Energy Storage Grand Challenge Update

DOE Announces Funding Opportunity for Small Businesses Advancing Energy Storage and Building a Clean Energy Economy

This week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding for U.S. small businesses to research, develop, and create commercialization plans for new technologies that equitably accelerate the national transition to a clean energy economy. Applicants may receive up to $250,000 through DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and become eligible for up to $1.6 million in follow-on funding. Part of the SBIR/STTR funding opportunity will support small businesses that integrate practices to advance energy storage and equity.

DOE’s Office of Electricity (OE)

Specifically, OE seeks projects to advance power conversion systems for energy storage used by disadvantaged off-grid communities. OE also seeks projects to advance methods for predicting the performance of power electronics technologies. View the full list of OE topics.

DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

EERE seeks projects to enhance thermal energy storage technologies for buildings. EERE will also fund projects to develop technologies for affordable, efficient hydrogen production, delivery, and storage. View the full list of EERE topics.

U.S. small businesses interested in applying for an SBIR/STTR award must submit a letter of intent by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 3, 2022, and full applications are due Feb. 22, 2022. Apply for funding here.

For more information, visit the SBIR/STTR Programs Office webpage.