Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF) 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- May 25
- 3 min read
If you're a recent graduate or early-career professional passionate about clean energy, infrastructure modernization, and equitable energy access, the Energy Innovator Fellowship (EIF) 2025 offers a transformative opportunity. Applications are now open for this prestigious U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program, which places Fellows in critical energy organizations across the country to support initiatives that enhance the reliability, affordability, and resilience of the U.S. power system. The fellowship, managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), provides hands-on experience in energy projects that are pivotal to national and community-level energy goals.
🎓EIF Fellowship Summary
Location: United States (various locations, including Tribal lands, state energy offices, cooperatives, and utilities)
Host Institutions: Over 60 organizations, including electric cooperatives, grid operators, municipal utilities, public utility commissions, state energy offices, and Tribal entities
Academic Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree holders (within 5 years of graduation)
Target Group: U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents aged 18 and above
Fields of Focus: Energy development, distributed energy resources, electrification, grid resilience, energy security, system planning, and Tribal energy
Coverage:
Competitive stipend (based on degree level and experience)
Health insurance allowance
Annual professional development allowance (up to $10,000)
Relocation reimbursement (up to $5,000, if applicable)
Duration: 1 year, with the option to renew for a second year
Application Deadline: June 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Start Date: August 2025 (exact date to be determined with Host Institution and Mentor)
Eligible To: Individuals residing in the U.S. or U.S. Territories throughout the appointment
🔍 Fellowship Overview
The Energy Innovator Fellowship is designed to cultivate the next generation of energy professionals by immersing them in projects that address critical challenges in the energy sector. Fellows will contribute to initiatives aimed at modernizing power systems, improving energy infrastructure for transportation and industry, and enhancing energy access and affordability. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional development to equip Fellows with the skills and experience necessary to drive innovation in the energy field.
Fellows will select up to five preferred Host Institution projects during the application process. These projects span a diverse range of focus areas and geographic locations, including opportunities in Tribal communities, rural areas, and urban centers. Each Fellow will be matched with a Mentor at their Host Institution who will provide guidance and support throughout the fellowship.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Stipend: Competitive monthly stipend determined by academic degree and relevant experience
Health Insurance: Allowance provided to cover health insurance costs
Professional Development: Annual allowance of up to $10,000 for education and professional development activities
Relocation Support: Reimbursement of relocation expenses up to $5,000, if applicable
Mentorship: Each Fellow is paired with a Mentor at their Host Institution for project guidance and professional growth
Networking: Opportunities to connect with professionals across the energy sector and participate in DOE and ORISE events
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
Age: At least 18 years old by the start of the fellowship
Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree received within the last 5 years (by June 30, 2025)
Residency: Must reside in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory throughout the appointment
Interest Areas: Demonstrated interest in energy development, distributed energy resources, electrification, grid resilience, energy security, system planning, and Tribal energy
📝 Application Procedure
To apply for the Energy Innovator Fellowship, candidates must complete the following steps:
Create a Zintellect Profile: Register and complete your profile on the Zintellect platform.
Select Preferred Projects: Choose up to five preferred Host Institution projects from the list provided.
Submit Transcripts: Upload recent unofficial transcripts or academic records for the degree you are applying with.
Upload Resume/CV: Provide a current resume or CV (two-page limit) detailing academic history, employment, and relevant experiences.
Provide Recommendation: Submit at least one academic or professional recommendation through Zintellect. The recommendation must be received by June 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET.
Note: All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth must be removed from all documents.
📅 Important Dates
Application Opens: May 19, 2025
Application Deadline: June 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Recommendation Deadline: June 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET
Fellowship Start Date: August 2025 (specific date to be determined)
Onboarding Webinars: Scheduled for August 2025
🔗 Additional Resources
Application Portal: Zintellect Application Page
Host Institution Projects: List of 2025 Host Institution Projects
Program Information: ORISE EIF Applicant Information
ℹ️ For any questions or further information, please contact ORISE at DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov with “The Energy Innovator Fellowship” in the subject line.
