The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has issued a funding opportunity, "Realize Energy-rich Compound Opportunities Valorizing Extraction from Refuse waters (RECOVER)," under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This initiative seeks to develop transformative technologies to recover high-value energy materials such as ammonia, critical metals, and rare earth elements (REEs) from aqueous waste streams. The RECOVER program is intended to bolster U.S. energy security, reduce reliance on imports, and achieve significant energy and emissions reductions compared to conventional production methods.

The program focuses on waste streams from municipal wastewater, animal feedlot basins, oil and gas operations, and mining drainage. Targeted materials include ammonia, phosphorus (when recovered alongside ammonia), 13 critical metals (as identified by ARPA-E), and additional rare earth elements. Proposals addressing other high-value energy materials relevant to ARPA-E’s statutory goals and program objectives are also encouraged. The ultimate aim is to create technologies that reduce water treatment costs by turning waste streams into revenue-generating resources.

ARPA-E anticipates awarding approximately $36 million, distributed across an estimated 16 projects. Awards will range from $1.5 million to $4 million. The program will prioritize high-risk, high-reward projects demonstrating transformative potential. Applicants must propose aggressive timelines and effective risk management strategies for their projects. This program exclusively targets small businesses under SBIR and STTR guidelines and does not require cost sharing.

Applications are due by December 31, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. ET, with submissions strongly encouraged 48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Applicants must register and submit materials through ARPA-E's eXCHANGE portal. The portal offers guidance documents, including a user guide and FAQs, to aid in the application process. Detailed program goals, statutory requirements, and the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are available on the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website.

ARPA-E encourages projects that deliver transformative technologies rather than incremental improvements. Successful projects will reduce energy demand, electrify recovery technologies, and prevent nitrous oxide emissions. Awarded projects are expected to exhibit disruptive market potential, creating fundamentally new cost/performance benchmarks that advance energy and environmental objectives.

For questions or additional assistance, ARPA-E provides resources via its eXCHANGE portal and offers support through designated help email contacts. This program represents a unique opportunity for small businesses to lead innovations in sustainable energy material recovery, directly supporting U.S. energy independence and environmental stewardship.