The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced $6.4 MM for university-based research and development projects that will develop advanced materials and components to improve the performance of H₂-fueled turbines. This research will support the increased use of low-carbon fuels like H₂ in industrial and power sectors, helping to achieve the Biden-Harris Administration goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Furthermore, accelerating the commercialization of advanced technologies developed through the funded projects will help support good-paying jobs throughout these sectors.

“Achieving a clean energy and industrial economy requires cost-effective use of low-carbon fuels like clean H₂,” said Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. “The DOE’s University Turbine Systems Research program supports cost-shared research at U.S. universities to improve the performance of H₂-fueled turbines and make clean H₂ more affordable, while also training a next-generation workforce of combustion turbine scientists, engineers and technicians.”

Projects selected through this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will develop advanced materials and components that can better manage and withstand the heat generated during H₂ combustion. This will enable the use of up to 100% H₂ in gas turbines for carbon-free power generation. The FOA includes three primary focus areas:

• Research to produce knowledge and data to help improve component designs for gas turbines that use H₂-containing fuels
• Development of turbine components that can utilize advanced cooling and advanced materials and manufacturing technologies
• Development of strategies for minimizing risks associated with material selection, and design improvements for engines operating on H₂ fuels that increase turbine performance.

Applicants to this FOA must address the societal considerations and impacts of their proposed projects, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility throughout the research and development process. Applications must explain how projects are expected to deliver equitable access to, and distribution of, benefits produced from successful technology innovations; incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and understand the future workforce implications of the innovation. Projects selected under this opportunity will be required to develop and implement strategies to advance these priorities, and report on such activities and outcomes.