Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $7.5 million to drive adoption of clean energy technologies that are critical for climate protection. Large energy users, including manufacturers, can improve energy efficiency, manage emissions, and bolster competitiveness by deploying renewably supplied district energy systems and integrating smart manufacturing technologies into energy management practices. Efficiency improvements in manufacturing not only benefit the industrial sector but also improve the energy efficiency and reduce carbon intensity of products used throughout the economy.

DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) seeks proposals under two topics. Learn more and apply here.

Topic 1: Development and Demonstration of Renewably Supplied District Energy Systems

District energy systems provide multiple buildings with heating and/or cooling from a central plant. These systems increase efficiency and reduce emissions compared to individual building systems. They also provide a reliable and resilient source of thermal energy that is particularly useful for large energy users such as manufacturing facilities, healthcare campuses, and military bases. However, district energy systems are traditionally fossil fuel-based.

AMO seeks projects to design, construct, and demonstrate advanced district energy systems that:

  • Offer fuel-flexibility and incorporate flexible combined heat and power, energy storage, or renewable sources such as biomass, geothermal, solar PV, solar thermal, and wind; or,
  • Convert existing fossil-fueled heating equipment or CHP systems in district energy systems to renewable fuels 

Proposals should describe the innovation drivers and challenges, identify the potential for replication and the underlying value proposition, quantify the anticipated pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions reduction potential at the site, and highlight opportunities for diversity, equity and inclusion as well as environmental justice and the potential to positively impact historically underserved communities.

Topic 2: Regional Pilot Initiative to Accelerate the Integration of Smart Manufacturing and Energy Management Systems

Structured energy management systems, such as those aligned with the global International Organization on Standardization (ISO) 50001 standard, are proven to yield deep and sustained energy savings for manufacturers. Smart technologies, including advanced sensors, controls, software platforms, and data analytics, allow manufacturers to further optimize their use of energy and materials. Incorporating smart technologies into energy management systems can yield deeper savings and boost competitiveness.

AMO seeks proposals to establish a regional, two-year pilot initiative that will focus on new technical assistance services to help manufacturers integrate the latest smart manufacturing technologies into existing energy management systems and adopt state-of-the-art systematic energy management practices.

The new regional initiative will scale its impacts by increasing and enhancing the capabilities of existing programs across the industrial sector. Activities will include:

  • Education, workforce training, and workshops on smart manufacturing technologies and energy management systems
  • Training for instructors and staff of existing state, local, and utility-sector industrial efficiency and strategic energy management programs to expand the scope of their services
  • Expert speakers for existing programs’ energy efficiency events

The regional initiative will tailor its structure and services to the regional industrial base and existing state and local programs to create flexibility, provide opportunities for sharing best practices, and maximize effectiveness.

Application Information

DOE anticipates making two to three awards for topic 1 and one award under topic 2.

A minimum cost-share of 20% for development and 50% for demonstration of the advanced district energy system is required. A cost share is not required for the pilot program. For additional details, including application and submission requirements, visit our funding opportunity landing page and the EERE Exchange.

Funding for these opportunities will be provided by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, which catalyzes research, development and adoption of energy-related advanced manufacturing technologies and practices to drive U.S. economic competitiveness and an equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system by 2050.