DOE announces up to $10 million for algal systems research and development to expand US bioenergy feedstock
Images from Adobe Stock, iStock.com, NOAA Fisheries, and U.S. Department of Energy. / SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy.
January 24, 2025
BY U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced up to $10 million in funding to support high-impact research and development (R&D) focused on algae system cultivation and preprocessing. The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), Maximizing Algal System Yield (MASY), will support BETO’s R&D priorities in the area of Renewable Carbon Resources for advancing algal systems.
Algae can provide abundant feedstock sources for affordable, reliable biofuels, bioproducts, and bioenergy that do not compete with existing feedstocks. For this NOFO, algae include microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae (also referred to as seaweed).
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The MASY NOFO seeks applications to address ‘pinch points’ (defined as a challenge area within a proposed system that, if relieved, would enable scaling towards commercialization) in algal system operations that currently limit algae expansion as a domestic bioenergy feedstock. By addressing these challenges now with targeted applied R&D, BETO will accelerate the development of innovative technologies that can enable algae developers to bring new bioproducts to market, that will grow domestic supply chains, expand access to renewable feedstocks, and improve energy security.
This funding opportunity aligns with EERE and national goals to deliver a resilient energy future by maximizing the use of domestic resources and supporting the growth of the bioeconomy to provide good paying jobs for all Americans.
Additional Information & Key Dates
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BETO plans to distribute multiple financial assistance awards for the MASY NOFO, in the form of cooperative agreements lasting between 18 months to three years. Required concept papers are due by 5:00 pm ET, on February 21, 2025, and the full application deadline is 5:00 pm ET, on May 15, 2025.
More information on this NOFO and how to apply can be found on BETO’s MASY funding opportunity page. See BETO’s funding opportunities page for other upcoming funding opportunities.
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