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The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO) and the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) have selected recipients for the FY26 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance program.

In some cases, the Office uses impact evaluations conducted by independent external experts to quantify research-attributed outcomes for geothermal. Such outcomes may include economic performance (e.g., return on investment).

In adherence with DOE guidance, the Office uses an external peer review process to assess the performance of research activities and Office as a whole. The peer review process may include a combination of peer reviews.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (AFFO) and the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) have selected recipients for the FY26 Waste to Energy and Materials Technical Assistance program.

In addition to being subject to merit review and regular check-ins, Office-funded projects are evaluated throughout execution. In-progress reviews include state-gate reviews, go/no-go decisions, GPRA targets, and quarterly project milestones.

Office-funded research projects that are submitted through an open and competitive proposal process undergo a comprehensive independent merit review by technology experts from industry, academia, and government.

The Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office funds lab-led hydrogen and fuel cell technologies consortia to coordinate national lab research and development activities and serve as a resource for universities and industry.

Agenda and presentations from the 2026 Federal Utility Partnership Working Group (FUPWG) Seminar.

Program evaluation is a core function of this office. Regular evaluation activities help ensure progress toward research objectives, alignment with DOE goals, effective public investment, and effective budget planning.

The Office focuses on reducing geothermal development costs and risks by researching and advancing innovative technologies that address exploration and operational challenges