Funding Opportunities as of June 6, 2023
Opportunities Listed by Deadlines
$30 Million to Develop First-Wall Materials and Improve Sustainability and Commercial Viability of Fusion Energy
Concept Paper Sue: 2/13/2024 |9:30 AM ET
Full Applications Due: TBD
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $30 million in funding to develop first-wall materials—the materials used for the chamber or “fireplace” where fusion reactions occur—that can maintain design performance in a fusion power plant, an important element of the U.S. Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy. The Creating Hardened and Durable Fusion First-Wall Incorporating Centralized Knowledge (CHADWICK) program aims to support the development and production of these materials. As fusion energy advances toward commercial deployment, finding a material capable of optimized performance for a fusion first wall presents a significant scientific and engineering opportunity. The primary objective of the CHADWICK program is the development of new first-wall materials that will significantly improve the commercial viability of nuclear fusion.The CHADWICK program is comprised of three technical categories to support the program objectives. Applicants can apply to Category A, Category B, a combination of Categories A and B, or Category C, based on their expertise. Category C capability teams will support analysis and facilitate communications between Category A and B project teams and fusion power system designer end users by performing techno-economic analyses (TEA) and life-cycle analyses (LCA) of their materials products.
CATEGORY A – PLASMA-FACING COMPONENT MATERIALS: Applicants to this category will discover and validate materials that maintain room temperature ductility after significant irradiation damage and helium generation while satisfying the unirradiated thermal conductivity, plasma erosion, and tritium retention performance metrics of tungsten in fusion power system first-wall applications.
CATEGORY B – STRUCTURAL MATERIALS: Applicants to this category will discover and validate materials that maintain room temperature ductility after significant irradiation damage and helium generation while satisfying the unirradiated thermal, mechanical, and tritium retention performance metrics of RAFM steels in fusion power system first-wall applications.
CATEGORY C – CAPABILITY TEAMS: Applicants seeking to contribute an expert or specialist capability that could assist multiple Category A and/or B experimental teams in fulfilling program objectives should consider selecting Category C.
Download the FOA
DE-FOA-0003235: Grid-Free Renewable Energy Enabling New Ways to Economical Liquids and Long-Term Storage SBIR/STTR (GREENWELLS SBIR/STTR)
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 1/25/2024 9:30 AM ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: TBD
The primary objective of the GREENWELLS program is the development of chemical reactors and supporting units that economically store at least 50% of incoming intermittent electrical energy in carbon-containing liquids. To achieve attractive economics, ARPA-E expects that chemical reactors will need to be dynamically operable to optimize the entire system of renewable energy production, electrolysis capital, and energy storage. If successful, the GREENWELLS program will provide low-cost carbon-containing liquids that enable the transportation and storage of renewable energy, are suitable as-is or with upgrading for use in the difficult-to-decarbonize sectors, and will speed the development of new renewable energy projects by alleviating requirements for connection to an electric grid.
Technical approaches of interest include but are not limited to:
(1) Dynamic Reactor Design
(2) Novel Catalyst Development and Optimization
(3) Manufacturing of Modular Reaction Systems
(4) Transient Modelling and Process Optimization
$14.5 Million Available for Marine and Ocean Renewable Energy Research and Development at U.S. Colleges and Universities
Concept Papers Due: 2/20/2024 | 5 p.m. ET
Full Application Due: 4/22/2024 | 5 p.m. ET
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) and Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) released a $14.5 million funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0003097) to support foundational research at domestic institutions of higher education, including minority-serving institutions, to address challenges facing marine and ocean renewable energy industries and spur innovation and development. The opportunity will fund projects across four topic areas:
- Up to $5 million for projects that generate publicly available data and test platforms that will help identify cost reductions and performance improvement pathways for the advancement of marine energy devices.
- Up to $1.5 million for projects that advance potential synergies between offshore wind and/or marine energy and aquaculture development. (This topic area is a joint effort between WPTO and WETO.)
- Up to $2 million to support undergraduate senior design and/or research projects in marine energy.
- Up to $6 million to support projects in an open topic area where applicants can propose activities that address the needs of the marine energy industry not covered in other topic areas.
Up to 33 awards between $200,000 and $1,000,000 are anticipated under the Marine Energy University Foundational R&D funding opportunity. Applicants must submit a concept paper by 5 p.m. ET on February 20, 2024, to be eligible to submit a full application.
WPTO and WETO will host an informational webinar at 3 p.m. ET on January 24, 2024, to discuss the funding opportunity and areas of focus.
1. $48M Funding: Unlocking Lasting Transformative Resiliency Advances by Faster Actuation of Power Semiconductor Technologies (ULTRAFAST)s
DE-FOA-0002998
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 3/28/2023 9:30 AM ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: TBD
On February 24, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $48 million in funding to support a new program focused on developing power grid technologies that improve control and protection of the domestic power grid. Modernizing the nation’s grid infrastructure with improved efficiency and resilience against extreme weather events is critical to ensuring that clean energy and transportation options can reach communities across the country. Addressing these challenges, along with streamlining the coordinated operation of electricity supply and demand will improve the cost efficiency of grid operations and prevent unforeseen outages, which are estimated to cost the U.S. economy $150 billion annually. This new effort by DOE will fund projects that aim to enable utilities to more effectively control grid power flow to avoid disturbances, and quickly isolate and route around disruptions. Grid modernization will support President Biden’s goals to accelerate the deployment of renewables, boost the nation’s energy independence, and achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035. “A reliable and resilient grid is the key to protecting our power supply from outside threats and expanding America’s clean energy and transportation options,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Federal investments in tools and analysis to modernize our grid will put the nation on a path to meet President Biden’s climate goals and extend the benefits of a decarbonized energy and transportation sector to all corners of the country.” Managed by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the “Unlocking Lasting Transformative Resiliency Advances by Faster Actuation of power Semiconductor Technologies” (ULTRAFAST) program will support the development of faster, more capable power electronics for enhanced resiliency, reliability, and control of power flow at all grid interfaces. Successful ULTRAFAST project teams will develop device concepts that target: • Semiconductor material, device and/or power module level advances to enable faster switching and/or triggering at higher current and voltage levels • Improved electromagnetic interference immunity • Complementary sensing, packaging, and thermal management technology
2. FOA: Scientific Discovery Through Advanced Computing (SCIDAC) - FES Partnerships
DE-FOA-0002924
Letter of Intent Deadline: 4/7/2023 5:00 PM ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 5/19/2023 11:59 PM ET
The DOE SC programs in Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) and Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) hereby announce their interest in receiving multi-institutional applications for the Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) Partnerships program. This FOA invites new applications for the SciDAC-5 Partnerships that enable or accelerate scientific discovery and programmatic objectives, aligned with the FES mission and the Department’s vision for fusion energy, through effective collaborations between fusion / plasma scientists and applied mathematicians and/or computer scientists from the SciDAC Institutes that fully exploit the capabilities of DOE High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities. All types of domestic applicants are eligible to apply. Please see the funding opportunity for agency contacts and more details.
3. Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment FOA
DE-FOA-0002936
Concept Paper Due: 4/21/2023 5:00 PM ET
Full Application Due: 8/4/2023 5:00 PM ET
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is releasing an FOA that represents a more than $12 billion opportunity to catalyze high-impact, large-scale, transformational advanced industrial facilities to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in energy-intensive industrial subsectors. To maximize the transformative potential for these funds, DOE will prioritize a portfolio of projects that offer: Deep decarbonization, by demonstrating significantly less carbon-intensive industrial production processes leading to materials that can be labeled as having substantially lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions; Timeliness, through rapid technology demonstrations that can address emissions in the near-term, meet funding horizons, and be replicated by fast followers; Market viability, with technological approaches designed to spur follow-on investments for widespread decarbonization as well as partnerships between buyers and sellers of the materials produced, with special consideration given to industries that are focusing on shifting entire ecosystems and enabling new market structures for low-carbon products; and Community benefits, tailored through substantial engagement with local and regional stakeholders, as well as labor unions and Tribal Nations across the project lifecycle, supporting environmental justice and economic opportunity for local communities. DOE expects to award up to approximately 65 projects in high GHG-emitting industries and for cross-cutting technologies as discussed in Section 1.3 of the FOA. DOE anticipates providing awards to teams that are led by a single, for-profit organization or owner/operator of an eligible facility and encourages applicants to strengthen projects by partnering with experts, universities, labor unions, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, product off-takers, and/or national laboratories, as outlined in Section 3.0 of the FOA.
4. DOE SC FOA Energy Earthshots Initiative: DE-FOA-0003003
DE-FOA-0003003 Sponsor
Pre-application due: 4/25/2023 | 5 PM ET
Sponsor Full Application Submission due: 6/21/2023 | 11:59 PM
Georgia Tech Pre-applications due: 4/7/2023 2023 | 12pm
The Office of Science (SC) announces its interest in applications to advance basic research in support of the Department of Energy’s Energy Earthshots™ initiative. The Energy Earthshots drive integrated program development and execution across the Department of Energy’s basic science and energy technology offices. They are part of an all-hands-on-deck approach to provide science and technology innovations that address the tough technological challenges required to achieve our climate and economic competitiveness goals. The Energy Earthshots will accelerate breakthroughs towards more abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy solutions. This FOA will support small teams to build the scientific foundations for the Energy Earthshot goals. Six Energy Earthshots have been announced so far: Hydrogen Shot™,4 Long Duration Storage Shot™,5 Carbon Negative Shot™,6 Enhanced Geothermal Shot™,7 Floating Offshore Wind Shot™,8 and Industrial Heat Shot™.9 Applications for this funding opportunity should focus on fundamental science related to the Energy Earthshots. Priority will be given to applications that focus on crosscutting research relevant to multiple Energy Earthshots. Multi-disciplinary teams are encouraged. Applicant institutions are limited to no more than three pre-applications and three applications. An individual may not be named as the lead investigator on more than one pre-application or application. NOI is due on March 28 here.(https://gatech.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1900252)
• GT Notification of Intent (NOI) due - Tuesday, March 28, 2023
• GT NOI results and next steps announced by - Wednesday, March 29, 2023
• GT Internal Pre Applications due - Friday, April 7, 2023 at noon
• GT internal down selection decisions issued - Wednesday, April 12, 2023
• Sponsor Pre Applications due - Tuesday, April 25, 2023
• Sponsor Full Applications due - Wednesday, June 21, 2023
5.$30M for Domestic Near Net Shape Manufacturing to Enable a Clean and Competitive Economy
DE-FOA-0003023
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 5/11/23 || 5:00pm ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 6/23/23 || 5:00pm ET
The intent of this FOA is to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative manufacturing technologies to increase the competitiveness of the domestic Near Net Shape (NNS) manufacturing base and strengthen the clean energy manufacturing supply chains. The technical and economic viability of the proposed manufacturing technologies will be established by producing a full-scale component as part of the requirements. The component must be relevant to a clean energy manufacturing application with a weight over 10 tons (20,000 lbs.). Project teams are expected to represent multiple segments of the value/supply chain. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, casting, forging, powder metallurgy (PM), additive manufacturing (AM), hybrid processing, expeditionary manufacturing, automation, and smart manufacturing. Projects utilizing existing manufacturing processes without substantive innovation are not within the scope of this FOA.
6.IBM Launches RFP to Help Accelerate Global Water Management Solutions for Vulnerable Populations
IBM would like to share an opportunity which will become one of phase zero activities of The Exchange. The Sustainability Accelerator program is one of the key contributions we are bringing to the newly-formed ecosystem of The Exchange partners. Through May 31, the IBM Sustainability Accelerator is accepting proposals for pro bono support for water management initiatives benefitting underserved communities. Academic, government, and nonprofit organizations globally are eligible to receive two years of IBM support with a total market value of $2 million, primarily of technology and services. IBM is thrilled to already be working with Stony Brook University on an Accelerator project delivering clean energy data modeling and analysis tools for the United Nations Development Programme and NY energy stakeholders. We expect to align this project to the NY Climate Exchange and now hope to enable water-focused collaboration with other Exchange partners. Questions can be directed to sustainability.accelerator@ibm.com. IBM is happy to discuss early ideas, review draft proposals, and otherwise collaborate to plan strong projects. Please consider applying and sharing the RFP with your networks!
7. Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Pilot Demonstrations FOA
DE-FOA-0002826
Mandatory Pre-Application Due: 3/8/2023 | 5 PM ET
Application Due: 6/16/2023 | 5 PM ET
The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Geothermal Technologies Office’s (GTO) 2022 Enhanced Geothermal ShotTM analysis concludes that with aggressive technology improvements, in areas relevant to enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), geothermal power generation could provide 90 gigawatts-electric (GWe) firm, flexible power to the U.S. grid by 2050. Relative to other geothermal resources, EGS have the potential to provide the most growth in the electric sector, and in the GeoVision scenarios, support noteworthy growth within the non-electric sector for district heating and other direct-use applications. This potential expands if superhot EGS resources (>375°C) are accounted for. Without significant and sustained investment in EGS technology development and demonstrations to refine our ability to access and develop these resources, however, the 90 GWe target will not be achieved. The Topic Areas addressed under this FOA are: Topic Area 1: EGS Proximal Demonstrations: EGS demonstrations utilizing existing infrastructure proximal to existing geothermal / hydrothermal development with immediate potential for electrical power production. Topic Area 2: EGS Green Field Demonstrations: Sites with no existing geothermal development and potential for shallow sedimentary, igneous and/or mixed metamorphic rock EGS with near-term electrical power production potential. Topic Area 3: Super-hot / Supercritical EGS Demonstrations: Super-hot/ supercritical EGS demonstrations located at well-characterized sites with existing well(s) in place and with near-term electrical power production potential. You can download the presentation from a webinar conducted on the FOA on February 9, 2023.
8. Small Innovative Projects in Solar: Concentrating Solar Power and Photovoltaics (SIPS: CSP & PV) - Annual
DE-FOA-0002888
Full Application Submission Deadline: 6/1/23 || 5:00pm ET
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is being issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to invest in innovative research and development (R&D) that accelerates the large-scale development and deployment of solar technologies to support an equitable transition to a decarbonized electricity system by 2035 and decarbonized energy sector by 2050. Achieving this goal will support the nationwide effort to meet the threat of climate change and ensure that all Americans benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. This Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) FOA solicits seedling R&D projects for both photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal power technologies. The funding opportunity is designed to streamline the application process and to encourage applicants with a diverse range of backgrounds. This FOA is expected to be re-issued on an annual basis and will provide applicants the opportunity to submit new applications for consideration. EERE intends to modify this FOA at a future time to solicit applications for subsequent fiscal years.
9. Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Climate Change and Health
NOT-ES-22-006
Release Date: June 1, 2022 | First Available Due Date: July 08, 2022
Expiration Date: May 08, 2025
As part of an NIH-wide Climate Change and Health Initiative, this NOSI encourages applications that address the impact of climate change on health and well-being over the life course, including the health implications of climate change in the United States and globally. NIH will hold an informational webinar/Q&A session March 24 from 1:00pm-3:00pm EDT on Zoom. Registration is required.
10. DE-FOA-0002963: $820M Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects
DE-FOA-0002963
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 4/5/2023 5:00 PM ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 6/21/2023 5:00 PM ET
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), in collaboration with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), is issuing this Funding Opportunity Announcement for Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects. Supporting carbon capture large-scale pilot projects under field settings before advancing to commercial-scale demonstration and deployment will benefit entities intending to commercialize and deploy integrated CCS projects. Also, this FOA further allows development of these technologies in different industrial and hard-to-decarbonize sectors. Carbon capture large-scale pilot projects will provide the support needed to test novel technologies at intermediate scale and under relevant conditions in both the power and industrial sector to: De-risk transformational carbon capture technologies and address community concerns through meaningful engagement and robust analysis of impacts, risks and benefits such as emissions, water usage, and jobs; and Catalyze significant follow-on investments from the private sector for first-of-a-kind (FOAK) commercial-scale demonstrations on carbon emission sources across the power and industrial sectors. Pursuant to section 962(a)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 as amended (42 U.S.C. § 16292(a)(1)), the term "large-scale pilot project" means a pilot project that: (A) represents the scale of technology development beyond laboratory development and bench scale testing, but not yet advanced to the point of being tested under real operational conditions at commercial scale; (B) represents the scale of technology necessary to gain the operational data needed to understand the technical and performance risks of the technology before the application of that technology at commercial scale or in commercial-scale demonstration; and (C) is large enough to validate scaling factors; and to demonstrate the interaction between major components so that control philosophies for a new process can be developed and enable the technology to advance from large-scale pilot project application to commercial-scale demonstration or application. Through this FOA, DOE makes available up to $820 million of federal funding at a maximum of 70% federal cost share for up to ten (10) carbon capture large-scale pilot projects designed to further the development of transformational technologies that capture carbon emissions from existing coal or natural gas electric generation facilities and existing industrial facilities not purposed for electric generation.
11. DOE Announces $14 Million to Optimize Production of Affordable Biofuels and Biochemicals
DE-FOA-0002946 Concept Paper Due: April 21, 2023 | 5 PM
Full Applications Due: June 16, 2023 | 5 PM
On March 21, 2023, the Department of Energy today announced $14 million in funding to support and optimize the production of affordable biofuels and biochemicals while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The 2023 Conversion Research and Development (R&D) funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will accelerate the growth of the bioeconomy by supporting the development of high-impact technologies that convert domestic biomass and waste resources into affordable biofuels and bioproducts through two topic areas: Topic 1: Overcoming Barriers to Syngas Conversion Topic 2: Strategic Opportunities for Decarbonization of the Chemicals Industry Through Biocatalysts More information on the FOA and application process will be provided during an informational webinar on March 30, 2023.
12. DOE Announces $40 Million Focused on Improving Reliability, Resiliency, and Security of Power Infrastructure
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 5/9/2023 9:30 AM ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: TBD
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $40 million in funding to support a new program dedicated to developing cost-effective, high-speed, and safe undergrounding technologies to strengthen the system reliability for distribution grids by undergrounding electric power lines in urban and suburban areas. The GOPHURRS program aims to reduce costs, increase speed, and improve the reliability and safety of undergrounding operations through the development of technologies focused on automation, damage prevention, and error elimination. GOPHURRS technologies will shift the paradigm of undergrounding from digging to drilling in order to leave the surface nearly untouched. The focus will be to develop transformative technologies capable of achieving autonomous/trenchless utility installation while also avoiding hidden underground obstacles with advanced look-ahead sensors. In addition, GOPHURRS aims to reduce the life cycle cost of an underground power system by developing reliable cable joint designs and installation systems. If successfully developed, the technologies envisioned would help accelerate grid expansion and also improve the speed of underground construction of other types of infrastructure through automation, as well as the safety of the operators and surrounding communities. The development of GOPHURRS technologies is an urgent matter due to the need for increased under grounding to improve reliability and resilience in the face of growing severe weather-related threats resulting from climate change and will help the United States position as a global leader in the delivery of clean, affordable, equitable, and climate-resilient electricity. Specific technology categories include: High-speed construction tools with maneuverability to install underground conduits with minimal disruption to the surface, where the installed conduits are suitable for pulling medium voltage (5 - 46 kV) power cables. Sensors that characterize near-surface geology, underground obstacles, and existing underground infrastructure in order to assist underground construction operations at the required speed and to minimize risk of utility strikes and cross-borings. Automated cable splice installation systems as well as novel splice designs to ensure error-free and safe installation of cable joints.
13.$30M for Domestic Near Net Shape Manufacturing to Enable a Clean and Competitive Economy
DE-FOA-0003023
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 5/11/23 || 5:00pm ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 6/23/23 || 5:00pm ET
The intent of this FOA is to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative manufacturing technologies to increase the competitiveness of the domestic Near Net Shape (NNS) manufacturing base and strengthen the clean energy manufacturing supply chains. The technical and economic viability of the proposed manufacturing technologies will be established by producing a full-scale component as part of the requirements. The component must be relevant to a clean energy manufacturing application with a weight over 10 tons (20,000 lbs.). Project teams are expected to represent multiple segments of the value/supply chain. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, casting, forging, powder metallurgy (PM), additive manufacturing (AM), hybrid processing, expeditionary manufacturing, automation, and smart manufacturing. Projects utilizing existing manufacturing processes without substantive innovation are not within the scope of this FOA.
14. $54M IAC Program: Industrial Assessment Centers at Trade Schools, Community Colleges, & Union Training Programs; and Building Training & Assessment Centers (BTAC) Program
Info Webinar: 4/18/2023 || 2:00 PM ET
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 5/25/23 || 5:00pm ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 7/31/23 || 5:00pm ET
The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is issuing this FOA to establish new Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) at community colleges, trade schools, and union training programs, as well as to create new Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTACs) at institutions of higher education, including Tribal colleges and universities. The new IACs and BTACs will build upon the demonstrated success of applied learning environments and hands-on training approaches of existing IACs. The IACs also will draw on the unique strengths, geographic reach, and faculty/student composition of trade schools, community colleges, union training programs, and other institutions of higher education. The new IACs will focus on high-quality skilled trades job pathways in fields such as industrial electrician, energy management, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, while providing hands-on support to small and medium manufactures. The new BTACs will expand these benefits to commercial and institutional buildings to help lower utility costs and allow companies to reinvest in businesses, employees, and community services. BTACs will train students and workers as engineers, architects, building scientists, building energy permitting and enforcement officials, and building technicians in energy-efficient design and operation.
15.Operation and Planning Tools for Inverter-Based Resource Management and Availability for Future Power Systems (OPTIMA)
DOE-FOA-0003034
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 6/5/23 || 5:00pm ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 8/15/23 || 5:00pm ET
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is being issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). It will fund research in three topics areas that develop technologies to address emerging challenges and enhance the benefits of variable renewable energy sources (VRE), inverter-based resources (IBR), and distributed energy resources (DER), in utility long-term planning activities and the daily operation of the grid. Topic Area 1: System Planning Tools for Future Power Systems This topic seeks to improve the long-term planning process of the bulk power grid by incorporating the unique features of VRE and new technologies that support VRE into the planning process. Topic Area 2: Variability Management in Grid Operations Projects funded under this topic area will develop tools for grid operators to optimally utilize and control IBR connected to the bulk power grid, as well as large numbers of DER, to achieve a more reliable and predictable grid with high penetrations of VRE. Topic Area 3: Rapid System Health and Risk Assessment Tools for Grid Operators This topic seeks to develop software tools, and the data systems that support them, for grid operators to identify emerging system risks that are driven by the faster dynamics and uncertain operating states of IBR.
16.$35M Tidal Energy Advancement FOA: DE-FOA-0002845
Topic Area 1: Concept Papers Due: 6/05/2023 | 5:00pm ET
Topic Area 1: Full Applications Due: 7/25/2023 | 5:00pm ET
Topic Area 2: Concept Papers Due: 7/13/2023 | 5:00pm ET
Topic Area 2: Full Applications Due: 10/19/2023 | 5:00pm ET
The Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is issuing this FOA “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Section 41006(a): U.S. Tidal Energy Advancement” to significantly advance the state of tidal and/or current technologies in the U.S. Awards made under this FOA will be funded with funds appropriated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Through this FOA, DOE will invest $35,000,000 under Section 41006(a) to fund the first large-scale investment for the development of a pilot tidal and/or current Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) site in the U.S., with the aim to position tidal and/or current energy generation as a key clean energy contributor ready for net-zero emissions power sector while creating good jobs. An additional $10,000,000 under Section 41006(a) will be invested in a community-led tidal and/or current energy project, where balancing community energy priorities and technology innovation will accelerate tidal and current energy technologies for the generation of power to promote the resilience and economic development of coastal communities. Topic Area 1: Tidal and/or Current Site Development Topic Area 2: Community-Led Tidal and/or Current Energy Planning
17. $4.75M FOA - WETO Offshore Wind 2023 Centers of Excellence
Concept Paper Due: 6/8/2023 5:00 PM ET
Full Application Due: 8/28/2023 5:00 PM ET
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing, on behalf of the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), an FOA titled "WETO Offshore Wind 2023 Centers of Excellence FOA." EERE expects to make a total of approximately $4.75 million of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. The university-led Centers of Excellence funded through this opportunity are intended to accelerate and maximize the effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability of U.S. offshore wind deployment and operation through partnership with industry participants, including wind project developers and technology manufacturers; other institutions of higher education; other research institutions, such as national laboratories; non-governmental organizations; tribes; and state and local-level governments.
18.DE-FOA-0002881 (BIL) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Ride and Drive Electric, FY2023 FOA
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 6/16/2023 5:00 PM ET
Full Application Submission Deadline: 7/28/2023 5:00 PM ET
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), through the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled “Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Ride and Drive Electric, Fiscal Year 2023 Funding Opportunity Announcement.” Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the Joint Office will provide funding for: Electric vehicle (EV) charging resiliency planning for continuity of operations and services for all EV users; Equitable business model development and deployment for EV charging; Workforce development to support EV charging; Increased industrial capacity, competition, and redundancy for validation testing and certification in the United States of Alternating Current (AC) Level 2 and/or Direct Current (DC) fast chargers; Assessing performance and reliability of DC fast charging stations.
19.$7M FY2023 Vehicle Technologies Office Program Wide FOA - DE-FOA-0002893
Concept Paper Submission Deadline: 6/26/2023 5:00 PM ET Full Application Submission Deadline: 8/11/2023 5:00 PM ET
This Funding Opportunity Announcement will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including: reduction of weight and cost of batteries, reduction in life cycle emissions of advanced lightweight materials, reduced costs and advanced technologies for both on- and off-road vehicle charging and infrastructure, innovative public transit solutions, and training to increase deployment of these technologies among diverse communities.
20. DE-FOA-0003045: Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas Fixed Award Grant Program
Informational Webinar: 05/30/2023 / 2:00pm ET
Submission Deadline for Pre-Applications: 07/13/2023 / 5:00pm ET
Submission Deadline for Applications: 10/12/2023 / 5:00pm ET
DOE’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Program is managed by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). OCED will provide financial investment, technical assistance, and other resources to advance clean energy demonstrations and energy solutions that benefit rural and remote communities. ERA aims to fund clean energy projects with three specific goals: 1. Deliver measurable benefits to energy customers in rural or remote areas by funding replicable energy projects that lower energy costs, improve energy access and resilience, and/or reduce environmental harm; 2. Support new rural or remote energy system models using climate-resilient technologies, business structures that promote economic resilience, new financing mechanisms, and/or new community engagement practices; and 3. Build clean energy knowledge, capacity, and self-reliance in rural America. This FOA provides $50 million in Federal funding and is designed to support small community-driven clean energy projects requiring $500,000 to $5 million in Federal funding. Other ERA funding opportunities include DE-FOA-0002970, titled "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas," which provides $5 million to $100 million in Federal funding to community- and large-scale demonstration projects that address region-specific energy challenges, and a $15 million Energizing Rural Communities Prize, which provides up to $300,000 cash prizes to assist development of partnerships and financing models to advance clean energy projects. This FOA utilizes a simplified application process and will award fixed-amount grants. This grant mechanism significantly reduces financial reporting requirements associated with larger DOE awards. Recipients are responsible for accomplishing their proposed work.
21. $45 Million Funding Opportunity to Advance Tidal and Current Energy Planning and Development
Informational Webinar: 05/30/23 | 3 pm ET
Concept Paper Due (Mandatory): 6/5/23 || 5pm ET (TA1); 7/13/23 5 pm ET (TA2)
Full Application Due: 10/19/23 || 5 pm ET
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) today released a $45 million funding opportunity to advance a comprehensive approach to tidal and current energy development in the United States. Part of President Biden’s Invest in America Agenda and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this opportunity will make the first large-scale investment in a tidal and/or current energy research, development, and demonstration site in the United States. It will also support a community-led tidal and/or current energy planning and development project. This funding opportunity will support projects in two topic areas focused on advancing the tidal and current energy industry toward commercialization for utility- and community-scale applications: Topic area 1 will provide up to $35 million to support the development of a pilot tidal and/or current energy technology demonstration site in state waters. Topic area 2 will provide up to $10 million to support a community-led tidal and/or current energy planning and development project. WPTO will host an informational webinar at 3 p.m. ET on May 30, 2023, to discuss the funding opportunity and areas of focus. Register for the webinar.
22. DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement - "Open Call" Deadline: Open until replaced by next fiscal year's call, 9/30/2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides up to $400 million in funding for a range of research opportunities to support DOE’s clean energy, economic, and national security goals. The funding will advance the priorities of DOE’s Office of Science and its major programs, including Advanced Scientific Computing Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, Fusion Energy Sciences, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Isotope R&D and Production and Accelerator R&D and Production. The DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), informally known as the “Open Call,” is issued annually at the beginning of each Fiscal Year (FY). It provides a vehicle for the Office of Science to solicit applications for research support in areas not covered by more specific, topical FOAs that are issued by the office over the course of the Fiscal Year.
23. COVID-19 Research at the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor Deadline: Ongoing – Resource available for research until further notice.
With the continuing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Energy Basic Energy Sciences neutron sources will provide remote rapid access to support research into the COVID-19 virus and the search for effective diagnostics and therapies. Researchers who would like to use neutron scattering resources for COVID-19 research may submit a rapid access proposal here.
24. COVID-19 Research Questions Deadline: Ongoing – Open until further notice.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is taking steps to address COVID-19 and is soliciting ideas about how the Department and the National Laboratories might contribute resources for science and technology efforts and collaborations. The Department is encouraging the scientific community and others to consider research questions that underpin COVID-19 response and is requesting input on strategic, priority research directions that may be undertaken using DOE user facilities, computational resources, and enabling infrastructure. More information is available here.
25. Solar Energy Innovators Program Opportunity
Deadline: Rolling - Pending applications reviewed 1st of each month.
The purpose of the Solar Energy Innovators Program is to enable selected applicants to conduct practical research on innovative solutions to the challenges faced by electric utilities, energy service providers, and electric public utility commissions as the levels of solar energy, as well as other distributed energy resources (DERs), increase on the electrical grid. Selected applicants will participate for up to two years at a Host Institution on one or more topics related to the integration of solar energy. The applicant must identify a Host Institution and potential mentor at a utility, energy service provider, or public utilities commission (PUC) currently conducting research in an area related to the integration of solar energy onto the electricity grid. Host Institutions may seek potential Innovators that are eligible to apply to the program, but it is the potential Innovator, not the Host Institution or mentor, who submits the application and supporting materials to this site.
For more information, and to apply, click here.
26. Events Sponsorship Program: Grants up to $4,000 Available to ORAU Consortium Member Universities
Deadline: Ongoing Applications for events occurring between October 1 and March 31 must be received by September 1.
Applications for events occurring between April 1 and September 30 must be received by March 1.
Event or conference sponsorship is often beneficial to our Council of Sponsoring Institution Members, whether as a means of fostering collaboration among Council members, gaining new and important information for a proposal or business plan, and more. To help make these event opportunities possible, ORAU’s University Partnerships Office offers an Events Sponsorship Program to member institutions. Each member university is limited to one award per fiscal year (October through September). Up to $4,000 may be requested to support an event that involves participants from more than one ORAU member institution, including students. Examples of such events include visits to an ORAU consortium member by a renowned speaker, conferences or workshops with a focused theme, or a technology transfer/business plan competition. For more information, please go here.
27. ADL Ventures and National Renewable Energy Lab Competition
Deadline: Ongoing
ADL Ventures is working with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) as a Power Connector for the American-Made Solar Prize, a $3 million prize competition for researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs working on solar technologies. Winners of the competition can receive up to $500K in non-dilutive funding in addition to in-kind support from the National Labs. To date, 60 winners from 23 different states have been selected over 3 rounds for a total of $9M in funding. In addition to the publicity and resources associated with selection by DOE / NREL, the winners benefit from a much more streamlined funding process versus traditional collaborative awards and grants, allowing them to hit the ground running quickly, with minimal restrictions. More information about the price can be found on our ProblemSpace platform or from the NREL Solar Prize information webinar on August 19th.
