The United States Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $33 million to develop solar-based technologies. The funding supports the production of renewable fuels, such as hydrogen. The investment is backed by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda.
Nine projects across seven U.S. states will advance solar-powered hydrogen production. The funded projects aim to lower emissions from sectors including aviation, space travel, and food and beverage.
Concentrating Solar-Thermal Systems for Renewable Fuel Production
The projects will focus on concentrating solar-thermal (CST) systems technologies. CST uses mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, helping produce carbon-free fuels.
Three selected projects will use inexpensive solar heat to make cost-effective renewable fuels. Six initiatives will advance thermal energy storage technologies that provide continuous or on-demand heat.
Funding Negotiation Process
Selection for award negotiation does not guarantee DOE funding. Selected projects will undergo a negotiation process before receiving funds. The DOE may cancel discussions during this time.
The DOE’s investment demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrogen-Related Projects Receiving Funding
The following hydrogen-related projects have been selected for funding:
- Exergy Labs: $3 million to develop a modular dish reactor for hydrogen generation.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory: $3 million for a 1MW pilot plant supporting a CST reactor.
- West Virginia University: $5 million to demonstrate solar-thermal integration with high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized the DOE’s commitment to investing in next-generation solar technologies. The funded projects will harness solar energy for various applications, from NASA missions to beverage production.
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