The Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E), a division of the U.S. Department of Energy, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its “REALIZE ENERGY-RICH COMPOUND OPPORTUNITIES VALORIZING EXTRACTION FROM REFUSE WATERS” Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program (RECOVER SBIR/STTR). This grant opportunity, identified under DE-FOA-0003511 and Assistance Listing Number 81.135, is designed to advance technologies that can efficiently extract and recover high-value energy-related compounds, such as ammonia and critical metals, from aqueous waste streams. ARPA-E, created under the America COMPETES Act, seeks to catalyze transformative research that enhances national energy security, reduces emissions, and strengthens U.S. competitiveness in energy technology innovation.
The RECOVER program’s primary objective is to develop breakthrough technologies that can selectively and efficiently recover materials such as ammonia, rare earth elements (REEs), and other critical metals from wastewater generated by municipal systems, animal feedlots, mining, and oil and gas production. The program aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported ammonia and metals, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency in recovery processes. Proposed technologies must address significant technical challenges, such as low ion concentrations, organic fouling, and high salinity, while delivering economically viable outcomes. Key performance metrics include high recovery efficiencies (≥90%), high selectivity (α > 3*[C2/C1]), and minimal processing steps.
Eligible applicants must be small business concerns applying under SBIR or STTR eligibility criteria. Applications must target at least two high-value energy materials from one of three waste stream types: municipal/animal feedlot, produced water, or mining waste. Applicants can propose projects in one or more of three technical categories: new materials, process development and derisking, and process integration. Depending on the chosen category, applicants must demonstrate novel chemistries, durability in real waste streams, integration into continuous flow systems, and validated technoeconomic assessments. Genetic modification is permitted and must be reported through iEdison if inventions are made.
Approximately $36–40 million is expected to be awarded across NOFOs DE-FOA-0003510 and DE-FOA-0003511, with about 10–16 awards anticipated. The federal share per award will range between $1.5 million and $4 million, with a maximum combined Phase I/II/IIS award of up to $4,505,859. Phase I and II individual award ceilings are $314,363 and $2,410,111, respectively. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. All allowable expenses must follow applicable federal cost principles, and recipients must spend at least 5% of federal funding on technology transfer and outreach activities.
The application process involves several phases. Concept papers are due by 9:30 AM ET on December 31, 2024, with full applications due by 9:30 AM ET on August 28, 2025. Encourage/Discourage notifications will be issued in February 2025, and awards are anticipated between September 2025 and January 2026. Projects will have a performance period through September 2028 to January 2029. Required documents include technical volumes, SF-424, budget justification, summary slide, and more. The application must also include responses to specific questions outlined in the NOFO to assess innovation, technical feasibility, and market potential.
Questions regarding the NOFO should be sent to ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov, and technical issues with ARPA-E eXCHANGE should be directed to ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov. All submissions must be made through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE portal. During the quiet period, only the Grants Officer may communicate with applicants. Complete details, templates, and submission instructions are available on ARPA-E’s official eXCHANGE website. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in domestic energy innovation and the recovery of valuable materials from waste streams.
