The US has announced it will establish a technical assistance energy providers’ network for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native communities.

The Department of Energy (DOE) will provide a total of $7 million (£4.8m) to train people from those communities in its national labs and other entities.

The assistance network will consist of regional, tribal energy experts who can provide technical assistance and informational resources.

It aims to give tribal communities and Alaska Native villages the knowledge, skills and resources needed to implement successful strategic energy solutions.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “These efforts support President Obama’s commitment to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with tribal nations. By building energy awareness and expanding existing networks, Indian tribes and Alaska Native communities are better positioned to find energy solutions that fit with their unique needs.”