COLLABORATIVE FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH IN THE DIII-D NATIONAL PROGRAM | DE FOA 0001974

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001974

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, through its Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program, is soliciting grant applications for collaborative fusion energy research carried out within the DIII-D National Program. The core purpose of this opportunity is to support research that uses the DIII-D tokamak as a national user facility to strengthen the scientific foundation for optimizing the tokamak approach to fusion energy. In practical terms, the program is looking for proposals that help move fusion from experimental understanding toward predictive, validated physics and engineering-relevant solutions, with clear connections to the needs of future devices and, in particular, ITER.

DIII-D is positioned as a major experimental platform because it is both highly flexible in how it can be operated (through a broad set of plasma control actuators) and unusually well-instrumented (through extensive diagnostics). That combination makes it possible to run targeted experiments and directly compare the results with theory and simulation, which is central to building confidence in models that can be used to design and operate next-step machines. The broader program mission is to establish the scientific basis for advanced tokamak optimization, including understanding how to achieve high performance and how to sustain that performance in steady-state or long-pulse conditions. Alongside device-focused studies, the DIII-D program also supports foundational fusion plasma science aimed at improving first-principles and predictive understanding of magnetically confined plasmas.

The solicitation emphasizes two main research thrusts that proposals must align with. The first is developing the scientific basis for the burning plasma core. This includes research on controlling transients, advancing understanding needed to enable ITER-relevant performance targets (including the often-cited Q = 10 goal), and clarifying the physics and control pathways that support steady-state operation. Work in this area typically relates to core confinement, stability, transport, plasma scenario development, and real-time control strategies that can keep a high-performance plasma operating safely and reliably.

The second thrust is developing the scientific basis for boundary solutions, meaning the plasma edge and material interface challenges that strongly influence device survivability and maintainability. Specific priority topics called out include detachment control (methods to reduce heat loads on plasma-facing components by radiating and dispersing exhaust power), divertor optimization (improving the configuration and performance of the exhaust system), and investigating new wall materials that are more reactor-relevant. These topics reflect the reality that even if core performance goals are met, a reactor still needs robust solutions for heat and particle exhaust, erosion, fuel retention, and overall compatibility between hot plasmas and solid materials.

A defining feature of this funding opportunity is that it is explicitly collaborative. The DIII-D program operates through large, integrated teams drawn from the U.S. and international fusion community, and successful projects are expected to function as part of that ecosystem rather than as isolated efforts. Applicants are encouraged to describe not only their scientific idea, but also the concrete ways they will contribute to the shared experimental mission, such as operating diagnostic systems, producing analyzed data products, participating in experiment planning and execution, and supporting facility operations when appropriate. Because a single DIII-D study commonly requires coordinated effort across many roles (operations, diagnostics, analysis, modeling, and control), proposals should also be clear about what support they will need from the broader DIII-D team and what support they will provide in return, so the work can be integrated efficiently into the overall campaign.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity from the DOE Office of Science (CFDA 81.049) listed under Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0001974. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of organization types may apply, subject to any clarifications in the full announcement. The FOA was created on December 19, 2018, with an original closing date of March 5, 2019. DOE anticipated making about five awards, with an award ceiling of $1,500,000 per award. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at advancing tokamak physics and plasma-material boundary solutions through tightly integrated experimental and interpretive work on DIII-D, with clear relevance to ITER preparation and to the long-term goal of practical fusion energy.

• The Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "COLLABORATIVE FUSION ENERGY RESEARCH IN THE DIII-D NATIONAL PROGRAM" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.049.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 19, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 05, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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