The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) have announced funding availability via the MACRO: Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity. Up to $18.8 million will be awarded to address research and development (R&D) challenges in converting algae, such as seaweeds and other wet waste feedstocks, to biofuels and bioproducts that can decarbonize domestic transportation, industry, and communities.

Seaweeds, also known as macroalgae, are an emerging biomass resource with unique benefits compared to land-based biomass systems. However, they are underutilized and are difficult to convert due to their variability, unique chemical makeup, and storage instability. Overcoming these conversion challenges will help build algae biomass supply chains, accelerate their demand, and ultimately drive the U.S. bioeconomy by enabling greater volumes of sustainable aviation fuel and carbon dioxide conversion to algae.

There are two focus areas:  

• Topic Area 1 (funded by BETO): Conversion of Seaweeds to Low Carbon Fuels and Bioproducts will focus on laboratory scale R&D on conversion of seaweeds and seaweed blends with other wet wastes to renewable fuels and bioproducts to enable these readily available feedstocks to access new markets.
• Topic Area 2 (funded by FECM): Conversion of Algal Biomass for Low-Carbon Agricultural Bioproducts will focus on near or completely integrated technologies that utilize CO₂ emissions streams from industrial sources or utilities to grow algae for source material and create value-added bioproducts. Of particular interest is the conversion and processing of bioproducts for use in agriculture and animal feed.

Both topic areas contribute to BETO’s strategic goals for SAFs and other low-carbon bioproducts, as well as FECM’s aims to use CO₂ emissions to grow algae and convert these feedstocks into low-carbon agricultural bioproducts.

BETO anticipates making approximately five to six financial assistance awards lasting from 24 to 36 months.

FECM intends to award three to four financial assistance awards that will run up to 24 months in length.

The concept paper deadline is 5 p.m. EST on May 10, 2024, and full applications are due 5 p.m. EST on June 27, 2024.

Learn more here.