5.08 U.S. Department of Energy announcements on solar power and biomass

Solar Power - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will provide up to $60 million for concentrating solar power (CSP) projects in the areas of advanced thermal energy storage or heat transfer fluids. This funding opportunity includes options for both new research and development and demonstrations of technologies already under development.

DOE anticipates that 10 to 25 industries or academic institutions will be selected to receive this funding, which will be distributed over the next five years. With a mandatory private industry cost share of 20% for research and development, and a 50% cost share for demonstrations, more than $75 million could be invested in these projects.

Biomass Conversion - Energy Under Secretary Clarence "Bud" Albright has announced that the Department of Energy is making up to $4 million in funding available to U.S. universities for research and development of cost-effective, environmentally friendly biomass conversion technologies.

Advancing biomass technology is critical to diversifying our nation's energy sources in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil. Combined with a university cost share of 20%, about $4.8 million would be invested in these projects.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeks projects that improve conversion of biomass to advanced biofuels through biochemical, thermochemical, and chemical processes, with a focus on lowering production costs and increasing yields and productivity.