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New Funding for Energy Innovation: D.O.E. Announces $125 Million for Transformational Energy Projects

On January 7th, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it was making available up to $125 million in funding for transformational energy projects through the ‘OPEN 2015’ program. The program, which will be run by the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), will support energy research and development projects from top U.S. innovators, including game-changing new transportation and stationary technologies. ARPA-E has previously issued OPEN solicitations in 2009 and 2012.

This is a great opportunity for companies developing new technologies for energy innovation. Transformational technologies means: Think big!

US Energy Secretary Ernst Moniz states that the OPEN 2015 program “highlights ARPA-E’s commitment to transformational energy innovations. We are excited to announce this open solicitation to support the development of a broad range of disruptive technologies, advancing our all-of-the-above energy strategy to ensure a secure, affordable and sustainable American energy future.”

According to the program’s funding opportunity announcement, OPEN 2015 is open to wide variety of research areas, including: non-renewable and renewable electricity generation; electricity transmission, storage, and distribution; energy efficiency for buildings, manufacturing and commerce, and personal use; and the production and distribution of both renewable and non-renewable fuels, electrification, and energy efficiency in transportation. Applicants are asked to address how their technology would impact the mission areas of ARPA-E: reducing imported energy, reducing energy-related emissions, and improving energy efficiency.

All applicants must file a notice of intent by February 20th to qualify for consideration, with concept paper submissions due a week later on February 27th.

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Author

Sahir Surmeli

Member / Co-chair, Energy & Sustainability Practice

Sahir Surmeli is a Mintz business counselor who advises companies, boards, entrepreneurs, investment banks, and venture and private equity investors as they build and grow companies. He handles public offerings, 144A and private financings, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.