Request for Information (RFI) - Securing New Sources of Helium for Advanced Energy Applications
ID: 352132Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (DOE-ARPAE)

Award Range

$0 - $0

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Additional Information

https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov
Timeline
    Description

    The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) of the U.S. Department of Energy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at securing new sources of helium for advanced energy applications. This initiative seeks input on transformative technologies along the helium supply chain, specifically alternatives to helium sourced from natural gas, with a focus on innovative methods for locating new helium sources and enhancing recovery and recycling technologies. Helium is critical for various energy-related technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing, and the U.S. faces a projected global helium shortfall by 2040, making a sustainable domestic supply essential. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses in PDF format to ARPA-E-RFI@hq.doe.gov by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 15, 2024, as this RFI does not constitute a funding opportunity announcement and is solely for gathering information. For further details, visit the ARPA-E eXCHANGE at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) focused on securing new sources of helium for advanced energy applications. The initiative targets transformative technologies along the helium supply chain, seeking alternatives to helium sourced from natural gas. ARPA-E is particularly interested in innovative methods for identifying and mapping new helium sources and improving helium recovery and recycling technologies. Inputs are requested from experts across various fields, including engineering and geosciences, as well as potential helium end-users like semiconductor manufacturers. Key areas of interest include locating geological sources, developing separation processes such as membranes and non-cryogenic methods, and exploring methods for recycling helium in industrial applications. The RFI outlines specific questions to guide responses, emphasizing non-proprietary submissions and the lack of funding opportunities associated with the RFI. The overarching goal is to ensure a sustainable domestic helium supply, crucial for many emerging technologies, especially as future demand is projected to surge against a backdrop of declining U.S. helium production. This document lays the groundwork for future research programs aimed at overcoming existing helium supply chain vulnerabilities.
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