Energy Department to offer $22M carbon capture research

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to provide up to $22 million for research to capture carbon dioxide directly from ambient air.

The initiative encompasses two funding announcements—one issued by the DOE’s Office of Science (SC) and the other by the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE).

“Accelerating success in direct air capture of carbon dioxide would strengthen America’s energy security and open new avenues for commercial applications,” Chris Fall, director of DOE’s Office of Science, said. “While we’ve seen real progress in this field, both basic and applied research are needed to develop highly effective direct air capture technologies on a large scale.”

For the SC opportunity, DOE National Laboratories are invited to submit proposals for fundamental research in materials and chemical sciences. Applicants are encouraged to work with partners at universities, National Laboratories, and other institutions. Awards will be given out for both small groups and larger multidisciplinary teams. SC will provide $12 million for projects three years in duration.

The FE opportunity focuses on both the applied development of new materials and the field testing of prototypes. FE will provide $10 million for projects from two to three years in duration.

Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, and industry — with a 20 percent cost share.

“The Office of Fossil Energy is excited about leveraging our existing expertise and research and development on carbon capture, utilization, and storage and working with other DOE offices to accelerate the development of direct air capture technologies,” Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg said. “Our combined efforts and shared funding is a clear example of how the Department works seamlessly across offices.”