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.
By demonstrating the long-term yield and sustainability of purpose-grown energy crops that advance feedstock development and production of biofuels and bioproducts, this funding aligns with both the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and the 2050 sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production targets of the SAF Grand Challenge. Potential funded projects would also support the Clean Fuels and Products Shot™, the seventh in DOE’s Energy Earthshot™ portfolio, which is focused on decarbonizing the fuel and chemical industry to advance cost-effective technologies with a minimum of 85% lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
The potential funding is expected to include a Topic Area focused on funding R&D studies that will enable mobilization of low-carbon intensity, purpose-grown energy crops across varied agronomic and geographic landscapes through the generation of data and research findings to accelerate feedstock supply chain development. Potential subtopic areas that were identified through the SAF Grand Challenge Roadmap and the Deploying Purpose-Grown Energy Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel workshop would focus on the bioenergy potential of algae, herbaceous crops, intermediate crops, and short-rotation woody crops.
This potential FOA is expected to be announced in January 2024 and could include up to $29 million in funding to achieve the above outcomes. DOE envisions awarding multiple financial assistance awards for R&D activities in the form of cooperative agreements lasting between four and 10 years. Applicants selected for funding will become members of the Regional Biomass Resource Hub (RBRH) Initiative, working together to coordinate and share experimental plans, report data, and collectively achieve the funding objectives.
Visit the EERE Exchange to view the full NOI and BETO’s Regional Resource Hub NOI page for more detailed information. Visit BETO’s funding announcement page for information on other funding opportunities.
Teaming Partner List
BETO will be compiling a Teaming Partner List to encourage collaboration and facilitate the formation of project teams applying for this potential funding. The list allows organizations wishing to apply for funding to explore partnering with other prospective applicants. Partnerships can provide additional expertise and resources to successfully meet funding goals.