Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET) | 7200AA22RFA00018

Opportunity Information: Apply for 7200AA22RFA00018

The Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET) opportunity is a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cooperative agreement designed to help countries in the Europe and Eurasia region move through a clean energy transition without sacrificing the basics that keep economies and communities running: reliability, affordability, and energy security. In practical terms, the program is aimed at strengthening the institutions and systems that operate power networks and energy markets, while also accelerating the uptake of modern, cost-effective clean energy solutions. It is structured as a discretionary funding opportunity under the Energy activity category (CFDA 98.001), with a single expected award and an award ceiling of up to $20,000,000.

At its core, J-SET is focused on supporting utilities, regulators, and other key energy-sector stakeholders as they modernize how electricity and related energy services are planned, priced, dispatched, traded, and delivered. Rather than being limited to one technology or a narrow set of reforms, the opportunity is framed around five broad objectives that together cover market integration, system operations, resilience, technology deployment, and public understanding. This combination signals that USAID is looking for a comprehensive approach that connects policy and regulation with real-world operational improvements and stakeholder buy-in.

The first objective is to operationalize and integrate regional energy markets. This includes the systems and rules needed for functioning wholesale and retail markets, as well as specialized market products like capacity markets and ancillary services. The intent is to move beyond isolated national systems and toward coordinated regional trading and market coupling where appropriate, so that electricity can flow and be priced more efficiently across borders and jurisdictions. When done well, integrated markets can reduce costs, improve reliability by sharing reserves and flexibility, and create stronger investment signals for cleaner generation and grid resources.

The second objective targets best practices for energy system operation and the integration of cost-effective clean energy technologies into existing networks while maintaining or improving reliability. This speaks to the operational side of the transition: improving dispatch practices, forecasting, balancing, congestion management, and grid planning so that variable renewable energy and other clean resources can be added without destabilizing the system. It also implies work on technical standards, grid codes, interconnection processes, and utility operating procedures that can make the difference between clean energy that is theoretically available and clean energy that can be reliably delivered to customers.

The third objective is to improve resilience and response capabilities for disasters and extreme events. This reflects the growing importance of energy security in the face of climate-driven hazards, cyber and physical threats, and other disruptions. Activities under this objective would typically involve strengthening preparedness planning, improving restoration and emergency response processes, hardening critical infrastructure where appropriate, and enhancing coordination among utilities, system operators, regulators, and government emergency services. The emphasis is on ensuring that the transition to cleaner systems also produces grids that can withstand shocks and recover quickly when disruptions occur.

The fourth objective is to increase adoption of U.S.-developed or U.S.-supplied grid-enhancing and other advanced technologies and best practices by energy institutions in Europe and Eurasia. This is a clear signal that the program is not only about reform and capacity building, but also about encouraging deployment and institutional familiarity with modern tools that improve grid performance. While the opportunity text does not list specific technologies, the phrase "grid-enhancing" generally points to solutions that increase the efficiency, flexibility, observability, and throughput of existing networks, along with advanced operational practices that help system operators manage more complex, cleaner power systems.

The fifth objective is to improve understanding among local stakeholders and the public about the clean energy transition and its benefits to communities and citizens. This recognizes that energy transitions are not purely technical exercises; they require public trust, clear communication, and stakeholder engagement, especially when reforms affect tariffs, market rules, infrastructure siting, or legacy energy industries. Work under this objective would commonly include outreach, stakeholder consultations, transparent communication strategies, and efforts to connect transition policies to tangible local benefits such as cleaner air, improved service quality, job creation pathways, and reduced long-term energy costs.

From an administrative perspective, this opportunity was issued as Funding Opportunity Number 7200AA22RFA00018, created on April 27, 2022, with an original closing date of May 18, 2022. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity could apply, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full notice. Because it is a cooperative agreement, applicants should expect substantial involvement from USAID during implementation, typically including collaboration on work planning, technical direction, and monitoring of results, rather than a hands-off grant structure. Overall, J-SET is positioned as a single, sizable award intended to deliver an integrated package of market, operational, resilience, technology, and stakeholder engagement support to advance a clean, reliable, and secure energy future across the Europe and Eurasia region.

• The Agency for International Development in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Just and Secure Energy Transition (J-SET)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 27, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 18, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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