DOE awards $110M to small businesses for technologies that advance clean energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $110 million to small businesses working on technologies that will advance clean energy and climate solutions.
The awards went out to 102 projects in 24 states pursuing technological solutions in various areas, including advanced manufacturing of wind turbines and batteries, new instruments for atmospheric measurement, and particle accelerator technologies that can power scientific discoveries.
“For any small business owner, every new bit of money is a game-changer that frees them up to pursue bold new ideas in earnest,” Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “This funding will give awardees a much-needed boost as they channel their entrepreneurial spirit into tackling the climate crisis, deploying creative, clean energy technologies, and answering the biggest questions we have about the universe—all while creating new American jobs to sustain their communities.”
The awards are administered by DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The funding comes through DOE’s Office of Science (SC) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).
Among companies receiving awards is TalosTech of New Castle, Del., which is developing technology that addresses safety and sustainability concerns with lithium-ion batteries. It will promote the development and commercialization of safer and more sustainable battery products in the United States.
Another is Blue Sky Measurements in Houston, which is developing methane detection technology. It has created a near-infrared passive scanner that uses sunlight to detect and measure methane emissions at oil or gas production well pads and drilling sites.
“Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards have supported small businesses in Hawaii and across the country for decades. The Department of Energy’s SBIR awards boost innovation in science and sustainable energy, and help small businesses turn their new ideas into technologies to compete on a global level,” U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said.
