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

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), has issued a funding opportunity announcement (DE-FOA-0003606) aimed at supporting the strategic refurbishment and retrofit of existing coal-fired power plants. This initiative addresses an urgent energy capacity crisis identified in DOE's 2025 Resource Adequacy Report and Executive Order 14156. With approximately 100 GW of the 200 GW operational coal capacity suitable for upgrades, the program seeks to restore grid stability while aligning with national energy security goals. The NOFO targets three main areas: (1) Advanced Wastewater Management Systems, (2) Dual Firing Retrofits, and (3) Natural Gas Cofiring Systems. All projects must demonstrate transformational technologies at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 and aim for TRL 8 by the conclusion. Projects will be phased, with a competitive downselect after Phase I (preliminary engineering and design), followed by Phase II (detailed engineering and NEPA clearance), and Phase III (technology implementation and validation). Total funding of up to $100 million is available, with $50M allocated to Topic Area 1 and $25M each to Areas 2 and 3. Allowable costs must follow DOE restrictions and applicable federal regulations. Indirect costs are capped at 10%–15% depending on organization type. Cost sharing is required: 20% for Phases I and II and 50% for Phase III. Applications proposing work outside the U.S. or involving foreign entities must request waivers. Unallowable cost-share sources include federal funds, deferred costs, and DOE loan proceeds. Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, state and local governments, and tribal organizations. DOE and non-DOE Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may participate as subrecipients but not as prime recipients. NETL is explicitly excluded. Foreign entity participation is limited and requires a waiver. Applicants must submit a detailed technical volume, pre-FEED study (if applicable), project management plan, environmental information volume, budget justification, and other supporting documentation. Required registrations include SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and NETL’s eXCHANGE system. Applications are due by January 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Awards are anticipated by July 2026, with performance periods of up to 60 months depending on phase progression. Applications not aligned with the specified technology focus areas, lacking a U.S.-based coal plant host site, or proposing basic research will be deemed non-responsive. DOE will play a substantial role throughout the award, including decision-making at go/no-go points. All submissions are subject to FOIA and may be evaluated using AI tools. Contact information for inquiries is provided through DE-FOA-0003606@netl.doe.gov.

Align proposal with specific topic area TRL levels and clearly detail commercialization readiness. Provide detailed cost-share documentation and partner letters.