DOE Energy Innovation Hub Program: Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage

DOE Energy Innovation Hub Program: Research to Enable Next-Generation Batteries and Energy Storage

Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO). Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity.

Program Summary

This FOA will support new awards in the Batteries and Energy Storage Energy Innovation Hub program to advance fundamental knowledge for the next generation of rechargeable batteries and related electrochemical energy storage beyond today’s commercialized batteries such as lithiumion or lead acid. While many existing and emerging applications could benefit from the next generation of electrochemical energy storage, basic scientific research leading to scalable energy storage technologies that significantly impact decarbonization of our economy and/or enable transformation of the electrical grid to clean, renewable energy will be prioritized. These new projects, coupled with the relevant portion of the BES research portfolio, will create the scientific foundation needed to advance electrochemical energy storage for the next generation of batteries, resulting in public benefits for national security, economic competitiveness, and leadership in scientific discovery and technological innovation. 

Proposed efforts should assemble the most talented scientists to conduct coordinated, collaborative, synergistic, and highly interdisciplinary fundamental research to tackle scientific challenges for the next generation of batteries. Proposed research should address the highest scientific priorities in this area, build on advances and accomplishments in the published literature, and represent a world-leading scientific program when compared to relevant international research efforts. Applications must address priority research directions (PRDs) identified in the report from the 2017 Basic Research Needs for Next GenerationElectrochemical Energy Storage Workshop. Projects should integrate experiment and theory to elucidate scientific principles for reversible electrochemical conversion of electrical energy into chemical bonds. The research should capitalize on accomplishments and unique capabilities developed to date, including those from BES-funded efforts in the Joint Center of EnergyStorage Research,Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs), and other BES research activities. 

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST February 13, 2023

DOE Pre-Application Deadline: 3pm MST March 9, 2023 

DOE Application Deadline: 9:59pm MST May 18, 2023

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

• Project Summary (1 page maximum): Provide the name of the applicant, the project title, the PI and the PI’s institutional affiliation, any coinvestigators (including any unfunded collaborators) and their institutional affiliations, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, and the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes).
• Lead PI Curriculum Vitae
• Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit: https://cuboulderovcr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/6831/home

Eligibility

Multi-institutional teams must submit one application from a designated lead institution with all other teaming institutions proposed as subrecipients. Collaborative applications (in which each team member submits its own application with a common research narrative) will not be accepted under this FOA.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Applicant institutions are limited to no more than one (1) pre-application and one (1) application as the lead institution. However, there is no limitation on the number of applications in which a specific eligible entity can participate as a team member/subrecipient.

Award Information

DOE anticipates that award sizes will range from an average of $8,000,000 per year to $15,000,000 per year.

Period of Performance: 5 years

Number of Awards: Up to 3