Education & Workforce Development
The Delaware Energy Institute strives to engage and inspire future generations on the essential topics of energy use and conservation. Our education and workforce development activities focus on teaching and enhancing critical workforce skills, arming individuals with the knowledge and know-how needed to succeed in an energy-dependent world.
Listed below are the numerous energy-related offerings and resources available at the University of Delaware.
Keep Closed
Energy-related courses
Uses economic theory to examine the operation and efficiency of energy markets. Topics include regulation, energy efficiency and emission control, and public policies affecting energy markets.
ELEG 303 – Electricity from Sunlight
Introduction to generating electricity with solar energy, such as the photovoltaic system on the University Field House. Course content is directed to non-electrical engineering undergraduate students. Students pursuing degrees in the basic sciences, business, accounting, education and other engineering fields would all benefit.
ELEG 415 – Electric Power and Renewable Energy Systems
Introduction to electric power systems and interfaces with renewable energy sources. Covers electric power generation, transmission, distribution; residential, commercial, and industrial systems; components, operation, losses, metering and load management.
Energy flows are examined in our society including all sources, conversions and conversion efficiencies, and end uses. Both existing and alternative energy sources are presented, especially with regard to total resource availability. Thermodynamics of conversion efficiency is covered, as well as efficiency measures available in end use.
ELEG 628 – Solar Energy Technology and Application
This course will take the student from understanding the photovoltaic (PV) effect in a p-n junction solar cell all the way to the impact of gigawatts of power on our grid. Students will understand the critical issues in photovoltaic (PV) research, manufacturing, cost, performance and deployment. We learn how to calculate how much energy is harvested at a given location for different module configurations and how light leads to the generation of current and voltage in a solar cell. The design, processing and manufacturing of various PV cell and module technologies is covered in detail. Students will learn to design and analyze off-grid and grid-connected systems. The economics and integration challenges residential, commercial and centralized PV power systems are discussed. The class has a lab where students apply the basic concepts of parallel and series circuits and solar modules, impact of module tilt and temperature, and battery charging. Class is open to Engineering seniors and graduate students.
ENEP 117 – Science, Society and Energy
Basic science and societal issues related to energy production process and effects of their uses. Topics include ethics of energy production and uses, scientific principals that govern production and use of energy, environmental issues related to the use of energy, e.g., global warming, acid rain.
ENEP 250 – Introduction to Energy Policy
Introduces field of energy policy and provides a review of the role of social, economic, political, and environmental factors in shaping the energy sector. Surveys policy, technical and economic assessments of key energy options needed to achieve a more sustainable world and the appropriate policy mechanisms to implement these options.
ENEP 425 – Energy Policy and Administration
Analyzes energy use and energy policy with respect to politics, society, economics, political economy, technology, resources, and environment. Focuses on interrelationships among energy, environment, economy and equity (E4). It considers the energy policy options needed to achieve a more sustainable world.
ENEP 427 – Sustainable Energy: Economics and Policy Analysis
Examines existing policy responses to climate change, alongside opportunities for a redirected political economy to achieve energy and environmental conditions with meaningful CO2 reductions. Specific attention given to possibilities and limits of scientific knowledge and technology in galvanizing social change.
ENEP 460 – Financial Analysis for Sustainable Energy
Interest in sustainable energy options has grown with their wider adoption. For large-scale deployment, sustainable energy options should be financially attractive. Teach students how to conduct financial analysis for sustainable energy to quantify benefits and associated costs. Covers primary financial evaluation methods. Study time value of money, cash flow equivalence, cost-benefit analysis, before and after tax cash flow, rate of return analysis and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Learn how to use renewable energy performance and financial modeling tools and will be able to evaluate impact of policies on their financial performance.
ENEP 468 – Research in Energy and Environment
Examines advanced research concepts, methods and findings in the fields of energy and environment. Explores topics in support of student research with a focus on sustainability issues in Northern and Southern countries.
ENEP 470 – Readings in Energy and Environment
Explores a range of concepts, issues and phenomena associated with energy and environmental policy. Allows student and instructor to interact dynamically in crafting a readings list building upon the student’s interest in given topics. Successful completion of course should allow student to prepare a research paper summarizing key material and analyzing its substantive relevance to thematic concerns in the student’s plan of study.
ENEP 485 – Senior Seminar in Energy and Environmental Policy
Expose ENEP students to the wide range of work that is being done on local, national and global levels related to Energy and Environment as well as to make students aware of the work and events that are happening on the UD campus in this area. Invited speakers will cover a vast range of topics including presentations on soft energy pathways, the conscious and unconscious effects on the environment and their mitigation strategies, Anthropocene to anthropocentricity, Buddhist Physics and Buddhist Economics, etc.
Reviews all energy types available on Earth (including coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, wave, tidal, and biomass), energy sources and end uses, energy resource assessments, energy conversions, energy system impacts on the environment, and future energy scenarios.
GEOG 236 – Conservation: Global Issues
Introduces the global nature of resources management and discusses the relationships between population growth, the market economy, agricultural production and mineral and energy exploitation, worldwide.
GEOG 413 – Meteorological processes for wind energy
Explores the fundamental concepts of meteorology that are needed to understand onshore, offshore, and airborne wind energy. Topics include: forces affecting winds; terrain and land-use effects; air turbulence; numerical modeling; wind power and energy from turbines; and wind measurement technologies.
MAST 413 – Meteorological processes for wind energy
Explores the fundamental concepts of meteorology that are needed to understand onshore, offshore, and airborne wind energy. Topics include: forces affecting winds; terrain and land-use effects; air turbulence; numerical modeling; wind power and energy from turbines; and wind measurement technologies.
MAST 439 – Renewable Energy & Climate: Law, Regulation and Environment
Introduction to US laws and regulations pertaining to greenhouse gases and the generation, transmission, and integration of renewable energy into the electrical, transportation and building heat systems. Explores judicial opinions but also considers technical and scientific sources.
MAST 480 – Renewable Energy and Climate: Law, Regulation and Environment
Introduction to US laws and regulations pertaining to greenhouse gases and the generation, transmission, and integration of renewable energy into the electrical, transportation and building heat systems. Explores judicial opinions but also considers technical and scientific sources.
Considers the basics of solar energy utilization. Emphasis on photovoltaic systems, including inorganic and organic based systems, as well as hybrid solar cells, followed by consideration of passive and active usage such as solar thermal power.
PHYS 143 – Energy Technology and Society
Basic principles of physics are applied to discuss forms of energy (mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical and nuclear), and how energy is derived from sources such as coal, petroleum, solar, nuclear fission and fusion. Environmental consequences of energy use are treated.
SCEN 119 – Transforming Solar Energy
Lab- and project- focused exploration of solar energy and its uses. Biology, chemistry and physics concepts are introduced in context, leading to critical analysis of efficiency and economics of different technologies.
UAPP 425 – Energy Policy and Administration
Analyzes energy use and energy policy with respect to politics, society, economics, political economy, technology, resources, and environment. Focuses on interrelationships among energy, environment, economy and equity (E4). It considers the energy policy options needed to achieve a more sustainable world.
Certificate programs
Graduate Certificate in Composites Manufacturing & Engineering
Design rules for composite materials are fundamentally different than for traditional materials, with the engineer tailoring the material structure at the micro- and nano-scales to achieve the desired mechanical and physical properties. This program is intended to provide the practicing engineer a strong foundation in the processing-structure-property relations in advanced fiber composites. The University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials and Department of Mechanical Engineering are internationally recognized as leaders in composites research and education.
MEEG617 – Composite Materials, taught by Dr. Erik Thostenson, discusses fiber and matrix materials; fiber-matrix interface; polymer, metal, ceramic and carbon matrix composites; geometric aspects, elastic properties, lamination theory, strength of unidirectional composites, strength of laminates, durability, hybrid composites, flexible composites and textile structural composites.
MEEG655 – Principles of Composites Manufacturing (3 credits), taught by Dr. Suresh G. Advani, introduces the fundamental principles involved in composites manufacturing. Modeling of such processes is emphasized with applications of injection molding, compression molding, filament wiring, pultrusion and resin transfer molding.
MEEG656 – Practical Composites Manufacturing (3 credits). Couples lectures with hands-on exercises using CCM’s Composites Design Software (CDS). Detailed videos and lecture materials showing all aspects of composite manufacturing, from performing to final manufacturing and finishing, connect theory to practice.
MEEG657 – Experimental Characterization of Composites for Manufacturing (3 credits). Explains key concepts and elements of composites manufacturing processes, technologies and systems. An online-only course where lectures are coupled with detailed videos of manufacturing processes and exercises with simulation software to connect theory to practice. Creation of a “virtual laboratory” for composites characterization where thermoplastic and thermoset composite systems are fully characterized using advanced thermal analysis and mechanical/physical characterization techniques emphasizing manufacturing influences on composite properties.
Graduate Certificate in Wind Power Science Engineering and Policy
The Graduate Certificate in Wind Power Science Engineering and Policy is an interdisciplinary program administered by the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment.
Courses are taught by faculty from Marine Policy, Physical Ocean Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geological Sciences, and Geography. The program is designed to give a broad understanding of the wind energy industry from multiple disciplinary perspectives. The emphasis is on offshore wind power, however, most courses apply equally to wind power either on land, in the ocean, or airborne. The certificate may be taken in conjunction with a graduate degree in a traditional discipline or as a stand-alone program. More information on the graduate certificate program can be found below and in the program brochure.
The Graduate Certificate is designed for three types of students:
- Students considering or already accepted in a graduate UD program looking for formal recognition of their wind power expertise
- For students focused on one specific area of wind power research it provides coverage of related areas allowing for improved understanding of interacting systems
- Working professionals, who need to understand more about the wind industry, to more effectively do their jobs or seek advancement.
Renewable Energy Engineering and Policy Certificate
The REEP-CERT requires satisfactory completion of three (3) graduate level courses (9 credits) as detailed below. No REEP-CERT courses can be counted toward both this certificate and any other graduate certificate program. Each certificate program course must be completed with a grade no lower than B-; the overall GPA of the REEP-CERT courses must be no lower than 3.0.
Degree programs and concentrations
The University of Delaware offers environmentally-related degree programs at all levels from baccalaureate through doctorate, with many options for majors, minors, concentrations and programs. Use the links below to explore specific degree programs and departmental offerings with an emphasis on sustainability and/or environmental themes.
MINORS:
Sustainable Energy Technology Minor
Energy and Environmental Policy Minor
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS:
Environmental Science – Energy and Environment Concentration (BS)
Energy and Environmental Policy – Energy, Science and Technology Concentration (BS)
Energy and Environmental Policy 4+1 (BS/MS)
Energy and Environmental Policy – Energy, Environment and Society Concentration (BS)
Energy and Environmental Policy – Energy, Economics and Public Policy Concentration (BS)
GRAUDATE DEGREE PROGRAMS:
Center for Composite Materials
CCM educates engineers, conducts basic research, and provides prompt technology transfer for the composites community. Dedicated to advancing composites science and technology, the Center seeks to attract the best and brightest students and researchers in the field. Affiliated students earn degrees from all of the departments in the College of Engineering (chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical and materials science) as well as other university departments such as physics, business, and chemistry. More than 100 students are currently affiliated with CCM, and 2,000+ alumni are working in the various sectors of the composites industry, conducting research in government labs, or teaching at academic institutions throughout the world.
For over 40 years, CCM has collaborated with well over 250 international companies through consortium membership or contracts and grants. Collaborating companies include materials suppliers and end users in the aerospace, automotive, civil infrastructure, marine, and durable goods industries. In addition, during the past three decades, CCM has been home to six NSF/DoD Centers of Excellence.
Institute for Energy Conversion
The Institute of Energy Conversion is a research facility with a strong emphasis on graduate student training and education. Since 2010 we have provided training to over 40 PhD and Master level students. Students can conduct their research at IEC under the guidance of one or more Professional Staff members using unique equipment and facilities available at IEC supplemented by other facilities on campus. The IEC does not directly accept graduate students nor award degrees.
Masters in Energy and Environmental Policy
Energy Research Internship (ERI) Program
Our internship programs are designed for chemical engineering and chemistry undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications for part-time research assistant positions for the 2025-26 academic year and the 2026 summer program (full time, 10-weeks, June – August) will open in Fall 2025. Positions are in the Vlachos Group in ISE Lab and include a competitive stipend.
Projects typically include: experimental catalysis, reaction engineering, and computational catalysis (applications of quantum chemistry and/or machine learning) focused on biomass conversion, renewables, plastics, process intensification and green engineering, and plasma catalysis.
Energy Seminars
Listed below are energy-related seminars and presentations offered in-person and virtually that may be of interest.
Keep Closed
2025
CHARM / Center for Plastics Innovation
From Researcher to Leader: Leadership Skills Workshop
January 13, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | CCM 106 | Register
Delaware Energy Institute
Industrial Symbiosis: Leveraging Inter-firm Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Abheek Chatterjee, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park/NIST
January 8, 2025
12:30 PM | 467 ISE Lab | Zoom
2024
Center for Composite Materials
AIM EFRC Webinar Series: Career Paths in Industrial R&D
Ryan Hahnlen, Ph.D., Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC
December 16, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Virtual | Register
Center for Plastics Innovation
Chemical innovation through the lens of a “worker bee”: From small molecule synthesis to large scale manufacturing and the value of intellectual cross-pollination through polymer science
Kristoffer Stokes, Ph.D., Principal Scientist, Geisys Ventures
December 5, 2024
10:00 – 11:00 AM | CLB 366 | Register
Center for Clean Hydrogen
Lessons in Corporate R&D Funding of Electrochemical Projects
Prof. Cortney K. Mittelsteadt, University of Delaware
December 2, 2024
5:00 PM | Sharp Lab 123 | Zoom
Center for Composite Materials Distinguished Seminar
3D-Printing Under High Pressure
Prof. Dr. -Ing. Jens Schuster, Institute for Polymer Technology West-Palatinate
November 18, 2024
11:00 AM | 101 Academy St, Rm 106
Center for Clean Hydrogen
Everything Corky Does Not Know About PEM ELX
Prof. Cortney K. Mittelsteadt, University of Delaware
November 18, 2024
5:00 PM | Sharp Lab 123 | Zoom
CBE/CPI Seminar
Atoms to Autos: Bridging Fundamental Science with Applied Engineering to Enable Sustainable Technologies Transforming the Mobility Industry
Dr. Srikanth Pilla, University of Delaware
November 15, 2024
10:00 AM | 102 Colburn Lab
2024 Foltyn Seminar
Plastics – Past and Present, but not the Future of Human Health
Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP – Jim G. Hendrick, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Professor, Department of Population Health – NYU
November 13, 2024
4:00 PM | Audion, Tower at STAR | Registration (required)
UD-CCM Seminar
Scaling Recyclable and Dynamic Thermosets: From Beaker to Wind blade and Beyond
Dr. Nicholas Rorrer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
November 12, 2024
11:00 AM | 101 Academy St, Rm 106
Delaware Energy Institute
Nanomaterials to the Chemical Industry: Catalysis for Energy and the Environment
Dr. Sinmyung Yoon, University of Delaware
September 27, 2024
1:00 PM | 467 ISE Lab
Heck Lecture
The Power of Organometallics: From catalysis to self-assembled monolayers to atomically precise nanoclusters
Cathleen Crudden Ph.D., Queen’s University
September 25, 2024
4:00 PM | 101 Brown Lab
Center for Plastics Innovation / CBE
New Tools for Catalysis at NIST-operated X-ray Beamlines
Evan Jahrman, Ph.D., NIST
September 20, 2024
10:00 AM | CLB 102 | Zoom
Center for Composite Materials Distinguished Seminar
Healing Vitrimer Composites: Molecular and Experimental Insights
Dr. Aniruddh Vashisth, University of Washington
September 13, 2024
9:00 AM | 106 CCM
Delaware Energy Institute
2024 Fall Symposium
September 11, 2024
3:00 – 6:00 PM | 301 Fintech
This event has been postponed.
Delaware Energy Institute / Center for Catalytic Science and Technology
Machine-Learned Physical Properties for Molecular Design
Alexander Mitsos, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
May 8, 2024
9:00 AM | 467 ISE Lab | Zoom
RSC Desktop Seminars
AI-assisted Modeling for the Energy Transition; AI and Automation Enhanced Chemical Discovery and Development
Dion Vlachos, University of Delaware
Klavs Jensen, MIT
May 7, 2024
10:00 AM | Zoom
Center for Catalytic Science and Technology
Heterogenous Catalytic Technologies to Decarbonize Plastic Industry
Jungho Jae, Pusan National Laboratory
April 29, 2024
1:00 PM | 366 CLB
Center for Clean Hydrogen
The Growing Role of H2 in the Energy System and the Importance of Electrolysis
Bryan Pivovar, National Renewable Energy Lab – Golden, CO
April 25, 2024
1:30 PM | 106 CCM | ZOOM
Center for Catalytic Science and Technology
Reaction Engineering Short Course on Laboratory Reactors
Daniel A. Hickman, Jonathan Lym – Dow Chemical Company
April 17, 2024
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 366 CLB | Register
Materials Science and Engineering Seminar
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Characterization of Atomic Defects in Two Dimensional Semiconductors
Madisen Holbrook, Columbia University
April 17, 2024
10:00 AM | 322 ISE
Center for Catalytic Science and Technology
The Energy Transition for the Chemicals and Materials Industry
Daniel A. Hickman, Dow Chemical Company
April 16, 2024
2:30 PM | 322 ISE Lab
Materials Science and Engineering Seminar
What Single Molecule Reactivity Can Tell Us About Polymer Material Behavior (and how to change it)
Dr. Steven Craig, Duke University
April 10, 2024
10:00 AM | 322 ISE
CBE Seminar Series
Electrochemical Wastewater Refining: Using Reactive Separations to Convert Nitrogen Pollutants to Products
William Tarpeh, Stanford University
April 12, 2024
10:15 AM | 102 CLB | Zoom
Delaware Energy Institute
Electroactive Materials Across Decades of Length Scales: Optimal Pathways Through Data-Driven Design
Rachel Davidson, University of Delaware
April 5, 2024
10:00 AM | 366 Colburn Lab
Center for Catalytic Science and Technology
Tandem Electrocatalysis – Thermocatalysts for CO2 Conversion
Jingguang Chen, Columbia University
April 1, 2024
10:00 AM | 366 CLB
Center for Clean Hydrogen
Hydrogen Safety Considerations
Nick Barilo, Executive Director, Center for Hydrogen Safety
March 31, 2024
10:00 AM | ISE 381 | Zoom
Center for Catalytic Science and Technology
A Process Systems Framework for Design, Optimization, and Control of Modular Energy Systems
Fernando Lima, West Virginia University
March 14, 2024
2:30 PM | 322 ISE Lab | Zoom
George C. A. Schuit Memorial Lecture
Climate Change, Sustainability and Energy Transition; One Perspective from India
Ajit Sapre, Reliance Industries, INDIA, Group President R&D
March 1, 2024
10:15 AM | 102 CLB | ZOOM
Department Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Controlling the Local Reaction Environment to Drive Catalysis
Max J. Huelsey, MIT
February 29, 2024
9:00 AM | 366 Colburn Lab | ZOOM
Department Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Converting CO2, Water, and Sunlight into Liquid Fuels: Towards Affordable Solar Fuels and Chemicals
Aisulu Aitbekova, Cal Tech
February 26, 2024
9:00 AM | 104 Colburn Lab | ZOOM
Royal Society of Chemistry: Desktop Seminars
Polymers for Sustainability
Thomas H. Epps, III, University of Delaware
Emily Pentzer, Texas A&M University
February 22, 2024
10:00 AM | Register
Department Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Toward Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing: Electrochemical Upgrading of Small Molecules via Active Site and Microenvironment Tuning
Sunmoon Yu, MIT
February 19, 2024
9:00 AM | 104 Colburn Lab | ZOOM
MPS Distinguished Lecture in Honor of Black History Month
There and Back Again: An Inclusive Journey from Polymers to Small Molecules to Materials
Thomas H. Epps, III, University of Delaware
February 7, 2024
2:00 PM| Rm E3410 | ZOOM
Department Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Computational Investigation of Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Alexandra Zagalskaya, Lawrence Livermore National Lab
February 2, 2024
9:00 AM | 102 Colburn Lab | ZOOM
Center for Clean Hydrogen
Potential Dependence of Iridium Dissolution Using Time-Resolved Materials
Nancy N. Kariuki
February 1, 2024
10:00 AM | ISE 381 and ZOOM
2023
Delaware Energy Institute – RAPID
Virtual Kinetics Lab Reaction Software Online Workshop
December 11 – December 15, 2023
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (daily) | Register for Zoom link
Center for Catalytic Science & Technology
Electrochemical Approaches to Decarbonizing Fuels and Chemicals
Haotian Wang, Rice University
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
2:00 PM | CLB 366 or Zoom
COE Inaugural Lecture Series
An Engineering Career in Three Figures
Dr. Eric Furst, William H. Severn Distinguished Chair of Chemical Engineering
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
4:00 PM | 501 FinTech Innovation Hub
Please register for this event
Department of Materials Science & Engineering and the Center for Hybrid, Active, and Responsive Materials
Coupling a Molecular Understanding to the Solution Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Emil Hernandez-Pagan, University of Delaware
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
10:30 AM | ISE 322
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Toward the Efficient Operation of an Electrified Chemical Industry
Qi Zhang, University of Minnesota
Friday, December 1, 2023
10:00 AM | 102 Colburn Lab
Center for Clean Hydrogen
Analysis of PEM Membrane Electrodes Assemblies Impact on the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen
Thomas I. Valdez, Plug Power, Inc.
Thursday, December 16, 2023
10:00 AM | CLB 366 | Zoom
Center for Catalytic Science & Technology
Advanced Catalysts for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies
Gang Wu, University of Buffalo-SUNY
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
2:00 PM | CLB 366 or Zoom
College of Arts & Sciences – Inorganic Chemistry Seminar
Atomic-scale Insights into Electrocatalyst Structure and Function
Anthony Shoji Hall, Johns Hopkins University
Friday, November 10, 2023
4:00 PM | 219 BRL
Center for Plastics Innovation – Sustainability Seminar Series
Overcoming Barriers in Waste Plastic Conversion Using Heterogeneous Catalysts
Julie Rorrer, University of Washington- Seattle
Friday, November 10, 2023
11:00 AM | CLB 366 or Zoom
Delaware Energy Institute
Nanostructured Materials and their Applications in Catalysis
Selvam Parasuraman, Indian Institute of Technology – Madras
Thursday, June 29, 2023
4:00 PM | 467 ISE Lab
Delaware Energy Institute
Nanostructured Materials and their Applications in Catalysis
Selvam Parasuraman, Indian Institute of Technology – Madras
Thursday, June 29, 2023
4:00 PM | 467 ISE Lab
Delaware Energy Institute
Atomic Scale Microwave Selective Heating of Single Metal Cations in Zeolites
Fuminao Kishimoto, University of Toykyo
Monday, June 26, 2023
10:00 AM | 467 ISE Lab
Center for Plastics Innovation
New Catalysts for Polymerization and Depolymerization
Jeffery Byers, Boston College
Friday, May 12, 2023
1:00 PM CLB 104 | Zoom
ECE Distinguished Lecture Series
An Engineer’s Journey from Motor City to Capitol Hill
Tanya Das, Bipartisan Policy Center Senior Associate Director of Energy Innovation
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
3:30 PM in Mitchell Hall
CBE Seminar Series
Electrochemical Hydrogenation, Hydrogenolysis, and Dehydrogenation for Reductive & Oxidative Biomass Upgrading
Kyoung-Shin Choi, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Virtual: ZOOM
Allan P. Colburn Memorial Lecture
Innovating Energy Solutions in a Net-Zero Future
Michelle Calabrese, University of Minnesota
Friday, March 17, 2023
10:00 AM in 102 CLB
and via Zoom: https://udel.zoom.us/j/99615073260
Dr. Nicholas Rorrer, Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Towards a Better Steel Replacement: Biomass Enabled Performance Advantages for Thermoset Applications
Wednesday March 14, 2023
10:00 AM in 366 CLB and Zoom
Dr. Chuck Zhang, Georgia Institute of Technology
Integrated Design and Scalable Manufacturing of Lightweight, Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper Nanocomposites
Wednesday March 1, 2023
9:00 AM in 106 CCM
Dr. Srikanth Pilla, ExxonMobil
Atoms to Auto
Monday, February 27, 2023
9:00 AM in 106 CCM
Robert L. Pigford Memorial Lecture
Charge-neutral Polymer Complexes as Battery Components
Rachel Segalman, University of California, Santa Barbara
Friday, February 24, 2023
10:00 AM in 102 CLB
and via Zoom: https://udel.zoom.us/j/99615073260
Kurt Wohl Lecture Series
Separations and Hybrid Processes to Accelerate Decarbonization
David Sholl, Georgia Institute of Technology
Friday, February 17, 2023
10:00 AM in 102 CLB
and via Zoom: https://udel.zoom.us/j/99615073260
Funding Opportunities
Find funding opportunities listed by month issued below. Due dates, where applicable, and links to further information are included in the summary of each opportunity. Please note: opportunities listed here may be limited submissions. Researchers should contact the Research Office to determine if there is an active or upcoming internal process for any opportunity of interest.
Keep Closed
2024
DECEMBER 2024
Materials Innovation Platforms (NSF 25-521): Materials Innovation Platforms (MIP) is a mid-scale infrastructure program in the Division of Materials Research (DMR) designed to accelerate advances in materials research. The scientific focus of the MIP program is subject to change from competition to competition. The third MIP competition, in 2025, will accept proposals on alloys, amorphous, and composite materials. Given that the second MIP competition included an emphasis on biomaterials and polymer research, proposals mainly on these topics will not be considered in the third MIP competition. Due: May 15, 2025
Renewable Integration Management with Innovative High Voltage Direct Current Power Circuit Breakers (REIMAGINE BREAKERS) (DE-FOA-0003396): This NOFO seeks applications to support R&D that will standardize the technical specifications of high voltage direct current circuit breakers (HV DCCB) as well as advance existing HV DCCB designs. Developing standards for HV DCCBs will support the protection and interoperability of hardware within MTDC transmission systems and allow for seamless interconnection and coordination of the technology into existing HV AC & DC transmission systems. Standardization will provide key stakeholders with guidance to ensure all HV DCCBs developed are compatible with existing and future transmission networks. Additionally, the advancement of HV DCCB designs will aid in the development of novel ideas to reduce overall cost and footprint of the technology. Concept Paper: January 17, 2025 | Full: February 28, 2025
Systems Biology Research to Advance Bioenergy Crop Production (DE-FOA-0003453): The DOE SC program in Biological and Environmental Research (BER) announces it is receiving applications for research within the Biological Systems Science Division’s (BSSD) Genomic Science Program (GSP) mission-space. In this NOFO, applications are requested for: Systems-level research to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bioenergy feedstock productivity under changing and at times suboptimal environmental conditions; and, Systems biology-enabled investigations into the role(s) of microbes and microbial communities (including rhizosphere consortia, e.g. bacteria, fungi, diazotrophs, endophytes, viruses) in supporting plant productivity and vigor. Pre-Application: January 17, 2025 | Full: March 26, 2025
Wind Turbine Technology Recycling (DE-FOA-0003373): This funding opportunity will help address technological and supply chain challenges that currently limit recycling of fiber-reinforced composites and rare earth element magnets in wind turbines; accelerate the creation of designs that are more easily recyclable and reusable; and speed up the development of end-of-life processing technologies to cost effectively, sustainably, and efficiently recycle and recover materials from wind turbines, including manufacturing waste. Due: February 11, 2025
Connected Communities 2.0 Partnership Intermediary Agreement: This funding opportunity via a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) seeks to accelerate innovative solutions to address new load growth from computing, manufacturing, buildings, and transportation. This PIA complements the Connected Communities 2.0 funding opportunity, launched in July 2024, which is designed to validate technology innovations at the grid edge—where electricity distribution transitions between utilities and end users—in real-world situations to help ensure grid readiness for load growth. Due: January 9, 2025
Partnerships to Accelerate Training & Hiring for Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP PATHs) Prize: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office GHP PATHs Prize aims to kickstart regional partnerships focused on building a stronger workforce for geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), which is necessary to help expand the use of GHPs for efficient heating and cooling nationwide. Due: February 14, 2025
HARMONY: Human-Centric Analytics for Resilient & Modernized Power sYstems (DE-FOA-0003446): This NOFO aims to enhance grid reliability and resilience in the face of growing uncertainties and in the age of big data to accelerate pathways towards DOE grid modernization goals. Successful implementation of projects will enable rigorous quantification of risks and uncertainties and their communication to decision-makers and human operators for enhanced grid visibility and resilience. Concept Paper: January 27, 2025 | Full: March 20, 2025
NOVEMBER 2024
Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) (NSF 25-511): This initiative seeks to support experiential learning opportunities for individuals from diverse professional and educational backgrounds that will increase access to, and interest in, career pathways in emerging technology fields (e.g., advanced manufacturing, advanced wireless, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum information science, semiconductors, and microelectronics). Due: February 20, 2025
Realize Energy-rich Compound Opportunities Valorizing Extraction from Refuse waters (RECOVER) (DE-FOA-0003510): The RECOVER program seeks to develop technologies to concentrate and recover high value energy materials from aqueous waste streams. The RECOVER program will enable: i) the replacement of 50% of conventional ammonia supplies, and all or partial critical metals imports, ii) the valorization of multiple high value energy materials from an aqueous waste stream, iii) the reduction of energy demands and CO2-equivalent (CO2eq) emissions for ammonia and critical metals procurement, and iv) the recovery of market-valuable products at competitive prices. Recovery of market-valuable products will create new revenue sources for aqueous waste stream processors, thereby reducing net costs and contributing to improved water treatment outcomes. Concept Paper: December 31, 2024 | Full: TBD
2025 SBIR/STTR Funding Program Topics: The U.S. Department of Energy issued Phase One topics for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program funding opportunities. These topics aim to advance the development and commercialization of new ideas and research from small businesses that can drive innovation. The Notice of Funding Opportunity for this opportunity is expected to be released on Monday, December 16, 2024.
(NOI) Accelerating CO2 Conversion Technology Development and Deployment – Biological, Catalytic, and Mineralization Pathways (DE-FOA-0003496): The anticipated technical objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to competitively solicit cost-shared research and development (R&D) proposals to advance the piloting of carbon conversion technologies of with high technology readiness level (TRL > 5) capable of achieving significant carbon mitigation via biological, catalytic, or mineralization pathways. DOE also seeks to support testing of product performance and characterization needed for market or consumer adoption. This may include lifecycle analysis (LCA) development for novel carbon conversion technologies and LCA development for pilot facilities using those technologies.
Atmospheric System Research (ASR) (DE-FOA-0003484): This NOFO solicits research grant applications for observational, data analysis, and/or modeling studies that use BER-supported Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility observations to improve understanding and model representation of: 1) Atmospheric processes from ARM’s Coast-Urban-Rural Atmospheric Gradient Experiment (CoURAGE) and 2) High latitude and Southern Ocean atmospheric processes using ARM observations. Pre-Application: January 7, 2025 | Full: February 27, 2025
Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF) (NSF 25-508): DMREF will accordingly support activities that significantly accelerate the materials discovery-to-use timeline by building the fundamental knowledge base needed to advance the design, development, or manufacturability of materials with desirable properties or functionality. This solicitation is open to all materials research topics and is responsive to the recent National Academies 2023 Report ‘NSF Efforts to Achieve the Nation’s Vision for the Materials Genome Initiative’. Submission Window: January 21, 2025 – February 04, 2025.
(RFI) Geologic Hydrogen Resource Exploration (DE-FOA-0003494): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit input for a potential Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program focused on evaluating novel approaches to: 1) explore for naturally occurring subsurface hydrogen resources or geologic targets for hydrogen stimulation, and 2) develop methodologies to determine the recoverable reserves of hydrogen from natural accumulation or available through stimulation. These approaches will accelerate the discovery and economic evaluation of these resources and inform management steps needed to harness them. Due: December 2, 2024
OCTOBER 2024
(RFI) Plant Genetic Engineering for Energy Applications (DE-FOA-0003470): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on the development of tools to enable plant genetic engineering and synthetic biology. The goals for this potential program include the evaluation of technologies capable of: (1) Accelerating plant genetic modifications; (2) increasing the range of genetic modifications possible; and (3) decreasing the variability and reducing the difficulty of regenerating plants after genetic modifications. Due: November 11, 2024
(RFI) Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE): A Mid-Course Evaluation (DE-FOA-0003471): The goal of this RFI is to obtain perspectives regarding aspects of the CarbonSAFE initiative, its objectives, and the design of DE-FOA-0002711 that have been the most successful in achieving the Carbon, Transport and Storage Program’s stated vision of supporting rapid deployment of carbon storage necessary to enable the decarbonization of the US economy and how the CarbonSAFE initiative, its objectives, and the design of DE-FOA-0002711 can be modified or improved to better achieve this vision. Due: December 20, 2024
Advanced Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies to Drive National Goals (DE-FOA-0003439): Projects under this funding opportunity will improve the performance of technologies for hydrogen production, hydrogen infrastructure, and fuel cells, and will demonstrate hydrogen and fuel cells in a new, high-impact application. By improving key technologies, spurring deployment, and helping industry achieve economies of scale, activities funded by this opportunity will support and reinforce the long-term viability of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) and other commercial-scale hydrogen installations. Concept Paper: November 20, 2024 | Full: January 31, 2025
Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry SBIR/STTR (QC3 SBIR/STTR) (DE-FOA-0003483): This program will support the R&D of scalable, generalizable quantum computing approaches to computational chemistry and materials science. The QC3 program focuses on developing and applying quantum algorithms in key energy research areas where classical methods are insufficient. This includes the development of quantum chemistry algorithms, their translation into quantum circuits or analog programs, and rigorous validation against classical benchmarks and experiments. Concept Paper: November 11, 2024 | Full: TBD
Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry (QC3) (DE-FOA-0003482): This program will support the R&D of scalable, generalizable quantum computing approaches to computational chemistry and materials science. The QC3 program focuses on developing and applying quantum algorithms in key energy research areas where classical methods are insufficient. This includes the development of quantum chemistry algorithms, their translation into quantum circuits or analog programs, and rigorous validation against classical benchmarks and experiments. Concept Paper: November 11, 2024 | Full: TBD
FY 2025 SBIR/STTR Phase II Release 1 (DE-FOA-0003462): The DOE invites eligible Phase I and Phase II awardees to apply for Phase II awards (initial, second, and third) under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Topic descriptions for this NOFO can be found on the DOE SBIR/STTR website. LOI: November 6, 2024 | Full: December 3, 2024
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applied to Nuclear Science and Technology (DE-FOA-0003458): The DOE SC program in Nuclear Physics (NP) hereby announces its interest in receiving applications for research and development (R&D) efforts directed at artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for autonomous optimization and control of accelerators and detectors of relevance to current or next generation NP accelerator facilities and scientific instrumentation, as well as applications applying AI/ML to advance nuclear physics computations. LOI: November 14, 2024 | Full: January 14, 2025
Genomics – Enabled Understanding and Advancing Knowledge on Plant Gene Function(s) (DE-FOA-0003452): This NOFO solicits applications for “Genomics – Enabled Understanding and Advancing Knowledge on Plant Gene Function(s)” to effectively design bioenergy crops by developing approaches to: a) understand regulatory elements, biological mechanisms and develop predictive models for dissecting multigene traits and their component parts that govern plant growth under different growing conditions, biochemical and signaling pathways; b) understand genetic components and molecular mechanisms underlying plant regeneration/organogenesis in tissue culture to improve heterologous DNA transfer to germlines of bioenergy crops; and c) understand genetic and molecular mechanisms that will reduce the cycle time for out-crossing energy crops (e.g. self-incompatibility) to speed development of new plant feedstocks underpinning a more broader and more competitive U.S. bioeconomy. Pre-Application: December 2, 2024 | Full: February 10, 2025
Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) 2025 (DE-FOA-0003477): The Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) 2025 program is designed to support a new cohort of early-career innovators to develop the most disruptive and unconventional ideas into transformative new technologies across the full spectrum of energy applications. In addition to research efforts, awardees will engage with ARPA-E and fellow awardees through dedicated IGNIITE events, meetings, and mentorship activities. Concept Paper: November 15, 2024 | Full: TBD
(NOI) Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Carbon Storage Technology Operations & Research (CarbonSTORE) (DE-FOA-0003476): The Department of Energy (DOE) through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeking applications for financial assistance awards that would support the development of field laboratories for geologic carbon storage. These carbon storage field laboratories would facilitate rapid commercialization of emerging technologies. Prioritized technologies are anticipated to improve operational performance of storage facilities and reduce costs. The primary goal for the CarbonSTORE solicitation, if issued, is to establish carbon storage field laboratories where technology developers can field test, validate and demonstrate carbon storage technologies that should be accelerated into commercial practice. The NOFO is anticipated to be issued in the first half of Fiscal Year 2025.
Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Pathway to Deployment (DE-FOA-0003485): This solicitation makes available approximately $900 million in federal funds for projects that will create a credible and sustainable pathway to fleet-level deployment of Gen III+ SMRs. Gen III+ SMRs can provide around-the-clock electricity or process heat to meet the increasing demand for clean, reliable, firm electricity generation or process heat required by U.S. industries. In particular, SMRs offer the potential for modularity, factory construction, and scalability to meet demand. Additionally, Gen III+ SMRs may be able to revitalize and leverage the service and supply chain infrastructure supporting the existing fleet of light water reactor designs, thus providing a near-term path for new nuclear deployments. Due: January 17, 2025
American-Made Promoting Registration of Inverters and Modules with Ecolabel (PRIME) Prize: The American-Made Promoting Registration of Inverters and Modules with Ecolabel (PRIME) Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) is a $2.7 million competition that supports increased registration of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and inverters through the EPEAT ecolabel. The PRIME Prize aims to help manufacturers meet the criteria for EPEAT product standards and make their products more attractive to purchasers with sustainability goals. EPEAT is the only ecolabel for PV products recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—yet, as of August 2024, there are only four certified PV products (all modules) according to the EPEAT Registry. Due: April 17, 2025
NSF and Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation Join Forces to Accelerate Innovations: The U.S. National Science Foundation, through its Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), announced a partnership with the German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND) to accelerate breakthrough innovations in key technology areas. SPRIND Challenges are innovative competitions where participating teams receive swift financial support to develop solutions for major modern societal and technological challenges. In the SPRIND Challenges, teams compete in a multistage format. At the end of each stage, the teams’ work is evaluated, and only the best advance in the competition and receive additional financial support to further develop their ideas.
Addressing Systems Challenges through Engineering Teams (NSF 25-503): The Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems Division (ECCS) supports enabling and transformative engineering research at the nano, micro, and macro scales that fuels progress in engineering system applications with high societal impact. This includes fundamental engineering research underlying advanced devices and components and their seamless penetration in communications, sensing, power, controls, networking, or cyber systems. The research is envisioned to be empowered by cutting-edge computation, synthesis, evaluation, and analysis technologies and is to result in significant impact for a variety of application domains in healthcare, homeland security, disaster mitigation, telecommunications, energy, environment, transportation, manufacturing, and other systems-related areas. ECCS also supports new and emerging research areas encompassing 6G and Beyond Spectrum and Wireless Technologies, Quantum Information Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), High-Performance Computing, and Big Data. Due: January 25, 2025
(RFI) Three-Dimensional Characterization of the Subsurface by Advanced Modeling and Sensing Techniques (DE-FOA-0003480): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit input for a potential Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program focused on novel approaches and innovative methods that can accelerate the exploration and characterization of critical mineral deposits in the subsurface. More specifically, a potential program would focus on advanced modeling and sensing techniques for the exploration and 3-D characterization of critical mineral deposits in the subsurface. Due: November 4, 2024
FY 2025 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (HR001124S0039): The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is soliciting proposals that investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security applications. To support its mission, DSO is interested in engaging with the R&D community to tackle complex challenges and develop impactful capabilities. DSO frames its office according to the thrust areas described further below, but encourages any fundamental research concept, idea, or effort that addresses DARPA’s mission to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. Exec Summary / Abstract / Full: May be submitted on a rolling basis until September 26, 2025
(NOI) Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs – Recurring Program (DE-FOA-0003442): The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) entitled “Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs – Recurring Program” in the fourth quarter of 2024. The goal of this NOFO, along with potential subsequent re-openings and related solicitations (collectively, “the Program”), is to support the commercialization of direct air capture (DAC) solutions and the development of four regional DAC hubs.
Wind Workforce Readiness (DE-FOA-0003432): DOE seeks to support offshore wind education and training programs that offer apprenticeship readiness programs, registered apprenticeship programs, or maritime/mariner programs, with particular attention to programs that support underserved communities. DOE seeks to fund programs that are in alignment with local and regional organizations, and that have relationships with employers within the U.S. offshore wind supply chain. Due: December 13, 2024
FY 2025 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (DE-FOA-0003432): The DOE SC program hereby announces its continuing interest in receiving applications for support of work in the following program areas: 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. This NOFO is our annual open solicitation that covers all research areas in SC and is open throughout the Fiscal Year. Any research within SC’s Congressionally authorized mission may be proposed under this NOFO. Due: Will remain open until September 20, 2025 or until replaced
(NOI) Wind Turbine Technology Recycling (DE-FOA-0003443): The opportunity plans to invest $20 million to help the United States develop technology solutions that will improve the recyclability of wind energy technologies, especially for tough-to-recycle materials such as fiber-reinforced composites that can be found in wind blades and nacelles; and rare earth element magnets that are found in wind turbine generators. Expected: Fall 2024.
Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy Technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) Ready (DE-FOA-0003467): The Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) Ready program provides will support the scaling of high-risk and potentially disruptive new technologies across the full spectrum of energy applications. This program focuses only on scaling and pre-pilot projects of promising technologies that ARPA-E has previously funded. A SCALEUP Ready award would substantially build upon innovations achieved under the original ARPA-E award. Due: will remain open until closed or replaced by a modified NOFO
SEPTEMBER 2024
U.S.- Danish Floating Offshore Wind Energy Mooring and Anchoring R&D (DE-FOA-0003362): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in coordination with Innovation Fund Denmark on shared research objectives to improve floating offshore wind energy mooring and anchoring technologies and methods towards cost-effective commercialization and industry growth. Due: January 14, 2024
Clean Energy Careers for All (CEC4A): DOE is seeking non-profit educational organizations, including engineering, scientific, and technical societies that can reach across various levels of future workforce populations. This opportunity is aimed at funding new programs, or the expansion of current programs, that promote the exposure to and inspiration to participants that will provide future growth of the clean energy workforce sector. Due: December 13, 2024
SuperTruck Charge (DE-FOA-0003344): The SuperTruck Charge funding program will provide funding for projects that enable the design, development, and demonstration of innovative electric vehicle charging infrastructure near key ports, distribution hubs, and major corridors in support of electrified medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs). Concept Paper: October 8, 2024 | Full: November 20, 2024
FY24 Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries (DE-FOA-0003371): This FOA seeks applications to address the scale-up of promising technical pathways that produce cost-effective biofuels for aviation, marine, rail, off-road vehicle and heavy-duty trucks, and renewable chemicals. This FOA will fund the development, testing, and verification at engineering scale, of new technology and feedstock pathways for integrated biorefineries to reduce technology uncertainty through cost-shared pilot- and demonstration-scale biorefinery projects with industry. This FOA also supports scale-up activities to produce organic chemicals and cost-advantaged bioproducts from biomass and waste feedstocks that can replace those currently derived from petroleum. Concept Paper: November 7, 2024 | Full: January 16, 2025
(NOI) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies to Drive National Decarbonization (DE-FOA-0003439): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a notice of intent for potential funding to accelerate the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of affordable clean-hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to drive national decarbonization. The potential funding will focus on advancing technologies for hydrogen production, hydrogen infrastructure, and fuel cells, as well as demonstrating hydrogen and fuel cells in new, high-impact applications. Expected: October 2024.
Industrial Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Decarbonization (ISEED) Collaborative: The Industrial Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Decarbonization (ISEED) Collaborative will provide assistance to partners across the manufacturing sector to develop and disseminate instructional curricula and training programs focused on industrial sustainability, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. Due: November 1, 2024
(RFI) Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Roadmap Draft (DE-FOA-0003463): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from the diverse interconnection community on the challenges and solutions outlined in the draft Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Roadmap. This roadmap identifies solutions that can be implemented based on local, state, or regional needs and priorities. Given the significant variation in DER deployment levels, policies, regulatory structures, market conditions, and other factors nationwide, some solutions may work better in some electric service territories, states or regions than others. Due: October 7, 2024
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Implementation Grants (DE-FOA-0003444): The DOE Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DOE EPSCoR) announces its interest in receiving new and renewal applications from applicants within eligible jurisdictions for Implementation Grants. Grants awarded under this program are intended to improve research capability through the support of a group of scientists and engineers, including undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, working on a common scientific theme in one or more EPSCoR jurisdictions. Pre-Application: October 30, 2024 | Full: January 29, 2025
(NOI) Renewable Integration Management with Innovative High Voltage Direct Current Power Circuit Breakers (REIMAGINE BREAKERS) (DE-FOA-0003456): Prior to the end of calendar year 2024, the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) on behalf of the Office of Electricity (OE) and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (EERE WETO) intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeking applications for financial assistance awards to support research and development related to high voltage direct current power circuit breakers (HVDC PCB). The project(s) funded by this opportunity will address a key gap in HVDC protection through the development of HVDC PCB technical standards and explore innovative concepts that aim to reduce the cost and footprint of HVDC PCB technology.
Sustainable Chemistry: Catalysis with Earth-Abundant Elements (NSF 24-129): Among current sustainability challenges, the development of more sustainable catalysts or catalytic processes needs to be addressed to unlock the potential of many innovations. In this context, ANR and NSF aim to strengthen the research on catalysis with earth abundant elements by fostering collaborations and synergies between research teams in France and in the US. To this end, the scope of this call for proposals is fundamental research inhomogeneous catalysis with Earth-abundant elements. It will include organometallic catalysis, organocatalysis, and photocatalysis. The focus of the proposals should be on advances related to the development of new catalysts and catalytic strategies and associated mechanistic and computational studies. LOI: 90 calendar days in advance of submission | Full: June 2, 2025
Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (NSF 24-606): The Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) program aims to harness the power of open-source development for the creation of new technology solutions to problems of national and societal importance. The program aims to support new managing organizations to catalyze distributed, community-driven development and growth of new OSEs. OSEs can emerge from any areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research and development. Due: January 15, 2025
(RFI) Technology and Market Potential of Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Systems in the United States (DE-FOA-0003465): Through this RFI, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) seeks to gain a better understanding of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technologies. SETO is looking to solicit information on PVT technology, including but not limited to business, state-of-the-art, regulatory statutes, and consumer opinion. SETO aims to summarize the information gathered from this RFI and will use the stakeholder feedback obtained to inform future program development. Due: December 31, 2024
(NOI) HARMONY: Human-Centric Analytics for Resilient & Modernized Power sYstems (DE-FOA-0003445): This FOA would seek applications to conduct Research and Development and Demonstration (RD&D) activities advancing the state of the art for power system uncertainty and risk metrics to help human operators receive actionable information to better understand, predict, prevent, and mitigate cascading failures in power grids.
(RFI) Carbon Transport Research, Development and Demonstration Consortium (DE-FOA-0003330): The intent of this RFI is to seek input about a potential Carbon Transport Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Consortium that would be managed by FECM in partnership with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). This consortium is intended to identify and coordinate initiatives for carbon transport RD&D efforts (e.g., pipeline, rail, truck, ship, and barge transportation); facilitate communication among stakeholders; and compile and curate information in an open access platform. Through this RFI, FECM seeks input from organizations that may be involved in CO2 transport RD&D and interested in becoming a member of this Consortium. Due: October 9, 2024
Reduction of Total Fatty Acids (TFA) in Crude Glycerine: Investigate the crude glycerine and develop potential processes which can be implemented in the current manufacturing process to reduce the TFA content. We’re looking for a process, physical or chemical or a combination, which will reduce the TFA in Crude Glycerine for typical levels of 0.5-0.6% to <0.2%. Application can be during the glycerin recovery process or after the crude glycerin has been produced. The process should not affect the overall yield of glycerine. Due October 31, 2024
Recovery of Small Organic Acids from Fermentation Broths: Small acids (e.g. malic acid, fumaric acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, etc.) are essential in various industries, serving as chemical precursors, antimicrobials and acidulants in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food and chemical sectors. These acids are promising candidates for production from biobased raw materials via fermentation, given their well-established biosynthetic pathways. The production of such acids requires a strict pH buffering system leading to accumulation of salts. In addition, acids are usually water soluble and therefore difficult to separate from the fermentation broth. We are looking for new technologies that enable the isolation of small organic acids (C2-C6) from dilute aqueous fermentation broths. The solution should achieve high yields, while being more energy- and waste-efficient compared to the processes described above. We want to avoid large waste streams (e.g. salt load) and achieve attractive cost targets for the end products. Due October 31, 2024
Lightweighting of PET Bottles: We are looking for cost-effective and scalable technology to enhance the structural stability and extend the shelf life of carbonated soft drinks in lightweight PET bottles, while maintaining recyclability. The solution should increase the top-load capacity of bottles and maximize the volume a bottle can hold, while minimizing dents during production and RQL (rejectable quality limits) failures. We need solutions for all bottle sizes (up to two liters), with a primary focus on 20 oz / 500 ml bottles. Due October 31, 2024
Inspection Systems for Pearlescence and Heat Haze Defects in Blow Molded Containers: We are looking for a method to easily identify and measure cold stretching pearlescence vs. haze from over-heating crystallization during the blow molding process or immediately thereafter. The intention is to use this information to make real-time adjustments and corrections to the blowing process. Due October 31, 2024
Innovative Barrier Technologies for Polyethylene Packaging: We are looking for alternative barrier technologies in plastic packaging that do not involve existing technologies. We are looking to eliminate or significantly reduce the permeation of chemicals (e.g. solvents, alcohols, etc.) through polyethylene. Due October 31, 2024
Carbon Capture, Removal, and Conversion Test Centers (DE-FOA-0003365): Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of many approaches critical to significantly reducing domestic and global CO2 emissions. However, the energy and capital cost associated with state-of-the-art carbon capture systems represents a barrier to wide deployment. Performance of these systems in an industrial/utility environment is also required to establish experience using capture technologies and develop robust data sets that can be used to minimize costs and validate performance and environmental risks while scaling up carbon capture processes to commercially relevant scales. In order to fully address these issues, DOE-FECM/NETL through its Carbon Capture, Removal, and Conversion Programs is investigating the establishment of Carbon Capture, Removal, and Conversion Test Centers to cost-effectively research and evaluate, in an integrated process, the technical efficacy of advanced systems and components under relevant industrial or power plant operating conditions. Full: October 31, 2024
NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (NSF 24-600): The NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (TRAILBLAZER) program supports individual investigators who propose novel research projects with the potential to innovatively and creatively address national needs and/or grand challenges, advance US leadership, and catalyze the convergence of engineering and science domains. TRAILBLAZER will support engineers and scientists who leverage their distinctive track record of innovation and creativity to pursue new research directions that are distinct from their previous or current research areas. LOI: November 15, 2024 | Preliminary: January 14, 2025 | Full: April 15, 2025
(RFI) Engineering Solutions to Harvest Biomass Carbon for Durable Removal and Storage (Carbon Harvesting) (DE-FOA-0003421): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on leveraging the zero-energy carbon dioxide capture process provided by photosynthesis to develop novel, transformational technologies that improve the energy efficiency of the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector. Due: September 27, 2024
AUGUST 2024
Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 (Mid-scale RI-1) (NSF 24-598): NSF-supported science and engineering research increasingly relies on cutting-edge infrastructure. With its Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program and Major Multi-user Facilities (“Major Facilities”) projects, NSF supports infrastructure projects at the lower and higher range of infrastructure project costs, Foundation-wide, across science and engineering research disciplines. The Foundation-wide Mid-scale Research Infrastructure opportunity is intended to provide NSF with an agile, Foundation-wide process to fund experimental research capabilities in the mid-scale range between MRI and Major Multi-user Facilities. Preliminary: November 18, 2024 | Full: March 19, 2025
Floating Offshore Wind Innovations (NOWRDC Solicitation 4.0): This solicitation will fund up to $10.6 million of projects that address several major areas of need for floating offshore wind, including innovation in ports and vessels, transmission technology, and uncrewed underwater vehicles for environmental monitoring. Due: November 14, 2024
U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program (NSF 24-597): The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Proposals are requested that address any interdisciplinary or convergent research theme of national priority. Due: November 14, 2024
Regional Resilience Innovation Incubator (R2I2) (NSF 24-595): The Regional Resilience Innovation Incubators (R2I2) is a cross-directorate NSF solicitation led by the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). R2I2 will support community- engaged team science to co-design high-impact solutions to climate-related societal challenges that leverage recent advances in fundamental climate change and Earth system science research. Each R2I2 project will address specific regional climate challenges and will develop and demonstrate solutions to those challenges that can be effectively applied in real- world settings. Investment in R2I2 will leverage past federal investments in addressing climate change and will provide a bridge connecting advancements in basic science with local knowledge, informed decision making, and technological innovations for societal applications. LOI: December 16, 2024 | Full: January 16, 2025
Science and Technology Centers: Integrative Partnerships (NSF 24-594): The Science and Technology Centers (STC): Integrative Partnerships program supports exceptionally innovative, complex research and education projects that require large-scale, long-term awards. STCs focus on creating new scientific paradigms, establishing entirely new scientific disciplines, and developing transformative technologies which have the potential for broad scientific or societal impact. STCs conduct world-class research through partnerships among institutions of higher education, national laboratories, industrial organizations, other public or private entities, and via international collaborations, as appropriate. They provide a means to undertake potentially groundbreaking investigations at the interfaces of disciplines and/or highly innovative approaches within disciplines. STCs may involve any area of science and engineering that NSF supports. STC investments support the NSF vision of creating and exploiting new concepts in science and engineering and providing global leadership in research and education. Preliminary: November 20, 2024 | Full: June 2, 2025
(RFI) Microelectronics Energy Efficiency Scaling for 2 Decades (EES2) R&D Roadmap (DE-FOA-0003426): The intent of this RFI is to solicit feedback from affected stakeholders on the EES2 Initiative in general and on the draft Microelectronics Energy Efficiency Scaling for 2 Decades (EES2) Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D). Due: September 30, 2024
Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (PD-24-8084): The goal of the Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) meta-program is to identify and capitalize on opportunities for major scientific and engineering breakthroughs through new computational and data-analysis approaches and best practices. The CDS&E meta-program supports projects that harness computation and data to advance knowledge and accelerate discovery above and beyond the goals of the participating individual programs. The intellectual drivers may be in an individual discipline or cut across more than one discipline in various Divisions and Directorates. A CDS&E proposal should enable and/or utilize the development and adaptation of advances in research and infrastructure in computational and data science. Due dates vary by division.
OESI Request for Proposals II: OESI seeks proposals focused on marine energy through its Request for Proposals II funding opportunity. Projects may involve small-scale marine energy solutions that enhance the safety, security, and sustainability of offshore wind and oil and gas operations, as well as utility-scale marine energy solutions that leverage experience from wind energy and oil and gas. Due: October 18, 2024
Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) (NSF 24-590): The ERI program is part of the capacity-building strategy of the Directorate for Engineering to direct its investments in engineering research across the nation. ERI provides resources to enable impactful scientific work that will improve the research and scientific training environment at the institution through the conduct of fundamental research. Research activities may include efforts that catalyze new research partnerships, disseminate results, and/or lay a foundation to support preparation for future grant competitions. The Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) continues its special funding focus on new science and engineering proposals submitted to the Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) solicitation. Priority topics for this special funding focus include: (1) Marine Energy and (2) Powering the Blue Economy and Hydro-power and Climate Change Impacts. Due: October 9, 2024
Water Power Innovation Network (DE-FOA-0003323): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) opened a nearly $5 million funding opportunity to support programs that accelerate the commercialization and adoption of water power systems and solutions. This opportunity will support programming and services for entrepreneurs and small businesses in hydropower and/or marine energy. Concept Paper: August 28, 2024 | Full: October 23, 2024
FY24 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding Opportunity (DE-FOA-0003383): This FOA seeks applications for RDD&D projects to address priorities within the following areas: development of innovative battery chemistries and component materials, reduction of cascading battery fires, and battery electrode, cell, and pack manufacturing cost reduction. Concept Paper: September 9, 2024 | Full: October 30, 2024
Critical Facility Energy Resilience (CiFER) (DE-FOA-0003384): This FOA will fund the advancement of innovative storage technologies from early-stage R&D to widespread commercialization and deploy an innovative energy storage technology at a host site with identified resiliency needs at the required scale, performance, and technology maturity level appropriate to advance technology maturity level appropriate to advance technology towards commercialization. Due: October 4, 2024
(NOI) Aligning Manufacturability & Pre-production Design (AMPD) for Storage
Technologies (DE-FOA-0003425): The Department of Energy (DOE) intends to issue a FOA seeking applications for financial assistance awards to facilitate innovative energy storage technology material, subcomponent, component, or system design to improve the manufacturability of one or more energy storage technologies by reducing the overall technology production cost relative to an estimated baseline. Identifying and implementing design innovations will align pre-production storage system design to set the stage for manufacturing scale up. DOE anticipates making the FOA available during Fall 2024.
(NOI) Oceans of Opportunity: U.S. Wave Energy Open Water Testing (DE-FOA-0003415): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced an intent to provide up to $112.5 million in funding to advance the commercial readiness of wave energy technologies through open water testing and system validation. The proposed opportunity is designed to reduce risks for deployments, increase the potential for commercial adoption through longer-duration demonstrations (expected to last nearly two years), and offer additional benefits to help quickly advance wave energy converters (WEC). This includes the ability to identify and mature high-potential WEC technologies, reduce financial risks for developers and incentivize investors, progress technologies at smaller scales while developing toward utility scale, and increase learning for installation, operations, and maintenance. EERE plans to issue the FOA on or about September 2024.
SBIR/STTR FY 2025 Phase I Release 1 (DE-FOA-0003417): This FOA describes two distinct funding opportunities for DOE: the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The objectives of the SBIR/STTR programs include increasing private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported research and development (R&D), stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, encouraging participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, and improving the return on investment from Federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. DOE will support high-quality research or R&D on innovative concepts concerning important mission-related scientific or engineering problems and opportunities that have high potential for commercialization. LOI: August 27, 2024 | Full: October 8, 2024
JULY 2024
DEIA and Sustainable Development Fellow (DOE-EERE-STP-AMMTO-2024-1000): Innovation is central to AMMTO’s vision, mission, and activities, and AMMTO places a distinct emphasis on benefiting people and communities. As the world economy transitions away from fossil fuels, new opportunities arise to create healthier and more resilient communities, widespread economic prosperity, and good paying jobs across the country. AMMTO is committed to addressing the climate crisis and building a clean, decarbonized economy where the health, economic, and social benefits extend to all levels of society, regardless of ability, race, location, or socioeconomic status. AMMTO’s commitment to environmental justice and energy equity frames the initiatives of the office, as AMMTO works to ensure that no population bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences. Meaningful involvement requires the ability for all communities to make informed decisions and take positive actions to produce environmental justice for themselves. Stipend Range: $95,000 – $145,000 / Location: Washington D.C.
Commercial Buildings and Building Energy Code Fellow (DOE-EERE-STP-BTO-2024-1200): The Building Technologies Office (BTO) is seeking innovative fellows to participate in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) clean energy initiatives. As a Fellow, you will engage and interact closely with BTO staff and National Laboratory scientists on research, development, and deployment of building energy codes and building performance standards to produce significant energy savings across the built environment. Fellows will experience full immersion in the Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) and Commercial Buildings Integration (CBI) technical projects and activities, interacting with experts in academia, industry, and at the National Labs. Fellows will also engage a diverse mix of state, local, and non-governmental stakeholders. You may also engage with other programs at the Department of Energy and across the Federal government. This Fellowship will last one year, with the opportunity to renew for additional years at the discretion of the sponsoring office. Stipend Range: $60,000 – $110,000 / Location: Washington D.C. or Golden, CO
Education and Workforce Development, Social Science Fellow (DOE-EERE-STP-AMMTO-2024-1001): AMMTO is seeking talented and passionate ORISE Fellows who can engage the education and workforce development needed to meet our related strategic goals: (1) inspire the current and future workforce to pursue and grow careers in advanced manufacturing; (2) prepare and equip the manufacturing and research and development workforce with the skills and support needed to deploy advanced technologies; and (3) grow the nation’s workforce and support workers as they navigate their careers and acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Stipend Range: $95,000 – $145,000.
AI for Resilient Manufacturing (2024-NIST-AI-MFGUSA-01): This funding opportunity is a call for applications to establish and operate a Manufacturing USA institute focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen the resilience of U.S. manufacturers. Through this competition, NIST expects to select an applicant or applicant team most capable of establishing and leading a public-private partnership that will integrate expertise in AI, manufacturing processes, and supply chain networks to conduct applied R&D projects that address industry-wide needs for innovation leading to greater resilience of manufacturing systems. The AI for Resilient Manufacturing (AI MFG) – Manufacturing USA (AI MFG USA) institute is also expected to cultivate the development of a world-leading workforce needed to deploy institute-developed AI technologies into industrial use. The award will provide financial resources to establish the AI MFG USA institute, conduct startup activities and operate a national effort to accelerate manufacturing innovation and increase U.S. global competitiveness. Concept Paper: September 30, 2024 | Full: January 23, 2025
Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development (DE-FOA-0003334): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) announced the Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development funding opportunity, which will award $48.6 million for projects that address several major areas of need for offshore wind. The areas include accelerating research and development of floating offshore wind platforms; exploring innovations for fixed-bottom foundations; improving offshore wildlife protection through new monitoring technologies; expanding the reach of the domestic supply chain; advancing U.S. academic leadership in floating offshore wind; and investigating solutions to protect future infrastructure from lightning. Concept Paper: September 3, 2024 | Full: November 7, 2024
Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (E-SCRAP): This three-phase competition will award up to $4 million to competitors to substantially increase the production and use of critical materials recovered from electronic scrap—or e-scrap. This prize encourages innovations that enhance the recovery of critical materials along the recycling value chain from end-of-life products to reintroduction. Innovation is also needed to facilitate the integration of the separation technologies into the recycling value chain. Phase 1 (Incubation) submissions are due by 5:00 PM ET on September 4, 2024.
(RFI) National Network for Microelectronics Education Program Market Intelligence (NSF-OTAMI-FY24-01): The U.S. National Science Foundation and the CHIPS for America Research and Development Office within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly invest in a new initiative to train the future semiconductor workforce at all levels for myriad job types across industry and the nation. As a first step, NSF and DOC are jointly issuing a public Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from interested parties across the nation on a range of issues related to establishing the Hub and the NNME to inform a future funding opportunity.
Connected Communities 2.0: Innovations to Manage Growing Transportation, Building, and Industrial Loads to the Grid (DE-FOA-0003136): This FOA seeks to validate grid-edge technology innovations in real-world situations and provide new tools for utilities, grid planners and operators, automakers and smart charge management service providers, and the communities they serve. This FOA targets four areas for research, development, and demonstration: (1) Field validation of grid-edge technical measures that reduce the necessary level of investment into distribution infrastructure; (2) Field validation of smart charge management for EVs that can be deployed at large scale; (3) Demonstration of increased customer benefits and grid resilience using grid edge technical measures, both in front of and behind the meter; and, (4) Data collection to assess system readiness for new loads. Concept Paper: August 20, 2024 | Full: October 10, 2024
Developing Biotechnologies for Detection and Recovery of Rare Earth Elements (W81EWF-24-SOI-0036): This project will develop novel microbes with increased capability to dissolve and capture REE from solid sources such as crushed ore and e-waste. The project will also examine approaches to increase the selectivity and affinity of biomolecules for different REE. Additionally, the project will investigate different technologies/approaches that improve scalability of REE recovery processes (e.g. concentration and monitoring of REEs during processing). The ultimate goal of this effort is to develop methods that accelerate our ability to recover individual or discrete mixtures of REE from domestic primary and secondary sources. Statement of Interest: August 19, 2024 | Full: September 6, 2024
Smart Manufacturing Technologies for Material and Process Innovation (DE-FOA-0003329): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) released a $33 million funding opportunity to accelerate the advancement of smart manufacturing technologies and processes necessary to develop and deploy the innovative technologies and materials needed for the nation’s clean energy transition. Recipients of funding from this opportunity will support research to develop smart manufacturing technologies that improve the efficiency and economics of circular supply chains; advance sustainable transportation manufacturing; accelerate the development of high-performance materials for the clean energy transition; and create more sustainable, safe, and competitive mining in the United States. Concept Paper: August 21, 2024 | Full: November 18, 2024
Low-Carbon Cement and Concrete Center of Excellence: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) announced its plan to create a Cement and Concrete Center of Excellence to accelerate the development and adoption of novel low-carbon cement and concrete technologies. U.S. national laboratories can receive up to $9 million through an upcoming competitive lab call to develop and lead the center. The center will support collaboration across academia, national labs, government agencies, and corporations to develop and validate low-carbon cement and concrete technologies, increase the industry’s economic competitiveness, and help the U.S. reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Stay Tuned for the Lab Call
(RFI) National Digital Twins Research and Development (2024-13379): This RFI seeks input to shape a whole-of-government effort on research and development related to digital twins across domains. Examples include but are not limited to biomedical sciences, climate change, smart cities, and scientific discovery. This RFI is soliciting R&D topic areas in which the strategic plan should focus, as well as details that should be considered when/if the topic area is elaborated in the strategic plan. Due: July 28, 2024
(RFI) Renewable Propane Production Technologies and Uses (DE-FOA-0003389): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is requesting information and feedback to better understand the supply chains for production and uses of renewable propane and other renewable gaseous intermediates. Specifically, DOE would like to understand the potential for R&D to increase the viability of renewable propane to pursue new production pathways to sustainable aviation fuel and other high-impact products from municipal waste; agricultural residue; forest resources; and fats, oils, and greases. Due: August 5, 2024
SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Pilot Program (NSF 24-582): Eligible companies can submit one proposal for more than $2 million for a “Fast-Track” award to develop new products and services based on prior NSF-funded research. Unlike NSF’s traditional Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that require multiple proposal submissions to receive an equivalent amount of investment, the NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track award provides an immediate pathway to a full funding commitment over three years. The NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot programs welcome proposals from almost all areas of technology. Due: September 18, 2024
NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (NSF 24-588): The NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP) provides an opportunity for applicants who received the distinction of GRFP Honorable Mention no more than three years before the proposal due date to be named NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellows and obtain financial support for their graduate education at an institution in an EPSCoR jurisdiction. Due: October 2, 2024
Advanced Technological Education (NSF 24-584): The ATE program focuses on Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) that award two-year degrees in advanced technology fields. The program involves partnerships between academic institutions (grades 7-12, IHEs), industry, and economic development agencies to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians. The ATE program supports curriculum development; professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; career pathway development for both students and incumbent workers; and other activities including applied research projects that advance the knowledge base related to technician education. Due: October 3, 2024
Water Power Innovation Network (DE-FOA-0003323): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is issuing this $4.8 million opportunity to support business creation, entrepreneurship, and regional innovation for water power systems and solutions. Through this FOA, WPTO seeks to fund new and/or expanded incubator or accelerator programs that enable entrepreneurship and accelerate water power innovation, business creation, and growth in communities and regions throughout the United States. Concept Paper: August 7, 2024 | Full: September 18, 2024
Clean Fuels & Products Shot: Supporting Carbon Utilization Products via Electrochemical Conversion and Refinery and Petrochemical Facilities Retrofitting (DE-FOA-0003018): DOE-FECM’s Carbon Conversion Program is developing technologies for converting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into environmentally responsible, equitable, and economically valuable products. This FOA will support RD&D for the catalytic pathways approach, which focuses on the conversion of CO2 into value-added products such as fuels and chemicals, polymers, solid carbons, and syngas. Due: August 27, 2024
(RFI) Production of Biofuel Feedstocks Using Climate-Smart Practices (USDA-2024-0003): The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking information from the public on procedures for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the effect of climate-smart farming practices on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with U.S.-grown biofuel feedstock crops. The input is being collected through a Request for Information to establish voluntary standards for biofuel feedstocks grown with practices that mitigate GHG emissions and/or sequester soil carbon. Due: July 25, 2024
JUNE 2024
American-Made Solar Prize Round 8: The American-Made Solar Prize Round 8 is a multimillion-dollar prize program designed to spur innovations in U.S. solar hardware and software technologies and address challenges to rapid, equitable solar energy deployment. DOE is interested in solar hardware and software technologies. Hardware innovations should be able to be manufactured in the United States. Software innovations should help address the non-hardware costs of solar, like customer acquisition, financing, and grid integration. Due: September 26, 2024
Methane Emissions Reduction Program Oil and Gas Methane Monitoring and Mitigation (DE-FOA-0003256): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced that applications are open for $850 million in federal funding for projects that will help monitor, measure, quantify, and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sectors. Due: August 26, 2024
Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives (DE-FOA-0003361): The Department of Energy (DOE) Fusion Energy Science (FES) program is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at creating a fusion innovation ecosystem, the “Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE)”, by forming virtual, centrally managed teams called “Collaboratives”, that have a collective goal of bridging FES’s basic science research programs and growing fusion industries, including the activities supported under the FES milestone-based fusion development program. Pre-App: July 9, 2024 | Full: August 27, 2024
(RFI) Industrial Chemistry and Process Innovations to Enable Continuous, Waste-Free, Domestic Manufacture of Critical Battery Cathode Active Materials (DE-FOA-0003386): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on leveraging material, process, equipment, and cross-supply chain manufacturing innovations to catalyze domestic production of cathode active materials (CAMs) and their precursors (pCAMs). Due: July 10, 2024
Geothermal Resources’ Value in Implementing Decarbonization (GRID) (DE-FOA-0003346): The Geothermal Technologies Office’s (GTO) Geothermal Resources’ Value in Implementing Decarbonization (GRID) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeks regional grid modeling studies that quantify the potential contribution of clean, firm geothermal power in supporting an equitable transition to a future decarbonized grid and economy. These studies should use one or more analysis approaches and tools such as capacity expansion modeling, production cost modeling, Loss-of-Load based analyses, machine learning applications, and/or alternate modeling or market design approaches. LOI: July 24, 2024 | Full: September 9, 2024
National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) Program (NSF 21-536): The NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program seeks proposals that explore ways for graduate students in research-based master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers. The program is dedicated to effective training of STEM graduate students in high priority interdisciplinary or convergent research areas, through a comprehensive traineeship model that is innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs. Internal: July 12, 2024 | Full: September 6, 2024
Planning Proposals for NSF EPSCoR for STEM Excellence (E-RISE) and Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE) Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Programs (NSF 24-097): NSF EPSCoR announces its intent to accept planning proposals to support planning of future submissions to the E-RISE RII or E-CORE RII programs. E-RISE RII focuses on the development and sustainability of an EPSCoR-eligible jurisdiction’s research capacity and competitiveness in a scientific topic area by supporting the incubation of research teams and products in a scientific topical area. LOI: Dec. 17, 2024 | Full: Jan. 28, 2025
FY24 Solar Energy Supply Chain Incubator (DE-FOA-0003289): This FOA will support the DOE decarbonization goals by advancing innovative solar hardware, software, and manufacturing processes across a broad range of technology readiness levels, from laboratory-scale to pilot-scale testing and prototype demonstration. This FOA will focus on de-risking new solar hardware components, manufacturing processes, or software products in the R&D stage for Topic Area 1, and in the RD&D stage for Topic Areas 2 and 3. Concept: July 19, 2024 | Full: October 7, 2024
Seeking Novel Technologies for the Electrochemical Decomposition of Ammonia to Hydrogen and Nitrogen: Topsoe, a global leader in energy decarbonization and emission reduction, is seeking novel technologies for the electrolysis of ammonia. Specifically, the team is looking for a collaborative partner with novel materials, methods, or equipment for the electrochemical conversion of liquid or aqueous ammonia to hydrogen and nitrogen. Due: July 1, 2024
EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused EPSCoR Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) (NSF 24-573): This RII-FEC solicitation responds directly to national studies and community input, including the National Science Foundation Strategic Plan, Envisioning the Future of NSF EPSCoR report, and the CHIPS and Science Act. RII-FEC seeks to build nationally and internationally competitive collaborative teams of EPSCoR investigators by providing a mechanism to coalesce investigator expertise into a critical mass for a sustained, effective research and education partnership in NSF priority areas. LOI: Dec 17, 2024 | Full: Jan 28, 2025
Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 Solid Waste Infrastructure Grant (EPA-R3-LCRD-24-02): The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications designed to increase the ability of EPA Region 3 states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to manage food scraps more sustainably through composting. In particular, the NOFO seeks to increase capacity for food scraps composting in the region through the upgrade of yard waste composting facilities. The upgraded yard waste composting facilities will be capable of processing waste food which increases the capacity for wasted food composting in the region. Due: August 30, 2024
Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs (NSF 24-579): The NSF SBIR/STTR programs provide non-dilutive funds for use-inspired research and development (R&D) of unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that address societal challenges. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs fund broadly across scientific and engineering disciplines and do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services from startups and small businesses. Due: September 4, 2024
Solar Technologies’ Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES) (DE-FOA-0003331): The Solar Technologies’ Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES) FOA will fund RD&D projects to improve power systems simulation software tools and demonstrate new business models for distribution systems operations to integrate and optimize the value of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and distributed energy resources (DERs) including solar, wind, energy storage, and other technologies such as buildings and electric vehicles (EVs). Projects funded under this FOA will address near-term and long-term challenges in operating electric power grids with large deployments of solar energy systems and other DERs. Concept: July 25, 2024 | Full: October 17, 2024
MAY 2024
(RFI) Highly Insulating Building Enclosures (DE-FOA-0003385): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on the development of highly insulating R-10-rated glass for windows and R-50-rated walls for residential and commercial building retrofit and new construction. This RFI aims to identify potential participants and gather insights to inform the development of a potential funding opportunity focused on these transformative technologies. Due: June 7, 2024
Fiscal Year 2025 Distinguished Early Career Program (DE-FOA-0003311): This FOA is soliciting distinguished early career applications that provide a clear research and education plan that highlights the applicant’s research and educational strengths; the research and education vision to support the development of the faculty member; and research infrastructure, curriculum, and outcomes that will advance the applicant’s research focus while training the next generation of nuclear energy professionals. Applications are required to focus on the NE mission to advance nuclear energy science and technology to meet U.S. energy, environmental, and economic needs. Due: August 6, 2024
Gen-4 Engineering Research Centers (NSF 24-576): The National Science Foundation (NSF) created the Engineering Research Centers (ERC) program in 1984 to bring technology-based industry and universities together in an effort to strengthen the competitive position of American industry in the global marketplace. These partnerships established cross-disciplinary centers focused on advancing fundamental engineering knowledge and engineered systems technology while exposing students to the integrative aspects of engineered systems and industrial practice. LOI: September 3, 2024 | Prelim Proposal: September 30, 2024 | Full: May 9, 2025
Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program (DE-FOA-NA0003284): Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program IV (PSAAP IV) will support leading U.S. institutions of higher education, with doctoral programs, engaging in five major focus areas: (1) Discipline-focused research to further predictive science and enabled by effective exascale computing and data science technologies; (2) Mathematics and computer science (CS) technologies and methodologies to support effective exascale computing in the context of science/engineering applications (development and demonstration); (3) State-of-the-art machine learning (ML) and data science technologies for predictive science and engineering (utilization and advancement); (4) Predictive science based on verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) for large-scale simulations; and (5) Workforce development of the next-generation computational scientists. Due: October 31, 2024
Centers for Chemical Innovation (NSF 23-575): The Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program supports research centers focused on major, long-term fundamental chemical research challenges. CCIs that address these challenges will produce transformative research, lead to innovation, and attract broad scientific and public interest. CCIs are agile structures that can respond rapidly to emerging opportunities through enhanced collaborations. CCIs integrate research with strong broader impacts, including innovation, education, broadening participation, and informal science communication. Due: October 22, 2024
Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives (DE-FOA-0003361): The Department of Energy (DOE) Fusion Energy Science (FES) program is embarking on a transformative initiative aimed at creating a fusion innovation ecosystem, the “Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE)”, by forming virtual, centrally managed teams called “Collaboratives”, that have a collective goal of bridging FES’s basic science research programs and growing fusion industries, including the activities supported under the FES milestone-based fusion development program. Pre-App: July 9, 2024 | Full: August 27, 2024
Vision OPEN 2024 (DE-FOA-0003387): Since the Agency’s inception, the ARPA-E OPEN program has served as an opportunity to advance transformative energy breakthroughs in critical areas that fall outside the scope of its technology-focused programs. Vision OPEN challenges the research community to develop groundbreaking technologies to enable a future energy landscape that is dramatically different. The Vision includes three goals that are critical to achieve a sustainable energy and carbon transition with: (1) GHG-free abundant primary energy; (2) An intermodal energy superhighway that transports diversified forms of primary energy; and (3) A carbon transition that sustainably meets demand for polymers and other materials. Concept: July 16, 2024 | Full: TBD
Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation (CIFIA) Program: Future Growth Grants (revised) (DE-FOA-0002966): The objective of the CIFIA program is to fund the design, development, construction, and installation of infrastructure for large-volume CO2 transport by a variety of modes, such as through pipelines, rail, trucks, and ships and barges. As part of the CIFIA program, this FGG FOA is intended to provide financial assistance for developing and building CO2 transport capacity that may not be contracted and utilized in the initial years of operation of the CO2 transport system but is reasonably likely to become available when CO2 suppliers such as carbon capture and DAC facilities are developed and come online and/or when CO2 conversion sites or geologic storage facilities come online. LOI: August 15, 2024 | Full September 30, 2024
(RFI) Recovery of High Energy-Value Materials from Wastewater (DE-FOA-0003374): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on the development of technologies to recover high energy-value materials from wastewater to reduce energy demands and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with conventional sourcing and waste stream treatment. Due: June 5, 2024
(RFI) Transforming Industry: Strategies for Decarbonization (DE-FOA-0003363): The intent of this RFI is to obtain information to inform a new DOE vision study, Pathways for U.S. Industrial Transformations: Unlocking American Innovation, which is identifying cost-effective and industry-specific strategic pathways to achieve a thriving U.S. industrial sector with net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Due: June 10, 2024.
(NOI) Critical Facility Energy Resilience (CiFER) (DE-FOA-0003384): The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeking applications for financial assistance awards that would address FY2024 Congressional Direction, which directs OE to pursue a competitive pilot demonstration grant program, as authorized in section 3201 of the Energy Act of 2020, for energy storage projects that are wholly U.S.-made, sourced, and supplied. Expected: Fall 2024
(RFI) Accelerating the Catalyst Development Cycle for Net Zero Applications (DE-FOA-0003375): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on accelerating the heterogeneous catalyst development cycle for incorporation into reactors, devices, equipment, unit operations, and process technology applications relevant to the U.S. 2050 net zero goals. These material development cycles can take decades to complete, starting from the discovery scale at milligram quantities and finishing at the development scale with kilogram quantities. ARPA-E is interested in decreasing the length of development cycles to months while capturing significant energy efficiency increases, emissions reductions, and/or precious metal reductions. Due: June 13, 2024
(RFI) Manufacturability Pre-Production Design Implications of Energy Storage Technologies (DE-FOA-0003378): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on challenges related to pre-production design challenges associated with energy storage technology manufacturability. OE is specifically interested in gathering information on domestic pre-production manufacturability challenges that energy storage technology developers face when making design decisions that impact production of the technology, including scaling. Due: June 10, 2024
Quantum Information Science Enabled Discovery (QuantISED 2.0) (DE-FOA-24-0003354): The DOE SC program in High Energy Physics (HEP) hereby announces its interest in receiving interdisciplinary applications for open scientific research on Quantum Information Science (QIS) Enabled Discovery (QuantISED) to further the HEP mission to understand how the universe works at its most fundamental level. Successful applications will help define an exploratory program where innovative solutions for scientific discovery are developed and deployed to advance HEP science drivers and contribute to QIS research and technology for public benefit. LOI: June 18, 2024 | Full: July 30, 2024
Photovoltaics Research and Development (PVRD) FOA 2024 (DE-FOA-0003337): The research and development (R&D) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will fund innovative solar photovoltaics (PV) R&D that reduces the cost of PV modules, reduces carbon and energy intensity of PV manufacturing processes, and optimizes PV technology for new, specialized markets. LOI: June 12, 2024 | Concept Paper: July 1, 2024 | Full: September 16, 2024
Synthesis Advanced Research Challenge: Toyota Research Institute (TRI) announces a multiyear, multimillion-dollar challenge aimed at closing the gap between recent advances in AI prediction of new materials and finding the actual “recipe” needed to make these hypothetical materials in the real world. The goal is to accelerate the synthesis of novel materials by leveraging advances in computational modeling and closing the gap between theory and experiment. Approaches might include prediction of reaction kinetics, large-scale atomistic simulations, improved phase transition modeling, or data-driven approaches to predicting synthesis pathways. Due: June 1, 2024
Molecular Foundations for Sustainability: Sustainable Polymers Enabled by Emerging Data Analytics (MFS-SPEED) (NSF 24-567): The goal of MFS-SPEED is to support fundamental research enabling the accelerated discovery and ultimate manufacturing of sustainable polymers using state-of-the-art data science, and to enhance development of a cross-disciplinary workforce skilled in this area. In particular, through this solicitation, the research community is encouraged to address the discovery and elaboration of new sustainable polymers or sustainable pathways to existing polymers by the creation and use of a data-centric environment research projects. LOI: December 5, 2024 | Full: January 16, 2025
APRIL 2024
(NOI) Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development (DE-FOA-0003345): This opportunity will fund $48 million of projects that address several major areas of need for offshore wind, including accelerating research and development of offshore wind platforms, expanding the reach of the domestic supply chain, improving offshore wildlife protection through new monitoring technologies, and advancing U.S. academic leadership in floating offshore wind. Expected: late spring/early summer 2024.
(NOI) Pilot Demonstrations and Other Research to Support Integration of Grid Connected Buildings, Vehicles, and Distributed Clean Energy Generation (DE-FOA-0003136/ 000331/ 0003344): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) today announced its intent to issue multiple funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) totaling over $100 million for field demonstrations and other research to support better planning and operation of the electric grid. The anticipated FOAs include: Connected Communities 2.0, Solar Technologies’ Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES), SuperTruck Charge.
WASTE: Waste Analysis and Strategies for Transportation End-Uses (DE-FOA-0003072): The WASTE: Waste Analysis and Strategies for Transportation End-Uses funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will support municipalities and transit authorities with waste-to-energy solutions for converting organic waste into feedstocks for various clean transportation fuel products that can benefit local energy economies. Concept Paper: June 19, 2024 | Full: August 14, 2024
Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) Program: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened applications for Round Two of the Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program. This opportunity will award up to $12 million to support the creation or expansion of state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy siting processes at the state and local levels. Due: June 13, 2024
NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF 24-565): The NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program creates regional-scale, technology-driven, inclusive innovation ecosystems throughout the United States by accelerating key technologies, addressing regional, national, societal, and/or geostrategic challenges, driving economic growth, creating and retaining quality jobs, expanding equitable pathways into careers, and strengthening national competitiveness and security. The NSF Engines program aims to add additional regions to the 10 inaugural awardees announced earlier this year, expanding innovation potential across the U.S. LOI: June 18, 2024 | Preliminary Proposal: August 6, 2024 | Full: February 11, 2025
(RFI) Future Innovation needs for Responsible Mining of Critical Minerals (FIRM-CM) (DE-FOA-0003356): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for potential future ARPA-E research programs focused on innovative technologies and approaches for resource exploration, discovery, appraisal, mining, and processing of critical minerals. Due: May 14, 2024
(NOI) Smart Manufacturing Technologies for Material and Process Innovation Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0003328): This intended FOA will support the research, development and demonstration (RD&D) of smart manufacturing technologies that can contribute to a resilient, responsive, leading-edge and efficient manufacturing sector that delivers the technologies needed for the nation’s clean energy transition.
MACRO – Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity (DE-FOA-0003274): Algae is a promising type of renewable biomass-based feedstock with the potential to contribute to BETO’s and FECM’s missions and help meet the aggressive clean energy goals being pursued by DOE. This FOA will fund selected projects in two focus areas: (1) Conversion of Seaweeds to Low Carbon Fuels and Bioproducts; (2) Conversion of Algal Biomass for Low Carbon Agricultural Bioproducts. Concept Paper: May 10, 2024 | Full: June 27, 2024
U.S Army DEVCOM (Army Research Lab, Ground Vehicles Systems Center) Internship (NSF 24-071): The NSF and U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) and Ground Vehicle Systems Center (DEVCOM GVSC) have entered into a partnership to support the development of graduate students to meet both the NSF’s strategic workforce development objectives as well as DEVCOM ARL’s and DEVCOM GVSC’s mission to advance cutting-edge scientific discovery, technological innovation and transition of knowledge products to empowering U.S. Army capabilities today and in the future. NSF and DEVCOM ARL and DEVCOM GVSC will consider supplemental funding requests that enable PIs (or co-PIs) to request up to six months of additional support for graduate students supported on active NSF grants. Due: June 15, 2024
(RFI) Electrified Airplane Integration Retrofit Powertrains Learnings And Novel Electric Port & Operations Related Technologies (E-AIRPLANE/PORT) (DE-FOA-0003359): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on the feasibility and impact of retrofitting an existing aircraft with electric powertrains developed under ARPA-E’s Aviation-class Synergistically Cooled Electric-motors with iNtegrated Drives (ASCEND) program for a full integration with the aircraft and to show full functionality of the electric powertrain. ARPA-E is interested in groundbreaking technologies needed for a full integration of an electric powertrain into the aircraft main electrical and propulsion systems, as well as opportunities in airport electrification. This RFI aims to identify potential participants and gather insights to inform the development of a future funding opportunity focused on this transformative technology. Due: May 31, 2024
Concentrating Solar Flux to Heat & Power (DE-FOA-0003269): This FOA solicits proposals for RD&D associated with Scalable Concentrating Solar Collectors, Scalable Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (sCO2) and Scalable Concentrating Solar-thermal Receivers and Reactors. The three technologies will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Concept Paper: May 16, 2024 | Full: August 8, 2024
IUSE/Professional Formation of Engineers: Revolutionizing Engineering Departments (RED) (NSF 24-564): The goal of the RED program is to catalyze revolutionary, not incrementally reformist, changes to the education of the next generation of engineers. Revolutionary means radically, suddenly, or completely new; producing fundamental, structural change; or going outside of or beyond existing norms and principles. While previous efforts have made pedagogical changes to the way engineering and engineering technology students are educated, RED projects must consider the cultural, organizational, structural, and pedagogical changes needed to transform the department to one in which students are engaged, develop their technical and professional skills, and establish identities as professional engineers. Due: September 10, 2024
Enhancing STEM Education, Research Capacity, and Workforce Development in Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Jurisdictions (NSF 24-077): Through this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) encourages new proposal submissions to EDU programs and supplemental funding requests to existing EDU awards led by institutions in the 28 EPSCoR jurisdictions. All Four Divisions in the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) are participating in this DCL.
FY2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Research & Development (DE-FOA-0003248): The Department of Energy (DOE) announced $45.8 million in new funding for projects that will advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. Topic areas include: Next-generation phosphate-based cathodes; Advancing the state of the art for sodium-ion batteries; Developing concepts for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from off-road vehicles; Developing and deploying vehicle-to-everything technologies; Developing high-performance, domestically produced electrical steels (E-steels); Addressing critical cybersecurity needs for electric vehicle charging. Concept Paper: May 2, 2024 | June 24, 2024
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase II (2024-NIST-SBIR-02): The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase II is seeking applications from previous Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 NIST SBIR Phase I award recipients in response to this NOFO for Phase II of their projects, with the aim of developing a viable product or service that will be introduced to the commercial marketplace. NOTE: Only FY 2023 NIST SBIR Phase I awardees are eligible to submit an application in response to this NOFO for Phase II of their projects. Due: May 30, 2024
(NOI) Aerodynamic for Offshore Wind Performance and Reliability (DE-FOA-0003183): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind Energies Technologies Office (WETO) announced plans to invest $5.1 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in research and technology development to advance modeling and analysis for next-generation offshore wind turbine blades. This future funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is anticipated to seek applications to fill critical gaps in the development of multi-megawatt wind turbines (>10 MW) for offshore wind deployment and promote adoption of sustainable wind turbine technologies across the United States. Expected Spring 2024.
MARCH 2024
ALS Collaborative Postdoctoral Fellowship: ALS Collaborative Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to conduct collaborative research and instrument development in areas supporting the scientific mission of the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and the ALS. Fellows spend a year in residence at the ALS pursuing research projects as part of teams that include members of ALS staff and the user community, and are exposed to current scientific challenges that can be tackled using advanced synchrotron radiation tools. Now accepting applications for a September 1 start date, applications due March 29, 2024.
ALS Doctoral Fellowship in Residence: ALS Doctoral Fellowships allow student researchers to work at the frontier of synchrotron radiation research and to help advance state-of-the-art techniques and applications. Students who have passed their Ph.D. qualifying or comprehensive exams, and advanced to candidacy, can apply to spend a year in residence at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) working closely with an ALS staff member. Now accepting applications for a September 1 start date, applications due March 29, 2024.
Confronting Hazards, Impacts and Risks for a Resilient Planet (CHIRRP) (PD 24-297Y): The Confronting Hazards, Impacts and Risks for a Resilient Planet Program (CHIRRP) invites projects focusing on innovative and transformative research that advances Earth system hazard knowledge and risk mitigation in partnership with affected communities. CHIRRP projects are expected to advance understanding, forecasting and/or prediction of future Earth system hazards and risks, engage communities in development of research questions and approaches, and produce actionable, science-based solution pathways for adaptation methodologies, products, and services. Concept Outline: 30 days prior to full submission | Full Target: June 6, 2024
Solar and Wind Interconnection for Future Transmission (SWIFTR) (DE-FOA-0003246): This funding opportunity solicits proposals for projects to expedite future interconnections of wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems into the transmission system while preserving data security and system reliability. The two FOA topic areas are as follows: (1) Improved Efficiency of EMT Simulations for Interconnection Studies of IBRs; (2) Dynamic Stability-Enhanced Network Assessment Tools. Concept Paper: April 17, 2024 | Full: June 28, 2024
Exploratory Grants for Atmospheric Methane Research: In this call for proposals, Spark seeks to support transformative research to advance understanding of existing methane sinks and conduct early assessments of potential atmospheric methane removal approaches. Proposals must be relevant to one or more of the funding tracks below and be applicable at atmospheric methane concentration (2 ppm). Proposals must demonstrate awareness of current literature and the state of the field, and result in research findings for peer-reviewed, open access publication. Interest Letter: May 3, 2024 | Full: June 2, 2024
(NOI) Manufacturing USA Institute Competition: AI for Resilient Manufacturing: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plans to announce an open competition for a new Manufacturing USA institute focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the resilience of U.S. manufacturing. NIST anticipates that $70 million in federal funds will be invested in this new institute over five years, with an equal or greater contribution from private and other nonfederal funding sources. Expected: Spring 2024.
Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) (DE-FOA-0003280): RENEW supports traineeships for students and postdoctoral researchers from non-R1 Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs) and non-R1 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in areas relevant to SC programs. SC seeks applications to develop traineeships for participants from these institutions that involve conducting research in partnership with a DOE-affiliated institution, including DOE National Laboratories, SC user facilities, Bioenergy Research Centers, or DOE Isotope Program Production Sites. Traineeships may include partnerships with multiple DOE-affiliated partner institutions to learn about the diversity and breadth of science conducted by the Office of Science. Pre-Application: April 30, 2024 | Full: July 23, 2024
Global Centers: Use-Inspired Research Addressing Global Challenges through the Bioeconomy (NSF 24-556): This solicitation describes an ambitious program to fund international, interdisciplinary collaborative research centers that will apply best practices of broadening participation and community engagement to develop use-inspired bioeconomy research to address one or more global challenges identified by the scientific community. The topic for the 2024 competition of the Global Centers program is Addressing Global Challenges through the Bioeconomy and may include research from any combination of research disciplines supported by NSF. The Bioeconomy is the share of the economy based on products, services, and processes derived from living systems. Due: June 11, 2024
Air Force Fiscal Year 2025 Young Investigator Program (YIP): The Fiscal Year 2025 Air Force Young Investigator Research Program (YIP) intends to support individual early in career scientists and engineers who have received Ph.D. or equivalent degrees by 01 April 2017 or later showing exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research. The program objective is to foster creative basic research in science and engineering; enhance early career development of outstanding young investigators; and increase opportunities for the young investigator to recognize the Air Force and Space Force mission and related challenges in science and engineering. White Paper: April 22, 2024 | Full: June 21, 2024
Fuel Access Anywhere, Regardless of Means (FAARM) (DARPA-EA-24-01-01): The FAARM ARC targets innovative techniques to form a wide range of synthetic fuels from varied readily available sources for DoD applications. The FAARM ARC Opportunity is soliciting ideas to explore the following question: Can energy-dense fuels be synthesized using an efficient, small-scale system? FAARM performers will develop novel approaches to efficiently produce energy-dense fuels at a small scale. Due: April 15, 2024
American-Made Upskill Prize for the Solar Manufacturing Workforce: The American-Made Upskill Prize for the Solar Manufacturing Workforce (Upskill Prize) is a multi-million-dollar competition designed to accelerate the expansion of the U.S. solar manufacturing workforce and equip workers with the skills necessary to revitalize the domestic solar module manufacturing supply chain. The prize incentivizes partnerships between U.S. manufacturers and training organizations, aiming to attract new workers to careers in solar manufacturing with job-ready training programs. Due: May 21, 2024
Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program (DE-FOA-0003294): The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) is issuing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Through the two (2) Areas of Interest (AOI) of this FOA, the Program will provide approximately $425 million in support of projects by small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs). Concept Paper: April 8, 2024 | Full: June 24, 2024
(NOI) Concentrating Solar Flux to Heat and Power (DE-FOA-0003338): SETO anticipates that the FOA will seek RD&D projects in three topic areas. Technologies in each area may support a variety of concentrating solar-thermal (CST) forms including CSP, SIPH, and high-temperature solar-thermal reactors. Each topic area focuses on scaling and maturing impactful technologies for specified CST subsystems. Expected: March 2024
Expeditionary Carbon Utilization for energy Resilience and Stabilization (ExCURSion) (HR001124S0014): The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals in the foundational technologies area to enable carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, capture, and storage. These technologies are envisioned as key components for a future self-enclosed system that creates liquid carbon fuels and uses them to store and deploy energy to address the need for energy resilience in an expeditionary setting, independent of a fuel supply line. The envisioned system will enable safe, field-deployable, high-density, and rechargeable energy storage. Abstract: March 8, 2024 | Full: April 29, 2024
FEBRUARY 2024
Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Advanced Biofuels (DE-FOA-0003178): This investment through a new agreement between EPA and DOE will support high-impact biofuel technology projects to improve the performance and reduce the cost of biofuel production technologies, scale up production systems in partnership with industry, and accelerate the nation’s bioeconomy. The FOA includes up to $9.4 million in federal funding to achieve the above outcomes by supporting two Topic Areas focusing on research and development (R&D) to advance technologies from the bench scale to pilot scale: (1) Pre-Pilot Scale Up of Integrated Biorefinery Technologies and (2) Biointermediate Processing Toolbox. Concept Paper: March 22, 2024 | Full: May 24, 2024
(NOI) Methane Emissions Reduction Program Oil and Gas Methane Monitoring and Mitigation (DE-FOA-0003255): The anticipated technical objectives are to make funds available to a variety of applicants for the purpose of monitoring and mitigating methane emissions, and legacy air pollution from oil and gas assets, including but not limited to marginal conventional wells (MCWs). These efforts are anticipated to accelerate cost reductions and commercial deployment of innovative methane emissions reduction technologies and advance the characterization and reduction of methane emissions through multi-scale, measurement-informed data collection and analysis that also support environmental justice.
FY24 Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Technology Integration (TI) (DE-FOA-0003250): This FOA seeks applications to address outreach, education, technical assistance, workforce training, and other innovative demonstration or deployment projects that advance the mission of an affordable, equitable, and decarbonized transportation system. Concept Paper: March 12, 2024 | Full: April 30, 2024
(NOI) Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity (MACRO): The intended Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity (MACRO) funding would address gaps in the use of carbon dioxide (CO2), conversion technologies, and product development that limits the use of wet algal feedstocks. The potential funding could include up to $18.8 million for (1) Conversion of Seaweeds and Waste Algae to Low Carbon Fuels and Products and (2) Conversion of Algal Biomass for Low Carbon Agricultural Products. Expected March 2024
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Science (DE-FOA-0003264): The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program, is issuing a $36 million funding opportunity announcement for basic computer science and applied mathematics research in the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) for science. Specifically, advancements in this area are sought that can enable the development of: (1) Foundation models for computational science; (2) Automated scientific workflows and laboratories; (3) Scientific programming and scientific-knowledge-management systems; (4) Federated and privacy-preserving training for foundation and other AI models for science; and (5) Energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware for science. Letter of Intent: March 19, 2024 | Full: May 21, 2024
ACED: Accelerating Computing-Enabled Scientific Discovery (NSF 24-541): The ACED program seeks to harness computing to accelerate scientific discovery, while driving new computing advancements. The intent is to catalyze advancements on both sides of a virtuous cycle that: (a) benefit scientific disciplines through computational technologies and (b) foster novel computing technologies that will enable advances beyond the specific use cases or domains originally targeted. The ACED program solicits proposals in two tracks: Track 1: Emerging Ideas Proposals; Track 2: Discovery Proposals. The program seeks continuous collaborations between at least two groups of researchers. One group is expected to consist of researchers in computing, which are those disciplines that are supported by the Core Programs of NSF’s CISE directorate. The other group of researchers are expected to represent another scientific or engineering discipline, defined as those supported within existing programs of the following NSF directorates: Biological Sciences, Engineering, or Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Due: Track 1 – May 13, 2024 | Track 2 – January 14, 2025
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR): Workshop Opportunities (NSF 24-540): EPSCoR welcomes proposals for workshops only from institutions within EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions focused on innovative ways to address multi-jurisdictional efforts on themes of regional or national importance with relevance to the goals and mission of NSF and EPSCoR. Up to 20 awards for in-person, virtual, or hybrid workshops annually. Proposals Accepted Anytime
Platform Technologies for Transformative Battery Manufacturing (DE-FOA-0003236): This FOA will support activities to advance platform technologies that enable flexible, scalable, and highly controllable battery manufacturing processes. Topics include: Platforms for Next Generation Battery Manufacturing and Topic Area 2: Smart Manufacturing Platforms for Battery Production. Concept Paper: March 4, 2024 | Full: May 7, 2024
Combined Wellbore Construction High Temperature Tools and Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) (DE-FOA-0003296): GTO actively pursues research, development, and demonstration projects to facilitate technology validation and demonstration, reduce cost, and improve performance of geothermal technologies. Topic Area 1: High-Temperature Tools for Well Integrity Evaluation | Topic Area 2: Utilization of Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) Technology for Decarbonization of Industrial Processes. Letter of Intent: March 1, 2024 | Full: April 1, 2024
(RFI) Securing New Sources of Helium for Advanced Energy Application (DE-FOA-0003306): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on identifying transformative technologies across the helium-4 (“helium”) supply chain to decrease the delivered cost of helium from processes not dependent on natural gas production. ARPA-E is seeking information regarding alternative methods to safeguard future helium production in the United States and ensure helium availability for next-generation energy technologies. Specifically, ARPA-E is interested in identifying potentially disruptive concepts to: 1) develop innovative mapping technologies to locate new helium sources; and 2) produce helium using advanced separation technologies designed for novel sources and/or the enhancement of helium recovery and recycling. Due: March 15, 2024
Platform Technologies for Transformative Battery Manufacturing (DE-FOA-0003236): This FOA will support activities to advance platform technologies that enable flexible, scalable, and highly controllable battery manufacturing processes. Topics include: (1) Platforms for Next Generation Battery Manufacturing (Processes and Machines for Sodium-ion Batteries; Processes and Design for Manufacturability of Flow Batteries; Scalable Manufacturing of Nanolayered Films for Energy Storage) and (2) Smart Manufacturing Platforms for Battery Production. Concept Paper: March 4, 2024 | Full: May 7, 2024
Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-Lived Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR and CIRCULAR SBIR/STTR) (DE-FOA-0003303 / DE-FOA-0003324): The overarching goal of the CIRCULAR program is to successfully translate the definition of a circular economy to the domestic EV battery supply chain by supporting the development of innovative solutions that can overcome both the technological and economic barriers to broad commercial adoption. Concept Paper: March 12, 2024 | Full: TBD
Regional Resource Hubs for Purpose-Grown Energy (DE-FOA-0003209): The RD&D activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, the objective of this FOA is to support high-impact RD&D on mobilizing low carbon intensity, purpose-grown energy crops necessary to support the production goals of the SAF Grand Challenge and the sustainability goals of the Clean Fuels & Products Shot™. Concept Paper: March 14, 2024 | Full: June 13, 2024
(NOI) Funding Opportunity Advance Floating Offshore Wind): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) and Innovation Fund Denmark announced an intent to release a $4.2 million opportunity to advance floating offshore wind energy systems toward cost-effective commercialization and wide-scale deployment. Expected: Spring, 2024
Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program: 2024 Solicitation 1 Applications: The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2024 solicitation 1 cycle. The SCGSR program provides supplemental awards to outstanding U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or facility in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the mission of DOE’s Office of Science. The research opportunity is expected to advance the graduate students’ overall graduate theses while providing access to the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at the host DOE laboratories. Due: May 1, 2024
Accelerated Research in Quantum Computing (DE-FOA-0003265): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science, under the Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program, is issuing a $45 million funding opportunity announcement for accelerating the development of mathematical foundations, algorithms, and software for quantum computing. The goal is to progress toward a software stack that is ready to leverage multiple quantum technologies, or will develop mathematical foundations, algorithms, and software tools toward quantum utility demonstration for applications that help advance DOE’s mission. Due: Letter of Intent: March 13, 2024 | Full: May 8, 2024
JANUARY 2024
Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-Lived Advanced Rechargeables (CIRCULAR and CIRCULAR SBIR/STTR) (DE-FOA-0003303 / DE-FOA-0003324): The overarching goal of the CIRCULAR program is to successfully translate the definition of a circular economy to the domestic EV battery supply chain by supporting the development of innovative solutions that can overcome both the technological and economic barriers to broad commercial adoption. CIRCULAR recognizes that conventional recycling is not the only, nor primary, pathway to closing the supply chain loop. The program will support the development and deployment of foundational technologies capable of maintaining materials and products in circulation at their highest level of performance and safety for as long as possible. CIRCULAR acknowledges that simultaneous advancements in multiple technological domains may be required to accomplish this ambitious objective. Concept Paper: March 12, 2024 | Full: TBD
(RFI) Securing New Sources of Helium for Advanced Energy Application (DE-FOA-0003306): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on identifying transformative technologies across the helium-4 (“helium”) supply chain to decrease the delivered cost of helium from processes not dependent on natural gas production. Due: March 15, 2024
Combined Wellbore Construction High Temperature Tools and Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) (DE-FOA-0003296): GTO actively pursues research, development, and demonstration projects to facilitate technology validation and demonstration, reduce cost, and improve performance of geothermal technologies. Topic Area 1: High-Temperature Tools for Well Integrity Evaluation; Topic Area 2: Utilization of Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) Technology for Decarbonization of Industrial Processes. Letter of Intent: March 1, 2024 | Full: April 1, 2024. Letter of Intent: March 1, 2024 | Full: April 1, 2024
Platform Technologies for Transformative Battery Manufacturing (DE-FOA-0003236): This FOA will support activities to advance platform technologies that enable flexible, scalable, and highly controllable battery manufacturing processes. Topics include: (1) Platforms for Next Generation Battery Manufacturing (Processes and Machines for Sodium-ion Batteries; Processes and Design for Manufacturability of Flow Batteries; Scalable Manufacturing of Nanolayered Films for Energy Storage) and (2) Smart Manufacturing Platforms for Battery Production. Concept Paper: March 4, 2024 | Full: May 7, 2024
Sustainable Regional Systems Research Networks (SRS RNs) (NSF 24-533): The goal of this solicitation is to fund convergent research and education that will advance sustainable regional systems science, engineering, and education to facilitate the transformation of current regional systems to enhance sustainability. To further the advancement of SRS science, engineering, and education, NSF will support proposals for Sustainable Regional Systems Research Networks (SRS RNs). SRS RNs will conduct innovative and pioneering fundamental research and education that is of a scale and complexity that would not be possible within a single organization, center, or through the normal collaborative modes of NSF research support in core programs. Due: May 15, 2024
FY24 Energy and Emissions Intensive Industries (DE-FOA-0003219): This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) focuses on applied research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) for the highest GHG-emitting industrial subsectors, specifically: chemicals and fuels; iron and steel; food and beverage; building and infrastructure materials (including cement and concrete, asphalt pavements, and glass); and forest products. Concept Paper: March 19, 2024 | Full: June 11, 2024
Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program (NSF 24-529): The Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program is designed to encourage development and implementation of bold, new, and potentially transformative approaches to STEM graduate education training. The program seeks proposals that a) explore ways for graduate students in STEM master’s and doctoral degree programs to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to pursue a range of STEM careers, or b) support research on the graduate education system and outcomes of systemic interventions and policies. Due: April 22, 2024
(RFI) Supporting Successful Solar Plus Storage Deployment Serving Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities (DE-FOA-0003304): Through this RFI, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) seeks insight into the resources and support needed, through its existing or expanded work, to ensure successful outcomes of solar and storage deployment serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. The SETO Workforce and Equitable Access (WEA) team seeks input on what nationally coordinated and supported resources are needed to ensure this historic investment in distributed solar leads to equitable and successful delivery of benefits through low-income residential solar plus storage, community solar, and other distributed solar located in or serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Due: February 23, 2024
(RFI) Receivers and Reactors for Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Plants and Solar Industrial Process Heat (DE-FOA-0003275): This request for information (RFI) is intended to inform the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) on specific research, development, and demonstration opportunities to enable near-term deployment of receivers for concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) plants, and reactors for CSP industries. Due: February 20, 2024
Marine Energy Foundational R&D (DE-FOA-0003097): This FOA supports foundational research at domestic institutions of higher education, including Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), to address challenges faced by marine energy industries and spur innovation and development. Concept Paper: February 20, 2024 | Full: April 22, 2024
EXPRESS: 2024 Exploratory Research for Extreme-Scale Science (DE-FOA-0003300): The DOE SC program in Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) hereby announces its interest in basic research to explore potentially high-impact approaches in scientific computing and extreme-scale science. Pre-Application: February 29, 2024 | Full: May 2, 2024
Data Reduction for Science (DE-FOA-0003266): The DOE SC program in Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) hereby announces its interest in research applications to explore potentially high-impact approaches in the development and use of data reduction techniques and algorithms to facilitate more efficient analysis and use of massive data sets produced by observations, experiments and simulation. The principal focus of this FOA is to support applied mathematics and computer science approaches that address one or more of the identified PRDs. These PRDs are (1) effective algorithms and tools that can be trusted by scientists for accuracy and efficiency, (2) progressive reduction algorithms that enable data to be prioritized for efficient streaming, (3) algorithms which can preserve information in features and quantities of interest with quantified uncertainty, and (4) mapping techniques to new architectures and use cases. Pre-Application: March 19, 2024 | Full: May 7, 2024
Growing Convergence Research (GCR) (NSF 24-527): This GCR solicitation is a call for proposals addressing complex problems that require convergence paradigms to catalyze scientific discovery and innovation at the nexus of disciplines, but in areas for which research communities and integrated approaches have not yet developed. Consistent with the two primary characteristics of convergence research, the problem motivating the research should be rooted in a specific societal and/or scientific challenge and the research strategy should embrace deep integration across multiple disciplines. Of particular interest are those problems and research strategies that have potential to grow new scientific areas and catalyze sustained interactions across research communities beyond the period of the award. Due: April 12, 2024
Distribution Communication and Control Technologies Research, Development, and Demonstration (DE-FOA-0003198): This FOA seeks research, development, and demonstration activities that will yield new communications and control technologies to enhance the security of the electric distribution system, particularly with respect to the grid’s capability to prevent, detect, and respond to inadvertent and/or malicious disruptions to critical information flows. A demonstration of the developed solution under the evolving system architecture—including changes occurring on the grid edge—needs to be performed to validate electric utility acceptance. A successful demonstration will lend confidence that the innovation will perform as expected, will increase information security on the grid, and will not interfere with the function of the energy delivery control system. Research findings leading to valuable insights and best practices regarding the design, configuration, and use will be broadly shared with the utility community creating a pathway to accelerate deployment. Due: March 18, 2024
FY 2024 Research and Development for Next Generation Nuclear Physics Accelerator Facilities (DE-FOA-0003261): The DOE SC program in Nuclear Physics (NP) hereby announces its interest in receiving applications for Research and Development (R&D) efforts directed at transformative accelerator R&D of relevance to current or next generation NP accelerator facilities. Accelerator R&D intended for this announcement should fall in the following general categories: Accelerator R&D that significantly advances the state-of the-art accelerator capabilities of relevance to next generation machines for the study of nuclear physics; Accelerator R&D that significantly advances the state-of-the-art accelerator capabilities of relevance to improving the performance of existing facilities studying nuclear physics. In particular, applications in the following areas are encouraged: Transformative accelerator R&D in SRF technology for restoring cryomodule performance at SRF-based accelerator facilities. One example is R&D to establish practical and reproduceable in situ plasma processing techniques.; Transformative accelerator R&D in next generation ion and electron sources. Due: March 4, 2024
SBIR/STTR FY 2024 Phase I Release 2 (DE-FOA-0003202): This FOA describes two distinct funding opportunities for DOE: the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Both Phase I and Fast-Track grant opportunities are included in this FY 2024 Phase I Release 2 competition. The objectives of the SBIR/STTR programs include increasing private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported research and development (R&D), stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, encouraging participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, and improving the return on investment from Federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. DOE will support high-quality research or R&D on innovative concepts concerning important mission-related scientific or engineering problems and opportunities that have high potential for commercialization. LOI: February 2, 2024 | Full: March 12, 2024
Small Innovative Projects in Solar: Concentrating Solar Power and Photovoltaics (SIPS: CSP & PV) – Annual (DE-FOA-0002888): This FOA seeks applications to accelerate the development and deployment of solar technology 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. Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) for CSP and PV is an agile funding vehicle for SETO investments with two major aims: to investigate high-risk ideas that address a major technology barrier or open the possibility of a novel concept, and to attract new entrants into the applied solar R&D community. Projects will focus on innovative and novel ideas that are appropriate for 12-18 months of research to determine feasibility. Due: March 6, 2024
(RFI) Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development Priorities (DE-FOA-0003302): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, project financiers and insurance providers, community organizations, workforce development and labor organizations, and other stakeholders on issues related to offshore wind and research and development (R&D) and deployment needs that are national and regional in focus, including needs relevant to the Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico. Due: February 20, 2024
Future Manufacturing (FM) (NSF 24-525): The goal of Future Manufacturing is to support fundamental research, education, and training of a future workforce to overcome scientific, technological, educational, economic, and social barriers in order to catalyze new manufacturing capabilities that do not exist today. Manufacturing in the future will rely on computation to ensure the reliable translation of product designs to manufacturing plans; process controls to assure those plans produce products that meet specifications; new materials, chemicals, devices, processes, machines, and design and work methods; systems that encompass people, processes, equipment, materials, and information within a production environment; and new social structures and business practices. Fundamental research to overcome significant barriers will be required in quantum and semiconductor devices and integrated systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, sustainable chemistry and production, materials science, education and public policy, and workforce development. Due: April 11, 2024 and January 13, 2025
Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (NSF 24-524): The Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program invites proposals from multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams that examine and demonstrate the principles, methodologies, implementations, and impacts associated with responsible design, development, and deployment of technologies in practice, focusing especially on the key technologies specified in Section 10387 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Phase 1: April 8, 2024 | Phase 2: April 22, 2024
ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) (NSF PD-24-110Z): Plasma science is a transdisciplinary field of research where fundamental studies in many disciplines, including plasma physics, plasma chemistry, materials science, and space science, come together to advance knowledge for discovery and technological innovation. The primary goal of the ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) program is to identify and capitalize on opportunities for bringing fundamental plasma science investigations to bear on problems of societal and technological need within the scope of science and engineering supported by the participating NSF programs. Due: Varies by Division (August – November 2024)
EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track-4: EPSCoR Research Fellows (NSF 23-535): EPSCoR RII Track-4: EPSCoR Research Fellows provides awards to build research capacity in institutions and transform the career trajectories of investigators and further develop their individual research potential through collaborations with investigators from the nation’s premier private, governmental, or academic research centers. Due: April 9, 2024
(RFI) National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building: Part 1 Operating Emissions (DE-FOA-003257): This Request for Information (RFI) is soliciting feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on Part 1 of a draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. Responses to this RFI will help to develop a definition that will provide a clear market signal and consistent target, backed by measurable data, that is intended to help move the building sector to zero emissions. Developing a broadly accepted common definition of a zero emissions building, as well as a pathway for verification, is foundational to efforts by public and private entities to transition the building sector to zero emissions. The National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building will create a standardized, consistent, and measurable basis for zero emissions buildings. The definition will act as a framework, offering designers and operators multiple pathways to influence the design and operation of buildings, thereby reduce building sector emissions. Due: February 5, 2024
DOE Grid Resilience Analysis and Climate Change Impacts (GRACI): The Grid Deployment Office will fund one regional-focused consortium of universities, for profit and non-profit organizations over an initial one-year performance period. The grant funds are intended to support the implementation of existing models, tools and methodologies that would allow rapid decision-making for states to implement grid resilience projects under the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant Program. Due: February 15, 2024
Nuclear Data InterAgency Working Group (NDIAWG) Research Program (DE-FOA-0003238): This FOA allows the nuclear data community to better address goals of: increasing entry points into the nuclear data evaluator community, supporting retention of evaluators, and investing in nuclear data evaluator capacity to be directly involved with research. The FY24 Nuclear Data InterAgency Working Group funding opportunity announcement features two broad topics: 1) trainees interested in becoming nuclear data evaluators, and 2) research topics to enhance nuclear data related to non-proliferation. Both experimental data collection and expert nuclear data evaluation are key to ensuring nuclear data libraries are up to date. LOI: February 5, 2024 | Full: April 4, 2024
2023
DECEMBER 2023
Integrated Biological and Computational Low Dose Radiation Research (DE-FOA-0003281): DOE SC program in Biological and Environmental Research (BER) hereby announces its interest in development of integrated biological and computational research to gain a mechanistic understanding of the effects of low dose radiation exposure on cellular functions. This funding opportunity calls for biological research applications conducted with well-defined and/or known exposures to low energy transfer (LET) radiation sources (high energy electrons, protons, x- and gamma rays) across a range of low dose exposures (<100mGy encompassing 10mGy) and dose rate ranges encompassing 5mGy/hr within four topics. Pre-Application: February 6, 2024 | Full: April 2, 2024
(NOI) FY2024 Technology Integration (TI) (DOE-FOA-0003249): The Technology Integration Program supports the demonstration and deployment of new technology at the community level, but ultimately with broader national reach. The Technology Integration Program supports a broad technology portfolio that includes alternative fuels, workforce development and training, and other efficient advanced technologies that can reduce transportation energy costs for businesses and consumers. The program provides objective, unbiased data and real-world lessons learned to inform future research needs and support local decision making. It also includes projects to disseminate data, information, and insight, as well as online tools and technology assistance to cities and regions working to implement alternative fuels and energy efficient mobility technologies and systems. Expected: January – February 2024
(NOI) FY2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Research & Development (DE-FOA-0003247): The RDD&D activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will advance RDD&D in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, including: development of innovative battery chemistries, reducing GHG emissions in off-road vehicles, improving transportation efficiency via connected vehicles, domestic production of electric steels and improved cybersecurity for electric vehicle charging. Expected: January or February 2024
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 40503: Energy Auditor Training (DE-FOA-0003204): The Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Program will provide Grant funding to States for the purpose of training individuals to conduct energy audits, or surveys, of commercial and residential buildings. Applicants must demonstrate a need for assistance in training energy auditors and submit a proposed training curriculum for energy auditor trainees that identifies the types of covered certification that those trainees will receive on upon program completion; the expected cost per-individual; a plan for connecting trainees with employment opportunities; and any additional information as required by this FOA. Concept Paper: March 28, 2024 | Full: June 28, 2024
Early Career Research Program (ECRP) (DE-FOA-003176): DOE SC hereby invites applications for support under the ECRP in the following program areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR); Basic Energy Sciences (BES); Biological and Environmental Research (BER); Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); High Energy Physics (HEP); Nuclear Physics (NP); Isotope Research and Development (R&D) and Production (DOE IP); and Accelerator R&D and Production (ARDAP). The purpose of this program is to support the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and to stimulate research careers in the areas supported by SC. Pre-Application Paper: January 30, 2024 | Full: April 25, 2024
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes (DE-FOA-0003056): This opportunity assists eligible entities in further decarbonizing their buildings through the adoption of the latest national model building energy codes, zero energy codes, other codes that deliver equivalent or greater energy savings, including innovative approaches to decarbonize existing buildings through certain measurable and enforceable requirements. The IRA is unprecedented in its opportunity to support
sustainable change at the State and local level with respect to advancing the energy efficiency of new, renovated, and existing buildings. Concept Paper: February 9, 2024 | Due: April 30, 2024
Planning Grants to Broaden Participation in the Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Program (NSF 24-035): Planning grants funded through this DCL are expected to cultivate potential EFRI research teams that actively address broadening participation and inclusion goals expressed in this DCL and to develop a competitive EFRI proposal for the FY 2025 cycle of the current EFRI solicitation. As a result of planning grant activities, potential EFRI teams should be better equipped to carry out potentially transformative research that addresses the Biocomputing through EnGINeering Organoid Intelligence (BEGIN OI) EFRI topic. Proposers supported through this mechanism may use the funding to organize activities that help stimulate the formation of EFRI teams (in terms of PI, Co-PI, Senior Personnel, and organization type) and crystalize the ideas and research plans to be presented in a potential EFRI proposal. Due: February 23, 2024
(NOI) Regional Resource Hubs for Purpose-Grown Energy Crops (DE-FOA-0003233): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office announced a notice of intent (NOI) to issue a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) that will drive the research and development (R&D) of low-carbon, purpose-grown energy crops leading to the deployment of clean energy technologies. The planned Regional Resource Hubs for Purpose-Grown Energy Crops funding opportunity would support the development of a domestic supply chain of alternative sources of carbon that is critical to decarbonizing the U.S. transportation and industrial sectors, as well as related sectors of the economy such as the agriculture and power sector. Expected: January 2024
FY23 BIL Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications (DE-FOA-0003120): The activities to be funded under this FOA support BIL section 40208, Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second-Life Applications Program, and the broader government-wide approach to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical materials to maximize the benefits of the clean energy transition as the nation works to curb the climate crisis, empower workers, and advance environmental justice. This BIL section is focused on research, development, and demonstration of second-life applications for electric drive vehicle batteries that have been used to power electric drive vehicles and technologies and processes for final recycling and disposal of electric drive vehicle batteries. Concept Paper: February 2, 2024 | Full: April 19, 2024
Early Career Research Program (ECRP) (DE-FOA-003176): DOE SC hereby invites applications for support under the ECRP in the following program areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR); Basic Energy Sciences (BES); Biological and Environmental Research (BER); Fusion Energy Sciences (FES); High Energy Physics (HEP); Nuclear Physics (NP); Isotope Research and Development (R&D) and Production (DOE IP); and Accelerator R&D and Production (ARDAP). The purpose of this program is to support the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and to stimulate research careers in the areas supported by SC. Pre-Application Paper: January 30, 2024 | Full: April 25, 2024
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies FOA to Advance the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy (DE-FOA-003213): The research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA will support the goals of the H2@Scale Initiative, which aims to advance affordable hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization to enable decarbonization and revenue opportunities across multiple sectors. In addition to RDD&D topics, this FOA will focus on enabling hydrogen deployments through safety and permitting support, equitable community engagement, and developing strategies for effective community benefits. Concept Paper: January 26, 2024 | Full: March 22, 2024
Grid-Enhancing Data Analytics Demonstrations for Operations, Monitoring and Control (DE-FOA-0003127): The objective of this FOA is to enhance grid reliability and resilience through R&D with demonstrations of analytics that utilize power system sensors to develop tools for the grid of the future. Demonstrations with power sector utilities is required since this will help ensure that the analytics can meaningfully support power sector system planning and operations. Projects that build on/implement industry standards like CIM and existing platforms like GridAPPs-D are encouraged to help facilitate scalability, interoperability, and relevance of the work to the broader electricity industry. Concept Paper: January 23, 2024 | Full: April 4, 2024
(RFI) High-Efficiency Gasification for Clean Hydrogen Production (DE-FOA-0003259): DOE is requesting information on strategies and technologies for developing innovative gasification designs for converting biomass/mixed waste feedstocks into syngas to enable the low-cost production of clean hydrogen. The program is motivated by the unique potential of carbon capture-friendly oxygen-blown gasification processes to convert solid mixed biomass and waste feedstocks to clean hydrogen, which is useful as a decarbonized energy carrier and for synthesis of decarbonized transportation fuels, chemicals, electricity, and other useful products. Advances made will contribute toward the Hydrogen with Carbon Management Program’s overall efforts and DOE’s Hydrogen Shot. Due: February 12, 2024
Grid-free Renewable Energy Enabling New Ways to Economical Liquids and Long-term Storage (GREENWELLS) / GREENWELLS SBIR/STTR DE-FOA-0003234 | SBIR/STTR DE-FOA-0003235): 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. Thermal, electrochemical, plasmonic, photonic, biological, and other technical process approaches are expected to potentially address this problem. The integration of these novel and known processes (e.g., oligomerization, water separation) in a dynamic system will be needed. ARPA-E expects projects funded through the GREENWELLS FOA to focus on the development of reactor systems—including the necessary catalysts, manufacturing methods, and balance of plant—to efficiently convert CO2 and an intermittent feedstock of electricity or H2 to carbon-containing liquids. Concept Paper: January 25, 2024 | Full: TBD
Building EPSCoR-State/National Laboratory Partnerships (DE-FOA-0003201): DOE’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program hereby announces its interest in receiving applications for Building EPSCoR-State/DOE-National Laboratory Partnerships. These partnerships advance understanding of the physical world by supporting fundamental, early-stage energy research collaborations with the DOE National Laboratories. Pre-Application: January 17, 2024 | Full: February 28, 2024
Bioimaging Research Approaches for the Bioeconomy & the Environment (DE-FOA-0003231): The DOE SC program in Biological and Environmental Research (BER), through its Bioimaging Research effort, hereby announces its interest in receiving innovative applications to advance fundamental research or use-inspired technologies of new bioimaging or sensing approaches. Applications can be submitted under one of two subtopics: 1) Novel research concepts proceeding through technical validation that are not required to evaluate new biological hypotheses; 2) Innovative experimental prototype research proceeding through hypothesis-driven biological experimentation. Pre-Application: January 9, 2024 | Full: March 5, 2024
NSF-Lemelson Initiative on Environmental and Social Sustainability in Engineering Education / Research in the Formation of Engineers (RFE) Program (NSF 24-028): NSF invites proposals to the RFE program to address sustainability in engineering education. This special topic focus call seeks to support projects to transform engineering education so that all students encounter environmental and social sustainability principles as an integrated part of their education and are equipped with the tools needed to incorporate these principles into their future research, careers, and innovations. Evidence-based curricular transformation will be critical to training future engineers with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets that will enable sustainable engineering systems and practices. Due: April 30, 2024
Exploratory Grants for Atmospheric Methane Research (SPC-AMR GRANT): In this request for proposals (RFP), Spark seeks to support transformative research to advance understanding of existing methane sinks and conduct early assessments of potential atmospheric methane removal approaches. Proposals must be relevant to one or more of the funding tracks below and be applicable at atmospheric methane concentration (2 ppm). Track 1: Methane Sink Assessment / Track 2: Enabling Research Tools / Track 3: Exploring Potential Atmospheric Methane Removal Approaches. The first submission deadline is March 1, 2024, with award decisions by mid-April. Subsequent submission deadlines will be every three months on a rolling basis.
Earth System Model Development and Analysis (DE-FOA-0003228): This FOA solicits research applications to advance the fundamental understanding of dynamic, physical, and biogeochemical processes required to systematically develop and analyze results from Earth System Models. The FOA will support: 1) further development of the marine biogeochemical simulations in Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM); 2) hierarchical modeling, simulations and analysis using E3SM and other Earth system models to enhance understanding of biogeochemical (terrestrial and marine), aerosol, cloud, and/or aerosol-cloud interactions and feedbacks; 3) novel methodologies and techniques for model initialization, coupled data assimilation. Concept Paper: January 16, 2024 | Full: March 21, 2024
Critical Materials Accelerator (DE-FOA-0003155): This FOA supports the recently established Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC) to de-risk innovation and mature technology development in partnership with industry. Each topic area of the FOA addresses priority technologies and supply chain gaps identified by the CMC. The critical materials of interest include the 18 critical materials identified through the 2023 Critical Materials Assessment. Concept Paper: January 5, 2024 | Full: March 22, 2024
Collaborative Research in Magnetic Fusion Energy Sciences on Long-Pulse International Stellarator Facilities (DE-FOA-0003211): The DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) hereby requests grant applications to carry out experimental research in magnetic fusion energy sciences on long-pulse overseas stellarator facilities, namely, Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X – Germany) and the Large Helical Device (LHD – Japan). FES supports U.S. researchers who work in collaboration with foreign scientists to explore critical science and technology issues at the frontiers of magnetic fusion research. Pre-application: December 26, 2023 | Full: February 5, 2024
High-Energy-Density Laboratory Plasma Science (DE-FOA-0003222): Grant applications are sought in the following subfields and crosscutting areas of HED laboratory plasmas: 1. HED Hydrodynamics / 2. Radiation-Dominated Dynamics and Material Properties / 3. Nonlinear Optics of Plasmas and Laser-Plasma Interactions 4. Relativistic HED Plasmas and Intense Beam Physics / 5. Warm Dense Matter. This FOA solicits research efforts including experimental, theoretical, and/or computational science. LOI: December 28, 2023 | Full: February 22, 2024
Regional Initiative for Technical Assistance Partnerships (RITAP) (DE-FOA-0003014): The overall objective of DE-FOA-0003014 is to accelerate the equitable and environmentally responsible deployment of storage-based CM projects in specific geologic basins by establishing partnerships comprised of participants with extensive technical, managerial, regulatory, and business expertise specific to carbon transport and storage. The Regional Initiative Technical Assistance Partnership (RITAP) projects selected under DE-FOA-0003014 will build on the knowledge and experience gained from past and current efforts to address the unique challenges and opportunities of multiple CCS and storage-based CM projects developed within a single geologic basin. Due: January 30, 2024
(RFI) Progression to Net-Zero Emission Propulsion Technologies for the Rail Sector (DE-FOA-0003186): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, other stakeholders, and the public on issues related to alternative propulsion technology advancement within the rail sector and achieving net-zero GHG emissions. The net-zero emission propulsion technologies under consideration for the intent of this RFI for transitional, interim use until 2030 are: biodiesel, renewable diesel, ammonia, methanol, hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines, and ethanol. The technologies under consideration for mid- to long-term use are: hydrogen fuel cells, batteries (tenders or built-in), direct electrification (catenary), or a combination of different technologies. Due: January 12, 2024
NOVEMBER 2023
FY24 Cross-Sector Technologies (DE-FOA-0003206): Through this funding opportunity, IEDO seeks high-impact, applied research, development, and pilot demonstration (RD&D) projects that will help drive the transformational cross-sector technologies and innovations required to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the industrial sector. The projects selected for this funding opportunity will advance a clean and equitable energy economy, bolster the technological and economic competitiveness of domestic manufacturing, and boost the viability and competitiveness of U.S. industrial technology exports. Concept Paper: December 18, 2023 | Full: March 20, 2024
(NOI) FY24 Energy and Emissions Intensive Industries (DE-FOA-0003218/0003219): This FOA will focus on applied R&D and pilot demonstration for the highest GHG-emitting subsectors, specifically: chemicals and fuels; iron and steel; food and beverage; building and infrastructure materials (including cement and concrete, asphalt pavements, and glass); and forest products. Technology approaches include achieving cost and emissions savings through increased circularity and sustainability across manufacturing to reduce waste and decrease the need for resource extraction. Expected: December 2023
FY24 Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Rapid Response Research (R3) (NNH24ZHA002C): This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits proposals for the FY 2024 NASA EPSCoR Rapid Response Research (R3) program. Each funded NASA EPSCoR proposer shall work closely with a NASA researcher to focus on developing competitive research and technology for the solution of scientific and technical issues of importance to the NASA Mission Directorates. Research Focus Areas 3.2: Clean Energy, Climate Change and Orbital Debris (Space Technology Mission Directorate – STMD) includes: Clean Energy and Emissions Technologies; U.S. Climate Change Research Program; U.S. Climate Change Research Program Focusing on Carbon Capture and Utilization. Due: February 26, 2024
(NOI) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office FOA to Advance the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy (DE-FOA-0003212): This funding is expected to focus on advancing fueling infrastructure for heavy-duty (HD) vehicles and other HD transportation applications; addressing key challenges to siting, permitting, and installation; and improving community engagement and outreach to ensure equitable deployment of clean hydrogen systems. By improving key technologies, spurring deployment, and helping industry achieve economies of scale, funded activities would support and reinforce the long-term viability of DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) and other commercial-scale hydrogen projects. Expected: January 2024
Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing (DE-FOA-0003099): This FOA provides approximately $3.5 billion to successful applicants to fund investments within the electric vehicle battery supply chain, increase domestic battery manufacturing, and create good-paying clean energy jobs. The overall scope in this FOA includes demonstration and commercial facilities for battery-grade precursor materials, battery components, and cell manufacturing and recycling. Concept Paper: January 9, 2024 | Full: March 19, 2024
University Turbine Systems Research (UTSR) (DE-FOA-0003016): The University Turbine Systems Research (UTSR) Program encompasses a portfolio of gas turbine-focused university projects which address a wide variety of technical topics (including combustion, aerodynamics/heat transfer, and advanced materials topics) by conducting cutting edge R&D. Technical topics are relevant to research goals of the US DOE and the gas turbine industry and support advanced technologies that can increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and provide additional performance benefits. Given the extensive interest in hydrogen-based electricity generation, topics in this FOA focus on fundamental and applied research to further advance the use of hydrogen as a gas turbine fuel. Due: December 5, 2023
Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2024 (DARPARA2401): The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Young Faculty Award (YFA) program aims to identify and engage rising stars in junior research positions in academia and equivalent positions at non-profit research institutions, particularly those without prior DARPA funding, to expose them to Department of Defense (DoD) needs and DARPA’s mission to create and prevent technological surprise. The YFA program will provide high-impact funding to elite researchers early in their careers to develop innovative new research that enables transformative DoD capabilities. Exec Summary: December 13, 2023 | Full: February 22, 2024
(NOI) WASTE: Waste Analysis and Strategies for Transportation End-uses (DE-FOA-0003137): This FOA will support the development of planning and strategies for utilizing organic waste as a feedstock for various transportation fuel end products.
Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS) (DE-FOA-0003164): This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides a continuing opportunity for the rapid support of early-stage applied research to explore innovative new concepts with the potential for transformational and disruptive changes in energy technology. Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS) awards are intended to be flexible and may take the form of analyses or exploratory research that provides the agency with useful information for the subsequent development of focused technology programs. Open continuously until otherwise amended.
FY 25 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) (FOAAFRLAFOSR20240000): The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP). DURIP is designed to improve the capabilities of accredited United States (U.S.) institutions of higher education to conduct research and to educate scientists and engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition of research equipment or instrumentation. Due: February 16, 2024
Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy 2024 (IGNIITE 2024) (DE-FOA-0003224): The Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) program is designed to support a new cohort of early-career innovators to develop the most disruptive and unconventional ideas into transformative new technologies across the full spectrum of energy applications. This announcement is purposefully broad in technical scope, but eligibility is limited to early-career researchers. Concept Paper: January 5, 2024 | Full: TBD
International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) (NSF 24-506): The International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program supports international research and research-related activities for U.S. science and engineering students. The IRES program contributes to development of a diverse, globally engaged workforce with world-class skills. IRES focuses on active research participation by undergraduate and/or graduate students in high quality international research, education and professional development experiences in NSF-funded research areas. Due: February 5, 2024
Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2024 (DE-FOA-0003158): This funding opportunity will invest up to $30 million across four topic areas to research, develop, and validate technologies with the potential to significantly advance building decarbonization. Concept Paper: December 13, 2023 | Full: March 5, 2024
FY 2024 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 2 (SBIR/STTR 2024): Topics for our FY 2024 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 2 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) have been issued and are available on our website. The following DOE program offices are participating in this (FOA): Office of Cyber Security, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (NNSA), Office of Electricity (OE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE). Concept Paper: December 13, 2023 | Full: March 5, 2024
Environmental System Science (ESS) (DE-FOA-0003196): This FOA will consider applications that focus on measurements, experiments, field data, modeling, and synthesis to provide improved understanding and representation of ecosystems and watersheds in ways that advance the sophistication and capabilities of models that span from individual processes to Earth-system scales. This FOA will encompass three Science Research Areas (SRAs): 1) plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere; 2) consequences of large-scale shifts in vegetation composition; and 3) synthesis studies that focus on legacy effects or the carbon cycle and disturbance. Pre-application: November 29, 2023 | Full: February 29, 2024
Strategic Technology Office (STO) Office-wide (HR001124S001): DARPA’s STO is seeking innovative ideas and disruptive technologies that provide the U.S. military and national security leaders with trusted, disruptive capabilities to win in all physical domains (Air, Space, Sea, and Land) and across the spectrum of competition, from deterrence to high-end peer combat. STO seeks to carry out DARPA’s mission of creating high-risk, high reward “breakthrough” technologies with a focus on ambitious, difficult, and revolutionary projects that achieve significant changes or fundamental shifts in technical capabilities and give our warfighters new ways to fight. STO will develop and deliver solutions at a speed and scale to be operationally relevant in a relatively short time, just a few years, from the initiation of the project to proof of concept. STO is a “systems office” seeking to create new “proof-of-concept” mission systems. Its goals are to develop and demonstrate new capabilities that expand what is technically possible. Proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the year until 4:00 PM on October 31, 2024.
(RFI) Biological Approaches for Developing a New Nitrogen Cycle in Agriculture for Bioenergy Crops (DE-FOA-0003199): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input for a potential ARPA-E program focused on the development of technologies to reduce nitrogen inputs and soil-based greenhouse gas emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) from the cultivation of bioenergy crops (i.e., corn, soybean, and sorghum). The goals for this programmatic concept include the evaluation of technologies capable of: 1) providing high-efficacy, low energy-intensive alternatives to synthetic fertilizer in agricultural production by advancing microbial fertilization approaches, enhancing plant nitrogen (N) use efficiency-related traits, and developing enabling tools for autogenic N2 fixation; and 2) reducing soil-based N2O emissions in growing these crops by altering the microbial N-cycle either through microbial and/or plant approaches. Due: November 27, 2023
(NOI) IEDO Fiscal Year 2024 Cross-Sector Technologies (DE-FOA-0003205): The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) that will aim to advance the strategies identified in the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap and support the goals of the Industrial Heat Shot(TM) through a focus on cross-sector approaches for industrial decarbonization. Cross-sector technologies are decarbonization- enabling components, equipment, and systems that underpin processes and products across the industrial sector. Expected: November 2023
OCTOBER 2023
Atmospheric System Research (ASR) (DE-FOA-0003194): This FOA solicits research grant applications for observational, data analysis, and/or modeling studies that use observations supported by BER, including the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility, to improve understanding and model representation of: 1) Aerosol processes at ARM sites; 2) Convective cloud processes; 3) Aerosol and cloud processes from ARM’s Eastern Pacific Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment (EPCAPE); and 4) Mixed-phase cloud and ice cloud processes. Pre-application: November 30, 2023 | Full: February 13, 2024
Aligning Fundamental Research and Education in Advanced Manufacturing with the Objectives of the Manufacturing USA Institutes (NSF-24-014): This DCL encourages the submission of research and educational proposals that align with the technical focus areas of the Manufacturing USA Institutes to established NSF programs in the Directorates for Engineering (ENG), STEM Education (EDU), and Technology Innovation and Partnerships (TIP).
SBIR/STTR FY 2024 PHASE II RELEASE 1 (DE-FOA-0003184): The SBIR/STTR Programs Office works collaboratively with 13 program offices throughout the DOE. Each DOE program office considers its high priority research needs and program mission, as well as the Department’s goals for the program in developing research topics. The specific research topics selected for the SBIR and STTR programs are developed by DOE technical program managers. DOE offers more than sixty technical topics and 250 subtopics, spanning research areas that support the DOE mission in Energy Production, Energy Use, Fundamental Energy Sciences, Environmental Management, and Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. LOI: November 7, 2023 | Full: December 5, 2023
Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition via Sustainable Aviation Fuels (FAST-SAF) and Low-Emission Aviation Technologies (FAST-Tech) Grant Program (23-FAA-FAST-01): The Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the opportunity to apply for funds for the FAA Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) Grant Program, established under Section 40007 of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the Act). The grant program will have elements focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), to be termed FAST-SAF, and elements focused on low-emission aviation technologies, to be termed FAST-Tech. Due: November 27, 2023
NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (NSF-23-629): The NSF Trailblazer Engineering Impact Award (TRAILBLAZER) program supports individual engineers and scientists who propose novel research projects with the potential to innovatively and creatively address major societal challenges, advance US leadership, and catalyze the convergence of engineering and science domains. Due: February 15, 2024
Research for Understanding PFAS Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Plants and Animals in Agricultural, Rural, and Tribal Communities (EPA-G2023-STAR-J1): EPA is soliciting novel research that proposes innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to better understand PFAS uptake in plants and animals in agricultural environments. Due: December 6, 2023
Innovative Designs for High-Performance Low-Cost HVDC Converters (IDEAL HVDC) (DE-FOA-0003141): This FOA will invest in R&D to support continued innovation and cost reduction for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) voltage-source converter (VSC) transmission systems. This investment is intended to enable future grid upgrades required to integrate increasing renewable energy generation on to the grid, both onshore and offshore. Concept Paper: November 11, 2023 | Full: February 5, 2024
SEPTEMBER 2023
(NOI) Critical Materials Accelerator (DE-FOA-0003154): It is anticipated that the FOA may include the following Areas of Interest:
AOI 1 – Critical Material Lean/Free Magnets for Clean Energy Technologies; AOI 2 – Motors and Drivetrains using Critical Material Lean/Free Magnets; AOI 3 – Improved Unit Operations of Processing and Manufacturing of Critical Materials; AOI 4 – Critical Material Recovery from Scrap and Post-Consumer Products; AOI 5 – Reduced Critical Material Demand for Clean Energy Technologies. Expected: October 23, 2023
(RFI) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge: Building Supply Chains (DE-FOA-0003157): The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to a key action area of the SAF Grand Challenge Roadmap, Building Supply Chains. EERE is specifically interested in information on how to accelerate the formation of effective supply chain coalitions, develop effective decision-making modeling and simulation tools to enable supply chain development, demonstrate technologies and production along the supply chain, and facilitate investment in commercial scale supply chain elements. Due: November 2, 2023
Solar-thermal Fuels and Thermal Energy Storage via Concentrated Solar-thermal Energy (DE-FOA-0003080): This FOA will implement two approaches to energy storage in concentrated solar-thermal (CST) systems: thermochemical storage via solar fuel production and local thermal energy storage (TES) for dispatchable energy. The two technologies will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Concept Paper: November 11, 2023 | Full: January 12, 2024
Enabling a Reduced Carbon Footprint for Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery (CO2-EOR)/Storage Field Test Sites in Unconventional Reservoirs (DE-FOA-0003015): DOE is investing in research through a field laboratory well (or wells) established in collaboration with industry and academic research partners to expand public understanding of: (1) the overall effectiveness of CO2-EOR in unconventional oil reservoirs, (2) the possibility of combining EOR and associated CO2 storage in horizontal, hydraulically fractured unconventional oil wells, and (3) the potential for combining EOR and associated CO2 storage in a manner that results in a reduced carbon footprint oil classification for the incremental oil produced. Due: December 13, 2023
Advancing U.S. Thin-Film Solar Photovoltaics (DE-FOA-0033058): This FOA will fund innovative industrial research and development (R&D) projects that will enable future commercialization of hybrid tandem perovskite PV, defined as a perovskite PV in combination with another technology such as silicon or CdTe. It will also fund industrial research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects across the materials, equipment, installation, and performance monitoring sectors to improve the competitiveness of the domestic CdTe PV industry. Concept Paper: October 24, 2023 | Full: December 12, 2023
University Turbine Systems Research (UTSR) (DE-FOA-0003016): The objective of this FOA is to solicit and competitively award university-based R&D projects that address and resolve fundamental scientific challenges and applied engineering technology issues associated with thermal management of combustors and hot gas path components for gas turbines. Specifically, R&D projects will conduct fundamental and applied research to develop advanced materials and advanced hot gas path components which utilize these advanced materials, advanced cooling architectures, and advanced manufacturing methods. Due: November 11, 2023.
Pioneering Railroad, Oceanic and Plane Electrification with 1K Energy Storage Systems (Propel-1K) / PROPEL-1K SBIR/STTR (DE-FOA-0003162 / DE-FOA-0003163): The overarching goal of the PROPEL-1K program is to advance emission-free, high-energy density, and high-power energy storage solutions to electrify domestic aircraft, railroads, and ships. It cannot be overemphasized that traditional strategies for developing batteries and ESS are not envisaged for this program, especially since they would almost certainly fall far short of achieving the primary goals. Due: October 17, 2023
(RFI) Cybersecurity, Physical Security and Supply Chain Risk Management for the Energy Sector (DE-FOA-0003104): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit feedback regarding cybersecurity, physical security, and supply chain management from small, medium, and large electric and oil and natural gas (ONG) asset owner/operators and energy sector vendors regarding risks, threats, opportunities, and research and development for critical infrastructure. Due: October 11, 2023
Innovative Technologies to Eliminate Flaring from Oil & Natural Gas Production (DE-FOA-0003017): The objective of this FOA is to competitively solicit cost-shared research proposals for pilot-scale field deployment and validation of efficient, cost-effective solutions ready for pre-commercialization (advancing research from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 to a minimum of TRL 7) that can eliminate flaring and non-safety related venting of natural gas at the well site. Due: November 27, 2023
(NOI) Installation Noise Reduction and Reliable Moorings for Offshore Wind and Marine Energy (DE-FOA-0003121): This FOA will support responsible development of offshore renewable energy by funding research to reduce risk and improve environmental compatibility of U.S. offshore wind energy and marine energy deployments. This FOA will target technologies with applicability to offshore wind and marine energy deployments in all regions of U.S. waters including the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico. Expected: October 2023
AUGUST 2023
(NOI) Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling, Transport, and Design (DE-FOA-0003119): This anticipated FOA will focus on solutions that reduce the costs associated with battery recycling through technologies, processes, and product designs that facilitate the transport, disassembly, and preprocessing of end-of-life electric drive vehicle batteries. Also of interest are technologies or product designs that lower the costs and improve safety associated with the transport and disassembly of electric drive vehicle batteries
Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Awards: The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2023 Solicitation 2 cycle. Students Will Perform Graduate Theses Research at National Laboratories.
National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes (NSF 23-610): This program solicitation expands the nationwide network of AI Research Institutes with new funding opportunities over the next two years. In this round, the program invites proposals for institutes that have a principal focus in one of the following themes aimed at transformational advances in a range of economic sectors, and science and engineering fields: Group 1 – Theme 1: AI for Astronomical Sciences; Group 2 – Theme 2: AI for Discovery in Materials Research, Theme 3: Strengthening AI. Preliminary: October 31, 2023 (Group 1) / January 12, 2024 (Group 2) Full: February 16, 2024 (Group 1) / May 17, 2024 (Group 2)
(NOI) Carbon Negative Shot Pilots (DE-FOA-0003082): In this notice of intent (NOI), the United States Department of Energy (DOE) outlines its intent to publish a series of Carbon Negative Shot (CNS)-aligned funding opportunities focused on supporting the advancement and maturation of a suite of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. This CNS NOI outlines multiple program interests that aim to support the development and commercialization of CDR technologies and collectively enable the Department’s CNS target of gigaton-scale deployment for less than $100 per net metric ton of CO2-equivalent within the decade.
(NOI) Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning Program (R-STEP): The Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program will support the creation of new, or the expansion of existing, state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy planning and siting processes for local communities. Through R-STEP, DOE anticipates awarding approximately five to seven state-based collaboratives between $1-$2 million each to expand state and local capacity on large-scale renewable energy siting and planning. Expected: September 12, 2023
JULY 2023
(NOI) Critical Material Innovation, Efficiency, and Alternatives (DE-FOA-0003153): FECM intends to help build off of prior DOE and private industry investments across the critical materials supply chain, from extraction, processing, refining, manufacturing, and recycling, as well as on investments in developing alternative materials or manufactured products with less supply vulnerability. FECM anticipates funding high impact applied research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) bench and pilot scale projects. This funding opportunity is looking to develop bench scale concepts in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 to 4 range and to demonstrate processes on a continuous/semicontinuous bench scale before scaling up to pilot scale, at TRL 6. Expected: September 2023
Storage Innovations 2030: Technology Liftoff (SI Liftoff) (DE-FOA-0003020): SI Liftoff will build upon the strategic efforts initiated in the other three pillars of SI 2030 by fostering diverse partnerships of companies to pursue pre-competitive research and development (R&D) projects. Entities will be awarded up to $5 million for projects that (a) create research partnership to bring together two or more technology stakeholders, and (b) partner with a research institution to solve one or more pre-competitive R&D technical challenge. Projects must enable a long-duration capable (10+ hours) energy storage technology with a pathway to $0.05/ kWh Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) by 2030. Concept Paper: September 15, 2023 | Full: December 4, 2023
Energy Future Grants (EFG) Creating a Community-Led Energy Future (DE-FOA-0002870): The Energy Future Grants (EFG) seeks to enhance energy affordable and access for communities, ensuring the broad benefits of a clean energy economy—including heath, economic development and jobs and emissions reductions—flow to disadvantaged communities. EFG will provide support for at least 50 multi-jurisdictional teams in developing and implementing plans that break new ground in three topic areas: 1) transportation; 2) power sector; and 3) buildings. Due: September 30, 2023
FY23 Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics – MORE PV (DE-FOA-0002985): This FOA is designed to address challenges associated with the rapid deployment of PV systems in the United States, including the increasing demands on PV materials, system operation and maintenance, and recycling. The focus of this FOA is to support technology improvements to reduce these challenges with a holistic view of all stages of the PV lifecycle—from the material needs and installation to operation and end of life (EOL). Letter of Intent: Sept. 6, 2023 | Concept Paper: Sept. 13, 2023 | Full: Nov. 28, 2023
Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (PD-23-8084): The CDS&E meta-program encourages research that pushes the envelope of science and engineering through computation and data, welcoming proposals in any research area supported by the participating divisions. A proposal may address topics that develop or enable interactions among theory, computing, experiment, and observation to achieve progress on hitherto intractable science and engineering problems. Areas of emphasis for CDS&E vary by program. Due Dates: Varies by Division
Front-End Engineering and Design Studies for Production of Critical Minerals and Materials from Coal-Based Resources (DE-FOA-000284): This award will invest appropriations of $32 million for Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) studies for two different sizes, intermediate-scale and demonstration-scale, of Rare Earth Element Facilities that demonstrate the extraction, separation, and refining from coal and coal by-products to high purity individual or binary rare earth metals and/or critical minerals and materials. Due: September 11, 2023
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program FY 2024 Phase I Release 1: The SBIR/STTR topics document has been issued in advance of the FY 2024 DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 1 Funding Opportunity Announcement scheduled to be issued on August 7, 2023. The purpose of the early release of the topics is to allow applicants an opportunity to identify technology areas of interest and to begin formulating innovative responses and partnerships. LOI: August 28, 2023 | Full: October 10, 2023
(NOI) Advancing U.S. Solar Film (DE-FOA-0003060): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) issued a notice of intent (NOI) to release a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) of up to $36 million for research, development, and demonstration projects on two major thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The FOA is expected to be restricted to for-profit lead applicants, and potential applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with academia, national laboratories, other industry members, supply chain partners, and equipment developers. Expected: September 2023
Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-Use Photovoltaics Incubator (DE-FOA-0003057): The Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-use Photovoltaics Incubator funding opportunity will fund up to 12 projects to help establish a network of manufacturers across the domestic solar supply chain focused on polysilicon production, silicon ingots and wafers, solar cells, glass and other module components, and associated manufacturing equipment; (2) Fund projects that will aim to open new markets for the emerging dual-use PV sectors, in particular agrivoltaics, building-integrated PV, floating PV, and vehicle-integrated PV; (3) Create opportunities to develop domestically made products capable of expanding PV markets and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, through dual-use technologies. Concept Paper: September 27, 2023 | Full: November 14, 2023
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements (NSF 23-601): An updated solicitation for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements Program is now available. Important changes are summarized at the beginning of the solicitation. Among other revisions, the student stipend amount and the generally expected maximum for total project costs (including other student costs) have been increased.
(NOI) Innovative Technologies to Eliminate Flaring from Oil & Natural Gas Production (DE-FOA-0003073): The objective of this FOA is to competitively solicit cost-shared research and development (R&D) proposals for pilot-scale field deployment and validation of efficient, cost-effective solutions ready for pre-commercialization that can eliminate flaring and non-safety related methane venting at the well site. Expected: July 2023
Solar for All (EPA-R-HQ-SFA-23-01): This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for the $7 billion Solar for All competition. This competition will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit recipients to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for distributed solar investment. Letter of Intent: July 31, 2023 | Full: September 26: 2023
JUNE 2023
Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions (ROSIE) (DE-FOA-0003117): The ROSIE (Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions) Program is a 3-year, $35 million program developing pathways to zero emissions ironmaking and ultra-low life cycle emissions for steelmaking. The program seeks to fund the development and demonstration of novel technologies that produce iron-based products from iron-containing ores and alternative feedstocks without process emissions in the ironmaking step. Concept Paper due: August 8, 2023
Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions (ROSIE) SBIR/STTR (DE-FOA-0003118): The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are Government-wide programs authorized under Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. § 638). The ROSIE (Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions) Program is a 3-year, $35 million program developing pathways to zero emissions ironmaking and ultra-low life cycle emissions for steelmaking. ARPA-E anticipates making approximately 10-15 awards under FOAs DE-FOA-0003117 and DE-FOA-0003118 (ROSIE SBIR/STTR). Concept Paper due: August 8, 2023
University Training and Research for Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (DE-FOA-0003002): This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to solicit and award research and development grants to educate and train the next generation of engineers and scientists by supporting novel, early-stage research at U.S. colleges and universities. The UTR Program consists of two (2) sub-programs, including University Carbon Research (UCR) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI). Due: August 7, 2023
(NOI) Advancing U.S. Thin-Film Solar (DE-FOA-0003060): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) issued a notice of intent (NOI) to release a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) of up to $36 million for research, development, and demonstration projects on two major thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The FOA is expected to be released in September 2023 and is expected to be restricted to for-profit lead applicants, although collaborations with universities, national laboratories, and other companies are encouraged.
FY 24 Distinguished Early Career Program (DE-FOA-0003043): The Distinguished Early Career Program (DECP) is the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy’s (NE) most prestigious award for the most innovative distinguished faculty members beginning their independent careers. The intent of the program is to provide stable support to those faculty to form the impactful research groups, innovative lines of inquiry, educational approaches, and critical new research directions that will drive the next generation of nuclear energy innovation. Due: September 7, 2023
FY 24 Phase II Continuation Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (DE-FOA-0003039): NE is seeking phase II continuation applications from U.S. universities to conduct nuclear energy-related research to help meet the objectives of the major NE funded research areas. The Phase II Continuation CINR FOA is focused on continuing promising research pathways by soliciting applications that directly complement and extend research that has previously been awarded through NEUP. LOI: July 12, 2023 | Full: November 14, 2023
Battery Research and Development Consortium (DE-FOA-0002965): This FOA seeks applications to address the recycling of consumer electronics batteries and battery-containing devices to support the establishment of a robust domestic critical material supply chain for EV batteries. Due: September 8, 2023
Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing, and Battery Collection (DE-FOA-0002897): The Advanced Battery R&D Consortium funding opportunity will provide up to $60 million to convene major manufacturers of electric drive vehicles in the U.S., universities, National Laboratory partners, mineral and material suppliers, and other key battery stakeholders to address critical battery needs for the next phase of widescale EV commercialization. Concept: 08/17/2023 | Full: November 29, 2023
American-Made Solar Prize Round 7: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the launch of the American-Made Solar Prize Round 7—a $4 million prize program designed to spur innovations in U.S. solar hardware and software technologies. Due: September 27, 2023
Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy Technologies with Untapped Potential 2023 (SCALEUP 2023) (DOE-FOA-0003100): The Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential 2023 (SCALEUP 2023) Funding Opportunity Announcement provides a vital mechanism for the support of innovative energy R&D that complements ARPA-E’s primary R&D focus on early-stage transformational energy technologies that still require proof-of-concept. Concept Paper Due: July 21, 2023
Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) Grant Program: As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $80 million in grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to accelerate the adoption of recommendations made by DOE to improve energy efficiency to lower costs and reduce industrial emissions. Due: July 14, 2023
MAY 2023
(RFI) Facilitating a Domestic Critical Minerals Future: Carbon Ore, Rare Earths and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative (DOE-FOA-0003075): The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek information from industry, investors, developers, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, tribal governments, potentially impacted communities, and other stakeholders on various questions regarding the regional assessment and development of critical mineral supply chains from unconventional and secondary feedstocks. Due: July 17, 2023
(RFI) Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Other Pollutants Associated with U.S. LNG Exports (DOE-FOA-0003052): DOE is requesting information on strategies and technologies that natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies are deploying, or could deploy, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants associated with natural gas delivered to a liquefaction facility, at liquefaction facilities, and during the loading, transport, and delivery of natural gas to a regasification facility. Due: June 26, 2023
Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) and Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) (NSF23-109): the National Science Foundation (NSF) invites interdisciplinary groups of Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop potentially transformative, convergent, fundamental research proposals in the area of clean energy technologies. Two kinds of proposals will be considered: Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) and Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER). RAISE and EAGER proposals require the submission of a Concept Outline that describes the research and how it will benefit clean energy technology. Concept Outlines – EAGER: June 14, 2023 | RAISE: July 12, 2023
FY 2023 Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0002893): This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) seeks research projects to address priorities in the following areas: the cost-effective deployment of EV charging for those without easy home charging; innovative solutions to improve mobility options for underserved communities; community engagement to accelerate clean transportation options in underserved communities; batteries and electrification; materials technologies; mobility system supporting public transportation; advanced vehicle charging solutions, dimethyl ether engine for off-road applications, hydrogen combustion engines, to improve fuel economy and reduce GHG emissions with the goals of carbon pollution free electricity by 2035 and net-zero of GHG emissions by 2050. Concept Paper: June 26, 2023 | Full: August 11, 2023
WETO Offshore Wind 2023 Centers of Excellence (DE-FOA-0002954): The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) has released a $4.75 million funding opportunity that will create one or more university-led Centers of Excellence to increase offshore wind expertise at U.S. universities; develop partnerships to address key offshore wind development challenges; and educate the next generation of offshore wind experts in the United States. Concept Paper: June 8, 2023 | Full: August 28, 2023
WPTO 2023 BIL U.S. Tidal Energy Advancement (DE-FOA-0002845): The U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has released a $45 million funding opportunity to advance a comprehensive approach to tidal and current energy development in the United States. This funding opportunity represents DOE’s largest ever investment in marine energy and WPTO’s largest funding opportunity to date. It will encourage U.S. leadership in tidal and current energy development, while also meeting community energy priorities and developing the sector’s supply chain and workforce. Concept Paper: June 5(T1)/July 13(T2), 2023 | Full: July 25(T1)/October 19(T2), 2023
Operation and Planning Tools for Inverter-Based Resource Management and Availability for Future Power Systems (OPTIMA) (DE-FOA-0003034): The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) has announced the Operation and Planning Tools for Inverter-Based Resource Management and Availability for Future Power Systems (OPTIMA) funding opportunity, which will award $30 million in funding for projects that address emerging challenges and opportunities for grid planning and operation engineers and technicians arising from the power system’s transition to variable renewable energy sources and inverter-based power electronic grid interfaces. Concept Paper: June 5, 2023 | Full: August 15, 2023
(NOI, RFI) Critical Materials Assessment (DE-FOA-0003084): The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a Request for Information (RFI) for Critical Materials Assessment. This RFI will seek public comment to improve the DOE Critical Materials Assessment including the methodology inclusive of the underlying data and assumptions, results, and draft list of critical materials. It is anticipated that the RFI may solicit public comment in the following Areas of Interest: Data and Information to Support Revision of the Assessment, Improvements to the Methodology. EERE’s intention is to issue this RFI on or about May 31, 2023.
NSF Partners with Sweden to Advance Research and Innovation: The U.S. National Science Foundation and Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding to advance research and innovation efforts aligned to each nation’s priorities and to collaborate on research that advances solutions to pressing societal, national and geostrategic challenges. The first cooperative research activity will be through NSF’s Convergence Accelerator, a program of the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, TIP, designed to bring multiple disciplines, diverse expertise and varied sectors together to develop tangible solutions to address complex societal and economic challenges. Swedish researchers and innovators will have the opportunity to submit proposals to lead or be a part of a multidisciplinary team for the Convergence Accelerator’s Track L: Real-World Chemical Sensing Applications. The program’s 2023 solicitation is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Small Innovative Projects in Solar: Concentrating Solar Power and Photovoltaic (DE-FOA-0002888): This funding opportunity will award $6.5 million for seedling R&D projects that focus on innovative and novel ideas in photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) and are riskier than research ideas based on established technologies. This funding opportunity is designed to streamline the application process to encourage applications from early-career researchers who have never applied or been selected for a SETO project award. In addition, applicants must submit a plan to broaden the participation of well-qualified members of underrepresented groups on their teams. These efforts will help to achieve the Biden administration’s goal to increase the diversity of those working in applied energy research fields. Due: June 1, 2023
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program 2024-25 Competition Awards to Belgium: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards give opportunities to U.S. citizens to teach, research and carry out professional projects around the world. Through Fulbright awards, participants advance their professional and academic interests, promote mutual understanding, and collaborate with partners around the world. The following opportunities are open in Belgium in the 2024-25 competition: NATO Security Studies All Disciplines, Fulbright-Schuman Innovation Award, Fulbright-Schuman European Union Affairs Program. Note that what is listed is just part of what Fulbright has to offer: over 400 awards are available in more than 130 countries, many open to all disciplines.
APRIL 2023
Department of Energy Heat Pump Defense Production Act Program (DE-FOA-0002987): The main goal of this program is to ensure national security by accelerating the growth of domestic production capability of electric heat pumps to meet the anticipated increased demand for clean energy technologies as the economy transitions to net-zero emissions. The program will also aim to: Expand United States electric heat pump manufacturing to reduce the amount of energy needed in our buildings, leading to less reliance by the U.S. and allies on adversaries, such as Russia, for oil and gas; strengthen heat pump system, components, and material supply chains; create economic prosperity for communities, especially underserved communities, by ensuring access to federal resources; and Support the creation of good-paying jobs. Concept Paper: May 19, 2023 | Full: August 1, 2023
National Science Foundation, MSI Program – Timing of Submissions Information: Please keep in mind that, like other core programs in ENG, Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) program at NSF does not have a deadline for proposal submission.
It is important to note however, that proposals submitted after May 31, 2023, are likely to be reviewed for consideration for funding in the next fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2023. Please keep these dates in mind when considering the timing of your submission and requested start dates.
Funding Opportunities at the DOE Office of Science for Early Career Scientists Webinar: Identifying funding opportunities can be difficult and challenging for early career scientists. Join us in this webinar to learn how funding opportunities at the DOE Office of Science for early career scientists are identified, applied for, granted, and managed. Invited speakers will first give an overview of funding opportunities at the DOE Office of Science, and then focus on funding opportunities for early career scientists. Questions from the audience as well as prepared questions will be addressed by the speakers.
Domestic Near Net Shape Manufacturing to Enable a Clean and Competitive Economy (DE-FOA-0003023): The intent of this FOA topic 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. Concept Paper: May 11, 2023 | Full: June 23, 2023
Transitioning Tribal Colleges and Universities to Clean Energy (DE-FOA-0002978): Under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the DOE Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Tribal Colleges and Universities for: (1) clean energy project and curriculum planning (Topic Area 1); and (2) clean energy technology and curriculum deployment (Topic Area 2). Due: July 27. 2023
Small Innovative Projects in Solar (SIPS) 2023 (DE-FOA-0002888): This annual funding opportunity will award $6.5 million for seedling R&D projects that focus on innovative and novel ideas in photovoltaics and concentrating solar-thermal power and are riskier than research ideas based on established technologies. The funding opportunity is designed to streamline the application process to encourage applications from early-career researchers who have never applied or been selected for a SETO project award. Due: June 1, 2023.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) (NSF 22-601): The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. Due: September 6, 2023
Office of Naval Research (ONR) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) Program (N00014-23-S-F005): This FOA is for STEM education programs and activities. As the capacity of the Department of the Navy (DON) Science and Technology (S&T) workforce is interconnected with STEM education and outreach, ONR recognizes the need to support efforts that can jointly improve STEM student outcomes and align education and outreach efforts with Naval S&T current and future workforce needs. Due: April 2, 2024
(FY) 2024 Young Investigator Program (YIP) (N00014-23-S-F004): The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is interested in receiving proposals for its Young Investigator Program (YIP). ONR’s Young Investigator Program seeks to identify and support academic scientists and engineers who are in their first or second full-time tenure-track or tenure-track-equivalent academic appointment, who have received their PhD or equivalent degree on or after 01 January 2016, and who show exceptional promise for doing creative research. Due: July 7, 2023
MARCH 2023
Science Foundations for Energy Earthshots (DE-FOA-0003003): The awards supported by this funding opportunity will bring together small teams focused on the crosscutting scientific challenges addressing multiple Energy Earthshots. Research will support basic science to seed innovations or to provide the scientific understanding to support existing technology development pathways for the needed portfolio of Energy Earthshot solutions. Due Dates – Pre-Application: April 25, 2023 | Full: June 21, 2023
(NOI) Domestic Near Net Shape Manufacturing to Enable a Clean and Competitive Economy (DE-FOA-0003022): This FOA will impact a broad cross-section of the U.S. manufacturing sector including clean energy generation, transportation, industrial machinery, heavy equipment, and domestic infrastructure. EERE plans to issue the FOA in or around April 2023 via EERE Exchange.
FY23 Conversion Research and Developments (DE-FOA-0002946): The 2023 Conversion Research and Development (R&D) funding opportunity announcement addresses two specific technology pathways intended to develop improved technologies for generating clean syngas for upgrading to fuels as well as pathways for renewable chemical production. Each Topic Area seeks to reduce economic and technical risk, enabling BETO to help pave the way for industry to commercialize technologies that may reduce greenhouse gas emissions from hard to decarbonize sectors, such as aviation. Due Dates – Concept Paper: April 21, 2023 | Full: June 16, 2023
Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2 (Mid-scale RI-2) (NSF-23570): Mid-scale RI-2 is an NSF-wide competitive program that addresses scientific demand for research infrastructure in the $20 million -$100 million cost range for implementation. Due Dates – Letter of Intent: May 15, 2023 | Preliminary: June 20, 2023 | Full: June 16, 2023
Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Funding: Breakthrough Energy Catalyst is a novel platform that funds and invests in project companies utilizing emerging climate technologies that reduce emissions. By investing in these opportunities, Catalyst seeks to accelerate the adoption of these technologies worldwide and reduce their Green Premiums. Catalyst both funds large demonstration projects and invests in first-of-a-kind projects that use key emerging climate technologies.
IDEO FY23 Multi-Topic FOA (DE-FOA-0002997): The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced a $156 million funding opportunity that will advance high impact applied research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the U.S. industrial sector. Due Dates – Concept Paper Due: April 17, 2023 | Full: June 23, 2023
Quantum Testbed Pathfinder (DE-FOA-0003005): The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) announces its interest in receiving applications to improve our understanding of whether, when, and how quantum computing might advance the frontiers of computational science. Due Dates – Pre-application: March 31, 2023 | Full: May 3, 2023
Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students – INTERN (NSF-21-013): NSF will consider supplemental funding requests for up to an additional six months of graduate student support on active NSF grants. Due: April 15, 2023
(NOI) IEDO FY23 Multi-Topic FOA (DE-FOA-0002996): A funding opportunity announcement that will advance high impact applied research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the U.S. industrial sector. The FOA will drive innovation to develop the next-generation technologies required to decarbonize industry and move the U.S. towards a clean energy economy for all Americans.
(NOI) Upcoming Topics for the 2023 NSF’s Convergence Accelerator Solicitation (NSF-26-066): Topics to be included as tracks for the 2023 cohort in an upcoming NSF’s Convergence Accelerator funding opportunity requesting submissions. By issuing this DCL now, NSF intends to provide additional time prior to the release of the new funding opportunity for researchers, innovators, practitioners, educators, and other constituents to form multidisciplinary teams and consider proposal submission ideas addressing these topics.
CHIPS for America: The first funding opportunity seeks applications for projects to construct, expand or modernize commercial facilities for the production of leading-edge, current-generation and mature-node semiconductors. This includes both front-end wafer fabrication and back-end packaging. Due: Rolling, beginning March 31, 2023
FEBRUARY 2023
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2022
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K-12 Opportunities
Getting K-12 students excited about energy can be done by scheduling a tour of our facilities, including hands-on learning in a variety of energy related fields.
Contact us for more information on K-12 opportunities for students.