2003 Climate Change Fuel Cell Buy-Down Program

June 02, 2003

Summary

The U.S. Department of Defense, through the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), will issue grants to buy down the cost of stationary fuel cell demonstration projects, including fuel-cell-powered plants. Grant buydowns will not exceed the lesser of $1,000/kW or one-third of the total project cost--including unit cost, installation and one year of operation. It is anticipated that there will be 10-14 awards resulting from this solicitation. Approximately $2.8 million is available for awards. Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to purchase, install, operate and maintain fuel cell power plant(s) with a combined capacity rated between 3 kW and 3 MW. Except for manufacturers or developers of the fuel cell technology, any nonprofit or for-profit organization, university or other institution of higher education, or non-federal agency or entity is eligible to apply, unless otherwise restricted by the Simpson-Craig Amendment. Federal agencies are not eligible to apply for financial assistance under this solicitation. (Power plants purchased before June 28, 2001, are also ineligible for this grant program.) All fuel cell technologies are eligible. There is no restriction on fuel type. Applications are due on June 1, 2003. Awards are projected for September 2003. All project work and a final report detailing power plant operation must be completed by September 30, 2006. Click here to access the solicitation (Number DE-PS26-03NT41463). All questions relating to the solicitation must be submitted electronically. Responses to questions, as well as all amendments to the solicitation, will be publicly released.