The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) announced the Solar-thermal Fuels and Thermal Energy Storage Via Concentrated Solar-thermal Energy funding opportunity, which will award $30 million for projects to produce fuels via renewable energy resources and improve thermal energy storage technologies.
The research, development, and demonstration projects resulting from this funding opportunity will help deliver an equitable clean energy future by advancing the goals of a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by 2050.
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) supports the goals of three DOE Energy Earthshots: Industrial Heat Shot, Long Duration Shot, and Clean Fuels and Products Shot.
This FOA focuses on concentrating solar-thermal energy for electricity and other uses. Projects funded by this opportunity will accelerate the development of solar-thermal energy storage via fuels, as well as on site energy storage for industrial applications and power production.
SETO anticipates making approximately eight to 15 awards under this FOA ranging from $750,000 to $10 million. SETO encourages diverse teams from universities, nonprofit and for-profit companies, state and local governments, and Tribal Nations to apply.
Prior to submitting a full application for this opportunity, applicants must submit a concept paper by November 3, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET.
SETO will host an informational webinar on October 16 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the funding opportunity and the areas of focus.
