US DOE Announces $297 Mn for Sustainable Transportation Research

The US DOE has announced an investment of USD 297 million in funding for research and development of sustainable transportation technologies.

The US Department of Energy (DOE), has announced the investment of USD 297 million in funding for research and development of sustainable transportation resources and technologies. 

The investment, split up between three, separate funding opportunity announcements (FOA), supports DOE’s goal of ensuring that as the transportation system transforms, consumers have affordable, clean, efficient, and domestic energy options that give families and businesses greater choice in how they meet their mobility needs.

“As we enter a new decade, DOE remains diligent in addressing the various challenges and opportunities associated with the dramatic changes occurring within our transportation sector,” said Under Secretary Mark W. Menezes. “Under this announcement, DOE is focusing our efforts on three areas of transportation to further spur innovative breakthroughs in this sector. The Trump Administration is committed to providing new energy and efficiency opportunities for manufacturers and consumers that will continue growing this ever-changing market.”

Each FOA contains multiple topics that will support DOE’s goal of providing consumers and businesses with a range of technologies and fuels. The three FOA’s are:

FY20 Vehicles Technologies Office (VTO) Multi-Topic FOA (USD 133 Mn): Issued on behalf of DOE’s VTO, topic areas within this FOA address priorities in advanced batteries and electrification; advanced engine and fuel technologies, including technologies for off-road applications; lightweight materials; new mobility technologies (energy-efficient mobility systems), and alternative fuels technology demonstrations. 

H2@Scale New Markets FOA (USD 64 Mn): Issued on behalf of DOE’s Fuel Cells Technologies Office (FCTO), topic areas within this FOA advance DOE’s H2@Scale initiative. This investment will support innovative hydrogen concepts that will encourage market expansion and increase the scale of hydrogen production, storage, transport, and use, including heavy-duty trucks, data centres and steel production.

FY20 Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Multi-Topic FOA (USD 100 Mn): Issued on behalf of DOE’s BETO, topic areas within this FOA support the U.S. bioeconomy by reducing the price of drop-in biofuels, lowering the cost of biopower, and enabling high-value products from biomass or waste resources.

“As technologies, business models, and consumer demands evolve, our diverse supply of fuels and technologies allows us to approach the future of sustainable transportation from all angles, consistent with our comprehensive energy strategy,” said Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel R Simmons. “The products that result from this FOA will significantly impact the sustainable energy market for the better.”