The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities has launched a request for proposals seeking feasibility studies into repurposing closed wood products manufacturing facilities, including pulp and paper mills, for bioenergy production.
The initiative responds to the growing number of shuttered wood products sites across the US that have left behind industrial infrastructure, utility connections and skilled workforce capacity, while forest-dependent regions face declining markets for low-value wood fibre and a need for new economic development opportunities.
The Endowment is making up to $500,000 available, anticipating either one project funded at up to $500,000 or two projects of approximately $250,000 each. Funding will be structured as a Program Related Investment or grant, repayable if a project advances to construction financing or forgiven if it does not proceed.
Selected projects will be expected to deliver a comprehensive pre-development assessment equivalent to a Front-End Loading Level 2 (FEL-2) analysis, covering site due diligence, technical and economic feasibility, risk mitigation, community and workforce considerations, infrastructure requirements and financing structures.
Eligible applicants include US-based private companies or organisations with a strong track record in energy project development, wood products manufacturing, data centre development or comparable infrastructure projects.
Proposals will be assessed on site control and access, team capability, financial readiness and community alignment, with preference given to projects that already have funding commitments, offtake agreements, utility engagement or strategic partnerships in place.
Questions on the RFP are due by 17 July 2026, with proposals due by 6 August 2026 and contracting expected to begin in September.
The Endowment said participation does not guarantee future funding, though projects demonstrating strong technical and economic potential may receive priority consideration for further engagement.
The initiative responds to the growing number of shuttered wood products sites across the US that have left behind industrial infrastructure, utility connections and skilled workforce capacity, while forest-dependent regions face declining markets for low-value wood fibre and a need for new economic development opportunities.
The Endowment is making up to $500,000 available, anticipating either one project funded at up to $500,000 or two projects of approximately $250,000 each. Funding will be structured as a Program Related Investment or grant, repayable if a project advances to construction financing or forgiven if it does not proceed.
Selected projects will be expected to deliver a comprehensive pre-development assessment equivalent to a Front-End Loading Level 2 (FEL-2) analysis, covering site due diligence, technical and economic feasibility, risk mitigation, community and workforce considerations, infrastructure requirements and financing structures.
Eligible applicants include US-based private companies or organisations with a strong track record in energy project development, wood products manufacturing, data centre development or comparable infrastructure projects.
Proposals will be assessed on site control and access, team capability, financial readiness and community alignment, with preference given to projects that already have funding commitments, offtake agreements, utility engagement or strategic partnerships in place.
Questions on the RFP are due by 17 July 2026, with proposals due by 6 August 2026 and contracting expected to begin in September.
The Endowment said participation does not guarantee future funding, though projects demonstrating strong technical and economic potential may receive priority consideration for further engagement.
