The Notice of Intent to issue two funding opportunities, DE-FOA-0003518 and DE-FOA-0003520, highlights the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office plans to advance bioenergy research and development. These funding opportunities align with priorities in conversion processes and renewable carbon resources, supporting domestic production of renewable fuels and chemicals.

The first funding opportunity, titled Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals, focuses on the development of bio-based chemicals and renewable propane or liquid petroleum gas using biomass and waste resources. Topic Area 1 will support the development and adoption of production methods for bio-based chemicals, including 3-hydroxypropionic acid produced from whole-kernel corn feedstocks using existing fermentation technologies. Projects must demonstrate feasibility and include collaboration with partners across the chemical value chain. Topic Area 2 will target the development of sustainable propane or liquid petroleum gas pathways through multiple conversion routes. This includes optimizing catalyst performance for emerging oil seeds such as camelina and carinata and developing pathways to convert gaseous intermediates like biogas, carbon dioxide, and syngas into liquid petroleum gas.

The second funding opportunity, titled Maximizing Algal System Yield, will focus on addressing challenges, referred to as pinch points, in algal system cultivation and preprocessing. The goal is to improve process economics for biofuels and bioproducts. Applicants are required to identify a specific pinch point within their cultivation or preprocessing system and justify its impact using techno-economic or life cycle analysis. Proposed research must include measurable improvement metrics and cultivation campaigns conducted under real-world conditions, such as outdoor or greenhouse environments.

The Department of Energy plans to award multiple cooperative agreements under each funding opportunity, with a period of performance of approximately three years. These efforts aim to enhance domestic supply chains, improve energy security, and expand access to renewable feedstocks. Projects funded under these opportunities will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting rural economies, and scaling innovative technologies toward commercialization.

Applicants are advised to prepare for the upcoming funding opportunities by completing registrations in EERE eXCHANGE, SAM.gov, FedConnect, and Grants.gov. Applications will only be accepted through the EERE eXCHANGE portal. The funding opportunities are expected to be released in January 2025. This notice is for informational purposes only, and the Department of Energy reserves the right to modify or cancel the funding opportunities.