Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001596
Apply for DE FOA 0001596
- The DOE-GFO in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Request for Information (RFI): Strategies for Performance of 700 Bar Compressed H Storage Systems" 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 Jun 07, 2016 and posted on Jun 07, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 30, 2016. (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 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), issued this Request for Information (RFI) to gather input on how to reduce cost and improve performance of 700 bar compressed hydrogen storage systems used onboard vehicles. The focus is on composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), which are the dominant technology for high-pressure hydrogen tanks in current fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). DOE is looking for practical strategies and longer-term research pathways that could help meet future hydrogen storage system cost targets and make light-duty FCEVs more commercially viable.
The RFI centers on Type III and Type IV COPVs. Type III tanks use a metallic liner with a composite overwrap, while Type IV tanks use a non-metallic (polymer) liner with a composite overwrap. Both tank types typically rely on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites because carbon fiber provides the high strength-to-weight performance needed to safely store hydrogen at up to 700 bar. DOE highlights that, despite successful deployment in market vehicles, the current high cost of these systems remains a major barrier to broader adoption, especially in light-duty applications where cost sensitivity is high.
A major portion of the RFI is aimed at cost reduction pathways for the tank components, especially the composite materials. DOE is explicitly seeking ideas related to lower-cost carbon fiber precursors, cheaper and more efficient carbon fiber conversion/production processes, and potential alternative fibers that could substitute for carbon fiber while still meeting pressure vessel requirements. The agency is also interested in innovations in polymer resins and resin additives, since matrix materials and processing choices affect both performance and manufacturing cost. Beyond the composite overwrap, DOE is also asking for strategies to reduce costs in other key components such as liners and bosses (the fittings/ports and structural interfaces that connect the tank to the fuel system), including alternative materials and designs that could simplify manufacturing or improve durability.
In addition to cutting material and component costs, DOE is seeking approaches that improve overall system performance in ways that reduce how much expensive composite is needed in the first place. This includes concepts that increase structural efficiency so the tank can achieve required capacity and safety with less carbon fiber, as well as new designs that improve conformability and packaging. Conformable or better-packaged storage concepts matter because onboard tanks must fit within vehicle design constraints; improved packaging efficiency can increase usable hydrogen capacity without simply adding more high-cost material. DOE also invites ideas that could lower operating costs and improve refueling performance, including design improvements that might reduce or eliminate the need for hydrogen pre-cooling during fast fills, which is currently used to manage temperature rise during compression and protect tank limits.
The purpose of the RFI is planning and strategy development rather than awarding funding. DOE emphasizes that this notice is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), so it is not accepting grant applications. Responses are intended to help DOE identify promising research and development directions it might pursue in the future, and DOE may or may not issue a related FOA later. Submitting a response provides no competitive advantage or disadvantage if a future FOA is released, and any future funding would depend on Congressional appropriations and program direction.
From an administrative standpoint, eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity, subject to any additional clarifications in the full notice). DOE states that information received will be used on a non-attribution basis for government planning, respondents will not be reimbursed for preparation costs, and DOE is not obligated to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback. Responses had to be submitted by email to H2Storage@ee.doe.gov by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on June 30, 2016, as Microsoft Word (.docx) attachments, limited to five pages with standard formatting (12-point font and one-inch margins). Attachments over 25 MB were recommended to be compressed for delivery. The full RFI was posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website under Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0001596 (CFDA 81.087), categorized under Energy and listed as a discretionary opportunity with an “Other†funding instrument type, reflecting its information-gathering nature rather than a direct grant competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this DOE opportunity?
This opportunity is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to collect input on ways to reduce cost and improve performance of 700 bar compressed hydrogen storage systems used onboard vehicles.
Is this a grant or funding opportunity?
No. DOE states this notice is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and is not accepting grant applications under this posting. It is an information-gathering effort intended to support government planning and strategy development.
Who is issuing the RFI within DOE?
The RFI is issued by DOE through the Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
What technology area is the RFI focused on?
The RFI focuses on 700 bar compressed hydrogen storage systems used onboard vehicles, with an emphasis on composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) used in current fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Why is DOE seeking input on these hydrogen storage systems?
DOE highlights that, even though high-pressure hydrogen tanks have been deployed successfully in market vehicles, the current cost of these systems remains a major barrier to broader adoption, especially for light-duty vehicles where cost sensitivity is high.
Which tank types are included in the RFI?
The RFI centers on Type III and Type IV COPVs.
What is a Type III COPV (as described in the RFI summary)?
Type III tanks use a metallic liner with a composite overwrap.
What is a Type IV COPV (as described in the RFI summary)?
Type IV tanks use a non-metallic (polymer) liner with a composite overwrap.
What materials are commonly used today for these tanks?
Both tank types typically rely on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, because carbon fiber provides high strength-to-weight performance needed to store hydrogen safely at up to 700 bar.
What are the main themes DOE is asking about?
DOE is seeking input on (1) cost reduction pathways and (2) performance improvements that can reduce the amount of expensive composite needed, improve packaging/conformability, and potentially improve refueling performance and operating costs.
What kinds of cost-reduction ideas is DOE specifically looking for related to carbon fiber?
DOE is explicitly seeking ideas related to lower-cost carbon fiber precursors, cheaper and more efficient carbon fiber conversion/production processes, and potential alternative fibers that could substitute for carbon fiber while still meeting pressure vessel requirements.
Is DOE interested in alternatives to carbon fiber?
Yes. The RFI mentions potential alternative fibers that could substitute for carbon fiber, provided they can meet pressure vessel requirements.
Does the RFI include polymer resin topics?
Yes. DOE is interested in innovations in polymer resins and resin additives, since matrix materials and processing choices affect both performance and manufacturing cost.
Beyond the composite overwrap, what other tank components does DOE want ideas on?
DOE is also asking for strategies to reduce costs in other key components such as liners and bosses (the fittings/ports and structural interfaces that connect the tank to the fuel system), including alternative materials and designs that could simplify manufacturing or improve durability.
What does DOE mean by improving performance to reduce cost?
DOE is seeking approaches that improve overall system performance in ways that reduce how much expensive composite is needed, such as concepts that increase structural efficiency so the tank can meet capacity and safety requirements with less carbon fiber.
Does the RFI discuss tank conformability or packaging?
Yes. DOE notes that conformable or better-packaged storage concepts matter because onboard tanks must fit within vehicle design constraints. Improved packaging efficiency can increase usable hydrogen capacity without simply adding more high-cost material.
Is refueling performance part of the RFI scope?
Yes. DOE invites ideas that could lower operating costs and improve refueling performance, including design improvements that might reduce or eliminate the need for hydrogen pre-cooling during fast fills.
Why is hydrogen pre-cooling mentioned?
The RFI notes that pre-cooling is currently used during fast fills to manage temperature rise during compression and protect tank limits, and DOE is interested in concepts that could reduce or eliminate that need.
What is the purpose of submitting an RFI response?
Responses are intended to help DOE identify practical strategies and longer-term research pathways it might pursue in the future to meet hydrogen storage system cost targets and improve commercial viability of light-duty FCEVs.
Will responding to the RFI lead to funding?
DOE states that the RFI is for planning and does not award funding. DOE may or may not issue a related FOA later, and any future funding would depend on Congressional appropriations and program direction.
Does submitting an RFI response provide an advantage in a future competition?
No. DOE states that submitting a response provides no competitive advantage or disadvantage if a future FOA is released.
Who is eligible to respond?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional clarifications in the full notice.
Will DOE reimburse the cost of preparing an RFI response?
No. DOE states respondents will not be reimbursed for preparation costs.
Will DOE acknowledge receipt or provide feedback on responses?
DOE is not obligated to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback.
How will DOE use the information submitted?
DOE states information received will be used on a non-attribution basis for government planning.
How were responses required to be submitted?
Responses had to be submitted by email to H2Storage@ee.doe.gov as Microsoft Word (.docx) attachments.
What was the submission deadline?
The deadline was 5:00 PM Eastern Time on June 30, 2016.
What were the formatting and length requirements?
Responses were limited to five pages with standard formatting: 12-point font and one-inch margins.
Was there guidance on large attachments?
Yes. Attachments over 25 MB were recommended to be compressed for delivery.
Where was the full RFI posted?
The full RFI was posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA listing associated with this RFI?
The posting was listed under Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0001596 and CFDA 81.087.
How was this opportunity categorized?
It was categorized under Energy and listed as a discretionary opportunity with an "Other" funding instrument type, reflecting its information-gathering nature rather than a direct grant competition.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: BLM OR/WA - Native Plant Restoration, Northwestern Oregon
Previous opportunity: Rail fencing restoration project
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 0001596
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001596) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| REVOLUTIONARY BIOMASS SUPPLY SYSTEMS SUPPORTING A BILLION TON BIOECONOMY VISION Apply for DE FOA 0001603 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001603 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Next-Generation Transformers – Flexible Designs Apply for DE FOA 0001579 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001579 Agency: DOE-NETL Category: Energy Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| RFI: Medium and Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Electric Truck Targets Apply for DE FOA 0001600 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001600 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute for Reducing Embodied-energy of Materials and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) in Manufacturing Apply for DE FOA 0001594 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001594 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $70,000,000 |
| Request for Information: Advanced HVAC&R Research and Development (R&D) Apply for DE FOA 0001590 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001590 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HydroNEXT FOA: Innovative Technologies to Advance Non-Powered Dam and Pumped-Storage Hydropower Deve Apply for DE FOA 0001612 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001612 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| 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 |
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 0001596", 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.