Waste Analysis and Strategies for Transportation End-Uses (WASTE)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) & Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)

Purpose

To develop cost-effective strategies for communities to sustainably manage and recover potential clean energy sources from their waste streams. Funding is split into two topic areas: (1) feasibility Study Development Analyses to help move communities beyond a conceptualization phase, and (2) design Work and Experimental Validation to help communities further refine their project concepts.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Funding will support municipalities and transit authorities with waste-to-energy solutions for converting organic waste into feedstocks for various clean transportation fuel products that can benefit local energy economies.

Decarbonization Considerations

Municipal entities and local transit authorities have significant local demand for the energy that can be derived from bio-waste streams, including food waste, municipal wastewater slidges, animal manure, fats, oils, and greases. Waste-derived biogas or renewable natural gas (RNG) are being used to fuel bus fleets and trash collection vehicles and produce hydrogen for hydrogen-fueled vehicles. This funding can be used to produce renewable natural gas, partially upgraded biogas, hydrogen, biocrude, renewable diesel, renewable dimethyl ether, propane, or other renewable fuels from biowaste.

Equity Considerations

Applicants are highly encouraged to include individuals from groups historically underrepresented in STEM on their project teams. As part of the application, applicants are required to describe how diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives will be incorporated in the project.

Helpful Tips

Recipients of Topic Area 2: Design Work and Experimental Validation will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $10,000,000 to construct and operate a pilot-scale system.

Other Notes

N/A