Federal Energy Grants

This program provides funding for innovative energy startups nominated by previous incubators, with cash prizes awarded to top pitch competitors and their supporting organizations.

This funding opportunity supports universities and other eligible organizations in developing cybersecurity solutions to protect energy infrastructure from cyber threats over a five-year period.

The Silicon Carbide (SiC) Packaging Prize, a three-phase competition launched by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Electricity, aims to accelerate the development of state-of-the-art SiC packaging prototypes. This initiative aligns with the DOE's mission to advance energy technologies and strengthen grid-based applications. The program's core objective is to push the industry beyond its current limitations in semiconductor packaging, specifically targeting the expansion of SiC power module capabilities to handle higher voltage and current. By fostering innovation in SiC packaging, the DOE seeks to enable more efficient and robust high-performance power electronics for future grid applications. The target beneficiaries of this prize are private entities (for-profits and nonprofits), nonfederal government entities (states, counties, tribes, and municipalities), academic institutions, and individuals based in the United States. The impact goal is to develop 10-kV, 2,000-A rated SiC power modules, addressing existing challenges such as parasitic inductance and heat dissipation that limit the performance of current SiC power modules. The program prioritizes solutions related to the SiC semiconductor packaging industry, with the majority of activities performed in the U.S. and benefiting the U.S. market. It seeks innovations that move the industry forward, are based on fundamental technical principles, and demonstrate a clear intent for commercialization and the establishment of viable U.S.-based businesses. The competition is structured into three phases, each with specific focuses and expected outcomes. Phase 1, "Design Study," requires competitors to describe their teams, plans, and current prototypes, with the goal of developing design documents for a Phase 2 prototype. Phase 2, "Initial Demonstration," will see winners from Phase 1 showcasing advancements in packaging solutions, aiming for progress towards Phase 2 performance metrics and innovation beyond the state-of-the-art. Finally, Phase 3, "Final Demonstration," focuses on achieving high voltage and high current targets for SiC modules, demonstrating significant improvements in packaging solutions and creating transformative technologies. Measurable results are tied to the prize structure, with financial incentives at each phase. Phase 1 offers up to 10 winners $50,000 each, Phase 2 provides up to 4 winners $250,000 each, and Phase 3 culminates with up to 1 winner receiving $750,000. These prizes incentivize progress towards the ultimate goal of developing advanced SiC power modules, with the program's strategic priority being the commercialization of early-stage technology and the growth of U.S.-based businesses. The theory of change behind this prize is that by fostering competition and providing financial support, the DOE can stimulate rapid innovation in a critical technology area, thereby improving grid reliability and performance while bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that develop sustainable bio-based chemicals and renewable propane from biomass, as well as improve algal cultivation systems for biofuels, targeting researchers and companies in the bioenergy sector.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based businesses, academic institutions, and non-profits in developing innovative solutions for sustainable supply chains that reduce waste and promote recycling, while also fostering community benefits and workforce development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Indian Tribes and related organizations to develop clean energy solutions and enhance energy independence on Tribal Lands.

Amendment 000001 - Remove the references to Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent is not required for this FOA. Amendment 000002 - Update Section I.D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest. "Applications that are not led by a State, municipal entity, transit authority, or non-profit (See Section III.A.)" are specifically not of interest. Amendment 000003 - Extend the Concept Paper Submission Deadline from June 19, 2024 at 5:00PM ET to June 20, 2024 at 5:00PM ET in observance of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Federal Holiday. Amendment 000004 - Extend the following deadlines: Submission Deadline for Full Applications, Expected Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments, Expected Date for EERE Selection Notifications, and Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations. Section II.A.i. Update Anticipated Period of Performance for Topic Areas 1 and 2 (Phase 1). Section IV.D.xvi. The research and development (R) 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 aid communities with resource and energy recovery strategies associated with their organic waste streams. Organic waste streams represent major sources of fugitive methane emissions, volatile organic compounds, and other pollutants. The White House set a goal of reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030. By developing strategies that can prevent the landfilling of these wastes, one of the major sources of fugitive methane can be mitigated. Holistic waste management strategies can also benefit communities by reducing other impacts associated with waste collection and processing infrastructure including reducing truck traffic, odors, litter, and other air, water, and health impacts. Topic Area 1 is focused specifically on helping communities beyond a conceptualization phase by supporting more in-depth feasibility or scoping analysis. Oftentimes, staff and organizational capacity in communities (particularly in rural, remote, Tribal, or smaller communities) is limited. While technical assistance programs can accomplish some of these objectives, direct financial assistance can close this capacity gap. Topic Area 2 is targeted towards communities that have previously completed feasibility analysis and are seeking funding to further refine their project concept. Municipal and non-profit staff capacity and availability of funding often makes detailed design work out of reach for many communities and this topic aims to close that gap. Projects selected under Topic Area 2 will have an opportunity to construct and operate their designed pilot facility based on the down-select process described in the FOA. The eXCHANGE system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants. Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance ([email protected]). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators ([email protected]) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues. Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance ([email protected]). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators ([email protected]) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of, and with the Applicant's concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance; and c) has submitted the application through eXCHANGE within 24 hours of the FOA's posted deadline. Please see the full FOA at EERE-Exchange.energy.gov. The required Concept Paper due date for this FOA is 06/20/2024 at 5PM ET. The Full Application due date for this FOA is 8/14/2024 at 5PM ET. Interested parties are directed to visit the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys eXCHANGE system at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov for the full Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0003072. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to [email protected].

This funding opportunity supports partnerships that include domestic academic institutions to develop innovative technologies for extracting and refining rare earth elements from unconventional sources, enhancing the U.S. supply chain and reducing environmental impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to collaborations involving state utility commissions, grid operators, and large electricity users to develop innovative solutions for managing increasing electricity demand while keeping costs low for consumers.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Idaho for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50% income from agricultural operations and small businesses in rural areas, meeting specific criteria. The program supports a range of projects, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar energy systems, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative research and development projects that improve the manufacturability and scalability of energy storage technologies for stationary applications, helping to reduce production costs and enhance the energy grid's resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and governmental institutions in Uruguay and the U.S. to implement projects that strengthen economic development, democracy, and security, fostering collaboration between American and Uruguayan entities.

This competition provides over $4.2 million in cash prizes and resources to U.S.-based individuals and teams developing innovative solar energy technologies, with a focus on supporting solutions that benefit underserved communities.

The "Fiscal Year 2025 University Reactor Sharing and Outreach" grant, identified as DE-FOA-0003313, aims to provide funding to U.S. universities with nuclear reactors to share their facilities and promote nuclear science education, particularly among underrepresented groups in STEM fields, with other educational institutions that lack such facilities.

The FY25 Spring Energy I-Corps Lab Call grant is designed to provide funding for projects at DOE National Laboratories, plants, and sites that aim to train researchers in commercialization skills and assess the market potential of their technologies, with a focus on different stages of commercialization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Tribal Colleges and Universities for planning initiatives that transition their campuses to clean energy solutions.

This grant seeks innovative commercial solutions from a wide range of organizations to enhance military and civilian infrastructure, focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and advanced construction technologies.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Equatorial Guinea to implement community projects that address global challenges, focusing on areas like sustainable tourism, agriculture, and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity supports early-career U.S. assistant professors in nuclear energy research to develop innovative projects and educational strategies that advance the field and align with the Department of Energy's mission.

This is a Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement No. DE-FOA-0003348; titled Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund: Resilient Communities Program. This Notice of Intent is for informational purposes only and DOE is not seeking comments on the information contained in the notice. If issued, DOE will be seeking applications for awards under the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund for activities to improve the resilience of the Puerto Rican electric grid, including renewable energy and storage solutions for vulnerable households and communities. The Notice can be downloaded at https://infrastructure-eXCHANGE.energy.gov.