DE-FOA-0003387 Vision OPEN 2024.pdf

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

AR-311-02.23

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY – ENERGY (ARPA-E)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Vision OPEN 2024

Announcement Type: Initial Announcement Funding Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0003387

CFDA Number 81.135

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Issue Date: May 22, 2024 First Deadline for Questions to ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov: 5 PM ET, July 8, 2024 Submission Deadline for Concept Papers: 9:30 AM ET, July 16, 2024 Second Deadline for Questions to ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov: 5 PM ET, TBD Submission Deadline for Full Applications: 9:30 AM ET, TBD Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments: 5 PM ET, TBD Expected Date for Selection Notifications: April 2025 Total Amount to Be Awarded Approximately $150 million, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Anticipated Awards ARPA-E may issue one, multiple, or no awards under this FOA. The Federal share of awards may vary between $250,000 and $10 million.

• For eligibility criteria, see Section III.A of the FOA.

• For cost share requirements under this FOA, see Section III.B of the FOA.

• To apply to this FOA, Applicants must register with and submit application materials through ARPA-E eXCHANGE (https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Registration.aspx). For detailed guidance on using ARPA-E eXCHANGE, see Section IV.H.1 of the FOA.

• Applicants are responsible for meeting each submission deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least 48 hours in advance of the submission deadline.

• For detailed guidance on compliance and responsiveness criteria, see Sections III.C.1 through III.C.4 of the FOA.

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov mailto:ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov mailto:ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Registration.aspx

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST .................................................................................................................- 1 -

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................- 2 -

A. AGENCY OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................... - 2 - B. PROGRAM OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................ - 4 - C. PROGRAM GOALS, TOPICS, AND SUBTOPICS .......................................................................................................... - 7 -

1. GOAL 1: GHG-FREE ABUNDANT PRIMARY ENERGY .......................................................................................... - 7 -

2. GOAL 2: INTERMODAL ENERGY SUPERHIGHWAY ............................................................................................... - 9 -

3. GOAL 3: CARBON AS A SUSTAINABLE BUILDING BLOCK OF THE FUTURE .............................................................. - 11 -

D. TECHNICAL CATEGORIES FOR REVIEW PURPOSES .................................................................................................. - 15 -

II. AWARD INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... - 22 -

A. AWARD OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................... - 22 - B. RENEWAL AWARDS ......................................................................................................................................... - 22 - C. ARPA-E FUNDING AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................................................... - 23 -

1. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS........................................................................................................................ - 23 -

2. FUNDING AGREEMENTS WITH FFRDCS/DOE LABS, GOGOS, AND FEDERAL INSTRUMENTALITIES .......................... - 23 -

3. OTHER TRANSACTIONS AUTHORITY .............................................................................................................. - 24 -

D. STATEMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT ....................................................................................................... - 25 -

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ - 26 -

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ....................................................................................................................................... - 26 -

1. INDIVIDUALS ............................................................................................................................................. - 26 -

2. DOMESTIC ENTITIES ................................................................................................................................... - 26 -

3. FOREIGN ENTITIES ..................................................................................................................................... - 26 -

4. CONSORTIUM ENTITIES ............................................................................................................................... - 27 -

B. COST SHARING ............................................................................................................................................... - 27 -

1. BASE COST SHARE REQUIREMENT ................................................................................................................ - 27 -

2. INCREASED COST SHARE REQUIREMENT ........................................................................................................ - 28 -

3. REDUCED COST SHARE REQUIREMENT .......................................................................................................... - 28 -

4. LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY ............................................................................................................................... - 29 -

5. COST SHARE ALLOCATION ........................................................................................................................... - 29 -

6. COST SHARE TYPES AND ALLOWABILITY ........................................................................................................ - 29 -

7. COST SHARE CONTRIBUTIONS BY FFRDCS AND GOGOS .................................................................................. - 30 -

8. COST SHARE VERIFICATION ......................................................................................................................... - 31 -

C. OTHER .......................................................................................................................................................... - 31 -

1. COMPLIANT CRITERIA ................................................................................................................................. - 31 -

2. RESPONSIVENESS CRITERIA.......................................................................................................................... - 32 -

3. SUBMISSIONS SPECIFICALLY NOT OF INTEREST ................................................................................................. - 33 -

4. LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF SUBMISSIONS .................................................................................................... - 34 -

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION ................................................................................ - 35 -

A. APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................... - 35 -

1. REGISTRATION IN ARPA-E eXCHANGE ...................................................................................................... - 35 -

2. CONCEPT PAPERS ...................................................................................................................................... - 35 -http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

3. FULL APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... - 35 -

4. REPLY TO REVIEWER COMMENTS ................................................................................................................. - 36 -

5. PRE-SELECTION CLARIFICATIONS AND “DOWN-SELECT” PROCESS ...................................................................... - 36 -

6. SELECTION FOR AWARD NEGOTIATIONS ........................................................................................................ - 36 -

B. APPLICATION FORMS ....................................................................................................................................... - 37 - C. CONTENT AND FORM OF CONCEPT PAPERS .......................................................................................................... - 37 -

1. CONCEPT PAPER ........................................................................................................................................ - 38 - A. CONCEPT SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. - 38 - B. INNOVATION AND IMPACT .......................................................................................................................... - 38 - C. PROPOSED WORK ..................................................................................................................................... - 38 - D. TEAM ORGANIZATION AND CAPABILITIES ...................................................................................................... - 39 -

D. CONTENT AND FORM OF FULL APPLICATIONS ....................................................................................................... - 39 - E. CONTENT AND FORM OF REPLIES TO REVIEWER COMMENTS .................................................................................. - 39 - F. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW ......................................................................................................................... - 39 - G. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS ................................................................................................................................... - 39 -

1. ALLOWABLE COSTS .................................................................................................................................... - 39 -

2. PRE-AWARD COSTS ................................................................................................................................... - 39 -

3. PATENT COSTS .......................................................................................................................................... - 40 -

4. CONSTRUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... - 40 -

5. FOREIGN TRAVEL ....................................................................................................................................... - 40 -

6. PERFORMANCE OF WORK IN THE UNITED STATES ............................................................................................ - 40 -

7. PURCHASE OF NEW EQUIPMENT .................................................................................................................. - 41 -

8. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND OUTREACH ...................................................................................................... - 41 -

9. LOBBYING ................................................................................................................................................ - 42 -

10. CONFERENCE SPENDING ............................................................................................................................. - 42 -

11. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS....................................................................................... - 42 -

12. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT ................. - 43 -

13. BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS .............................................................. - 43 -

14. REQUIREMENT FOR FINANCIAL PERSONNEL .................................................................................................... - 44 -

H. OTHER SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................. - 44 -

1. USE OF ARPA-E eXCHANGE .................................................................................................................... - 44 -

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ................................................................................................... - 46 -

A. CRITERIA ....................................................................................................................................................... - 46 -

1. CRITERIA FOR CONCEPT PAPERS ................................................................................................................... - 46 -

2. CRITERIA FOR FULL APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................................ - 47 -

3. CRITERIA FOR REPLIES TO REVIEWER COMMENTS ............................................................................................ - 47 -

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS ...................................................................................................................... - 47 -

1. PROGRAM POLICY FACTORS ........................................................................................................................ - 47 -

2. ARPA-E REVIEWERS ................................................................................................................................. - 48 -

3. ARPA-E SUPPORT CONTRACTORS ............................................................................................................... - 48 -

C. ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT AND AWARD DATES ............................................................................................. - 49 -

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION ........................................................................................ - 50 -

A. AWARD NOTICES ............................................................................................................................................ - 50 -

1. REJECTED SUBMISSIONS ............................................................................................................................. - 50 -http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

2. CONCEPT PAPER NOTIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. - 50 -

3. FULL APPLICATION NOTIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................... - 50 -

B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... - 50 -

1. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER AND SAM, FSRS, AND FEDCONNECT REGISTRATIONS ............................................... - 51 -

2. NATIONAL POLICY ASSURANCES ................................................................................................................... - 52 -

3. PROOF OF COST SHARE COMMITMENT AND ALLOWABILITY .............................................................................. - 52 -

4. COST SHARE PAYMENTS ............................................................................................................................. - 52 -

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT QUESTIONNAIRE ................................................................................................... - 53 -

6. TECHNOLOGY-TO-MARKET PLAN ................................................................................................................. - 53 -

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND DATA MANAGEMENT PLANS ............................................................................. - 53 -

8. U.S. COMPETITIVENESS .............................................................................................................................. - 54 -

9. CORPORATE FELONY CONVICTIONS AND FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY ........................................................................ - 55 -

10. APPLICANT RISK ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................... - 56 -

11. RECIPIENT INTEGRITY AND PERFORMANCE MATTERS ....................................................................................... - 56 -

12. NONDISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS REPRESENTATIONS .......................................................... - 57 -

13. INTERIM CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE .................................................................. - 58 -

14. COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN AND SOFTWARE REPORTING ................................................................................. - 58 -

15. FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE ....................................................................................................................... - 58 -

C. REPORTING .................................................................................................................................................... - 59 -

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS ........................................................................................................................... - 60 -

A. COMMUNICATIONS WITH ARPA-E .................................................................................................................... - 60 - B. DEBRIEFINGS .................................................................................................................................................. - 61 -

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... - 62 -

A. TITLE TO SUBJECT INVENTIONS .......................................................................................................................... - 62 - B. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN SUBJECT INVENTIONS ................................................................................................... - 62 -

1. GOVERNMENT USE LICENSE ........................................................................................................................ - 63 -

2. MARCH-IN RIGHTS .................................................................................................................................... - 63 -

C. RIGHTS IN TECHNICAL DATA .............................................................................................................................. - 63 - D. PROTECTED PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION .......................................................................................... - 64 - E. FOAS AND FOA MODIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................... - 64 - F. OBLIGATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS.......................................................................................................................... - 65 - G. REQUIREMENT FOR FULL AND COMPLETE DISCLOSURE .......................................................................................... - 65 - H. RETENTION OF SUBMISSIONS ............................................................................................................................ - 65 - I. MARKING OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ - 65 - J. EXPORT CONTROL INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................... - 66 - K. COMPLIANCE AUDIT REQUIREMENT ................................................................................................................... - 66 -

IX. GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................................ - 67 -http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

- 1 -

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

For an overview of the application process, see Section IV.A of the FOA.

For guidance regarding requisite application forms, see Section IV.B of the FOA.

For guidance regarding the content and form of Concept Papers, Full Applications, and Replies to Reviewer Comments, see Sections IV.C, IV.D, and IV.E of the FOA.

SUBMISSION COMPONENTS OPTIONAL/

MANDATORY

FOA

SECTION DEADLINE

Concept Paper

• Each Applicant must submit a Concept Paper in Adobe PDF format by the stated deadline. The Concept Paper must not exceed 4 pages in length including graphics, figures, and/or tables, and must include the following:

o Concept Summary o Innovation and Impact o Proposed Work o Team Organization and Capabilities

Mandatory IV.C 9:30 AM ET, July 16, 2024

Full Application [TO BE INSERTED BY FOA MODIFICATION IN NOVEMBER 2024]

Mandatory IV.D 9:30 AM ET, TBD

Reply to Reviewer Comments

[TO BE INSERTED BY FOA MODIFICATION IN NOVEMBER

2024] Optional IV.E 5 PM ET, TBD http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

- 2 -

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. AGENCY OVERVIEW

The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), an organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), is chartered by Congress in the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-69), as amended by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111- 358), as further amended by the Energy Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-260):

“(A) to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States through the development of energy technologies that—

(i) reduce imports of energy from foreign sources;

(ii) reduce energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases;

(iii) improve the energy efficiency of all economic sectors;

(iv) provide transformative solutions to improve the management, clean-up, and disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; and

(v) improve the resilience, reliability, and security of infrastructure to produce, deliver, and store energy; and

(B) to ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies.”

ARPA-E issues this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under its authorizing statute codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16538. The FOA and any cooperative agreements or grants made under this FOA are subject to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 910.

ARPA-E funds research on, and the development of, transformative science and technology solutions to address the energy and environmental missions of the Department. The agency focuses on technologies that can be meaningfully advanced with a modest investment over a defined period of time in order to catalyze the translation from scientific discovery to early-stage technology. For the latest news and information about ARPA-E, its programs and the research projects currently supported, see: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/.

ARPA-E funds transformational research. Existing energy technologies generally progress on established “learning curves” where refinements to a technology and the economies of scale that accrue as manufacturing and distribution develop drive improvements to the cost/performance metric in a gradual fashion. This continual improvement of a technology is important to its increased commercial deployment and is appropriately the focus of the private sector or the applied technology offices within DOE. In contrast, ARPA-E supports transformative research that has the potential to create fundamentally new learning curves.

ARPA-E technology projects typically start with cost/performance estimates well above the level of an incumbent technology. Given the high risk inherent in these projects, many will fail to progress, but some may succeed in generating a new learning curve with a projected cost/performance metric that is significantly better than that of the incumbent technology.

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov http://arpa-e.energy.gov/

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

- 3 -

ARPA-E funds technology with the potential to be disruptive in the marketplace. The mere creation of a new learning curve does not ensure market penetration. Rather, the ultimate value of a technology is determined by the marketplace, and impactful technologies ultimately become disruptive – that is, they are widely adopted and displace existing technologies from the marketplace or create entirely new markets. ARPA-E understands that definitive proof of market disruption takes time, particularly for energy technologies. Therefore, ARPA-E funds the development of technologies that, if technically successful, have clear disruptive potential, e.g., by demonstrating capability for manufacturing at competitive cost and deployment at scale.

ARPA-E funds applied research and development. The Office of Management and Budget defines “applied research” as an “original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge…directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective” and defines “experimental development” as “creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes.”1 Applicants interested in receiving financial assistance for basic research (defined by the Office of Management and Budget as “experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts”)2 should contact the DOE’s Office of Science (http://science.energy.gov/). Office of Science national scientific user facilities (http://science.energy.gov/user-facilities/) are open to all researchers, including ARPA-E Applicants and awardees. These facilities provide advanced tools of modern science including accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, as well as facilities for studying the nanoworld, the environment, and the atmosphere. Projects focused on early-stage R&D for the improvement of technology along defined roadmaps may be more appropriate for support through the DOE applied energy offices including: the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (http://www.eere.energy.gov/), the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-management), the Office of Nuclear Energy (http://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy), and the Office of Electricity (https://www.energy.gov/oe/office-electricity).

1 OMB Circular A-11 (https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/a11_web_toc.pdf), Section 84,

pg. 3.

2 OMB Circular A-11 (https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/a11_web_toc.pdf), Section 84,

pg. 3.

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov http://science.energy.gov/ http://science.energy.gov/user-facilities/ http://www.eere.energy.gov/ https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-management https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-management http://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy https://www.energy.gov/oe/office-electricity

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

- 4 -

B. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The energy transition towards net-zero by 20503 demands an unprecedented level of innovation that must be completed in the span of a generation. Global primary energy usage has increased continuously for the past century. This increase is expected to continue with improved standards of living and the rapid expansion of new technologies with high levels of energy-intensive computation, such as artificial intelligence.4

Present grid capacity is constrained and cannot accommodate these increasing primary energy needs to reliably deliver power on demand.5 Meanwhile, all paths through the energy transition require concurrent efforts to decouple the production of essential carbon-based materials from harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Since the Agency’s inception, the ARPA-E OPEN program has served as an opportunity to advance transformative energy breakthroughs in critical areas that fall outside the scope of its technology-focused programs. Vision OPEN challenges the research community to develop groundbreaking technologies to enable a future energy landscape that is dramatically different.

The Vision includes three goals that are critical to achieve a sustainable energy and carbon transition with:

1) GHG-free6 abundant primary energy;

2) An intermodal energy superhighway that transports diversified forms of primary energy;

and

3) A carbon transition that sustainably meets demand for polymers and other materials.

An illustration capturing this reimagined world is shown in Figure 1.

These goals will enable a novel and robust global energy system that responsibly meets the needs and aspirations of future generations. Achieving these three goals by 2050 will necessitate development and deployment of disruptive and ambitious technologies at an unparalleled speed and scale.

3 The Long-Term Strategy of the United States: Pathways to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050. United States Department of State and the United States Executive Office of the President, November 2021.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/US-Long-Term-Strategy.pdf.

4 Figure 3. International Energy Outlook 2023. United States Energy Information Administration, October 2023.

https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/ieo/pdf/IEO2023_Narrative.pdf 5 National Transmission Needs Study. United States Department of Energy, October 2023.

https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/National%20Transmission%20Needs%20Study%20- %20Final_2023.12.1.pdf.

6 For the purposes of the Vision OPEN 2024 FOA, GHG-free is defined as “primary energy sources with extremely limited, direct scope 1 GHG emissions.” Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization (“Scope 1 and Scope 2 Inventory Guidance.” EPA.gov. Accessed May 2024. https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventory-guidance.)

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/US-Long-Term-Strategy.pdf https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/ieo/pdf/IEO2023_Narrative.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/National%20Transmission%20Needs%20Study%20-%20Final_2023.12.1.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/National%20Transmission%20Needs%20Study%20-%20Final_2023.12.1.pdf https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/scope-1-and-scope-2-inventory-guidance

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

- 5 -

Figure 1. Illustration of Vision OPEN 2024 vision and goals in the U.S.

GHG-Free Abundant Primary Energy

The global energy network is in the process of transitioning from a primarily fossil carbon foundation towards a novel set of diversified forms of primary energy. This transition is contingent on scaling GHG-free primary energy supplies by approximately 10 times to reach an annual baseline of 300,000 terawatt hours (TWh).4,7 Achieving a sufficient output demands a strategy to accelerate the deployment of mature GHG-free primary energy technologies while simultaneously advancing research and development of transformative nascent technologies.

Innovation must be supported and leveraged across multiple research areas, including fundamental design, manufacturing, installation, and deployment of energy technologies. The future GHG-free energy composition will be shaped by the competitive economics of primary energy technologies that emerge to meet reliable and affordable global energy needs.

Intermodal Energy Superhighway

Future generations will need to access a global grid that distributes approximately 13 terawatts (TW) of uninterrupted power from new, diverse, and abundant energy sources, without regard to where those sources are located.8 To address this challenge, an intermodal energy superhighway is needed to transfer energy through several modalities – not just electrical

7 “Global Direct Primary Energy Consumption.” Our World in Data. Accessed May 2024.

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/global-primary-energy.

8 World Energy Outlook 2022. International Energy Agency, October 2022. https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022.

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/global-primary-energy https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022 https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

- 6 -power. These advanced technologies will streamline interconnection, address intermittency, and supply energy at a massive scale. This integrated energy network will leverage existing or displace present infrastructure to facilitate seamless deployment. A wide range of primary energy will be transferred through various networks (e.g., electrical, chemical, and thermal) designed to support its efficient, reliable, and inexpensive distribution.

The envisioned intermodal energy superhighway will include new pipeline and associated transfer media as well as upgrades to existing transfer infrastructure. Major technological challenges must be addressed to attain the right specifications, including bi-directional, resilient, and efficient energy flow to and from the point of use. To complement these specifications, energy delivery must be optimized to manage dynamic loads, intermittent sources, and systems via advanced or disruptive designs.

Carbon as a Sustainable Building Block of the Future

One consequence of the long-standing dominance of fossil fuels is an abundant supply of ubiquitous fossil materials. While most carbon in petroleum and natural gas is used for combustion, 10-15% of this carbon is converted to diverse products ranging from plastics to asphalts.9, 10 Plastic production alone contributes roughly 7% of global energy-related CO2 emissions,11 and its end-of-life disposal raises significant environmental concerns.12

A carbon transition that is complementary to the envisioned energy transition must involve reimagining sources and uses of carbon. Technological advances needed to position carbon as a sustainable building block of the future include engineering plants and algae into “living refineries” of atmospheric carbon; transforming fossil refineries into low-GHG materials factories; applying advanced carbon allotropes to energy technologies and sequestration; and scaling up new polymers that are recyclable by design. Together, these advances can enable new energy technologies and have the co-benefits of mitigating GHG emissions to the atmosphere and reducing waste.

The goals set forth by this Vision require disruptive and ambitious technologies. Additionally, the massive infrastructure needed can only be deployed by commercial market adoption.

Therefore, the technologies developed should have plausible economic pathways to commercialization that leverage existing economic and financial frameworks.

9 “Oil and Petroleum Products Explained.” United States Energy Information Administration, June 12, 2023.

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/ 10 Levi, Peter G., and Jonathan M. Cullen. “Mapping Global Flows of Chemicals: From Fossil Fuel Feedstocks to Chemical Products.” Environmental Science; Technology 52, no. 4 (February 8, 2018): 1725–34.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b04573.

11 Stegmann, Paul, Vassilis Daioglou, Marc Londo, Detlef P. van Vuuren, and Martin Junginger. “Plastic Futures and Their CO2 Emissions.” Nature 612, no. 7939 (December 7, 2022): 272–76. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022- 05422-5.

12 “Sustainable Management of Plastics.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, April 22, 2024.

https://www.epa.gov/plastics.

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/ https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b04573 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05422-5 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05422-5 https://www.epa.gov/plastics

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

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C. PROGRAM GOALS, TOPICS, AND SUBTOPICS

Each submission to Vision OPEN must only address one Subtopic. In addition, each submission must identify at least one Technical Category as described in Section I.D.

1. GOAL 1: GHG-FREE ABUNDANT PRIMARY ENERGY

This first goal seeks to provide a path to a complete transition of global primary energy supply to GHG-free forms by 2050, while increasing the primary energy supply. This will be realized through innovations that accelerate deployment of GHG-free primary energy and advance both new and nascent technologies.

Global primary energy use has continuously increased for the past century. The International Energy Agency’s Net-Zero by 2050 roadmap calls for a decrease in total energy supply to reach a net-zero energy system.13 However, energy use is expected to rise due to various factors, including improvements in standards of living and increasing energy demand from computing technologies.14 Meeting future primary energy needs will require supply to increase globally, even with increases in utilization efficiency.14

Accordingly, technologies considered under this goal should not rely on, in particular:15

• Primary energy supply reductions ascribed to increases in utilization efficiency; and

• Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS).

Rapid deployment and scaling of GHG-free energy is needed to achieve this goal by 2050.16

Innovative technological advancements will address the deployment rate and scale of GHG-free primary energy to provide the capacity necessary to realize this goal.

This goal addresses challenges to the economic displacement of traditional carbon sources by defining distinct technical topics. The sections below show the types of technologies that may be of interest. Examples are used for illustrative purposes and are not exhaustive.

Topic 1.A: Rapid Deployment

This topic seeks technologies that accelerate the deployment of mature GHG-free forms of primary energy. Approaches that apply to utility scale or distributed generation are welcome.

13 Figure 2.5. Net Zero by 2050 - A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. International Energy Agency, October 2021, 57. https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/deebef5d-0c34-4539-9d0c-10b13d840027/NetZeroby2050- ARoadmapfortheGlobalEnergySector_CORR.pdf.

14 International Energy Outlook 2023. United States Energy Information Administration, October 2023.

15 Additional Submissions Specifically Not of Interest are defined in Section III.C.3.

16 Insights Briefing. Energy Transitions Commission, January 2023. https://www.energy-transitions.org/publications/planning-and-permitting/.

http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/deebef5d-0c34-4539-9d0c-10b13d840027/NetZeroby2050-ARoadmapfortheGlobalEnergySector_CORR.pdf https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/deebef5d-0c34-4539-9d0c-10b13d840027/NetZeroby2050-ARoadmapfortheGlobalEnergySector_CORR.pdf https://www.energy-transitions.org/publications/planning-and-permitting/ https://www.energy-transitions.org/publications/planning-and-permitting/

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

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Subtopic 1.A.1: Design and Manufacturing. Primary energy sources that are easier to design and faster to build in a cost-effective manner. Example technologies for Subtopic 1.A.1 include but are not limited to:

• Novel component designs such as modular, distributed configurations that can make parts easier to transport and assemble; and

• Novel manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing, that reduce the manufacturing time or allow the use of complex structures or materials.

Subtopic 1.A.2: Installation. Technologies that enable faster onsite construction and assembly of primary energy systems. Example technologies for Subtopic 1.A.2 include but are not limited to:

• Robotic and automated construction methods; and

• New multivariant systems and models.

Topic 1.B: Transformative Advances

This topic seeks innovations in nascent GHG-free forms of primary energy that improve learning curves and make rapid deployment possible. A focus on forms of firm, dense primary energy that can replace coal, oil, and natural gas in the energy mix is encouraged.

Subtopic 1.B.1: Breakthrough Progression. Discoveries in primary energy that change what is possible. Example technologies for Subtopic 1.B.1 include but are not limited to:

• Technologies to increase production, functionality, or resource characterization for enhanced geothermal systems;

• Transformational control systems for advanced power plants;

• Pivotal technologies to accelerate the realization of fusion energy, including novel fusion concepts; and

• Next-generation technologies to accelerate wind, wave, or other fluid-driven power generators.

Subtopic 1.B.2: New Sources. Fundamentally new forms of primary energy that have not been explored.

Lastly, any justifications used to define success criteria for a primary energy technology should illustrate relevance to the net-zero 2050 targets and a pathway to market-based cost competitiveness.

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

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2. GOAL 2: INTERMODAL ENERGY SUPERHIGHWAY

To meet the nation’s growing energy needs, ARPA-E envisions an intermodal energy superhighway that will reliably and efficiently distribute roughly 13 TW of power.17 This goal requires transformational technologies that enable the large-scale expansion of transfer capabilities through the creation of novel energy transport systems and the optimization of existing technologies using intelligent systems.

The future energy grid should be capable of seamlessly distributing energy from both continuous and intermittent energy sources, independent of geographic siting. Presently, 1,350 gigawatts (GW) of power generation and 680 GW of storage projects are awaiting domestic transmission interconnections.18 This is equivalent to approximately the entire present grid capacity for the United States. Additionally, while the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for newly installed wind and solar is lower than newly installed natural gas power plants, these energy resources are often not matched with demand due to non-ideal location and intermittent generation. As the energy network is decarbonized, there will be more opportunities to transport energy not just by electrons, but also in the form of molecules or phonons produced from renewable sources. To fully realize the benefits of low-cost abundant energy, an intermodal energy superhighway is envisioned as a nationwide network that resolves energy challenges associated with interconnection, intermittency, and access.

A transformational network infrastructure, without disruption and with universal connectivity, will be necessary to fully realize this goal. The new intermodal energy superhighway will need disruptive technology solutions.

This goal recognizes two main topics for transformative energy delivery technologies. The sections below show the types of technologies that may be of interest in each topic. Examples are used for illustrative purposes and are not exhaustive.

Topic 2.A: Novel and Efficient Energy Transport Systems

This topic seeks disruptive technologies that enable inexpensive, reliable, coast-to-coast energy distribution.

17 National Transmission Needs Study. United States Department of Energy, October 2023.

https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/National%20Transmission%20Needs%20Study%20- %20Final_2023.12.1.pdf.

18 Rand, Joseph, Rose Strauss, Will Gorman, Joachim Seel, Julie Mulvaney Kemp, Seongeun Jeong, Dana Robson, and Ryan H. Wiser. "Queued up: Characteristics of power plants seeking transmission interconnection as of the end of 2022." (2023). https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/queued_up_2022_04-06-2023.pdf http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq mailto:ARPA-E-OpenFOA@hq.doe.gov mailto:ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/National%20Transmission%20Needs%20Study%20-%20Final_2023.12.1.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/National%20Transmission%20Needs%20Study%20-%20Final_2023.12.1.pdf https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/queued_up_2022_04-06-2023.pdf

Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line); see FOA Sec. VII.A.

Problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE? Email ExchangeHelp@hq.doe.gov (with FOA name and number in subject line).

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Subtopic 2.A.1: Electrical Power Movement. Novel technologies to transport electricity more efficiently. Example technologies for Subtopic 2.A.1 include but are not limited to:

• Transmission infrastructure such as transformers, cable designs, and superconductors;

• Distribution infrastructure innovations (in either alternating or direct current modes) that enable resilient and efficient power flow to and from the point of generation and/or use.

Subtopic 2.A.2: Chemical Availability. Efficient chemical energy transport using novel technologies.