University Training and Research

Preparing the next generation to meet future energy challenges

The University Training and Research (UTR) program supports novel, early-stage research at U.S. colleges and universities that advances the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) mission of delivering integrated solutions related to minimizing the environmental impacts of fossil fuels while working towards net-zero emissions.

By investing in the education and training of America’s future scientists and engineers, this program highlights the key role technology plays in addressing America’s energy challenges, promotes the development of innovative and disruptive technologies, and reinforces workforce development as a part of our nation’s continued economic prosperity. With a special emphasis on diversity and inclusion, UTR program provides opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The UTR program supports the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and  Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU–MSI) and the University Carbon Research (UCR) programs. The core mission of both programs is the following:

• To educate and train the next generation of engineers and scientists to help develop and contribute to a highly skilled, inclusive, and competitive U.S. workforce and economy
• To support novel, early-stage research at U.S. colleges and universities that advances the FECM mission of delivering integrated solutions related to fossil energy and carbon management and enable transformation to a sustainable, low-carbon energy future
• To increase research and development (R&D) opportunities for traditionally underrepresented communities within the United States and tap into the innovative and diverse thinking of student researchers at HBCU–MSI institutions of higher learning
• To ensure that students are being equipped with cutting-edge, translatable skill sets that will allow them to contribute to the U.S. workforce and greater economy over the course of a long and enduring career.

Between fiscal years 2010 and 2022, the UTR program made 140 R&D awards valued at more than $47.6 million and helped to support 455 students at various stages in their academic careers, including undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. 

The UTR program conducts a nationwide competitive solicitation each year. Research and development projects are awarded as grants ($250K-750K) with a typical duration of 2–3 years. This educational outreach initiative enhances the Department of Energy’s ability to develop and sustain a national program of university research that seeks technology development to reduce carbon emissions and train the workforce of the future that is prepared to address the global challenge of climate change.

Fundamental And Applied Research

The program provides a mechanism for cooperative research among MSIs, the private sector, and Federal agencies. The central thrust of the program is to generate fresh ideas and tap unique talent, define applicable fundamental scientific principles, and develop advanced concepts for generating new and improved technologies across the full spectrum of fossil energy and carbon management R&D programs. Since its inception, the program has emphasized improving the capabilities of next-generation environmentally sustainable energy systems. The program supports FECM’s strategic vision of advancing equity, labor and engagement, carbon management approaches toward deep decarbonization, and technologies that lead to sustainable energy resources.

As of October 1, 2023 (first quarter of FY23), there are 51 active UTR projects; the product of six different Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). Figures 2 and 3 below show locations of participating universities and colleges states and city locations for both HBCU-MSI and UCR programs.

Historically Black Colleges And Universities And Minority Serving Institutions Program

For more than 30 years, FECM and NETL have supported the HBCU–MSI program, making it one of the longest-running university training initiatives within DOE. The key objective for HBCU–MSI program includes equipping underrepresented, diverse student groups with cutting-edge, translatable skillsets through R&D opportunities that will help them sustain successful STEM careers.

Figure 2 below show locations of participating universities and colleges states and city locations for HBCU-MSI program

Figure 2. Participating HBCU-MSI States and City Locations

University Carbon Research (UCR) Program

The UCR program emphasizes R&D efforts that are structured to achieve FECM strategic goals in concert with student education in relevant carbon management topics. Key research areas supported include (but are not limited to): near-zero-emission power plants, carbon capture, computational energy sciences, development of advanced high-performance materials, sensors and controls, and the development of hybrid power generation systems.

Figure 3 below show locations of participating universities and colleges states and city locations for UCR program.

Figure 3. Participating UCR States and City Locations

Current Research Thrusts

The UTR program supports novel, early-stage research on wide array of technologies that align with the FECM Strategic Vision:

• Point-Source Carbon Capture (PSC): reduce the cost, increase the efficacy, and advance deployment of commercial-scale PSC technologies in the power and industrial sectors implications.
• CO₂ Conversion: accelerate capabilities for large-scale conversion of CO₂ into products advancing net-zero and justice goals, facilitated by markets for CO₂ as a feedstock
• Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): diverse approaches supporting DOE’s Carbon Negative Shot, addressing emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors and eventually legacy emissions
• Reliable Carbon Storage and Transport: advance storage technologies and transport mechanisms and support large-scale transport and storage facilities and regional hubs
• Hydrogen with Carbon Management: develop hydrogen production from sustainably sourced carbon-based feedstocks coupled with carbon capture and storage; hydrogen storage; reversible solid oxide fuel cells; and hydrogen-fired generating turbines
• Domestic Critical Minerals (CM) Production: develop and demonstrate technologies for extraction and remediation to processing and refining CM for a strong supply chain and good jobs
• Methane Mitigation: minimize the environmental impacts of fossil energy extraction with a focus on methane emissions

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