WASHINGTON, DC – Energy Secretary Rick Perry announced $89 million to support innovative advanced manufacturing research and development projects.

This Department of Energy funding opportunity tackles departmental priorities, such as domestic manufacturing for energy storage.

US manufacturers have created almost 500,000 jobs since 2017 and more than 250,000 jobs in the last year, says the DoE. The manufacturing sector reportedly uses 25% of the nation’s energy.

“Embracing new technologies that drive innovation in American manufacturing is the key to creating real-world progress that significantly improves energy efficiency in manufacturing,” said Perry. “By focusing on energy-related advanced manufacturing technologies, we are building a new era of manufacturing that will stimulate the economy, create jobs and build American energy independence.”

The FOA requests proposals in three areas that will improve US global competitiveness: innovations for the manufacture of advanced materials, which focuses on employing machine learning to develop better batteries, phase change storage materials for heating and cooling applications, and new semiconductors that convert temperature differences into electricity; lower thermal budget processes for industrial efficiency and productivity, which focuses on research on industrial process drying technologies that increase energy efficiency throughput and product quality; connected, flexible and efficient manufacturing facilities and energy systems, which seeks application of more efficient industrial power conversion equipment and new opportunities for converting process energy to electrical energy and better integrating it with the electrical grid.

The DoE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing office will lead this initiative. The department anticipates making up to 55 awards for up to three years. A cost-share of at least 20% will be required for research and development projects.

To view the funding application and submission requirements, visit https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdeaf73ef3-8146-47bd-9f99-a5d7af08a6b6.

Concept papers are due June 20.