NOFO: DE-FOA-0003373, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Provision 41007 (b)(2), Wind Turbine Technology Recycling

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) DE-FOA-0003373 issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) focuses on research, development, and demonstration projects that enhance the recyclability and reuse of wind energy materials. With funding authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), this initiative addresses the challenges of handling fiber-reinforced composites and rare earth elements from wind turbines. The program aims to support the clean energy transition by mitigating carbon emissions, reducing environmental impacts, and bolstering domestic manufacturing and material supply chains. The total available funding is approximately $20 million over four years, divided among three topic areas: enabling sustainable wind turbine components, developing material recycling and reuse processes, and qualifying recycled materials. Projects funded under Topic 1 will focus on creating recyclable and sustainable designs for turbine components. Topic 2 will target technologies for economically and sustainably recycling decommissioned wind turbine materials. Topic 3 will establish standards and certifications for recycled materials to encourage secondary market adoption. Each topic area has distinct funding allocations, ranging from $3 million to $11 million, and requires cost-sharing, except for certain entities under Topic 3. Eligibility extends to institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, nonprofits, state and local governments, and Indian Tribes. While domestic entities are prioritized, foreign entities may participate if waivers are granted. A cost-share of 20% of project costs is generally required, though certain groups, such as Tribal applicants, benefit from reduced or waived requirements in some cases. Proposals should include partnerships with manufacturers, testing facilities, and other stakeholders to strengthen their applications. Applications must adhere to detailed submission requirements, including technical volumes, budget justifications, and community benefits plans. Emphasis is placed on techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessments, and innovative methodologies for enhancing the sustainability of wind energy systems. All submissions are due via the DOE eXCHANGE platform by February 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. Additional registrations, including SAM.gov and eXCHANGE accounts, are mandatory and should be initiated early. Evaluation criteria emphasize technical merit, innovation, project feasibility, and the potential impact on the wind energy sector. Proposals will be reviewed for their ability to address technological and supply chain barriers, facilitate market transformation, and create economic and environmental benefits. Community benefits, including job creation, equity, and environmental justice, are integral to the selection process. The program is designed to support DOE’s goals of achieving a zero-carbon electricity system by 2035 and addressing the climate crisis through sustainable innovations. By improving the recyclability and reuse of wind energy materials, this NOFO aims to strengthen the circular economy and contribute to the resilience of the domestic clean energy supply chain.