R&D Portfolio
In chemical processing, feedstocks are combined to achieve targeted reactions, and then product mixtures must be separated to isolate the desired product in economically viable concentrations. Improving the conversion and selectively rates of reactions and the efficiency of separation will have significant impacts on reducing energy use in chemical plants. Better enabling technologies will improve the efficiency through out the plant. Promising technologies in the portfolio are demonstrated to accelerate commercialization. |
The Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) provides cost-shared funding for R&D projects that address industry-defined priorities as well as help meet national goals for energy and the environment. Projects focus on potentially high-payoff technologies that are too risky or costly to attract adequate private funding.
The ITP chemicals portfolio is currently composed of 22 active projects. In addition, the ITP has numerous completed projects that have produced direct benefits for the industry. The Chemicals portfolio also includes chemicals-related projects for the DOE Small Business and Innovation Research and Small Business and Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program.
ITP Chemicals responds to the unique challenges in the chemical industry by:
- Supporting collaborative, innovative R&D on chemical process technologies and design tools;
- Promoting demonstration of promising technologies; and
- Promoting the implementation of best practices and emerging technologies.
Collectively, these actions will help the chemical industry achieve its goal of a 30% reduction in energy, water use, and toxic and pollutant dispersion per unit of output by 2020.
To assure broad participation by chemical companies, solicitations are announced via email, in trade society publications, Web sites, meetings, the Commerce Business Daily, FedBizOpps, and the Chemicals IOF Web site. Selection of projects is based on merit-based criteria that emphasize projected energy, environmental, and economic benefits. Proposers assess these benefits using a standardized analysis procedure available in the online Project Assessment Tool. This standardized process ensures the selection of the most promising projects in the target area for pre-competitive R&D.
ITP Chemicals seeks to reduce energy intensity in the chemical industry. The strategy to achieve that goal evolves in response to new opportunities and emerging national priorities. Each year, chemical industry experts review active R&D projects. The results are analyzed with the Chemical and Allied Processes Portfolio Management Tool (CPMT), which assesses project risks and expected outcomes. This review and analysis process ensures that existing projects are managed effectively, and that new solicitations target opportunities for energy savings.
The Chemicals Subprogram periodically selects a small group of industry experts to review its active R&D projects. This "Chemicals Peer Review" is designed to generate feedback on the ITP's individual chemicals projects and the overall balance and performance of the portfolio. This review and analysis process ensures that existing projects are managed effectively, and that new solicitations target opportunities for energy savings.
FY05 Portfolio Review: Report on the FY05 Chemicals Portfolio Peer Review (PDF 643 KB) Download Adobe Reader.