Gasification of Alternative Feedstocks | DE FOA 0003394

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0003394

The Gasification of Alternative Feedstocks funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0003394) is a competitive, discretionary federal grant program run by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). It is focused on research, development, and demonstration work that advances innovative gasification designs and complete gasification systems capable of converting alternative, non-traditional feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The central aim is to make that syngas pathway practical and cost-effective for producing clean hydrogen at low cost, with an emphasis on approaches that can scale beyond lab concepts into robust, integrated systems.

A key driver behind the program is the specific advantage of oxygen-blown gasification, particularly when designed in a way that is friendly to carbon capture. Oxygen-blown gasification can produce a syngas stream that is often better suited to downstream CO2 capture compared to air-blown configurations because it avoids nitrogen dilution and can yield higher concentrations of CO2 after shift and cleanup steps. The FOA highlights the opportunity to take solid mixed biomass and waste feedstocks, which can be challenging to process consistently due to variability and contaminants, and convert them into clean hydrogen while also positioning the process for effective carbon management. In practical terms, the government interest here is not only making hydrogen, but doing it in a way that supports deep decarbonization goals and can integrate with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) strategies.

The opportunity is framed around alternative feedstocks, meaning the program is looking beyond conventional coal-only or uniform biomass inputs. The intent is to expand viable inputs to include mixed biomass streams and waste-derived materials, which could include heterogeneous blends that are currently underutilized or landfilled. By enabling gasification systems that can handle these more difficult feeds, the program is also implicitly targeting benefits like improved waste management, reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, and creation of domestic, resilient supply chains for clean energy and industrial feedstocks.

The FOA positions clean hydrogen as a flexible decarbonized energy carrier and an enabling building block for multiple end uses. Beyond hydrogen itself, syngas and hydrogen produced from these systems can be used to synthesize lower-carbon transportation fuels, chemicals, and other value-added products, and can also support low-carbon electricity generation. This reflects a broader strategy: improve the front-end conversion technology (gasification and syngas production/conditioning) so that multiple downstream pathways become more feasible, whether the end product is hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, sustainable aviation fuel intermediates, or power with carbon capture.

From an administrative standpoint, awards are expected to be made through cooperative agreements, which typically means the agency anticipates substantial involvement during the period of performance (for example, active technical management, milestone review, and project direction as appropriate). The program is listed under CFDA number 81.089 and falls under Energy, Science and Technology, and other R&D. The eligibility category is listed as unrestricted, but applicants are instructed to review Section III of the FOA for the detailed eligibility requirements and any conditions or exceptions that apply.

In terms of funding parameters, the maximum award size (ceiling) is $3,000,000, and NETL anticipates making around five awards. The FOA was created on 2024-09-20, with an original closing date of 2024-11-22. Overall, the opportunity is designed to accelerate practical, carbon-capture-compatible oxygen-blown gasification solutions that can reliably convert variable solid biomass and waste feedstocks into syngas, ultimately enabling lower-cost clean hydrogen production and supporting a wider suite of decarbonized fuels, chemicals, and power applications.

• The National Energy Technology Laboratory in the energy, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Gasification of Alternative Feedstocks" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.089.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-09-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-11-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for DE FOA 0003394

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