In the United States (US), the Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has announced up to US$23 million in funding to support research and development (R&D) of domestic chemicals and fuels from biomass and waste resources.
The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC) will support BETO’s Conversion Technologies priorities by advancing innovative technology pathways for affordable fuels and products, leveraging renewable resources, and generating domestic jobs to accelerate the U.S. bioeconomy.
The SPARC NOFO supports the R&D of domestic chemicals and fuels from a variety of biomass and waste resources.
Producing chemicals and propane and/or a mix of gases similar to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) from renewable feedstocks will help to secure domestic supply chains, bolster rural economies, and improve the nation’s global competitiveness in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industry.
BETO’s investment in biofuel and bioproduct research will accelerate the development of affordable cutting-edge technologies for chemical and propane production and mobilize the broader use of biomass and waste streams. This funding is critical to creating jobs in rural America, boosting our energy independence, and ultimately lowering energy costs for households and other users, said Dr Valerie Sarisky-Reed, Director of BETO.
The SPARC NOFO supports two Topic Areas:
- Topic Area 1: Bio-based Chemicals
- Topic Area 2: Bio-based Propane/LPG
BETO envisions awarding multiple financial assistance awards for this NOFO in the form of cooperative agreements lasting approximately three years.
Required concept papers are due by March 14, 2025, and the full application deadline is May 30, 2025.
