Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC)

This NOFO supports BETO’s research and development (R&D) priorities in the areas of Conversion R&D. Specifically, it supports research and development of domestic chemicals and fuels from a variety of biomass and waste resources. Producing chemicals and propane/liquid petroleum gas (LPG) from renewable feedstocks helps to safeguard domestic supply chains, secure energy independence, support rural economies, and improve global competitiveness of the industry. This NOFO contains two topics: Topic Area 1: Bio-based ChemicalsThis Topic Area will support development and adoption of new production methods for value-added chemicals from biomass. Topic Area 2: Bio-based Propane/LPGThis Topic Area seeks to pursue new pathways for the production of sustainable liquefied propane and/or petroleum gases (LPG) from a variety of feedstocks including municipal waste, agricultural residues, forest resources, and fats, oils, and grease. Please see the full FOA document at eere-exchange.energy.gov. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to [email protected]. The required Concept Paper due date for this FOA is 3/14/2025 at 5PM ET. The Full Application due date for this FOA is 5/30/2025 at 5PM ET.As stated in the Notice of Intent (search DE-FOA-0003517 in eXCHANGE), a Teaming Partner List has been compiled to encourage collaboration and facilitate the formation of new project teams. Visit: TPL-0000064 Teaming Partner List for DE-FOA-0003517 NOI to Publish DE-FOA-0003518 and DE-FOA-0003520.The eXCHANGE system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants. Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance ([email protected]). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators ([email protected]) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues. Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance ([email protected]). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators ([email protected]) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of, and with the Applicant's concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance; and c) has submitted the application through eXCHANGE within 24 hours of the FOA's posted deadline.