The U.S. Department of Energy`s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is encouraging innovators, researchers and manufacturers to partner with the DOE`s national laboratories to accelerate wood heater innovation.

BETO issued a statement on July 11 encouraging those who are interested in accelerating wood heater innovation and developing the next generation of efficient and clean wood heaters to apply for the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement administered by Brookhaven National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The CRADA is funded by BETO.

Parties selected to participate in the CRADA will work collaboratively with and leverage the unique expertise of BNL and LBNL to develop and validate the performance of innovative wood heater technologies and leverage the capabilities of these national labs to advance wood heater projects. Selected parties will also receive research support for improving wood heater combustion technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions and optimize overall performance; obtain support for R&D of hydrogen technologies-such as the integration of heat pumps with wood heaters-to further enhance efficiency, sustainability and performance in residential heating systems; harness the full potential of data by leveraging data analysis in support from Wood Heater Innovation Collaboration partnering national laboratories; and support energy justice through development of low-emission wood heater technologies that disproportionately affect marginalized and low-income communities.

According to the DOE, at least $4 million will be made available for the CRADA, with as many of six projects selected to participate. Project duration will be 12 to 18 months. Applicants are expected to provide a 20 percent cost share of requested funds.

The WHIC is hosting an informational webinar focused on the CRADA call on July 14. The webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Concept papers are due Aug. 11, with full proposals due Nov. 3. Parties selected to participate in the CRADA are currently expected to be notified in December.