Discretionary

Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels

The Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels (BPAB) is intended to pay advanced biofuel producers to expand their production levels. Other than corn starch ethanol, nearly every other type of biofuel is eligible for the program, including ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, butanol or biofuels derived from cellulose (like perennial grasses or agricultural residues), sugar or starches, waste […]

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Biological and Environmental Research – Biological Systems Science

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program conducts peer-reviewed scientific research, involving studying health and environmental issues. In 2007, the DOE established three Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) in order to focus advanced biotechnology-based resources on biofuel production. According to the DOE, the BRCs are presently conducting research on processes needed for […]

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Biomass Crop Assistance Program

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) was intended to spur development of advanced biofuels derived from non-food and feed crops. The goal was to pay individuals and companies to plant perennial grasses, harvest agricultural residues, collect wood waste, store biomass and transport these materials to bioenergy facilities. Instead of achieving these goals, the program provided […]

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Biomass Research and Development

The Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) is a joint program between the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture that provides grants to companies, universities and government research centers to research, develop and demonstrate new ways to refine various feedstocks into biofuels or biobased chemicals and products. The program, originally created in the Biomass Research […]

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Reactor Concepts Research and Development

The Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) program uses taxpayer funding to develop and demonstrate new commercial reactor designs. The program includes research and development of small modular reactors, light water reactor improvement and advanced reactor designs. Renamed in fiscal year 2011, the Reactor Concepts RD&D program was formerly the […]

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Rural Energy for America Program

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)—most recently reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill—provides loan guarantees and grants for rural small business and agricultural producers to purchase renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, energy audits and feasibility studies. Renewable energy systems include wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, hydrogen and ocean power. Even though REAP was […]

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Stand-by Support for Nuclear Plant Delays

This program allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to cover up to $2 billion in costs caused by delays imposed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s process or litigation. The Secretary of Energy is authorized  to provide contracted standby support for up to six nuclear power plants, providing full coverage (up to $500 million) to the […]

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Department of Energy Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program

The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) uses taxpayer money to develop and demonstrate advanced reactors through cost-share agreements with the nuclear industry. There are three pathways through which industry partners can apply: (1) advanced reactor demonstrations, which will support the development of advanced nuclear reactors that are expected to be fully functional within seven years […]

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