Innovative Energy Systems Solicitation Targets Chemical Industry Energy Supply Chain

November 1, 2005

The U.S. Department of Energy, along with Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology Partnership (Vision2020), just released the Innovative Energy Systems Challenge, a competitive solicitation seeking applications for cost-shared R&D to improve productivity and reduce costs in the energy supply chain of the Chemicals industry. "Energy supply chain" refers to those technologies and systems that produce or transport energy (electrical, thermal, mechanical) to and from the chemical process. For the energy-intensive Chemicals industry, improvements in the efficiency and environmental performance of these systems can significantly impact operational and production costs. This solicitation is especially timely, considering rapidly escalating energy costs, and ITP's bold Save Energy Now initiative to assist industry in reducing natural gas consumption.

The industry estimates that inefficiencies in on- and off-site energy generation, transmission, conversion, and distribution energy losses account for more than 2.7 quadrillion Btus in the Chemical industry. Vision2020 predicts that innovative technologies and systems applied to the energy supply chain could cost-effectively achieve a 30% reduction in these energy losses by 2020, resulting in energy savings of more than 700 trillion Btus per year.

To address these significant energy savings opportunities, DOE seeks applications for breakthrough approaches in the areas of energy conversion, energy recovery, and crosscutting systems applications that will measurably improve plant energy use. DOE encourages applicants to be creative and innovative, propose technology solutions to address real needs with potential to make significant improvements, and be both technically and financially viable. Projects selected will be carried out in two phases. Phase I efforts will address concept definition, technology development, and commercialization activities. Phase II efforts will focus on final engineering development and development of the proposed technology/system. Approximately $4,000,000 in federal funds is estimated to be available to fund between four to eight Phase I awards.

Apply now — the deadline is 1/25/06. For more information and to apply, visit ITP's Active Solicitations Web page.

Remember, effective October 1, 2005, Grants.gov is the new access point for funding opportunities, replacing Industry Interactive Procurement System (IIPS). Prior to submitting an application for a solicitation posted in Grants.gov, you must first complete the one-time registration, which may take up to 14 days to process. Please register as soon as possible to be eligible to apply for solicitations without delay!