September 5, 2024
BY U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy announced awards totaling $142 million for small businesses through DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II funding. Across DOE, 123 projects in 34 states received funding to pursue clean energy research and development projects. The average Phase II award is $1.1 million for a period of two years.
The SBIR/STTR selected projects include six projects funded through DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The BETO funded projects cover the following topics; community-driven agricultural decarbonization, low-carbon liquid biofuels for the aviation, maritime, rail, and medium-to-heavy duty transportation sectors, workforce development, ocean plastics upcycling, and improving plastics compatibilization.
Located across six states, two selected businesses are woman-owned companies, two are in socially and economically disadvantaged areas, two are first-time Phase II SBIR/STTR awardees, and one business is located in a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone.
BETO's selected projects include:
Advertisement
Learn more about each BETO SBIR/STTR project and visit BETO’s funding announcement page for other upcoming funding opportunities.
The SBIR/STTR U.S. federal programs were created by Congress to stimulate the commercialization of technological innovation and research and development using small businesses. More information is available on the Office of Science SBIR/STTR website.
Advertisement
The U.S. EPA on July 29 released a proposed rule to repeal the agency’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, which forms the legal basis for the agency’s GHG regulations. The proposal also aims to repeal all GHG regulations for motor vehicles and engines.
While final IRS guidance is still pending, the foundation of the 45Z program is well defined. Clean fuel producers should no longer be waiting; they can now move forward with critical planning and preparation, according to EcoEngineers.
The IRS on July 21 published a notice announcing the 2025 calendar-year inflation adjustment factor for the Section 45Z clen fuel production credit. The resulting adjustment boosts maximum the value of the credit by approximately 6%.
The U.S. Senate on July 23 voted 48 to 47 to confirm the appointment of Aaron Szabo to serve as assistant administrator of the U.S. EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. Biofuel groups are congratulating him on his appointment.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on July 24 announced the reorganization of the USDA, refocusing its core operations to better align with its founding mission of supporting American farming, ranching, and forestry.