Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001874
The FY18 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001874) was a U.S. Department of Energy solicitation, administered through the DOE Golden Field Office, aimed at pushing early-stage research and development that tackles key technical hurdles holding back fuel cells and the broader hydrogen ecosystem. The main intent was to speed progress toward energy options that are affordable, clean, safe, and reliable, while strengthening U.S. energy security and cutting emissions. A notable feature of the opportunity is its emphasis on pairing public R&D support with private-sector engagement, not only to advance technology, but also to help address practical, real-world barriers that can slow commercialization and deployment.
The FOA was framed around strong market momentum and growing strategic interest in fuel cells. It pointed to rapid global market growth in 2016, with reported revenues above $1.6 billion, and highlighted that the United States had purchased more than 20,000 fuel cell units for material handling equipment since 2009. It also underscored light-duty vehicles as an emerging and increasingly important fuel cell application, drawing attention because of fuel cells' potential to deliver high efficiency, reduce petroleum use, and cut criteria pollutants. In other words, the opportunity was positioned not as purely academic research, but as work meant to connect to growing commercial demand and to the practical requirements of transportation and other end-use sectors.
The funding was offered through cooperative agreements, which typically means DOE expected substantial involvement during the project period (for example, technical collaboration, milestones, and active project management rather than a hands-off grant). The activity area was energy, under CFDA 81.087. The expected scale of the program was substantial: up to 30 awards were anticipated, with an award ceiling of $2,500,000 per project. Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others" with applicants instructed to consult the FOA text for the specific eligibility details and clarifications.
Technically, the FOA was organized into three topic areas. Topic 1, under the Energy Materials Network (EMN) and specifically the ElectroCat consortium, targeted one of the most persistent cost challenges in fuel cell vehicles and other PEM fuel cell applications: the use of expensive platinum group metals in catalysts. This topic aimed to accelerate development of non-platinum-group-metal electrocatalysts suitable for transportation fuel cells. A major purpose of using the EMN structure was to make specialized, world-class national laboratory capabilities easier for industry to access, encouraging industry-lab collaboration and shortening the path from materials discovery to scalable manufacturing approaches that are relevant to commercial markets.
Topic 2, labeled H2@Scale, focused on hydrogen as a cross-cutting energy carrier that can link the electric grid, transportation, and industrial hydrogen users and producers. The topic aimed to improve efficiency and resiliency for both the electrical system and transportation while enabling broader gains in hydrogen-related industries. The FOA highlighted areas such as materials compatibility (important because hydrogen can affect metals, seals, and other infrastructure components), electrolyzer integration (relevant to producing hydrogen from electricity, including renewable electricity), and analysis (covering modeling, techno-economic assessment, systems analysis, and other work needed to identify the most impactful pathways and integration strategies).
Topic 3, Innovative Concepts, supported applied early-stage fuel cell R&D across transportation, stationary power, and early market uses, with a clear emphasis on driving down cost and improving durability. While the core of DOE's portfolio was described as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and platinum-based catalysts, this topic also left room for longer-term or alternative technical approaches that could offer meaningful advantages over conventional PEMFC pathways. This structure signaled a balance between near- and mid-term improvements to dominant technologies and selective support for higher-risk concepts that might deliver step-change benefits.
In terms of application logistics, submissions were handled through EERE Exchange (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov), DOE EERE's online portal. The process required registration and electronic submission through that system, with instructions and points of contact for both technical questions and submission issues provided in the full FOA posting. The timeline included a concept paper stage and a full application stage, with concept papers due May 7, 2018 at 5:00 pm ET and full applications due June 12, 2018 at 5:00 pm ET, which is typical of DOE competitive solicitations designed to screen ideas early and focus full application effort on the most promising concepts.Apply for DE FOA 0001874
- The Department of Energy, Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY18 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D Funding Opportunity Announcement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.087.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 17, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 12, 2018 Submission Deadline for Concept Papers May 7, 2018 500pm ET Submission Deadline for Full Applications June 12, 2018 500pm ET. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the FY18 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001874)?
DE-FOA-0001874 was a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity announcement for early-stage hydrogen and fuel cell research and development (R&D). It was designed to tackle key technical hurdles limiting fuel cells and the broader hydrogen ecosystem, and to speed progress toward energy solutions that are affordable, clean, safe, and reliable.
Which DOE office administered this funding opportunity?
The solicitation was administered through the DOE Golden Field Office.
What was DOE trying to accomplish with this FOA?
The FOA aimed to accelerate R&D that reduces emissions, strengthens U.S. energy security, and supports practical progress toward commercialization and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. A notable emphasis was pairing public R&D support with private-sector engagement to address real-world barriers that can slow adoption.
How was this opportunity positioned in terms of market relevance?
The FOA highlighted strong market momentum for fuel cells, referencing global market growth and reported 2016 revenues above $1.6 billion. It also pointed to U.S. purchases of more than 20,000 fuel cell units for material handling equipment since 2009 and identified light-duty vehicles as an increasingly important application due to potential efficiency and emissions benefits.
What type of funding instrument was used?
Awards were offered through cooperative agreements, which generally means DOE expected substantial involvement during the project period (such as active project management, technical collaboration, and milestone-based oversight), rather than a hands-off grant structure.
What was the CFDA number and activity area for this FOA?
The activity area was Energy, under CFDA 81.087.
How many awards were anticipated and what was the maximum award size?
The FOA anticipated up to 30 awards, with an award ceiling of $2,500,000 per project.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others," and applicants were instructed to consult the FOA text for specific eligibility details and clarifications.
How was the FOA organized technically?
The FOA was organized into three topic areas: (1) EMN ElectroCat, (2) H2@Scale, and (3) Innovative Concepts.
What is Topic 1 (EMN / ElectroCat) focused on?
Topic 1 targeted the high cost of platinum group metals used in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalysts, especially for transportation fuel cells. The goal was to accelerate development of non-platinum-group-metal electrocatalysts suitable for transportation fuel cells and other PEM fuel cell applications.
Why did Topic 1 use the Energy Materials Network (EMN) structure?
The EMN approach, specifically through the ElectroCat consortium, was intended to make specialized national laboratory capabilities easier for industry to access, encourage industry-lab collaboration, and shorten the path from materials discovery to scalable manufacturing approaches aligned with commercial market needs.
What is Topic 2 (H2@Scale) focused on?
Topic 2 focused on hydrogen as a cross-cutting energy carrier connecting the electric grid, transportation, and industrial hydrogen users and producers. It aimed to improve efficiency and resiliency in both the electrical system and transportation while enabling broader gains across hydrogen-related industries.
What kinds of work were highlighted under Topic 2 (H2@Scale)?
The FOA highlighted areas including materials compatibility (given hydrogen impacts on metals, seals, and other infrastructure components), electrolyzer integration (related to producing hydrogen from electricity, including renewable electricity), and analysis such as modeling, techno-economic assessment, and systems analysis to identify impactful pathways and integration strategies.
What is Topic 3 (Innovative Concepts) focused on?
Topic 3 supported applied early-stage fuel cell R&D across transportation, stationary power, and early market uses, with an emphasis on reducing cost and improving durability. While DOE described its core portfolio as PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs) and platinum-based catalysts, Topic 3 also left room for longer-term or alternative technical approaches that could offer meaningful advantages.
Does the FOA only support PEM fuel cells and platinum-based catalysts?
No. While the FOA noted DOE's core focus on PEMFCs and platinum-based catalysts, it also included Topic 3, which allowed for longer-term or alternative approaches that could provide significant benefits compared with conventional PEMFC pathways.
How were applications submitted?
Applications were submitted electronically through EERE Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov.
Was registration required to apply?
Yes. The submission process required registration and electronic submission through the EERE Exchange system.
Were there different stages to the application process?
Yes. The FOA included a concept paper stage followed by a full application stage, which is typical of DOE competitive solicitations intended to screen ideas early and focus full application efforts on the most promising concepts.
What were the key submission deadlines?
Concept papers were due May 7, 2018 at 5:00 pm ET. Full applications were due June 12, 2018 at 5:00 pm ET.
Where could applicants find help for technical questions or submission issues?
The full FOA posting in EERE Exchange included instructions and points of contact for both technical questions and submission issues.
How did the FOA address commercialization barriers?
Beyond advancing technology, the FOA emphasized private-sector engagement and attention to practical barriers that can slow commercialization and deployment, aiming to connect R&D progress with real-world requirements and growing commercial demand.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: Reducing Mercury Use in Indonesia's Small-scale Gold Mining Sector
Previous opportunity: Reentry Projects (RP)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0001874
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001874) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Efficient Drilling for Geothermal Energy Apply for DE FOA 0001880 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001880 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2018 Apply for DE FOA 0001825 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001825 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Notice of Opportunity for Technical Assistance for Techno-Economic Studies of Pumped-Storage Hydropower Apply for DE FOA 0001838 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001838 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI: Marine and Hydrokinetic Technologies: Maritime Markets Report Apply for DE FOA 0001885 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001885 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Advancement and Data Dissemination Apply for DE FOA 0001837 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001837 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2018 Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Apply for DE FOA 0001919 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001919 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| BioEnergy Engineering for Products Synthesis (BEEPS) Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001916 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001916 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Affordable and Sustainable Energy Crops (ASEC) Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001917 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001917 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Process Development for Advanced Biofuels and Biopower Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001926 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001926 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Efficient Carbon Utilization in Algal Systems Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001908 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001908 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Performance Improvements for Steam Based Power Cycles for Coal Boilers Apply for DE FOA 0001921 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001921 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI)- Machine Learning for Geothermal Energy and the Geosciences Apply for DE FOA 0001920 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001920 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Solicitation of Proposals for Economic Development Feasibility Study Funding from the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Apply for BIA 000 0005 NABDI Funding Number: BIA 000 0005 NABDI Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Category: Energy Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Coal-Based Power Plants of the Future Apply for DE FOA 0001931 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001931 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI: Pathways to Success for Next-Generation Supersized Wind Turbine Blades Apply for DE FOA 0001932 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001932 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Building America Industry Partnerships and Research Priorities for High Performance Housing Innovation – 2018 Apply for DE FOA 0001824 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001824 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| USAID/Afghanistan Broad Agency Announcement for Energy Apply for BAA AFG ENERGY 2018 Funding Number: BAA AFG ENERGY 2018 Agency: Agency for International Development, Dominican Republic USAID-Santo Domingo Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/Afghanistan Broad Agency Announcement for Energy Apply for BAA AFG ENERGY2018 Funding Number: BAA AFG ENERGY2018 Agency: Agency for International Development, Afghanistan USAID-Kabul Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NOVEL METHODS FOR MAKING PRODUCTS FROM CARBON DIOXIDE OR COAL Apply for DE FOA 0001849 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001849 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| RFI: Marine and Hydrokinetic Metrics Apply for DE FOA 0001903 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001903 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0001874", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.