These objectives are to be explored through: (1) reducing plant capital/operation costs; (2) increasing overall plant efficiency; and (3) reducing the cost of lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

DOE is seeking R&D projects to investigate technologies that have the potential to decrease significantly the cost of producing syngas that is high in hydrogen, low in CH₄ and N₂, and with near-zero trace contaminants, such that they are applicable to high-carbon capture power production and/or liquid fuels production.

Possibilities include, but are not limited to:

• novel gasifiers that greatly increase availability/efficiency;
• gasifiers that provide the needed H2 to CO ratio without the need for water gas shift (WGS);
• novel applications for commercial gasifiers;
• co-gasification approaches;
• chemical looping gasification;
• new technologies to increase the hydrogen content of commercially available syngas;
• and technologies to separate CO and H₂.

DOE is especially interested in technologies and/or plant configurations that are small scale and economical (500 to 1000 TPD); have a high availability (98% as a stretch goal); and possess the ability to shut down and start up quickly.

The projects are to focus on physical R&D, and to culminate in a systems analysis intended to show the commercial potential for the technology being developed, based as much as practical on R&D progress made during the project. The systems analysis should cost no more than 20% of the project, or $250,000, whichever is least.

Technologies need not be limited to 100% coal; however, coal must be the predominant fuel (i.e., >50 percent by heating value).

DOE anticipates making two (2) to three (3) awards under this announcement depending on the size of the awards.