Program Summary
The mission of the DOE FE Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) program is to enable the efficient generation of low-cost electricity for (a) 2nd Generation natural gas-fueled SOFC DG systems and modular, coal-fueled systems and (b) Transformational coal or natural gas-fueled utility-scale systems with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).
The targeted technology developments and performance objectives for the SOFC program apply to units fueled by both natural gas and coal-derived syngas, resulting in a system that can utilize existing natural gas distribution infrastructure, or that can be readily integrated with a coal gasifier.听 The performance and reliability enhancements and cost reduction pursued by the SOFC program for coal-fueled utility-scale generation are aligned with the near-term distributed generation goals of industry鈥攚ithout compromising the goals of the coal-based program.
The SOFC Program, through its initial focus on developing 2nd Generation cell technology, has confirmed that single-cell performance and degradation rates meet DOE cost and reliability targets.听 Thus, the Program approach is now to mature the overall system technology through a series of progressively larger proof-of-concept (POC) tests, integrated prototype tests, and pilot-scale tests to resolve design, operation, performance, and cost considerations at the power system level.听
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, the SOFC Program will solicit applications under this FOA to听competitively award projects to move the 2nd Generation SOFC technology from its present state of POC and prototype tests to the pilot-scale.
Deadlines
Internal Expression of Interest Deadline: 11:59pm MST March 21, 2018
DOE Application Due Date: May 7, 2018
Eligibility
There are no special eligibility restrictions.
Limited Submission Guidelines
Applicants may submit only one full application for this opportunity.
Award Information and Duration
Expected Number of Awards: 6
Estimated Total Program Funding: $23,000,000
The cost share must be at least 20% of the total allowable costs for research and development projects and must come from non-Federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.