infrastructure and innovation projects. Fully capturing the economic, national security, and resilience benefits of these policies means projects will be derisked, attract private capital, and expedite projects and new technologies from concept to construction.
U.S. support through these programs is needed to maintain a globally competitive edge.
[1] https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-inflation-reduction-act-a-year-in-review/
[2] Energy Innovation “Updated Inflation Reduction Act Modeling Using the Energy Policy Simulator”; REPEAT Project “Climate Progress and the 117th Congress: The Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act”; and Rhodium Group “Taking Stock 2023: US Emission Projections after the Inflation Reduction Act”
How we’re filling the gaps.
Our immediate focus is to ensure that proven federal programs enable innovation. We believe our efforts send a strong signal to the market that federal financing programs are a valuable tool.
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Providing qualitative assessments that illuminate the potential effects of potential policy solutions.
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Educating about essential opportunities that detail federal energy developments to stay better informed
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Communicating critical information to anticipated regulatory changes and shifts in federal priorities.
Why it matters.
Energy financing solutions are essential to national security, economic growth, and decarbonization. By showcasing effective programs and promoting pragmatic financing solutions, EIA Forum helps the United States lead in clean energy innovation and maintain energy independence.
