Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001655
Apply for DE FOA 0001655
- The Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory in the energy, environment, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "H2 at Scale (Hydrogen at Scale): Determining Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) Necessary for Clean Hydrogen Production to Enable Multisectoral Deep Decarbonization" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.087.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 09, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 04, 2016 Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to H2Scale@ee.doe.gov with the subject line DE-FOA-0001655 - RFI no later than 500pm (ET) on November 4, 2016. Responses must be provided as attachments to an email.. (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 $2.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The DOE opportunity titled "H2 at Scale (Hydrogen at Scale): Determining Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) Necessary for Clean Hydrogen Production to Enable Multisectoral Deep Decarbonization" (RFI DE-FOA-0001655) is not a traditional grant solicitation, but a Request for Information. Its main goal is to gather ideas, priorities, and practical guidance from stakeholders on what research, development, and demonstration work is most needed to make clean hydrogen a widely deployable decarbonization tool across multiple parts of the economy. The RFI is grounded in the "H2@Scale" concept introduced by DOE national laboratories in 2016, which argued that hydrogen could be used at very large scale to cut emissions across industry, transportation, and power. DOE cites preliminary national lab analysis suggesting that broad hydrogen deployment could contribute to roughly a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which is the overarching motivation for mapping RD&D gaps and sequencing near-term versus long-term actions.
A key feature of this RFI is that it recognizes hydrogen as a cross-cutting system, not a single technology. DOE highlights that hydrogen-related RD&D is already spread across multiple DOE offices and programs, including Nuclear Energy (NE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Fossil Energy (FE), Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE), the Office of Science (OS), and ARPA-E. Because the scope is so broad, DOE is explicitly trying to engage a wide set of stakeholders (industry, utilities, technology developers, researchers, and other interested parties) to help DOE coordinate and prioritize work that spans production, integration with the grid, infrastructure, and end-use markets. Importantly, responders are told they can focus only on the topic areas where they have expertise, rather than answering every question, which signals DOE is looking for high-quality, domain-specific input rather than exhaustive submissions.
The RFI lays out several topic areas where DOE wants feedback. The first is the overall "Concept of H2 at Scale," which is essentially the strategic framing: what a hydrogen-at-scale energy system should look like, what barriers keep hydrogen from scaling today, and what RD&D would most effectively reduce costs and risks. The second topic focuses on integrating hydrogen production with the electricity grid and with storage and pipeline infrastructure. This points to questions like how electrolyzers or other hydrogen production assets should operate alongside variable renewable generation, how hydrogen could serve as a flexible load to support grid reliability, what kinds of storage (including large-scale or seasonal storage) are practical, and what pipeline or delivery pathways are needed to move hydrogen from where it is produced to where it is used.
The third topic area addresses integrating hydrogen production with process heat sources, including nuclear generation, industrial waste heat, and concentrated solar power. This reflects DOE interest in thermal pathways to hydrogen (or hybrid thermal-electric approaches), and in using existing or underutilized heat streams to improve efficiency and economics. In practical terms, this could include RD&D around coupling hydrogen production to nuclear plants to improve plant utilization, using high-temperature heat to drive thermochemical cycles or high-temperature electrolysis, and designing integrated systems that can ramp safely and economically while meeting industrial performance and reliability requirements.
The fourth topic area is about leveraging stranded renewables and identifying value-added applications for hydrogen. "Stranded renewables" generally refers to renewable energy that is curtailed, constrained by transmission, or located where local demand is low, creating opportunities for hydrogen production as an offtake that turns otherwise-lost electricity into a transportable energy carrier. DOE is asking for ideas on how hydrogen can provide economic value beyond being a fuel, such as serving specific industrial feedstock needs, enabling energy storage, supporting grid balancing services, or opening new markets that improve project economics. This area is essentially about business cases and system value: where hydrogen can be deployed in a way that makes sense early, and what applications could anchor demand as production scales.
The fifth topic area is hydrogen from fossil fuels, which signals DOE interest in pathways such as natural gas reforming or gasification, particularly when paired with carbon management approaches that reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. While the RFI text does not prescribe specific solutions, the inclusion of this category indicates DOE wants input on RD&D needed for cleaner fossil-derived hydrogen, likely including capture performance, system integration, cost reduction, methane emissions considerations, and verification of emissions outcomes. The final category, "Other," leaves room for respondents to propose additional RD&D needs not captured in the listed topics, which is common in RFIs intended to surface emerging concepts, overlooked barriers, or cross-cutting needs like standards, safety, measurement, data gaps, or workforce considerations.
Administratively, this opportunity is explicitly not funding. DOE states it will not pay for information submitted, and no projects will be supported as a direct result of responding. It also clarifies that it is not accepting applications for financial assistance or incentives under this notice. Instead, DOE may use the feedback to decide whether to issue a future Funding Opportunity Announcement, meaning the RFI functions as market and technical research to shape later competitive funding programs. The agency associated with the posting is the Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity could submit input (subject to any additional clarifications in the full text).
The submission details reflect that this was a time-bound stakeholder input process rather than an ongoing program: responses were due by 5:00 pm Eastern on November 4, 2016, submitted electronically by email to H2Scale@ee.doe.gov with the subject line "DE-FOA-0001655 - RFI," and provided as attachments. The listing includes fields like "ExpectedAwards: 0" and an "AwardCeiling" entry, but in context those do not indicate actual grants; they are artifacts of how opportunities are cataloged, while the narrative makes clear there is no award associated with the RFI itself.
Overall, the RFI is best understood as DOE trying to build an actionable RD&D roadmap for scaling clean hydrogen in a way that supports deep decarbonization across sectors. It focuses not only on producing low-carbon hydrogen, but also on the systems-level challenges that determine whether hydrogen can be deployed at scale: grid interaction, infrastructure, thermal integration, use of curtailed renewables, and cleaner fossil-based pathways. The output DOE is seeking is practical, technically grounded input that helps it prioritize where public RD&D can most effectively accelerate hydrogen’s cost reductions, performance improvements, and real-world deployment readiness across the U.S. energy system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this DOE opportunity (DE-FOA-0001655)?
This opportunity, titled "H2 at Scale (Hydrogen at Scale): Determining Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) Necessary for Clean Hydrogen Production to Enable Multisectoral Deep Decarbonization," is a Request for Information (RFI), not a traditional grant or funding solicitation. Its purpose is to collect stakeholder input on RD&D needs to enable clean hydrogen production and deployment at scale across multiple sectors.
Is this a grant or funding program?
No. DOE states this notice is not accepting applications for financial assistance or incentives, and DOE will not fund projects as a direct result of responding to the RFI. It is an information-gathering process.
Will DOE pay respondents for submitting information?
No. DOE explicitly states it will not pay for information submitted in response to this RFI.
Why is DOE issuing this RFI?
DOE is seeking ideas, priorities, and practical guidance on what RD&D is most needed to make clean hydrogen a widely deployable decarbonization tool. The input is intended to help DOE map RD&D gaps and sequence near-term versus long-term actions for scaling hydrogen across the economy.
What is the "H2@Scale" concept referenced in the RFI?
H2@Scale is a concept introduced by DOE national laboratories in 2016. It frames hydrogen as a large-scale energy carrier that could help reduce emissions across industry, transportation, and power, emphasizing systems-level integration rather than a single technology pathway.
What larger outcome is DOE aiming for by advancing hydrogen at scale?
DOE cites preliminary national lab analysis suggesting broad hydrogen deployment could contribute to roughly a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The RFI is part of understanding what RD&D is needed to move toward that kind of multisector decarbonization impact.
Who is running this RFI within DOE?
The posting is associated with the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The RFI also reflects hydrogen work spanning multiple DOE offices and programs.
Which DOE offices and programs are involved in hydrogen RD&D, according to the RFI?
The RFI notes that hydrogen-related RD&D is spread across multiple DOE offices and programs, including Nuclear Energy (NE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Fossil Energy (FE), Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE), the Office of Science (OS), and ARPA-E.
Who can respond to this RFI?
Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity can submit input. DOE is explicitly trying to engage a wide range of stakeholders, such as industry, utilities, technology developers, researchers, and other interested parties.
Do responders need to answer every question or cover every topic?
No. Responders are told they may focus only on the topic areas where they have expertise, rather than attempting to answer every question across the full scope.
What kinds of input is DOE looking for?
DOE is looking for technically grounded, practical feedback on RD&D gaps, barriers to scaling hydrogen, priorities for cost and risk reduction, and guidance on how to coordinate and sequence work across production, infrastructure, grid integration, and end uses.
What are the main topic areas covered by the RFI?
The RFI outlines several topic areas, including: (1) the overall concept of H2 at Scale; (2) integrating hydrogen production with the electricity grid, storage, and pipeline infrastructure; (3) integrating hydrogen production with process heat sources (such as nuclear, industrial waste heat, and concentrated solar power); (4) leveraging stranded renewables and identifying value-added applications; (5) hydrogen from fossil fuels (with carbon management considerations); and (6) an "Other" category for additional ideas not captured elsewhere.
What does DOE mean by treating hydrogen as a "cross-cutting system"?
DOE is emphasizing that hydrogen scale-up depends on a network of interdependent elements (production pathways, electricity and heat integration, storage and pipelines, and end-use markets). The RFI is designed to gather input that reflects these system-level challenges and opportunities rather than focusing on one isolated technology.
What does the RFI ask about the overall "Concept of H2 at Scale"?
This topic is about the strategic framing of a hydrogen-at-scale energy system: what such a system should look like, what barriers prevent hydrogen from scaling today, and what RD&D would be most effective at reducing costs and risks.
What does the RFI cover regarding hydrogen integration with the electricity grid?
DOE is seeking input on how hydrogen production assets (such as electrolyzers) should operate alongside variable renewable generation, how hydrogen could serve as a flexible load to support grid reliability, and what integration challenges exist when connecting hydrogen production to broader energy systems.
What types of infrastructure does DOE mention in the grid integration topic?
The RFI highlights storage and pipeline infrastructure, including questions about practical storage options (potentially including large-scale or seasonal storage) and delivery pathways needed to move hydrogen from production locations to end-use markets.
What process heat sources does the RFI mention for hydrogen production integration?
DOE specifically mentions nuclear generation, industrial waste heat, and concentrated solar power as process heat sources to consider for integrating hydrogen production.
What kinds of RD&D topics are implied under thermal integration?
The RFI points to interest in thermal pathways (or hybrid thermal-electric approaches), including coupling hydrogen production to nuclear plants to improve utilization, using high-temperature heat for thermochemical cycles or high-temperature electrolysis, and designing integrated systems that can ramp safely and economically while meeting industrial performance and reliability requirements.
What are "stranded renewables" in the context of this RFI?
"Stranded renewables" generally refers to renewable electricity that is curtailed, constrained by transmission, or located where local demand is low. DOE is asking for ideas on using hydrogen production as an offtake that can convert otherwise-lost electricity into a transportable energy carrier.
What does DOE mean by "value-added applications" for hydrogen?
In this RFI, value-added applications are use cases that provide economic value beyond hydrogen simply being a fuel. Examples mentioned include industrial feedstock needs, energy storage, grid balancing services, and other market opportunities that could improve project economics and help anchor early demand.
Does the RFI include hydrogen production from fossil fuels?
Yes. One topic area is hydrogen from fossil fuels, indicating DOE is requesting input on RD&D needed for cleaner fossil-derived hydrogen, particularly when paired with carbon management approaches that reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
What kinds of issues does DOE want considered for fossil-derived hydrogen pathways?
While the RFI does not prescribe specific solutions, it signals interest in RD&D that could address capture performance, system integration, cost reduction, methane emissions considerations, and verification of emissions outcomes for cleaner fossil-based hydrogen.
What is the purpose of the "Other" topic area?
The "Other" category is included so respondents can propose additional RD&D needs not captured in the listed topics. This can help surface emerging concepts, overlooked barriers, or cross-cutting needs such as standards, safety, measurement, data gaps, or workforce considerations.
Does responding to the RFI lead directly to an award or supported project?
No. DOE states that no projects will be supported as a direct result of responding to this RFI.
Could this RFI influence future DOE funding opportunities?
Yes. DOE notes it may use feedback from the RFI to decide whether to issue a future Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). In that sense, the RFI can shape later competitive funding programs, but it is not itself a funding opportunity.
Why does the listing show fields like "ExpectedAwards: 0" or an "AwardCeiling"?
The opportunity listing includes catalog-style fields, but the narrative makes clear that this RFI is not funding. "ExpectedAwards: 0" aligns with the statement that there are no awards associated with the RFI itself, and other award-related fields are described as artifacts of how opportunities are cataloged rather than indicators of actual grants.
How were responses submitted?
Responses were submitted electronically by email to H2Scale@ee.doe.gov with the subject line "DE-FOA-0001655 - RFI," and the response materials were provided as attachments.
What was the deadline for submitting responses?
Responses were due by 5:00 pm Eastern on November 4, 2016.
What is the main takeaway for stakeholders reading this notice?
This notice is best understood as DOE building an actionable RD&D roadmap for scaling clean hydrogen to support deep decarbonization across sectors, with emphasis on systems-level issues such as grid interaction, infrastructure, thermal integration, leveraging curtailed renewables, and cleaner fossil-based pathways.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH)
Previous opportunity: Establishment of a Strategic Partnership to Strengthen the COMISCA Central America Region
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0001655
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001655) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Solid State Lighting Advanced Technology R&D 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001613 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001613 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Regional Energy Technology Innovation Ecosystems Characterization Assessments Apply for DE FOA 0001643 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001643 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Requestion for Information - Production of Rare Earth Oxides and Rare Earth Metals Apply for DE FOA 0002135 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002135 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on behalf of DOE's Office of Fossil Energy (FE) entitled "Water Management For Thermal Power Generation". Apply for DE FOA 0002430 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002430 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Renewable energy speaker series Apply for H NOFO 21 100 Funding Number: H NOFO 21 100 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Fiscal Year 2022 Research, Development, and Demonstration Program Apply for DE FOA 0002630 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002630 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| Carbon Management Apply for DE FOA 0002614 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002614 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent DE-FOA-0003159 to issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002614 titled Carbon Management (Round 4) Apply for DE FOA 0003159 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003159 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Clean Fuels & Products Shot: Supporting Carbon Utilization Products via Electrochemical Conversion and Refinery Retrofitting Apply for DE FOA 0003122 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003122 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment Apply for FAA COE AJFE Funding Number: FAA COE AJFE Agency: FAA-COE-AJFE Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Clean Fuels & Products Shot: Supporting Carbon Utilization Products via Electrochemical Conversion and Refinery and Petrochemical Facilities Retrofitting Apply for DE FOA 0003018 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003018 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| NOI to Issue Notice of Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0003495 titled Accelerating CO2 Conversion Technology Development and Deployment – Biological, Catalytic, and Mineralization Pathways. Apply for DE FOA 0003496 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003496 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Accelerating CO2 Conversion Technology Development and Deployment – Biological, Catalytic, and Mineralization Pathways Apply for DE FOA 0003495 Funding Number: DE FOA 0003495 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy, Environment, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0001655", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.