OPPORTUNITY:
FOA will address research and development (R&D) challenges in converting algae, such as seaweeds and other wet waste feedstocks, to biofuels and bioproducts that can decarbonize domestic transportation, industry, and communities.
DESCRIPTION:
Seaweeds, also known as macro-algae, are an emerging biomass resource with unique benefits compared to land-based biomass systems. However, they are underutilized and difficult to convert due to their variability, unique chemical make-up, and storage instability. Overcoming these conversion challenges will help build algae biomass supply chains, accelerate their demand, and ultimately drive the U.S. bioeconomy by enabling greater volumes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion to algae.
The MACRO FOA will fund selected projects in two focus areas:
- Topic Area 1 – Conversion of Seaweeds to Low Carbon Fuels and Bioproducts will focus on laboratory scale R&D on conversion of seaweeds and seaweed blends with other wet wastes to renewable fuels and bioproducts to enable these readily available feedstocks to access new markets.
- Topic Area 2 – Conversion of Algal Biomass for Low Carbon Agricultural Bioproducts will focus on near or completely integrated technologies that utilize CO2 emissions streams from industrial sources or utilities to grow algae for source material and create value-added bioproducts. Of particular interest is the conversion and processing of bioproducts for use in agriculture and animal feed.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
- Institutions of higher education
- For-profit entities
- Nonprofit entities
- Foreign Entities in limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient
- State and local governmental entities, and federally recognized American Indian Tribes
- Foreign Entities
MATCHING/COST SHARING FUNDS:
The cost share must be at least 20% of the total project costs for research and development projects. The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.
FUNDING AVAILABLE AND APPLICATION WINDOW:
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: $18.8 million
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Submission Deadline for Concept Papers: 05/10/2024; Submission Deadline for Full Applications: 06/27/2024
