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DOE’s OCED Unveils $31 ⁢Million Funding⁢ Initiative for ‍Small Business‍ Energy Innovations

The ‍Office of⁣ Clean Energy Demonstrations ​(OCED) within the Department of Energy (DOE) ⁤has ‍announced an exciting funding opportunity, allocating‌ up to $31‍ million aimed⁢ at supporting small enterprises in validating novel energy technologies under real-world operational conditions. This initiative is‌ part of⁢ the PROVE IT program—Pilot-scale Rapid Operational ⁤Validation—intended to ⁤foster a thriving ecosystem of ⁢innovative small businesses developing clean energy solutions.

Empowering Small Enterprises in Clean Energy Development

The aim of this initiative is not only to support small ventures but also to nurture ​a skilled workforce capable‍ of addressing the requirements associated with pioneering​ demonstration projects and enhancing ‍future clean energy infrastructure across the nation. This recent call for funding emerges from increased demand identified in a ⁤Request for Information published in June 2023, where insights from various stakeholders—including numerous small businesses and industry groups—highlighted significant funding needs‍ related to technology ⁤validation and risk reduction prior to ‍large-scale⁢ demonstrations ‍or commercial rollout.

Funding⁢ Details and Application ‌Requirements

This newly established fund exclusively welcomes independent domestic businesses classified as⁢ small entities. The available financial assistance focuses on two distinctive areas: up to $22 million earmarked for five carbon capture pilot projects, along ​with an additional allocation of ⁣up to $9 ​million designated for two⁣ long-duration energy⁣ storage initiatives.

The current solicitation expands ​on OCED’s existing Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects Program and the ​Long-Duration Energy ⁤Storage Demonstrations Program, highlighting continuity in ⁤their efforts toward advancing clean⁤ technologies. Interested applicants ⁤should be⁢ aware that initial proposals are due by April 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET; subsequent‌ steps will follow shortly thereafter ⁣with deadlines set ⁢for‌ early June 2025.

Get⁤ Informed: Upcoming Webinar Opportunity

A webinar ⁣intended as an informational session ‍will take place on February 5,⁣ 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ⁣ET, assisting potential applicants in understanding this funding announcement more comprehensively. Interested participants⁢ can register for this⁢ online event through our‍ website.