NREL Launches STEP II

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) this week issued a solicitation for Phase II of its Sustainable Technology Partnerships (STEP) initiative. Phase I of STEP was created in 1994 as a pilot project.

STEP I offered states matching funds to gain access to NREL expertise. During phase I, 14 contracts totaling over $3 million were awarded. Projects focused on several technologies, including wind, biofuels, and alternative fuels.

According to Carol Tombari, Manager of the Office of State and Local Partnerships at NREL, the goal of STEP II is to develop new business partnerships between DOE laboratories and energy-related businesses.

In STEP II, $1 million will be available to states and their partners to leverage NREL expertise and facilities.

Interested states should contact NREL staff to discuss possible proposals. States must demonstrate a 1:1 match, and all work must be conducted at NREL facilities.

Proposals may be submitted in any of the following subject areas: wind energy technology; photovoltaic and electronic materials technology; economic and market analysis; economic development analysis; buildings energy efficiency; renewable fuels and biotechnology; renewable energy resource assessment and data; transportation technologies and systems; renewable chemical technologies and materials; performance engineering, qualification and reliability of renewable energy products and technologies; measurement and characterization of photovoltaic and electronic materials; basic science and advanced concepts; and hydrogen.

Projects can be performed by a NREL researcher, or by a NREL researcher and an expert at another research organization. Projects can also involve the leasing of NREL facilities.

A similar effort at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will be undertaken, although the subject areas are distinct from the NREL element. There are over 40 subject areas available for the ORNL proposal, grouped in four general areas: building technologies, transportation technologies, industrial technologies, and user facilities.

Another component will provide $700,000 through the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to fund meritorious proposals that were beyond the scope of the NREL and ORNL portions.

Proposals should be submitted to NREL no later than June 14, 1996.