DOE seeks proposals for Co-Optima collaboration
November 16, 2020
BY Erin Voegele
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a directed funding opportunity (DFO) seeking proposals for advancing the aim of its Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, which focuses on developing new high-performance fuels that, when combined with advanced combustion approaches, can boost engine efficiency and cut emissions.
According to the DOE, the agency is specifically seeking proposals to leverage national laboratory resources and overcome key technical challenges to advancing new liquid fuels and blendstocks, with an emphasis on biofuels from renewable and waste resources. The DOE said the proposals should address specific technical challenges and barriers that Co-Optima researchers can address to move new fuels closer to market in conjunction with advanced, high-efficiency engines.
The agency said is seeking proposals to advance foundational knowledge at the fuel-engine interface, as well as applied research and development focused on advancing technologies that move promising bio-blendstocks and combustion approaches identified in Co-Optima closer to commercial adoption.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Applicants are asked to submit a white paper project proposal no more than 12-pages in length. The white paper should describe the technical problem, the approach to developing a solution, what Co-Optima capabilities are needed, why DOE resources are necessary, and the anticipated impact towards increasing adoption of biomass-derived fuels. Proposals must be submitted by Jan. 14, 2021.
A webinar on the Co-Optima DFO opportunity is scheduled to be held Dec. 3. The DOE also indicated that it will hold industry-requested teleconferences the week of Nov. 20 where potential proposers can interact with all Co-Optima researchers interested in collaboration with that particular company.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The DOE is expected to fund four products as part of the DFO. Selected project awards are expected to be funded at $250,000 of Co-Optima National Laboratory assistance over a project duration of 12-18 months. Final selection decisions are expected to be made in March.
Additional information is available on the DOE website.
Related Stories
The Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition and Green Marine are partnering to accelerating adoption of sustainable biofuels to improve air quality and reduce GHG emissions in Michigan and across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
The USDA reduced its outlook for 2024-’25 soybean oil use in biofuel production in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, released April 10. The outlook for soybean oil pricing was revised up.
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Iowa, on April 10 reintroduced legislation to extend the 45Z clean fuel production credit and limit eligibility for the credit to renewable fuels made from domestically sourced feedstocks.
Representatives of the U.S. biofuels industry on April 10 submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Treasury and IRFS providing recommendations on how to best implement upcoming 45Z clean fuel production credit regulations.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reduced its 2025 forecasts for renewable diesel and biodiesel in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released April 10. The outlook for “other biofuel” production, which includes SAF, was raised.
Upcoming Events
