Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now (NEWTON), DE-FOA-0003418
ID: 355411Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (DOE-ARPAE)

Award Range

$1M - $10M

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Other

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) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now (NEWTON), DE-FOA-0003418," aimed at supporting the development of innovative technologies for transmuting used nuclear fuel to address storage and disposal challenges. The program seeks to enhance the efficiency of particle generation systems and improve transmutation rates, ultimately reducing the long-term radiotoxicity of nuclear waste. With approximately $40 million available for awards ranging from $1 million to $10 million, interested applicants must submit their proposals through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE platform by 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on August 16, 2024. For further details, applicants can visit the ARPA-E website or contact ARPA-E at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) for the Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now (NEWTON) program. This program aims to support the development of technologies for transmuting used nuclear fuel to mitigate storage issues and enhance disposal solutions. A total of approximately $40 million is available for awards, ranging from $306,872 to $4,398,504, with various deadlines for concept papers and full applications in 2024. The program emphasizes innovative approaches to improve particle generation systems, increase transmutation efficiency, and reduce the long-term radiotoxicity of nuclear waste through advanced techniques involving protons, neutrons, and photons. The FOA encourages collaborative research among small businesses, research institutions, and other stakeholders to address the challenges of processing and managing nuclear waste. Key objectives include achieving high transmutation throughput, improving operational availability, and minimizing decay heat generation. ARPA-E expects selected projects to lead to economically viable solutions for managing the nation’s nuclear waste inventory, transitioning from long-term to short-term disposal concerns. As part of federal initiatives, this FOA aligns with broader goals of energy security and environmental stewardship.
    Similar Opportunities
    Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) 2025
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) 2025," aimed at supporting early-career innovators in developing transformative energy technologies. This initiative seeks to empower a new generation of researchers to propose high-impact, disruptive projects across various energy technology areas, including electricity generation and carbon capture, with a focus on addressing urgent energy challenges while maintaining U.S. technological leadership. With an estimated total program funding of $10 million, ARPA-E plans to award approximately 20 grants, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $500,000. Interested applicants must submit concept papers by November 15, 2024, and can find additional information and application guidelines on the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website or by contacting ARPA-E at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.
    SPURRING PROJECTS TO ADVANCE ENERGY RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE SWIFTLY (SPARKS)
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity titled "SPURRING PROJECTS TO ADVANCE ENERGY RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE SWIFTLY (SPARKS)" aimed at supporting innovative energy research and development projects. This grant program encourages the submission of transformative ideas that can lead to significant advancements in energy technologies, with a focus on projects that have the potential to create new learning curves and disrupt existing markets. With an estimated total program funding of $10 million, individual awards can range from $0 to $500,000, and the application process requires registration and submission through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE platform. Interested applicants should note that the application deadline is September 30, 2029, and for further inquiries, they can contact ARPA-E at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.
    SEEDING CRITICAL ADVANCES FOR LEADING ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES WITH UNTAPPED POTENTIAL (SCALEUP) READY
    Active
    Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity under the Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy Technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) Ready program, aimed at supporting the scaling of high-risk energy technologies that have previously received ARPA-E funding. This initiative emphasizes the importance of translating bench-scale achievements into commercially viable solutions while fostering collaboration with commercialization partners to enhance market viability. With an anticipated funding pool of approximately $50 million per fiscal year, eligible applicants include organizations holding patents on inventions conceived during ARPA-E awards, and applications are accepted continuously until amended. For more information, interested parties can visit the ARPA-E website at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov or contact ARPA-E CO at ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov.
    Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program
    Active
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a funding opportunity for the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program, designated as DE-FOA-0003410. This initiative aims to develop training programs and industry-recognized credentials to address the projected need for 375,000 additional trained workers in the nuclear energy sector, aligning with the Biden Administration's clean energy goals. Eligible applicants include private institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities, with approximately $100 million in federal funding available over five years, requiring a 50% cost share for proposed projects. Interested parties must submit their applications by January 14, 2025, with anticipated awards expected in mid-2025; for further inquiries, contact Jeff A. Rigby at 208-223-2479 or via email at rigbyja@id.doe.gov.
    Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applied to Nuclear Science and Technology
    Active
    Office of Science
    The Department of Energy's Office of Science has announced a funding opportunity titled "Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applied to Nuclear Science and Technology" (DE-FOA-0003458), aimed at supporting innovative research and development projects that leverage AI and machine learning to optimize operations in nuclear physics. The initiative seeks applications focused on enhancing accelerator and detector performance, addressing challenges in data analysis, simulations, and control within current and future nuclear physics facilities. With a total funding pool of up to $22 million, individual awards will range from $200,000 to $3.5 million, and projects are expected to span a two-year period. Interested applicants, including all domestic institutions except certain nonprofit organizations, must submit a Letter of Intent and are encouraged to promote inclusivity in their research efforts. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Dr. Manouchehr Farkhondeh at manouchehr.farkhondeh@science.doe.gov or by phone at 301-903-4398. The application deadline is January 14, 2025.
    RFI - DOE R
    Active
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at informing the Competitive Research and Development Funding Opportunity Announcement, specifically targeting universities and other stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector. The RFI invites ideas, comments, and recommendations on potential research areas and funding opportunities to advance nuclear energy science and technology, with a focus on enhancing the operation of existing reactors and deploying advanced technologies. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative research in the nuclear energy field, while explicitly excluding topics such as medical physics and nuclear fusion. Interested parties, including small businesses, are encouraged to submit their responses electronically via NEUP.gov, with a limit of three pages, and should note that submitting interest does not guarantee an award. For further inquiries, contact Andrew Ford, DOE Contract Specialist, at fordaj@id.doe.gov. The RFI remains open for submissions, with specific deadlines detailed in the attached document.
    Notice of Intent (NOI) related to Aligning Manufacturability & Pre-production Design (AMPD) for Storage Technologies
    Active
    National Energy Technology Laboratory
    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding the upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) No. DE-FOA-0003425, titled “Aligning Manufacturability & Pre-production Design (AMPD) for Storage Technologies.” This initiative aims to facilitate innovative designs in energy storage technologies to enhance manufacturability and reduce production costs, thereby supporting the advancement of clean energy solutions. The NOI serves as an informational notice, indicating that the DOE is not currently soliciting comments, but emphasizes the importance of aligning manufacturing capabilities with pre-production design processes. Interested parties can reach out to Todd C. Zandier II at 412-386-9204 or via email at Todd.Zandier@netl.doe.gov for further inquiries, with the application deadline set for June 1, 2025.
    Carbon Capture, Removal, and Conversion Test Centers
    Active
    National Energy Technology Laboratory
    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is offering a funding opportunity for the establishment of Carbon Capture, Removal, and Conversion Test Centers under FOA Number DE-FOA-0003365. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of technologies that minimize carbon dioxide emissions through innovative capture, removal, and conversion methods, with a focus on testing centers at electric generating units, capital improvements at existing facilities, and tests at cement manufacturing sites. The program is critical for advancing carbon management technologies necessary to meet climate objectives outlined in Executive Order 14008. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $127.5 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $80 million, and a minimum cost-sharing requirement of 30% for certain areas of interest. Interested applicants must submit proposals by October 31, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Rueben Kerns at Rueben.Kerns@netl.doe.gov.
    Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
    Active
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a funding opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) program, aimed at advancing nuclear energy science and technology. This grant seeks applications from U.S. universities, national laboratories, and industries to conduct research aligned with four key mission priorities: maintaining existing nuclear reactors, deploying new reactors, sustaining the nuclear fuel cycle, and enhancing international cooperation in nuclear energy. The total estimated funding for this initiative is $74 million, with individual awards ranging from $0 to $4 million, and key deadlines include a mandatory letter of intent due by June 5, 2024, and full applications by November 13, 2024. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov.
    Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations
    Active
    Headquarters
    The Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Energy Storage Pilot Demonstrations," aimed at funding pilot-scale technology demonstrations for non-lithium energy storage solutions. The program's objectives include advancing diverse non-lithium energy storage technologies towards commercial viability, generating operational datasets, and building confidence among investors and utilities in the proposed solutions. With an estimated total program funding of $100 million, the grant will provide awards ranging from $5 million to $20 million, and applications are due by February 13, 2025. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Christine P. Castell at 240-306-4703 or via email at christine.castell@hq.doe.gov.