U.S. Energy Department Announces $420 million to Accelerate Clean Energy Initiatives

The U.S Energy Department of Energy has announced a $420 million funding opportunity for the agency’s Energy Frontier Research Centers, or EFRCs, which have been instrumental in innovation and have unlocked scientific breakthroughs leading to transformative climate solutions like solar windows and carbon capture technology. The funding aims to incentivise climate solutions through early-stage research in clean energy technology, advanced and low carbon manufacturing, and quantum information science.

The funding will provide an incentive in basic research, which is likely to be pivotal in creating climate solutions that will help accomplish President Biden’s goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The EFRC program unites a diverse team of scientists across disciplines and institutions, solely dedicated to solving complex problems in early stage research and accelerating developments in the most difficult areas of material sciences, chemical sciences, geoscience, and biosciences. Since its launch in 2009, the program has led to the creation of 88 EFRCs across 41 states. The agency noted that the current structure has resulted in the issuance of 200 patents, which have facilitated the development of innovative technologies, such as high-capacity batteries, windows that convert sunlight to electric power, and materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide.

Furthermore, the research centers support cross DOE initiatives such as the Energy Earthshots initiative launched in June 2021 to speed up breakthroughs of more abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy solutions within the decade. The first Energy Earthshot, Hydrogen Shot, seeks to reduce the cost of clean energy hydrogen to $1 for 1kg clean hydrogen by 2030.

The funding is expected to provide jobs and many economic benefits in the states in which the EFRC operates. It also offers industries the opportunity to use an array of clean energy technologies and are deemed important in creating a clean infrastructure for the future.

The agency has scheduled a webinar for Jan. 19 to discuss the funding opportunity.