EERE Financial Opportunities

Light-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Validation Data

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000625
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-02-29
Close Date:	2012-06-18
Funds Available:	$6,000,000
Description:	In this Light-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Validation Data Announcement (FOA), the Fuel Cell Technologies (FCT) Program seeks to fund the collection, analysis, and validation of light-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) performance data operating in real-world environments. Feedback will be provided to the DOE hydrogen and fuel cell R&D projects and industry partners to help determine what additional R&D is required to move the technology forward. The total DOE funding available for new awards is estimated to be $6,000,000. The full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is posted on the EERE Exchange website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov. Applications must be submitted through the EERE Exchange website to be considered for award. The applicant must first register and create an account on the EERE Exchange website. The Users' guide for applying to Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) Funding opportunity Announcements (FOA) through the Exchange website can be found at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx. Information on where to submit questions regarding the content of the announcement and where to submit questions regarding submission of applications is found in the full FOA posted on the EERE Exchange website.

In-Water Wave Energy Conversion (WEC) Device Testing Support

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000705
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-05-17
Close Date:	2012-06-18
Funds Available:
Description:	The following domestic entities are eligible to apply for this announcement: Institutions of higher education; Nonprofit and for-profit entities; State and local governments; and Consortia of entities (1) through (3). All types of domestic entities are eligible to apply, except other federal agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors, and nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995. Foreign entities are not allowed to apply as prime applicants. However, foreign entities may be a team member or participant on a domestic entity's application, provided that the federal funding for the work to be performed by foreign entities does not exceed 50% of the total federal funding requested for the project. Applicants with foreign team members must explain how U.S. interest will be maintained. It is recommended that U.S. interests be maintained by the use of U.S.-produced goods and services to the fullest extent practicable and by dissemination of the results and lessons learned of the project to domestic stakeholders in the MHK industry.

Improving Accuracy of Solar Forecasting (FOA)

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000649
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-16
Close Date:	2012-06-28
Funds Available:
Description:	This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is being issued by DOE to solicit applications for improving accuracy of solar forecasting in the short-term (0-6 hours) and day-ahead timeframes. This FOA is part of the DOE "SunShot Initiative" and addresses the EERE performance metric of increasing the viability and deployment of renewable energy technologies. Launched in 2011, the SunShot Initiative aims to reduce the cost of solar energy systems by about 75% between 2010 and 2020. Achieving this target could result in solar meeting roughly 14% of U.S. electricity needs by 2030 and 27% by 2050. Advancements in generation (conventional as well as solar) and transmission technology, improved accuracy in solar resource forecasting, the evolution of operational practices, and the adoption of consistent codes, standards, and regulatory procedures will collectively enable the successful integration of high levels of solar penetration on the grid. Specifically, there is a significant need for strong leadership and a clear way forward in: establishing a standard set of metrics for solar forecast accuracy assessment, development of new methods/algorithms/processes for solar forecasting, and a rigorous estimation of the various value streams (including economic and reliability aspects) due to improved accuracy solar forecasting. To further address these issues and encourage stakeholders to participate in improving the accuracy of solar forecasting, and to establish American leadership in cutting-edge solar resource forecasting techniques, the DOE, through this announcement, is planning to fund specific activities in foundational and applied research to improve the accuracy of solar forecasting, and demonstrating the application of more accuracy solar forecasts in power system operations. These activities are expected to enable significant, sustainable, and measurable progress in achieving accurate solar forecasting that is developed through foundational research, meet accuracy targets on a set of metrics developed by stakeholder consensus, validate the improved forecasts through data from existing and new instrumentation, and result in benefits shown through incorporating the forecasts into real-time power system operations and assessing the resulting impacts. With the integration of high penetrations of variable renewable energy sources quickly becoming a reality for many utilities, and increases in roof-top and distribution solar energy systems the SunShot Initiative is examining how to improve the accuracy of solar forecasting models. Accurate solar forecasts are essential for the power system operator to ensure grid reliability, and also important for solar power plant owners to minimize deviations from bids made in the power market and reduce operating costs. In addition, the SunShot Initiative is looking to establish by consensus, uniform and comprehensive metrics to measure the accuracy of solar forecasting. Respondents are asked to comment on the questions in the RFI. Respondents are also encouraged to comment on the importance of accurate forecasting and universal metrics, as well as your organization's anticipated interest in participating in a possible FOA opportunity.

Material Handling and Backup Power Targets for Early Market Fuel Cell Applications

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000738
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-05-11
Close Date:	2012-06-30
Funds Available:
Description:	The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Fuel Cell Technologies Program, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from stakeholders on proposed technical and cost targets for fuel cells designed for backup power and material handling applications. Feedback on proposed performance, durability and cost targets, as well as on current status, for these two early market fuel cell applications is sought from developers, manufacturers, end users, and other stakeholders. The targets are intended to meet end user expectations, and are not driven by the operating parameters or constraints of specific technologies. This is a Request for Information (RFI) only, issued solely for information and program planning purposes; this RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or abstracts. Your response to this notice will be treated as information only. The Department of Energy (DOE) will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. Respondents are advised that DOE is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Reponses to this RFI do not bind DOE to any further actions related to this topic.

Hydrogen Storage Targets for Early Market Applications

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000735
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-05-10
Close Date:	2012-06-15
Funds Available:
Description:	The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Fuel Cell Technologies Program, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from stakeholders on the proposed performance, durability, and cost targets for hydrogen storage subsystems designed for material handling and portable power fuel cell applications. Comments on the relevance and appropriateness of the suggested target values, including recommendations and justification for any targets that are not currently addressed are sought.

Sustainable Cities: Urban Energy Planning for Smart Growth in China and India

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000697
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-05-07
Close Date:	2012-07-26
Funds Available:
Description:	The objective of this FOA is to deploy U.S. technical expertise in the area of sustainable urban development to cities in China and India through a variety of activities such as strategic and policy planning and analysis, design and management, energy market assessment, energy modeling, financial management, improvement of governance in local bodies, workforce development, technical assessment, and analysis. Benefits to the United States can include increased partnership opportunities for U.S. clean energy technology companies so they can grow, exports of domestic clean energy technologies and services in rapidly expanding markets, as well as access to data on clean energy policy and programs success and challenges that can inform U.S. national and sub-national policy development. DOE anticipates providing $750,000 total to several awardees over a period of up to two years to accomplish the goals of this funding opportunity. This FOA directly supports the goals of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), International Program.

HVACR to Home Performance: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractor Expansion into Whole House Residential Energy Efficiency Services

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000720
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-10
Close Date:	2012-06-01
Funds Available:	$0
Description:	DOE solicits input from all parties regarding how DOE can best support the expansion of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) businesses into residential whole-house energy efficiency services through new initiatives or by building upon existing "HVACR to Home Performance" efforts underway within the industry. DOE may release a competitive Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in Fiscal Year 2012 to support effort(s) that facilitate HVACR contactor expansion into home performance. DOE invites comments on any or all of the Potential Topic Areas and Proposed Activities outlined in the Request. Of particular interest is information that would assist DOE in focusing its resources on activities with the highest potential for sustained market transformation in the HVACR industry beyond the scope of the potential grant period.

Hydrogen Prize Topic

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000680
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-03-20
Close Date:	2012-05-31
Funds Available:
Description:	The DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Program (FCT) is soliciting ideas for H-Prize topics and criteria for advancements that would help to enable the widespread commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Topics would be advancements in technologies, components, or systems related to the following areas of interest: hydrogen production, hydrogen distribution, and hydrogen utilization. The entries would undergo technical evaluation to validate that all criteria are met or exceeded. The prize will be awarded only if specified criteria are met; in the case that multiple entries meet the criteria, the winner will be determined based on its performance in criteria categories to be determined in advance. The award amount may be up to $1 million. Responses should identify the Area of Interest, the technology, component, or system that would be involved, and propose relevant criteria to measure the advancement and validation procedures that would allow independent verification and measurement of the criteria. This RFI is not an H-Prize competition announcement; therefore, DOE is not accepting applications at this time. DOE may announce a competition in the future. However, DOE may also elect not to announce a competition. There is no guarantee that a competition will be announced as a result of this RFI. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to potential applicants if DOE chooses to announce a competition regarding the subject matter.

Fuel Cell Powered Airport Ground Support Equipment Deployment

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000701
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-25
Close Date:	2012-06-11
Funds Available:
Description:	With this FOA, DOE's Fuel Cell Technologies Program seeks applications for projects to demonstrate and deploy fuel cell hybrid ground support equipment (GSE) vehicles at airport and/or air freight distribution center sites. Packaged solutions for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems (5 to 20 kW) fueled by hydrogen with the ability to power a baggage tow tractor with 3,000 to 6,000 pounds (1,362 to 2,722 kg) towing capability for a minimum of 10 hours of continuous operation and 5000 total hours are sought. Applications must focus on developing, deploying, and validating systems in the field under real world operating conditions. The target market is commercial airports and air freight distribution centers used by passenger airlines and air freight industries. Approximately $2,500,000 in FY 2012 DOE funding is expected to be available for new awards under this announcement. DOE anticipates making 1-3 awards under this announcement depending on the size of the awards.

Plug and Play Photovoltaics

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000653
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-16
Close Date:	2012-06-18
Funds Available:
Description:	Through the Plug and Play Photovoltaics Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the Department of Energy will invest up to $25 million over five years to advance the development of a commercial plug-and-play photovoltaic system, which is envisioned as an off-the-shelf product that is fully inclusive with little need for individual customization. Homeowners can install the system without special training or tools. The homeowner simply plugs the system into a PV-ready circuit and an automatic PV discovery process initiates communication between the system and the utility. The plug-and-play concept has been implemented very successfully in the computer and automotive industries. The Department of Energy believes that these same innovations can be applied to the PV industry to reduce costs and simplify installations. This funding opportunity seeks to fundamentally change the design and installation of residential PV systems and help automate utility interconnection and permitting processes. Universities, industry, utilities, local authorities having jurisdiction, national laboratories, and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit full applications by June 18, 2012.

Bio-Oil Stabilization and Commoditization

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000686
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-06
Close Date:	2012-05-29
Funds Available:
Description:	This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is intended for research and development (R&D) at either Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 2 through 3 in Topic Area 1, or TRL 4 through 6 in Topic Area 2, that will accelerate the development of thermochemical liquefaction technologies to produce a bio-oil feedstock from biomass considered to be a high-impact feedstock or from algal biomass. The bio-oil feedstock produced must be utilized within a petroleum refinery and leverage its existing capital for further processing to final fuels (such as renewable gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel) that will contribute to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Renewable Fuels Standard volumetric goals for advanced biofuels.

Hydropower Advancement Project (HAP) - Standard Assessments to Increase Generation and Value

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000700
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-12
Close Date:	2012-06-14
Funds Available:
Description:	The Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Power Program, is seeking applications from hydropower professionals to participate in the Hydropower Advancement Project (HAP) standard assessments activity. The HAP standard assessments will identify opportunities to increase generation and value at existing hydropower facilities. Through this FOA, DOE will select teams to perform these standard assessments. The selected teams will perform HAP standardized assessments as described herein and per the HAP documents associated with the standard assessments. The HAP documents are available at http://hydropower.ornl.gov/HAP/ and include the following: Hydropower Technology Taxonomy (HTT) Best Practices Catalog (BPC) Assessment Manual The selected teams will receive financial assistance in the form of a cooperative agreement and will complete HAP standardized assessments at five or more hydropower facilities. Assessment teams that are selected will be required to attend the HAP standard assessment training planned for October, 2012, and then to perform multiple HAP standard assessments as described herein and per the HAP documents.

Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000667
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-04-05
Close Date:	2012-05-31
Funds Available:
Description:	The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to research and develop a production feasible wireless charging system, integrate the system into a production intent vehicle, and to demonstrate the readiness of the technology to deliver the benefits of static (and possibly quasi-dynamic) wireless charging to drivers of light duty (10,000 lb Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or less) Grid Connected Electric Drive Vehicles (GCEDV). While the primary focus of this project is the advancement of static and possibly quasi-dynamic charging, the Department of Energy recognizes that the research and demonstration results of this Funding Opportunity Announcement may contribute to the future development of dynamic charging capability. This project shall demonstrate wireless charging technology while being cost competitive and compliant with safety standards.

In-Water Wave Energy Conversion (WEC) Device Testing Support - Notice of Intent (NOI)

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000704
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-03-20
Close Date:	2012-06-30
Funds Available:
Description:	The purpose of this Notice of Intent is to provide potential applicants advance notice of a proposed upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement initially titled: In-Water Wave Energy Conversion (WEC) Device Testing Support. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH THIS NOTICE. Prospective applicants should begin developing partnerships, formulating ideas, and gathering data in anticipation of the issuance of this FOA. It is anticipated that this FOA will be posted to EERE Exchange in FY12. Please do not respond or submit questions in response to this Notice of Intent. DOE intends to fund one industry-led project that will deploy a long-term (one year) in-water WEC device. The device will be deployed at the Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) facility in Kaneohe Bay on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

Program Year 2012 Weatherization Formula Grants

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000641
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-02-08
Close Date:	2012-08-01
Funds Available:	$65,000,000
Description:	The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to solicit grant applications for the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons for Program Year 2012; establish grant guidance and management information for the Weatherization Assistance Program as outlined in the Weatherization Program Notice (WPN) 12-1, Program Year 2012 Weatherization Grant Guidance; and provide allocations as outlined in WPN 12-2, Program Year 2012 Grantee Allocations.

State Energy Program - Program Year 2012 Formula Grants

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000643
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-02-27
Close Date:	2012-08-01
Funds Available:
Description:	This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to solicit the annual grant applications under the State Energy Program (SEP) for Program Year (PY) 2012. This announcement also establishes grant guidance and management information for the State Energy Program as outlined in the State Energy Program Notice 12-02, Program Year 2012 State Energy Program Formula Grant Guidance, included as Attachment 1 to this Funding Opportunity Announcement.

U.S. Offshore Wind: Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000410
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-03-01
Close Date:	2012-05-31
Funds Available:
Description:	The U.S Department of Energy seeks to provide support for regionally-diverse Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects through collaborative partnerships. By providing funding, technical assistance, and government coordination to accelerate deployment of these demonstration projects, DOE can help eliminate uncertainties, mitigate risks, and help create a robust U.S. Offshore Wind Energy Industry. The primary goals of the Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects are to: 1. Install innovative offshore wind systems in U.S. waters in the most rapid and responsible manner possible, and 2. Expedite the development and deployment of innovative offshore wind energy systems with a credible potential for lowering the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) below 10 cents / kWh or the local hurdle price at which offshore wind can compete with other regional generation sources without subsidies. With over 4,000 GW of gross potential that is relatively close to key load centers, offshore wind energy can help the nation reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, diversify its energy supply, provide cost-competitive electricity to key coastal regions, and stimulate economic revitalization of key sectors of the economy. However, if the nation is to realize these benefits, key challenges to the development and deployment of offshore wind technology must be overcome, including the relatively high current cost of energy, technical challenges surrounding installation and grid interconnection, and the untested permitting or approval processes. DOE seeks technology demonstration projects that combine innovation with pathways for substantial cost reduction opportunities. The full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov. Applications must be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE website to be considered for award. The applicant must first register and create an account on the EERE eXCHANGE website. A User Guide for the EERE eXCHANGE can be found on the EERE website http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangeExchange/Manuals.aspx after logging in to the system. Information on where to submit questions regarding the content of the announcement and where to submit questions regarding submission of applications is found in the full FOA posted on the EERE Exchange website.

SunShot Incubator Program

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 MST

Funding Opportunity Number:	DE-FOA-0000651
Funding Organization:	Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Open Date:	2012-02-07
Close Date:	2012-05-29
Funds Available:
Description:	The DOE SunShot Initiative aims to reduce the installed costs of solar energy systems by 75% by the end of the decade, achieving grid parity for subsidy-free solar energy. SunShot drives American innovation through advanced research and development, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and cutting-edge technology. If successful, the SunShot Initiative will ensure solar energy is a viable and economic source for the nation's power needs and will significantly contribute to U.S. prosperity in the 21st century. The SunShot Incubator Program facilitates American small business' transitions from a proof of concept or business plan to domestic commercialization or deployment. The emphasis on proposed activities should be focused on addressing barriers to scale-up, commercialization, and deployment by 2015. This funding opportunity seeks to create independent businesses which can fully support themselves and continue to grow after the end of the award period. This opportunity is not for creating a product, organization, service, or other entity or item which requires continued government support. Areas of programmatic interest include but are not limited to: Photovoltaics Balance of systems Power electronics Concentrating solar power Tools to address non-hardware costs of solar energy Plug-and-play wiring and installation techniques Energy storage Other proposals that bring novel, non-incremental technologies that facilitate SunShot goals in any area of solar energy deployment to market.