Research Needs Related to Developing Technologies for Advancement of Geologic Storage in Basinal Geo-laboratories | DE FOA 0001863

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001863

This opportunity is a Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Request for Information (RFI) focused on identifying research needs that can accelerate the development and deployment of technologies for geologic storage, specifically in the context of "basinal geo-laboratories." The title signals that NETL is looking for input on what scientific and engineering gaps still exist, what tools or methods are missing or immature, and what technology advances would most improve confidence and performance in storing fluids such as CO2 in deep subsurface basins. Because it is an RFI, the main purpose is not to immediately fund projects, but to gather stakeholder feedback that can shape future funding opportunities, research roadmaps, and program priorities related to geologic storage.

The listing appears in FedConnect as Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001863, and it is categorized as discretionary funding within the Energy activity area, associated with CFDA 81.089. While the instrument type is shown as a cooperative agreement, the specific posting described here is explicitly an RFI, which generally means NETL is collecting information rather than making awards under this particular notice. That interpretation is reinforced by the fact that the award ceiling is listed as 0 and the expected number of awards is blank, both of which are common indicators that the agency is not committing to issue funding under the RFI itself. In practical terms, organizations respond with ideas, technical input, and evidence-based recommendations, and NETL uses those responses to design later solicitations that may include actual financial assistance awards.

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which typically means any capable respondent may provide input, including universities, national laboratories, private companies, nonprofit organizations, state and local entities, and individuals or teams with relevant expertise. RFIs like this often seek perspectives from across the geologic storage ecosystem, such as subsurface characterization specialists, reservoir engineers, geochemists, geophysicists, monitoring and verification technology developers, data scientists, risk modelers, regulatory and stakeholder engagement experts, and operators with field experience. The goal is to capture a broad view of what is technically feasible, what is operationally practical, and what research would most reduce uncertainty, cost, and risk.

The focus on "basinal geo-laboratories" suggests NETL is interested in real-world or field-scale settings within sedimentary basins where technologies can be tested, validated, and compared under realistic subsurface conditions. In geologic storage research, this kind of environment is important because many key uncertainties (such as plume migration, pressure evolution, trapping mechanisms, caprock integrity, induced seismicity risk, and the performance of monitoring systems) are difficult to resolve using laboratory experiments or modeling alone. Basinal field laboratories can provide controlled yet realistic opportunities to collect high-quality datasets, evaluate monitoring strategies, refine predictive models, and develop best practices for site characterization and long-term stewardship.

Key themes typically associated with this type of RFI include improving subsurface characterization (for example, higher-resolution imaging of storage formations and seals, better understanding of heterogeneity and faults, and integrated geologic models), advancing monitoring, verification, and accounting methods (such as seismic, electromagnetic, pressure and geochemical monitoring, fiber-optic sensing, tracer approaches, and satellite or surface deformation measurements), and strengthening simulation and risk assessment tools (including coupled flow-geomechanics-geochemistry modeling, uncertainty quantification, and forecasting of storage capacity and containment). Another common research need area is well integrity and remediation, since wells can be potential leakage pathways and are central to safe injection operations. Data management and standards, field data sharing, and methods that reduce monitoring cost while maintaining assurance often also emerge as priorities, especially as projects move toward larger-scale deployment.

Administratively, the opportunity was created on 2017-11-21 and had an original closing date of 2017-12-19, indicating a relatively short response window typical of RFIs. The official, full instructions and any specific questions NETL asked respondents to address were provided in the FedConnect posting under DE-FOA-0001863. In most cases, those instructions cover the format for submissions, page limits, how NETL will use the information, and standard disclaimers that responses are voluntary and do not guarantee future funding. Overall, the opportunity represents NETL seeking targeted community input to guide future federal investments in the technologies and field-based capabilities needed to advance safe, effective, and scalable geologic storage in sedimentary basins.

• The National Energy Technology Laboratory in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research Needs Related to Developing Technologies for Advancement of Geologic Storage in Basinal Geo-laboratories" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.089.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-12-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

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