DOE Launches $30M BIL Program for Advanced Processing of Critical Minerals and Materials
Eligible Applicants: Individuals, institutions of higher education, forprofits, nonprofits, states, local authorities, and tribes. Applications are due October 20,2023
Announcement Type: Funding Opportunity Announcement
Opportunity: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Advanced Processing of Critical Minerals and Materials for Industrial and Manufacturing Applications.
Overview and Eligible Uses: The Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) is introducing a significant Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) that harnesses the resources allocated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The FOA revolves around two crucial Topic Areas:
Advanced Process Development for Production of Rare Earth Metals and Co-Production of Critical Minerals and Materials from Coal-Based Resources: This area focuses on advancing the extraction and recovery of rare earth elements (REE) and other critical materials from coal and its by-products. The goal is to develop cutting-edge separation technologies that can enhance domestic supply chains and mitigate any potential environmental or public health impacts stemming from the recovery process.
Production of Critical Minerals and Materials Excluding Materials Containing Rare Earth Elements from Coal-Based Resources: This topic aims to stimulate the production of critical minerals and materials, excluding those that contain rare earth elements, from coal-based resources. By diversifying the sources of these essential materials, the initiative seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains, aligning with broader infrastructure modernization goals, clean energy transitions, and environmental justice imperatives.
The FOA's underlying vision supports the holistic government-wide approach to upgrade and modernize infrastructure, fortify critical domestic manufacturing, and enhance supply chains. These efforts are essential for maximizing the advantages of the clean energy transition, responding effectively to the climate crisis, empowering workers, and advancing environmental justice.
Amount: The Department of Energy (DOE) aims to provide approximately $30 million in federal funding through this FOA, with expectations for 6-7 awards. The FOA encompasses two topic areas:
Topic Area 1 anticipates 5-6 awards with a maximum of about $5 million each, totaling $25-30 million for projects lasting 36 months;
Topic Area 2 envisions 1-2 awards with a maximum of around $2.5 million each, totaling $2.5-5 million.
Award Type: cooperative agreements
Eligible Applicants:
Individuals U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
Domestic entities: 1. Institutions of higher education; 2. For-profit entities; 3. Non-profit entities; and 4. State and local governmental entities, and Indian Tribes.
Key Dates: Applications are due October 20,2023
Key Links:
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