US$ 100 million award for energy research centres

On September 30^th, US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced a proposed US$ 100 million in FY2014 funding for Energy Frontier Research Centres to accelerate the scientific breakthroughs needed to build a new 21^st century energy economy. The research supported by this initiative will fuel innovative advances in energy production and use.

Current and future investments

The DOE currently funds 46 Energy Frontier Research Centres (EFRCs), which were selected for five year funding in 2009. With support for those centres set to expire in July 2014, DOE has announced a competition for the second round.

The competition will be open to existing EFRCs seeking a renewal of support and institutions seeking to establish new EFRCs. Universities, national laboratories, non-profit organisations and private firms are eligible to compete and are encouraged to form multi disciplinary research teams that may include partnerships with other institutions. Selection will be based on a rigorous peer review process.

Awards are expected to range from US$ 2 – 4 million /y per centre for each of five fiscal years. Total funding is expected to be approximately US$ 100 million /y, but this demands on Congressional approvals.

The deadline for submitting mandatory letters of intent is 13^th November 2013, with final applications due on 9^th January 2014. Award selection is then expected in 2014.

Comments from Moniz

‘Transforming how we generate, transmit, store and use energy is one of the greatest scientific challenges we face in the changing energy landscape. This funding will help fuel innovative solutions as we move toward next generation energy systems.’

Adapted from a press release by Claira Lloyd.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/01102013/energy_research_centre_awards707/