The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Advanced Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies to Drive National Goals" (DE-FOA-0003439). This funding opportunity aims to advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to support national clean energy objectives, with a focus on contributing to the goal of achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. The NOFO highlights hydrogen’s importance in decarbonizing sectors such as heavy-duty transportation, industrial processes, and energy storage.

The NOFO covers four major research topics. The first is the development and scale-up of photoelectrochemical water splitting devices for hydrogen production. This technology has the potential to produce hydrogen at costs below $1 per kilogram by 2031. The second topic focuses on high-performance materials for hydrogen service, including materials that can withstand cryogenic and high-pressure conditions. The third topic targets the creation of sustainable, high-temperature proton exchange membranes for heavy-duty transportation fuel cells. The fourth topic seeks to develop and demonstrate domestic hydrogen fuel cell electric motorcoach buses, providing an alternative to current heavy-duty vehicle technologies and supporting decarbonization in the transportation sector.

Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include U.S.-based entities such as institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Foreign entities may also participate but are required to submit a waiver request. Applicants will need to provide cost sharing, with a requirement of 20% for research and development projects and 50% for demonstration projects. The total funding available across all topics is up to $46 million, with individual project awards ranging from $1 million to $10 million depending on the topic area.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, project feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with DOE’s hydrogen and energy goals. Special consideration will be given to projects that involve collaborations with national laboratories, academia, and industry, as well as those that support underrepresented communities and contribute to the federal government’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that at least 40% of benefits from federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

Key deadlines include the submission of concept papers by November 20, 2024, and full applications by January 31, 2025. Award notifications are expected by May 2025, with final award issuance planned for September 2025. Applicants must ensure all project work is conducted within the United States unless an approved waiver is obtained.

This funding opportunity emphasizes the DOE's commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in clean energy technology development. As part of this commitment, applicants are required to submit a Research and Development Community Benefits Plan outlining how their projects will support diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, while also addressing environmental justice and creating quality jobs.