WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today issued a notice of intent (NOI) to provide funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for large-scale conversion of carbon emissions into environmentally responsible and economically valuable products. Projects will develop the sustainable feedstocks and conversion technologies necessary to produce crucial fuels, materials, and other carbon-based products that are better for the environment than current petroleum-derived components. This effort supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as the goals of DOE’s Clean Fuels and Products Energy Earthshot, which aims to meet projected 2050 net-zero emissions demands for 100% of aviation fuel; 50% of maritime, rail, and off-road fuel; and 50% of carbon-based chemicals by using sustainable carbon resources. 

If issued, the funding will support two areas of focus: (1) research and development of electrochemical conversion processes that convert carbon emissions into valuable products such as engineering polymer/resin precursors, specialty chemicals, and commodity chemicals; and (2) feasibility studies that examine retrofitting refineries for carbon utilization and production of value-added products. It is anticipated that global demand for petrochemical feedstocks will continue to grow and include products such as ethane, liquid petroleum gas, and naphtha.

The program will benefit manufacturers, technology providers, and the general public by advancing the commercial viability of and consumer access to less expensive and more environmentally friendly products and services. Further, in alignment with the President’s commitment that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law create broadly shared economic prosperity across the United States, funding applicants will be required to carefully consider impacts and benefits to workers and communities by emphasizing community and labor engagement, creating high-quality jobs, and providing economic and environmental benefits to affected communities. 

To prepare for the upcoming issuance of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA), prospective applicants are encouraged to read the full NOI. DOE expects to issue the FOA during the first quarter of calendar year 2024.  

FECM minimizes environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels and industrial processes while working to achieve net-zero emissions across the U.S. economy. Priority areas of technology work include carbon capture, carbon conversion, carbon dioxide removal, carbon dioxide transport and storage, hydrogen production with carbon management, methane emissions reduction, and critical minerals production. To learn more, visit the FECM website, sign up for FECM news announcements, and visit the National Energy Technology Laboratory website.