Improving Efficiency, Reliability, & Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants Program

KEY INFORMATION

NOI Number: DE-FOA-0003606

Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0003607

Agency: Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management

Anticipated Release Date: October 2025

Total Program Funding: $100,000,000

Award Range: $5,000,000 to $10,000,000

Cost Share: 20% for design phase,  50% for demonstration phase

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW       

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced its intent to release the "Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants" program in October 2025. The planned program aims to support the strategic refurbishment of coal-fired facilities through the development and implementation of advanced wastewater management systems, dual firing retrofits, and natural gas cofiring systems. Projects are expected to follow a stage-gated approach, with individual awards structured in sequential phases and subject to go/no-go decision points between phases.

 

TOPIC AREAS 

Topic 1: Development and Implementation of Advanced Wastewater Management Systems

Up to five awards will be made under this topic, with total federal funding of $50,000,000. The objective is to demonstrate scalable, cost-effective wastewater management systems that enhance water recovery from regulated wastestreams, reduce operational costs, and improve commercial byproduct recovery. Systems of interest will emphasize energy efficiency optimization and capital cost reduction, with a focus on recovering high-quality byproducts. Funding will support the development, engineering, and implementation of advanced wastewater management systems at existing coal plants.

 

Topic 2: Engineering and Implementation of Dual Firing Retrofits

Up to five awards will be made under this topic, with total federal funding of $25,000,000. The objective is to enable coal plants to seamlessly switch between coal and natural gas, achieving full steam capacity, emissions compliance, and economic advantages through fuel flexibility. Funding will support engineering studies to adapt existing infrastructure, component testing to optimize combustion, and full-scale implementation to validate system performance across varying loads. Additional activities will include workforce training and integration of automated controls to reduce capital costs and enhance competitiveness amid natural gas price fluctuations.

 

Topic 3: Development and Testing of Natural Gas Cofiring Systems

Up to five awards will be made under this topic, with total federal funding of $25,000,000. The objective is to develop systems capable of achieving up to 100% natural gas cofiring in coal boilers, reducing CO₂ emissions by 20–40% and other pollutants by up to 50%, while maintaining efficiency and meeting regulatory requirements at an estimated cost of $50/kW. Funding will support the development, engineering, and testing of advanced natural gas cofiring systems. Anticipated activities include burner modifications to accommodate 40–100% gas input, implementation of advanced control systems for fuel balance, and operational testing to optimize performance and efficiency.

 

ELIGIBILITY    

Cost Share: This program requires a cost-share contribution. The minimum non-federal share is expected to be 20% during the design phases and at least 50% for projects advancing to the demonstration and validation phase.

 

KEY DATES 

Anticipated Release Date: October 2025

 

RESOURCES 

View the full NOI here.