The Point Source Carbon Capture NOFO issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) aims to accelerate the development and deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies across power, industrial, and commercial sectors. This funding opportunity aligns with federal efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance clean energy innovation.
The NOFO seeks projects that demonstrate innovative carbon capture technologies at existing point sources, such as fossil fuel power plants, industrial facilities, and manufacturing processes. These projects are expected to support decarbonization goals by capturing carbon dioxide emissions and either storing them permanently or repurposing them for productive uses. The program prioritizes the advancement of technologies that can achieve commercial scale, improve cost-effectiveness, and demonstrate reliability under real-world conditions.
Eligible applicants include domestic entities such as for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, state and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and consortia thereof. Foreign entities may participate as part of a domestic consortium but are not eligible to apply as the primary recipient. Applicants must demonstrate technical capability, organizational resources, and alignment with DOE’s mission for carbon management.
The NOFO outlines specific submission requirements, including a clear project narrative, budget justification, milestones, and technical merit. Proposals must detail the technology’s readiness level, deployment plans, environmental impacts, and community engagement strategies. Applications are expected to address workforce development, job creation, and benefits to disadvantaged communities in alignment with the Justice40 Initiative.
The funding opportunity provides significant financial support, with anticipated awards ranging from $10 million to $500 million, depending on the scale and scope of the proposed projects. Cost-sharing is required, with recipients contributing a minimum of 20 to 50 percent of the total project cost, depending on the applicant category and project type. The program will operate on a reimbursement basis for eligible costs incurred.
Evaluation criteria include the project’s technical merit, potential for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Proposals will also be assessed on their ability to meet milestones, achieve readiness for commercial deployment, and deliver social and economic benefits. The DOE will prioritize projects that address significant point source emissions and advance CCUS technology readiness.
The NOFO outlines key deadlines for submission, starting with a concept paper deadline to ensure alignment with program goals, followed by a full application deadline for qualified applicants. Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis, and awards are expected to be announced within a defined timeframe.
For further information, applicants are encouraged to review the full NOFO and engage with DOE program contacts for clarifications regarding eligibility, submission processes, and technical requirements.
