Oxygen-conducting SOFC and SOEC Research and Development for Hydrogen Production
This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S.-based organizations, including private companies, universities, and nonprofits, to advance the development of innovative fuel cell and electrolysis technologies for efficient hydrogen production.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a funding opportunity through its Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) aimed at advancing the research and development of Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (R-SOFCs) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) for hydrogen production. The FOA, titled "Oxygen-conducting SOFC and SOEC Research and Development for Hydrogen Production," seeks applications focused on developing thermodynamically stable, high-temperature R-SOFC systems that can operate both in fuel cell mode for power generation and in electrolysis mode for hydrogen production. The application deadline is December 2, 2024, with selections expected by March 24, 2025, and awards anticipated by May 15, 2025. Two primary Areas of Interest (AOI) are detailed in this FOA. **AOI 1** emphasizes R&D for reducing long-term degradation rates in oxygen-conducting SOFC and SOEC systems operating under high current density and high steam utilization, targeting a degradation rate of less than 0.2% per 1000 hours and supporting the DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goals. **AOI 2** seeks to develop a comprehensive thermodynamic database for SOFC and SOEC component materials to enhance device stability and performance at high operating temperatures, focusing on reducing the resistance and degradation across various chemical processes. Funding includes up to $3 million for AOI 1, supporting four awards of approximately $750,000 each, and $1 million for AOI 2, supporting two awards of $500,000 each. Cost-sharing is required, with applicants expected to cover 20% of the project’s total costs from non-federal sources. Applicants must be U.S.-based or foreign entities, with eligibility extending to private organizations, higher education institutions, nonprofit entities, and FFRDCs/National Labs as subrecipients. All work must be performed within the U.S. unless a foreign work waiver is granted, and projects must include detailed management plans, data sharing, and compliance with the "Build America, Buy America" requirements for infrastructure-related projects. This funding opportunity aligns with DOE’s commitment to building a clean energy economy and supporting equitable access to hydrogen technology innovation. Applicants are required to submit an R&D Community Benefits Plan that addresses Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), with clearly defined milestones for tracking progress toward these goals. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov, and the DOE strongly advises applicants to register with all required systems (SAM, Grants.gov, FedConnect) well in advance due to potential processing delays. Submissions must include a project narrative, budget justifications, management plans, and other documentation as specified in the FOA guidelines to be deemed compliant.
Award Range
Not specified - $4,000,000
Total Program Funding
$4,000,000
Number of Awards
6
Matching Requirement
Yes - The cost share must be at least 20% of the total allowable costs for research and development projects (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC/NL costs if applicable, and the recipient share of allowable costs equals the total allowable cost of the project) and must come from nonFederal sources unless otherwise allowed by law. See 2 CFR part 200.306 as amended by 2 CFR part 910.130 for the applicable cost sharing requirements.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Individuals U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient. ii. Domestic Entities For-profit entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits that are organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular State or territory of the United States and have a physical location for business operations in the United States are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient. Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply for funding. iii. Domestic Public Entities (excluding Federal entities) State, local, and tribal government entities are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient. Entities banned from doing business with the United States government such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in Federal programs are not eligible. Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are not eligible to apply for funding.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
September 26, 2024
Application Closes
December 2, 2024
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