Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001612
Apply for DE FOA 0001612
- The Department of Energy, Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "HydroNEXT FOA: Innovative Technologies to Advance Non-Powered Dam and Pumped-Storage Hydropower Deve" 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 Jul 11, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by This is a Notice of Intent and not a FOA posting.. (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 $1,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 8 candidate(s).
- 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.
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Opportunity Summary:
The HydroNEXT Notice of Intent describes a planned Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) funding opportunity focused on speeding up and lowering the cost of new hydropower development in two specific areas: adding generation to existing non-powered dams (NPD) and advancing pumped-storage hydropower (PSH), especially designs that are quicker and cheaper to build. The central idea is to move hydropower projects away from long, custom, civil-construction-heavy builds and toward more modular, standardized approaches that can be deployed with less site-specific engineering and shorter development timelines.
The opportunity is organized around two topic areas. Topic Area 1 targets non-powered dams, meaning existing dams and water control structures that currently do not produce electricity. Projects under this topic are expected to develop low-head turbine and generator solutions that are modular and standardized, with the explicit goal of reducing the amount of civil works needed. In hydropower terms, civil works refers to the major built infrastructure that often drives cost and schedule, including items like powerhouses, conduits, tunnels, penstocks, and major modifications to dam structures. The DOE is looking for technology that can be integrated with fewer structural changes while still operating efficiently across a range of river flows, since variable flow conditions are common at many potential NPD sites. The emphasis on low-head also signals interest in sites where the elevation drop is modest, which can be technically challenging and can make conventional turbines less economical unless designs are optimized for those conditions.
Topic Area 2 focuses on pumped-storage hydropower, but specifically on innovative closed-loop PSH concepts. Closed-loop generally means systems that are largely separated from natural river flows, using two reservoirs (or water bodies) where water is pumped uphill when electricity is cheap or abundant and released back down through turbines when electricity is needed. The intent here is concept feasibility demonstration for approaches that reduce development cost and shorten timelines by using modular construction and by creating head differentials in creative ways. The notice even gives examples of alternative methods for producing pressure or head, such as pressurizing water with compressed air or using weights, which suggests DOE interest in nontraditional configurations that could avoid some of the siting, excavation, permitting, or large-scale reservoir construction that can slow conventional PSH projects.
From an administrative standpoint, this posting is a Notice of Intent rather than the actual Funding Opportunity Announcement. In practical terms, that means DOE is signaling what it expects to release, but it is not yet accepting applications and it is not guaranteeing that the final FOA will match what is described. The notice explicitly states DOE may issue a FOA as described, may issue a significantly different FOA, or may not issue a FOA at all. It also notes that DOE will not respond to questions about the NOI; questions would be handled after the FOA is released through the formal Q and A process in EERE Exchange.
The source details indicate the agency is the Department of Energy (Golden Field Office) and the anticipated funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which typically involves more substantial federal involvement during the project than a standard grant. The opportunity is listed under the Energy funding activity category and CFDA 81.087. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is generally open to a wide range of applicant types (such as private companies, universities, nonprofits, and state or local entities), subject to any additional eligibility language that would appear in the final FOA. The listing shows an expected award ceiling of $1,500,000 and an anticipated total of about 8 awards, which implies a competitive selection with projects likely scoped as targeted technology development and feasibility demonstrations rather than full commercial-scale builds. The notice directs interested parties to the EERE Exchange website for the complete NOI and for future FOA publication and submission instructions.
HydroNEXT (DOE EERE) Notice of Intent - FAQs
1) What is HydroNEXT?
HydroNEXT is a planned U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) funding opportunity intended to speed up and lower the cost of new hydropower development. The Notice of Intent (NOI) describes DOE's interest in moving hydropower projects away from long, custom, civil-construction-heavy builds and toward more modular, standardized approaches with shorter development timelines.
2) Is this posting the actual Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)?
No. This is a Notice of Intent (NOI), not the actual FOA. The NOI is an early signal of what DOE expects to release, but applications are not being accepted under the NOI.
3) Can I apply now?
No. Because this is an NOI, DOE is not yet accepting applications. Submission instructions would come later in the official FOA.
4) Does the NOI guarantee that a FOA will be issued?
No. The NOI states DOE may issue a FOA as described, may issue a significantly different FOA, or may not issue a FOA at all.
5) What are the two topic areas in this planned opportunity?
The NOI describes two topic areas: (1) adding generation to existing non-powered dams (NPD), and (2) advancing pumped-storage hydropower (PSH), with an emphasis on innovative closed-loop PSH concepts that are quicker and cheaper to build.
6) What is Topic Area 1 focused on?
Topic Area 1 targets non-powered dams (NPD), meaning existing dams and water control structures that currently do not produce electricity. DOE is looking for modular, standardized low-head turbine and generator solutions designed to reduce the amount of required civil works.
7) What does "non-powered dam (NPD)" mean in this context?
An NPD is an existing dam or water control structure that does not currently have electricity generation equipment installed. The goal is to add generation to these existing structures with less site-specific engineering and fewer major structural changes.
8) What does DOE mean by reducing "civil works" for Topic Area 1?
In this NOI, "civil works" refers to major built infrastructure that often drives cost and schedule, including items like powerhouses, conduits, tunnels, penstocks, and major modifications to dam structures. Topic Area 1 emphasizes solutions that can be integrated with fewer of these major construction elements.
9) Why is DOE emphasizing low-head hydropower for Topic Area 1?
The NOI signals interest in sites where the elevation drop (head) is modest. Low-head sites can be technically challenging and may be less economical with conventional turbine approaches unless designs are optimized for those conditions.
10) Do Topic Area 1 solutions need to handle variable river flows?
Yes. The NOI highlights that variable flow conditions are common at many potential NPD sites, and DOE is interested in technology that can still operate efficiently across a range of river flows.
11) What is Topic Area 2 focused on?
Topic Area 2 focuses on innovative pumped-storage hydropower (PSH), specifically closed-loop PSH concepts. The intent is to demonstrate concept feasibility for approaches that reduce development cost and shorten timelines using modular construction and creative ways to create head differentials.
12) What does "closed-loop" pumped-storage hydropower mean here?
Closed-loop PSH generally refers to systems largely separated from natural river flows. They typically use two reservoirs (or water bodies), pumping water uphill when electricity is cheap or abundant and releasing it back down through turbines when electricity is needed.
13) What kinds of innovations does DOE suggest for Topic Area 2?
The NOI points to modular construction and alternative methods of producing pressure or head. Examples mentioned include pressurizing water with compressed air or using weights, indicating interest in nontraditional configurations that could avoid some of the siting, excavation, permitting, or large-scale reservoir construction challenges of conventional PSH.
14) Is the focus of Topic Area 2 full-scale construction or earlier-stage work?
Based on the NOI language, Topic Area 2 emphasizes concept feasibility demonstration and approaches intended to reduce development cost and shorten timelines, rather than full commercial-scale builds.
15) What is the anticipated funding mechanism?
The NOI lists the anticipated funding mechanism as a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically involves more substantial federal involvement during the project than a standard grant.
16) Which DOE office is associated with this opportunity?
The source details identify the Department of Energy (Golden Field Office) and EERE as the relevant DOE office context for this planned opportunity.
17) What is the funding activity category?
The opportunity is listed under the Energy funding activity category.
18) What CFDA number is associated with this listing?
The listing references CFDA 81.087.
19) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is generally open to a wide range of applicant types (such as private companies, universities, nonprofits, and state or local entities). Any additional or more specific eligibility requirements would be defined in the final FOA if one is issued.
20) What is the expected award ceiling?
The listing shows an expected award ceiling of $1,500,000.
21) How many awards does DOE anticipate making?
The NOI listing indicates an anticipated total of about 8 awards.
22) What does the combination of award ceiling and number of awards imply about project scope?
With an expected ceiling of $1,500,000 and about 8 anticipated awards, the NOI suggests a competitive selection supporting targeted technology development and feasibility demonstrations, rather than full commercial-scale hydropower construction.
23) Where will the official FOA be posted and where would applications be submitted?
The NOI directs interested parties to the EERE Exchange website for the complete NOI and for future FOA publication and submission instructions.
24) Can applicants ask DOE questions now based on the NOI?
No. The NOI states DOE will not respond to questions about the NOI. Questions would be handled after the FOA is released through the formal Q&A process in EERE Exchange.
25) Could the final FOA differ from what is described in the NOI?
Yes. The NOI explicitly notes DOE may issue a FOA as described, may issue a significantly different FOA, or may not issue a FOA at all.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Notice of Intent (NOI) DE-FOA-0001623 to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001461 Apply for DE FOA 0001623 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001623 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent: First Steps toward Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Tribal Lands – 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001620 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001620 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HydroNEXT Non-powered Dam Technology Development & Demonstration and North American Grid Integration Apply for DE FOA 0001455 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001455 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Request for Information (RFI) DE-FOA-0001626: Hydrogen Infrastructure Research, Development, and Demonstration: Identifying project priorities to address deployment barriers Apply for DE FOA 0001626 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001626 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number DE-FOA-0001461: Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines Apply for DE FOA 0001461 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001461 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| U.S-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center Apply for DE FOA 0001606 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001606 Agency: Department of Energy, Headquarters Category: Energy Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| FY2017 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001515 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001515 Agency: Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| First Steps Toward Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Tribal Lands – 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001621 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001621 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Request for Information - DE-FOA-0001635 - POTENTIAL TECHNICAL FOCUS AREAS FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING-RELATED TRAINEESHIPS Apply for DE FOA 0001635 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001635 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI): Cellulosic Sugar and Lignin Production Capabilities Apply for DE FOA 0001615 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001615 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY2017 Scientific Infrastructure Support for CINR Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001516 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001516 Agency: Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| DE-FOA-0001631: Request for Information: Miscellaneous Electric Loads (MELs) Energy Efficiency Research and Development Apply for DE FOA 0001631 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001631 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation Apply for DE FOA 0001668 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001668 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue: DE-FOA-0001660 - Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects on Indian Lands - 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001659 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001659 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Topics for Advanced Combustion Systems of the Future Apply for DE FOA 0001665 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001665 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| University Turbine Systems Request for Information FY17 Apply for DE FOA 0001671 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001671 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information: Teaming Partner List for Upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement: Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001675 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001675 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001672 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001672 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent (NOI) DE-FOA-0001680 to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001647 Apply for DE FOA 0001680 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001680 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Collaboration Opportunity Notice with the National Energy Technology Laboratory Apply for DE FOA 0001687 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001687 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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