Funding Notice: U.S. Department of Energy Announces up to $23 Million to Propel Renewable Chemicals and Fuels

SPARC NOFO Collage3D model of a molecular structure and bio-based fuel close up. Image credit: Getty Images and Adobe Stock.

Office: Bioenergy Technologies Office

Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC) Notice of Funding Opportunity

  • NOFO Number: DE-FOA-0003518
  • NOFO Amount: $23 million
  • Selections to be Announced:   ̴ October 2025
  • Link to Apply: DE-FOA-0003518

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced up to $23 million in funding to support research and development (R&D) of domestic chemicals and fuels from biomass and waste resources. The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC), will support BETO’s Conversion Technologies program area priorities by advancing innovative technology pathways for affordable fuels and products, leveraging renewable resources and generating domestic jobs to accelerate the U.S. bioeconomy.

The SPARC NOFO supports R&D of domestic chemicals and fuels from a variety of biomass and waste resources. Producing chemicals and propane and/or a mix of gases similar to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) from renewable feedstocks will help to secure domestic supply chains, promote rural economies, and improve the nation’s competitiveness in the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industry. 

Topic Areas

The SPARC NOFO supports two Topic Areas: 

  • Topic Area 1: Bio-based Chemicals
  • Topic Area 2: Bio-based Propane/LPG

Additional Information & Key Dates

BETO envisions awarding multiple financial assistance awards for this NOFO in the form of cooperative agreements lasting approximately three years. 

Required concept papers are due by 5:00 pm ET, on March 14, 2025, and the full application deadline is 5:00 pm ET, on May 30, 2025. More information on the SPARC NOFO and how to apply can be found on EERE Exchange. Additional information on the NOFO and applicant eligibility is also available on Grants.gov. For questions relating to this specific NOFO, please send emails to sparcnofo@hq.doe.gov.

An informational webinar for potential applicants of this funding opportunity will be held on January 22, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET and more details will be forthcoming.

Additional Information

  • Visit BETO’s funding announcement page for other upcoming funding opportunities. 
  • Sign up to receive regular communications about BETO vacancy announcements, webinars, workshops, Bioprose: Bioenergy R&D Blogs, funding opportunities, and technical reports.

Teaming Partner List 

BETO has compiled teaming partner list guidance to encourage collaboration and facilitate the formation of project teams. This list allows organizations wishing to apply for funding to explore partnering with other prospective applicants. Partnerships can provide additional expertise and resources to successfully meet FOA goals. 

The Teaming Partner List is available at EERE eXCHANGE: Teaming Partner List for DE-FOA-0003517 NOI and will be updated periodically until the close of the Full Application period of the NOFO to reflect new Teaming Partners who have provided their information. By facilitating this Teaming Partner List, EERE does not endorse or otherwise evaluate the qualifications of the entities that self-identify themselves for placement on the Teaming Partner List. EERE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any respondents for the development of such information.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the eXCHANGE homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within eXCHANGE. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.

Technology Verification

All applications selected for award negotiations are required to participate in a verification process led by DOE’s identified external third-party non-conflicted verification team. This verification process provides bioenergy technology verification to both BETO and the project by providing an in-depth analysis of key technical and economic metrics to ensure transparency and increase the likelihood of project success.