Undocumented Orphaned Well Characterization and Remediation

The Department of Energy (DOE) has released Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0003343, focused on the characterization and remediation of undocumented orphaned wells (UOWs). This FOA, part of the Methane Mitigation Technologies Program under the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), aims to mitigate methane emissions and environmental risks associated with these wells, with a goal of eliminating emissions from carbon-based fuel supply chains by 2030. The program will support research into advanced remediation techniques, wellbore characterization, and long-term monitoring solutions, prioritizing technologies that advance commercialization and can efficiently address the estimated 310,000 to 800,000 undocumented orphaned wells across the United States.

The FOA offers three primary Areas of Interest (AOIs). Area 1 focuses on advanced remediation techniques for wellbores, exploring novel materials like biofilm and biochar for permanent well plugging. Area 2 targets UOW wellbore characterization, seeking non-invasive, surface-deployable technologies for assessing well conditions and informing abandonment strategies. Area 3 supports the development of cost-effective, autonomous, long-term monitoring systems for methane emissions. Projects in all areas must align with the DOE’s decarbonization goals, demonstrate potential for scalability, and include pre- and post-deployment emissions monitoring as per Department of the Interior Methane Measurement Guidelines.

Funding for this FOA totals $15 million across the three areas, with an anticipated three-year project period. Area 1 is allocated approximately $10.2 million, supporting up to three awards, each with a 20% cost-share requirement. Areas 2 and 3 are each allocated $2.4 million, funding up to two awards per area, also requiring a 20% cost share. The maximum award size for each area ranges from $1.2 to $3.4 million in DOE funding, with applicants expected to contribute corresponding cost-share amounts. DOE encourages collaboration with industry, state, federal, and regulatory partners, with a letter of commitment required at the time of application.

Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education, for-profit and non-profit entities, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes. Foreign entities may apply or participate as subrecipients only if they obtain a DOE waiver. Applicants must register in multiple federal systems, including SAM, Grants.gov, and FedConnect, and submit applications via Grants.gov. Applications will undergo initial compliance checks, followed by merit-based evaluation on technical innovation, project plan feasibility, and alignment with FOA objectives.

Applications are due by November 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET. Selected projects are expected to be notified in February 2025, with awards issued by June 2025. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and content requirements, including a 15-page technical volume and additional documentation, such as a Project Management Plan, Statement of Project Objectives, budget justifications, environmental questionnaires, and a Data Management Plan. Evaluation will prioritize the potential impact on methane reduction, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with federal decarbonization policies.