Office: Carbon Management 
FOA Number: DE-FOA-2613 
Link to Learn More: FedConnect  

Background Information 

On April 7, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced $4 million in funding toward to advance the development of ceramic-based materials to improve the efficiency of hydrogen-fueled turbines that may one day be used in clean power plants. Electricity made from clean hydrogen—whether produced from renewable resources or from fossil fuels or carbon-based waste resources, coupled with pre-combustion carbon capture and storage—will help in achieving the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of a zero-carbon U.S. power sector by 2035. 

Projects selected under this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will focus on the research and development of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components, which allow hydrogen turbines to operate at higher working temperatures, ultimately improving cycle efficiency. Specifically, this research and development will enable operation at 150 degrees Celsius higher than current CMC technology and 450 degrees Celsius higher than existing nickel-based materials allow, while reducing the amount of cooling air required. These improvements will lead to increased turbine efficiency, ultimately resulting in reduced electricity costs, as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions as clean hydrogen displaces natural gas as the turbine fuel.   

Awardees 

On September 13, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced almost $4.7 million in funding for six projects to advance the development of ceramic-based materials to improve the efficiency of hydrogen-fueled turbines that may one day be used in clean power plants.  

Awardees include: 

• Clemson University  
• Pennsylvania State University  
• Raytheon Technologies Corp - Pratt & Whitney, Military Engines  
• Raytheon Technologies Research Center 
• The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees  
• University of Maryland  

A detailed list of the selected projects can be found here. 

Last Updated: September 14, 2022