Funding Notice: Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants

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FOA number: DE-FOA-0003606
Download the full funding opportunity: NETL Exchange 
Funding Amount: $100,000,000 

Background Information

On October 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) announced up to $100 million in federal funding to refurbish and modernize the nation’s existing coal power plants. The effort will support practical, high-impact projects that improve efficiency, plant lifetimes, and performance of coal and natural gas use. This effort supports President Trump’s Executive Orders, Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid, and advances his commitment to restore U.S. energy dominance. 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, for- and non-profit entities, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes.

Topic Areas 

This funding opportunity has three topic areas:

  1. Development and Implementation of Advanced Wastewater Systems
  2. Engineering and Implementation of Dual Firing Retrofits
  3. Development and Testing of Natural Gas Cofiring Systems 

Funding 

DOE expects to award up to $100 million in federal funding with a minimum of 20-50% cost-sharing from the awardees.

Key Dates

NOI Issue Date:10/06/2025
Funding Opportunity Issue Date:10/31/2025
Submission Deadline for Full Applications:01/07/2026 at 5:00 PM ET
Expected Date for Selection Notifications:May 2026

Additional Information

Last Updated: November 13, 2025