Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0002630

The Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Fiscal Year 2022 Research, Development, and Demonstration Program (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0002630) is a U.S. Department of Energy funding opportunity administered through the DOE Golden Field Office under the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). The program is centered on advancing concentrating solar-thermal power (often called CSP) through research, development, and demonstration activities that strengthen the technology base, improve performance, and accelerate progress toward real-world deployment. In practical terms, this type of FOA is meant to support work that pushes CSP components, subsystems, and integrated solutions forward so they can contribute more effectively to the nation’s clean energy goals, particularly in applications where high-temperature heat and thermal energy storage can provide value.

The opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant. That matters because a cooperative agreement typically involves more substantial federal involvement during the project period, such as active technical engagement, project management coordination, or structured milestones and reviews. Projects funded under this mechanism are generally expected to be well-defined, milestone-driven efforts where DOE works closely with awardees to manage risk, ensure technical progress, and keep projects aligned with program objectives. The activity categories listed for the opportunity are Energy, Environment, and Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting its role as an R&D-focused program rather than a purely deployment or procurement initiative.

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to a wide range of applicant types, with the caveat that applicants must still follow any specific eligibility conditions stated in the full announcement under the section typically titled something like "Additional Information on Eligibility." In DOE funding opportunities, this generally means that companies, universities, national laboratories (where applicable), non-profits, state and local governments, and other organizations may be able to apply, sometimes as a single applicant and often through multi-organization project teams. While the summary data does not list required partnerships or cost share specifics, those details are commonly provided in the full FOA text, along with any restrictions on foreign participation, teaming arrangements, and requirements related to intellectual property, reporting, and project management.

The FOA was created on February 10, 2022, with an original closing date of May 16, 2022, giving applicants a defined window to prepare and submit applications. The award ceiling is listed as $6,000,000, indicating the maximum federal funding anticipated for any single award under this announcement. The DOE expected to make about 15 awards, suggesting a competitively selected portfolio rather than a small number of large flagship projects. With a cooperative agreement and a portfolio approach, DOE typically aims to fund a range of concepts or technical pathways, balancing nearer-term demonstrations with earlier-stage R&D that could unlock bigger performance or cost improvements over time.

Administratively, the program is associated with CFDA number 81.087, which is the federal assistance listing that historically corresponds to DOE solar-related financial assistance. From a high-level perspective, this FOA represents DOE SETO’s effort in FY 2022 to invest in CSP innovations, spanning research and development through demonstration, with the intent of strengthening the technological and commercial readiness of concentrating solar-thermal power solutions.

  • The Department of Energy, Golden Field Office in the energy, environment, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Fiscal Year 2022 Research, Development, and Demonstration Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.087.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Feb 10, 2022.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by May 16, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $6,000,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
Apply for DE FOA 0002630

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

The Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power Fiscal Year 2022 Research, Development, and Demonstration Program is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity focused on advancing concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) through research, development, and demonstration activities. The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is DE-FOA-0002630.

Which DOE office is administering this opportunity?

This opportunity is administered through the DOE Golden Field Office under DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO).

What is the main goal of the program?

The program is centered on strengthening the CSP technology base, improving performance, and accelerating progress toward real-world deployment by supporting work on CSP components, subsystems, and integrated solutions.

What types of activities does the program support?

Based on the description provided, the program supports research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) efforts intended to push CSP technologies forward and improve their readiness for practical use.

What kinds of CSP solutions are in scope?

The opportunity is broadly framed around advancing concentrating solar-thermal power technologies, including improvements to components, subsystems, and integrated solutions, particularly where high-temperature heat and thermal energy storage can provide value.

Is this a standard grant or a different funding mechanism?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant.

What does a cooperative agreement mean for applicants and awardees?

A cooperative agreement typically involves more substantial federal involvement during the project period. This can include active technical engagement by DOE, project management coordination, and structured milestones and reviews. Projects are generally expected to be well-defined and milestone-driven, with DOE working closely with awardees to manage risk and ensure technical progress aligned with program objectives.

What are the activity categories associated with this FOA?

The activity categories listed are Energy, Environment, and Science and Technology and other Research and Development, indicating an R&D-focused program rather than a procurement or purely deployment initiative.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to a wide range of applicant types. Applicants must still comply with any specific eligibility conditions described in the full announcement under the section typically titled "Additional Information on Eligibility."

What kinds of organizations might be able to apply under "unrestricted" eligibility?

In DOE funding opportunities, "unrestricted" generally means that entities such as companies, universities, national laboratories (where applicable), non-profits, and state and local governments may be able to apply, either as a single applicant or as part of a multi-organization project team, subject to the full FOA's stated conditions.

Are partnerships or team applications required?

The summary information provided does not state required partnerships. DOE opportunities often allow both single-entity applications and multi-organization teams, but any requirements would be specified in the full FOA text.

Are cost share requirements mentioned?

No cost share requirements are listed in the summary information provided. Cost share details are commonly included in the full FOA.

Are there restrictions related to foreign participation or other compliance requirements?

The summary notes that DOE funding opportunities commonly include details in the full FOA regarding restrictions on foreign participation, teaming arrangements, intellectual property, reporting, and project management requirements. Specific restrictions are not listed in the information provided here.

When was the FOA created?

The FOA was created on February 10, 2022.

What was the original application closing date?

The original closing date was May 16, 2022.

How much funding can be awarded per project?

The award ceiling is listed as $6,000,000, which indicates the maximum federal funding anticipated for any single award under this announcement.

How many awards did DOE expect to make?

DOE expected to make about 15 awards, indicating a competitive selection process aimed at building a portfolio of projects rather than funding only a small number of large efforts.

What does it mean that DOE expects a portfolio of awards?

A portfolio approach typically means DOE aims to fund a range of concepts or technical pathways. This can include a mix of nearer-term demonstrations and earlier-stage R&D efforts that could drive larger performance or cost improvements over time.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The program is associated with CFDA number 81.087, which historically corresponds to DOE solar-related financial assistance listings.

What is the practical purpose of this FOA for CSP deployment?

The FOA is intended to support CSP RD&D that strengthens technological and commercial readiness, helping CSP contribute to clean energy goals, especially in applications where high-temperature heat and thermal energy storage can provide value.

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