DOE announces up to $23 million to propel renewable chemicals and fuels
3D model of a molecular structure and bio-based fuel close up. Image credits: Getty Images and Adobe Stock.
January 14, 2025
BY U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced up to $23 million in funding to support research and development (R&D) of domestic chemicals and fuels from biomass and waste resources.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced up to $23 million in funding to support research and development (R&D) of domestic chemicals and fuels from biomass and waste resources. The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC), will support BETO’s Conversion Technologies priorities by advancing innovative technology pathways for affordable fuels and products, leveraging renewable resources and generating domestic jobs to accelerate the U.S. bioeconomy.
The SPARC NOFO supports R&D of domestic chemicals and fuels from a variety of biomass and waste resources. Producing chemicals and propane and/or a mix of gases similar to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) from renewable feedstocks will help to secure domestic supply chains, bolster rural economies, and improve the nation’s global competitiveness in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industry.
Advertisement
“BETO’s investment in biofuel and bioproduct research will accelerate the development of affordable cutting-edge technologies for chemical and propane production and mobilize the broader use of biomass and waste streams,” said Valerie Sarisky-Reed, director of BETO. “This funding is critical to creating jobs in rural America, boosting our energy independence, and ultimately lowering energy costs for households and other users.”
The SPARC NOFO supports two Topic Areas:
- Topic Area 1: Bio-based Chemicals
- Topic Area 2: Bio-based Propane/LPG
Additional Information & Key Dates
Advertisement
BETO envisions awarding multiple financial assistance awards for this NOFO in the form of cooperative agreements lasting approximately three years.
Required concept papers are due by 5:00 pm ET, on March 14, 2025, and the full application deadline is 5:00 pm ET, on May 30, 2025. An informational webinar for potential applicants of this funding opportunity will be held on January 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET.
More information on this NOFO and how to apply can be found on BETO’s SPARC funding opportunity page. See BETO’s funding announcement page for other upcoming funding opportunities.
Related Stories
More than 1.76 billion renewable identification numbers (RINs) were generated under the Renewable Fuel Standard in January, down from 1.91 billion generated during the same period of 2024, according to data released by the U.S. EPA on Feb. 20.
The U.S. EPA on Feb. 20 released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data showing that 13 previously denied SRE petitions for Renewable Fuel Standard compliance years 2021 and 2022 are being reconsidered. No new SRE petitions were filed.
A coalition of biofuel, agriculture, fuel retailer and petroleum trade groups on Feb. 19 sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the agency to set robust, timely, multiyear RFS RVOs for 2026 and beyond.
CVR pauses development of potential SAF projects pending regulatory, tax credit clarity
February 20, 2025
CVR Energy Inc. released fourth quarter financial results on Feb. 18, reporting reduced renewable diesel production. The company also said it is pausing development of SAF capacity pending clarity on government subsidies.
CARB on Feb. 18 announced that amendments to its LCFS program that were approved in November 2024 have been put on hold following the California Office of Administrative Law’s decision to disapprove the amendments due to clarity issues.
Upcoming Events
