DOE opens $150M for efficiency, carbon emissions reduction research for energy technologies, manufacturing

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a $150 million funding opportunity announcement this week to increase efficiency and tamp down carbon emissions among energy technologies and manufacturing.

With energy providers such as solar, batteries, and carbon capture and storage (CCUS) in mind, the effort will support the development of new technologies and manufacturing processes, along with the critical minerals involved. It will also support research that forms the foundations of DOE’s Energy Earthshots Initiatives, a series of programs focused on significantly improving clean energy technology within a decade.

Energy Earthshots programs include Hydrogen Shot, focused on decreasing the cost of hydrogen production; Long Duration Storage Shot, which aims to reduce the cost and increase the duration of grid-scale energy storage; and Carbon Negative Shot, pushing for decreased costs surrounding the removal and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere.

“Rapidly deploying existing climate technology while cranking up investments in early-stage climate research is the one-two punch we need to build long-term resilience to the climate crisis and meet our 2050 goals,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said. “From discovery to deployment, this research funding will draw on the talent of American colleges and universities to expedite the development of new technology that, paired with our current arsenal of climate solutions, will be key to tackling the climate crisis while creating good-paying jobs and bolstering American competitiveness.”

Total planned funding for these initiatives could reach up to $150 million, but it will be contingent on congressional appropriations. Up to $50 million in awards are allotted for this year. Applications are open to all accredited U.S. colleges and universities, national laboratories, nonprofits, and private sector companies, although Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in particular are encouraged to apply.