The Center works to promote economic development and employment in the clean energy industry sector in Maryland (Chapter 137, Acts of 2008) and seeks to advance the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency products, services, and technologies along with associated jobs and wages for Maryland. In addition, the Center leverages private capital and private sector capabilities; facilitates the commercialization of innovative advanced energy technologies; strives to reduce energy costs for consumers, and drive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuels use.
To expedite the evolution of energy projects from concept to completion, the Center offers "fee for service" technical and procurement support. It also administers four finance programs:
Maryland Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Finance Program (MD-PACE). This program provides access to advantageously structured loans for commercial, industrial, agricultural and nonprofit property owners. Operated in 17 counties, it provides an open platform for capital providers and contractors with standardized program administration services available to Maryland local governments. As of December 2021, over $80 million in capital has been mobilized through the Program.
Maryland Clean Energy Advantage Loan Program (CEA). To be launched in March 2022, this financing program allows residential property owners in Maryland to conveniently and affordably complete energy efficiency improvements. The program is administered, in partnership, by the Maryland Clean Energy Center and the Montgomery County Green Bank, and sponsored by six utility partners who have been authorized by the Maryland Public Service Commission to fund the program using ratepayer surcharge funds of EmPOWER Maryland.
Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA). This venture development and advancement program focuses on commercializing advanced energy and climate technologies developed at Maryland-based businesses, universities, and federal laboratories. It uniquely blends the “pull” of an early-stage venture development program with the “push” of accelerating existing pre-revenue businesses to create investable companies that will become the foundation of Maryland’s newest economic cluster. To reach commercial milestones, the Program gives startup companies access to experts, strategic partners, professional services, and project management support.
Established as a nonbudgeted entity, the Center now may use the Maryland Energy Innovation Fund created in July 2017 (Chapters 364 & 365, Acts of 2017). From the Fund, the Center may make grants and loans, and provide equity investment financing for business enterprises. To expand capital resources for business enterprises, the Center may guarantee loans, equity, investments, or other private financing.
The Maryland Clean Energy Center originally was located at the Universities at Shady Grove at Rockville (part of University System of Maryland). In December 2013, the Center moved to 1212 West Street, Annapolis, and to its present site in the Tech Ventures Building at 5000 College Avenue, College Park, in 2019.
Nine members constitute the Center's Board of Directors. Seven are appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent to four-year terms. Two serve ex officio (Chapter 13 & Chapter 24, Acts of 2021). With the Governor's approval, the Board appoints the Executive Director (Code Economic Development Article, secs. 10-801 through 10-854).
The Board of Directors is assisted by the Advisory Committee, and may establish other committees as needed.
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