The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is charged with delivering clean energy demonstration projects in conjunction with industry. Some $25+ billion has been designated by Congress for the purposes of getting these demonstration projects built and ready for commercialization. While this is a lot of money, it is probably not enough to generate a substantial number of demonstration plants. One feature is to establish Centers of Excellence for project management of these programs. There is an engagement and outreach group that is looking to improve communications with industry.

OCED is firmly in the demonstration stage of RDD&D. They are to bridge the gap between development and deployment. Projects will be evaluated across EPC costs, business development, community benefits, safety, and environment benefits. Typical projects take around 10 years. Funding must be obligated by 2026.

Industrial Decarbonization is an incredibly complex problem. Energy efficiency, electrification, low carbon fuels, and CCS/CCUS. The legislation has identified energy intensive industries for priority consideration. The infrastructure bill has identified $6.3 billion for projects. For FY 2022 – 2025. However, the funds do not expire. Process heat, alternate feedstocks, and CCS are key cross cutting features across industries.

The Justice40 Initiative is intended to drive 40% of the benefits of these projects toward underserved communities. There is an OECD website and newsletter. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. The website is energy.gov/OCED.

Christina Walrond, USDOE