The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced nearly $9 million (£7m) in funding for 15 tribal energy infrastructure projects.

It will support communities in Native America and Alaska to harness their vast undeveloped energy resources to reduce or stabilise energy costs and boost resilience and security.

The projects, valued at nearly $25 million (£19.6m) in total, include the installation of solar arrays and wind turbines in villages.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry said: “This funding opportunity was the first time the Office of Indian Energy has solicited fuel and technology neutral projects, which expands the potential for tribes to utilise the particular resources they have available on their lands.”