The Department of Energy (DOE), through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to announce a forthcoming funding opportunity titled "Carbon Capture Research and Development and Front-End Engineering Design Studies for Power Generation and Industrial Point Sources" (DE-FOA-0003490). This anticipated funding, expected to be officially announced in 2024, aligns with the DOE's objectives under Executive Order 14008, which supports a clean energy agenda. It specifically focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the development of advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, aiming to support a carbon-neutral power sector by 2035 and achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Although applications are not currently being accepted, this notice serves to inform potential applicants and stakeholders about the objectives and preliminary requirements of the upcoming funding opportunity.

The anticipated FOA will target five main Areas of Interest (AOIs) focused on advancing CCS technologies for power generation and industrial facilities. The primary goals are to achieve high capture efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure adaptability across various sectors. Each AOI is intended to address specific DOE goals:

1. Engineering-Scale Testing, where DOE seeks to support projects demonstrating the scalability of advanced CCS technologies that could later be applied to large industrial facilities. This area will prioritize technologies that demonstrate substantial emissions reductions and a clear path to commercialization.
2. Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) Studies for Carbon Capture, focusing on completing FEED studies for industrial or power facilities aiming to adopt CCS solutions. The aim is to generate precise engineering plans that detail the feasibility and projected impact of integrating CCS technologies.
3. Engineering-Scale Testing for Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Capture on Flexible Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) Plants, to support projects that integrate CCS technology with NGCC plants, emphasizing the adaptability and efficiency of carbon capture systems under varying operational conditions.
4. Advancing Systems to Reduce the Costs and Environmental Impacts of CCS for Specific Industries, targeting industrial applications in sectors that present unique challenges, such as cement, steel, and chemical production. This area will address sector-specific obstacles and support the development of optimized CCS solutions.
5. Regional Approaches to CCS Deployment, encouraging projects that consider regional infrastructure and partnerships to establish comprehensive carbon capture networks, including considerations for transportation and storage.

To support its mission, the DOE outlines eligibility and application requirements that will likely require applicants to include comprehensive project plans and technical data demonstrating their technology’s scalability and potential for emissions reduction. Eligible applicants may include universities, research institutions, national laboratories, and private sector organizations with expertise in CCS technologies. Each project must align with DOE’s goals to demonstrate cost-effective, commercially viable CCS technologies capable of wide-scale deployment.

The evaluation criteria for applications will likely focus on each project’s feasibility, potential for cost reduction, scalability, and alignment with DOE’s emissions reduction goals. Projects should also demonstrate potential for replication across industrial sectors and facilities, showcasing both environmental and economic benefits. The DOE is expected to prioritize projects that propose innovative solutions, have a clear commercialization pathway, and provide substantial long-term value in achieving net-zero emissions objectives.

Applications for this opportunity will follow specific submission guidelines once the official FOA is issued. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare by gathering relevant technical data, identifying project partnerships, and aligning their projects with DOE’s strategic goals for carbon capture and storage. Key deadlines, submission procedures, and funding details will be provided in the forthcoming official announcement.