DOE Unveils $46 Million Funding Opportunity to Accelerate Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announces up to $46 million in funding to advance hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, supporting decarbonization efforts in challenging sectors.
Key projects will focus on improving hydrogen production, infrastructure, and fuel cells, with demonstrations including hydrogen-powered motorcoach buses.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) offering up to $46 million to accelerate research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of affordable clean-hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The funding will support innovations across hydrogen production, infrastructure, and high-impact demonstrations, reinforcing the national shift towards net-zero carbon goals.

These efforts align with the Biden-Harris administration’s coordinated “whole of government” strategy led by the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force. Advancing hydrogen technology will be critical for decarbonizing heavy-duty transport, industrial processes, and other challenging sectors. DOE emphasizes that these innovations will play a pivotal role in achieving the goals outlined in the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for a sustainable, equitable, and net-zero economy.

DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) will manage the NOFO, targeting several focus areas to scale up and improve key technologies. These include:

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Water Splitting Device Scale-Up
High-Performance Materials for Hydrogen Service under Cryogenic or High-Pressure Conditions
Sustainable High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes for Heavy-Duty Transportation Applications
Development and Demonstration of Domestic Hydrogen Fuel Cell Motorcoach Buses

By focusing on these areas, DOE aims to enhance technology performance, drive deployment, and help industries achieve economies of scale. These initiatives will also bolster the success of the department’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs) and other commercial-scale hydrogen installations.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003439

Funding Amount: Up to $46 million

Deadline for Concept Papers: November 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET

Key Dates

Notice of Funding Opportunity Issue Date	October 23, 2024
Submission Deadline for Concept Papers	November 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET
Submission Deadline for Applications	January 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET
Expected Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments	March 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET
Expected Date for Selection Notifications	May 2025
Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations	May-September 2025

Apply Now!

Visit the EERE eXCHANGE website to learn more about this funding opportunity.

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