The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest nearly $300 million for research and development of sustainable transportation resources and technologies.
This investment supports the DOE’s goal of ensuring that consumers have affordable, clean, and efficient transportation options.
“As we enter a new decade, DOE remains diligent in addressing the various challenges and opportunities associated with the dramatic changes occurring within our transportation sector,” DOE Under Secretary Mark Menezes said. “Under this announcement, DOE is focusing our efforts on three areas of transportation to further spur innovative breakthroughs in this sector. The Trump Administration is committed to providing new energy and efficiency opportunities for manufacturers and consumers that will continue growing this ever-changing market.”
The $300 million will be split into three specific funding opportunities. The largest, for $133 million, will come through the Vehicles Technologies Office. This grant will address priorities in advanced batteries and electrification, advanced engine and fuel technologies, including technologies for off-road applications, lightweight materials, new mobility technologies (energy efficient mobility systems), and alternative fuels technology demonstrations. The concept papers are due on Feb. 21, with full applications due on April 14.
The second, for $64 million, will go through the DOE’s Fuel Cells Technologies Office. This investment will support innovative hydrogen concepts that will encourage market expansion and increase the scale of hydrogen production, storage, transport, and use. Concept papers are due on Feb. 25, with full applications due on April 20.
The third, for $100 million, is through the Bioenergy Technologies Office. It will support the U.S. bioeconomy by reducing the price of drop-in biofuels, lowering the cost of biopower, and enabling high-value products from biomass or waste resources. Concept papers are due on March 5, with full applications due on April 30.
“As technologies, business models, and consumer demands evolve, our diverse supply of fuels and technologies allows us to approach the future of sustainable transportation from all angles, consistent with our comprehensive energy strategy,” Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel Simmons said. “The products that result from this FOA will significantly impact the sustainable energy market for the better.”